VIETNAM & ANGKOR WAT TOUR SCHEDULE

November 1 – November 14
Price per person: $4495 
NOTE:  The itinerary is an overview; changes can be made according to groups’ preferences and requests.  We can opt to walk from one site to the next instead of van transport, or make stops to see local activities like rice harvesting, a wedding possession, or just simply for photographs. 
 
Day 01/ Nov. 1 Arrival Siem Reap   
Arrival at Siem Reap airport. Transfer to hotel. Half-day visit to Banteay Sray Temple. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 02 / Nov. 2 Siem Reap (B,L,D)    
Siem Reap is the nearest town to the incomparable Khmer temple complex of Angkor. From the 9th to 15th Century, Angkor was both the power base of a mighty military and political force, and the heart of a rich and sophisticated civilization. We will see massive stone monuments, wide majestic causeways, imposing gateways and towers – all in a wonderful jungle setting. Most of our afternoon is dedicated to a visit of the most famous temple - magnificent Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century. Lunch at Bayon restaurant.  We will continue our temple visits, including Thommanon, Chay Say Tevoda, Takeo - one of Angkor’s great temple mountains, Ta Prohm, a favorite amongst visitors because it has become part of the jungle, Banteay Kdei with its very attractive carvings, Srah Srang - a Royal bathing place, Prasat Kravan with unique brick sculpture. 

Day 03/ Nov. 3 Siem Reap – Hanoi  (B,L,D)  
Morning visit to silk farm in Siem Reap, market stop, transfer to airport for departure to Hanoi. Transfer to our hotel in Hanoi. Buffet dinner will be served at local SEN restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi. 

Day 04 / Nov. 4 Hanoi   (B,L)
Full day tour around Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh mausoleum complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon visit Ethnology museum, cyclo tour followed by a water puppet show. Free evening. Overnight in Hanoi. 

Day 05/ Nov. 5 Hanoi (B,L,D)
Explore Hanoi, go to open market and buy ingredients for cooking class.  Get a glimpse of how local ingredients are transformed into delectable Northern fares.  Visit coffee houses and enjoy this classic capital city of Vietnam.

Day 06/ Nov. 6 Halong (B,L,D)
After breakfast, have a scenic drive to Halong. Upon arrival onboard  Huong Hai Junk, check into cabin and enjoy the local caught seafood lunch while cruising Ha Long bay, Visit Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, and climb Sung Sot cave or just simple sit back and admire the wonderful rock formation of this World Heritage site. Overnight onboard. 
 
Day 07 / Nov. 7 Halong Danang   (B,L,D)
Half day cruise on Ha Long bay and back to the habor for transfer to Hanoi.  Fly to Danang, check-into hotel. Dinner and overnight in Danang.  Time permitting, a visit to Marble Mountain to see local craft men turn blocks of marble into beautiful statues and figurines.  Overnight in Danang 

Day 08/ Nov. 8 Danang (B,L)
Drive to Hoi An, the ancient city of Vietnam and another one of UNESCO’S World Heritage Site. This charming little town was one of the most important and largest trading ports in Vietnam.  The sea port town is now famous for its quaint atmosphere and custom made clothing.  A cooking class (optional). Overnight in Danang. 
 
Day 09/ Nov. 9 Danang Hue  (B,L,D)
Breakfast at hotel. 9 AM drive to Hue (2.5 hours), walking visit to imperial city of Nguyen Dynasty and Forbidden Purple City. Then onwards to Thien Mu Buddisht Temple, Tu Duc tomb, or a cruise down the Perfume River in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hue. 

Day 10/ Nov. 10 Hue-Saigon-CanTho (B,L,D)
Short flight to Saigon, then drive to Cai Be (2,5 hours) Visit Cai Be Floating market and local village; see artisans make rice paper and coconut candy, then off to Binh Hoa Phuoc island to visit a Bonsai garden. Drive to Can Tho in the late afternoon. Evening stroll through downtown Can tho.  Overnight in CanTho.

Day 11/ Nov. 11 Can Tho - Saigon (B,L)
Morning visit to Cai Rang market; see local merchants who buy and sell locally-grown fruit, vegetables, rice and much more. Visit a brick and pottery factory. Optional: take a leisurely bike ride around this beautiful and tranquil countryside of Vietnam. Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 12/ Nov. 12 Saigon  (B,L,D)
This bustling city was once hailed as “Pearl of the Orient”.  With a population of around 8 million people, Saigon is truly the picture of a metropolitan city.  From modern high rises to tiny side walk cafes, old ways and new influences intertwine into a chaotic life yet interesting.  Visit Ben Thanh market and see exotic fresh produce, live seafood, spices, and more side walk food stalls. Overnight in Saigon 

Day 13/ Nov. 13 Sai Gon  (B,D)
Free day in Saigon , optional visit to Cho Lon – Vietnam’s China town. Farewell dinner.  Overnight in Saigon

Day 14/ Nov. 14 Depart for U.S.A.
Transfer to the airport for flight home or other destinations. End of services. 

SERVICES  EXCLUDE:
*  Alcoholic beverages
*  Travel insurance (we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance)
*  International airfare
Visa fees:  Vietnam: $60, Cambodia: $20 + $25 airport fee 
Deposit:  $500 to hold a space, make check out to:  East West cooks, 6 Fort Sumter  Irvine  CA  92620.  Final payment is due on Aug 15, 2009.  Single supplement is an additional $975.
Cancellation policy:  full (100%) refund 90 days prior to departure (less $100 handling fee), 50% refund 60 days prior to departure, no refund 45 days prior to departure. Passport must not expires 6 months within travel dates.