Vietnam and Cambodia – 18 October to 31 October 2012

Enough people have expressed interest for us to do a tour of Vietnam and Cambodia in the second half of next year, in October.

Priced at $3680 pre person twin share (single supplement $790) for 14 days/13 nights, it will include airfares and taxes for six flights, all accommodation, tours, transfers and most meals. Meals in Vietnam, when not included in the itinerary, are very reasonable in cost. Excluded are personal expenses and travel insurance.

The tour starts in Siem Reap, Cambodia at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat, then proceeds on to Vietnam where the highlights include tours of Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the Mekong River Delta.

The tour is fully escorted with English speaking guides. Expressions of interest are sought at this stage, and a deposit will be required later this year after dates and itinerary are finalised.Excluded are personal expenses and travel insurance.

Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour and members are reminded that it is available through Probus at more than competitive rates. It is recommended that insurance be taken at the time of paying deposits.

Accommodation at four and five star hotels. . 12 breakfasts, 11 dinners and 10 lunches.

Itinerary:

Thursday 18 October 2012: Sydney / Saigon / Siem Reap. Fly with VN782 1135/1555 from Sydney to Saigon, then connect VN849 1835/1935 to Siem Reap. Upon arrival met and transferApsara Holiday Hotel in Siem Reap for two nights.

Friday 19 October 2012: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat). Early morning, take an opportunity to see the picturesque sunrise at Angkor Wat; after breakfast at hotel then continue to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, Terrace of Elephants and LeperKing. Visit Angkor Wat, the most renowned Khmer Temple enjoy seeing the beautiful sunset at Phimean Akas Temple, Enjoy your dinner with traditional dance show at city restaurant, Overnight at Siem Reap

Saturday 20 October 2012: Siem Reap / Hanoi. This morning is at own leasure. You will take afternoon flight to Hanoi. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city boasts tree-lined streets and centuries-old temples. Overnigh in Hanoi.

Sunday 21 October 2012: Hanoi: Today you will take city highlights tour of Hanoi, which includes the West Lake, Lake Hoan Kiem, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s former residence, the One-Pillared Pagoda and Ethnology Museum. You will also enjoy a Cyclo tour (1 hour) th the old quarters of Hanoi and local markets. This evening watch the famous Water Puppet Show (1st class seats).

Monday 22 October 2012: Hanoi / Halong / Hanoi. Enjoy a day excursion to Halong Bay, 170km from Hanoi. Board your private boat for a cruise along Halong Bay (3 hours), a world heritage site recoginised by UNESCO in 1994. Visit some magical grottoes and relax in the best scenic beauty Vietnam. A fresh seafood lunch is served on board. Return to Hanoi with stopovers at the ceramic and hand embroidery workshops en route.

Tuesday 23 October 2012: Hanoi – Hoi An. This morning is at leasure, where you can explore more of the city at your own pace. This afternoon a transfer direct to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Danang, then transferred to Hoi An, a very beautiful charming small town in the middle of Vietnam.

Wednesday 24 October 2012: Hue day excursion. Today you will take an excursion to Hue, which is highlighted with a visit to the Dong Ba Market, famous for its best conical hats in Vietnam. Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel, built in 1804 on a site chosen in accordance with geomancy. A performance of ancient dancing and court music, a world of intangible heritage recognied by UNESCO in 2003, is presented in the citadel. This afternoon, the tour focuses on the tombs of King Tu Duc (ruled 1848 – 1883) and King Khai Dinh (ruled 1916 – 1925). The monuments, designed by the kings themselvers, were also used as holiday retreats during their lifetime. Return back to Hoi An in late afternoon. Overnight in Hoi An.

Thursday 25 October 2012: Hoi An / My Son / Hoi An: Hoi An, is the so called "Living Museum" because of its well-kept original historical buildings and ancient back streets. Visit one of the three city’s oldest homes, built over 200 years ago and still occupied descendants of the families that originally built them; then tour to the Chinese Assembly Hall and the unique Japanese Bridge. This afternoon you will visit the Ruins of My Son and see the Cham Holy See. Lunch and dinner are served at locat restaurants.

Friday 26 October 2012: Hoi An: Today is at leasure to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Possibly to do shopping, get some tailor-made clothes or enjoy a rest on the beach. Dinner served at your hotel.

Saturday 27 October 2012: Hoi An – Danang- Saigon: Before leaving for Danang Airport, stop by the stone-carving village of Non Nuoc where a wide variety of articles is sculpture from marble and sandstone. After lunch, you will take flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formally called Saigon, the economic and financial city of Vietnam.

Sunday 28 October 2012: Ho Chi Minh City: A morning tour round Ho Chi Minh City, formerly called Saigon, featuring the History Museum, the Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, Thien Hau Temple and the lacquer workshop. This afternoon, head out to Cu Chi 70km north of Saigon, famour for its 200-kilometre-long tunnels. A Western dinner served at your hotel.

Monday 29 October 2012: Excursion to Mekong Delta: Enjoy a full day tour to My Tho, 75km south of Saigon, a peaceful town along the bank of the Mekong River. The tour comprises of a cruise on the Mekong River, a visit to the orchards and local homes, a sampan ride along palm-shaded creeks, a taste of seasonal fruit & honey tea and a performance of traditional southern singing. Lunch is a mix of Mekong specialities which is arranged.

Tuesday 30 October 2012: Ho Chi Minh City / Australia: Today is at leasure for last minute shopping or just relaxing. A late checkout till 6pm, then you are transferred to the airport for your flight bound for Sydney.

Wednesday 31 October 2012: Sydney: Arrive in Australia in the morning.

A full itinerary is available from Wal Gallagher. Non refundable deposits of $300 per person are required, together with completed booking forms, at or before the November 2011 meeting.