Angkor to the Bay

The immense scale and mystery of the temples at Angkor Wat complement the peace and serenity of an overnight stay on Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin on this two country visit to Cambodia and Vietnam. Commencing in Siem Reap, Cambodia, we have a unique opportunity to visit the vast network of temples at Angkor before flying to Phnom Penh, the capital of modern day Cambodia, before continuing our journey to Vietnam and the city of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). Our time in Saigon is spent visiting the Mekong Delta and the many sites around the city of Saigon itself. Flying to Danang, the jumping off point for Hoi An and China Beach, we have time to visit this historical area before travelling by road to the ancient ‘Imperial Capital’ of Hue. Another flight brings us to Hanoi, the capital of modern day Vietnam and an enchanting colonial city sometimes referred to as the ‘Paris of the Orient’. It is from Hanoi that we travel to the Gulf of Tonkin and the World Heritage listed Halong Bay where we stay overnight on board our converted Junk boats.

TOUR ITINERARY

"Our trip through Wendy Wu has been wonderful, the food was delicious, the transportation was excellent and so were all the drivers. We will travel with Wendy Wu anytime and would recommend it to all our friends. Thank you once again for a well organised tour, you gave us a unique insight into Cambodia and Vietnam, the history and it’s wonderful people."
Benny & Celine Fernandesz, Victoria – May 2009

Day 1: Australia to Siem Reap

Fly with Vietnam Airlines to Siem Reap via Saigon for 3 nights.

Day 2: Siem Reap

Drive to the fortified city of Angkor Thom. Start at the Southern Gate, continue on to the Bayon, Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon visit the magnificent Angkor Wat.

Day 3: Siem Reap

Today we visit Banteay Srei, Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei, Kravan, Ta Keo and Ta Prohm Temples. Later this afternoon we climb to the summit of Pre Rup Temple to enjoy the spectacular views over the surrounding landscape and watch the sunset.

Day 4: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Fly to Phnom Penh. This afternoon visit the majestic Silver Pagoda, Emerald Buddha, National Museum and Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes.

Day 5: Phnom Penh to Saigon

Bid farewell to Cambodia and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, commonly known by its former name, Saigon. This afternoon we visit Ben Thanh Market, for some shopping.

Day 6: Saigon

Visit the former Presidential Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Cholon, (Chinatown) where we see the Binh Tay Wholesale Market and Thien Hau Pagoda.

Day 7: Saigon

Explore the Mekong Delta, the heart of south Vietnam dotted with rice paddies and fruit plantations. Take various boat trips to visit local floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations.

Day 8: Saigon

Today we explore the Cu Chi Tunnels. Continue to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion, practiced mainly in the Mekong Delta.

Day 9: Saigon to Hoi An via Danang

Fly to Danang, visit the Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and China Beach before continuing on to the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Hoi An.

Day 10: Hoi An

Enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An. Visit an old merchant’s home, the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An Market and a local Chinese pagoda. This afternoon visit the tailors and soak up the charming atmosphere of Hoi An at one of the many riverside cafes along the Thu Bon River.

Day 11: Hoi An to Hue

Drive over the Hai Van Pass to Hue. Take a cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel, continue by coach to Thien Mu Pagoda and enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River. This evening, partake in a cooking class.

Day 12: Hue to Hanoi

Start the day with a visit to the Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Royal tombs. Fly to Hanoi and enjoy a Water Puppets performance this evening.

Day 13: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Travel to Halong Bay and commence our overnight cruise on a junk boat, relaxing and watching the sunset over Halong Bay.

Day 14: Halong Bay to Hanoi

Continue cruising this morning. After lunch onboard, we drive back to Hanoi.

Day 15: Depart Hanoi

Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed Sep- Dec) followed by Hoan Kiem Lake, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh’s Museum, Stilt House and the Temple of Literature. After a late check out, transfer to the airport to board our overnight flight to Australia.

Note: Passengers flying with Singapore Airlines will miss the touring on Day 15, due to conflicting flight schedules with Vietnam Airlines unless they choose to stay an extra night in Saigon at their own expense.

Day 16: Arrive Australia

Arrive home this morning.

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