DAYS 1 – 4

On Day 2 arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. The heart and soul of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling, vibrant and industrious center. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture. On Day 3 travel up the Mekong River by boat to explore the Mekong River islands. Cruise along amid ageless scenes of rural Vietnam — farmers cultivating crops by hand and picturesque riverside structures built on bamboo stilts. Visit the fishing center of the Thoi Son islet, meeting the fishermen and their families. For a more intimate look at life on the water, take a brief sampan ride through the tiny waterways that thread the islands. 

Explore Ho Chi Minh City beginning with a tour of the historic center. Stroll along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. View classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the Opera House, and the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral. Tour the Reunification Palace, famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. Visit the War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, drive outside the central city to the fascinating Cholon (Chinatown) area. See the Thien Hau Pagoda and the Binh Tay Market.

Park Hyatt Saigon or Sofitel Saigon Plaza, Ho Chi Minh City

DAYS 5 & 6

This morning fly to Da Nang, where its colorful history is reflected in its colonial architecture. Remnants of the French and Spanish colonists of the 17th and 18th centuries can still be seen in parts of the city. In the afternoon visit the Cham Museum which boasts the largest collection of Cham artifacts in the world. 

On Day 6 drive to nearby Hoi An, an ancient port town that was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the rare places in Vietnam to discover genuine Vietnamese architecture. Enjoy a cyclo riding tour through the narrow cobblestone streets then board a boat for a ride down the Thu Bon River to witness the daily river life in the central area. Slumber in an ocean view room overlooking Da Nang’s renowned “China Beach.”

Furama Resort, Da Nang

DAY 7

After breakfast fly to Hanoi and then continue by road to Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival in Ha Long Bay board a traditional Chinese-style junk luncheon cruise to sail through some of the 3,000 limestone and dolomite islets, whose name translates as “Where the Dragon Descends into the Sea.” Stop at an islet to explore the karst geology by climbing through a series of breathtaking caves and grottos, marveling at some of the most impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations found in the world.

Novotel, Ha Long

DAYS 8 & 9

Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries, with narrow lanes and traditional shophouses. Begin your day visiting the Temple of Literature and the One Pillar Pagoda. Then proceed to the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. 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. Afterwards head to visit one of Hanoi’s famous museums, the Museum of Ethnology, which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam. In the afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, located in heart of Hanoi, and the Museum of Fine Arts. In the evening, attend a traditional Rui noc water puppetry show — dancing puppets telling stories of the daily life of the people.

Sofitel Metropole Hotel, Hanoi

DAYS 10 & 11

Explore Luang Prabang, the crown jewel of Laos and perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. Take a pleasant cruise on the Mekong River to visit the stunning cave of Pak Ou, which houses thousands of statues of Buddha. Enjoy a special stop at a local village, and treat yourself to a glass of tasty local rice wine.

La Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang

DAYS 12 & 13

Explore Angkor Wat, the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor. It is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular monuments ever conceived by the human mind. On Day 13 visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area.

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor, Siem Reap

DAYS 14 & 15

Fly to Phnom Penh, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Start your tour of the city at Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital. See the splendor of Cambodia’s royal heritage when you visit the Royal Palace, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, and the adjacent Silver Pagoda, one of the most exquisite structures in Cambodia and the best place to observe the richness of Khmer “art and craft” culture. Next, explore the elegant National Museum, also called the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which highlights the best of Cambodian art and architectural heritage. 

Learn about a chapter from Cambodia’s more recent, tragic past at the Tuol Sleng Museum (Museum of Genocide). Kept largely unchanged, this prison now displays photographs and exhibits about the thousands of victims that passed through its doors. Lastly, explore the modern-day side of the city, visiting one of Phnom Penh’s two great markets, the Central Market, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building or the sprawling Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs to silks, crafts, jewelry and more.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh

DAYS 16 & 17

After arriving in Bangkok, enjoy an exclusive tour of the Prasart Museum followed by a ride along the Thonburi Klongs in a traditional longtail speed boat. The museum was built by a wealthy real estate business man who fell love with Thai art and architecture. He brought back priceless art and antiques from abroad and used his own house a museum to display them.

Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok

DAY 18

Those with limited time may leave this journey on Day 18. Say farewell to Bangkok as you are transferred to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand

Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Shangri-La Hotel is set in beautiful tropical gardens and enjoys convenient access to the central business and shopping districts. The five-star deluxe hotel boasts unrivaled services in an elegant and exotic setting. There are nine Asian and International restaurants that await you. The recreation and leisure facilities include a free‐form outdoor pool, fully equipped gymnasium, tennis courts, heath club with massage, two squash courts, sauna, steam bath and jacuzzi.

Travcoa has reserved deluxe guest rooms in the Krungthep Wing—spacious and well-appointed, each with private balconies providing full panoramas of the famous Chao Phraya River. Your room amenities include a mini bar, satellite TV, internet access, coffee/tea maker, bathrobe & slippers, in-room safe and hairdryer. You also have a separate entrance and reception with access a private pool and the Riverside Lounge with complimentary beverages throughout the day.

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor
Siem Reap, Cambodia

A grand historic hotel, this is a destination unto itself as seen in the hotel’s 60,000-square-meter lush, landscaped French gardens. Your Landmark Room, located in the Main Building, is furnished with luxurious Cambodian art and completed with wooden floors, marble bathrooms and handcrafted four‐post beds. You will have an array of distinctive restaurants and bars to choose from, ranging from the formal Restaurant Le Grand, to the Café d’Angkor, to the famous Elephant Bar. The tropical ambience of the resort hotel includes a 35-meter lap pool and a tennis park. At the Amrita Spa, treatments and therapies from around the world are heightened with traditional Khmer touches.

Park Hyatt Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The luxurious Park Hyatt Saigon Ho Chi Minh City is a new hotel across the street from the city’s gracious, elegant French-built opera house. Ideally located in downtown Saigon, it is within walking distance to shopping and entertainment attractions. Hotel features include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, fitness studio and massage rooms, a business center as well as a restaurant and lounge.

The 10-story hotel was designed to offer 259 top-class rooms that have been decorated in French colonial style. Each room features wood floors, separate work area, high-speed Internet access, white marble bath with walk-in rain shower and one king bed or two twin beds with plush feather pillows and duvets. Pampering amenities include a luxurious bathrobe, slippers, a hairdryer, high-speed internet access, mini bar, 25-inch flat screen satellite TV, coffee making facilities, individual air conditioning access and in-room safe.

La Residence Hotel & Spa
Hué, Vietnam

La Residence Hotel & Spa is located on the river banks of the Perfume River in the center of Hue. Its incredible location overlooking the Citadel and the Perfume River gives this resort its uniqueness embracing total serene tranquility.

Art Deco inspired rooms are stylishly decorated with lovely details of the great 1920’s & 1950’s era. The La Residence hotel features 122 rooms fully equipped with modern facilities: A/C, IDD telephone, satellite TV, electronic mini safe, tea & coffee making facilities, writing desk, vanity mirror, hair dyer and private balcony or terrace.

Furama Resort
Da Nang, Vietnam

Renowned for its pristine beaches and clear blue ocean waters, this deluxe international resort has a prime beachfront location overlooking Da Nang’s “China Beach.” French colonial-style blends charmingly with traditional

The formal and al fresco restaurants and bars serve a rich variety of authentic Asian and international cuisines. There is a whole range of sports activities including the “Fantasy Island” swimming lagoon, every type of water sport, tennis courts, beach volleyball and a golf driving range. Scuba diving excursions can be arranged at the hotel.

Enjoy the Vietnamese architecture in your luxurious Ocean View room that features a spacious private balcony or terrace. Your air conditioned room amenities include a walk-in closet, separate sitting area, direct-dial phones cable/satellite TV, mini bar, complimentary high-speed Internet access, coffee/tea maker and a marble bathroom with bathrobes, slippers and a bathroom scale.

Novotel Ha Long Bay Hotel
Ha Long, Vietnam

This contemporary hotel is overlooks the stunning Ha Long Bay, Its polished stone, glass and marble are set against delicate Asian textures silk, wickerwork and carved wood-accentuated by splashes of bright colors and elaborate design centerpieces. The hotel’s sweeping windows feature panoramic views of the bay and its spectacular seascapes. The hotel services include a business center, laundry service and there are three restaurants to choose from casual dining to local culinary creations.

Your spacious deluxe air-conditioned room has panoramic bay windows that overlook the bay or city. Room amenities include an in-room safe, mini bar, IDD telephone, satellite TV, tea/coffee maker and a bathroom with separate tub and show, bathrobes and a hair dryer.

Sofitel Metropole Hotel
Hanoi, Vietnam

This award-winning French colonial-style building has stood proudly in the heart of Hanoi since 1901. Located near Hoan Kiem Lake and the magnificent Opera House, the hotel has a rich history and a century-long tradition of welcoming ambassadors, writers and heads of state. Your room offers the finest facilities befitting its European heritage. Enjoy French cuisine at the elegant Le Beaulieu restaurant and refined Vietnamese specialties at the “Spices Garden” terrace. There are three relaxing bars, a fitness center, Jacuzzi, massage, and outdoor pool and sauna.

Your air-conditioned Classic Deluxe room features an in-room safe, mini bar, satellite TV, internet access and a bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower, plus a hair dryer.

La Residence Phou Vao
Luang Prabang, Laos

This Orient-Express hotel boasts breathtaking views of the mountains and the sedate World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. It has three hectares of lush gardens that fringe the breathtaking infinity-edge swimming pool. Its intimate restaurant features exquisite Lao and European specialties. The hotel offers many leisure facilities, including a large freshwater swimming pool, a library, boutiques, business services as well as a lounge and restaurant offering Lao and European cuisine.

Your luxurious room is spacious with breathtaking views of the forest canopy and distant mountains dotted with pagodas and stupas. Your room also features a private terrace or balcony, with furnishings that emphasize the local styles and materials. The large bathrooms have roomy freeform marble baths and double sinks. All rooms have a hair dryer, satellite television, mini bar, personal safe, air conditioning and international direct dial telephone.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Raffles Hotel Le Royal is the premier hotel in Phnom Penh, a hotel with those rare attributes of history and style. It was first established in 1929 and the grand historic hotel fulfills all the requirements of a modern world-class hotel with its facilities and amenities, but imparts an old-world charm. The Amrita Spa offers the latest state-of-the-art exercise equipment and also includes a sauna, jacuzzi, steam, body and skin treatments.

You will have a choice of five distinctive restaurants and bars ranging from traditional French and Khmer cuisine to a traditional French café and the Writer’s Bar. Other hotels services include a business center, lap pool and family swimming pool and landscaped gardens.

Your Landmark Room, located in the Main Building, is decorated with memorabilia and artifacts with Cambodian and art deco themes. Your luxurious air-conditioned room amenities include international direct dial telephone, in-room safe, mini bar, satellite TV and hair dryer.

Jan Wheatley

To date, Jan has led journeys to over 100 countries, including one of the first groups to China after President Nixon’s historic visit. His enthusiasm for travel is contagious. He has spent more than half of his life sharing the world with avid travelers.

Travel Dates: February 05, 2012

John Wootton

After years spent aboard ships and traveling in South Africa, John joined the Travcoa family. He has been leading our journeys for 30 years, in which time he has traveled on most itineraries, covering all seven continents.

Travel Dates: October 06, 2012

Amber Medkiff

Amber speaks French, Italian and Spanish, and is a member of the Italian Institute and the French Institute of San Francisco, where she resides. She has published a travel article on Italy and was the subject of a Condé Nast Travel magazine article titled “How to Travel Like a Millionaire.” She has conducted travel programs all over the world for 18 years.

Travel Dates: November 03, 2012