Hotels
Bangkok Royal Orchid Sheraton 
Phnom Penh Sunway Hotel 
Hanoi Sofitel Legend Metropole or Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake
Hue City Saigon Morin Hotel or La Residence Hotel and Spa
Siem Reap Sofitel Royal Angkor
Ho Chi Minh City Renaissance Riverside Hotel or Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Hoi An Life Heritage Resort
Hong Kong Optional Extension Intercontinental Grand Stamford
Itinerary
December 5 Depart the U.S. for Vietnam via Hong Kong.
December 6 EN ROUTE
Cross the International Date Line and lose the balance of this day that you regain on the trip home.
December 7 HANOI
Upon arrival, proceed to baggage claim and after customs we are met by our local representative. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. Transfer to our hotel. The afternoon is free. In the evening, we will see a water puppet performance, which is a traditional Vietnamese art. (Dinner)
December 8 HANOI
 Visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex. Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows . Visit the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Visit the Temple of Literature: walled courtyards and graceful gateways, this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear steel on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars. Visit the Museum of Ethnology: ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings. Visit the Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison). Discover the old quarter of Hanoi by cyclo (1 hour). Dinner is at a local Restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)
December 9 HANOI/ HALONG BAY
Excursion to Halong Bay with boat trip including lunch (4 hours). Depart from Hanoi in the morning for scenic Halong Bay. Arriving at the pier around noon, begin cruising on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, stopping at different islands to explore some of the many caves in this area. Sail past floating villages, fishermen casting their nets and pearl fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. Disembark at Halong pier at approximately 16.30 pm and return to Hanoi by vehicle. Transfer to/from restaurant. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
December 10 HANOI/HUE
In the morning fly to Hue. Founded as an imperial city in 1687, Hue is the gateway to the treasures of Vietnam's royal past. Our afternoon tour visits the Imperial City, built in the early 19th century and modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City. Sights include Ngo Mon Gate, principal entrance to the Imperial Enclosure, Thai Hoa Palace, a spacious hall with an ornate room of huge timbers supported by 80 carved and lacquered columns, and Forbidden Purple City, reserved exclusively for the personal use of the emperor and his royal concubines. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)
December 11 HUE/HOI AN
After breakfast, take a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Continue by car to Minh Mang Tomb, known for its magnificent architecture and elaborate decorations. Continue by road to Hoi An, via Danang. The scenic four-hour drive via Hai Van pass offers spectacular views of the mountains, sea, idyllic beaches and villages. En route pay a visit to the local village of Trung Chang. Walking through the village affords a chance to get in touch with the locals and observe the daily lifestyle. Transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)
December 12 DANANG/HOI AN
Enjoy a full day excursion from Danang. Visit the Marble Mountains, five stone hillocks said to represent each one of the five elements of the universe. China Beach stretches north and south from Marble Mountains; it was to here U.S. soldiers were airlifted for "rest and relaxation". Later continue to Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town that was one of Southeast Asia's major trading centers in the 16th century. Hoi An has a distinctive Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets is still virtually intact. Many of the houses were constructed of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour as we visit some of the historic merchant and community houses, places of worship and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. Dinner is at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)
December 13 HOI AN/DANANG/HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)
 Drive to Danang for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. The largest of Vietnam's cities, the hustle and bustle of life everywhere co-exists with 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. Transfer to our hotel. This afternoon, tour Notre Dame Cathedral, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market and the huge Chinese neighborhood of Cholon. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)
December 14 SAIGON
Today, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh with lunch at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Lunch)
December 15 HO CHI MINH CITY/PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
Transfer for our flight. Arrive in Phnom Penh, capital city of Cambodia, and transfer to the hotel. (Breakfast)
December 16 PHNOM PENH
Today enjoy a sightseeing tour to Wat Phnom, Silver Pagoda*, the Royal Palace*, the National Museum with its collection of Khmer art, the Central and Russian markets, filled with shops selling jewelry, fabrics and all kinds of souvenirs. Dinner is at Khmer Surin Restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner) *The National Museum, Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace are closed on Mondays. The Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace also may be closed while H.M. the King is in residence. We recommend more formal attire when visiting these sites. Men should wear long pants and women should wear long skirts or pants.
December 17 PHNOM PENH/SIEM REAP
After breakfast fly to Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, one of the greatest religious monuments in the world. Take a tour to visit Angkor Wat and view the sunset from Phnom Bakheng hill, an unforgettable sight. Built to honor the Hindu god Vishnu, Angkor Wat took nearly 40 years to complete. Inside the outer walls, the structure rises over three levels to a central core topped by five pineapple-shaped towers. Virtually every surface in the maze of chambers and courtyards is richly decorated with low-relief scenes of legends, wars and everyday life, enhanced by carvings of nearly 2,000 celestial dancers. Dinner is at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner) **A multiple day entrance pass will be obtained this morning prior to visiting the temples. A passport-sized photo must be attached to multiple day entrance passes to The Angkor complex. We recommend that you have a passport photo ready prior to arrival. Visitors can have their picture taken at the entrance checkpoints as well.
December 18 SIEM REAP
Visit Phnom Bakheng at sunrise. After breakfast, visit Banteay Srei, a small 10th century monument dedicated to Shiva, and Banteay Srei Temple. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to Ta Prohm, a dramatic, massive structure still gripped by banyan and fig tree roots; Ta Som, Neak Pean and Preah Khan Temples. Return to the hotel. Dinner is at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)
December 19 SIEM REAP/BANGKOK THAILAND
This morning take a boat ride on the Tonle Sap (weather/water level permitting, alternate arrangements may be substituted). Afterwards, fly to Bangkok, the delightful capital city of the exotic Kingdom of Thailand. Nicknamed the "Land of Smiles", Thailand will enchant you with its friendly people and gracious hospitality. Bangkok, whose proper name is Krung Thep, "City of Angels," is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Transfer to our hotel in Bangkok. (Breakfast)
December 20 BANGKOK
You'll find plenty to do in Bangkok. Visit the Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siamese Court. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, the palace grounds contain the greatest concentration of Thai arts and architecture in the country. You might choose a City and Temples tour to see some of Bangkok's other fabulous temples, or a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River in a long-tailed boat through the rural canals. Recommended day excursions outside Bangkok include Ayutthaya, former capital of Thailand, the colorful floating market of Damnoen Saduak, or a visit to the "Bridge on the River Kwai". The biggest and best shopping market in town is the Chatuchak Weekend Market, open on Saturdays and Sundays, it is filled with just about everything Thailand makes. (Breakfast)
December 21 BANGKOK TO US OR EXTEND TO HONG KONG
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
Hong Kong Extension From: $349 double and $599 single. Includes r/t transfers to hotel from airport, 2 nights hotel, half day sightseeing tour of Hong Kong, breakfast.
Included
- R/T economy airfare from JFK, fuel surcharges valid at time of printing
- R/T airport to hotel transfers
- All domestic flights mentioned
- Hotel for 14 nights at 4/5 star hotels, including taxes and service charges
- Meals as mentioned
- Services of a professional English speaking tour director throughout.
- Extensive sightseeing
- Boat trips as mentioned
- Ground transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with cold towels and drinking water
Not Included
- Government taxes
- Visa costs
- All services not mentioned above
- Flights from other than JFK, please call reservations for a quote
- Hong Kong extension
- Tips for Guides and Drivers
*Note: Itinerary and restaurant selections may vary by departure. Please see final documents.
Please note: Though rare, it may be necessary to substitute hotels and adjust itineraries due to local conditions. Included features may not be available on all departures. U.S. citizens require a Passport valid six (6) months beyond intended stay. Two (2) blank passport pages are required for each visa (not amendment pages).
Vietnam and Cambodia Visas are required, the Cambodia visa can be obtained on arrival for $30usd (2 photos for Cambodia required.)
NY Extensions to this Trip
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Trips designed by women for women