Vietnam and Cambodia 6-19 October

TOURCAN VACATIONS
Itinerary Specially Prepared for Solo Traveler Tour
Sat 06 Oct’12 Canada / Hong Kong flight
Overnight: en-route
Sun 07 Oct’12 Hong Kong / Saigon flight
Arrive Saigon airport and proceed towards the exit to be met by our representative and
transferred to the hotel. (check in 15:00 hrs)
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Liberty Central Hotel (F. Liberty 6 Hotel) (Deluxe Room)
Mon 08 Oct’12 Saigon
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for an excursion visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Never discovered by American forces, the CU CHI TUNNELS were an important
Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible
underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts,
hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn
about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate
booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to
accommodate tourists.
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 motorbikes, 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.
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: Liberty Central Hotel (F. Liberty 6 Hotel) (Deluxe Room) (B, L)
Tue 09 Oct’12 Saigon
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed on an excursion visiting My Tho with a boat trip to
Mekong River islands.
From Saigon, transfer to My Tho, a bustling town in the rich agricultural region of the
Mekong Delta and visit the VINH TRANG PAGODA, a beautiful temple which is
splendid with the harmonious fusion of Asian and European architectural styles..
Afterwards board a local boat to explore the MEKONG RIVER ISLANDS, stopping at a
fruit orchard to enjoy fruit and tea while listening to local music and THOI SON islet.
The trip also includes a brief sampan ride through the tiny waterways that thread the
island.
Overnight: Liberty Central Hotel (F. Liberty 6 Hotel) (Deluxe Room) (B, L)
Wed 10 Oct’12 Saigon / Danang flight
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board your flight for Danang.
Arrive Danang, transfer to the hotel. (check in 15:00 hrs)
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Mercure Danang Hotel (Superior Room) (B)
Thu 11 Oct’12 Danang
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed on an excursion visiting Hoi An with a boat trip on the
Thu Bon River.
The exquisitely preserved merchant town of HOI AN was declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful shophouses and temples reflect a diverse heritage,
dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese
and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving center of traditional crafts and a shoppers
paradise, best explored on foot.
Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central
MARKET and the small HARBOUR where colorfully painted boats are moored. The
walking tour will include visits to a PRIVATE HOUSE, where members of the same
family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting; to one of the
FAMILY CHAPELS built by prominent merchant or official families as centers for
ancestor worship; and to a typical CHINESE-STYLE PAGODA or ASSEMBLY HALL.
Finally, continue to the famous JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE, first constructed in 1593
by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across
the stream.
In the afternoon, board a local boat and cruise down the THU BON RIVER, enjoying the
unspoiled countryside and stopping to visit a POTTERY VILLAGE and a
WOODCARVING VILLAGE before returning to Hoi An harbour.Overnight: Mercure Danang Hotel (Superior Room) (B, L)
Fri 12 Oct’12 Danang / Hue drive
Breakfast at the hotel. Journey north along Highway 1 over the Hai Van Pass and past
Phu Loc and Phu Bai. HAI VAN PASS: the pass crosses over a spur of the Truong Son
Mountain Range that just into the South China Sea. It is an incredible mountainous
stretch of highway with spectacular views.
Sightseeing of the Old Imperial City. Located in the heart of Hue is the IMPERIAL
CITADEL, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the
Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded
by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing
during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a
fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the
striking FLAG TOWER, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the
imposing NGO MON GATE, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an
area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit DIEN THO Residence (
Dien Tho palace) is where the Queen mother lived, visit THAI HOA PALACE, the
magnificently decorated reception hall, the HALLS OF THE MANDARINS, and the
original NINE DYNASTIC URNS, among other sites.
Excursion to Thien Mu Pagoda with a boat trip on the Huong Giang river
Embark on a local boat and cruise down the PERFUME RIVER to the iconic THIEN MU
PAGODA, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most
widely recognizable monument. During the early 1960s, this became a center of antigovernment protest, and the site of the famous self-immolation of the monk Thich
Quang Duc.
Overnight: Saigon Morin Hotel (Standard Room) (B, L)
Sat 13 Oct’12 Hue / Hanoi flight
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board your flight for Hanoi.
Arrive Hanoi, transfer to the hotel. (check in 15:00 hrs)
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Melia Hotel (Standard Room) (B)
Sun 14 Oct’12 Hanoi
Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from the hotel lobby for your sightseeing tour of 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 an exciting
exploration by walking, 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 serving
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's 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 on every Mondays and
Fridays and closes annually in October and November for restoration. Continue through
the park to HO CHI MINH'S STILT HOUSE,the simple two-room dwelling where Ho
Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days ( 1969). Preserved in the same condition as
during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Preserved in the same condition
as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Afterwards head to visit one
of Hanoi's famous museums, the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY (Closed on Mondays and
Vietnam New Year), 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. In the afternoon, visit
HOAN KIEM LAKE and Ngoc Son Temple, 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.
Visit a Water Puppet Show and talk with Water Puppeteers
Overnight: Melia Hotel (Standard Room) (B, L, D)
Mon 15 Oct’12 Hanoi / Halong drive / cruise
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Halong – Hon Gai Pier to board your cruise.
Day 1 of 2 (English speaking cruise guide)
Check in at Bhaya Café, Halong City. Embark on Bhaya Classic for a Welcome Cocktail
followed by a cruise briefing. Savor a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch as Bhaya Classic
heads to Bai Tu Long Bay passing the towns of Hon Gai and Cam Pha, Oan Lagoon, Mat
Quy (Monster Head) and Am Tich (Teapot) Islets and Vung Vieng fishing village. Visit
the fishing village by local rowing boat (01 hour) then return to the vessel for free time at
your leisure or join one of the following optional activities: Kayak into the village or
swim near the boat; Optional onboard activities: Sunbathing, traditional massage, etc.;
Trip by tender to an isolated pristine beach for swimming, etc. Bhaya Classic cruises
through the Bay to its overnight anchorage near Ho Dong Tien. Happy Hour and
Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the Sundeck. Sumptuous Seafood Set dinner
onboard. Retire to your cabin or join the fishing program.
Overnight: Bhaya Classic Cruise (Cabin) (B, L, D)
Tue 16 Oct’12 Halong / Hanoi cruise
Hanoi / Siem Reap flight
Day 2 of 2. Start your day with Tai Chi on the Sundeck while complimentary tea and
coffee are served. Bhaya Classic weighs anchor to cruise through the Bay passing beautiful spots like Trong (Drum), Trinh Nu (Virgin) and Me Cung Caves, Coc Ngoi
(Toad) Islet, etc. Explore the Surprise Cave (Sung Sot). Return to Bhaya Classic. Buffet
brunch is served onboard. The vessel cruises leisurely back to harbor. Disembark at
Bhaya Café, Halong City.
Drive to Noi Bai Airport to board your flight for Siem Reap
Arrive Siem Reap, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight: Angkor Century Resort & Spa (Superior Room) (B, D)
Wed 17 Oct’12 Siem Reap
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed on a sightseeing of Angkor.
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. 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. Visit TA PROHM, one of the most
popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks
very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European
explorers first stumbled across them. Watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside
from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple.
Overnight: Angkor Century Resort & Spa (Superior Room) (B, L)
Thu 18 Oct’12 Siem Reap / Phnom Penh flight
Phnom Penh / Hong Kong flight
Hong Kong / Toronto flight
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board your flight for Canada via Phnom
Penh and Hong Kong. (check out 12:00 noon)END OF OUR SERVICES
Tour cost includes:
• Accommodation at the hotels mentioned above or similar to include currently
applicable taxes and service charges
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Transfers and sightseeing by a standard private vehicle in Bangkok and by
scheduled seat in coach services in Hong Kong.
• Services of local English speaking guides for sightseeing only `
• Entrance fees to monuments mentioned in the itinerary
• Economy class airfares on international and domestic sectors
Not included:
• Airport taxes
• Meals other than mentioned above
• Optional sightseeing while on tour
• Porterage at airports or hotels
• Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone, etc
• Insurance
• Any item not listed under “included”.
Terms and conditions as per Tourcan Vacations brochure 2011.
A visa is required for entry into Vietnam and Cambodia.Optional to Hong Kong:
Thu 18 Oct’12 Hong Kong flight
Arrive Hong Kong, proceed to the counter to board your seat in coach scheduled
transfer to the hotel. (check in 15:00 hrs)
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Langham Place Hotel (Vital Place Room)
Fri 19 Oct’12 Hong Kong
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning enjoy a guided tour of Hong Kong Island by seat in
coach scheduled tour. Ascend by tram to Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of Hong
Kong, Kowloon, the busy harbour and some of the surrounding islands. Stop at Stanley
Market for a limited shopping excursion. Drive past Deep Water Bay and Ocean Park
and into beautiful Repulse Bay. End the tour with a visit to Aberdeen, a fishing
community turned base for many floating restaurants.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Langham Place Hotel (Vital Place Room) (B)
Sat 20 Oct’12 Depart Hong Kong flight
Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport to board your flight back home. (check out
12:00 noon)
END OF OUR SERVICES
Included in the cost:
• Accommodation at the hotel mentioned above or similar to include currently
applicable taxes and service charges
• Daily breakfast
• Transfers and sightseeing by seat in coach scheduled services
• Services of a local English speaking guide for sightseeing only
• Entrance fees to monuments mentioned in the itinerary.
Not included:
• Airfares on international or domestic sectors
• Any meals
• Optional sightseeing while on tour
• Insurance
• Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone, etc.
• Any item not mentioned above

Contact Lynn Livingstone at 519 886 9111 ot lynn@northstartravel.ca