Tour Code: NVYA132EZGQI
16 days
Specific Tour
1 person
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Embark on a captivating journey through Southeast Asia with Independence . Explore vibrant Hanoi, sail through Ha Long Bay, visit historic sites in Ho Chi Minh City, marvel at the temples of Siem Reap, and experience the charm of Bangkok. Indulge in local cuisine, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Welcome to Vietnam! Check-in at your hotel in the afternoon.
• Begin the day with a private guided tour of Hanoi. Experience the captivating Old Quarter on a cyclo ride, where age-old traditions thrive. • Visit the mausoleum and humble cottage of "Uncle Ho" who led Vietnam until 1969. Explore the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. • Discover the ancient Temple of Literature, Hanoi's prestigious university for over 900 years. • Enjoy a delicious lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant that empowers local children with valuable restaurant skills. (B,L)
• Journey through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, the gateway to enchanting Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This bay in the Gulf of Tonkin features 3,000 limestone islands shaped by nature's whims. • Embark on an overnight cruise to explore the bay's hidden gems: tunnels, caves, serene beaches, and floating villages. (B,L,D) Indulge in a rejuvenating massage or spa treatment.
• Start the day with a tai chi demonstration on the Sun Deck at sunrise. • Continue exploring the captivating bay before disembarking in the late morning. • Transfer privately to Hanoi for your flight to Danang. • Upon arrival, transfer to the picturesque town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved architecture blending Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and French influences. (B)
• Begin with a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, showcasing its merchant house, Hoi An Museum, Chinese assembly hall, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. • Enjoy a lunch featuring Cao Lau, a unique local dish with smoked noodles exclusive to Hoi An. • Embark on a Thu Bon River cruise, passing through serene countryside and meeting a local farmer. (B,L)
Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B) Indulge in your own explorations during a full day of leisure. You may choose to relax on the beach, embark on a day trip to historic Hue, or discover traditional pottery and wood carving villages.
Transfer to Danang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately known as Saigon. (B)
• Begin your private guided sightseeing with a walk through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street, passing iconic landmarks such as the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. • Visit the poignant War Remnants Museum and explore the lively Ben Thanh Market, the city's largest and oldest. (B,L)
Embark on a half-day private guided excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels, an intricate network of over 120 miles used as hideouts by the Viet Cong during the war. (B) Savor a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee or unwind with a drink at one of the city's renowned rooftop bars.
Fly to Siem Reap, your gateway to the enchanting Angkor temples. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, these temples stand as unparalleled ancient ruins. (B)
• Begin your private guided exploration at the magnificent Angkor Wat, the best-preserved temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. • Continue to Angkor Thom, where the captivating Bayon Temple showcases 200 intricately carved faces across 54 towers. (B,L) Consider attending an Apsara dinner show featuring traditional Khmer music and dance, or immerse yourself in the vibrant performance of Phare, The Cambodian Circus.
• Embark on a private guided tour to discover more of the Angkor temple complex. • Visit Banteay Srei, a remarkable red sandstone temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, located outside the main complex. En route back, interact with local school children. • Explore Ta Prohm, a temple engulfed by jungle and preserved in its atmospheric state. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. (B) Further explore the temple complex or take a captivating cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to witness a floating village.
Fly to Bangkok, the captivating capital city of Thailand. (B)
• Embark on a private guided tour commencing with a delightful boat ride along Bangkok's iconic canals, known as klongs. • Explore the majestic Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, distinguished by its towering spire. • Continue your journey to the awe-inspiring Grand Palace, featuring magnificent palaces, halls, and the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha. • Conclude your tour with a visit to the renowned Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It showcases over 1,000 Buddha images, including the impressive 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long Reclining Buddha. (B,L)
Indulge in a day of leisure to pursue your own explorations. (B) Enjoy a full day at leisure to delve into Bangkok's delights. You may choose to visit the renowned Jim Thompson's House, embark on a captivating dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River, or immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Damnoen Saduak floating market.
Your memorable journey concludes with breakfast this morning. (B)
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