TREASURES OF VIETNAM & CAMBODIA
MARCH 23 TO APRIL 8, 2012 * 17 DAYS
Price: $3549 per person (double occupancy) * Single Supplement is $524.00
DAY 01 Friday March 23 – Depart New York for Vietnam
Flight: Depart Friday March 23, 2012 from JFK at 15:35 hrs on China Eastern Airlines.
Arrive in Shanghai – China the next day. (meals in flight)
DAY 02 Saturday March 24 – En Route to Vietnam
Arrive Shanghai, China at 19:30 – change planes, departing Shanghai on China Eastern
to Saigon at 21:50, arriving in Saigon at 00:55 on Sunday March 25. (meal in flight)
DAY 03 Sunday March 25 – Saigon – City Tour
Sleep in this morning and rest up from your flight. Have Lunch at your hotel (on your
own). After Lunch, embark on a tour of the city sights, including Notre Dame Cathedral,
General Post Office, Formal Presidential Palace, the Central Market and the Museum of
War Remnants. Overnight at Tan My Dinh 2 Hotel *** (B) (Dinner on your own)
DAY 04 Monday March 26 – Saigon – Mekong Delta
In the morning we leave Saigon behind and head to Vietnam's rice basket, the Mekong
Delta. We will pass through idyllic, rural scenes until we arrive at My Tho, a peaceful
town on the bank of the Mekong River, where we will visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda. Next
we will have a boat ride on the Mekong, visit local homes and orchards, a coconut candy
workshop, a honeybee farm, take a sampan ride on palm-shaded creeks, try a taste of
seasonal fruit and honey tea and enjoy a performance of traditional Southern singing.
We return to Saigon about 6pm. Overnight at the Tan My Dinh 2 Hotel *** (B-L)
(Dinner on your own)
DAY 05 Tuesday March 27 – Saigon – Cao Dai Temple – Cu Chi Tunnels
8:00 a.m. pick up at the hotel. This morning we drive to Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh to
observe the midday service. Tay Ninh, near the Cambodian border, is home to the
unique Cao Dai sect, whose patron saints include Joan of Arc, Victor Hugo and Winston
Churchill to name a few. The religion is a hybrid of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism
and Christianity. The Cao Dai Temple at Tay Ninh has been described as a Walt Disney
fantasia of the East. The temple's exterior is decorated with multi-colored dragons of all
shapes and sizes mixed with a number of Buddhist symbols. Above the main entrance is
the all-seeing holy eye, the symbol of the Cao Dai sect. The interior is just as engaging
as statues of Jesus Christ, Buddha and the Hindu god, Brahma, stand side by side.
The trip to Tay Ninh is combined with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. At its height, the
tunnel system stretched over 250km from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was
three levels deep. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed
living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and
kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the
visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life during the U.S.-Vietnam
conflict must have been like. When we reach Saigon in the afternoon, we will visit the
lively Ben Thanh market. In the evening, you will have a “Farewell Saigon” Dinner cruise
on the Saigon River. Overnight at the Tan My Dinh 2 Hotel *** (B-L-D)
DAY 06 Wednesday March 28 – Flight to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An
Morning: Flight to Da Nang and transfer by bus to Hoi An. We travel through the high
pass of Hai Van with its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean en route to Hoi An. On
the way we visit the Cham Museum, China Beach and the marble village. In the
afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town with its narrow, winding streets, visiting
the Fukien Assembly Hall, the 200-year-old Tan Ky house, the Japanese covered
bridge, the Hoi An Museum, and handicraft workshops. After that we are free to go
shopping, visit a nearby beach, or even have clothes made which can be picked up the
very next day. Overnight at the Thuy Duong 3 Hotel *** (B-L) (Dinner on your own)
DAY 07 Thursday March 29 – Hoi An and My Son
Today we visit My Son, a relic of the Cham civilization, which dates back from the 4th to
the 12th century. We will return at noon giving you more time to explore quaint Hoi An.
Overnight at the Thuy Duong 3 Hotel **** (B-L) (Dinner on your own)
DAY 08 Friday March 30 – Hoi An – Hué – Forbidden Purple City – Dong Ba Market
We embark on the northern journey to Hué, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. On
the way we stop on the spectacular Hai Van Pass. The journey takes about 5 hours. In
the afternoon we will have our first glimpse of Hué to visit the Forbidden Purple City and
Dong Ba market. Tonight we will join the Traditional Music show in the boat on the
Perfume River. Overnight at the Green Hotel **** (B-L) (Dinner on your own)
DAY 09 Saturday March 31 – Hué – Heavenly Pagoda – Emperor Tomb – Banquet
Today we will take a boat cruise on the Perfume River to visit the picturesque Thien Mu,
or Heavenly Lady Pagoda. Also we will visit the tomb of the former Emperor Minh Mang.
Afternoon is at leisure. This evening, attend the Royal Dinner Show at the hotel, which
includes Minh Mang King wine, while dining in the royal tradition with ceremonies and a
Hué folk music band. Overnight at the Green Hotel **** (B-L-D)
DAY 10 Sunday April 1 – Hué – Flight to Hanoi – Old Quarter – Welcome Dinner
Morning: Flight to Hanoi – Rest of the morning at leisure.
On arrival in Hanoi in the morning we transfer to our hotel. After Lunch, take a walking
tour of Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening you can enjoy
the unique Water puppet show. Tonight we have a Welcome Dinner at one of Hanoi’s
finest restaurants, “Le Tonkin”. Overnight at Maison D'Hanoi Hanova Hotel *** (B-L-D)
DAY 11 Monday April 2 – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Cruise Aboard a Chinese Junk
Accommodations: Bai Tho Deluxe Junk Cruise – Site visited: Halong Bay, Caves
In the morning we depart Hanoi for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When
we arrive you board your traditional Chinese-style junk and begin the cruise in this
secluded bay, marvelling at 3000 limestone peaks that emerge from the emerald waters.
We have an opportunity to visit a spectacular limestone cave, swim from our boat, and
especially we can do kayaking to explore the hidden charms of the bay.
Overnight on boat - Bai Tho Deluxe Junk. (B-L-D)
DAY 12 Tuesday April 3 – Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi
Breakfast. Continue cruise. Visit the VAGIA floating village, Kayaking and then on to Bai
Tu Long Bay, the neglected area which is the most spectacular bay with islands in
different shapes. Observe Hon Gai market, Poet Island. Return to Ha Long City and
board the bus to Hanoi with arrival in Hanoi at 16.00 p.m. Overnight at Maison D'Hanoi
Hanova Hotel *** (Brunch included) (Dinner on your own)
DAY 13 Wednesday April 4 – Hanoi – City Tour – Hanoi to Saigon to Cambodia
After breakfast take a City Tour to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace,
the House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda. Then visit the Temple of Literature. Check
out of your hotel before noon and place your luggage in storage. After lunch we will
leave for the airport to board your JetStar Airlines flight to Saigon, departing 16:10 and
arriving in Saigon at 18:15. Depart from Saigon to Siem Reap, Cambodia at 19:50 on
Vietnam Airways, arriving in Siem Reap at 20:50. After completing entry formalities,
transfer to hotel and settle in. Overnight at the 4-star Smiling Hotel & Spa. (B-L)
DAY 14 Thursday April 5 – Siem Reap – Banteay Srei Temple – Angkor Wat
Welcome to Angkor Wat – one of the most amazing archaeological sites in the world.
This ancient city dates from the 9th century and was at its height during the 11th and 12th
centuries. The majestic temples and carved reliefs show the influences of both the Hindu
and Buddhist religions. After breakfast we will drive out to the Pre Rup complex and East
Mebon to visit Banteay Srei (the Woman Temple). After Lunch, in the afternoon we will
explore the majestic Angkor Wat – a true Wonder of the World and the largest of all the
Angkor temples. In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Siem Reap at the
4-star Smiling Hotel & Spa. (B-L-D)
DAY 15 Friday April 6 – Siem Reap – Ta Phrom – Bayon – Angkor Thom
After breakfast this morning, we will visit the ruins of Ta Prohm (the Jungle Temple)
before heading to Banteay Kdei. After Lunch, in the afternoon, we will visit The Bayon
Temple complex, the recently renovated Baphoun Temple, Angkor Thom and the
Elephant Terrace. This evening we will go to the Apsara Theatre on Wat Bo Road. The
dinner begins at 19:30 with an evening performance of traditional apsara dancers at
20:30 for one hour. After dinner, return to the hotel – Overnight at the 4-star Smiling
Hotel and Spa. (B-L-D)
Day 16 Saturday April 7 – Siem Reap Market – Tonle Sap Lake – Fly to Saigon
After breakfast, depart to Siem Reap town to visit the Old Market. Of all the local
markets, the Old Market offers the widest variety of souvenirs as well as the best
selection of handicrafts and curios, including such items as traditional silverwork, silks,
baskets, statuary, carvings and traditional musical instruments. Check out of your room
at noon and put luggage in storage. After lunch, (on your own) we depart at 15:00 hrs for
a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake. Here you will see a whole floating city that moves up
and down the lake with the seasons; explore the life of people who spend their whole
lives on the water. Early evening, enjoy a last dinner in Cambodia (on your own) before
leaving for the airport at 19:15 to board your Vietnam Airways flight to Saigon, leaving at
21:35, and arriving in Saigon at 22:35. You will have about three hours until your flight to
Shanghai and on to New York. (B)
DAY 17 Sunday April 8 – Flight home to New York
Depart May 6, 2012 from Saigon at 01:55 am on China Eastern Airlines
Arrive in Shanghai at 05:55 am. We have a 5 hour – 30 minute layover in Shanghai.
Depart May 6, 2012 from Shanghai at 11:35 on China Eastern Airlines
Arrive Sunday May 6, 2012 in New York at 13:15 (meals in flight)
PRICE: is $3549.00 per person (double occupancy) * Single Supplement is $524.00
VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA VISAS:
VIETNAM: It is now possible to get your Vietnam Visa by applying for it over the Internet. You will
need a one-month multiple entry visa since we must enter Vietnam again when we return from
Cambodia. You can apply online at http://www.myvietnamvisa.com/ and the fee is $22.99 +
$50.00 per person. (total of $72.99) Visit the Vietnam Visa website and follow the instructions.
You will need two passport size photos.
CAMBODIA: For Cambodia, you can do a “Visa on Arrival”. You will need one passport size
photo and the fee is $20.00 US. The form is issued at the airport and can be completed at the
airport when you arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Bring a Pen!
VIETNAM & CAMBODIA TOUR 2012 - FLIGHTS
Depart Friday March 23, 2012 from JFK at 15:35 hrs on China Eastern Airlines.
Arrive Saturday March 24, 2012 in Shanghai at 19:30
Depart Saturday March 24, 2012 from Shanghai at 21:50 on China Eastern Airlines
Arrive Sunday March 25, 2011 in Saigon at 00:55
Depart Wednesday April 4 at 16:10 from Hanoi to Saigon on JetStar Airlines, arriving at 18:15
Depart Wednesday April 4 from Saigon to Siem Reap Cambodia at 19:50 on Vietnam Airlines
Arrive Wednesday April 4 in Siem Reap at 20:50
Depart Saturday April 7, 2012 from Siem Reap to Saigon at 19:50 on Vietnam Airlines
Arrive Saturday April 7, 2012 at 21:35
Depart Sunday April 8 at 01:55 Saigon to Shanghai on China Eastern, arriving Shanghai at 05:55
Depart Shanghai on April 8, 2012 at 11:35 am on China Eastern Airlines
Arrive Sunday April 8, 2012 in New York at 13:50
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
International Air Fare – NYC to Vietnam return on China Eastern Airlines via Shanghai
International Air Fare – Saigon to Cambodia return on Vietnam Airways
Domestic Air Fare for Saigon to Danang (Hoi An)
Domestic Air Fare from Danang to Hanoi
Domestic Air Fare from Hanoi to Saigon
Comfortable bus or mini-van with AC for all tours in Cambodia and Vietnam
All transfers to and from hotels in Vietnam and Cambodia
3 Nights in 3-star hotel in Saigon
2 Nights in 3-star hotel in Hoi An
2 Nights in 4-star hotel in Hué
2 Nights in 3-star hotel in Hanoi
1 Night onboard the Bai Tho Deluxe Junk in Halong Bay
3 Nights in 4-star hotel in Cambodia
All entry fees to monuments and attractions in Cambodia
Apsara Traditional Dance performance in Cambodia
English speaking guides in Cambodia and Vietnam
Boat Ride on Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia
Day Trip and boat in the Mekong Delta
Dinner Cruise on the Saigon River
Boat Cruise on the Perfume River in Hué
Water Puppet Show in Hanoi
Royal dinner show in Hué
2-day Boat Cruise in Halong Bay
City Tours and other attractions in Vietnam cities and town (entry fees included)
Breakfast daily, 12 Lunches, 6 Dinners
NOT INCLUDED:
Domestic Air Fare from home city to New York
Visa for Vietnam
Visa for Cambodia (this visa can be obtained at the airport on arrival in Cambodia)
Travel insurance
Additional meals not specified as included
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone, internet, beverages, etc.
Air fare or transportation from home city to New York
Tips and Gratuities for Guides
Visa cost for Vietnam is $73 USD – you need two 2”x2” passport photos
The visa fee on arrival in Cambodia is $20.00 USD – you need one 2”x2” passport photo
Bring 2 passport photos since you also need a photo for the Angkor Wat 3-day Entry Pass
In total you will need 4 passport size photos – 2 for Vietnam Visa, 1 for Cambodia Visa and 1 for
the Angkor Wat Pass
There are no necessary vaccinations for either Vietnam or Cambodia
MONEY:
In Vietnam, the unit of currency is called the “dong”. One could argue that the Vietnamese
currency is really the US dollar, as dollars are readily accepted and prices are frequently quoted
in dollars. We usually carry both dong and dollars, as establishments may list prices in either
currency. While they will gladly convert from dong to dollars, or vice-versa, you will usually lose 510% in the deal! ATM machines now litter the landscape in Hanoi, Saigon and other major cities.
They accept Cirrus, Plus, Visa and MasterCard, and only dispense dong. Maximum per
transaction is 2 Million dong (about $130 USD). Each bank charges a fee per transaction in
addition to your bank's fee. Traveler's checks in US Dollars or Euro are easily cashed at most
banks. They prefer American Express (really!).
In Cambodia, the local currency is the “riel”, but US dollars are universally used throughout the
country. In Siem Reap there are at least a dozen ATM machines and more being added. It is wise
to bring a stack of perhaps 50 US one dollar bills for tips, souvenirs, etc. Many vendors cannot or
will not make change in dollars, giving you riels in change. Having some riels on you is useful, but
you will want to stick mainly to US dollars.
WEATHER:
Generally speaking, the weather in Vietnam in March and April varies from cooler and pleasant in
the north (Hanoi) to very warm – even very hot – in the south (Saigon). April is the beginning of
the hot season in the south and can also be the beginning of the monsoon season although rain
can fall anywhere in the country, and March-May are not generally considered monsoon months.
In Cambodia, April is the hottest month of the year with temperatures that can reach well into the
90’s F. In early May it begins to cool down a bit and signals the beginning of the rainy season.
Dreamer Travel and Tours
Contact: Sharifa Burnett
9 Frank Street, Valley Stream, New York, 11580
Tel: 516-285-4607 * Fax: 516-596-7691
email: adreamt@optimum.net * www.dreamertours.com