Mekong Legend - 10 Days

Starts from US$ 3270

This three-country tour combines visits to Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Discover Khmer’s past by visiting some of the stunning temples in Siem Reap (Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom) and many notable sites in Phnom Penh.

In Vietnam, visit the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and other Saigon highlights. Enjoy a boat trip in Halong Bay, explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex and countless other stunning attractions in Hanoi. In Laos, visit a gleaming golden stupa and then Pha That Lung in Vientiane. The trip ends in Luang Phrabang, the entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Includes:
- Accommodation & meals as mentioned. (Some some hotels provide only CBF).
- International flight ticket: Phnom Penh – Saigon/Hanoi - Vientiane (surcharge will be applied subject to fuel fee).
- Domestic flight ticket: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh/ Saigon – Hanoi/Vientiane – Luang Prabang (surcharge will be applied subject to fuel fee).
- All transfers within the journey, including pick up & drop off.
- All entrance fees as program mentioned.
- English, French or German speaking guides (other languages available upon request).

Excludes:
- Visa fees.
- Airport taxes.
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, insurance etc.
- Other service not mentioned on this program.

	Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos
	Boat trip along the Mekong River
	Pha That Lung in Vientiane

Day 1 - Siem Reap	• Arrival in Siem Reap (Dinner at Raffles Grand Hotel d Angkor Café d Angkor) • Transfer. • Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 2 - Siem Reap	• Breakfast at the hotel/ Dinner at Raffles Grand Hotel d Angkor Café d Angkor • Visit Angkor Wat The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, ANGKOR WAT is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As you enter the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stonecarvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones. • Visit Angkor Thom The fortified city of ANGKOR THOM covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter by the monumental SOUTH GATE over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the TERRACE OF THE ELEPHANTS and the TERRACE OF THE LEPER KINGS, former spaces for public cermonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined BAPHUON, ROYAL ENCLOSURE and PHIMEANAKAS before continuing to the mysterious BAYON TEMPLE. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle. • Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 3 - Phnom Penh	• Breakfast at the hotel, Dinner at Raffles Hotel Le Royal / Café Monivong • Flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. • Transer • Sightseeing in Phnom Penh Explore PHNOM PENH, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are reminders of bygone eras; today they teem with life and activity, as motorcycles weave in and out of traffic, vendor hawk their wares, and pedestrians go about their business. Start your tour at WAT PHNOM, the birthplace of the capital; according to legend the city began here when a woman named Penh found four Buddha statues and built the temple to house them. Afterwards, see the splendor of Cambodia's royal heritage by visiting the ROYAL PALACE, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, the adjacent SILVER PAGODA, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, and the elegant NATIONAL MUSEUM, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer art. In the afternoon, learn about a chapter from Cambodia's more recent, tragic, past at the TUOL SLENG MUSEUM (Museum of Genocide). Formerly the Tuol Svay Prey High School, in 1975, this became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime - at that time known as Security Prison 21, or simply S-21. Kept largely unchanged, this prison now showcases photographs and exhibits about the thousands of victims that passed through these doors - only seven of whom came out alive. Finally, explore the modern-day city, visiting one of Phnom Penh's two great markets, the CENTRAL MARKET, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building (Central Market is currently underconstruction but can be visited as usual), OR the sprawling RUSSIAN MARKET, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewelry and more. • Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 4 - Saigon	• Breakfast at the hotel, Dinner at Majestic Hotel Saigon / Restaurant • Flight from Phnom Penh to Saigon • Arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) • Transfer • Sightseeing in Saigon A vibrant metropolis, SAIGON teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorcyles, chatting on cellphones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense. Begin your tour into modern history with a tour of the REUNIFICATION PALACE. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Afterwards driving to the historic center to visit EMPEROR OF JADE PAGODA, one of Saigon's most interesting pagoda. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL and the CENTRAL POST OFFICE. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate CITY HALL (HOTEL DE VILLE), the old OPERA HOUSE (both may only be viewed from the outside). Finally, end up at the central BEN THANH MARKET, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. • Overnight in Saigon
Day 5 - Hanoi	• Breakfast at the hotel, Dinner at Press Club Restaurant • Flight from Saigon to Hanoi • Transfer • Sightseeing in Hanoi Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shophouses invite exploration by cyclo, while its many beautiful public spaces - lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments - give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. Begin your day visiting the TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. Continue to the miniature ONE PILLAR PAGODA. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Begin at the HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. The Mausoleum is closed in the afternoons, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes annually in October and November for restoration. Continue through the park to HO CHI MINH STILT HOUSE, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Finally, head to HOAN KIEM LAKE, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny TORTOISE PAGODA. Enroute, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent OPERA HOUSE (may be seen from the outside only) and ST JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL. From the lake, walking to explore the OLD QUARTER. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses is also known as The 36 Streets, each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover's paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life. In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, either the HISTORY MUSEUM or the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY. Once the museum of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient, the HISTORY MUSEUM is housed in an elegant building from the 1930s, which used to be the museum of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient; and include exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnam's history including prehistory, proto-Vietnamese civilisations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms. The alternative visit for History Museum is The MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY (close on Monday), which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings. Note : Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Memorial Monument will be closed for yearly maintenance from 7 Sep - 6 Nov 09. • Transfer to/from restaurant • Overnight in Hanoi
Day 6 - Hanoi	• Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch: Seafood Lunch on Boat Trip / Dinner: Le Tonkin Restaurant • Depart from Hanoi in the morning for scenic Halong Bay. Arriving at the pier around noon, begin cruising on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, stopping at different islands to explore some of the many caves in this area. Sail past floating villages, fishermen casting their nets and pearl fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. Disembark at Halong pier at approximately 16.30 pm and return to Hanoi by vehicle. • Transfer to/from restaurant • Overnight in Saigon
Day 7 - Vientiane	• Breakfast at the hotel, Dinner: Green Park Boutique Hotel / Restaurant • Flight from Hanoi to Vientiane • Transfer • Sightseeing in Vientiane The capital city of Laos, Vientiane still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colorful markets. Tour the different highlights of the city, including PHA THAT LUANG, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps most important national monument in Laos; HO PHA KEO, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; WAT SI SAKET; and PATUXAI, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs. • Overnight in Vientiane
Day 8 - Luang Prabang	• Breakfast at the hotel, Dinner: Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel/Restaurant • Flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang • Transfer • Sightseeing in Luang Prabang Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Begin your tour with WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From there, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang. Time permitting, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE. • Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 9 - Luang Prabang	• Breakfast at the hotel, Dinner: Local Restaurant (Laos) • In the morning, visit a LOCAL MARKET to see the bustle and activity of the early morning. Continue to the NATIONAL MUSEUM (ROYAL PALACE), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. (Closed on Tuesdays). Afterwards, visit WAT MAI. • Excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves Travel down the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the THAM PAK OU CAVES. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey, stop at BAN XANG HAI VILLAGE, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. • Visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong Visit BAN XANG KHONG, a village near Luang Prabang well known for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper. • Transfer to/from restaurant • Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 10 - Luang Prabang	• Breakfast at the hotel.

Hotel	Var. A
Siem Reap	Raffles Grand Hotel d Angkor 5 State Room (No Extra bed)
Phnom Penh	Raffles Hotel Le Royal 5 State Room (No Extra Bed)
Saigon	Majestic Saigon 5 Colonial City Deluxe (No Extra Bed)
Hanoi	Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel 5 Luxury Room (No Extra Bed)
Vientiane	Green Park Boutique Hotel 4-5 Classic Room
Luang Prabang	Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel 4-5 Garden Wing (No Extra Bed)

Remark: For bookings of roundtrip or module packages, we will confirm one of the hotels mentioned above according to the selected category. Please note that compulsory gala dinners and peak season surcharges may apply during peak periods surrounding the public holidays of Christmas and New Year - these surcharges will be confirmed at the time of booking.

01/01/10 - 31/12/10
(CM) 10 Days Mekong Legend (INC-T-07), A
Rates per person in US Dollar

Private Groups Price			Single Supp
1 Pax	2 Pax	3-6 Pax	1,330
5,220	3,270	3,100

Remark Children (Sharing bed of parents): under 12 years old are granted 30% discount. Reduction for 3rd pax in triple room Jan - Dec 2010 (Var. A:$19).

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Mekong Legend - 10 Days

Starts from US$ 3270

Mekong Legend - 10 Days

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