Vietnam & Cambodia: A Grand Adventure

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enquire now 13 Days From NZD $5,290 pp twinshare
 Coach tour
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What’s the most important thing to bring on a journey to Vietnam and Cambodia? Your bargaining skills! The art of haggling is a must at the bustling markets of Hanoi, Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Minh City where you can negotiate everything from luxurious silk to colourful ceramics to a tasty bowl of pho. The number one rule of thumb—always be willing to walk away. Luckily, there’s so much to walk toward on this colourful tour of Southeast Asia, including the fascinating wartime tunnels of Cu Chi, a fishing lesson on the Thu Bon River, and a breezy city cyclo ride around the vibrant city of Hanoi. The picturesque pagodas of Hue and Hanoi are just a taste of what’s to come at the mystical temples of Angkor. Inside the “City of the God Kings,” you’ll find the architecturally magnificent ruins of Angkor Wat delightfully much more than you bargained for.

HighLights
  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • Hoi An
  • Hue
  • Hanoi
  • Ha Long Bay
  • Siem Reap Angkor Wat

Itinerary 

  • DAY 1:   ARRIVE IN HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
    Hello Vietnam Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.
  • DAY 2:   HO CHI MINH CITY
    Meandering Streets, Landmarks & Markets A walking tour introduces you to the city’s famous and historic landmarks. The route will take you through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, followed by Ben Thanh Market, the largest and oldest in the city. After some free time, join your travel companions at a special welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,L,D)
  • DAY 3:   HO CHI MINH CITY. CU CHI TUNNELS EXCURSION
    Tunnel Vision Drive through vast expanses of rice paddies to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles long that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B) FREE TIME TIPS  EXPLORE MORE The city is booming, and pulses with contagious energy day and night. Sample local food from a street vendor, get a foot massage, or spend more time on Dong Khoi Street. Tonight, be sure to stop at one of several rooftop bars for a drink and magnificent views of the city. Your Tour Director will be on hand to assist with recommendations.
  • DAY 4:   HO CHI MINH CITY-DANANG-HOI AN
    Central Coasting Call A short flight brings you to Danang, on Vietnam’s historic central coast, where you’ll stop to see China Beach, landing point for U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. Continue to nearby Hoi An, an active trading centre and a town that has been largely preserved. Architecture here reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders. (B,D)
  • DAY 5:   HOI AN
    Sail, Tackle & Stroll Take a cruise on the Thu Bon River and participate in a [LF] fishing lesson. Later, explore historic Hoi An on a walking tour including an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly hall, and the famous Japanese covered bridge. (B) LOCAL FAVOURITE CAST YOUR NET Join a local fisherman to learn about local fishing methods and learn how to throw and retrieve a traditional round fishing net called a ro. Afterward, you will have a chance to throw the net yourself and see what you catch!
  • DAY 6:   HOI AN-HUE
    Dynastic Hue Visit the Cham Museum, then continue north over spectacular Hai Van Pass, considered one of the most scenic in all of Vietnam, before arriving in Hue for sightseeing. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS One of Vietnam’s former capitals, Hue is a beautiful, welcoming city that remains a cultural and religious centre. After lunch, visit the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city.
  • DAY 7:   HUE-HANOI
    Historic Treasures & Hanoi Bound This morning’s sightseeing provides a unique window into Vietnam and its complex past. Visit the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors: the Khai Dinh Mausoleum and the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc. Later, fly to Hanoi, the nation’s capital and one of Southeast Asia’s most engaging cities. (B)
  • DAY 8:   HANOI
    Uncle Ho & the Streets of Hanoi Today, take time to look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. Visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda are visits to the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum. You will also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, more than 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university, followed by the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Lunch is served at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. Take a [LF] cyclo ride and walking tour through the Old Quarter and take in a performance of Hanoi’s renowned [LF] water puppets. (B,L,D) LOCAL FAVOURITE OLD QUARTER PEDALING The ancient Old Quarter is comprised of 36 streets, which once made up the thriving centre of the city. The best way to explore this fascinating area is by cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) and foot. Here, peddlers’ trade as they have for centuries and you can find them based on the street name, which reflects the trade found there like Fish Sauce, Silk, and Bamboo. LOCAL FAVOURITE PUPPET PERFECTION Dating back to the 11th century, water puppetry originated with farmers entertaining their family after the rice harvest. It is also believed that the puppet shows kept the bad spirits away and helped increased crop yields. Today, this unique art form is still a highlight of any visit to Hanoi.
  • DAY 9:   HANOI-HA LONG BAY
    Peaks, Caves & Bays, Oh My Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise through the bay this afternoon. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT BAY BLAST Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets that are sprinkled across the bay. Your private cruise with lunch takes you to explore the caves, and admire the beauty and scale of the many secluded bays.
  • DAY 10:   HA LONG BAY-HANOI-SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
    Captivating Cambodia This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight to Siem Reap, which will act as your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular archaeological ruins on Earth! (B,L)
  • DAY 11:   SIEM REAP
    Awe-Inspiring Angkor Explore the Angkor Temple complex with visits to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon Temple. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT IT’S COMPLEX Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the Temples of Angkor were built around the Khmer interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of the temples is arguably unmatched among the world’s ancient ruins. Start your exploration at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat, honouring the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas-reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Next stop is Angkor Thom to see the Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-reliefs. The rest of the day is at leisure. FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE You may consider exploring the temple complex further, a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see a floating village, or an exciting performance of Phare, The Cambodian Circus. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with My Account.
  • DAY 12:   SIEM REAP
    Tempting Temples & Study Session This morning, visit Bantaey Srei, a unique temple outside the main complex dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva that was built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. On your return journey stop at a local school to interact with the children. Then, on to Ta Prohm which has been left relatively untouched and surrounded by jungle, with tree roots growing over and through the ruins. You’ll be able to experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT DINNER & DANCE Join your Tour Director and travelling companions for dinner followed by a traditional Apsara dance performance, where the ancient Khmer culture is brought to life by talented dancers, singers, and musicians.
  • DAY 13:   SIEM REAP
    Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

 

Inclusions 

Meals
Breakfast: 12 Lunch: 6 Dinner: 4
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach. Free Wi-Fi (where available)
Accommodation
First-Class or Superior First-Class with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges

 

 

Images courtesy of Globus Family of Brands 

 

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