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TRAVEL TOOL

Day 1:Siem Reap
Arrival in Siem Reap. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2:Siem Reap
Sightseeing Angkor and visit Angkor Wat, a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by King Suryavarman II, who reigned between 1131 and 1150. It was constructed over a period of 30 years and is world famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. In 1992 the UNESCO declared the monument and the whole city of Angkor a World Heritage Site. Visit Angkor Thom, a fortified Royal City (10 square kilometers) built by King Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181 to 1201. The city has five monumental gates and is encircled by a moat 100 meters wide. In the center of the walled city are the city's most important monuments including Bayon, Baphuon, the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and Phimeanakas with Royal Enclosure. Other highlights: BAYON: Jayavarman VII's temple mountain that stands at the center of Angkor Thom. It is one of the most popular of Angkor's monuments and a place of narrow corridors, steep flights of stairs and an amazing collection of towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces. BAPHUON: the pyramid shape represents the mythical Mount Meru and marks the center of the city that was here before Angkor Thom. PHIMEANAKAS: near the center of what was once the royal palace within Angkor Thom. Phimeanakas means'Celestial Palace', though today there is not much left to indicate its former splendour. FORMER ROYAL PALACE: nothing remains today except two pools that were used by royalty for washing. TERRACE OF ELEPHANTS: this terrace was used for viewing public ceremonies and was a base for the King's grand audience hall. The famous lines of elephants are at either end of the retaining walls. TERRACE OF THE LEPER KING: North of the Terrace of Elephants is a platform named 'Terrace of the Leper King'. On the platform is a nude statue - one of Angkor's mysteries. Excursion by boat on the Tonle Sap Lake . Journey up the Tonle Sap River, which links the Tonle Sap Lake to the Mekong River, and onto the Tonle Sap Lake (Great Lake): this lake takes up much of the center of Cambodia and changes in size depending on the seasons. During the dry season in February it shrinks to a tenth of its original size and is then one of the richest fishing grounds in the world. The boat trip explores the lake's fishing villages. PHNOM KROM: a hill south of Siem Reap with spectacular views over the lake and a temple dating from the 10th century. The three towers on it are dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. CHONG KNEAS: a floating village on the lake where the Khmer and Vietnamese that live here rely on the lake's resources to survive. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B)

Day 3:Siem Reap
Transfer to the airport. Flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh and transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital sitting at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers. Considered the loveliest of the French-built cities of Indochina, it was founded as a small monastery in 1372 by a rich Khmer woman called Penh after she found four Buddha statues in a tree trunk on the banks of the Mekong. She set up the monastery on a nearby hill - or 'phnom' in Cambodian. Highlights: WAT PHNOM: a temple and location of the first pagoda on this site built in 1372 by 'Penh' to house the four Buddha statues found on the banks of the Mekong. It is the only hill (27 meters) in the capital. WAT OUNALOM: a very important wat comprising 44 structures facing the Tonle Sap Lake and built in 1443 to house a hair of the Buddha. ROYAL PALACE AND SILVER PAGODA: the royal palace stands on the site of the former citadel, Bantey Kev (built in 1813). Visitors are not allowed in some portions of the grounds, as the palace is the official residence of King Sihanouk. The silver pagoda is often called the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Preah Kaeo after the statue housed there. The wooden temple was originally built by King Norodom in 1892 and inside, its floor is comprised of more than 5000 silver blocks which together weigh nearly 6 tons. NATIONAL MUSEUM: designed by a French archeologist and painter, George Groslier, in Khmer style in 1920 to exhibit works previously scattered throughout the country. It contains a collection of Khmer art including the beautiful 6th century bronze statue of Vishnu. TUOL SLENG MUSEUM (Museum of Genocide): formerly the Tuol Svay Prey High School, in 1975 it became the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation center. It was known as Security Prison 21 - or just S-21. CENTRAL MARKET: a covered market distinguished by its central dome (built in 1937). It is filled with shops selling jewelry, fabrics and all kinds of souvenirs. A great place for browsing. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (B)

Day 4:Phnom Penh - Saigon
Transfer to the airport. Flight from Phnom Penh to Saigon. Arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and transfer to the hotel. Saigon is the largest of Vietnamese cities, with the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life visible everywhere. There are street markets, sidewalk cafes and sleek new bars. The city churns and bubbles. Yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. To the west of the city is District 5, the huge Chinese neighborhood called Cholon, which means 'Big Market'. Sightseeing in Saigon and Cholon (Chinatown). Highlights: NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL: built between 1877 and 1883, it 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. CENTRAL POST OFFICE: a French-style building with a glass canopy and iron frame, situated next to the Notre Dame Cathedral. The structure was built between 1886 and 1891 and is by far the largest post office in Vietnam. CITY HALL: completed in 1908, also known as ''Hotel de Ville'', and located at the northern end of Nguyen Hue Boulevard. With its ornate gingerbread facade it looks like the town hall of a French town. (May be viewed from the outside only). WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM: collections of weapons and photographs from two Indochina wars are exhibited along with the original French 'Guillotine' brought here in the early 20th century. BEN THANH MARKET: the central market of Saigon, its 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. BINH TAY MARKET: Cholon's main marketplace, much of the business conducted here is wholesale. 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. Overnight in Saigon. (B)

Day 5:Saigon - Hanoi
Transfer to the airport. Flight from Saigon to Hanoi, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks, is the capital of Vietnam. It is a very attractive city with French style buildings and less traffic than other cities in Asia. Arrival transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing in Hanoi (full day). Highlights: ONE PILLAR PAGODA: built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who ruled from 1028 to 1054. Constructed of wood on a single stone pillar, it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom. TEMPLE OF LITERATURE: founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, who dedicated it to Confucius in order to honor scholars and men of literary accomplishment. HOAN KIEM LAKE: right in the heart of Hanoi, this lake contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda, topped with a red star. HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM: in the tradition of Lenin and Stalin before him and Mao after him, the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh is a glass sarcophagus set deep in the bowels of a monumental edifice that has become a site of pilgrimage. (Closed Mondays and Fridays). OPERA HOUSE: a magnificent 900-seat opera house built in 1911. (May be viewed from the outside only). ST JOSEPH CATHEDRAL: a neo-Gothic cathedral finished in 1886, it is noteworthy for its square towers, elaborate altar and stained-glass windows. BAO TANG LICH: once the museum of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient, is a building constructed of reinforced concrete completed in 1930. Exhibits include artefacts from Vietnam's turbulent history including some from prehistory, proto-Vietnamese civilisations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms. Overnight in Hanoi. (B)

Day 6:Halong - Hanoi
Excursion by helicopter from Hanoi to Halong returning to Hanoi. Depart 8:00hrs and return 15:00hrs. Boat trip Halong Bay (4 hours): this four-hour boat ride explores Halong Bay, passing the islands of Trong, Mai, Am, Chen and Cong Troi (Heaven Gates). Stop at one of the islands and visit of one of the following caves. HANG DAU GO: a huge, three-chambered cave, which is reached via 90 steps. The cave derives its Vietnamese name from the third of the chambers, which is said to have been used by Trang Hung Dao during the 13th century to store bamboo stakes used against the Mongol invaders. BO NAU: the "Pelican" caves. THIEN CUNG: "Heaven Palace." Overnight in Hanoi. (B)

Day 7:Hanoi - Vientiane
Transfer to the airport. Flight from Hanoi to Vientiane, the capital city and seat of government sitting in a bend of the Mekong River amidst fertile alluvial plains. Vientiane (pronounced 'Wieng Chan' by the locals) is a laid-back city with interesting wats and lively markets. Transfer to the hotel and sightseeing in Vientiane. Highlights: PHA THAT LUANG (Great Sacred Reliquary or Great Stupa): built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD, it is the most important national monument in Laos, a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. PATUXAI: a large monument in the style of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the huge arch at the end of Thanon Lan Xang has a stairway that leads to the top levels of the monument, providing a good view of the city. HO PHA KEO: the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy built in 1565 by King Setthathirat and now converted into a museum containing some of the best examples of Buddhist sculptures found in Laos. WAT SI SAKET: constructed in 1818 by King Anouvong in the early Bangkok style, small niches are carved into its interior walls, containing more than 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images. WAT SI MUANG: this temple is one of the most popularly used temple grounds in the city, as it contains the city pillar and acts as the home of Vientiane's guardian spirits. TALAAT SAO: the Morning Market - actually open all day - selling a wide range of fabrics, jewellery and electronic goods. Overnight in Vientiane. (B)

Day 8:Vientiane - Luang Prabang
Transfer to the airport. Flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom, is famous for its historic temples and beautiful setting surrounded by mountains. In 1995 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer to the hotel and sightseeing. Highlights: WAT XIENG THONG: built in 1560 and situated on the banks of the Mekong River, it is the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang and shows the typical Lao art style with old religious artifacts and some ancient masterpieces of Lao art. WAT WISUNALAT (Vat Visoun): built in 1513 during the reign of Chao Wisunalat, it is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries. WAT MAI: constructed in 1821 during the reign of King Manthatourath, it was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj (the Patriarch of the Buddhist clergy). WAT THAT LUANG: the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred inside the large central stupa, which was erected in 1910. The inside of the huge sim dating back to 1820 contains a few Luang Prabang Buddhas and other artifacts. WAT SAEN: Thai style wat built in 1718 and restored in 1957. The abbot Ajannn Khamjan who was ordained here in 1940 is one of the most revered monks in Luang Prabang and perhaps in all of Laos. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 9:Luang Prabang
Excursion by boat from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves, these are two caves (Tham Thing lower cave and Tham Phum) located in the steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong River and Ou River. They are full of Buddha images of varying styles, ages and sizes. BAN XANG HAI: located near the Pak Ou Caves, this village was once a 'Jar-Maker Village' and nowadays the community fill the jars (which come from elsewhere) with láo-láo, the local rice whisky. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)

Included:

• Accommodation and meals as described (please note that some hotels provide only CBF)
• All transfers within the journey, including pick-up at airport
• Economy class flights
• All entrance fees
• English, French or German speaking guides (other languages available upon request)
• Visa-approval letter for Vietnam

Not Included:

• Visa fees and Airport taxes
• Tips and expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry etc.
• Other tours & meals not mentioned in the program