Indochine
Vietnam and Cambodia
October 14 - 27, 2006
plus Thailand Extension
(to October 31)
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
The French called Vietnam and the surrounding territories “Indochina.”
Actually, they were speaking French, so the word they uttered was: “Indochine.”
The word makes it sound like the region is a lovely combination of India
and China, doesn’t it? Nothing could be further from the truth
since Vietnam has a cultural identity far removed from that of either
China or India!
Vietnam’s past reads like a romantic
legend. It is full of heroic struggles and astounding victories. Throughout
many centuries of attempted occupation by the Chinese and colonization
by the French, this small country has managed to retain its culture
and sense of history while absorbing and adapting the strengths of its
foes. Here traditions still carry meaning. Its ancient heroes are still
venerated at colorful temple festivals, people honor their ancestors,
and village elders teach the values of hard work, hospitality, and filial
loyalty.
Most first-time visitors to Vietnam are
overwhelmed by its ancient history, rich culture, and the sublime beauty
of the country’s natural setting. Almost 2,000 miles of coastline
boasts endless stretches of white sand beaches. Inland mountains soar
majestically from dense, misty forests to heights of nearly 10,000 feet.
Hidden away in impenetrable jungles lie the remains of ancient cities.
The Red River Delta in the north, and the fertile Mekong Delta in the
south are a patchwork of vast rubber plantations and brilliant green
rice paddies tended by women in conical hats.
Vietnam’s greatest resource, however,
is its friendly, welcoming people. With fifty-four ethnic groups, most
of whom live in remote areas and follow age-old customs, Vietnam offers
unparalleled opportunities for cultural exploration. Long closed to
intrepid tourists, the country retains a charming innocence that most
vacation hotspots lack. Yet in the decade since it has reopened its
doors to the outside world, the country has built world-class hotels
and tourism facilities featuring the special Vietnamese hospitality.
Even though the French remained for a
century, their influence extends no further than the cities’ colonial
architecture, the railways, and the ubiquitous baguettes sold everywhere.
Were it not for the French, however, the world might not know the existence
of one of mankind’s greatest architectural treasures. Just after
Christmas in 1859, French explorer Henri Mouhot left Bangkok to explore
the uncharted regions of Indochine. It took him a year of hacking through
brush and fending off leopards, leeches and wild elephants before he
arrived at Angkor Wat, the jungle-smothered complex of temples deep
inside the kingdom of Cambodia. Since UNESCO designated it as a World
Heritage site, it has since become one of the world’s great must-see
destinations.
Come with Toto Tours to explore Vietnam’s
ancient history, the impact of 19th-Century French occupation, and the
costly consequences of war. Experience the length and breadth of a country
that has achieved the status of a cultural legend during this special
adventure. Then fly over the border into Cambodia to experience the
incredible ruins and religious monuments at Angkor that once formed
the heart of the Khmer empire.
If you still haven’t had enough
of these Asian glories, top off this incredible adventure vacation with
an optional post-tour extension to Bangkok, Thailand. Toto Tours continues
its tradition of offering exciting, exotic destinations with this unique
feast for the senses, with three distinct Asian flavors. Join us, and
savor the glories of Indochine!
ITINERARY
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Departure
Depart your home city today on an overnight international flight to
Hanoi, Vietnam arriving tomorrow. (Search for flights using the airport
code: HAN) As with most of our international tours, we recommend that
you consider arriving a day or two early to get over the jet lag. We
will be happy to help you with a private hotel transfer and reserve
additional night(s) at our group hotel if you decide to arrive in Hanoi
early.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Arrival in Hanoi / Welcome Dinner
Please time your flights to arrive in Hanoi before 1:00pm today. You
will be met at the airport and transferred to our beautiful hotel overlooking
the West Lake in the Ba Dinh District. You will have some time to relax
and rest after the long flight.
This afternoon we gather in the hotel lobby
for a welcome cocktail and introductions, then begin our adventure with
a pedicab tour of the city’s Old Quarter. Alighting and continuing
by foot, enjoy a traditional and uniquely Vietnamese water puppet show.
Afterwards, Toto Tours hosts a festive Welcome Dinner. (Dinner
Included)
Monday, October 16, 2006
Hanoi / Ha Long Bay
After breakfast at the hotel, store your luggage, grab an overnight
bag and get ready for “camping” aboard a junk on Ha Long
Bay! Before leaving Hanoi we visit briefly the area surrounding the
mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh. The complex includes gardens, the
former Presidential Palace, a museum and the one pillar pagoda. We also
visit the Temple of Literature.
Mid-morning we depart for beautiful Ha Long
Bay. This area of the South China Sea has thousands of beautiful limestone
peaks rising out of the water, and a group of more than 1,900 of these
islets has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We board our
classic junk sailing vessel in time for lunch, then spend the afternoon
cruising the bay, fishing and enjoying delicious food. We will surely
devise some interesting diversions for our one evening and overnight
spent aboard the ship. (All Meals)
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Descending Dragons / Return to Hanoi
After breakast we continue our cruise among the craggy islands which
make this area famous. They have strange shapes and descriptive names:
Cockfight Islet, Islet of Toad, Dome Islet. Covered by green and dense
vegetation, many contain huge caves. We disembark to clamber around
inside one of them.
Legend has it that a huge dragon and
its children descended here to help the Vietnamese fight against Northern
invaders. After the victory these dragons decided to stay with the local
people, and since then this area has been called the “descending
dragon” region. We enjoy a final few hours cruising among these
fantastically photogenic dragon humps!
After lunch aboard, leave the junk behind and
return to our beautiful Hanoi hotel. The remainder of the afternoon
and evening are free at leisure. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Hue
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for a morning flight to
Hue. This was the former capital of Vietnam under the decadent rule
of the 19th-Century Nguyen dynasty. Visit the city’s Imperial
Citadel (still bearing the battle scars of 1968’s Tet Offensive),
the Noon Gate, Palace of Harmony, and Royal Temple. Take a break for
hotel check-in and lunch at a local restaurant, then continue sightseeing
with a visit to the ornate Imperial Tombs of Nguyen kings Khai Dinh
and Tu Duc.
This evening we enjoy a leisurely boat trip
on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest
found in the region. Finally we savor the sights, tastes and music of
a classic Imperial Dinner. (All Meals)
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Hoi An
This morning take a scenic drive from Hue to Hoi An, passing through
the Hai Van Pass and Phu Loc fishing village. Hoi An is a UNESCO World
Heritage site. It was a very busy commercial port in the 15th, 16th
and 17th centuries, where merchants from Japan, China, India and Holland
came to trade. Almost all of the original architecture of streets, ports,
and religious buildings are intact. Main sites we see today during a
guided walk include the ornate Tan Ky merchant house, the lavishly decorated
Kwangdung Assembly Hall, and a famous Japanese covered bridge. There
is nightly music at the Traditional Performance House (optional), for
those who can bear to tear themselves away from our beautiful beach-front
resort this evening. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Friday, October 20, 2006
Da Nang / Nha Trang
Another scenic drive this morning takes us to Da Nang, once the capital
of the Hindu kingom of Champa which extended from central to southern
Vietnam. We will stop to visit the Marble Mountain Village, the famed
China Beach where U.S. troops frolicked during their wartime military
leaves, and the Cham Museum with its ancient stone statues. After lunch,
transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight to Nha Trang, Vietnam’s
most picturesque coastal town and Pacific Ocean beach resort. Upon arrival
visit the Po Nagar Temple complex, with buildings dating as far back
as the 9th century. After hotel check-in, the rest of the day is free
to relax and enjoy our beautiful seaside resort. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Beach Day
After breakfast, take a boat to a deserted island off the coast to
swim and snorkel, followed by lunch at a quaint fishing village. In
the afternoon, we return to the mainland, where we will stroll through
the town marketplace and visit the hillside Buddah of Long Son. The
evening is free to enjoy the resort. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Ho Chi Minh City “Saigon”
After breakfast we transfer to the airport to board a morning flight
to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Upon arrival, we share
lunch together at a local restaurant, then proceed to our centrally
located hotel. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Monday, October 23, 2006
Saigon Sightseeing
Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling, dynamic and industrious heart and
soul of Vietnam. The streets are a myriad of markets, shops, sidewalk
cafes, shops-on-wheels and vendors selling wares spread out on sidewalks.
The teeming metropolis churns, fumes, ferments, and bubbles, but within
the city are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture.
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour today. City
stops include the Reunification Palace, the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame
Cathedral, and the harrowing War Remnants Museum. In Chinatown burn
incense for remembrance and good fortune at an ancient Chinese temple,
and stroll through the teeming Binh Tay market. After lunch, transfer
to the Cu Chi Tunnels where the Vietnamese dug more than 125 miles of
tunnels during the war. On the way we stop to photograph rice fields
and rubber plantations.
This evening enjoy dinner with Vietnamese folk
entertainment at Rex restaurant. (All
Meals)
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Mekong Delta
After breakfast we embark on a full-day excursion to the fertile Mekong
Delta. Highlights include a boat cruise on the Mekong river, a visit
to a local village where we enjoy tropical fruits and folk music, and
a lunch featuring local specialties. In late afternoon we return to
the city for a free evening and overnight. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Siem Reap, Cambodia
We transfer to the airport after breakfast for our morning flight to
Cambodia. Upon arrival we drive to see the historic site of the Temples
of Angkor, including Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. This UNESCO World Heritage
Site is a sprawling complex covering 81 hectares, and it offers some
of the most beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art in the world.
After touring and hotel check-in, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
featuring a display of Khmer dancing. (All
Meals)
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Angkor Wat
After breakfast enjoy a full day to explore the wonders of Angkor Wat,
including the Elephant Terrace (named for its large wall sculptures)
and the Terrace of the Leper King (which may have been a crematorium).
You will have time to discover the Siem Reap market on your own this
afternoon. Tonight Toto Tours hosts a festive Farewell Dinner at our
hotel, the fabulous Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor! (All
Meals)
Friday, October 27, 2006
Departure for home - or - On to Bangkok
The tour ends officially after breakfast this morning. Those who are
not extending their trip to Bangkok with the group should book their
return flights for any convenient time today. (When searching for flights,
use the following airport code for Siem Reap: REP) Our travel services
provider in Vietnam can book your flight back to Saigon or Hanoi if
you are returning home from either of those cities, or you can go on
to Bangkok with us if you booked your return flight from that city.
Let us know if you need assistance with a flight from Siem Reap.
We provide one group transfer to the airport
this morning timed for those who are continuing on to Bangkok with our
optional tour extension. (Breakfast)
Click the link above to read all about this exciting conclusion to
our Indochine tour.
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