Day 6: Hanoi - Halong Bay

Today is Kay and Ian's anniversary and Hong surprises us with an enormous bouquet. It's a 4 hour bus ride to Halong Bay, but the changing scenery and Hong's commentary keeps us interested. Thankfully there's a "happy room" stop halfway, and a brief shopping opportunity at a factory where disabled people make beautiful ceramics, lacquerware, silk goods etc.
Our luxury junk is just that, with elegant rooms and plenty of seafood included in the copious and delicious meals. We motor around the limestone karsts, then stop for another adventurer. Some choose to kayak, and love the easy paddle, others take what they think is the safer option of a wooden tender. Hmm, they are led onto an even smaller rowboat and rock alarmingly when anyone changes position! All are relieved to return safely to the junk.
Back on board there's happy hour, sping roll making, an amazing buffet dinner then either a French Indochine movie under the stars or an early night. Oh, and the 3 couples on board celebrating special occasions are surprised with beautifully carved watermelon, tho Kay and Ian have had 31 years together, not 40.

Day 5:Hanoi

Hanoi is big - 3 million in the city itself - busy and noisy. Also rainy, but that is a very welcome relief. Our lovely, happy guide Hung instructs us how to cross the road: "look, walk at a steady speed and the maybe 8 lanes of traffic will go around you". Yeah, right, but amazingly it works! We take a huge bus to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s former home, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the Lake of Restored Sword. The queues for the mausoleum are humungeous, but somehow money must change hands and we are taken to another entrance. It's all very regulated and reverent, and a very important place for the Vietnamese to see. The Temple of Literature is especially beautiful, with massive floral displays, students celebrating the end of uni (beautifully dressed), and demos of traditional music -yes we bought the CD for only $5. Duel currency is still ok in the more touristy places. After lunch (street food for some of us and equally delicious cafe for others) there's a one hour cyclo tour around the Old Quarter, seeing all the sights and dodging lots of traffic, good fun. Some then went to a water puppet show, some back to the hotel for a nanna nap, and Ian took his harem of 4 on a hour-long wander through town.
A delicious 9 course Vietnamese banquet completes another wonderful day. Kay and the 2 other "special needs" people (in a dietary sense) are very well catered for at their own separate table!

Day 4: Siem Reap - Hanoi

Our tour company is Adventure Destinations and today is just that. We take a boat trip on the "mighty Tonle Sap or Great Lake to witness the fascinating bird life and human activity on the lake’s shores". Because its the dry season the water level was very low (max 1metre), and we were a very full and heavy boat, so we constantly got bogged on the muddy bottom. The steering cable failed twice, we caught a fisherman's net and had to lift the prop to free it, then ran out of diesel so had to climb a steep river bank and walk the last few hundred metres to the bus. Apart from that we had a great time, passing a floating village complete with shops, cafes, croc farms and a school. We saw many fishermen on the banks and boats and even a floating ice cream seller who was bailing his boat more than selling his goods. We were only an hour late getting back to the hotel... There was time for a swim and relax or some more sightseeing, then off to the airport to catch the 6pm flight to Hanoi.

Day 3. Siem Reap

It's been a day of temples: Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat. Such amazing carvings and buildings. They were built in the 12th century, lost to the jungle then rediscovered and uncovered in the early 1900's. Our guide Sitar kept us well informed with the history. We even saw the tree Lara raced around in Tomb Raiders.
"It was hot, we're all stuffed, it was amazing today and we did good" is the quote from all. We walked, climbed up and over rocks and steps, had lots of rests on the shade. And drank litres of water to keep us going. Lunch was at a nearby restaurant with plenty of food.
There are so many tourists here that the currency of choice is the American dollar, with the local riel only given occasionally in change. Many of the ladies bought silk scarves today - $2 each or 3 for $5 (started off $10 each). Water is 2 for $1, flutes $1, bamboo hats $1, such fun and easy to bargain.

Day 2 Siem Reap

A huge buffet breakfast tempts us. Some stay safe with muesli, fruit and eggs, but many choose spicy noodle soup. Then it's a free morning for $5 haircuts, $2 tuk tuk ride, market shopping or just relaxing. We visit an orphanage after lunch, where beautiful children play with us then sing their repertoire of songs in English.
After that we go to a handicraft centre where young people are taught how to make traditional crafts. Amazingly intricate work with price tags that reflect their quality. A swim, happy hour (buy 2 cocktails for $3.50 each, get one free!), dinner and a cultural show complete our day.
Cambodia is a gentle introduction to Asia -hot but not dreadfully so, quietish streets with gentle traffic, and happy smiling people who are delighted we choose to visit their country.

Siem Reap

It's been a l-o-n-g day but we're finally here. Bus, wait, plane, wait, plane, bus. Goodnight!

Cambodia and Vietnam

VIETNAM & CAMBODIA
The Itinerary

Day 1. Fri 8 March: Melbourne - Saigon - Siem Reap

Depart Melbourne VN780 1135
Arrive Saigon VIETNAM AIRLINES 1625
Depart Saigon VN3823 1945
Arrive Siem Reap VIETNAM AIRLINES 2045

Fly from Australia to Siem Reap via Saigon on Vietnam Airlines. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be met and
transferred to the hotel where three nights accommodation has been reserved including breakfast.
Accommodation: Casa Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap

Day 2. Sat 9 March: Siem Reap Breakfast & Dinner

Morning at leisure in the hotel. Choose to relax by the pool or take a tuk tuk around the town or to the market.
This afternooon a visit to the Children’s Sanctuary Orphanage and the Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles
(IKTT). Housed in traditional Khmer architecture, IKTT serves to further the preservation of Cambodian national
heritage by encouraging the young generation to learn traditional silk-making techniques passed down by their
ancestors. Dinner tonight at a local restaruant.
Accommodation: Casa Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap

Day 3. Sun 10 March: Siem Reap Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning after breakfast visit Ankor Thom (13th century), including the South Gate, the Bayon, the Terrace
of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, Royal Enclosure finishing at the Ta Prohm which is mystically
enveloped by the jungle. Please note Ta Prohm is a 1.5km walk from the car park.
In the afternoon visit the epic Angkor Wat, viewing its well known architecture and bas-reliefs.
Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Accommodation: Casa Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap

Day 4. Mon 11 March: Siem Reap - Hanoi Breakfast

This morning take a boat trip in the mighty Tonle Sap or Great Lake to witness the fascinating bird life and human
activity on the lake’s shores. The afternoon is at leisure. For your convenience your room is held until departure for
the airport to connect with the flight to Hanoi.

Depart Siem Reap VN836 1805
Arrive Hanoi VIETNAM AIRLINES 1945

Upon arrival in Hanoi, met and transferred to the hotel where overnight accommodation has been reserved including
breakfast.
Overnight: La Belle Vie, Hanoi

Day 5: Tue 12 March: Hanoi Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s former home, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple
of Literature and the Lake of Restored Sword and one hour cyclo tour to the bustling old Quarter. Remainder of
the day is at leisure.
Optional Tour: In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show- a remarkable Vietnamese art form that combines traditional
music, fireworks, underwater puppeteers and elaborate puppets floating gracefully over water.
Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.
Overnight: La Belle Vie, Hanoi

Day 6: Wed 13 March: Hanoi - Halong Bay Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive through the countryside to Halong Bay. On arrival enjoy a refreshing welcome drink before boarding the
purpose built Junk. Cruise to grand Halong Bay through the limestone cliffs rising from the emerald waters - photo
opportunities of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, and visit Sung Sot the most beautiful cave of the 14
biggest caves in Halong Bay. Opportunity to swim at Titov beach or Soi Sim beach or just simply relax on the beach.
Alternatively take a kayaking trip from Titov Beach to Luon. Enjoy dinner on board. This evening relax or try some
fishing. Overnight on board.
Accommodation: Private cabin, Huong Hai Junk (First Class)

Day 7. Thu 14 March: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue Brunch & Dinner

This morning visit Luon Cave on a small bamboo boat then cruise past Man’s Head Island and Tortoise Island.
Brunch on board before arriving at Halong wharf. Disembark & transfer to Hanoi for dinner at a local restaurant
before transferring to the airport for the flight to Hue.

Depart Hanoi VN1545 2010
Arrive Hue VIETNAM AIRLINES 2120

On arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight accommodation, including breakfast.
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel, Hue

Day 8. Fri 15 March: Hue - Hoi An Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the morning boat cruise through the centre of Hue on the romantic Perfume river. Visit the seven-storey Thien
Mu Pagoda along the riverbank then visit the Imperial Citadel. Return to the hotel to check out then visit the tombs
of Emperor Tu Duc after lunch. Drive direct to Hoi An via Hai Van pass. Arrive Hoi An early evening, and check-in to
the hotel for three nights accommodation, including breakfast. Lunch and Dinner at local restaurants. (Dinner will
be served based on a Western Menu).
Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel, Hoi An

Day 9. Sat 16 March: Hoi An Breakfast

Take a half-day leisurely walking tour of this quaint town (called The Ancient town of Hoi An and was World Heritage
Listed in 1999), visiting ancient merchants’ houses, a Hokkien temple, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered
Bridge, and the colourful riverside market. Visit a family-run business making lanterns. This hand craft work is very
simple and easy to do. Let your creative side go wild and design a lantern starting from making the frame to gluing
cloth. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel, Hoi An

Day 10. Sun 17 March: Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An Breakfast

Today is at leisure. Optional tours available include:

My Son
Visit the extraordinary ruins of My Son in a remote jungle valley. My Son was formerly the centre of the Cham
Kingdom and was registered as a World Heritage Site also in 1999. Over 20 well-preserved monuments remain.

Tra Que

Drive to Tra Que Village for a visit to a kindergarten built by Vidotour. Join the pupils in planting trees before walking
to a farm to discover traditional gardening methods. Taste the local specialty “Tam Huu” spring rolls and indulge in
a traditional herbal footbath.
Boat Cruise to Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Take a boat cruise on Thu Bon river to Thanh Ha pottery village and visit a traditional pottery workshop for some
hands on experience in shaping pottery items.
Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel, Hoi An

Day 11. Mon 18 March: Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh Breakfast & Dinner

This morning transfer from Hoi An to Danang Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Depart Da Nang VN1317 1330
Arrive Saigon VIETNAM AIRLINES 1440

Upon arrival met and transferred to the hotel where three nights accommodation has been reserved including
breakfast. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Asian Ruby Hotel, Saigon

Day 12. Tue 19 March: Cu Chi Tunnels Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, a scenic drive to the extraordinary Cu Chi Tunnels, just outside Ho Chi Minh City. During the war for
Independence the “Viet Cong” guerrillas built the labyrinth of narrow tunnels virtually underneath U.S. bases, using
these tunnels to hide during bombing raids and to stage surprise attacks. Depending on the season, visitors can
see harvesting or planting of rice fields en route. View occupations such as cashew nut farming and production of
rice paper, a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
This afternoon return to Ho Chi Minh city for a half day city tour. Visit the War Museum, Reunification Palace
(the former Palace of South Vietnam’s President), Notre Dame Cathedral, the ornate French colonial Post Office,
Chinatown, the bustling colourful Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple.
Accommodation: Asian Ruby Hotel, Saigon

Day 13. Wed 20 March: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for the Mekong Delta. At My Tho take a boat cruise along the river and a short walk to visit
a handicraft workshop with products made from coconut tree. Experience a horse-drawn cart to visit a local house
and enjoy tea and tasting some tropical fruits grown in the region. Float on a sampan through the narrow, tree-lined
canals of the Mekong Delta. After lunch visit a family-run business making coconut candies before returning to My
Tho mainland. Visit the Vinh Trang pagoda if time permits. Return to Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon.
Lunch and dinner will be at a local restaurant. (Dinner will be served based on a Western Menu.)
Accommodation: Asian Ruby Hotel, Saigon

Day 14. Thu 21 March: Saigon - Melbourne Breakfast, for most of the group

Today is at leisure. For your convenience the hotel room is held until departure for the airport for the return flight to
Australia.
Depart Saigon VN781 2100

Day 15. Fri 22 March: Melbourne
Arrive Melbourne VIETNAM AIRLINES 0935

For Kay and Ian: 3 nights at Da Lat, 3 nights at Nha Trang, then fly back Thursday 28th at 2100