15 day tour of Vietnam and Cambodia

Departs: 02 August 2009
Price:  At the time of release tour pricing still pending.

Diploma World Travel in association with Wendy Wu Tours 

VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA TOUR 

Prelimenary Itinerary:


Day 1: Sunday 02 August - Sydney to Siem Reap

Depart Sydney on Vietnam Airlines and fly to Siem Reap via Saigon. Upon arrival we are met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel.   Hotel: Royal Crown Hotel.
(Dinner included)  

Angkor Watt Day 2: Monday 03 August - Siem Reap

After breakfast we drive to the fortified city of Angkor Thom. We start at the Southern Gate and continue on to “The Bayon” and its beautifully crafted central towers. From here we visit the Elephant Terrace, which was a giant viewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the King’s Grand Audience Hall. We continue on to the Terrace of the Leper King and in the afternoon we visit the magnificent Angkor Wat. Hotel: Royal Crown Hotel           

(Breakfast, unch and dinner included)    

Day 3: Tuesday 04 August - Siem Reap

Today we visit Banteay Srei, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. We continue to Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei, Kravan, Ta Keo and the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor. Unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it has been left to be swallowed by the jungle. The temple is cloaked in dappled light, its crumbling towers and walls locked in an embrace of a vast root system of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. This evening we enjoy a climb to the summit of Pre Rup temple at sunset for a spectacular view over the surrounding landscape.   
Hotel: Royal Crown Hotel  (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

DAY 4: Wednesday 05 August - Siem Reap - Saigon

This morning we bid farewell to Cambodia and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known by its former name, Saigon. Upon arrival, we are met by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel. Saigon is Vietnam’s largest and busiest city and claims to a population of about eight million. It is the industrial and commercial heart of Vietnam. This afternoon we visit Saigon’s market, Ben Thanh Market, for an introduction to Vietnamese shopping.   Hotel: Lan Lan Hotel  
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included) 

Day 5: Thurday 06 August - Saigon

Today we begin our sightseeing by visiting the former Presidential Palace, War Remnants Museum, the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral and the French style central Post Office. We visit Cholon, the Chinatown of Saigon where we see the huge Binh Tay wholesale market and the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.           Hotel: Lan Lan Hotel    (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)                                                          

Day 6: Friday 07 August -  Mekong Delta (My Tho)

Today we explore the Mekong Delta, the heart of South Vietnam, dotted with rice paddies and fruit plantations. We take
various boat trips to visit local floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations.   Hotel: Lan Lan Hotel
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 7: Saturday 08 August - Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels

Today we have an in depth look at the determination and ingenuity of the Vietnamese when we explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. We then continue to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion practiced mainly in the Mekong Delta.    Hotel; Lan Lan Hotel                                                              (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 8: Sunday 09 August - Saigon to Hoi An via Danang

This morning fly to Danang and visit the Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and famous China Beach before we continue on to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An.   Hotel: Van Loi Hotel
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Fishermen - Hoi AnDay 9: Monday 10 August -  Hoi An

Today we enjoy a walking tour of the old centre of Hoi An.  We visit an old merchant home, still lived in by descendants of the original merchant, the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An market and a local Chinese pagoda and assembly hall. This afternoon we have time to visit the tailors for which this town is known and soak up the charming atmosphere of Hoi An at one of the many riverside cafes along the Tu Bon River.   Hotel: Van Loi Hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Tuesday 11 August -  Hoi An

Considered one of the best-preserved Cham centres in Vietnam, My Son is the former capital of the ancient Cham civilisation that ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th Century. The 1.5 hour drive in the morning will bring us to My Son where there are 20 monuments still standing today, set in the verdant valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by massive Cat’s Tooth Mountain. Stroll around the temple complex to learn about the Cham culture, architecture and civilization before coming back to Hoi An before noon.   Hotel: Van Loi Hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 11: Wednesday 12 August -  Hoi An to Hanoi

This morning we transfer back to Danang to board the Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi. Hanoi is a charming and richly historic city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. It is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and some have called it the “Paris of the Orient”. Its centre is an architectural museum piece, with its blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a provincial French town of the 1930’s. The afternoon is at leisure before this evening’s performance of the famous Water Puppets, a specialty of the north.   Hotel: Bro & Sis Hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 12: Thursday 13 August -  Hanoi to Halong Bay (Overnight)

This morning we travel approximately 3.5 hours with a quick rest stop en route at a handicraft centre and reach Halon City by noon. We will board our private deluxe Junk Boat where a welcome drink awaits. Halong Bay is known as the “Jewel in the Crown” of Vietnam. We will enjoy a delicious seafood lunch while cruising through the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waters like dragons teeth. After lunch we take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay and will get the chance to swim on a quiet beach or sunbath on the deck. This afternoon we visit a fishing village and join a bamboo boat to discover a water tunnel with coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Later unwind at the restaurant for dinner. Spend the night onboard relaxing and watching the sunset over Halong Bay.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).   Boat: Jasmine Junk Boat

Day 13: Friday 14 August - Halong Bay to Hanoi

Wake up early to catch the dramatic sunrise of the bay and enjoy a Tai Chi demonstration on the sun deck. Relax with a hot cup of coffee before departing to the splendid Sung Sot grotto where stalactites hang from ceilings and take on numerous shapes and forms. We continue our cruise around the islands and enjoy a late buffet lunch on board while cruising back to the dock. After docking we drive back to Hanoi through the striking rural countryside of the Red River Delta. On the way, we stop at Phu Lang Village, one of the last survivors of an old pottery village amidst the modern pressure to industrialise. The pottery here is defined by the brown colour and unique patterns. Wander through the village and chat with the artisans at Gom Nhung workshops or try sitting behind a potter’s wheel.   Hotel: Bro & Sis                                                                   
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 14 Saturday 15 August and Day 15 Sunday 16 August - Hanoi to Australia

Today we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum followed by Hoan Keim Lake, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Stilt House and wander through the Temple of Literature. After a late checkout from the hotel, we transfer to the airport to board our overnight flight to Sydney with arrival home the following morning. Domestic connections will then take clients to Brisbane and Adelaide.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included on Day 14)

Email booking request to:  enquiries@diplomatravel.com.au or call enquiries on: 1300 888 999

Tour Price:  At the time of this release Tour Pricing is still pending. Expect to pay approximately $4300.00 per person share twin.  Register your interest now.....  

*Airfares and airline seats are subject to confirmation with Vietnam Airlines at time of booking. 
*Taxes and fuel surcharges as at November 2008 are approximately $600 and are subject to confirmation at time of booking.

DEPOSITS:  A non refundable deposit of $420.00 is due at the time of confirmation of your tour.
Click here for Registration Form

BALANCE OF PAYMENT: Balance of payment is due on or before 26 MAY 2009. 

PRICE INCLUDES:

  International and Domestic fights with Vietnam Airlines
• Accommodation/ meals as stated
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
• English Speaking guide fully escorting in Vietnam
• Local English speaking guide in Cambodia
• Australian & International ticketed departure taxes
• Visa fee for Australian Passport holders
 • Domestic airfares within Australia

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airline fuel surcharges
• Travel Insurance
• Compulsory tipping (approx $80.)
• Drinks with meals
• Credit Card Merchant fees
• Documentation fee $40 per file
• Cambodia departure tax (currently US$25 and paid locally)
• Items of a personal nature.
• Courier visa fee $35 per person

FREQUENT FLYER OPTIONS: Once we are within booking range, and If you have frequent flyer points, you might consider checking with the airlines what frequent flyer  options are available to you. 

This tour should be read in conjunction with the Diploma World Travel Service Booking Form, Privacy Policy and Terms of Trade located at www.diplomatravel.com.au.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: A condition of travel on Diploma World Travel group tours is that all passengers must obtain adequate travel insurance prior to departure. Travel insurance should include cover for unexpected cancellation fees, medical emergencies, etc. Please visit www.insuranceombudsman.com.au or visit our travel insurance page for an online insurance quote.

The itinerary & prices listed are correct at time of going to print and are subject to variation and should be used as a guide only. Tour price is based on a minimum group of 16 passengers. In the event the number is not reached Diploma reserves the right to re cost the tour or operate the tour on a individual basis with Wendy Wu Tours. 

CANCELLATION POLICY:
On confirmation and up to 60 days prior to departure - Loss of deposit
59 – 36 days prior to departure – 30% of the tour price
35 – 10 days prior to departure – 70% of the tour price
9 – 0 days prior to departure – NO REFUND

 

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