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INDOCHINA
CLASSIC
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos |
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This
extraordinary 18-day tour takes in three astounding countries
and 5 World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the contrast of the ethereal
and ancient beauty of Angkor one day, the quaint French
colonial styles of Indochina the next and the intricate
Hindu and Buddhist architecture following that. These extreme
contrasts make this tour one of extraordinary texture and
variety. In these 18 days we journey back in time to many
different stages of development and progress in this extraordinary
part of the world.
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Tour
Summary
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Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Phnom
Penh |
|
02
|
Phnom
Penh |
| 03 |
Phnom
Penh / Siem Reap |
|
04
|
Siem
Reap |
|
05
|
Siem
Reap / Ho Chi Minh City |
|
06
|
Saigon |
|
07
|
Saigon |
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08
|
Saigon
/ Hue |
|
09
|
Hue |
|
10
|
Hue
/ Danang / Hoi An |
|
11
|
Hoi An
|
|
12
|
Hoi An / Danang / Hanoi |
|
13
|
Ha Long
Bay |
| 14 |
Hanoi
/ Vientiane |
| 15 |
Vientiane
/ Luang Prabang |
| 16 |
Luang
Prabang |
| 17 |
Luang
Prabang / Vientiane |
| 18 |
Vientiane
|
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| World
Heritage Sites in Vietnam covered on this tour
|
|
Angkor (1992) |
Angkor
is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East
Asia. Stretching over some 400 sq. km, including forested
area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent
remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire,
from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous
Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple
with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has
set up a wide- ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic
site and its surroundings. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Vietnam covered on this tour |
| Complex
of Hue Monuments (1993) |
Established
as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802, Hu� was not
only the political but also the cultural and religious
centre under the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945. The Perfume
River winds its way through the Capital City, the Imperial
City, the Forbidden Purple City and Inner City, adding
natural beauty to this unique feudal capital. |
| Ha
Long Bay (1994, 2000) |
Ha
Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some
1600 islands and islets forming a spectacular seascape
of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature,
most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by
man. The exceptional esthetic values of this site are
complimented by its great biological interest. |
| Hoi
An Ancient Town (1999) |
Hoi
An constitutes an exceptionally well preserved example
of a South-East Asian trading port from the period of
the 15th to 19th centuries. Its buildings and its street
pattern reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign,
that combined to produce this unique heritage site. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Laos covered on this tour |
| Luang
Prabang (1995) |
This
town reflects the exceptional fusion of traditional architecture
and urban structures built by 19th and 20th century European
colonial rulers. Its unique township is remarkably well
preserved, illustrating a key stage in the blending of
these two distinct cultural traditions. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 01 Wednesday:
Arrive Phnom Penh (CAMBODIA)
Sohm swaakohm! (Welcome in Khmer) We arrive in Phnom Penh,
the Cambodian capital, located at the confluence of the beautiful
Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers. The city is considered
to be the loveliest of the French-built cities of Indochina
and was founded as a small monastery in 1372 by a rich Khmer
woman by the name of Penh after she found four Buddha statues
in a tree trunk on the bank of the Mekong. She set up the monastery
at a nearby hill or “Phnom”.
Overnight: Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh (2 nights)
Day 02 Thursday: Phnom Penh
We start the day with a visit to the Wat Phnom temple, where
the first pagoda was built. Later we explore Wat Ounalom, built
in 1443 to house a single hair of Buddha and comprised of 44
structures facing the Silver Pagoda. Next we tour the National
Museum containing a fine collection of Khmer art including
a beautiful 6th century bronze statue of Vishnu. The Tuol Sleng
Museum (Museum of Genocide) became the Khmer Rouge’s
main torture and interrogation center and was known as Security
Prison 21. We culminate the day with a visit to the Central
Market, distinguished by its central dome and filled with shops
selling jewelry, fabrics and all kinds of souvenirs making
it a great place for shopping. (B)
Day 03 Friday: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap (Flight)
This morning we take a short flight to Siem Reap where we tour
the majestic Angkor Wat. This temple was constructed over a
period of 30 years and illustrates some of the most exquisite
examples of Khmer and Hindu art. In 1992, the monuments and
the city of Angkor were declared a World Heritage Site. Our
next stop is at the Angkor Thom, a fortified Royal City (10
square kilometers/4 square miles) encircled by a moat 100 metres/109
yards wide with five monumental gates. In the center of the
walled city are the most important monuments including the
Baphuon, the Terrace of Elephants and the Bayon - Jayavarman
VII’s temple mount standing at the center of Angkor Thom.
This is one of the most popular and interesting of Angkor’s
monuments with its narrow corridors, steep flights of stairs
and an amazing collection of towers.
Overnight: Angkor Century Hotel, Siem Reap (2 nights) (B)
Day 04 Saturday: Siem Reap
We spend another day at Siem Reap and visit more interesting
sites. Banteay Srei, built late in the 10th century, is a square
Hindu temple with entrances on the east and west. We also visit
the three central towers decorated with male and female divinities
and beautiful filigree relief work. Banteay Samre, Ta Keo and
Ta Prohm. One of the most popular attractions of Angkor, Ta
Prohm looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would
have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across
the site. Pre Rup and Eastern Mebon wrap-up an extraordinary
day of sightseeing. (B)
Day 05 Sunday: Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City (VIETNAM) (Flight)
Our morning tour includes Chau Say Tevoda, built during the
12th century, where we visit the Thommanon temple, Neak Pean
Buddhist and Prasat Kravan. Here five brick towers were built
for Hindu worship in 921 and are notable for the intricate
bas-reliefs cut into the bricks on the interior walls. Later
this afternoon we take our flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City),
the largest of Vietnamese cities where we experience the hustle
and bustle of city life; street markets, pavement cafes and
sleek new coffee shops and pubs, the city churns and bubbles.
Within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions
and culture.
Overnight: Majestic Hotel, Saigon (3 nights) (B)
Day 06 Monday: Saigon
We have a whole day to explore some of the most interesting
sites, including the beautiful neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral,
the Central Post Office, the Opera House also known as “Saigon
Concert Hall”, the Jade Emperor Pagoda with its colorful
and mysterious ambiance, the Reunification Palace and Ben Thanh
Market. We also visit the Giam Lam Pagoda built at the end
of the 17th century and the oldest pagoda in Saigon, Binh Tay
Market, and finally the Thien Hau Pagoda, one of the most active
in Cholon. (B)
Day 07 Tuesday: Saigon
Today we take an interesting excursion to My Tho, the capital
of Tien Giang Province. The economy of My Tho is based on fishing
and the cultivation of rice, coconuts, bananas, mangos, longans
and citrus fruits. We have the opportunity to visit the centuries-old
My Tho Church and experience the Central Market, filled with
stalls selling everything from fresh food and bulk tobacco
to boat propellers. Cao Dai Temple in the Long An Province,
is a smaller temple than the one at Tay Ninh, but is well worth
a visit. The Vinh Trang Pagoda is a beautiful and well-maintained
sanctuary where charitable monks provide a home to needy children.
Finally we visit Dragon Island with its many longan orchards
and lush, palm-fringed shores lined with traditional wooden
fishing boats. (B)
Day 08 Wednesday: Saigon/Hue (Flight)
A short flight takes us to Hue, the 19th Century Imperial City
which was for a long time the cultural and intellectual center
of Vietnam. Our Hue tour includes the Citadel that was built
in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City
in Peking. Ngo Mon Gate is the principal entrance to the Imperial
Enclosure and faces the Flag Tower. The Forbidden Purple City
was reserved for the personal use of the emperor and the only
servants allowed into the compound were eunuchs. We enjoy free
time in the evening – an ideal time to mingle with the
local Hue people.
Overnight: Saigon Morin Hotel, Hue (2 nights) (B)
Day 09 Thursday: Hue
A jaunt to Tu Duc Tomb, once the Royal Palace of Tu Duc, begins
our day’s tour. Constructed between 1864 and 1867, its
pavilions are framed in a tranquil setting of forested hills
and lakes. The Khai Dinh Tomb, the last monument of the Nguyen
dynasty, sits magnificently on the slopes of Chau E Mountain
in Chau Chau Village and houses a long staircase flanked by
dragons and decorated with stunning ceiling murals and ceramic
frescoes. Located just outside of Hue on the bank of the Perfume
River, Thien Mu Pagoda was a hotbed of anti-government protests
during the early 1960s. The Emperor Minh Mang Tomb complex
built in 1840 is known for its magnificent architecture, military
statuaries and elaborate decorations. It is perhaps the most
beautiful of Hue's pagodas and tombs, a fitting end to a spectacular
day. (B)
Day 10 Friday: Hue/Danang/Hoi An (Drive 136 kms/85 miles)
We travel to Danang through the Hai Van Pass, crossing the
Truong Son Mountain Range that juts dramatically into the South
China Sea. This mountainous highway offers spectacular views.
Our tour of Danang includes the Cham Museum, founded in 1915
by the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient, it has the finest
open-air collection of Cham sculptures in the world. China
Beach, made famous in the American TV series of the same name,
stretches north and south of the Marble Mountains. The Marble
Mountains consist of 5 stone hillocks made of marble and each
is said to represent one of the five elements of the universe.
The largest and most famous, Thuy Son, has a number of natural
caves, in which Buddhist sanctuaries have been built over the
centuries. We continue to Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town
south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it
was one of South East Asia's major international ports from
the 17th to 19th centuries.
Overnight: Hoi An Beach Resort, Hoi An (2 nights) (B)
Day 11 Saturday: Hoi An
A full day visiting the many interesting sites of Hoi An, including
Quan Cong Temple, founded in 1653. The Phuoc Kien Pagoda was
built around 1690 and is a typical example of the Chinese 'clans'
that were established in the Hoi An area. The Japanese Covered
Bridge, constructed in 1593 was built by the Japanese community
of Hoi An, to link them with the Chinese quarters across the
river. The Sa Huynh Museum contains exhibitions from the earliest
period of Hoi An's history. Finally we visit the Phung Hung
House, a structure that combines Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese
architectural styles and has been the home to one family for
eight generations. (B)
Day 12 Sunday: Hoi An/Danang/Hanoi (Drive/Flight)
This morning we return to Danang for our flight to Hanoi, the
capital of Vietnam. We spend the day visiting this beautiful
city including the One Pillar Pagoda built by the Emperor Ly
Thai Tong and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, final resting place
of Ho Chi Minh, North Vietnam’s great leader. Time permitting
we visit the local market to take advantage of the bargains.
Overnight: Sunway Hotel, Hanoi (2 nights) (B)
Day 13 Monday: Ha Long Bay
A trip to Ha Long Bay includes a boat ride to Hang Dau Go,
a huge cave consisting of three chambers that are reached climbing
90 steps. The cave derives its Vietnamese name from the third
of the chambers, which is said to have been used by Tran Hung
Dao during the 13th century to store bamboo stakes that were
used against Mongol invaders. Bo Nau is the 'Pelican' cave
of interest. Thien Cung is "Heaven Palace". (B)
Day 14 Tuesday: Hanoi/Vientiane (LAOS) (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Vientiane, the Laotian capita located
on a bend of the Mekong River, amidst fertile alluvial plains.
Vientiane is a laid-back city with interesting wats and lively
markets. We visit Pha That Luang (Great Sacred Reliquary or
Great Stupa) built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD,
a symbol of both Buddhism and Lao sovereignty. Patuxai is a
large monument reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris;
the huge arch at the end of Thanon Lan Xang also gives an excellent
view of the city. Haw Pha Kaew is the former royal temple of
the Lao monarchy built in 1565, now converted into a museum
containing some of the best examples of Buddhist sculptures.
Wat Si Saket was constructed in 1818 in the early Bangkok style;
the interior walls of the cloister are punctured with small
niches that contain more than 2000 silver and ceramic Buddha
images. We end the day with a visit to the Talaat Sao Market
to examine the fabrics, jewels and electronic goods available
here.
Overnight: Green Park Boutique Hotel, Vientiane (1 night) (B)
Day 15 Wednesday: Vientiane/Luang Prabang (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital
city of the Lan Xang Kingdom. The city is famous for its historic
temples and an ethereal mountain setting. Wat Xieng Thong,
built in 1560 is situated on the banks of the Mekong River,
is considered the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang
with ancient masterpieces of Lao art. Wat Wisunalat, the oldest
operating temple in the city, boasts a collection of exquisite
gilded wooden Buddha statues dating from the 15th and 16th
centuries. Wat Mai, constructed in 1821, was once the residence
of the Phra Sangkharaj (the Patriarch of the Buddhist clergy).
We complete this incredible day with a visit to Phousi Hill
to take in the sunset.
Overnight: Villa Santi Hotel, Luang Prabang (2 nights) (B)
Day 16 Thursday: Luang Prabang
Today we embark on a day excursion to visit the Pak Ou Caves,
located on a steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong
and Ou Rivers.The two caves are filled with Buddha images of
varying styles, ages and sizes. Ban Xang Hai, located near
the Pak Ou Caves, was once a 'Jar-Maker Village' where the
community fills jars with láo-láo, the local
rice whisky. Ban Thing Hong is located opposite of Ban Xang
Hai and close to Pak Ou. Recently an excavated cave has yielded
artifacts dating back 8000 years, including stone, bronze and
metal tools, pottery, skeletons and fabrics. (B)
Day 17 Friday: Luang Prabang/Vientiane (Flight)
Our day starts with a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace.
Wat That Luang contains the ashes of King Sisavang Vong, interred
inside the large central stupa. The inside of the huge temple
contains a few Luang Prabang Buddhas and other artifacts. Abbot
Ajannn Khamjan was ordained here in 1940 and is one of the
most revered monks in Luang Prabang. Wat Tham Xieng Maen, located
in a 100m/109 yards deep limestone cave, also contains many
Buddha images.Late afternoon, we take our flight to Vientiane.
The evening is free to stroll the local markets in search of
exotic bargains.
Overnight: Green Park Boutique Hotel, Vientiane (1 night) (B)
Day 18 Saturday: Depart Vientiane
After an incredible journey of Indochina we bid farewell as
we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight.
(B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
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Departure Dates |
2008
Jan 02 & 30, Feb 27, Mar 05 & 19, Apr 02 & 16, May 07 & 21, Jun 04 & 18, Jul 02 & 16, Aug 06 & 20, Sep 10 & 24, Oct 08 & 22, Nov 05 & 19, Dec 03 & 17
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| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| 2008 |
3595 |
895 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
• Hotel
accommodation as mentioned or similar
• Meal plan as mentioned (B = Breakfast)
• All
sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Services of local English speaking guides |
• International
Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides
|
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Phnom
Penh / Siem Reap, Siem Reap / Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon
/ Hue, Danang / Hanoi, Hanoi / Vientiane, Vientiane
/ Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang / Vientiane. |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1400 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1200 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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