Itinerary

1. Day1

   Departure from Toronto

   Transatlantic Flight Hanoi (Dinner: Indochine Restaurant)

   
   
2. Day2

   Arrival in Hanoi/Transfer

   Transfer to/from restaurant Welcome dinner Overnight: M Hotel Hanoi (F Guoman Hanoi) (Premium Room)

   
   
3. Day3

   Halong Bay

   Tour to Halong Bay. Breakfast in Hanoi. Morning tour departure to Holong Bay. Arival at the port around noon, following by a tour onboard traditional, wooden boats in Halong Bay. Short stops on several islands, touring clifs and caves. Seafood lunch followed by sailing around vilages, observing everyday life around the bay. Departure Halong Pier arund 16:30 to Hanoi. Transfer to/from restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.

   
   
4. Day4

   Hanoi

   Sightseeing in Hanoi Visit Museum of Ethnology Visit the Temple of Literature TEMPLE OF LITERATURE: a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, this momument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnams first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stelae on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars. Visit Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House HO CHI MINH'S STILT HOUSE: Near the Mausoleum is the two room stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Visitors also pass the simple three-room bungalow where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1954-8, which has been preserved in the same condition and may be viewed through the windows. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot Thu Du) CHUA MOT COT: built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong and restored in 1922, then burned by the French in 1954 and restored in 1955. The pagoda which is a Buddhist representation of the world in the form of a lotus coming out of the water, contains a statue of Quan An, the Goddess of Mercy. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Rising Sun bridge HOAN KIEM LAKE: located in the centre of the city this is an enchanting body of water. Legend has it that in the mid-15th century, Heaven gave Emperor Ly Thai To a magical sword which he used to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam. One day whilst boating on the lake a giant golden tortoise grabbed the sward. Since then, the lake has been known as the 'Lake of the Restored Sword'. Visit the Old Quarter by cyclo Discover the old quarter of Hanoi by cyclo (1 hour). It is also called "36 streets"; most of which are named after the crafts or merchandise traditionally sold there. Visit a Water Puppet Show WATER PUPPET SHOW: a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi. The Municipal Water Puppet Theater is located on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. Transfer to/from restaurant Overnight: M Hotel Hanoi (F Guoman Hanoi) (Premium Room) Transfer to/from restaurant Overnight: M Hotel Hanoi (F Guoman Hanoi) (Premium Room)

   
   
5. Day5

   Hanoi - Hue

   Transfer Flight from Hanoi to Hue. Sightseeing in Hue Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century. Visit the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Venture into the countryside around Hue to the IMPERIAL TOMB OF TU DUC. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theater performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Afterwards visit the IMPERIAL TOMB OF KHAI DINH, dramatically located on a hillside. The last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, completed in 1931, this tomb incorporates distinct European elements into the traditional Vietnamese architecture. Overnight: Pilgrimage Village Hotel in Hue (Villa Deluxe Room)

   
   
6. Day6

   Hue

   Excursion to Thien Mu Pagoda and Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang with boat trip Enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the PERFUME RIVER, stopping first at the iconic THIEN MU PAGODA, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monument. Continue cruising into the countryside to the IMPERIAL TOMB OF MINH MANG, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a beautiful natural setting. Sightseeing in the Old Imperial City Located in the heart of Hue is the IMPERIAL CITADEL, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking FLAG TOWER, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing NGO MON GATE, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit THAI HOA PALACE, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the HALLS OF THE MANDARINS, and the original NINE DYNASTIC URNS, among other sites. Transfer to/from restaurant Overnight: Pilgrimage Village Hotel in Hue (Villa Deluxe Room) Transfer to/from restaurant Overnight: Pilgrimage Village Hotel in Hue (Villa Deluxe Room)

   
   
7. Day7

   Hue - Hoi An

   By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An with sightseeing in Danang Journey from Hue over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic HAI VAN PASS, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Continue southwards passing LANG CO, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea After arriving in DANANG, tour the CHAM MUSEUM, an elegant colonial building which now houses the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world and briefly pass CHINA BEACH, a famous R&R spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam-American War. Continue south to Hoi An, stopping enroute to visit the MARBLE MOUNTAINS, five stone hillocks, once islands, that now rise sharply from the surrounding ricefields. Riddled with caves and shrines, they are said to each represent one of the five elements of the universe. Overnight: Hoi An Riverside Resort (Superior Riverview Room) in Hoi An

   
   
8. Day8

   Hoi An - Danang - Saigon

   Sightseeing in Hoi An with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia\'s major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The walking tour of Hoi An will visit five of the following sites, followed by a boat trip on the Thu Bon River. QUAN CONG TEMPLE: founded in 1653, this Chinese temple is dedicated to Quan Cong, whose partially gilt statue is in the central altar at the back of the sanctuary. Stone plaques on the walls list contributors to the contruction and repair of the temple. PHUOC KIEN PAGODA: Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese \'clans\' that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen). JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE: the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593. It was built by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun. TRAN FAMILY CHAPEL: this house for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from the family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles. SA HUYNH MUSEUM: located near the Japanese covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An\'s history. SA HUYNH MUSEUM: located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An\'s history. PHUNG HUNG HOUSE: one family has been living here for already 8 generations. The house is a combination of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese style. QUANG DONG PAGODA: this pagoda was open to all Chinese traders or seamen and is dedicated to Thien Hau its a small chinese style temple with a lintel gate, a rockery courtyard and lucky animals depicted in statuary. BOAT TRIP ON THE THU BON RIVER TO KIM BONG VILLAGE ON CAM KIM ISLAND: Kim Bong Village is a village of woodworkers and boatbuilding families. By vehicle from Hoi An to Danang Flight from Danang to Saigon. Transfer Transfer to/from restaurant Overnight: Hotel Grand (Superior Room) in Saigon

   
   
9. Day9

   Saigon

   Sightseeing in Saigon Visit Ben Thanh Market BEN THANH MARKET: this is the central market of Saigon and the market and the surrounding streets make up one of the city's liveliest areas. Everything commonly eaten, worn or used by the average resident of Saigon is available here. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL: built between 1877 and 1883, is set in the heart of Saigon's government quarter. It has a neo-Romanesque form and two high square towers, tipped with iron spires. In front of the cathedral is a statue of the Virgin Mary. Visit Thien Hau Pagoda THIEN HAU PAGODA: built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century. The pagoda is one of the most active in Cholon and is dedicated to Thien Hau. It is said that she can travel over the oceans on a mat and ride the clouds to wherever she pleases. Visit the Reunification Palace REUNIFICATION PALACE: the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, it was stormed by tanks on 30 April 1975, signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state. Overnight: Hotel Grand (Superior Room) in Saigon. Tour to Cu Chi Canal.

   
   
10. Day10

    Saigon

    Excursion to My Tho with a boat trip to Mekong River islands From Saigon, transfer to My Tho, a bustling town in the rich agricultural region of the Mekong Delta and visit the VINH TRANG PAGODA, a beautiful temple and a sanctuary for orphans and other needy children. Afterwards board a local boat to explore the MEKONG RIVER ISLANDS, stopping at a fruit orchard to enjoy fruit and tea while listening to local music. The trip also includes a brief sampan ride through the tiny waterways that thread the island. Overnight: Hotel Grand (Superior Room) in Saigon

    
    
11. Day11

    Saigon - Siem Reap

    Flight from Saigon to Siem Reap Arrival in Siem Reap Transfer Sightseeing in Angkor Visit Angkor Wat The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, ANGKOR WAT is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As you enter the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stonecarvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones. Visit Preah Khan PREAH KHAN: a temple built by King Jayavarman VII with towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors in a jungle setting. Preah Khan covers a very large area but the temple itself is enclosed within a rectangular wall of around 700 by 800 meters. Visit the Chantiers Ecoles (Artisans d'Angkor) LES CHANTIERS ECOLES: vocational centre trains 650 apprentices a year including 160 in fine arts and crafts trades united in the "Artisan d'Angkor production network. Guided tours through the different workshops like stone sculpture, woodcarving, polychromie, and watch the artisan at work. Transfer to/from restaurant Overnight: Angkor Century Resort & Spa (Superior Room) in Siem Reap

    
    
12. Day12

    Siem Reap

    Sightseeing in Angkor Visit Angkor Thom The fortified city of ANGKOR THOM covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter by the monumental SOUTH GATE over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the TERRACE OF THE ELEPHANTS and the TERRACE OF THE LEPER KINGS, former spaces for public cermonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined BAPHUON, ROYAL ENCLOSURE and PHIMEANAKAS before continuing to the mysterious BAYON TEMPLE. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle. Visit Prasat Kravan PRASAT KRAVAN: the five brick towers were built for Hindu worship in 921 and are notable for the bas-reliefs cut into the bricks on the interior walls. Visit Banteay Kdei Temple A massive Buddhist temple dating from the second half of the 12th century, BANTEAY KDEI is surrounded by four concentric walls, the outer walls measuring 500 by 700 meters. Visit Sras Srang SRAS SRANG: a basin opposite of Banteay Kdei measuring 800 by 400 metres with a tiny island in the middle where only the stone base remains of what was once a wooden temple. Visit Ta Prohm TA PROHM: one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. Visit Thommanon THOMMANON: temple which mirrors Chau Say Tevoda (just to the north), as it was built around the same time and has a similar plan. It is also dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Visit Banteay Srei Temple Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, BANTEAY SREI is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Because of its small size, fairy-like atmosphere and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often a favorite with visitors. Transfer to/from restaurant Overnight: Angkor Century Resort & Spa (Superior Room) in Siem Reap

    
    
13. Day13

    Siem Reap

    Transfer for flight to Bangkok. 09:50am/10:40am Arrival Bangkok International airport at 10:40am, after clearing customs and immigration, proceed to the arrival exit where you will be met the guide. Then proceed for the Bangkok City Temple Tour. Approximately 95% of Thailand’s population is Buddhist and they strive to achieve happiness through a combination of good deeds, meditation and the study Buddhist philosophy. For these reasons, thousands of wats (temples) are located throughout the country with around 400 situated in Bangkok. This essential tour takes you to three of Bangkok’s most impressive Watts: Wat Trimitr (the Temple of the Golden Buddha) – Located in Bangkok’s thriving Chinatown district, Wat Trimitr (also called Wat Traimit) is best known as the home of the largest known solid gold Buddha image in the world. Standing at 15 feet tall and weighing in at approximately 5.5 tons, this 700-year old statue has an interesting history. Originally covered in plaster to hide it from 18th Century Burmese invaders, the real treasure inside wasn't discovered until 1955 when movers accidentally dropped it, breaking its stucco exterior. This set off a national treasure hunt for similar masterpieces, but none rivaling the Golden Buddha were ever found. Wat Po (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) - Built in the 16th Century, Wat Po is Bangkok's oldest and Thailand's largest wat. The main feature here is the enormous 45 meter (made of plaster and covered with gold leaf) Buddha lying majestically on its side (which is the position required to pass into Nirvana). is an enormous Buddha covered in gold leaf. The soles of the statue’s feet are covered with mother of pearl and feature the 108 different characteristics of Buddha. Wat Po is also famous as the home of Thailand's first public university and a place where one can learn (and receive) a traditional Thai massage. Wat Benchamabophit (the Marble Temple) - This fine example of Thai architecture (with European neo-classical influences) is built mostly from white Carrera marble imported from Italy. Inside, visitors will see Phra Buddhajinaraja, a Buddha image made from 2.5 tons of bronze that resides over the ashes of King Rama V. If time permits, guests on this tour can see gifted Thai craftsman create works of art from the world famous sapphires, rubies and emerald. Then check in to the hotel Overnight in Bangkok Rembrandt Hotel (Superior room)

    
    
14. Day14

    Bangkok

    Breakfast in hotel. Touring and visiting throughout the day floating boat farmers markets about 110km from Bangkok. Touring NAKORN PATHOM highest part of CHEDI in THAIL and known as "PHARA PATOM CHEDI"

    
    
15. Day15

    Bangkok – departure (Breakfast) Breakfast at hotel. Free until departure. Check out time is at 12:00 hrs. Transfer to Bangkok airport for departure flight.