Discovering the Jewels of Indochina
February
2–15, 2007
Join us on this customized tour of Vietnam and Cambodia that is the result
of research and experience on the part of our tour director, Peter Karl.
Vietnam and Cambodia, both ex-French colonies, are countries marked by struggle
but also shaped, defined and strengthened by it. Vietnam in particular has absorbed
many outside influences and combined them into a unique national character. The
results are delightful - Confucian/Buddhist morals, French inspired architecture,
cuisine and a contemporary tradition of Chagall and Picasso. Cambodia, while
rising to meet the challenges of the 21st century, has also preserved its ancient
treasures in stunning Angkor Wat and retained the gracious beauty of traditional
folkways. In both of these destinations visitors can expect to receive a warm
welcome in more ways than one.
The Vietnamese people in fact have strong religious impulses that govern much of daily life. About two-thirds of the population would regard themselves as Buddhist in some form or other but into the cultural melting pot one must also add Confucian and Taoist principles, ancestor worship and animism. The fresh Vietnamese cuisine will enchant you with its light and complex flavors. Pate and baguettes share the table with the ubiquitous rice and noodles.
According to Legend....Vietnam was founded as a result of a dragon's loneliness. It seems that the wandering dragon, an ancient symbol of good fortune,came upon a land of unsurpassed beauty. He then assumed human form, married the daughter of the local dragon lord and produced 100 children. Because of the inevitable overcrowding, the family split up. Half stayed in the Hanoi area and the other half moved to the south. History has proven that the Han dynasty of China did find its way south through the mountains and intermarried with the existing population of Hindus and Chams creating the Viets.
Our tour will take us from the north of Vietnam to the coast of Halong Bay.
From the old provincial Capital of Hue, with its Chinese-era temples and mystical
mountains, to the south of Vietnam and famous Saigon and the Mekong Delta region.
Our journey to Cambodia will explore the many wonders of the incredible temple
complex of Angkor Wat as well as many other significant Hindu ruins. Our donations
to the school in Quang Tri will allow the children who suffer from Agent Orange
disease an opportunity to improve their living and educational opportunities.
Lack of resentment....It has been said that the Vietnamese people are a charming,
open and hospitable people. Many an American war veteran, returning perhaps
guilt-laden to the country in recent years, has commented with some surprise
on the seeming lack of resentment displayed by a people who suffered a great
deal. The past is the past and it's not much use continuing to feel regret
for it. This is a pragmatic people who want to get on with the present and
the future!
Join us on this journey where we will discover the many treasures of Indochina which will give you unforgettable memories.
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (flight to be advised - Cape and Islands Travel will be happy to assist you with your International Air Travel Arrangements) (the clients’ own tickets)
Upon arrival at the airport, meet with your Vietnamese English-speaking guide and tour coordinator, Peter Karl. Welcome flowers given to each passenger. Then be transferred 45min to town (regular check in time 2:00p.m.). Group dinner this evening in the hotel restaurant (Vietnamese cuisine) 7:00p.m. Overnight at Sofitel Metropole hotel/ Classic room (D)
Schedule
Click on the links below to view a day to day complete tour schedule.
Arrival and Hotel check in, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, cultural talk, Ethnology Museum, cyclo ride, dinner at Wild Lotus, Halong Bay, sail to islands, seafood dinner on board
Cruise to explore the various grottos and fishing communities, Phu Lang ceramic making village, Hanoi airport for the flight to Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel of Hue (Forbidden Purple City), Holly Bowl Temple, mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, Hoi An, Cham Museum, China Beach.
Lecture about Hoi An, walking tour of the ancient town, Thu Bon River, Danang airport for flight to Saigon, city tour of Saigon, Historical Museum, Ben Thanh, Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the former US Embassy, cooking class and shopping
Mekong Delta, My Tho, flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei, Artisans D’Angkor.
Helicopter flight over Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap, Khmer Dance, Phnom Penh, Luang Praban
-Main Tour Ends -
Optional Cambodia and Laos Extension
Siem Reap – Phnom Penh (flight to be advised) (coach class), Phnom Penh, Vientiane sightseeing/ Vientiane – Luang Prabang (flight to be advised, coach class)
Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Cave, Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang departure (flight to be advised, the clients’ own tickets)
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