Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

Say Hello to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

Our Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam travel adventure begins at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi at 6:00 PM. Welcome to Hanoi! A transfer is included from Noi Bai International Airport to the landmark Sofitel Legend 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.

Dinner

SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI

A Palace, a Prison, Pagodas & more in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

Begin your Vietnam tour with a day including a memorable buggy ride through the back streets of Old Hanoi; a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; the colonial Presidential Palace that Ho Chi Minh refused to live in, along with his "house on stilts"; the famous One-Pillar Pagoda, constructed in 1049 to resemble a lotus blossom; and a visit to the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War.

Sample Vietnamese specialties for lunch, then spend the afternoon as you wish. An art form that is unique to Vietnam and popular since the 18th century entertains you this evening during an enchanting water puppet performance. Please note: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex is closed each year for annual renovations from September to December; Ho Chi Minh's stilt house and the One-Pillar Pagoda are still open for viewing.

Breakfast, Lunch

SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI

World Heritage Site of Hué

Hue, Vietnam

No Vietnam travel experience would be complete without a visit to Hué, Vietnam’s most beautiful city, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll arrive this morning following a flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, visit the tomb of 19th-century emperor Tu Duc.

After lunch, ride your private, pedal-powered cyclo to explore Hué's Citadel – which housed the Imperial City for the emperor’s official functions, and the Forbidden Purple City for his personal time – then settle in to your riverfront accommodations along the Perfume River.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

LA RÉSIDENCE HÔTEL & SPA

The New "China Beach" in Da Nang

Hue, Vietnam

This morning, explore Hué’s tranquil setting as you admire Thien Mu (“Heavenly Lady”) Pagoda, a seven-story octagonal tower built in 1844, and cruise along the Perfume River; view the boats that continue to serve as complete family homes for many residents of Hué.

Then 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 travel destination. You’ll spend the next two nights at one of the most prestigious beachfront resorts in Vietnam, the Furama Resort Da Nang, set right on the shores of the South China Sea.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

FURAMA RESORT DA NANG

Da Nang & Historic Hoi An by Cyclo

Da Nang, Vietnam

Pay a delightful visit to a local kindergarten in Da Nang this morning, then continue your Vietnam travel 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 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.

Breakfast, Dinner

FURAMA RESORT DA NANG

Ho Chi Minh City & the Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Take a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), Vietnam’s second-largest city; set off to the battlefield memorial site of Ben Duoc, northwest of the city, where you'll explore an underground world of tunnels and chambers three stories deep at Cu Chi Tunnels with your local guides. Used during the Vietnam War, the 120-mile tunnel network housed kitchens, dormitories, munitions factories, hospitals, and schoolrooms.

Sample Vietnam's diverse culinary heritage tonight with an elegant dinner at a local restaurant offering French, Vietnamese, and international specialties within a sumptuously restored villa setting.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SHERATON SAIGON HOTEL & TOWERS

Saigon Then, Ho Chi Minh City Now

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Explore Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) with your local expert today, visiting the former Presidential Palace, now called Reunification Hall (after negotiations rejoined the North and South in 1975). See the former U.S. Embassy, the Saigon River, 19th-century Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and the stately Central Post Office designed by Paris’ Gustave Eiffel. Enjoy the afternoon and evening as you please.

Breakfast, Lunch

SHERATON SAIGON HOTEL & TOWERS

On to Cambodia & the Wonders of Angkor

Siem Reap, Cambodia

This morning, your journey 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, covering an area twice the size of Manhattan.

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 your hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

RAFFLES GRAND HOTEL D'ANGKOR

Khmer Temples & a Tonle Sap Lake Cruise

Siem Reap, Cambodia

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 eerily smiling 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! Later, you may wish to join us for a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, revealing fascinating floating villages.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

RAFFLES GRAND HOTEL D'ANGKOR

The "Rose of the North" & Scenic Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai, Thailand

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 Resort Chiang Mai, where your richly appointed accommodations feature a Lanna-style sala (pavilion) looking out over gardens, terraced rice paddies, and mountains.

ake a scenic drive 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 – before enjoying dinner at your choice of restaurants back at the resort.

Breakfast, Dinner

FOUR SEASONS RESORT CHIANG MAI

Thailand's Elephants at Work & Play

Chiang Mai, Thailand

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 bananas and sugar cane, see them demonstrate various skills, and see baby elephants in the nursery before you return to your Mae Rim Valley resort where the remainder of the day is spent as you please.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

FOUR SEASONS RESORT CHIANG MAI

The Hill Tribe Villages of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand

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 live peacefully there as small farmers, observing and honoring their traditional ways of life. They'll share their crafts and folkways with you... you'll even get to try on the traditional neck rings worn by members of the "long-necked" Karen tribe! Then return to your resort for time as you choose and dinner à la carte this evening.

Breakfast, Dinner

FOUR SEASONS RESORT CHIANG MAI

On to Bangkok, Thailand's Stunning Capital

Bangkok, Thailand

A morning flight takes you to bustling Bangkok in time for lunch at a local restaurant and some time spent exploring on your own in Thailand's capital – kicking off a three-night stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, with accommodations in the deluxe Krungthep Wing. Enjoy dinner tonight at your choice of restaurants at your hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, BANGKOK

The Breathtaking Buddhas of Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

An express boat whisks you from the hotel for a morning of sightseeing in Bangkok, an intriguing 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 Pho, the oldest and largest temple in the city. Following a traditional Thai lunch, a motorboat ride returns you to the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok for an evening at leisure and dinner on your own in Bangkok.

Breakfast, Lunch

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, BANGKOK

Bangkok's Klongs & the Jim Thompson House

Bangkok, Thailand

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 (the Temple of Dawn) along the way.

Then journey from the riverside to the Jim Thompson House & Museum, where you'll join a local guide to tour the art- and artifact-filled Bangkok home of the expatriate American architect, OSS officer and postwar Thai silk entrepreneur who mysteriously disappeared in the 1960s. Following a free afternoon, cap your extraordinary Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam travel with a farewell reception and dinner this evening.

Breakfast, Dinner

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, BANGKOK

Homeward Bound

Bangkok, Thailand

Your memorable Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam travel adventure ends in Bangkok. A transfer from the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok to Bangkok International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

Breakfast

• ALL guests must carefully verify the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation DIRECTLY WITH THEIR LOCAL CONSULATES OR EMBASSIES or with a visa service, as these requirements may change. Guests without proper documentation may be denied entry and will not be entitled to a refund

• 60 days or more before departure: $600.00 per person
• 59-8 days before departure: $1250.00 per person
• 7-1 days before departure: $2000.00 per person
• On departure day and later: 100% of total price
• Any changes or cancellations to airline reservations made through Tauck either before or after departure are subject to the cancellation / change policies of the individual airlines. In n some instances these cancellation / change fees may be up to 100% of the ticket price.
• Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including extra night accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions reserved prior to, during, and after the tour. If flight changes, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations or name changes, are requested after full land and air deposits are received, revision fees, change fees, or airline cancellation fees will apply.
• All cancellations must be received in writing prior to tour departure. The cancellation policy will apply according to the date that the cancellation notification is received. The MINIMUM cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.
• The purchase to trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

• Land only “from price” is per person based on two people sharing a room together and does not include airfare unless expressly stated.
• All prices are in US Dollars.
• A $600 non-refundable, non-transferable, per-person, per-vacation deposit is required to reserve space for you. Payment of the deposit indicates you have read and accepted all Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit payment is processed and you receive a confirmation invoice.
• Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure. Within the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land, cruise, and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the due date.
• Additional deposits or payments are required for international air added to the start and/or end of your vacation.