Halong Bay Holidays
Sample Itinerary - REF SOUTHEAST ASIA 334
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Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Early this morning we drive to the strikingly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, we board our traditional wooden junk boat and cruise the emerald waters studded with a thousand or so karst limestone islands. Later opt for a refreshing swim in one of the many sheltered coves before taking row boats to the floating fishing village of Vong Vieng. Tonight there's a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before an impressive seafood dinner is served.
Day 3: Halong Bay - Hoi An
Wake up to spectacular views of the bay. Cruise through Bai Tu Long and visit the floating fishing village of Vong Vieng, where you can gain a fascinating insight into everyday life on the bay. Cruise back to the dock arriving in Halong around noon and transfer back to Hanoi airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An.
Day 4: Hoi An
On a bicycle ride to the local village of Tra Que discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It’s a hands on experience today where you’ll assist with tending the fields and gardens and cooking lunch.
Day 5: Hoi An - Can Tho
Fly to Saigon and drive to the Mekong Delta. The fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as its fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our sampan we’ll cruise to Cai Be’s colourful floating markets and continue downstream through the maze of waterways visiting cottage industries along the way.
Day 6: Can Tho - Saigon
Early morning visit to Cai Rang floating market and drive to Saigon. On a walking tour of the city visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post office and the sombering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure.
Day 7: Saigon - Phnom Penh
This morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a sprawling underground network of tunnels and living quarters used by the Viet Cong during the war. Then we drive to the Cambodian border (crossing at Moc Bai/Bavet) and continue on to the capital of Phnom Penh. Today the nation’s capital offers a bustling mix of Asia’s past and present, a city quickly taking its place amongst the trendy capitals of the region with superb restaurants and a number of attractions.
Day 8: Phnom Penh
Today enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh starting at the National Museum of Fine Arts, a graceful terracotta building of traditional design housing the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. Continue with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, famed for its lavish decorations – the floors are paved with silver tiles and statues of Buddha are encrusted with thousands of diamonds. Later come face to face with the horrors of the Pol Pot regime as we visit Toul Sleng (Security Prison - S21), a school that was gruesomely transformed into a torture chamber under the Khmer Rouge, and visit the Killing Fields where over 10,000 people were executed.
Day 9: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Hotel check out and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Siem Reap. After time to freshen up visit the last capital of the Angkorian Empire – Angkor Thom. This monumental fortified city is encircled by a 100m wide moat and famed for the huge statue heads that glare down from every angle. Continue to the monastic complex of Preah Khan before heading to the mother of all temples – Angkor Wat. This breathtaking monument of man’s devotion to his gods is believed to be the largest religious building in the world and contains thousands of wall carvings and extensive bas-reliefs. In the evening enjoy a walking tour of the old market in Siem Reap.
Day 10: Siem Reap
Early this morning opt to see Angkor Wat bathed in the spectacular golden light of sunrise. Later head out to Banteay Srei temple, considered by many to be the art gallery of Angkor with some of the finest stone carvings in the world. Cut from stone of a pinkish hue, the Hindu temple contains lavishly decorated libraries and stunning reliefs of divinities. The temple expedition continues with visits to Banteay Samre, East Mebon, Pre Rup, Preah Khan, Banteay Kdei and the atmospheric Ta Prohm. Swallowed by the jungle, vast muscular roots envelop the crumbling towers and walls whilst the trees’ foliage dapples the temple in shadow.
Day 11: Siem Reap
Today marks the end of our memorable journey. Lap up the hotel facilities this morning before hotel check out and included departure transfer to the airport.
