13 Days Classic Vietnam & Cambodia Getaway Tour Package

Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Priced From: Contact Travelwizard
Departures: Daily

The temples of Angkor, built from 879 - 1191AD, when the Khmer civilization was at its height, represent one of the most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. From the great citadel of Angkor, the kings of the Khmer empire ruled over a vast domain that reached from what is now southern Vietnam to Yunan, China and from Vietnam westward to the Bay of Bengal.

The structures one sees at Angkor today, more than 100 temples in all, are the surviving remains of a grand social and administrative metropolis whose other buildings - palaces, public buildings, and houses - were all built of wood and are long since decayed and gone.

The country's capital Phnom Penh is renowned for its beauty, particularly the area surrounding the Royal Palace where magnificent Khmer towers share a boulevard with colourful French villas overlooking the banks of the Tonle Sap river.

Day 3. Arrive Ho Chi Minh. (Formerly Saigon). Welcome. You will be met by representative and transferred to your chosen hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.

Ho Chi Minh City is the main commercial centre of the southern part of Vietnam. French colonial influences are still present with cafes and shops which add to the ever changing city. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for colourful Chinese Temples and sculptures depicting local deities. Trading from clothing to food can all be seen and experienced at the Ben Thanh Market.

Day 4. Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing. A full day tour includes a visit to the former Presidential Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, China Town, Thien Hau Pagoda, Binh Tay Market, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. B

Day 5. Ho Chi Minh/Danang/Hoi An. This morning a short early flight from Ho Chi Minh city to Danang. On arrival, transfer to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries with period architecture and relaxed lifestyle. On arrival, take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit former merchant houses, the 400 year old Japanese Covered Bridge and colourful markets. The afternoon is free to explore Hoi An on your own. Hoi An Beach Resort or Vinh Hung Hotel B

Day 6. Hoi An/Danang/Hue. This morning, travel over the Pass of Mountain Clouds visiting the attractive fishing village of Lang Co before arriving in the afternoon in Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. After check-in to your hotel, enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River to visit the Seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda. Hotel Saigon Morin or Huong Giang Hotel B

Day 7. Hue/Hanoi. Morning tour to the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. This afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. You will be met by representative and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Hanoi is without question one of S.E. Asia's most fascinating cities. None other can compare in terms of the concentration of quality architecture, built during the Chinese and French colonial era. B

Day 8. Hanoi sightseeing. A full day city tour of Vietnam's capital city, including Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton", the One Pillar Pagoda, the bustling streets of the Old Quarter and a water puppet show this evening. B

Day 9. Hanoi/Phnom Penh. The day is free until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Welcome to the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, once the most beautiful city in the Orient. A half day tour includes the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Russian Market. B

If you have time to spend one more day, you might want to consider visiting the notorious but very interesting Killing Fields.

Day 10. Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Today there will be time for exploring Angkor Wat temples including the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat, the South Gate of Angkor Thom and the famous Bayan. BD

Day 11. In Angkor Wat. Today you will again tour the spectacular sights of Angkor Wat. BD

Day 12. More Angkor Wat. More time to explore and visit Tonle Sap including a boat trip. BD

Day 13. Siem Reap to Bangkok/North America. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok with a connection to North America. B

• Round trip airfare Los Angeles or Vancouver with Cathay Pacific plus all other international and domestic flights.
• 10 nights first class or deluxe accommodation in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City (2), Hoi An (1), Hue (1), Hanoi (2), Phnom Penh (1), Angkor Wat (3). Breakfast daily; 2 dinners.
• All sightseeing as per the itinerary.
• All transfers as per itinerary.

12/09