Globus > EXPLORING VIETNAM and CAMBODIA

EXPLORING VIETNAM and CAMBODIA
14 Days starting from $3,119

Countries Visited:
Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam

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Length: 14 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: REGIONAL DISCOVERY ASIA
Operator: Globus
Tour Code: OV-2008
   
 
About This Tour


Explore the beautiful and mysterious lands of Vietnam and Cambodia on this 14-day Regional Discovery vacation. Begin with guided sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City and a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war. Enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River, traveling to an island where you can visit a local family’s home and enjoy their hospitality. A short flight takes you to Danang. Enjoy a boat ride on the Thu Bon River and a walking tour of Hoi An. Drive north and visit China Beach, landing point for US soldiers during the Vietnam War, and continue over scenic Hai Van Pass before arriving in Hue. Sightseeing includes a visit to the tombs of the Hguyen emperors, Thien Mu Pagoda, Royal Tombs of Tu Doc, and an Imperial banquet at a famous local restaurant. Fly to Hanoi for a performance of the famous water puppets, as well as visits to One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Presidential Palace, and the “Hanoi Hilton.” From Hanoi, head to Ha Long Bay for a cruise among its limestone islands and many caves. On to Siem Reap, Cambodia, before viewing the highlight of your vacation: the spectacular temple ruins of ANGKOR WAT. A full day of guided sightseeing here, then fly to Bangkok for an evening dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • SPECIALS

City Highlights
HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON):
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; walking tour of the city’s landmarks; visit the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Binh Tay Market, and Thien Hau Pagoda; Cu Chi Tunnels excursion; Mekong Delta excursion and cruise

HOI AN:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; boat ride on the Thu Bon River; walking tour of the city; visit an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly hall, and China Beach

HUE:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the the Imperial Citadel, the Thien Mu Pagoda, Tombs of Hguyen Emperors, Khai Dinh Mausoleum, and Royal Tombs of Tu Doc

HANOI:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; water puppets performance; visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Presidential Palace, and Temple of Literature; take a “cyclo” ride through the Old Quarter; Ha Long Bay cruise

SIEM REAP:
Visit Angkor Wat with a Local Guide

Meals
American breakfast daily (B); 5 lunches (L); 6 dinners (D), including a Welcome Dinner in Saigon and a Farewell Dinner cruise in Bangkok

Hotels:
SAIGON Duxton Hotel (F), HOI AN Palm Garden Resort (SF), HUE Saigon Morin Hotel (F), HANOI Melia Hanoi (F), SIEM REAP Prince D’Angkor Hotel & Spa (F), BANGKOK Montien Riverside Hotel (SF)
Day 1:
(Fri.) Board your transpacific flight.

Day 2:
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. (Sat.) Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in.

Day 3:
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Cu Chi Excursion. (Sun.) Today’s sightseeing starts with a walking tour of the city’s famous and historic landmarks. The tour will take you through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Following a tour of the REUNIFICATION PALACE (formerly the Presidential Palace) and the WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM, drive to Cholon, the Chinatown district of the city, for a visit to the huge BINH TAY MARKET and the ornate THIEN HAU PAGODA. Later, leave the city, driving through vast expanses of rice paddies to visit the CU CHI TUNNELS, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length that were used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. This evening, join your traveling companions at a special WELCOME DINNER hosted by your Tour Director. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Mekong Cruise Excursion. (Mon.) Enjoy a CRUISE on the great Mekong River. Travel south to My Tho, gateway to the Mekong Delta and Vietnam’s “rice bowl.” Board your boat and travel to an island in the middle of the delta where you can visit a local family’s home, enjoy their hospitality, and share some tea or rice wine. Tonight, venture on your own to try some of the local cuisine, an interesting blend of French and Asian flavors. Your Tour Director can assist with dinner recommendations for tonight; maybe you’ll choose to dine at the famous Rex Hotel. (B,L)

Day 5:
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)–Danang–Hoi An. (Tue.) After a short flight to Danang, enjoy a picturesque journey by motorcoach to Hoi An, Vietnam’s active trading center and a town which has been largely preserved. The architecture of Hoi An reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders. Hoi An is also where French Missionary Alexandre De Rhodes introduced Catholicism and Roman script to Vietnam. (B,D)

Day 6:
Hoi An. (Wed.) Today starts with a BOAT JOURNEY on the Thu Bon River. Continue with a walking tour of Hoi An, visiting an old MERCHANT HOUSE, the HOI AN MUSEUM, a CHINESE ASSEMBLY HALL, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Then, free time to enjoy this quaint town. (B)

Day 7:
Hoi An–China Beach–Hue. (Thu). Drive north and visit CHINA BEACH, famous as the landing point for US soldiers during the Vietnam War. Drive over spectacular Hai Van Pass, considered to be one of the most scenic in all of Vietnam, before arriving in Hue. One of Vietnam’s former capitals, Hue is a beautiful and welcoming city and still a cultural and religious center. Upon arrival, visit the IMPERIAL CITADEL and the THIEN MU PAGODA, the unofficial symbol of the city. This evening, enjoy an Imperial banquet at a famous local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8:
Hue–Hanoi. (Fri). This morning’s sightseeing provides a unique window into Vietnam and its complex past. Visit the TOMBS of the HGUYEN EMPERORS, the KHAI DINH MAUSOLEUM, and the ROYAL TOMB of TU DOC. Later, fly to Hanoi, the nation’s capital and one of Southeast Asia’s most engaging cities. An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating performance of Hanoi’s renowned WATER PUPPETS, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century. (B,D)

Day 9:
Hanoi. (Sat.) Start today with a “CYCLO” ride through the fascinating Old Quarter, 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade as they have for centuries. Then, take time to look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. First, visit the MAUSOLEUM and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda are the ONE PILLAR PAGODA, the HO CHI MINH MUSEUM, and the Presidential Palace. Stop at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” before continuing on to mystical Hoan Kiem Lake, where you will enjoy a brief guided walk. Also visit the ancient TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, over 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university. (B,L)

Day 10:
Hanoi. Ha Long Bay Excursion. (Sun.) Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage Site. The Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, is dotted with over 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets that are sprinkled across the Bay. Board a CRUISE that takes you to explore the caves and admire the beauty and scale before stopping at one of the many secluded bays. Return to Hanoi late this evening. (B,L)

Day 11:
Hanoi–Siem Reap, Cambodia. (Mon.) Today, a quick flight brings you to Siem Reap, which will act as your base during your visit to the temples at Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins found on earth! This afternoon is at your leisure. (B,D)

Day 12:
Siem Reap. Angkor Wat Excursion. (Tue.) A full day of guided sightseeing at the magnificent temples of ANGKOR WAT. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the temples were built around the Khmer interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that ultimately evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of the Temples of Angkor, with their remarkable bas reliefs, towers, pools, and absolute immensity, are arguably unmatched among ancient temples anywhere in the world. (B,L)

Day 13:
Siem Reap–Bangkok, Thailand. (Wed.) Today, fly to Bangkok. This evening, enjoy a FAREWELL DINNER cruise on the Chao Phraya River with sweeping views of Bangkok’s modern skyline and riverfront. (B,D)

Day 14:
(Thu.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)


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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
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Single
(Land + Air)
9/12/2008 - 9/25/2008
$3,119
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9/26/2008 - 10/9/2008
$3,119
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10/10/2008 - 10/23/2008
$3,389
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10/31/2008 - 11/13/2008
$3,389
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11/14/2008 - 11/27/2008
$3,389
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12/5/2008 - 12/18/2008
$3,389
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HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON):
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; walking tour of the city’s landmarks; visit the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Binh Tay Market, and Thien Hau Pagoda; Cu Chi Tunnels excursion; Mekong Delta excursion and cruise

HOI AN:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; boat ride on the Thu Bon River; walking tour of the city; visit an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly hall, and China Beach

HUE:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the the Imperial Citadel, the Thien Mu Pagoda, Tombs of Hguyen Emperors, Khai Dinh Mausoleum, and Royal Tombs of Tu Doc

HANOI:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; water puppets performance; visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Presidential Palace, and Temple of Literature; take a “cyclo” ride through the Old Quarter; Ha Long Bay cruise

SIEM REAP:
Visit Angkor Wat with a Local Guide

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Book now and take $200 off per couple on any air-inclusive European Low Season Vacations.*

* Book a 2008/2009 Globus Europe Winter air-inclusive vacation on select carriers to receive the $100 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between June 4 and August 31, 2008 for travel commencing between October 1, 2008 and April 30, 2009. To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed. Offers not valid with one another or any offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Save up to $600 per stateroom on 2009 Globus River and Small Ship Cruises

Discover an entirely new way to uncover the wonders of the world with river and small ship cruises. From a wine tasting adventure through the vineyards of France to island hopping in the Galapagos Islands, you’re sure to find a Globus river or small ship cruise that speaks to your heart. There’s simply no more peaceful way to sample the charming cities and awe-inspiring sights of Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos Islands.

*Book a 2009 Globus River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 off per person offer. Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $125 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between May 14 and August 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed. Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus

Discount for young travelers

Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.

Pay less for your second vacation

We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent.

Triple room reduction

On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room.

Avoid the single room supplement

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!


Do you have a large party of friends or family that wants to travel?

Right now when you book between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75.* For example, book 5 passengers and receive a $375 discount, 6 passengers equals a $450 discount and 7 passengers will receive a $525 discount. With an offer like this, the world’s greatest destinations are now closer than ever!

*Book a 2009 Globus vacation for five, six or seven travelers to receive the $75 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between Jun 4 and Dec 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. Individuals must be traveling together from the same origination point to receive the discount. Not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


   
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