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

Day 1: New Zealand to Siem Reap

Begin our Wendy Wu Tours group holiday to Vietnam and Cambodia.  Travel to Siem Reap via Singapore with Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival we are met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel.

Day 2: 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 3: Siem Reap

Today visit Banteay Srei, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Continue to Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei, Kravan, Ta Keo and the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor. Unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it has been left to be swallowed by the jungle. The temple is cloaked in dappled light, its crumbling towers and walls locked in an embrace of a vast root system of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. This evening enjoy a climb to the summit of Pre Rup temple at sunset for a spectacular view over the surrounding landscape.

Day 4: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

This morning fly to Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. With its wide boulevards and pleasant blend of oriental and colonial architecture, Phnom Penh retains much charm. It is built around four river arms formed by a sharp curve in the Mekong near its junctions with the Bassac and the Tonle Sap tributaries. This afternoon, enjoy a city tour visiting the Majestic Silver Pagoda, the Emerald Buddha, the National Museum and the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes.

Day 5: 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. Upon arrival, we are met by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel. Saigon is Vietnam’s largest and busiest city and claims a population of about eight million. It is the industrial and commercial heart of Vietnam. This afternoon visit Saigon’s main market, Ben Thanh Market, for an introduction to Vietnamese shopping.

Day 6: 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, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.

Day 7: 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 to visit local floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations.

Day 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 and assembly hall. 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 11: Hoi An to Hue

Leaving Hoi An drive over Hai Van Pass to the ancient capital of Hue. Hue was Vietnam’s ‘Imperial Capital’, the former home to the Nguyen Dynasty that ruled over the country from 1802 until the last emperor abdicated in 1945. A visit to Hue wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Imperial Citadel, which was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Citadel was the centre piece of the royal empire, a massive, moated palace that was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. This afternoon we take a leisurely cyclo ride to the Citadel, continue by coach to Thien Mu Pagoda and enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River. This evening, partake in a cooking class focusing on select local dishes and cuisine designed for the Royal Courts of Hue.

Day 12: Hue to Hanoi

Start the day with a visit to the Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Royal Tombs. We then board the Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi. Hanoi is a charming and richly historic city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. It is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and some have called it the ‘Paris of the Orient’. Its centre is an architectural museum piece, with its blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a provincial French town of the 1930’s. The afternoon is at leisure before this evening’s performance of the famous Water Puppets, a specialty of the north.

Days 13-14: 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 through the striking rural countryside of the Red River Delta.

Days 15: 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.  The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. (B,L)

Days 16-17: Hanoi to New Zealand

Morning at leisure before, transferring to the airport to board our overnight flight to New Zealand. Arrive home the following morning.

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