Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

•   A jungle trek atop an elephant in Chiang Mai – and a chance to watch elephants paint pictures!

Day 1: Say hello to Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi! A transfer is included from Noi Bai International Airport to the landmark Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, your home for the next two nights, close to the historic Old Quarter and other notable attractions in Vietnam's capital city. Meet your Tauck Director and your fellow adventurers at our welcome cocktail reception and dinner at Le Beaulieu this evening.
Overnight: Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: A palace, a prison, a pagoda and puppets
Begin your Vietnam tour with a memorable ride by cyclo through the back streets of Old Hanoi; stop at the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War. See the colonial Presidential Palace that Ho Chi Minh refused to live in, along with his "house on stilts" and his final resting place; and take in Hanoi’s famous One-Pillar Pagoda, constructed in 1049 to resemble a lotus blossom. Sample Vietnamese specialties for lunch, then join us if you wish on a visit to the milennium-old Temple of Literature, or the fascinating Museum of Ethnology. A 1,000-year-old art form entertains you this evening during an enchanting water puppet performance, followed by an à la carte dinner at the Press Club in Hanoi.
Overnight: Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Forbidden Purple City of Hué
No Vietnam tour would be complete without a visit to Hué, Vietnam’s most beautiful city, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you'll fly to this morning. As you sightsee by cyclo, relive the imperial grandeur of the Citadel, which housed the Imperial City for the emperor’s official functions and the Forbidden Purple City for his personal time. Admire Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story octagonal tower built in 1844, and cruise along the Perfume River, also the setting for your riverfront accommodations.
Overnight: La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hué, Vietnam
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: "China Beach" in Da Nang
After a visit to the tomb of 19th-century emperor Tu Duc, take in the scenery along the Vietnamese coast and Hai Van Mountain during a drive to Da Nang and the 18-mile-long "China Beach" – made famous by the 1980s TV show of the same name and now a popular Vietnam tour destination. You’ll spend the next two nights at the one of the most prestigious beachfront resorts in Vietnam, the Furama Resort Da Nang, set right on the shores of the South China Sea.
Overnight: Furama Resort Da Nang, Vietnam
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Meet Da Nang kindergartners and ride a cyclo in Hoi An
Pay a delightful visit to the students and teachers of a local kindergarten in Da Nang this morning, then continue your Vietnam tour by journeying to historic Hoi An, a key South China Sea trading port in the 15th through 19th centuries, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its shop-lined streets via cyclo; view the red-painted Japanese Covered Bridge – the three Chinese characters over the door mean "bridge for passers-by from afar" – and tour the 200-year-old "Phung Hung" house, noted for its unique architecture. What you’ll see there will reveal much about the lives of Hoi An merchants long ago. Enjoy some time on your own in the afternoon, and have dinner at your leisure tonight.
Overnight: Furama Resort Da Nang, Vietnam
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 6: Discover Ho Chi Minh City
Take a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), Vietnam’s second-largest city. With your local expert, visit the former Presidential Palace, now called Reunification Hall. See the former U.S. Embassy, the Saigon River, Notre Dame Cathedral and the stately Post Office. Later, you'll have a choice of visits to the War Remnants Museum or the Museum of Vietnamese History, accompanied by a local guide.  
Overnight: Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Day 7: An underground labyrinth and an elegant dinner
Start your day by exploring an underground world of tunnels and chambers three stories deep at Cu Chi Tunnels, northwest of Ho Chi Minh City at the battlefield memorial site of Ben Duoc. Used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, the 120-mile tunnel network housed kitchens, dormitories, munitions factories, hospitals, and schoolrooms. See more of Ho Chi Minh City on your own in the afternoon, then enjoy a taste of Vietnam's diverse culinary heritage with an elegant à la carte dinner at La Camargue, offering French, Vietnamese, and international specialties within a restored villa.
Overnight: Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: On to Cambodia and the ancient wonders of Angkor
This morning, your Vietnam tour continues on to Cambodia as you fly to Siem Reap for a two-night stay at the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, the closest hotel to the treasures of the fabled archaeological site at Angkor. You’ll be dazzled by what you see this afternoon at the vast, 12th-century Angkor Wat temple; the bas-reliefs and many devatas (guardian spirits) that cover its walls inspire awe and admiration. This example of classical Khmer architecture has been a significant religious center for Hindus and then Buddhists through the ages. Tonight's dinner is à la carte at one of your hotel's fine restaurants.
Overnight: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Khmer temples and a lake cruise
Enveloped by jungle roots, fascinating Ta Prohm Temple almost seems to be a part of the dense rainforest that surrounds it. A legacy of Cambodia's Khmer civilization dating from 1186, it was originally built as a Buddhist university and monastery and continues to captivate today, as you'll see on your visit. The last capital of the Khmer empire, the walled city of Angkor Thom is home to the richly decorated Bayon temple known for its carved faces. When you see the Elephant Terrace in Angkor Thom, which was the foundation of the pavilion in which the king held audiences, you’ll understand how it got its name – and you can get some great pictures, because your day includes tips from a professional photographer! Later, you may wish to join us for a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, revealing fascinating floating villages.
Overnight: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: A night to remember in the Rose of the North
Fly via Bangkok to charming Chiang Mai, Thailand, the "Rose of the North," established in the 13th century, and known for its artistic and cultural heritage. Enter another world when you arrive at the luxurious Four Seasons Chiang Mai. Your richly appointed accommodations feature a Lanna-style sala (pavilion) – where, if you wish, a sumptuous private candlelit dinner will be served to you tonight as you gaze out over gardens, terraced rice paddies, and mountains... truly an evening to remember on your Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour!
Overnight: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 11: Thailand's elephants at work and play
Elephants – Thailand's national animal – are an integral part of Chiang Mai’s economy and culture. Visit an elephant camp today to see how these marvelous animals are trained to work in a teak forest; you'll have a chance to feed them and see them demonstrate various skills... including painting a picture! Then climb high onto one of these gentle giants for an ambling trek through the jungle* – another memorable highlight of your Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour adventures. Enjoy the many amenities of your resort at leisure this afternoon, or set off on your own to observe artisans creating celedan pottery in a local shop.
Overnight: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12: Life in the hill tribe villages and scenic Doi Suthep
Take an unforgettable excursion to the hill tribe villages of Chiang Mai today to meet the people of the Palong, Padong and Karen tribes, who'll share their folkways with you... you'll even get to try on the traditional neck rings worn by members of the Karen tribe! Later, travel to Doi Suthep National Park, home to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a temple perched at the top of a peak more than 3,500 feet above sea level. Then return to your resort for time as you choose and dinner à la carte this evening.
Overnight: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 13: Resort relaxation and on to Bangkok
After a morning that's yours to enjoy as you please at your extraordinary Chiang Mai resort, an afternoon flight takes you to bustling Bangkok for a three-night stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, with accommodations in the deluxe Krungthep Wing. Thailand's capital welcomes you warmly this evening with a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.
Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 14: Bangkok's breathtaking Buddhas
An express boat whisks you from the hotel for a morning of sightseeing in Bangkok, an intruiging mix of ancient and modern. Walk to the 18th-century Grand Palace for an "audience" with the Emerald Buddha, while the giant Reclining Buddha awaits your admiration at Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city. Following a traditional Thai lunch, a motorboat ride returns you to the Shangri-La, where you'll learn all about your ch'i during a special lesson at the hotel's spa.
Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Day 15: Klongs – the canals of Bangkok
Cruise up the Chao Phraya River and through a network of canals, called klongs, which lace the city. These often bustling "city streets," lined with homes and small businesses, are where much of "real life" in Bangkok is found, as you'll witness firsthand; stop at Wat Arun along the way. Then, see a much more elaborate means of waterborne travel at the Royal Barge Museum; in the 17th century, the crowned heads of Thailand floated along on these ornate barges during state ceremonies. Magnificent Vimanmek Palace, also known as the "Cloud Mansion," is the largest golden teakwood mansion in the world. During your tour, you’ll see evidence of the opulent lifestyle of King Rama V including photographs and objects d’art, as well as ancient artifacts from Thailand’s pre-history and displays reflecting the Thai heritage. Follow up with a visit to Bangkok's Seafood Market, where you'll choose fresh,  delicious ingredients for your lunch... which market chefs will then prepare just for you! Cap an extraordinary Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour with a farewell dinner this evening.
Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 16: Homeward bound
Tauck’s remarkable Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour ends in Bangkok. A transfer from the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok to Bangkok International Airport is included. Please allow 2 1/2 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Don't miss our current specials: Tauck Tour Deals Traveling with a group of friends or family can add to the joy of any journey. Book a group of 10 on any Tauck land journey or cruise and the 11th guest travels FREE. Book a group of 8 on any Tauck Bridges family adventure and the 9th guest travels FREE Tauck Single Specials For those seeking singles tours, we are pleased to offer special values on select departures to our guests who choose to travel solo. You can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are among like-minded travelers and will have all the day-to-day details handled for you! While everyone is welcome, on these select dates we offer special arrangements to those traveling solo at a reduced cost. Tauck Single Specials in North America Best of the Canadian Rockies Michigan's Lakes & Mackinac Island Charleston/Savannah Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia San Fransisco, Sonoma & Napa Valleys Tauck Single Specials in Europe A Week in Ireland A Week in Spain Mediterranean Discovery Istanbul and the Black Sea Treasure of the Mediterranean Cruising Mediterranean Shores The Blue Danube Holland Belgium in Spring Strasbourg to Prague Serenade The Rhine and Moselle Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat Budapest to the Black Sea Classic Italy Bellissima Northern Italy Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence and Rome A Week in Paris and Provence Tauck Singles Specials in Latin America Panama Canal & Costa Rica
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/17/2010 - 10/3/2010	$5,990
9/24/2010 - 10/10/2010	$5,990
10/4/2010 - 10/20/2010	$7,690
10/11/2010 - 10/27/2010	$6,590
10/22/2010 - 11/7/2010	$7,690
11/8/2010 - 11/24/2010	$6,590
11/15/2010 - 12/1/2010	$6,590
12/3/2010 - 12/19/2010	$6,590
12/20/2010 - 1/5/2011	$7,690
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Bangkok ~  Chiang Mai ~ Hanoi ~ Hué ~ China Beach ~ Ho Chi Minh City ~ Angkor

Tauck Tour Deals

Tauck Single Specials

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