Angkor to the Bay

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO SIEM REAP

Fly with Vietnam Airlines to Siem Reap for a three night stay. Darwin passengers may need to depart one day earlier.

DAY 2: SIEM REAP

Rise early to explore the amazing temples of Angkor, starting with the fabulous Ta Prohm. Continue to Angkor Thom, the Bayon, Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King and the magnificent Angkor Wat.

DAY 3: SIEM REAP

Travel by boat to see the floating villages, schools and restaurants along Tonle Sap. Continue to the lesser visited temple of Beng Mealea, enjoying a picnic lunch en route.

DAY 4: SIEM REAP TO PHNOM PENH

Fly to Phnom Penh where you will explore the Royal Palace, the majestic Silver Pagoda and see the Emerald Buddha. Later, visit the National Museum.

DAY 5: PHNOM PENH TO SAIGON

This morning you will learn about the atrocities of Pol Pot at the emotional Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes. Visit Wat Phnom, from which the city got its name. Bid farewell to Cambodia before you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Saigon, Vietnam.

DAY 6: SAIGON

Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office to view the French Colonial architecture. Learn more about the American War in Vietnam with a visit to the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. End the day at Ben Thanh Market.

DAY 7: SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA

Travel to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Explore the river by boat, passing stilt houses and fish farms. Paddle through palm-lined canals in sampans and walk through villages, where you can sample local tea. Return to Saigon this afternoon.

DAY 8: SAIGON – CU CHI & TAY NINH

Explore the amazing network of the Cu Chi Tunnels led by a War Veteran who lived in the tunnels for years. You can even crawl through the tunnels if you are feeling brave! Later you will travel to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the colourful head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion.

DAY 9: SAIGON TO HOI AN

Fly to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Hoi An, stopping at Marble Mountains en route. Enjoy the afternoon free at your leisure.

DAY 10: HOI AN

Tour Hoi An on foot this morning, visiting an old merchant’s home, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Market and a local Chinese temple. This afternoon is free at your leisure to further explore Hoi An.

DAY 11: HOI AN TO HUE

Drive over the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hue. This afternoon you will take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. Later, visit Thien Mu Pagoda and cruise along the Perfume River.

DAY 12: HUE TO HANOI (via Danang)

Hue Airport will be closed from the 20th of March until the 20th of November 2013. During this time our group tours that fly in/out of Hue Airport with Vietnam Airlines will be flying in/out of Danang Airport instead.

This morning you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Royal Tomb of Minh Mang before transferring to Danang Airport through the Hai Van Tunnel to fly to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Here you will find a blend of French and Vietnamese architecture alongside lakes and tree-lined boulevards.

DAY 13: HANOI TO HALONG BAY

Travel to the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’, Halong Bay, where you will commence an overnight cruise on a junk boat. Relax as you cruise through the emerald waters, around stunning limestone islets and watch the sun set over the bay.

DAY 14: HALONG BAY TO HANOI

Continue cruising around the bay this morning. After enjoying brunch on board you will travel back to Hanoi. This evening you will watch a performance of the famous Water Puppets.

DAY 15: DEPART HANOI

Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), One Pillar Pagoda, Humble House on Stilts and the Temple of Literature. This afternoon you will be transferred to Hanoi airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

Note: Passengers flying with Singapore Airlines may miss touring on DAY 15 due to conflicting flight schedules. You may choose to stay an extra night in Hanoi at your own expense to avoid this.

DAY 16: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

Arrive home today.

Price guide

#Departure coincides with Tet New Year celebrations and sightseeing may be affected due to public holiday closures.

* Prices are for departures from Sydney and Melbourne (Add $400 per person for Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra and $391 per person for Perth departures)

Important Note: Prices include Vietnam Airlines Fuel surcharge and tipping of $473 (correct as at May 2013 and subject to change). Please note the Tipping amount of USD90 is payable on arrival in Cambodia and Vietnam.

Though status is regularly updated, availability above is indicative only, not live and hence does not guarantee that space is available on your selected tour when you or your agent calls Wendy Wu Tours to book.  Booking early is the only way to ensure availability of your selected departure date.