Highlights of Vietnam & the Temples of Angkor

Sample itinerary

10 days: from A$3,290pp *

Including international flights to/from Australia

Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Temples of Angkor (Cambodia)

This 10-day trip of Vietnam and Cambodia will of particular appeal to people who want to experience Vietnam and Cambodia at their own pace and in comfort. The trip is designed for travellers interested in the region’s wonderful scenery, beautiful artistic and craft traditions and its exotic and varied cuisine.

Highlights of this trip will include excursions to far flung villages, tours of some of the country’s finest art galleries and ancient cultural heritage sites and an optional cooking lesson hosted by one of the Vietnam’s finest young chefs. The trip will also include several side trips in both countries and ample time for shopping, relaxing and independent exploration.

Beginning in Hanoi, we will journey to the world heritage listed region of Ha Long Bay before making our way south visiting all of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns and cities on route including Hue, charming Hoi An and bustling Ho Chi Minh City. From here we will fly to Siem Reap and enjoy the many delights Cambodia has to offer including 2 days spent exploring the Magnificent Temples of Angkor.

Your group leader

Your group leader is probably the person who most influences the success of your holiday. Thus Tailor Made Vietnam chooses to employ professional western group leaders who have lead groups of travellers throughout all areas of Vietnam for several years. They speak fluent Vietnamese/Khmer so you can communicate with the people you meet. All have been chosen because of their ability to deal with all your needs as a foreigner in this wonderful and at times, most foreign of countries.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi On arrival you will be met at the airport by your Group Leader and transferred to your centrally located hotel. After checking in your leader will run over your itinerary, answer any questions you might have before taking you on a short walking tour of beautiful Hanoi. In the evening we will attend a must see performance of Hanoi’s famous water puppets followed by our first taste of real northern cuisine at one of Hanoi’s fine restaurants. (D)

Day 2 Ha Long Bay From Hanoi this morning we will journey east to Ha Long Bay stopping on route to visit an intriguing silk production village renowned for its production, weaving and dying of fine silk and silk-blend fabrics. Arriving before lunchtime, we board our private boat to go cruising in this secluded bay with its 3000 limestone peaks. We have the opportunity to visit spectacular caves, swim and dine on a seafood buffet lunch. In the evening there is plenty of time to wonder along the beach in the town of Bai Chay and eat at any of the numerous restaurants along its main street. (B,L)

Day 3 Hanoi We will depart Ha Long Bay this morning for our return trip to Hanoi, stopping on route at a ceramics production village. On arrival back in Hanoi we will check back into our hotel before setting out this afternoon to explore more of the city’s fascinating sites including the Temple of Literature-Vietnam’s first university, followed by the Fine Arts Museum with its wide range of exhibits including oil paintings, ceramics and weavings from the last five hundred years. Following this we will enjoy lunch today at Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant nestled in the Old Quarter. Then we take to the streets of Hanoi to explore narrow meandering lanes packed with silver, silk and all manner of household goods. Vietnamese art is currently the most appreciated and sought after art in Asia. This afternoon we will have the opportunity to visit a number of prominent art galleries where we will talk to the galleries’ curators about works from artists such as Le Thanh Son, Bui Huu Hung and Dao Hai Phong. At all times your group leader will guide you to any places of interest you might wish to see including some of Southeast Asia’s finest shopping districts. Dinner tonight will be at another of Hanoi’s best restaurants. (B,L)

Day 4 Hue A 1-hour flight today will take us to the historic central city of Hue. Today we will explore this sleepy city at a leisurely pace by cyclo, private bus or motorbike (optional) taking in Dong Ba market, the moated ruins of the Imperial Citadel and the famous Thien Mu Pagoda. In the afternoon we will venture into the countryside, exploring markets and isolated villages far removed from the mainstream attractions. Whilst in Hue we will also cruise the Perfume River one evening and enjoy some of the culinary delicacies for which Hue is famous. (B,D)

Day 5 & 6 Hoi An We travel by bus over the spectacular Hai Van Pass on route to Hoi An, a former merchant town and contemporary of Malacca and Macau in China. Hoi An is laden with art galleries, historic buildings and fine restaurants all of which you’ll have ample time to enjoy. One of this town’s highlights is its abundance of first-class tailors who can make, design and copy for you virtually any item of clothing within a few hours. Hoi An is one of Vietnam's truly memorable gourmet destinations featuring among the best food available in the country. One evening there will be the option to attend a cooking class hosted by one of the town’s most renowned young chefs to see how Hoi An's specialties are prepared and of course taste. During our time in Hoi An we will also visit a textile production cottage famous for its manufacturing of fine Vietnamese silk and fabrics. (2B, 1D)

Day 7 Ho Chi Minh City A short flight today will take us to Ho Chi Minh City. This intriguing city is Vietnam’s most dynamic and vibrant, the powerhouse of the south and a fascinating mixture of the old and new. This afternoon your group leader will take you on a walking tour of the central district before we relax in the evening at one of the city’s rooftop bars then enjoying our first taste of fine southern Vietnamese fare. Whilst in Ho Chi Minh City we will also take a cyclo tour deep into Vietnam’s Chinese district, visit the War Remnants Museum, pagodas and a unique market. Saigon has some of Southeast Asia’s best and cheapest shopping which we will have ample time to do assisted by your group leader whenever you require. Your final afternoon in Vietnam is free to explore independently. Tonight we will enjoy some of the city’s finest cuisine at one its best local restaurants. (1B)

Day 8 Siem Reap – Cambodia This morning we will take a 1-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, gateway to Cambodia and the magnificent Temples of Angkor. On arrival in Siem Reap we will quickly transfer to our central hotel before we head out in the afternoon to explore the beautiful temples of Angkor, beginning with the largest of them all – Angkor Wat. In the evening we will return to our hotel to relax before heading out to experience our first taste of fine Angkor cuisine.

Day 9 Siem Reap An early start this morning will ensure a wonderful experience as we enjoy sunrise over this marvelous complex. For the whole day today we will explore this amazing complex guided by one of our carefully selected local experts. We visit the temples of Ta Prohm, The Bayon and Preah Khan and several others. Listen as your guide tells stories of the glory of the Angkor period, Khmer myths and legends and finally the sacking of Angkor. Following lunch there will be the opportunity to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the temple complex from a tethered balloon or if you prefer, on the back of an elephant. In the afternoon there is the option to visit a rural primary school where children learn dance routines almost completely forgotten during the Khmer Rouge regime. There will also be the in Siem Reap to relax and the hotel pool before our final night’s dinner at a fine Khmer restaurant. (2B, 1D)

Day 10 Departure Day Today we will make a morning excursion out to the temple complex for a final look at some of the lesser-known temples on the outskirts of Siem Reap before returning to our hotel to prepare for the flight home. Your group leader will arrange all your onward travel arrangements, escort you to the airport and wave you farewell. (B)

Day 11 Arrive Australia

Summary

Grading Easy. Anyone in good health should be able to take part. There is no real physical difficulty. You will be expected to carry your own luggage throughout the trip but only for very short distances
Accommodation Accommodation is on a twin share basis. If you are travelling alone you will be paired with another passenger of the same sex. A single supplement is available should you choose not to share. Hotels: 9 nights. All accommodation is in comfortable premium 4 star hotels, some with swimming pools
Hotels used (4 star option) Hanoi Sofitel Plaza Hotel (Hanoi), Saigon Ha Long Hotel (Ha Long Bay), Century Riverside Hotel (Hue), Hoi An Hotel (Hoi An), Grand Hotel (Saigon) Angkor Borei Hotel (Siem Reap)
Transport Bus, plane, boat, cyclo, motorbike (optional)
Meals included 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners Group size: Minimum 12, maximum 24

Inclusions

International economy return flights with Singapore/Thai Airlines
International flight (Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, Cambodia)
All accommodation and transport on route including 2 internal flights on route (Hanoi to Hue, Danang to Ho Chi Minh City)
All transfers (if travelling with main group)
Vietnam departure tax
Tailor Made Vietnam Vietnamese speaking group leader throughout the trip
Local guided where necessary
All sightseeing and entrance fees as described in the itinerary
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Exclusions

Vietnam Visa
Vietnam Visa (A$70), Cambodian Visa (US$20) - available on arrival
Cambodian departure tax (US$25)
Travel insurance

* Tour price

Includes International Airfares & Australian Taxes

10-days / 9-nights Vietnam & Cambodia (double/twin share basis)

Based on a minimum group size of 12. Prices quoted exclude travel insurance, visas and Cambodian departure tax.

Twin share double (4-star)……….…....…A$3,540pp

Twin share double (3-star)………………..A$3,290pp

Other costs / Options

Single supplement………………………………….3/4 star $540pp/$820pp

Extra accom. (Per room/night)………..…......3/4 star $80/$120