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Itinerary
for Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure Tour - June 2009 |
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Included meals are indicated as B =
Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner |
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| 18.06.09 |
Australia - Singapore
Depart Melbourne at 10.10am on SQ 238, arriving in Singapore at 4.05pm.
Depart Sydney at 11.30am on SQ 232, arriving in Singapore at 5.45pm.
Depart Brisbane at 2.45pm on SQ 236, arriving in Singapore at 8.45pm.
All passengers will be transferred to your hotel in the central
Singapore.
Accommodation: Peninsular Excelsior Hotel |
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19.06.09
(D) |
Singapore - Hanoi
Depart Singapore at 10.00am on SQ 176, arriving in Hanoi at 12.30pm.
You will be met and transferred to your hotel. One hour interesting
cyclo ride around the French & the old quarter of Hanoi. Welcome
dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Galaxy Hotel. |
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20.06.09
(B/L/D) |
Hanoi - Sapa
Morning city tour visiting Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, residence, One
Pillar Pagoda then to the Museum of Ethnology to have a glimpse at
different ethnic minorities before going to the north west of Vietnam.
Lunch at KOTO. The afternoon is at leisure then head off to a water
puppet show, the unique Vietnamese traditional art before dinner at a
local restaurant.
We transfer to the train station to board the TSC Train to Sapa at
9.15pm. This first class sleeper carriage train has four seats to a
compartment which converts into four sleeping bunks (2 upper/2 lower)
for the overnight portion of the journey. The bunks are provided with
sheets, pillows and a blanket, though some people prefer to bring their
own sleeping sheet.
Accommodation: TSC Train. |
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21.06.09
(B/L/D) |
Lao Cai - Bac Ha Sunday Market - Sapa
Arrive at Lao Cai station at 5.30am, having breakfast at a local
restaurant before heading off to Bac Ha Market, a regular market held
every Sunday for ethnic minorities. There you'll see the gathering of
thousands of people of H'Mong, Phu La, Dao, Tien and Tay ethnic
minorities wearing their colourful traditional costumes. It is a riot
of colour and fun, an opportunity to explore the colourful market and
meet the local tribal people to appreciate their culture and their own
tradition. Lunch in Bac Ha. After lunch we head off to Sapa, on the way
a stop at Lao Cai town for an opportunity to take photos at the border
gate between Vietnam and China. Arrive Sapa late afternoon. Dinner at a
local restaurant.
Accommodation: Chau Long Hotel (Mountain View) |
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22.06.09
(B/L) |
Sapa
Sapa is a hill station built in 1922. The whole area is spectacular, as
Sapa lies in a valley surrounded by paddy fields in a variety of shades
of green, but is overlooked by Vietnam's highest mountain, Mount
Fansipan. You will see the local minority groups, the H'mong and the
Dzao people, the largest and the most colourful ethnic groups in the
region. After breakfast take a 4km drive to the rim of a deep valley.
Along the road you'll see H'Mong, Dzay and Dzao minority people dressed
in their traditional costumes. There is a two hour walk around Ta Van
and Lao Chai, home to all three minorities. Observe their daily lives
for a rare glimpse into their culture and costumes. Lunch at a local
restaurant. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Chau Long Hotel (Mountain View) |
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23.06.09
(B/L/D) |
Sapa - Dien Bien Phu
Depart Sapa for Dien Bien Phu, a long driving journey. Enjoy the most
spectacular scenery along 4D and 12 highway. On the way stop at Silver
Waterfall and the Heaven Gate. Lunch on the way. Dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: At the best available in Dien Bien Phu |
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24.06.09
(B/D) |
Dien Bien Phu - Hanoi
In the morning we'll see A1 Hill, the main battlefield in 1954 where
the French were defeated by Viet Minh; Dien Bien Phu War Museum; and
the shelter of the French commanding general in Dien Bien Phu, then
head off to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi and
then visit the Temple of Literature which is considered the first
university in Vietnam then early dinner at a local restaurant before
heading off to Hanoi Railway Station to board the night train S1 to
Dong Hoi.
Accommodation: SI Train (4 berth air-conditioned compartment with tour
guide escorting on the train) |
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25.06.09
(B/L/D) |
Dong Hoi - Phong Nha - DMZ - Hue
Arrive at Dong Hoi railway station and then proceed for a shower and
breakfast at a hotel. Drive up north to Phong Nha, take a boat trip
from a critical point of the Ho Chi Minh trail to go inside and
visit Phong Nha cave, known as the longest and most beautiful harst
cave in the world. Return to Dong Hoi for lunch at a local restaurant,
then head south at Hien Luong Bridge crossing Ben Hai River known as
DMZ on the way to Hue. Arrive in Hue late afternoon.
Accommodation: Huong Giang Hotel. |
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26.06.09
(B/L) |
Hue
In the morning we will visit the historically important Citadel of Hue,
scene of savage fighting during the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam
War. This is followed by a boat trip on the Perfume River and a visit
to Thien Mu Pagoda. Lunch at a local restaurant. One hour cyclo tour
around the city. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Huong Giang Hotel. |
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27.06.09
(B/L) |
Hue - Danang - Hoi An
Depart Hue for the ancient town of Hoi An, the major trading port of
Vietnam from the 16th to late 18th century. Beautiful drive on the way
across the Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds), passing through
many pretty red-tiled villages with fruit orchards, enjoying
spectacular views of sky and sea. Stop over at China Beach where the
Americans came for R & R during the Vietnam War. Lunch at an
excellent restaurant in town Ly Cafe. After lunch a guided walking tour
to discover the historic town of Hoi An, which was a prosperous seaport
city during the 16th and 18th centuries. Its community of foreign
merchants resulted in a unique architectural style with Vietnamese,
Chinese, Japanese and French influences. It's been known as the "Tailor
Capital" of Vietnam.
Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel. |
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28.06.09
(B/D) |
Hoi An
The day is at leisure. A good place for wondering around and shopping
especially tailoring, shoe-making and handbags. A good place to relax
just only 4kms to the beach. One hour boat trip in the late afternoon
on the Hoi An River before a cooking demonstration at a nice local
restaurant "Morning Glory"
Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel. |
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29.06.09
(B/D) |
Hoi An - Danang - Ban Me Thout
Morning at leisure. Check out of the hotel at 1.00pm heading off to
Danang, stop over at the area of 5 Marble Mountain, China Beach then a
visit to the Cham Museum and an early dinner at a local cafe before
going to the airport for your flight to Ban Me Thout. Arrive in Ban Me
Thout we'll attend a performance of ethnic dances, songs and gong music
in a nearby village (or in the hotel, it depends on the local
authority) and join the villagers in drinking local wine (if you are
game!)
Accommodation: Damsan Hotel. |
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30.06.09
(B/L/D) |
Ban Me Thout - Dalat
In the morning a visit to an EDE hill-tribe village (it depends on the
local authority) and to the spectacular Dry Sap Waterfall then transfer
to Lak Lake, there we'll take a scenic boat ride in a traditional
dug-out canoe & have a 45 minute elephant ride through the
interesting countryside. Lunch in the village then drive through to
beautiful, wonderful Dalat. Dinner at a nice restaurant in town.
Accommodation: Hoang Anh Resort. |
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01.07.09
(B/D) |
Dalat
In the morning we take a orientation of the city with visits to the
Crazy House, Bao Dai's Summer Palace, the embroidery factory and flower
garden. In the afternoon enjoy a train ride through vegetable gardens
to Trai Mat then visit Long Phuoc Pagoda, a famous beer bottle and
ceramic fragments Pagoda in town. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hoang Anh Resort. |
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02.07.09
(B/L) |
Dalat - Saigon
Depart Dalat for Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), a beautiful drive through
rubber, coffee and tea plantations. On the way passing the La Nga
floating village. Arrive in Saigon, Pho (traditional Vietnamese noodle
soup) and spring rolls for lunch. After lunch a short walk around
Saigon down town passing the Town Hall, Opera House, Notre Dame
Cathedral & Central Post Office, then visit the Reunification
Palace (former Presidential Palace).
Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel. |
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03.07.09
(B) |
Saigon
The day is at leisure. Saigon is a good place for shopping, there are
many little shops selling shirts, T-shirts, imitation watches,
lacquer wares. The hotel is very central in the business centre of
Saigon and just 10 minute walk from the central market.
Accommodation: Houng Sen Hotel. |
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04.07.09
(B/L/D) |
Saigon - My Tho - Can Tho
Depart Saigon for My Tho which is a two hour drive from Ho Chi Minh
city. A prosperous town of 200,000 inhabitants in the Mekong Delta. It
is famous for its extensive orchards and immense rice fields. Enjoy a
4-5 hour boat ride on the Mekong River and visit an orchard on an
island, coconut candy workshop, bee farm with lunch at a farmer's house.
Continue on the journey, we are crossing an amazing bridge built with
help from the Australian Government across the Mekong River in 2000 to
Vinh Long then to Can Tho. Dinner at a nice local restaurant.
Accommodation: Saigon Can Tho Hotel. |
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05.07.09
(B/L) |
Can
Tho - Cai Rang - Soc Trang - Can Tho
Boat trip on the Mekong River to visit Cai Rang floating market. You
have the opportunity to stop by an island to watch local villagers
producing instant rice noodle (Hu Tieu), a boat builder yard and rice
husking then free time before lunch in Can Tho. After lunch proceed to
Soc Trang by land visit to Bat Pagoda, Clay Pagoda and a small Khmer
Museum.
Accommodation: Saigon Can Tho Hotel. |
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06.07.09
(B/L/D) |
Can Tho - Long Xuyen - Chau Doc
Depart Can Tho for Chau Doc with an en route visit by boat to the Bang
Lang stork sanctuary in Thot Not, which offers also the view of the
local people on the water. Transfer to the hotel then lunch at a local
restaurant. In the afternoon a boat trip visit to a floating fish farm
and a Cham village then driving up the mountain to see a spectacular
view of the area from Sam Mountain. Farewell dinner at the hotel. From
your hotel balcony you can see the very busy shipping activity from
this amazing port on the Mekong River.
Accommodation: Victoria Chau Doc (River View) |
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07.07.09
(B/L/D) |
Chau Doc - Phnom Penh
Depart Chau Doc for Phnom Penh, a 4 hour boat trip on the Mekong River
with 'Blue Cruiser' crossing the water boarder. Transfer from Phnom
Penh
boat pier to the hotel. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon there is a Phnom
Penh city tour. Visit the Victory Monument and the National Museum,
also called Musee des Beaux Arts. A French archaeologist and painter,
Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum
contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures from throughout
the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the
site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda, located within the grounds
of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its
floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. The treasure found
inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighting 90 kilograms
and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your
afternoon with the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's
namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of
the city during sunset. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Juliana Hotel. |
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08.07.09
(B/L/D) |
Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek (16km
south of Phnom Penh). Between 1975 and 1978 about 17,000 men,
women, children and infants (including nine westerners) detained and
tortured at S21 prison were transported to the extermination camp of
Choeung Ek. They were often bludgeoned to death to avoid wasting
precious bullets. Fragments of human bone and bits of cloth are
scattered around the disinterred pits. Over 8,000 skulls, arranged by
sex and age, are visible behind the clear glass panels of the Memorial
Stupa, which was erected in 1988. Return to Phnom Penh. Visit the
notorious Tuol Sleng Museum. In 1975 Tuol Svay Prey High School was
taken over by Pol Po'ts security forces and turned into a prison known
as Security Prison 21 (S21). It soon became the largest such centre of
detention and torture in the country. More than 17,000 people held at
S21 were taken to the extermination camp at Choeung Ek to be executed;
detainees who died during torture were buried in mass graves in the
prison ground. Room after room the museum displays photographs of men,
women and children covering the walls from floor to ceiling; virtually
all the people pictured were later killed. Visit the Russian Market
(Psah Tuol Thom Pong), a lively outdoor market where you will find
antiquities, silver and gold jewelry, gems, silk, dramas, stone and
wood carvings, as well as T-shirts, CD's and other souvenirs. Lunch at
hotel. Transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for your departure by Bangkok
Airways International or similar to Siem Reap. Arrive at Siem Reap
Airport and transfer to the hotel. Dinner at hotel.
Accommodation: Khemara Angkor Hotel. |
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09.07.09
(B/L/D) |
Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel. Visit Preah Khan, built by the King Jayavarman VII
and like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging
corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is in a
reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should
maintain and even improve this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain (built
in the middle of a pool and representing the paradisaical Himalayan
mountain-lake), the temple of Ta Som, as well as the unique brick
sculptures of Prasat Kravan. Lunch at hotel. Visit the ancient capital
of Angkor Thom (12th century). Then you will see the South Gate with
its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Royal
Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper
King and Bayon temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200
smiling faces of Avolokitesvara). Sunset at Pre Rup. Dinner at a local
restaurant.
Accommodation: Khemara Angkor Hotel. |
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10.07.09
(B/L) |
Siem Reap - Singapore - Australia
Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, visit the most famous
of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple
complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial
Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the
Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art
historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and
architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolise Meru's five peaks -
the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and
the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. Lunch at hotel. Afternoon,
visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area. Ta Prohm
has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains
much of its mystery. Visit also Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. Transfer
to Siem Reap International Airport, departing at 6.10pm on MI 617 (Silk
Air), arriving in Singapore at 9.25pm.
Melbourne passengers depart Singapore at 11.35pm on SQ 237, arriving in
Melbourne at 8.55am (04.07.09). |
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| 11.07.09 |
Brisbane
passengers depart Singapore at 12.10am on SQ 255, arriving in Brisbane
at 9.35am.
Sydney passengers depart Singapore at 12.30am on SQ 231, arriving in
Sydney at 9.55am. |
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Note:
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Airport taxes and levies at present total an additional
amount of approximately $420. We have no control over this price and it
is subject to change. |