Guide to Vietnam and Indochina

VIETNAM / CAMBODIA

PROGRAM ITINERARY

With ochre-colored colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Hanoi is full of charm.

DAY 1: HANOI

EVENING
Arrival in Hanoi

You will be greeted at the Noi Bai International Airport. After clearing customs, you will embark upon a scenic drive passing through immense paddy fields as you are transferred to your hotel where you will check in and be greeted with a special “Welcome Drink” and light refreshments. Along the journey you will be given a brief orientation of the city.

DAY 2: HANOI

MORNING & AFTERNOON
Breakfast at Hotel
Hanoi City Tour & Culture Talk
EVENING Welcome Dinner

After breakfast, we start the tour at the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. A short walk from the mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda – resting on a single stone pillar emerging from the water, it is shaped like a lotus flower on its stalk. Inside is a statue of the Goddess of Mercy with its legendary “thousand arms and thousand eyes”.

Afterward, wind your way to the Temple of Literature, the first University for the sons of mandarins, for an overview about Hanoi culture and ancient Vietnamese architecture. Here you have the unique opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Vietnamese.

Afternoon, the serene Museum of Ethnology is a 30-min drive out of town and offers a chance to get to know Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. From simple daily objects such as fishing instruments to pricier items such as jewelry, as well as an outdoor area with ethnic houses, the Museum’s rich displays showcase the cultural heritages of diverse Vietnamese communities. Take a walking tour through the old quarter to enjoy the bustling local life, then cap off this fun day with a show at the Water Puppet Theatre - a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes of rural life and episodes of national history. Return to your hotel for period of relaxation. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the Restaurant.

DAY 3: HANOI - HALONG

MORNING
Breakfast at Hotel

AFTERNOON & EVENING
Halong Bay Cruise w/ Lunch & Dinner

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders. The tiny limestone islands, with beaches and grottoes created by the wind and the waves, provide an excellent backdrop for relaxation and swimming.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing and scenic hour drive from Hanoi as we head towards the beautiful seaside resort town of Halong Bay. Along the way we will briefly stop at a local handicraft center where you will have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. Upon arrival into Halong Bay, you will board your private deluxe junk where a welcome drink and fun filled adventure awaits you. After a relaxing break, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch while cruising through the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waters like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay, swim on a quiet beach or sunbathe on the deck. Later in the afternoon, visit a fishing village living in the bay for generations. At sunset, join a bamboo boat to discover a water tunnel with coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on board for the most beautiful sunset dinner.

DAY 4: HALONG - HUE

MORNING
Breakfast Onboard Cruise

AFTERNOON
Return to Hanoi for Flight to Hue


EVENING
Dinner At Leisure

Wake up early to catch the dramatic sunrise on the bay and enjoy a Tai Chi demonstration on the sun deck. Relax with a cup of hot coffee or tea before departing to the splendid Sung Sot grotto where stalactites hanging from the high ceiling take on numerous shapes and forms. Enjoy a late buffet brunch on board while cruising back to the boat docking station. We then bid farewell to Halong Bay and begin our return trip to Hanoi with a stop at Phu Lang village, one of the last survivors of an old pottery village amidst the modern pressure to industrialize. The pottery here is defined by the brown color and unique patterns. Wander around the village and chat with the artisans at Nhung Pottery workshop or try sitting behind a potter’s wheel. Continue transfer back to Hanoi Airport for the evening flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and enjoy an evening of relaxation.

DAY 5: HUE

MORNING & AFTERNOON
Breakfast at Hotel Hue City Tour & Royal Martial Arts Performance

EVENING
Dinner At Leisure

Hue served as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from the 17th to 19th century. With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel, the city retains its Royal charm.

Following breakfast, start the cultural integration with a 10-min “cyclo” tour from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel. Take a stroll to explore the history and architecture around the Capital Citadel (the bastion), Royal Citadel (the sanctum), and the Forbidden Citadel (the royal family’s residence). From there, drive to the boat docking station where you will embark on a half-hour boat trip along the picturesque Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Standing on the riverbank with its seven-story tower, the pagoda is a sight to behold. Enjoy a lunch with royal Hue cuisine at the Ancient Hue Restaurant.

After lunch we take a short drive to the serene Tu Duc Royal Tomb, designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. An incense stick-making house makes for an interesting stop before heading to the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, where architecture and atmosphere showcase elements of eastern art and western designs.

We then enjoy a Royal Martial Arts performance - a great cultural feature inherited from the Nguyen Dynasty. A 25-minute long performance of different martial art techniques is reminiscent of the past heroic plots of Vietnamese patriots against colonialists’ suppression. Held at the Temple of the Commanding General Le Van Duyet who served under Gia Long King of 1800s, the 10th generation of family members still resides here.

DAY 6: HUE – HOI AN

MORNING
Breakfast at Hotel

AFTERNOON
Transfer to Hoi An; Lunch At Leisure

EVENING
Dinner At Leisure

Between 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage-listed ancient town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrian-lined streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past.

Say farewell to the majestic city of Hue and embark on an early morning drive to beautiful Hoi An. Along the way we will make a stop at the Lang Co Fishing Village located on a sand dune line for a photo opportunity. Continue the drive over the Hai Van Cloudy Pass where a spectacular panorama of the coastline can be viewed from the summit. We arrive in Hoi An where you will check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, the narrow lanes are ideal for a walking tour to visit the old merchant’s house with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with tropical specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day. An optional stop is the private home of Diep Dong Nguyen with a stunning collection of artifacts ranging from pottery and seals to paintings, money and old Hoi An’s photos.


DAY 7: HOI AN

MORNING
Breakfast at Hotel

AFTERNOON & EVENING
Day At Leisure w/ Optional Tours

OPTIONAL TOUR 1: HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE DAY TRIP

SPECIAL NOTE: The Central coastal lowlands are affected by monsoon from October to January; the itinerary with beach activities is subject to weather condition.

Today experience a day with the local people in the rural outskirt of Hoi An. In the morning enjoy an interesting trip to Tra Que market garden village. Stroll around the vegetable gardens, join the farmers in preparing the land and learn how they fertilize it with seaweed from the local lake. Learn how they cultivate the vegetables by raking, sowing, watering greens and picking greens, and other interesting gardening methods. Then experience a true Vietnamese meal with a home-hosted lunch with a local family. Sample many local delicacies including “Tam Huu”, a type of spring roll made from Tra Que vegetables. After lunch, continue on to Thanh Nam Fishing village. Experience work with the local people and to learn their traditional methods of fishing. Be briefed on some simple traditional fishing tools before embarking on a boat with some local fishermen to learn how to cast a net - and hopefully catch some fish! Complete your trip at Dai Chiem estuary to visit the peaceful waterways with colorful boats and wharf. Drive back to your hotel and relax.

OPTIONAL TOUR 2: HOI AN - CHAM ISLAND DAY TRIP

SPECIAL NOTE: The Central coastal lowlands are affected by monsoon from October to January; the itinerary with beach activities is subject to weather condition

Cham Island, 25 nautical miles off the coast from Hoi An, consists of seven small islands. Famous for their marine life and beautiful beaches, take a 30-minute private speed boat ride for an insight into what makes Cham Island popular. Visit a traditional fishing village, a shelter for boats in bad weather, and Ong temple, dedicated to a whale buried here. For the adventurous, try snorkeling at Xep beach before ending the trip at Chong beach for swimming, relaxing and a delicious seafood lunch at a simple local restaurant. Cruise back to Hoi An.

OPTIONAL TOUR 3: HOI AN - MY SON & MY LAI DAY TRIP

Considered one of the best-preserved Cham centers in Vietnam, My Son is the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century. The 1.5-hour drive in the morning will bring you to My Son where there are 20 monuments still standing today, set in a verdant valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by massive Cat's Tooth Mountain. Stroll around the temple complex to learn about the Cham culture, architecture and civilization. Drive another 2.5 hours to the My Lai for remnants of the American war – a life-size memorial of the horrific war atrocities which took place one day in 1968. See how My Lai has changed since and how the town is moving on from its past. Return to Hoi An.

DAY 8: HOI AN – SAIGON

MORNING
Breakfast at Hotel

AFTERNOON
Transfer to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Lunch & Afternoon At Leisure

EVENING
Dinner At Leisure Following breakfast, enjoy some morning leisure time until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel to check in and unwind. The remainder of the day you are free to explore the city at your own leisurely pace.


DAY 9: SAIGON

MORNING
Breakfast at Hotel

AFTERNOON
Saigon City Tour

EVENING
Dinner At Ambassador Residence


After breakfast, embark on a walking tour to admire Saigon’s historic landmarks including a stroll down Rue Catinat of Graham Greene's. 'The Quiet American' will reveal more colonial classics; the Opera House, a three-story classical theatre built to entertain the French colonists; the former Hotel de Ville constructed for the French bureaucrats of Indochina in 1901, now The People's Committee building with no public access; the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires, a clear reminder that French once ruled this city; the Central Post Office influenced by Renaissance architecture; and the former Presidential Palace, headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war.

Afternoon, we visit Thien Hau temple built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century. It is to honor the goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen. The temple’s interior courtyard is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques shrouded in incense-smoke. It is always bustling here with worshippers from the local Chinese community. Have a chance to write out your wishes on a small red note, stick it on an incense coil and pray for your wishes to come true. Return to your hotel to freshen up.

This evening, enjoy a cocktail reception and dinner at the former residence of Mr. Henry C. Lodge – the former US Ambassador to Vietnam in the 1960’s who carried the mission of overthrowing the Southern Government. He lived here between1960-1965 and the architecture is a mixture of Vietnamese, French and American. Today it is the private residence of a local family. Enjoy a short walk through an alley dotted with colonial mansions (some converted into charming open-air cafes) until you reach the home marked “6C”. Behind the gate is a beautiful home where the welcome reception starts with dances performed by children prior to a short film about the history of Saigon and this house. Then it’s time to enjoy a meal hosted in the elegant dining room, accompanied by piano, violin and the life experiences of the home owner.

DAY 10: SAIGON

MORNING
Breakfast at Hotel

AFTERNOON
Mekong Delta Bike & Boat Tour w/ Lunch

EVENING
Dinner At Leisure


A great way to glimpse the Delta scenery and life in style and comfort today is by bike and boat. After breakfast board the shuttle for a 2-hour scenic journey to the region of My Tho through urbanized areas. Arrive at the Xoai Mut war memorial which is the starting point of our biking trip. Jump on your bike and pedal on paved road toward Cai Lay, a fertile land famous for its various tropical fruits and lush rice paddies. This exciting 25km bike ride takes you through the tiny villages and orchards on quiet back roads and clay tracks as you pedal your way along the riverside towards the boat docking station where we will board the Mekong Queen boat for a visit to the charming town of Cai Be. A floating market, Cai Be is filled with a number of boats bursting with fruits, vegetables, and other products along the river banks. Traders have lived on the river in their boats for generations. Following this short cruise, enjoy a 10-min walk along the narrow lane as you observe daily life in this region. We will stop by a family-run longan (a local fruit drying processing factory) and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at an ancient Mandarin house where four generations of family members are living together. After a delicious lunch filled with Mekong Delta specialties, you can also take a stroll around the orchard to learn how it contributes to the family’s livelihood. Either walk or take a rowing sampan back to the Mekong Queen for your return to Saigon.

SPECIAL NOTE: Road surface: mix of asphalt and broken village roads.

DAY 11: SAIGON – SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

MORNING
Breakfast at Hotel

AFTERNOON
Siem Reap City Tour w/ Elephant Ride; Lunch At Leisure

EVENING
Dinner At Leisure


Breakfast is at your hotel then we transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap. Arrive in Siem Reap, a pleasant sleepy backwater serving as a gateway to the ancient capital of Angkor. Upon arrival we transfer to the hotel for check in. Afternoon, we start exploring the stunning temples by a fun tuk-tuk ride to the royal city of Angkor Thom. At first glance, it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals enigmatic faces looking at every direction, with half-closed eyes, all looking content and serene. Continue your exploration by visiting Elephant Terrace. Built by Jayavarman VII with additions by later kings, the Elephant Terrace served as the base of the king's audience pavilions and a platform from which to view his victorious returning army. Here we also explore the Leper King Terrace. Built by Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, the terrace was named for the statue of the ‘Leper King’ that sits on top. The outer terrace has five tiers of statues, but the real surprise is the inner terrace that was buried for hundreds of years. Winding along a narrow passage way, the inner terrace is covered with perfect carvings that positively leap out at passersby.

Late afternoon we take an Elephant Ride to enjoy the sunset at Phnom Bakheng, the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area. The Bakheng’s hilltop location makes it the most popular sunset-watching spot, offering a panoramic view of Angkor Wat and West Baray. Afterwards return to your hotel for a leisure evening and relaxation.

DAY 12: SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

MORNING
Breakfast at Hotel

AFTERNOON
Angkor Temple & Culture Tour w/ Chea Bunat; Lunch At Leisure

EVENING
At Leisure


After breakfast, get an overview of Khmer history, culture, archeology and civilization from the beginning of the tour by a stroll through the elaborate carved halls of Angkor Wat. The tour is specially led by the Khmer scholar – Chea Bunat. He taught Cambodian history and archeology in a senior high school and now works part time with Apsara Authority and Angkor Temple Conservations Institution in association with local and foreign research. Then continue your culture tour with a visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm, a jungle-clad temple with overgrown trees, giving a haunting and exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of a tree push itself between the temple’s huge stone blocks in an embrace, emphasizing the ‘lost city’ feel.

Afternoon, enjoy a drive to the rural outskirts 35km from the town and visit Banteay Srei, the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture. On our way, we pass a few small Cambodia villages that have likely remained essentially the same for centuries. Banteay Srey loosely translates to ‘citadel of the women,’ but this is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. Banteay Srey displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. The temple's relatively small size, pink sandstone construction and ornate design give it a fairyland ambiance. On the way back stop at Les Artisans D’angkor, the school and workshop promote Khmer art and craft that lost from the Pol Pot regime. Transfer back to your hotel for the night.

DAY 13: SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

MORNING
Breakfast at Hotel

AFTERNOON
Day At Leisure w/ Optional Tours

EVENING
Farewell Dinner

OPTIONAL TOUR 1: SIEM REAP - TONLE SAP LAKE

In the morning, drive about 45-minutes to the countryside, stopping en route to visit a local village. Arrive at the quay and board a local boat for a 1.5-hour ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Find out how communities live and work on the lake; see the floating schools, markets, and police stations, among others; observe their daily lives. Disembark and visit a typical floating house to interact with the local families. Return to your hotel to relax for the remainder of the afternoon.

OPTIONAL TOUR 2: CHARITY ACTIVITIES AT CHILDREN DEVELOPMENT VILLAGE (HALF OR FULL DAY DEPENDING ON YOUR WISH)

SPECIAL NOTE:
Ä Approx. Duration: 45-1 hour
Ä Venue location: 1 hour & 15min drive from downtown

After an hour’s drive through the peaceful countryside, you will be greeted by friendly children who, despite being orphans, embody Cambodia’s hospitality and positive outlook. This village is run by a monk and receives little support from the government and other organizations. It is home to about 40 children ages two to 16 years old, which live in typical Cambodian stilt houses. Chat with the monk and children to get a glimpse of their lives, hopes and ambitions. Eight children share a small house, and there is much need for more houses. Timber and metal roofing are ordered beforehand and you can participate in the groundbreaking ceremony. After enjoying beautiful dances performed by the children, help them out in tending the vegetable gardens. You will go back with more than beautiful photos – knowledge that you have made a big difference in someone’s life.


OPTIONAL TOUR 3: SIEM REAP - BENG MELEA & KOH KER TEMPLES
This morning, we drive three hours outside of Siem Reap (150 kms) to Koh Ker temple. The area is isolated and has been de-mined only recently and basic visitors' facilities are just being built. This makes Koh Ker very attractive for anyone who would like to experience lonely temples partially overgrown by the forest and inhabited only by birds, calling to each other from the trees above. The Koh Ker site is dominated by Prasat Thom, a 30 meter tall temple mountain rising high above the plain and the surrounding forest. Great views await the visitor at the end of an adventurous climb. Garuda, carved into the stone blocks, still guard the very top, although they are partially covered now. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Koh Ker temple. On our return to Siem Reap we will make a stop at Beoung Melea temple. Boueng Melea is a sprawling jungle temple covering over one square kilometer and is largely overrun by vegetation. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style, Beg Melea preceded and may have served as a prototype of sorts for Angkor Wat. Very few carvings or bas-reliefs are evident and may never have existed. When the temple was active the walls may have been covered with paintings or frescos. Lunch included.

This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at Restaurant.

DAY 14: SIEM REAP – HOME

MORNING & AFTERNOON
Breakfast at Hotel Day At Leisure Until Departure


Enjoy your final day in this magical region. Take a last opportunity to see some sights, do some shopping, and explore the city until it is time to check out of the hotel and transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your return flight.

Have a save trip home!


PROGRAM COST DETAILS

Land Only Package *: from 1,375 (Min. 2 persons)

Above Cost Includes:
· 13 night hotel accommodations (based on double occupancy)
· Daily breakfasts, (4) lunches and (5) dinners as described
· Local airfare with all applicable taxes on economic class (Hanoi – Hue // Danang – Saigon)
· Non-alcoholic beverage with included lunch & dinner meals (except for meals on the Halong Bay cruise); limited alcoholic beverages
· On-spot English speaking guide
· Entrance fees to all venues as described
· Ground transportation, including destination airport transfers upon arrival and departure
· Visa approved letter for visa collection upon arrival

Not Included In The Rate:
· Optional Tours & Activities
· Additional supplemental fee of for single occupancy
· International airfare with applicable taxes
· Personal tips and gratuities (i.e. airport skycap, hotel bellman, etc.)
· Personal expenses such as passport, telephone calls, laundry services, hotel in-room movies, etc.
· Personal travel insurance
· Other services not mentioned in the itinerary

Optional Round-Trip Airfare:
· Optional air travel arrangements from and to your departing destination can be provided at an additional cost. Contact an Occasions, Inc. representative for additional information and pricing.

Travel Protection Plans:
· Hasatour requires that all tour participants be adequately covered by travel insurance for all travel taking place inside of Vietnam and Indochina. Individual travel protection plans can be purchased through Hasatour at an additional cost. Contact an Hasatour representative for additional information and pricing.

Optional Tours *:
In Hoi An:
· Optional Tour 1: Hoi An – Countryside day trip $40.00 p.p
· Optional Tour 2: Hoi An – Cham Island day trip $40.00 p.p
· Optional Tour 3: Hoi An – My Son Hollyland day trip $45.00 p.p

In Siem Reap, Cambodia:
· Optional Tour 1: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake $40.00
· Optional Tour 2: Charity – Children Development Village $60.00
· Optional Tour 3: Siem Reap – Beng Melea & Koh Ker Temples $110.00

* Prices subject to change