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Day 1
ARRIVE HANOI, VIETNAM
Welcome to Vietnam! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
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Day 2
HANOI
This morning, enjoy a private guided tour of the city. First, take a cyclo ride though the ancient streets of the fascinating Old Quarter. Here, merchants trade as they have for centuries. Then, visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda: One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. Also, visit the ancient Temple of Literature, more than 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university.
 Breakfast  Lunch |
Day 3
HANOI–HA LONG BAY CRUISE
A private transfer takes you from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Upon arrival, board an overnight cruise that takes you to explore the tunnels, caves, pristine beaches, and floating villages that are sprinkled across the bay. While on board, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking demonstration with the ship’s chef. You may also choose to relax with a spa treatment.
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Day 4
HA LONG BAY CRUISE–HANOI–DANANG–HOI AN
Early birds can participate in a tai chi demonstration on the Sun Deck at the break of dawn. Disembark later this morning for a private transfer to Hanoi to catch a flight to Danang. A short transfer will bring you to your hotel in Hoi An, Vietnam’s charming town that has been largely preserved.
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Day 5
HOI AN
Explore Hoi An on a private guided tour. Start with a visit to the Central Market, where locals sell a vast array of items ranging from fresh fish and spices to silk and local handicrafts. Then, join a walking tour of Hoi An, visiting an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Afterward, you will have free time to enjoy this quaint town on your own or to relax at your resort.
Breakfast Lunch |
Day 6
HOI AN
Continue exploring Hoi An on a fascinating private guided excursion. Start with a cruise on the Thu Bon River. Along the way, meet a local fisherman who will teach you about their fishing methods and give you a fishing lesson. Learn how to throw and retrieve a traditional round fishing net called a ro. You will also meet a local farmer to learn more about his daily life. The afternoon is at your leisure.
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Day 7
HOI AN–DANANG–HUE
Join your Local Guide for a full-day private guided tour. Stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum, then head north over spectacular Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), considered one of the most scenic in all of Vietnam, before arriving in Hue. One of Vietnam’s former capitals, Hue is a beautiful, welcoming city that remains a cultural and religious center. Upon arrival, visit the Imperial Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city.
Breakfast Lunch |
Day 8
HUE–HO CHI MINH CITY
This morning’s private guided sightseeing provides a unique window into Vietnam and its complex past. Visit the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors: Khai Dinh Mausoleum and the Royal tomb of Tu Duc. Later, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many.
Breakfast |
Day 9
HO CHI MINH CITY
Start your private guided sightseeing with a walking tour of the city’s famous and historic landmarks as you stroll through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit the moving War Remnants Museum, followed by bustling Ben Thanh Market, the largest and oldest in the city. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore this lively city.
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Day 10
HO CHI MINH CITY
Today, enjoy a half-day private guided excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for time at leisure this afternoon.
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Day 11
HO CHI MINH CITY–SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
A short flight brings you to Siem Reap, your base for exploring the temples of Angkor. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the temples are unmatched among the world’s ancient ruins.
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Day 12
SIEM REAP
Your private guided sightseeing starts at the best preserved of all the temples—Angkor Wat, which honors the Hindu god Vishnu. Next stop is Angkor Thom to see Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Breakfast Lunch |
Day 13
SIEM REAP
This morning, explore more of the Angkor temple complex on a private guided tour. Visit Banteay Srei, a unique, small temple built from red sandstone and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Then, on to Ta Prohm, which has been left relatively untouched, unlike many other temples. Here, the jungle surrounds you, and tree roots grow over and through the ruins. The afternoon is at your leisure.
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Day 14
SIEM REAP–BANGKOK, THAILAND
Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city.
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Day 15
BANGKOK
Today’s private guided tour starts with a boat ride through the klongs, Bangkok’s canals, to see family homes, temples, and the way of life that gives this city the nickname “Venice of the East.” Stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with Bangkok. Continue on to the Grand Palace, comprised of the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Also, visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha.
Breakfast Lunch |
Day 16
BANGKOK
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore on your own. Your Local Host can help with suggestions to help maximize your time. Perhaps consider a visit to the Jim Thompson House Museum, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or an excursion to the colorful floating market at Damnoen Saduak.
Breakfast |
Day 17
BANGKOK
Your stay in Bangkok ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast |