Detailed Itinerary

SAT Nov 24th - DEPART Home City
Board your international flight (not included in the tour price) to Hanoi, Vietnam. As a full service travel agency, we are happy to assist you to arrange your flight and transfer details from your home city to join up with this tour. We suggest booking early to obtain the best flights and rates available.

Day 1: SUN Nov 25th - ARRIVE in HANOI, VIETNAM
Welcome to Vietnam! Arriving at the Noi Bai Hanoi International airport you will be transfered by air-conditioned car to our hotel located near the Old Quarter of the city. Hanoi is without question one of S.E. Asia's most fascinating cities. No other can compare in terms of the concentration of quality architecture, built during the Chinese and French colonial era.The rest of the day is at leisure to explore, relax and settle into our surroundings. NOTE: Your tour leader Jeff Pychel, will be at the hotel waiting to greet you upon your arrival at the hotel. He will advise you of the time to meet up the next morning for breakfast. Lodging: Hanoi Elegance Diamond Hotel

Hanoi Elegance Diamond Hotel is boutique in size and style with streamlined service and luxury rooms that meticulously blend elegant decor with state of the art technology. Rooms are comfortable and well appointed with individual climate controlled central air-conditioning, 32" flat screen TV, telephone, personal safe deposit box, refrigerator & mini-bar, writing desk & reading lamp, coffee table and ensuite bathroom with standing shower. The eco-friendly hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, just a minute's walk away from the famous Hoan Kiem Lake (The Lake of Sword Restored) and the Water Puppet Theatre. The location is extremely convenient to shopping, restaurants as well as many other local attractions.

Day 2: MON Nov 26th - HANOI
Enjoy a relaxed morning breakfast before we enjoy a city tour of Vietnam 's artistic and intellectual capital. Visit Hanoi's main cultural attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquer-ware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and so much more. This afternoon we'll walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and catch a performance at the famed Thang Long Water Puppet Theater before enjoying the Tour's Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Lodging:Hanoi Elegance Diamond Hotel Meals: (BD) Breakfast and Tour Welcome Dinner

Day 3: TUE Nov 27th - HANOI to HALONG BAY
Enjoy an early morning breakfast before we transfer to Halong Bay (Halong meaning Bay of the Descending Dragons). The bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Upon arrival we'll transfer to our Deluxe Bhaya 'Junk' (traditional Vietnamese sailing vessel) for a 3-day Halong Bay cruise. On board, enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch as we begin sailing the dramatic seascape and spectacular natural wonder that is 'Halong Bay'. After lunch we visit a local fishing village, where we join a fishing tour with local villagers before returning to our vessel for some leisure time before dinner. Enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner and a stunning Asian sunset while our vessel cruises to its overnight anchorage. Later take in the movie on the lounge deck or retire to your cabin. Lodging: Bhaya Cruise Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bhaya Cruise combines oriental style with contemporary luxury. Together they are the perfect recipes for an enchanting and relaxing holiday. In 1917, Emperor Khai Dinh plied the waters of the Bay in a wonderful wooden junk. Almost a century later you too can embark on a voyage through time - in a ship recreated from the original designs and with impeccable service fit for a King. Reside in one of forty luxurious cabins, wine and dine in style and enjoy a relaxing - or exhilarating - array of onboard activities.

Day 4: WED Nov 28th - HALONG BAY
Start your day with Tai Chi on the sundeck before enjoying an early breakfast in the vessels dining room. Then it's off to Lan Ha Bay for guided kayaking and swimming at Three Peach Beach, a pristine natural beach lapped by the turquoise waters. We'll enjoy a fresh seafood lunch as we sail to Ho Ba Ham Islet, the most remote point in Lan Ha Bay and bordering the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival we visit Lan Ha Bay's quaint fishing village and lagoon. There is also the possibility of kayaking through an amazing tunnel under a karst mountain (time and tides permitting). We return to our vessel and cruise through the bay to its overnight anchorage near Ho Dong Tien. Enjoy Happy Hour and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the Sun Deck before enjoying dinner. Enjoy a movie on the Lounge Deck or just relax on the Sun Deck before retiring to your cabin. Lodging: Bhaya Cruise Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: THU Nov 29th, HALONG BAY to HUE
Enjoy Tai Chi on the sundeck while complimentary tea and coffee are served. Our vessel cruises through the Bay to Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), which we explore before enjoying a wonderful brunch onboard our vessel. Afterwards our vessel cruises leisurely back to Halong Bay harbour. We disembark and transfer to the Hanoi airport for our short flight to Hué, not to be mistaken by the thought of colours, and pronounced as "Hway". It was well known to be the ancient imperial capital under the Nguyen dynasty, where it was modeled after Beijing's very own Forbidden City. Hué was not only the political but also the cultural and religious centre until a Communist government was established in Hanoi in 1945. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Lodging: Pilgrimage Village Resort and Spa Meals: (B) Brunch Flight: Hanoi to Hué

Pilgrimage Village Resort and Spa is located in Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam. The charm of this unique Vietnamese property is its tranquility and design, a sense of the past in an updated rustic village setting. Pilgrimage Village is located in the tranquil countryside, which is 20 minutes by car from Hue airport and 10 minutes from Hue city center. All guest rooms enjoy two-private balconies, individually controlled AC heater, satellite television with 25 channels, individual safe deposit box, IDD telephone, mini bar, writing desk, hair-dryer, alarm clock, in-room coffee, tea set & electronic water pot, slippers, bathtub, bathrobes, daily flowers & fruit, 24 hour room service and turn-down service.

Day 6: FRI Nov 30th, HUÉ
Enjoy an early breakfast before heading to Hué's Imperial Citadel, situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River. The Citadel is broadly a system of three circles of ramparts comprised of the Kinh Thanh (Capital Citadel), the Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and the Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). The royal complex of Hué has been officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We will tour the elaborate mausoleums of past Emperor's before taking a break for lunch. In the afternoon we'll enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River visiting the Seven-story Thein Mu Pagoda which was built in the 14th century and is adhere to a legend of a fairy lady in red, therefore is has the name of Thien Mu (Fairy lady from the heaven). The rest of the day is at leisure. Lodging: Pilgrimage Village Resort and Spa Meals: (B) Breakfast

Day 7: SAT Dec 1st, HUÉ to HOI AN
Today enjoy breakfast before beginning our land transfer to the Ancient Town of Hoi An. We travel through coastal rice paddies to the fishing village of Lang Co before heading into the mountains and crossing the stunning Hai Van Pass. We arrive in Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. After lunch, we enjoy a relaxed walking tour of Hoi An, visiting former merchant houses including the 400 year old Japanese Covered Bridge. The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Lodging: Cua Dai Hotel Meals: (B) Breakfast

Cua Dai Hotel is one of Hoi An’s best kept secrets. Like the heritage town itself, there are historic elements in the hotel's architecture but the design has a timeless elegence. Meaning 'large gate' in Vietnamese, Cua Dai is the name of the street where the hotel is located and a mere 10 minute walk from Hoi An's famous old quarter. he Cua Dai hotel boasts attractive Asiatic features as well as modern comforts. Tasteful, Vietnamese design and art deco-style interiors create a unique ambience. The rooms are all spacious and well-appointed with both bath and shower facilities, wi-fi, cable TV, air-conditioning and cozy king size beds.

Day 8: SUN Dec 2nd, HOI AN
After breakfast we begin our day in Hoi An with an authentic Vietnamese Cooking Class. We begin with a shopping tour at the local market for fresh ingredients, before preparing everyday Vietnamese dishes under the watchful instruction of local well-known chef, Ms. Vy. At the close of the class, not only do we feel well versed in the basics of Vietnamese cuisine but we also enjoy the fruits of our labour as our lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Hoi An on your own. Lodging: Cui Dai Hotel Meals: (BL) Breakfast, Lunch

Angkor Wat Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in all of South-East Asia and a historical capital of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 13th centuries. King Jayavarman II (802 - 835) is recognized as the founder of the Khmer Empire, which at it's peak dominated a large swath of (modern) South-East Asia, from Myanmar to the west, to the southern border of Laos in the north, to the Malay Peninsula to the south, and Vietnam in the east. During King Suryavarman II's reign (1113 - 1150) he built the iconic and majestic Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, which was dedicated to the god Vishnu. It took approximately 37 years to build and with its lotus-shaped towers, became the most elaborate temple in the entire empire.

Day 9: MON Dec 3rd, HOI AN to ANGKOR WAT
After breakfast we make our way to the Da Nang airport for our flight to Angkor Wat in neighbouring Cambodia. Upon our arrival we will begin a 4-day discovery of Angkor Wat, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historical capital of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to 13th centuries. We transfer to our hotel in the 'modern city' of Siem Reap and enjoy a relaxed afternoon settling into our beautiful surroundings. Later we regroup and step back in time at a renowned Apsara Theatre, where dancers, singers and musicians will bring ancient Khmer culture to life while we enjoy the very best in Cambodian cuisine. Lodging: Borei Angkor Resort and Spa Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner Flight: Da Nang to Angkor Wat

Borei Angkor Resort and Spa is surrounded by tropical and peaceful gardens the Borei Angkor Resort & Spa features well designed rooms in Khmer modern style using Cambodian woods and soft colored furnishings resulting in a pleasing and restful ambience. The spacious rooms are subtly lit and decorated with Cambodia original silk products, assorted handicraft with private balcony overlooking the tropical garden and swimming pool. Rooms are well-appointed with both bath and shower facilities, wi-Fi, TV, individually controled air-con, tea/coffee facilities and cozy beds.

Day 10: TUE Dec 4th, ANGKOR WAT
After breakfast we will begin a full day tour of Angkor in regal style, entering the walled and royal city of Angkor Thom by elephant, just as it's creator King Jayavarman VII would have done centuries ago. Passing through the South Gate of Angkor Thom (a 20 meter-high gate crowned by 4 stone faces and bordered by a double row of 54 stone figures carrying a huge Naga serpent) we make our way to the famous Bayon, the 12th Century Angkor Thom Buddhist Temple with 54 enigmatic four-faced towers. We then visit the impressive remains of the khmer kings palace (The Elephant and Leper King Terraces) before we take a break for lunch. In the afternoonwe set out to explore some of the other spectacular sights of Angkor, including Ta Keo, Ta Prohm, Thommanon and Preah Khan. The temples of Angkor, were built from 802 - 1220AD, when the Khmer civilization was at its height, and represents one of the most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements in the world. The structures one sees at Angkor Wat today (more than 100 temples in all), are the surviving remains of a grand social and administrative metropolis whose other buildings - palaces, public buildings, and houses - were all built of wood and are long since decayed and gone. The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure, a great opportunity to explore the lively night markets in Siem Reap city. Lodging: Borei Angkor Resort and Spa Meals: (B) Breakfast

Day 11: WED Dec 5th, ANGKOR WAT
This morning we enjoy an early morning breakfast before we make our way to the Rolouos Group, a group of three early Angkor Hindu temples (Preah Ko - Lolie - Bakong) dating from the late 9th Century that were built with bricks, located 15 km South-East of Siem Reap. We then break for lunch before beginning an afternoon tour of of the majestic 12th century Angkor Wat Temple, the single largest religious monument in the world. Later that afternoon, we ascend a hilltop to enjoy a beautiful sunset (weather permitting) overlooking Angkor Wat. After sunset we return to our hotel to enjoy the rest of our evening at leisure. Lodging: Borei Angkor Resort and Spa Meals: (B) Breakfast

Ho Chi Minh (b. 19 May 1890 – d. 3 September 1969) A Vietnamese Communist revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh (born Nguyen Sinh Cung), was prime minister (1946 – 1955) and president (1945 – 1969) and a historic statesman of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam). Ho led the independence movement from 1941, defeating the French in 1954 at Dien Bien Phu. The former capital of South Vietnam (Saigon), was renamed in his honour after the Fall of Saignon, by the North Vietnamese Army on April 30, 1975.

Day 12: THU Dec 6th, ANGKOR WAT to HO CHI MINH CITY
After breakfast we transfer to the Siem Reap International airport for our return flight to Ho Chi Minh City. An ever changin city and the main commercial centre in the southern part of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has been highly influenced by its French colonial past. Upon arrival we will enjoy a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City (formally Saigon), visiting sights such as the Reunification Palace and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Afterwards we will make our way to our historic hotel situated along the Siagon River. The balance of the day is at leisure. Lodging: Hotel Majestic Saigon Meals: (B) Breakfast Flight: Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

Hotel Majestic Saigon was opened in 1925 as the city's finest abode, the Majestic has gone through several reincarnations over the past 85 years, changes that reflect the tumultuous history of Vietnam. The hotel sits along side the famed Saigon River and is within walking distance of the beautiful Opera House, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Ben Thanh Markets. The hotel is Vietnam's first hotel to receive 5-star recognition and has several restaurants, lounges and a swimming pool among other facilities on the premises. The rooms are decorated in a colonial style, some with balconies overlooking the Saigon River. The Majestic is a hotel of Tradition, Hospitality and Elegance of a bygone era in Saigon.

Day 13: FRI Dec 7th, HO CHI MINH CITY to MEKONG DELTA
This morning we enjoy breakfast before departing on our day tour of the Mekong Delta. We will visit Cai Be Town and cruise on the Mekong river to see the Cai Be floating market. We also set foot on a nearby island and visit a local handmade coconut candy and rice paper workshop before returning to Ho Chi Minh City via the local countryside. Upon our return to our hotel, we will have some time to relax before regrouping with our fellow travelling companions for the tour's farewell dinner. Lodging: Hotel Majestic Saigon Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Tour Dinner

The Mekong Delta and Floating Markets The Mekong Delta is one of two ‘rice baskets’ in Vietnam, the other being the Red River region in the north. The country is the 2nd largest exporter of rice in the world, with the delta region accounting for over half of Vietnam’s yearly rice production. Life in the Mekong Delta revolves around the water, with inhabitants toiling on the life-sustaining river for their livelihoods. The area is densely populated and intensively farmed, with rice paddies, fish farms and local orchards dominating the numerous river tributaries and canals. The area is famous for its floating markets, held every morning from 5h00 till about 11h00. Hundreds of local traders converge in their boats to buy and sell mostly fruits, coconuts, vegetables and fish.

Day 14: SAT Dec 8th, DEPART VIETNAM for HOME CITY
We enjoy breakfast this morning before enjoying our last day in Vietnam. The entire day is at leisure and since our flight departs in the late evening, everyone will enjoy their rooms till we depart for the airport in the early evening. There are plenty of things to see and do today. You could take part in an optional ($) excursion to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels this morning or go explore and bargaining at the nearby Ben Thanh Market where clothing to food are traded daily, a great place to get your last minute souvenirs. Later that evening we will depart for Ho Chi Minh City's International Airport for our journey home, filled with memories of vibrant South-East Asian. Day Lodging: Hotel Majestic Saigon Meals: (B) Breakfast

INTERESTED in extending your holiday to exotic THAILAND?

Then join CWT and tour leader Jeff Pychel for 3 Nights in Thailand's vibrant capital city of Bangkok and 4 Nights on Thailand's tropical island of Phuket on the Andaman Sea. For more information about this tour extension please contact Jeff Pychel by clicking HERE

Pricing:

Tour Inclusions:

• Accommodation: Stay in Hanoi (2 Nts), Halong Bay (2 Nts), Hue (2 Nts), Hoi An (2 Nts), Angkor Wat (3 Nts) and Ho Chi Minh City (2 Nts) in 1st class or higher hotels in rooms with private en suite facilities.
• Halong Bay Cruise: 2 Night cruise aboard the Bhaya Classic on Halong Bay in a deluxe cabin with private en suite facilities.
• Meals: Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 1 brunch and 5 dinners (Includes Tour Welcome and Farewell dinners)
• Flights on tour: (Hanoi - Hué, Hoi An - Siem Reap and Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City)
• Tour Transportation: By private air-conditioned van throughout Vietnam and Cambodia including airport transfers.
• Entrance Fees and Sightseeing: Entrance fees to all sites and places of interest mentioned in the itinerary.
• Tour Escort/Local Guide: Jeff Pychel with Canadian Woman Traveller will travel with the group and a local English-speaking guide for local tours in Vietnam and Cambodia.
• Taxes: Local taxes on all included ground transportation, hotel accommodation and included meals per itinerary.
• Final Documentation: Final itinerary and general information.

Tour Exclusions:

• International Airfare to Hanoi, Vietnam and back from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Personal Insurances (medical, baggage, cancellation, etc.)
• Immunizations and Visas
• Alcoholic beverages and bar beverages (soft drinks)
• Baggage Handling, laundry & personal hotel charges
• All gratuities, items of personal nature and souvenirs
• All optional excursions or deviations from the itinerary

Deposits and Final Payments:

• Deposits: At time of booking CA$750.00 per person + insurance
  premium if applicable
• Final Payment: Invoices will be issued August 17, 2012; final payment
  by August 24, 2012. Payments may be made by personal cheque (less $100.00 CAD discount), Visa, Mastercard and AMEX.

Cancellation Charges:

• Once a deposit has been paid the following scale of cancellation charges will apply: (Note that insurance premiums, once paid, are non-refundable)
• Until August 24, 2012: Deposits paid
• From August 25 to September 24, 2012: 50% of final invoice
• From September 25 to October 24, 2012: 75% of final invoice
• October 25, 2012 or later: 100% of final invoice

For more information about this tour please contact Jeff Pychel at:

Canadian Woman Traveller
c/o The Travel Broker & Cruise Centre
1049 Sydenham Road Kingston, ON Canada
Telephone: 613-389-7914 or 1-888-830-5324
Email: jpychel@cwtraveller.ca