discover vietnam & cambodia - targettours.ca · this morning we start a full day cruising,...

Vietnam & Cambodia Tour 2020 1

Discover Vietnam & Cambodia

May 14th to 29th, 2020 15 nights, 16 days Summary Itinerary

Thursday, May 14th Day 1 Fly to Hanoi

Depart from your select Maritime airports (Charlottetown, Fredericton, Moncton or Halifax) for

your overnight flight to Hanoi via Toronto. Try to get some sleep before your arrival in Hanoi. A

light meal and breakfast will be served on board the flight.

Friday, May 15th Day 2 Arrival – Hanoi

Upon arrival at the airport in Hanoi we will meet our

guide and driver and transfer to the hotel. After a short

rest, we will visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and

enjoy a one-hour cyclo/electric cart drive around the

ancient quarter.

Today lunch will be on your own however this evening we

will have an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: MK Premier or similar (D)


Saturday, May 16th Day 3 Hanoi – Full Day City Tour

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and meet with your

Tour Director.

This morning we travel to the historical complex of Ba

Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh announced

the independence of Vietnam on September 02, 1945.

There will be a photo opportunity and visit of the

President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. We will also visit

President Ho Chi Minh’s House and Garden, Ho Chi Minh Museum (if available) and the

outside of the Presidential Palace, where the heads of states and countries are received (closed

to public).

We then proceed to visit One Pillar Pagoda which is

located nearby. Later we visit other attractions such as

the Temple of Literature, Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc

pagoda, Ethnological Museum, Historical Museum or

Army Museum with Hanoi’s famous Flag Tower. We will

also have the chance to enjoy the Water Puppetry Show

at the theatre.

An included lunch and included dinner will be served

today at local restaurants with Vietnamese foods.

Overnight: MK Premier or similar (B, L, D)


Sunday, May 17th Day 4 Hanoi – Halong


Tour Director.

This morning we start the journey to Halong through the

rich farmlands of Red River Delta. We will visit Bat Trang

traditional pottery village on the way and take a break

enroute at a special handicraft workshop run for and by

children with disabilities. You will also have a chance to

see skillful products made here. Enjoy a cup of tea, try the

local sweets, walk around or just relax to stretch your legs before continuing the journey.

Upon arrival at Halong wharf early this afternoon we board the Junk and will be provided with

an overview of the ship and regulations for safety. You will then be able to check into your

cabin. The boat starts cruising into Halong Bay, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the

amazing karsts with different formations. We will stop at an island to relax, swim or climb up

the peak of the mountain to enjoy the panorama view of Halong Bay before cruising to a quiet

firth. An included lunch and included dinner will be served on board.

Overnight: Syrena Junk Boat or similar (B, L, D)

Monday, May 18th Day 5 Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay


Tour Director.

This morning we start a full day cruising, going further

into the bay area and participating in activities on Halong

Bay to Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay such as visiting the

villages on the island, cycling, kayaking, relaxing on the

deck or at the beach, enjoy swimming in the emerald

water of the bay. We will visit fishing villages along the

way and try a rowing boat ride, if it is available.

Today an included lunch and included dinner will be served at the beach or on the boat.

Overnight: Syrena Junk Boat or similar (B, L, D)


Tuesday, May 19th Day 6 Halong – Hanoi

Early risers today can enjoy a morning view of the Bay’s

landscapes as they enjoy an included light breakfast: a

cup of tea, coffee, cookies, snacks, fresh fruits. Sitting on

the upper deck, enjoy the breath-taking beauty of rocky

islands rising from the crystal-clear waters. The quiet is

almost eerie; you can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping

ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against the

boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze. Enjoy the cruise on

the bay and exploring the grottoes.

Later this morning the boat starts cruising back and an included brunch will be served. After

brunch, we will check out of the cabins and disembark and travel back to Hanoi. We will be

back in Hanoi late afternoon and will proceed to the hotel for check in.

The rest of the day will be enjoyed as free time exploring the area. Dinner is on your own this

evening.

Overnight: MK Premier or similar (B, Brunch)

Wednesday, May 20th Day 7 Hanoi – Hue – Half Day Tour


Tour Director.

This morning we will travel to the Noi Bai Airport for a

short flight to Hue, the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival at the No Bai Airport in Hue, we will be

welcomed by a guide and driver and enjoy a half day city

tour to visit the Former Forbidden City (Imperial

Citadel).

We will then go to the pier for a boat trip on the romantic Perfume River and visit Hue’s best-

known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda. Later in the afternoon, we will travel to visit Dong Ba

Market, one of the symbols of Hue City.

Today lunch is included is at local restaurant. This evening an included Royal Style Dinner will

be served at local restaurant or at the hotel.

Overnight: Eldora Hotel or similar (B, L, D)


Thursday, May 21st Day 8 Hue – Half Day Tour – Da Nang – Hoi An


Tour Director.

This morning we visit Tu Duc Kings’ tombs and Minh

Mang Kings’ tombs.

This afternoon we leave Hue for Hoi An ancient city, the

UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was a major Asian

trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries. Visit the photogenic fishing village of Lang Co and

Hai Van (Cloud Sea) Pass. Enjoy the wonderful view from the peak of the pass. Enjoy a visit to

Da Nang city to visit Marble Mountain - climb up or going up by elevator to visit the mountain

and enjoy the panorama view of Da Nang and surrounding area.

We will arrive in Hoi An late afternoon and proceed to check in to the hotel. The rest of the day

is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Lunch is on your own (not included) today. This evening included dinner will be served at a

local restaurant.

Overnight: Rosemary Hotel or similar (B, D)


Friday, May 22nd Day 9 Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An – Half Day City Tour


Tour Director.

This morning we have a half day tour to visit the former

political capital and religious centre of the former

Champa Kingdom, My Son, the UNESCO World Heritage

Site. It is graphically illustrated by the remains of a series

of impressive tower-temples located in a dramatic site in

a lush green valley surrounded by high mountains. This

location gave My Son strategic significance as an easily

defensible stronghold. There are dozens of red brick

towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 4th and

13th centuries. The sanctuary area is one of the most

famous Champa architectural and sculptural monuments

in Vietnam. Enjoy a Champa dance performance at the

site if time permits. We will also walk in the forest to visit

the ruins of the ancient towers.

Travel back to Hoi An. On our return, we will visit the Tra Kieu, formerly known as Simhapura

or the Lion Citadel, the capital of Champa between the 4th and 8th centuries. Enjoy a boat trip to

visit Thanh Ha pottery village and Kim Bong carpentry village. We return to the city centre for

a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit Hoi An/Silk Road Museum, the former

merchants’ homes, the over 300-year-old Japanese style bridge and the local market,

handicraft workshop. Enjoy folklore music if time permits and also learn how to make lanterns

or cook Vietnamese dishes through hands-on demonstrations.

Today an included lunch will be available at a local restaurant. Dinner is on your own (not

included) to explore the ancient city.

Overnight: Rosemary Hotel or similar (B, L)


Saturday, May 23rd Day 10 Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)


Tour Director.

This morning we check out of the hotel and transfer to Da

Nang city to visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, the

largest collection of Cham artefacts. We then travel to the

Da Nang Airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City – still

called Saigon by many locals. Upon arrival at Tan Son

Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City, we meet our transfer to

the hotel and check-in (if rooms are ready).

This afternoon we will have a half day city tour which will

include visits to the Reunification Hall, the former

Presidential Palace of the South, the Central Post Office,

and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

You will also have free time to shop or explore the busy

Ben Thanh market or Le Loi / Dong Khoi Streets.

Lunch is on your own today. This evening enjoy an

included dinner at local restaurant or a floating

restaurant cruising along the Saigon River with music and a show.

Overnight: Paragon Hotel or similar (B, D)


Sunday, May 24th Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi


Tour Director.

This morning we take an excursion to Tay Ninh to visit the

Cao Dai Holy-See, centre of Caodaism Religion which is a

syncretistic, monotheistic religion officially established in

the city of Tay Ninh, southern Vietnam, in 1926. Attend

the Noon Mass, which is the most important among the 6

times daily, to watch the only colourful religion mass in the world.

This afternoon we leave Tay Nin and travel to Cu Chi to visit an amazing complex of

underground tunnels used during the American war. Upon arrival at Cu Chi tunnel area, you

will watch a short introduction on the underground tunnel system and have an opportunity to

go underground to see the intricate pattern of tunnels and learn tactics of the revolutionary

forces. Try the local tea with popular foods of the wartime: Cassava (tapioca), pressed steamed

rice and peanut / sesame powder with salt. After enjoying 1-2 hours walking in the area, we

drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Today lunch is on your own (not included). An included dinner will be served at local restaurant

with a buffet menu.

Overnight: Paragon Hotel or similar (B, D)


Monday, May 25th Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City


Tour Director is morning. We will visit Cho Lon Big

Market and Thien Hau Heavenly Lady temple in China

Town before leaving for a full day excursion, escaping

from the bustling Saigon urban sprawl for the province of

Mekong Delta.

Arrive at Cai Be, a small town located on the Upper

River’s bank. We will take a boat trip, cruising along the Mekong River and following small

canals, flowing sluggishly between the two banks of luxuriant vegetation, to Cai Be floating

market, fruit orchards, and a traditional family-run brick kiln. We will stop at an island, walking

through the country street visit a traditional family run workshop of rice paper, coconut candy,

and more. We will also visit the farmer’s fruit garden or bonsai garden.

We will then return to the boat, swinging through the canals, to visit an ancient house of the

delta where we enjoy traditional music and tropical fruits. Continue by boat to Vinh Long, a city

on the other riverbank.

Following the cruise we will then travel back to Saigon crossing My Thuan Bridge – the first

bridge over the Mekong River in Vietnam in 2000.

Today an included lunch will be served at a farmer’s garden with Mekong Delta specialties. This

evening dinner is on your own (not included).

Overnight: Paragon Hotel or similar (B, L)

Tuesday, May 26th Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Siem Reap, Cambodia


Tour Director.

This morning we have some free time before our transfer

to the Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City for our

flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

This afternoon, upon arrival at the airport in Siem Reap, a

guide and driver will transfer us to the pier to take a one-

hour boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake where we will visit the floating village. After the boat trip we

will drive back to the city to visit the handicraft workshop and the local market.

Lunch is on your own today. Enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Overnight: Royal Angkor Resort or similar (B, D)


Wednesday, May 27th Day 14 Siem Reap – Full Day Tour


Tour Director.

This morning we transfer to Angkor Area, the UNESCO

World Heritage Site. Here we will visit the South Gate of

Angkor Thom – the Great City, the famous Bayon temple

built in 12th century in the centre of the “jungle city”,

remaining one of the most enigmatic temples of the

Angkor group composed of 54 gothic towers decorated with 216 smiling faces of

Avalokitesvara. We also visit the Terrace of Elephants, once used as an audience hall and for

public ceremonies. The King would appear here daily to listen to the complaints and problems

of the citizens. Next, we will see the Terrace of the Leper King featuring a statue which is

believed to be a depiction of King Yasovarman I who suffered from leprosy. Finally, we visit the

small twin temples of Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. These Hindu temples are dedicated

to Shiva and Vishnu and are enshrined with unique types of female sculptures of devatas. Chau

Say Tevoda is located just south Thommanon.

This afternoon we visit the magnificent Angkor Wat –

one of the world’s largest religious monument sites.

Followed by a visit to the Rolous Group - Preah Ko, Ba

Kong and Lo Lei temple. Later this afternoon we head to

the Phnom Bakheng hill to view the setting sun.

Today an included lunch will be served at local

restaurant. An included dinner will be served at a local

restaurant with Apsara Dance show.

Overnight: Royal Angkor Resort or similar (B, L, D)


Thursday, May 28th Day 15 Siem Reap – Half Day Tour – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

This morning we get up early to be transferred by car or

Tuk-tuk or cycle to enjoy the sunrise in Angkor Area,

weather permitting. We than return to the hotel for a

complimentary breakfast.

After breakfast we visit the Fabulous Ta Prohm Temple,

embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic

creepers. This quiet sprawling monastic complex is only

partially cleared of jungle overgrowth. Intentionally left partially unrestored, massive fig and

silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors offering some of the best “tree-in-temple”

photo opportunities at Angkor.

Next, we see the Ta Keo temple, towering but plainly

decorated temple-mountain dedicated to Shiva. Known in

its time as ‘the mountain with golden peaks.’

This afternoon we travel to the airport for a flight to Ho

Chi Minh City. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City in the late

evening, a guide and driver will meet us and transfer us to

our hotel. Check in and relax. The rest time of the day is

your time to enjoy at your leisure.

Today an included lunch is served at local restaurant.

Dinner will be on your own (not included) to explore the city.

Overnight: Paragon Hotel or similar (B, L)

Friday, May 29th Day 16 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Departure for Canada

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and meet with your Tour Director. Today we transfer to the

airport for our flight back to select Maritime cities with many happy memories of our Vietnam

and Cambodia Tour.


Includes:

• Flights from select Maritime cities (PEI, NS, or NB) to Hanoi and return from Ho Chi Minh

City (Saigon) and inter-island flights

• Airport transfers at destination

• Tourist visa applications for all countries visited (~$50 USD per passenger charge upon

entering Vietnam is not included and must be paid individually)

• 12 nights of accommodation in 3- to 4-star hotels

• Meals including breakfast daily, 1 brunch, 7 lunches, and 10 dinners

• 2-day Halong Bay cruise aboard Syrena Junk Boat (or similar) including accommodations

• Private boat excursion in Hue and Mekong Delta

• Entrance fees at sites as per itinerary

• Local guide throughout land portion

• Maximum 28 group participants

• All taxes and fees

• Services of a professional Tour Director


Important Notes:

Mobility Requirements This tour will require lots of walking and an active pace. This tour is suitable for individuals who

can manage walking and standing for moderate to long lengths of time. Certain aspects of the

tour may be difficult for individuals with mobility impairments.

Tour Director and Driver Your Tour Director and Driver play an important role in making your vacation as memorable

and hassle-free as possible. While optional, gratuities are a great way to show your

appreciation. The suggested industry guideline is $4.00 to $6.00 per person, per day for your

Tour Director and also your Driver. This should be extended on a voluntary and individual basis

at the completion of the tour.

Travel Protection Your tour price does not include travel protection. If you are covered, we advise you to look

into coverage details, if there is a deductible, if you need to pay up front, and where to call in

case of emergency. We highly recommend medical, trip cancellation and trip interruption

coverage. If you would like a quote, please call our office at 1-877-214-5367. Proof of out-of-

country medical coverage is required to participate in this tour.

After Booking

• We will send you your receipt and proof of reservation via email or mail.

• Before final payment we will reach out to you via phone or email to remind you of your

final balance and determine final method of payment.

• About 2 - 3 weeks prior to departure we will send you your Detailed Itinerary which will

feature exact times and locations as well as details on your Tour Director.

• Around one week before departure you will be contacted by your Tour Director via

email or by phone to introduce themselves and ask if you have any questions before

departure.

Target Tours

P.O. Box 2693 Charlottetown, PEI C1A 8C3

1 877 214 5367 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

discover vietnam & cambodia - targettours.ca · this morning we start a full day cruising,...

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