Angkor to the Bay

The immense scale and mystery of the temples at Angkor Wat complement the peace and serenity of an overnight stay on Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin on this two country visit to Cambodia and Vietnam. Commencing in Siem Reap, Cambodia, we have a unique opportunity to visit the vast network of temples at Angkor before flying the Phnom Penh the capital of modern day Cambodia, before continuing or journey to Vietnam and the city of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). Our time in Saigon is spent visiting the Mekong Delta and the many sites around the city of Saigon itself. Flying to Danang, the jumping off point for Hoi An and China Beach, we have time to visit this historical area before travelling by road to the ancient ‘Imperial Capital’ of Hue. Another flight brings us to Hanoi, the capital of modern day Vietnam and an enchanting colonial city sometimes referred to as the ‘Paris of the Orient’. It is from Hanoi that we travel to the Gulf of Tonkin and the World Heritage listed Halong Bay where we stay overnight on board our converted Junk boats.

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: South Africa to Siem Reap

Depart South Africa and fly to Siem Reap with Singapore Airlines.  Upon arrival we are met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel.

Day 3: Siem Reap

After breakfast drive to the fortified city of Angkor Thom.  Start at the Southern Gate, continue on to ‘The Bayon’ and its beautifully crafted central towers. From here visit the Elephant Terrace, which was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall and then continue to the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon visit the magnificent Angkor Wat.

Day 4: Siem Reap

Today visit Banteay Srei, Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei, Kravan, Ta Keo and Ta Prohm Temples. Later this afternoon, we climb to the summit of Pre Rup temple to enjoy the  spectacular views over the surrounding landscape and watch the sunset.

Day 5: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

This morning fly to Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. This afternoon, visit the Majestic Silver Pagoda, the Emerald Buddha, the National Museum and the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes. 

Day 6: Phnom Penh to Saigon

This morning we bid farewell to Cambodia and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known by its former name, Saigon. This afternoon visit Saigon’s main market, Ben Thanh Market, for an introduction to Vietnamese shopping. 

Day 7: Saigon

Begin our sightseeing by visiting the former Presidential Palace, War Remnants Museum, the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral and the French style central Post Office.  Also visit Cholon, the Chinatown of Saigon where we see the huge Binh Tay wholesale market and the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda.

Day 8: Saigon - Mekong Delta (My Tho)

Explore the Mekong Delta, the heart of South Vietnam, dotted with rice paddies and fruit plantations.  Take various boat trips amongst the smaller tributaries to visit local floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations.

Day 9: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels

Today we have an in depth look at the determination and ingenuity of the Vietnamese when we explore the famous Cu Chi tunnels.  Continue to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion practiced mainly in the Mekong Delta.

Day 10: Saigon to Hoi An via Danang

This morning fly to Danang and visit the Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and China Beach before continuing on to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An.

Day 11: Hoi An

Enjoy a walking tour of the old centre of Hoi An today.  Visit an old merchant home, still lived in by descendents of the original merchant, the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An market and a local Chinese pagoda.  This afternoon we have time to visit the tailors for which this town is known and soak up the charming atmosphere of Hoi An at one of the many riverside cafes along the Thu Bon River.

Day 12: Hoi An to Hue

Leaving Hoi An drive over Hai Van Pass to the ancient capital of Hue. This afternoon we take a leisurely cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel, continue by coach to Thien Mu Pagoda and enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River.  This evening, partake in a cooking class.

Day 13: Hue to Hanoi

Start the day with a visit to the Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Royal Tombs.  We then fly to Hanoi. The afternoon is at leisure before this evening's performance of the famous Water Puppets.

Days 14-15: Overnight Halong Bay

Travel to the area that is regarded as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Vietnam - Halong Bay and commence our cruise on a junk boat.  Spend the night onboard relaxing and watching the sunset over Halong Bay.  The following day continue our cruise around the islands.  After lunch drive back to Hanoi. 

Day 16: Hanoi

Today visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec) followed by Hoan Kiem Lake, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Stilt House and wander through the Temple of Literature.

Overnight in Hanoi.  An additional overnight has been arranged for SA members due to flight schedules (please note that dinner is not included).

(Australian & New Zealand tour members depart today).

Days 17-18: Depart Hanoi to South Africa

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to South Africa.

Please note that due to an early flight schedule from Hanoi, the connecting time will be approximately 8 hours in Singapore.

Arrive home the following morning.

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