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Treasures of Angkor Wat & Vietnam

This exciting journey through Southeast Asia showcases the fascinating history, culture, and artistic treasures of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Explore glorious cities, from Thailand’s vibrant Bangkok to Siem Reap, Cambodia’s gateway to the temple complex of Angkor, and from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Discover early empires, enchanting landscapes and friendly people. On this 16 day tour, you’ll visit one of the most spectacular architectural achievements in the world, Angkor Wat. Gain an understanding of the ancient Khmer Empire during your full day visit. Throughout this wondrous region, your journey is enhanced by guided tours, expert lead discussions and leisure time to explore on your own.

Price Starting At 2999.00

Program Day-by-Day
1	Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand. Skip a day ahead en route as you cross the International Dateline.
2	Arrive in one of the most fascinating cities in the world, Bangkok.
3	A captivating city tour of Bangkok introduces you to this land’s religious beliefs. Visit two of Bangkok’s famous temples: the Golden Buddha and the Reclining Buddha. Also tour the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in 1782. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception followed by a dinner cruise on a rice barge along the Chao Phraya River. (B,L,D)
4	Today visit Jim Thompson’s house, a magnificent Thai-styled home containing an extensive collection of art objects and antiques. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. (B,D)
5	Take a morning flight* to Siem Reap, the gateway to the mystical temple complex of Angkor. Enjoy a tour of the remarkable fortified city of Angkor Thom and visit the mysterious temple of Bayon with its astonishing smiling faces and detailed bas-reliefs depicting scenes of everyday life in the 12th century. (B,D)
6	During a full day excursion, behold the exotic Ta Prohm, a haunting, jungle-bound temple. Following lunch, visit the intricately carved Angkor Wat. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, it is revered as one of the world’s most impressive temple sites. You may opt to remain at Angkor Wat to witness the sunset over the temple; this beautiful site is enigmatic at twilight. After dinner at your hotel, relax or take a stroll down Siem Reap’s lively streets. (B,L,D)
7	Drive through Angkor to its rural outskirts and visit the Banteay Srei temple – a true jewel of Khmer art. Its red sandstone walls, decorated with elaborate carvings, are amazingly preserved. This afternoon set off for Preah Khan. Originally a Buddhist monastery, this temple was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father and showcases elaborate carvings to complement it stunning library. Now overgrown with trees and other vegetation like its sister Ta Prohm, Preah takes its name from the sacred sword protecting Cambodia. (B,L)
8	This morning, drive into the countryside. En route, visit a local village before setting sail on a cruise of Tonle Sap – the Great Lake of Cambodia. Discover how communities live and work on the lake; see floating schools, markets, police stations, and observe the daily lives of the population. Visit a typical house and enjoy an opportunity to interact with local families. Later, fly* to Hanoi, Vietnams gracious capital city. (B,L)
9	Discover some of Hanois cultural treasures during visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. See Minhs simple house and enjoy a short walk to the One Pillar Pagoda. The Temple of Literature features a presentation on Vietnamese history spanning a thousand years. Learn about the varied aspects of Vietnamese culture that have shaped this nation. The afternoon allows time for exploring the Old Quarter, revered as the jewel of Hanoi because of its idyllic setting around pristine Hoan Kiem Lake and the nearby labyrinthine streets dedicated to regional merchandise. Visit the Lake of Restored Sword and discover the legend that gives the lake its name. Tonight, enjoy a performance at the world-famous Water Puppet Theater. (B,L,D)
10	This morning drive to Halong Bay. After a seafood lunch, enjoy an excursion by boat through Halong Bay. Cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs, stopping to explore one of the many caves in this area and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. (B,L)
11	This morning return to Hanoi for a short flight* to Danang, then drive to the city of Hoi An, the 16th- and 17th-century trading port of Vietnam. Enjoy leisure time this afternoon in this preserved merchant town which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. (B,D)
12	Begin your day with coffee at Hai Scout Café before proceeding to the Hoi An market to purchase the ingredients for your cooking class! Next, take a leisurely cruise up the Perfume River arriving at the cooking school. Learn the secrets of Vietnamese cooking as you help prepare five traditional dishes to enjoy for lunch. After lunch, take a cyclo (pedal cab) tour of Hoi An where the traditional lifestyle and Chinese architecture have remained unspoiled since the 17th century. (B,L)
13	Your journey takes you along the coast, traveling from Hoi An to the city of Hue. Travel along the Hai Van Pass, whose name means “pass of the ocean clouds,” as the peak of the mountain is above cloud level while its base is close to the sea. After arriving in Hue, visit the old Imperial City, including the Citadel, the “Forbidden Purple City” and the Thien Mu Pagoda. (B,L,D)
14	Fly* to Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant metropolis, and take a guided tour of the historic city landmarks including the Thien Hau temple and Cholon, the city’s Chinatown. Then, take a walking tour of the historic city center for a view of the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, the Opera House and the ornate city hall. Visit the War Remnants Museum, featuring a diverse collection of weapons from two Indochina wars. (B,L)
15	Travel this morning to My Tho, a bustling town in the rich agricultural region of the Mekong Delta, and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful temple and a sanctuary for orphans and other needy children. Board a small boat to explore the Mekong River islands, stopping at a fruit orchard for fruit and tea and to listen to some local music. Prior to dinner, visit the home of the former US Ambassador, Henry Cabot Lodge, and enjoy a lecture on the economy and politics of both Vietnam and Saigon. This enlightening visit is followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
16	Returning home, you will cross the International Dateline and gain a day, arriving home the same day you departed from Vietnam. (B)