DAY 1 - Friday - Arrive Bangkok
Upon arrival in Bangkok, check into your luxury accommodations.
DAY 2 - Saturday - Bangkok
Morning sightseeing highlight is a visit to the lavish Royal Grand Palace, official home of the Thai royal family. Wat Phra Kaeo, in contrast, awes guests with the sight and aura of the priceless Emerald Buddha. The rest of the day is free. Enjoy a classical Thai dance performance with your dinner this evening. MEALS: American Breakfast, Dinner Show
DAY 3 - Sunday - Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Bangkok
Full day tour takes you to Thailand\'s ancient capital, Ayutthaya, to visit the ancient city and temple ruins. Continue on to visit Bang Pa In, the Summer Palace, before boarding a relaxing four-hour cruise down the Chao Phraya River back to Bangkok. Lunch is served during the cruise. MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch
VIETNAM
DAY 4 - Monday - Bangkok/Hanoi, Vietnam
After a morning flight arrive in Hanoi. Sightseeing includes a visit to Ho Chi Minh\'s House, built on stilts in a traditional Vietnamese style. Continue on to visit One Pillar Pagoda; the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius; and the former \"Hanoi Hilton\" prison, so named by American POWs during the war. After lunch, explore the fascinating maze of back streets on a pedicab ride through the Old Quarter. After dinner at a local restaurant, enjoy an entertaining performance at theWater Puppet Theater, a unique art form that originated in northern Vietnam over a thousand years ago. MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 - Tuesday - Hanoi/Halong Bay
This morning visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before departing Hanoi by motorcoach to Halong Bay, known as the \"Bay of the Descending Dragon.\" Tonight enjoy dinner at Tau Hong Ngoc Restaurant in Halong. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner .The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and is closed completely Oct-Nov.
DAY 6 - Wednesday - Halong Bay/Hanoi
In a traditional wooden Chinese junk, cruise on magnificent Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marveling at the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs. Stop to explore one of the many caves in the area. Sail past picturesque islands, floating villages, fishermen casting their nets and pearl fisheries as you observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. Lunch will be served during your cruise. Return to Hanoi by motorcoach later today. Dinner this evening at a local restaurant. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 - Thursday - Hanoi/Danang
Fly to Danang. Visit the Cham Museum, which houses the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. Later, an excursion features the Marble Mountains, consisting of five hillocks, each made entirely of marble and containing ancient caves used as Buddhist sanctuaries; and beautiful China Beach, an “R&R” spot for American GIs during the Vietnam War. Return to Danang. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 - Friday - Danang/Hue
This morning, drive to Hue, the old imperial capital. Cross over HaiVan Pass with its spectacular views. From Hue, cruise on the fabled Perfume River, and stop to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower, and the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, known for its majestic architecture. Drive back to Hue past the striking Flag Tower, and visit the Imperial Citadel. Within its walls are palaces and temples such as Thai Hoa Palace, Halls of the Mandarins, and Forbidden Purple City. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9 - Saturday - Hue/Ho Chi Minh City
Take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, Vietnam\'s largest city. Tour its historic city center, the heart of colonial Saigon, and pass by classic European-style landmarks including the ornate City Hall and the Opera House. Stop to visit neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Continue on to see modern history at the Reunification Palace, symbol of the fall of South Vietnam in 1975, and the War Remnants Museum. This afternoon visit Cholon (Chinatown). Stop to see two of Saigon\'s most intriguing landmarks, Jade Emperor Pagoda and Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest in the city. On to Binh Tay Market, a vast wholesale market, and then tour Thien Hau Pagoda, built by its Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. End your tour at Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10 - Sunday - Ho Chi Minh City (Cu Chi excursion)
Today begins with a visit to the town of Tay Ninh, headquarters of one ofVietnam\'s most interesting religions, Caodism, an eclectic fusion of Eastern andWestern religious philosophies. Visit the Caodai Great Temple, a rococo extravagance built between 1933 and 1955. Afterwards continue on to Cu Chi, an important base during the war because of its strategic location. The incredible Cu Chi Tunnels, a hidden, 124 mile long network of tunnels used for storage, shelter, command posts, and hospitals were completely dug by hand tools over a 25-year period, to defend against both French and American troops. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CAMBODIA
DAY 11 - Monday - Ho Chi Minh City/Siem Reap (Angkor), Cambodia
This morning, fly to Siem Reap, gateway to Cambodia\'s most famous landmark, Angkor Wat. Capital of the Khmers from 802 to 1441 AD, Angkor\'s religious citadel is one of the largest temple complexes in the world, containing exquisite examples of Khmer and Hindu art. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor Wat impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. You will also visit the site of jungle-covered Ta Prohm. Continue on to mysterious Bayon Temple, one of the most compelling in Angkor, and explore its galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs. Ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12 - Tuesday - Angkor
Today\'s sightseeing continues your exploration of many of Angkor\'s magnificent Hindu temples such as the jewel of classical Khmer art, Banteay Srei and Ta Keo, both dedicated to Shiva, and Pre Rup, a pyramid-shaped 10th century temple. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13 - Wednesday - Angkor (Siem Reap)/Bangkok, Thailand
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bangkok. You will be met and transferred to your hotel.The balance of the day is free. MEALS: Breakfast
DAY 14 - Thursday - Journey Home
After breakfast, your program ends. Ask about our transpacific air prices with attractive add-ons from hometown cities as well as mileage credit when ticketed by Pacific Delight Tours. |
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