Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam 17 Days

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Thailand

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Bangkok
Arrive in exotic Bangkok, Thailand's capital city; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: Bangkok

DAY 3, Wednesday - Bangkok City Tour
An orientation meeting this morning with your local host highlights the exciting journey that awaits you. Afterwards, continue on a city and temple tour of Bangkok, a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Begin the tour at Chinatown and then on to the colorful Indian Market. Visit serene Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city, with the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 40 feet high. Drive to Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the King's Palace before returning to your hotel with free time before dinner
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Thursday - Full Day in Bangkok
Spend a full day at leisure to explore Bangkok on your own. Or, don't miss the optional morning tour of Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom - together they form the most impressive sights in Bangkok. Despite the proximity of the two, there's a distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the evening, see glittering Bangkok at night on the optional Chao Phraya River Cruise, including an international buffet dinner and live music. See the vivid and colorful bright lights as you sail past the Royal Navy Fort, the Grand Palace and many other beautiful temples magnificently illuminated
Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
Optional: Chao Phraya River Cruise with dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Friday - Flight to Siem Reap, Dinner & Apsara Show
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, meet your Tour Manager and have lunch before checking into your hotel. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, savor a typical Cambodian dinner accompanied with an Apsara dance show. A traditional Khmer performance, Apsara performances portray a story or message through the dance
Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday - Full Day Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat Tour
Today, you'll understand why the architectural masterpieces of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, are designated as one of the "Seven Wonders of the World." On the visit to the fortified city of Angkor Thom visit the Elephants Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, all adorned with dramatic bas-reliefs. Continue to the mysterious Bayon Temple, highlight of Angkor Thom, replete with beautifully preserved bas-reliefs and more than 172 giant smiling stone faces. On to the monuments of Ta Keo, Prasat Kravan and Srah Srang before arriving at Ta Prohm, where the jungle was left untouched, as it appeared to European explorers. The high point of the day is the visit to stunning Angkor Wat, a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. World-famous for its beauty and splendor, Angkor Wat has the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the entire outer gallery walls, narrating stories from Hindu mythology. Stay to experience the unforgettable sunset! Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Sunday - Tonle Sap Lake Boat Excursion, Flight to Ho Chi Minh
Depart Siem Reap, driving along the rolling verdant hills of the farmlands, stopping for a ride on an ox-cart, the vehicle still being used today by local farmers. Arrive at Tonle Sap Lake in the heart of Cambodia, with its rich and diverse ecosystem. Embark on a serene boat excursion - observe the local life unfolding and the floating fishing villages that dot the shoreline. Later, visit the National Museum with its multi-media exhibits depicting the Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom. Afterwards, fly to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the largest city in Vietnam; transfer to your hotel
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Monday - Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Spend the morning at leisure or, join the optional half day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels. They were part of an underground tunnel network built by the Viet Cong to control a largely rural area near Saigon. The Cu Chi network includes 125 miles of tunnels with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, weapon factories, hospitals, shelters, and other tunnels. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour in Ho Chi Minh City, which includes the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office with its French style architecture, City Hall, and the magnificent Saigon Opera House. From here, visit lively Ben Thanh Market - where an unbelievable assortment of wares and crafts are sold under one roof. Continue to Dong Khoi Street, a major shopping thoroughfare in the center of the city. This evening, dinner is at a local restaurant
Optional: Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels (AM)
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday - Full Day in Ho Chi Minh
Today is at leisure to further explore the city on your own or, join the optional full day Mekong Delta River Tour. Today's journey into the Mekong Delta region will take you along the newly built highway, picturesque countryside and seemingly endless paddy fields. Upon arrival at My Tho, you will board a private motor boat for a fascinating cruise along the river, observing the daily life of local people on the waterways. The tour includes a visit to a coconut factory, handicraft workshop and honey bee farm. You will be introduced to the daily life of the local people, learning about local fruit and plants as well as an opportunity to sample some local tropical fruit in an orchard. The tour ends with a great lunch at a local restaurant by the river bank
Optional: Full Day Mekong Delta River Tour
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Wednesday - Flight to Da Nang, Hoi An Walking Tour
Depart Ho Chi Minh on your flight to Da Nang, one of Vietnam's major ports, situated on the coast of the South China Sea. Travel south to the picturesque ancient town of Hoi An, where people still wear the "ao dais", Vietnam's traditional dress. The ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the most important trading port in Southeast Asia in the 15th century. Its ancient past is superbly preserved in an enchanting collection of temples, pagodas, shop houses and magnificent private homes in the town's Old Quarter. Walking tour of this artistic jewel, with its century's old architecture, includes the gorgeous Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the 400-year-old bright-red Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Ancient House. Afterward, continue to dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday - Full Day in Hoi An
Spend a full day at leisure discovering all of the delights of Hoi An independently. Walk through the Old City, stopping at one of the city's many museums, or see artisans using age-old techniques to fashion a variety of crafts. Of special interest are the colorful and elaborate paper lanterns created by lantern artisans for which Hoi An is well known. Or, join the optional boat trip on the Thu Bon River visiting the Organic Village, including lunch. The boat trip begins at a local pier in the Old Town. You'll cruise down streams and past many fishing areas before arriving in Kim Bong village, home of traditional woodworking and boat building. Return to the mainland and drive to the Traque Organic Village for lunch. Here, you'll learn about the many vegetables and herbs organically grown to support the people of Hoi An. After a Vietnamese culinary lesson and tasting, return to Hoi An
Optional: Boat Trip on the Thu Bon River & Organic Village with Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Friday - Travel to Hue, Hue Imperial City Tour
This morning, travel to Da Nang, with stunning views of bowl-shaped Da Nang Bay. Drive by Marble Mountain, a village well-known for its sophisticated handmade marble products. Journey over the towering mountains to Hue, home to a wealth of palaces, temples, libraries, and museums. Take an afternoon tour of this former Imperial capital, modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Enter the Ngo Mon Gate, principal entrance to the Imperial Enclosure and the central passageway reserved for use by the Emperor. Continue to the Thai Hoa Palace with its spacious hallways and ornamental roof, the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns, and the ruins of the Forbidden Purple City, once home to the royal family. Tonight, spend time at leisure to explore on your own or join the optional Cyclo Ride with Dinner at the Citadel. Enjoy a panoramic view of both the daily life and the architecture of Hue with a trishaw (cyclo) tour. Later arrive at a family run restaurant within the Citadel and savor a multi-course dinner replica of the Royal Feast
Optional: Cyclo Ride with Dinner at the Citadel
Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Saturday - Full Day in Hue
Today is at leisure to explore Hue independently. Or, participate in the not-to-be-missed optional boat excursion on the gentle Perfume River, which explores the life along the banks of the ancient royal capital city. The river, with its shimmering blue color is dotted with a poetic landscape of boats, gardens, pagodas, towers and temples. The tour continues to the legendary Thien Mu Pagoda, on the north bank of the Perfume River, built in seven successive tiers. Then, a drive to the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, final resting place of Vietnam's longest reigning emperor and to Khai Dinh, the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty. Here, a vegetarian lunch will be prepared by Buddhist nuns of the Dong Thien Pagoda. Return to Hue
Optional: Perfume River Boat Trip and Lunch at Dong Thien Pagoda
Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Sunday - Flight to Hanoi, Sightseeing en route to Halong Bay
Depart Hue on the flight* to sparkling Hanoi, cultural center of the country. Upon arrival, travel overland and through the lush Vietnamese countryside to picturesque Halong Bay, considered one of Vietnam's most celebrated attractions. As you approach, you'll see thousands of limestone islands rising out of the sea creating a truly magical scene. Arrive at your hotel in Halong Bay for overnight
*On some departures, the flight Hue-Hanoi may be changed to depart from Da Nang-Hanoi. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager
Overnight: Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15, Monday - Cruise Halong Bay, Travel to Hanoi
Incredible views await you today! Halong Bay is considered one of the most breathtaking places on the planet, added to the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites and declared recently as one of the "New Seven Natural Wonders of the World". There are over 3000 islands in the emerald waters and over 1000 have their own names. Numbers of caves and grottos of all sizes and shapes are filled with small waterfalls, stalactites, and stalagmites. Sail on a traditional wooden boat on the tranquil bay with lunch served on board. Visit one of the caves. Afterward, drive to Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital and check into your hotel. This city's history is tied to French colonialism - its architecture, cuisine and local culture still bear evidence of the French influence
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 16, Tuesday - Hanoi City Tour & Evening Water Puppet Show
Today, visit the Museum of Ethnology, center for the preservation and exhibition of cultural heritage for over 50 ethnic groups in Vietnam. In the evening, attend a performance of the world-famous Water Puppet Show, accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra and Cheo (a form of opera). The show depicts a series of ancient Vietnamese folktales, acted out by puppets over a pool of water. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager as your journey to Vietnam ends with many lasting memories
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 17, Wednesday - Depart Vietnam
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Inclusions:

All Intra-flights: Bangkok-Siem Reap, Siem Reap-Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh-Da Nang & Hue-Hanoi
15 nights First Class accommodations
3 nights Bangkok
2 nights Siem Reap
3 nights Ho Chi Minh
2 nights Hoi An
2 nights Hue
1 night Halong Bay
2 nights Hanoi

All transfers are included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
25 meals: 15 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
Entrance fees per itinerary
Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features

In Bangkok, visit serene Wat Po, home of the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long
Stand in awe at the architectural masterpieces of Angkor Wat Temple Complex
In Siem Reap take an ox cart ride and a visit to the National Museum
Ho Chi Minh City tour includes the Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall and the magnificent Saigon Opera House
Explore the Old City of Hoi An a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tour of the Imperial City and the 19th century Citadel in Hue
Sail on Halong Bay, one of the most breathtaking places on the planet
Visit the Museum of Ethnology and attend the world-famous Water Puppet Show in Hanoi