Vietnam/Cambodia
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August 28 Departure Depart the U.S. for Vietnam via Hong Kong. August 28 Upon arrival, proceed to baggage claim and after clearing customs you will be met by the Club ABC Tours representative. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. Transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure. In the evening, you will see a water puppet performance, which is a traditional Vietnamese art. (Dinner) August 29 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. The Mausoleum is closed in the afternoons, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes annually in October and November for restoration (can only view from the outside).
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: a peaceful series of 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: This museum brings to life the astonishing 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), Visit the Old Quarter by cyclo: Discover the old quarter of Hanoi by cyclo (1 hour). It is also called 36 streets most of which are named after the crafts or merchandise traditionally sold there. Dinner is at a local Restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner) August 30 Excursion to Halong Bay with boat trip including lunch (4 hours, private). 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) August 31 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, it is perhaps the most beautiful of Hue's pagodas and tombs. 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 your hotel for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner) September 1 Enjoy a full day excursion from Danang today. 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 here where 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 you visit some of the historic merchant and community houses, places of worship and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. Dinner is at the a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner) September 2 Drive to Danang for your 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 your 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) September 3 Today, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh with lunch at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Lunch) September 4 Transfer for your flight from Saigon to Phnom Penh. Arrive in Phnom Penh, capital city of Cambodia, and transfer to the hotel. (Breakfast) September 5
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. 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. September 7 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) September 8 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 your hotel in Bangkok. (Breakfast) September 9 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) September 10 Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast) Included
Not included
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Trips designed by women for women