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Bangkok, Cambodia and Vietnam with the Smithsonian Institute
Jan 13 - 30, 2007
Experience the fascinating history, enchanting landscapes and friendly people of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Highlights: Bangkok, Angkor Wat, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Marble Mountain, Hue, Perfume River, Hanoi, Hong Kong - with Smithsonian Institute Guide
- 16 Nights in Asia
- 35 Meals
- - 16 Breakfasts
- - 8 Lunches
- - 11 Dinners
- 4 Nights Bangkok - Thailand
- 2 Nights Siem Reap - Cambodia
- 3 Nights Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam
- 1 Night Hue - Vietnam
- 2 Nights Hoi An - Vietnam
- 2 Nights Hanoi - Vietnam
- 2 Nights Hong Kong
Discover the remains of early empires and feel the energy of modern day life, as guest experts discuss the history, culture, and artistic treasures of this fascinating region. In Bangkok, observe the strong Buddhist influence during visits to colourful, ornate Buddhist temples. Explore the mystical temples of Angkor, including a full day at Angkor Wat, one of the most spectacular architectural achievements in the world. Marvel at beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art. In Vietnam, highlights include: 3 night stay in Ho Chi Minh City with a cruise along the Mekong Delta; the imperial city of Hue with a cruise along the Perfume River, with its gardens, pagodas, and temples; gracious Hanoi with its many cultural treasures and local craftsmen. Conclude the journey with a special visit to Hong Kong, featuring a farewell dinner atop Victoria Peak.
Educational Highlights in Angkor Wat & Vietnam
Renowned for some of the world's finest archaeological sites, Southeast Asia offers a splendid array of ancient treasures. Expert local historians and an archaeologist enhance your journey with discussions that explore the history, culture and modern-day life in this fascinating region of the world.
- Explore the details and significance of the exquisite Khmer and Hindu art found within the Angkor temples, the 12th century masterpiece of Cambodia's Khmer Empire, in the company of a local archaeologist.
- Learn about the conservation efforts in Angkor during a specially-arranged session with a member of the World Monument Fund.
- Enhance your visit to Vietnam with a discussion on the impact of foreign influence and control on current Vietnamese political policies and economic issues.
Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures offers the best in educational travel worldwide. Our custom-crafted tours are created for adventurous travellers like you, who seek the thrill of discovery and learning, combined with flexibility and economical rates. Our local expert speakers really make the difference between simply seeing and truly understanding your destination.
ITINERARY -
Jan. 13: Overnight Flight to Bangkok
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand. Lose a day en route as you cross the International Dateline.
Jan 14: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
You arrive in one of the most fascinating cities in the world, Bangkok - transfer and overnight
Jan 15: Free day in Bangkok
This is a free day to settle into this exotic city (the ancient capital of Siam)
before commencing this exciting tour program. You can rest in the morning,
have a Thai Massage and if you are looking for something to do later in the
day, we can suggest going to the Suan Lum Night Bazaar
(B)
Suan Lun Night Bazaar - Open every day from 3:pm to midnight, the Suan Lum Night Bazaar houses over 3000 shops and stalls set out in comfortable and clean walking zones. Surrounded by a host of restaurants, attractions, the amazing Beer Garden and a shop featuring the arts and crafts of the illustrious Mae Fah Luang Foundation.
Jan 16: Bangkok
A captivating city tour of Bangkok introduces you to this land's religious beliefs. Visit two of Bangkok's famous temples: the Golden Buddha and the Reclining Buddha. Also tour the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in 1782. This evening, savor traditional Thai cuisine during your welcome dinner, followed by a music and dance performance. (B, L, D)
Jan 17 : Bangkok
Today visit Jim Thompson's house (founder of the Thai Silk Company), a magnificent Thai-styled home containing an extensive collection of art objects and antiques. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. An optional excursion through the breathtaking countryside to Kanchanaburi, to the famous site of the Bridge over the River Kwai, is offered. (B, L, D)
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| Erawan Waterfalls, Kanchanaburi - most beautiful waterfalls in Asia | Bridge over the River Kwai |
Kanchanaburi is Thailand's third largest of 76 provinces. It is located 130 kms west of Bangkok and covers an area of 19,480 square kilometers. About 735,000 inhabitants are living in Kanchanaburi which borders Myanmar (Burma) at the north west. Kanchanaburi Town has a population of 54,000 and was originally established by King Rama I as a first line of defence against the Burmesek, who might use the old invasion route through the Three Pagodas Pass on the Thai-Myanmar border. It is situated on the River Kwai, the home of the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, immortalized in Pierre Boulle's novel and David Lean's movie.
Jan 18 : Bangkok - Siem Reap, Cambodia
Take an early morning flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway
to the mystical temple complex of Angkor. Enjoy a tour of the
remarkable fortified city of Angkor Thom and visit the mysterious
temple of Bayon with its astonishing smiling faces and detailed
bas-reliefs depicting scenes of everyday life in the 12th Century.
(B,D)
Jan 19: Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the largest of all monuments in Angkor and one of the most spectacular architectural achievements in the world. Gain an understanding of the ancient Khmer Empire during a full-day visit. See the grand complex of temples and examine the spectacular bas-reliefs illustrating some of the most beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art. After dinner at your hotel, relax or take a stroll down the lively streets of Siem Reap. (B,L,D)
Learn about the conservation efforts in Angkor during a specially arranged session with a member of the World Monument Fund.
Jan 20: Angkor Wat - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Spend the morning at Preah Khan, another of Angkor's incredible sites. At its height in the 12th century, more than 100,000 farmers produced rice to feed over 15,000 monks, teachers, and students. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. (B, D)
Jan 21: Ho Chi Minh City
Experience the extraordinary energy and welcoming atmosphere of Vietnam's commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City, during a guided tour of historic city landmarks. Visit the Palace of the Jade Emperor and Cholon, the city's Chinatown, to see the bustling Ben Thanh market. Later, you may choose an optional excursion to the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast 150-mile long network of underground rooms and passageways used by the Viet Cong. (B, L)
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Ho Chi Minh President Museum |
Can Gio Mangrove Forest |
Vietnam was re-unified in 1975 and at that time the city of Saigon became Ho Chi Minh City. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the heart and soul of Vietnam. It's a bustling, dynamic, industrial centre, the largest city in the country, the economic capital and trendsetter. Yet, within the teeming metropolis, are timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture.
This is a city that churns, ferments, bubbles and fumes. The streets, where much of the city's life takes place, are a jumble of street markets, shops, pavement cafés, stands-on-wheels and vendors selling wares spread out on sidewalks. It's impossible not to be infected by its exhilarating vibe. You will be invited to join a discussion on the impact of foreign influence on current Vietnamese political policies and economic issues.
Jan 22: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta
Today's excursion begins with a cruise along the Mekong Delta. View everyday life along the Delta with visits to local villages along the fertile river banks.
Later, return to the city and visit the War Remnants Museum featuring a diverse collection of weapons and photographs from two Indochina wars. (B, L, D)
Jan 23: Ho Chi Minh City - Hue
This morning fly north to the imperial city of Hue where you will take a cruise along the Perfume River. The views on both sides of the river, with the citadel, gardens, pagodas and temples and their reflections in the water, give this slow-moving waterway a poetic ambiance. You will also visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel, the "Forbidden Purple City", and the former Imperial Palace at this impressive site.
Jan 24: Hue - Hoi An
Today's journey takes you along the coast, travelling from Hue to the city of Hoi An, the 16th- and 17th -century trading port in Vietnam. You will travel along the Hai Van Pass, whose name means "pass of the ocean clouds", as the peak of the mountain is above cloud level, while its foot is close to the sea. Arrive in Hoi An this evening. (B,L,D)
Jan 25: Hoi An
Enjoy a cyclo (pedal cab) tour of the city of Hoi An, an important trading port for all of Asia from the 16th to 19th century. Your visit includes historic temples, pagodas and its famous covered bridge. This afternoon, explore two mausoleums of emperors from the Nguyen Dynasty. Later, travel to Marble Mountain to admire the serene beauty of the natural caves. (B, L)
Jan 26: Hoi An - Hanoi
A morning flight brings you to Hanoi, Vietnam's gracious capital city. Upon arrival, visit one of the city's colorful villages where the local people produce a variety of crafts from ceramics to porcelain. Learn how their skills have been handed down for centuries and have sustained these villagers. Later, enjoy a visit to a local school. (B, D)
Jan 27 : Hanoi
Discover some of Hanoi's cultural treasures during visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Lake of Restored Sword, Temple of Literature, and the One Pillar Pagoda. The afternoon allows time for exploring the Old Quarter,
considered the jewel of Hanoi because of its ideal location around the pristine Hoan Kiem Lake and the labyrinth of narrow streets,
each dedicated to particular merchandise. Following
dinner, we will enjoy a local performance at the world-
famous Water Puppet Theater. (B,L,D)
Jan 28: Hanoi - Hong Kong, China
Today is at leisure before your flight to Hong Kong. (B)
Jan 29: Hong Kong
After a morning at leisure, tour Hong Kong's business district and the fishing village of Aberdeen, where you may take a sampan ride. Next, you are whisked by tram to Victoria Peak for a spectacular view of Hong Kong and its harbor. Your farewell dinner on the Peak offers incredible views of the city. A short but unforgettable cruise takes you back to Kowloon where you will see the Hong Kong light show along the waterfront. (B, D)
Jan 30: Hong Kong - Tour Concludes
Returning home, you will cross the International Dateline and gain a day, arriving home in Canada the same day you depart Hong Kong. (B)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
Weather in South Asia - the whole area is equatorial meaning that it has a relatively consistent temperature and 2 seasons - 'Rainy' and 'Dry' - The Rainy season is May to November, the Dry Season is December to April. April has the hottest temperature - average 28.8 ?C. January has the coolest temperature -average of 25.7?C
Additional taxes and fees to be paid locally
Passports and Visas are required for this tour at your expense. Vietnam visa must be obtained pror to departure. Visa for Cambodia can be obtained at the airport upon arrival. You will need 2 passport photos. . Your tour manager will help you with the Cambodian visa. Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details.
COST:
(per person based on sharing twin/double accommodation) Cad $3507.00 / USD $3149.00
Rate for single accommodation throughout ----------------------Cad $4697.00 / USD $4185.00
Deposit required to hold reservation - Cad $500.00 per person -subject to availability
Balance payment due by November 01, 2006
INCLUDED FEATURES :
- all transfers from arrival in Bangkok on January 15 to departure in Hong Kong on January 30.
- Tour with deluxe accommodation throughout
- Bangkok, Thailand - Radisson Hotel
- Siem Reap, Cambodia - Angkor Century Hotel
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - New World Hotel
- Hue, Vietnam - Saigon Morin Hotel
- Hoi An, Vietnam - Life Resort
- Hanoi, Vietnam - Melia Hotel
- Hong Kong - Harbour Plaza
- Guided program as illustrated in the itinerary
- Escorted by both a Collette Vacations representative and a Smithsonian Institute Guide
- all transportation throughout the program, including all internal flights in the program
* In some locations alternate hotels of same caliber may be used
ADDITIONAL COSTS :
All Taxes - Cad $ 330.00 / USD $295.00
Return airfares
- from Toronto - $2500.00
- from Ottawa - $2650.00
Please feel free to have us quote a return airfare from your city anywhere in North America.
Cancellation Waiver
Take advantage of 'Collette Vacations' waiver insurance plan. For the cost of $300.00 CAD / $270.00 USD you have the option to cancel for any reason up to the day prior to departure for full refund.
