Mystic marvels of Indochina 11 days: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom

Tour overview:

Discover the enchantment of historical and modern Vietnam crowned by a visit to fascinating Angkor Wat and, if you choose, an extension to mysterious Laos with its charming people and fascinating antiquities. Itinerary includes a cruise of dreamlike Ha Long Bay, the inspiration for the movie “Avatar.”

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Day 1 - Arrive Hanoi

Arrive this afternoon in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital for nearly 1000 years. Historical emphasis on the arts and learning stipulates that buildings in Hanoi remain small, simple and in harmony with nature. You are met at the airport and escorted to the hotel. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Evening attend the famous Water Puppet Show followed by welcome dinner at the renowned Le Tonkin Restaurant. (D)

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Day 2 - Hanoi Sightseeing

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” may be viewed, his nearby house, the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and a couple of museums. Lunch at Sen restaurant. Evening enjoy a one-hour cyclo ride around the Old Quarter. (BL)

Note: The mausoleum is closed from October – December, during which time it can only be viewed from outside

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Day 3 - Hanoi / Ha Long Bay

Depart Hanoi this morning for Halong. Our journey will be broken with refreshment stop at a craft centre run to raise money for handicapped people. Upon arriving in Ha Long City, board a junk for a cruise of Halong Bay, a UNESCO designated World Heritage site. Enjoy a seafood lunch and a swim (if weather permits) before visiting a grotto of gigantic stalactites and stalagmites. Drop anchor in the late evening for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea. (BLD)

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Day 4 - Ha Long Bay / Hanoi / Hoi An

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the wharf. Return to Hanoi in time to connect to your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. (B)

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Day 5 - Hoi An / Cooking Class

Experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of Hoi An market on a personally- guided tour with the chef of Red Bridge Restaurant. Interact with the stall holders and purchase fresh ingredients for the day’s meals. After completing the shopping, take a boat cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Learn about Vietnamese herbs and spices, local ingredients, and the art of food decoration. The chef will demonstrate how to prepare some of Vietnam’s most delicious dishes. Guests then have a chance to create their own meals under the chef’s guidance. Enjoy a delicious homecooked meal of Vietnamese and Hoi An specialties. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of this historic town (some of the highlights include the Temples of Phuoc Kien and Quang Dong and the 16th century Japanese Covered Bridge). Continue on the narrow streets of Hoi An, which are lined with buildings representing a mix of architectural styles (some of which are not seen anywhere else today). (BL)

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Day 6 - Hoi An / Danang / Ho Chi Minh City

Drive this morning to Danang. Your first stop is at a stone-carving village at the foot of the Marble Mountains followed by visit the Cham Museum, featuring artifacts from the Kingdom of Champa (a civilization that ruled the area from the 2nd to 14th centuries). Later fly to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. Although it’s the largest and busiest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City retains the beauty of its graceful colonial French-style structures. Enjoy dinner at Viet Village Restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. (BD)

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Day 7 - Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion

Venture into the “Iron Triangle,” riddled with an extensive system of tunnels inhabited during the recent war, along with fascinating traps and surprises. After lunch at the well known Viet Heritage Restaurant, your afternoon is free. (BL)

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Day 8 - Ho Chi Minh City / Siem Reap

Your morning tour of Ho Chi Minh includes the former Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, Central Post Office, and China Town with Thien Hau Temple and Binh Tay Market. Later fly to Siem Reap in Northern Cambodia, your base for visiting the fabulous ancient sites of Angkor, one of the wonders of world. The grandeur of this bygone civilization is truly astounding. Overnight at the hotel. (BD)

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Day 9 - Angkor Wat Excursion

Your exploration of this mysterious region begins with the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat and surrounding sites (one of the world’s most impressive ruins). The Khmer civilization constructed the temples between the 9th and 13th centuries. Strolling through the massive hallways, you will find many small shrines still in use by the local people at this ancient site. Picturesque Ta Prohm remains overgrown, presenting oddly haunting and exotic scenes. Visit various ruin sites of these ancient stone masterpieces—mute testimony to the once mighty Khmer civilization. View Angkor Wat at sunset from Phnom Bakheng. Enjoy dinner at the local restaurant. (BD)

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Day 10 - Angkor Thom Excursion

See Angkor Thom or “Great City,” in some ways even more spectacular than colossal Angkor Wat, as it had nearly disappeared into the jungle. Your day includes a boat ride on Tonle Sap. Enjoy dinner at the local restaurant. (BD)

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Day 11 - Siem Reap / Home

Depart for home today taking along memories of a most enchanting trip. (B)

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