Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA
Begin your journey into the heart of two ancient cultures.
Day 2: En Route
Day 3: Arrive Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital for more than 600 years. You are welcomed and transported to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Choice of Hotels
Day 4: Phnom Penh
Slip into the rhythms of the East as you head out to explore the treasures of the city, which is a fascinating mix of Eastern and French architecture. Visit the Royal Palace and see the amazing Silver Pagoda, named for the more than 5,000 silver tiles covering its floors. Examine the brilliant masterpieces of Khmer art and artifacts found at the national museum. Choice of Hotels
Day 5: Phnom Penh / Siem Reap
Fly to Siem Reap to begin your close encounter with one of the world’s most extraordinary archeological sites – the lost city of Angkor. For centuries, Angkor was itself a legend until Henri Mahout rediscovered the temple city in 1860. Today, you are the discoverer as you explore Angkor Thom and watch the sunset over the temples. Choice of Hotels
Day 6: Siem Reap
The atmosphere, the texture of stone, the sensual carvings, the surrounding jungle keep you spellbound as you trek leisurely through Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei with your guide. Choice of Hotels
Day 7: Siem Reap / Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, still often called Saigon. Vietnam’s largest city offers a lively blend of old and new. Three centuries of tradition combine with trendy sidewalk cafes and sleek pubs. Savor sights and sounds of Chinese neighborhood of Cholon ‘Big Market,' and colorful Ben Thanh market. Sample true southern-style Vietnamese cuisine at a favorite local restaurant. Choice of Hotels
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels
Travel into the countryside to see Cu Chi Tunnels, a symbol of the war era. Vietcong built the network of tunnels that connected command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapon factories. At Cao Dai Great Temple in Tay Ninh, you may see a captivating chanting ceremony. Choice of Hotels
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City / Danang or Hoi An
Fly to Danang and depart on an excursion to enthralling Hoi An, a few miles south. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of novel Marble Mountains and China Beach. Hoi An has been the site of a port village for more than 2,000 years, and it exhibits all the old-world charm you expect in its odd lanes, temples and pagodas. Japanese Covered Bridge stands on the site of the first bridge, built in 1593. Choice of Hotels
Day 10: Hoi An or Danang
Today is yours to enjoy as you wish – relax on the beach, shop for fine silk, or take an optional tour. Choice of Hotels
Day 11: Hoi An or Danang / Hue
Drive via Danang to the 17th century imperial city of Hue on the banks of Perfume River. Explore the palaces, tombs and pagodas of the city, including the Citadel and Forbidden City, modeled after Beijing’s, and Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story pagoda on a hill above the river. Choice of Hotels
Day 12: Hue / Hanoi
Fly into Hanoi, the national capital, where you can relish the contrasts between the Old Quarter’s chaotic jumble of skinny lanes and the French Quarter’s wide, tree-lined boulevards. Notable sites such as One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature date back nearly a millennium. Founded in 1070, the Temple of Literature became Hanoi’s first university. Today, it is a lovely, quiet retreat. Choice of Hotels
Day 13: Hanoi / Halong
Begin the day at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which remains a place of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese. Then, venture out on a scenic drive to Halong Bay for a tranquil boat trip. Your boat cruises past dramatic limestone outcroppings that shoot skyward from calm, blue waters. Most of these islands are still uninhabited, making this a biological treasure and photographer’s dream. Halong Plaza
Day 14: Halong / Hanoi
After breakfast, return by road to Hanoi to discover more of the city. Tour the Revolution Museum, visit St. Joseph's Cathedral, and navigate the busy Old Quarters streets for a bit of last-minute bargain hunting. Choice of Hotels
Day 15: Depart / USA
Your Asia adventure ends as you return across the international dateline, arriving in the USA the same day.
Highlights
- Explore the rich traditions & ancient cultures in these two distinctive & diverse countries.
- Cruise Vietnam’s strikingly beautiful Halong Bay. More than 1,600 islands and limestone islets create a photographer’s delight.
- Investigate Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most important archeological wonders.
- Tour UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hue’s ancient walled Imperial City, as well as the charming riverside town of Hoi An.
Save time, money and stress!
For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Cambodia Vacation specialist
Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
12/08
