The histories of Cambodia and Vietnam have influenced each other for many generations. Our program covers the best of these two Indochina countries from the Angkorian era to the French and beyond. This journey is one of artistically designed temples, lush scenery and landscape, markets, sounds, music, the scent of the Perfume River and, above all, friendly and sociable people. There can be no doubt, this is a distinct world.

Day 01 (TUE) Sept 02: Vancouver / Hong Kong
Our great adventure begins as we set off with the award-winning airline Cathay Pacific bound for Hong Kong.

Day 02 (WED) Sept 03: Arrive Hong Kong
This evening we are scheduled to arrive Hong Kong at 1955 hrs. After clearing immigration and customs, we will be transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Dorsett Far East Hotel, Hong Kong

Day 03 (THU) Sept 04: Hong Kong / Phnom Penh
Early this morning return back to the airport for our flight to PHNOM PENH, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are reminders of bygone eras; today they teem with life and activity, as motorcycles weave in and out of traffic, vendor hawk their wares, and pedestrians go about their business.
Arrival in Phnom Penh | Transfer | Sightseeing in Phnom Penh
Start your tour at WAT PHNOM, the birthplace of the capital; according to legend the city began here when a woman named Penh found four Buddha statues and built the temple to house them. Afterwards, see the splendor of Cambodia's royal heritage by visiting the ROYAL PALACE, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoi, the adjacent SILVER PAGODA, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, and the elegant NATIONAL MUSEUM, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer art.
Overnight: Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh (B, D)

Day 04 (FRI) Sept 05: Phnom Penh / Siem Reap
Transfer | Flight from Phnom Penh to 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 & quot; Churning of the Ocean of Milk & quot. 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. Watch the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple.
Overnight: Siem Reap Hotel (B, D)

Day 05 (SAT) Sept 06: Siem Reap
Sightseeing in Angkor | 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. 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. 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. PRE RUP: built by Rajendravarman II (ruled 944 to 968), it consists of a pyramid shaped temple with the upper-most of the three tiers carrying five square shrines arranged as a quincunx. The name means "turning the body" and refers to the traditional method of cremation. TA SOM: built in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII for his teacher, Som. Ta Som means & quot; old Som & quot. EASTERN MEBON: temple erected by Rajendravarman (ruled from 944 to 968), it is located on a former islet in the centre of the Eastern Baray. The base of the temple is guarded at its corners by stone figures of harnessed elephants. TA KEO: built by Jayavarman V who ruled from 968 to 1001), it was the first Angkorian monument built entirely of sandstone and was dedicated to Shiva. The summit of the central tower is 50 meters high and is surrounded by four lower towers.
Overnight: Siem Reap Hotel (B, D)

Day 06 (SUN) Sept 07: Siem Reap / Saigon
Transfer | Flight from Siem Reap to Saigon | Arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) | Transfer | Sightseeing in Saigon
A vibrant metropolis, SAIGON teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorcyles, chatting on cellphones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense. Begin your tour of this exciting city with a tour of the historic center, strolling along DONG KHOI STREET, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate CITY HALL (HOTEL DE VILLE), the old OPERA HOUSE (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL and the CENTRAL POST OFFICE. Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the REUNIFICATION PALACE. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Finally, end up at the central BEN THANH MARKET, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.
Overnight: Majestic Saigon Hotel (B, D)

Day 07 (MON) Sept 08: Saigon / Can Tho
By vehicle from Saigon to Can Tho, with a boat ride from Cai Be floating market to Vinh Long
From Saigon, transfer to Cai Be and tour the colorful floating market by boat, continuing through the bywaters and canals of the Mekong Delta to Vinh Long. On the way, stop at different Mekong river islands and visit local workshops producing puffed rice, coconut candy, and other local delicacies. Explore the rural city of Can Tho by cyclo, passing a distinctive Khmer-style temple, the local market, and continuing along back roads. Time permitting, follow the river, and return on the main road past Can Tho University.- Overnight: Victoria Can Tho Hotel (B, D)

Day 08 (TUE) Sept 09: Can Tho / Saigon
Excursion by boat to Cai Rang Floating Market
In the early morning, set out by boat to explore CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET, the biggest and most bustling of the Mekong Delta markets, which attracts fruit and vegetable vendors from all over the region. Buyers on smaller boats weave between the large barges selling wholesale produce. Each vendor advertises fresh samples of their wares on long poles that tower overhead above the colorful boats. Sail through the market, watching people haggle and trade, and possibly sample some of the fruit yourself. By 9 am, the activity has died down and it is time to return to the pier, after exploring some of the backwaters and canals. By vehicle from Can Tho to Saigon.
Overnight: Majestic Saigon Hotel (B, D)

Day 09 (WED) Sept 10: Saigon / Dalat
By vehicle from Saigon to Dalat
Visit Dambri Waterfalls, Pongour Waterfalls & the volcanic craters in Dinh Quan.
Overnight: Hotel in Dalat (B, D)

Day 10 (THU) Sept 11: Dalat / Nha Trang
Sightseeing in Dalat
Dalat is in a temperate region dotted with lakes, waterfalls, evergreen forests and gardens. It is by far Vietnam's most popular honeymoon spot. HANG NGA ART GALLERY: nicknamed the 'Crazy House' by locals, this guesthouse, café and art gallery is run by the gallery's designer, Mrs. Dang Viet Nga, who lived in Moscow for 14 years. The architecture of the place is undeniably unique with whimsical touches including caves, giant spider webs and a concrete giraffe. VALLEY OF LOVE: named the Valley of Peace by the Emperor, its name changed in 1972 by romantically minded students from Dalat University. There are paddleboats, canoes and motorboats available to rent. Local delicacies (jams, candied fruits) are on sale here. DALAT CATHEDRAL: built between 1931 and 1942 for use by the French residents and holiday makers. Inside, the stained-glass windows bring a hint of medieval Europe to Dalat. By vehicle from Dalat to Nha Trang Journey east along Highway 20 to Phan Rang and then north along the coast and Highway 1 past Lam and Dien Khanh. Ninh Tuan Province, where Phan Rang is located, is home to tens of thousands of descendents of the Cham people.
Overnight: Nha Trang Lodge Hotel (B, D)

Day 11 (FRI) Sept 12: Nha Trang
Sightseeing in Nha Trang
Explore the sights of NHA TRANG, first visiting the ancient PO NAGAR CHAM TOWERS. Built between the 7th and 12th centuries, the site was used for Hindu worship as early as the 2nd century AD. Continue to the rocky CHONG PROMONTORY, the NHA TRANG CATHEDRAL, and the LANG SONG PAGODA. Stop to visit the PASTEUR INSTITUT, founded in 1895 by Dr Alexandre Yersin (1863-1943). Dr.Yersin's library and office are now a museum, while the institute continues to actively coordinate vaccination and hygiene programs for the country's southern coastal region. Finally, stop at the OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE, founded in 1923, home to a variety of colorful local marine specimens, including seahorses. Continue by boat to MIEU ISLAND to visit the AQUARIUM before returning to Nha Trang.
Overnight: Nha Trang Lodge Hotel (B, D)

Day 12 (SAT) Sept 13: Nha Trang / Cam Ranh Bay / Danang / Hoi An
Transfer from Nha Trang to Cam Ranh Airport
Flight from Cam Ranh Bay to Danang.
Transfer from Danang airport to Hoi An
Sightseeing in Danang
Danang is a thriving regional center, one of the largest cities in Vietnam. 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. By vehicle to Hoi An.
Overnight: Hoi An Beach Resort (B, D)

Day 13 (SUN) Sept 14: Hoi An
Sightseeing in Hoi An with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River
The exquisitely preserved merchant town of HOI AN was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful shophouses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving center of traditional crafts and a shoppers’ paradise, best explored on foot. Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central MARKET and the small HARBOUR where colorfully painted boats are moored. The walking tour will include visits to a PRIVATE HOUSE, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting; to one of the FAMILY CHAPELS built by prominent merchant or official families as centers for ancestor worship; and to a typical CHINESE-STYLE PAGODA or ASSEMBLY HALL. Finally, continue to the famous JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. In the afternoon, board a local boat and cruise down the THU BON RIVER, enjoying the unspoiled countryside and stopping to visit a POTTERY VILLAGE and a WOODCARVING VILLAGE before returning to Hoi An harbour.
Overnight: Hotel in Hoi An (B, D)

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