Alluring Vietnam & the Temples of Angkor with Bangkok & Singapore

Day 1

ARRIVE IN HANOI, VIETNAM Hello Vietnam Welcome to Hanoi, the nation’s capital and one of Southeast Asia’s most engaging cities. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

Day 2

HANOI The Streets of Hanoi & Uncle Ho Take a [LF] cyclo ride and walking tour through the Old Quarter. Then, look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. Visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda are visits to the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Lunch is served at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. You will also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, more than 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university, followed by the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Join your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner this evening. (B,L,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
OLD QUARTER PEDALING The ancient Old Quarter is comprised of 36 streets, which once made up the thriving center of the city. The best way to explore this fascinating area is by cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) and foot. Here, peddlers’ trade as they have for centuries and you can find them based on the street name, which reflects the trade found there like Fish Sauce, Silk, and Bamboo. Along the way stop for an egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty!

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Consider an outing to see a famed Hanoi water puppet performance. Dating back to the 11th century, water puppetry originated with farmers entertaining their family after the rice harvest.

Day 3

HANOI–HA LONG BAY Peaks, Caves & Bays, Oh My Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on your overnight cruise.
(B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
BAY BLAST Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is dotted with more than 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. Your overnight cruise takes you to explore the caves, and admire the beauty and scale of the many secluded bays.

Day 4

HA LONG BAY–HANOI–HOI AN Central Coasting Call This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight to Danang, on Vietnam’s historic central coast, where you’ll stop to see China Beach, landing point for U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. Continue to nearby Hoi An, an active trading center and a town that has been largely preserved. Architecture here reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders. (B,L)

Day 5

HOI AN Sail, Tackle & Stroll Take a cruise on the Thu Bon River and participate in a [LF] fishing lesson. Later, explore historic Hoi An on a walking tour including an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly hall, and the famous Japanese covered bridge. For dinner, participate in a cooking class. (B,L,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CAST YOUR NET Join a local fisherman to learn about local fishing methods and learn how to throw and retrieve a traditional round fishing net called a ro. Afterward, you will have a chance to throw the net yourself and see what you catch!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PREPARE & SAVOR Participate in a fun cooking class for dinner and learn to make Hoi An specialty dishes including fried spring rolls, grilled fish in banana leaves, and beef salad in a bamboo basket.

Day 6

HOI AN–HUE Rest & Ride Time at leisure this morning. Then stop at China Beach and over spectacular Hai Van Pass, considered one of the most scenic in all of Vietnam, before arriving in Hue. One of Vietnam’s former capitals, Hue is a beautiful, welcoming city that remains a cultural and religious center. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Spend time at the beach, visit nearby My Son, or explore pottery and wood carving villages.

Day 7

HUE Dynastic Hue This morning’s sightseeing provides a unique window into Vietnam and its complex past. Visit the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors: the Khai Dinh Mausoleum and the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc. After lunch, visit the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city by cyclo. (B,L)

Day 8

HUE–HO CHI MINH CITY Seeing Saigon Today, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. (B)

Day 9

HO CHI MINH CITY Meandering Streets, Landmarks & Markets A walking tour introduces you to the city’s famous and historic landmarks. The route 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, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, followed by Ben Thanh Market, the largest and oldest in the city. After some free time, join your traveling companions at a special welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,L,D)

Day 10

HO CHI MINH CITY. CU CHI TUNNELS EXCURSION Tunnel Vision Drive through vast expanses of rice paddies to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles long that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE The city is booming, and pulses with contagious energy day and night. Sample local food from a street vendor, get a foot massage, or spend more time on Dong Khoi Street. Tonight, be sure to stop at one of several rooftop bars for a drink and magnificent views of the city. Your Tour Director will be on hand to assist with recommendations.

Day 11

HO CHI MINH CITY–SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Captivating Cambodia This morning, board your flight to Siem Reap, which will act as your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular archaeological ruins on Earth! (B,L)

Day 12

SIEM REAP Awe-Inspiring Angkor Explore the Angkor Temple complex with visits to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon Temple. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
IT’S COMPLEX Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the Temples of Angkor were built around the Khmer interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of the temples is arguably unmatched among the world’s ancient ruins. Start your exploration at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat, honoring the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas-reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Next stop is Angkor Thom to see the Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-reliefs. The rest of the day is at leisure.

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE You may consider exploring the temple complex further, a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see a floating village, or an exciting performance of Phare, The Cambodian Circus. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.

Day 13

SIEM REAP Tempting Temples & Study Session This morning, visit Bantaey Srei, a unique temple outside the main complex dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva that was built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. On your return journey stop at a local school to interact with the children. Then, on to Ta Prohm which has been left relatively untouched and surrounded by jungle, with tree roots growing over and through the ruins. You’ll be able to experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
DINNER & DANCE Join your Tour Director and traveling companions for dinner followed by a traditional Apsara dance performance, where the ancient Khmer culture is brought to life by talented dancers, singers, and musicians.

Day 14

SIEM REAP–BANGKOK, THAILAND Capital Gains Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, where you’ll spend the next three nights. (B)

Day 15

BANGKOK Bangkok Bliss Explore Bangkok with our Local Guide. Start the day with a boat ride through the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals, to see family homes, temples, and the way of life that gives this city the nickname “Venice of the East.” Next, stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with Bangkok. Continue to the Grand Palace, comprised of the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. (B,L)

Day 16

BANGKOK Free to Wander Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE You may consider a visit to Jim Thompson’s House, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or an excursion to the colorful Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Day 17

BANGKOK–SINGAPORE Run to the Hills Today, fly to exciting Singapore. (B)

Day 18

SINGAPORE Sublime Singapore Sightseeing with your Local Guide introduces you to Singapore’s highlights. Start with a visit to the National Orchid Garden, which houses one of the largest displays of tropical orchids in the world. Take a walking tour of Chinatown with its unique architecture, food stalls, and bustling markets. Then, embark a traditional bumboat (small water taxi) for a cruise down the historic Singapore River. Your tour ends at Marina Bay, where you will ascend to the Sands Skypark for stunning views over the city. (B,L)

Day 19

SINGAPORE At Your Own Pace Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Visit the Gardens by the Bay, take the popular night safari at the zoo, or explore Malay culture at Changi Village.

Day 20

SINGAPORE Homeward Bound Your southeast Asia adventure ends with breakfast this morning. (B)