Explorient Travel

"Just quick note to let you know that we had a wonderful trip visiting Vietnam and Cambodia! We enjoyed staying at the hotels you’ve suggested, and our guides were knowledgeable. Also, getting through Hanoi airport’s immigration was easier than anticipated."

"My wife and I would like to send this letter to express our appreciation and to thank to your staff member for all the services and supports she had provided us during our stay in Vietnam. Please send our special and sincere thanks to Ms. Thu Anh"

Overall, it was a great trip. Explorient was well organized and true to their word. The guides were knowledgable and accomodating. The tour included a private min-van driving from DaNang to Hanoi (15 hours) with the giude accompaning us all the way. The guide made the long hard trip very interresting. We got to see the country first hand, but would not recommend driving unless you overnight along the way and take time to enjoy the beaches.

"We are still putting together a few pictures and small videos that I’d love to sent you when completed to just show our appreciation. Vietnam put its hook and us and based on the service from you and Explorient, our next trip to Asia will definitely go through you. Thank guys!"

"I especially appreciated your helping me purchase blue jeans. It was cold and wet in SAPA and I would have been very uncomfortable without my blue jeans. We had a safe trip home and Vietnam will always be a special memory for us."

"I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and happy New Year to you. I returned from my trip and must say that is was amazing! The guides were fabulous, everything organized so perfectly and I had the time of my life, thanks again for your wonderful services. Vietnam is such a beautiful and interesting country; I hope to return there sometime soon."

"Everything worked out perfectly, not even one problem or concern. Your arrangement was perfect: the train, hotels, planes, guides, transfers, tours and hotel were the greatest and all helped us have a fantastic adventure! 14 days of pure memories."

"We can’t thank you enough for our wonderful trip to Vietnam, it was absolutely perfect from beginning to and! All of the arrangements, tours, guide, and hotels were fantastic. Our guides in Hanoi and Saigon were just fabulous. We had a great time and will certainly tell our friends about your service."

"I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to let you know that Kate and I had a wonderful time on our trip through Indochina. Thank you so much for all the work you did organizing the trip. The guides were wonderful and everything went according to schedule, with was amazing considering how many cities we visited. We were extremely impressed with Explorient and would be happy to provide a recommendation to any prospective customers if you would like us to."

"I expect your ears were burning over the last two weeks, we spoke very kindly of you in each of the destinations we visited. We had a fantastic time and all of your arrangements were flawless! Every hotel was very special, every guide was gracious and well qualified, we especially enjoyed Nam in Vietnam and Chunan in Cambodia. Every one of the flights was even on time, all in all an amazing trip."

From Ray & Betti (Holland)
From David Nguyen (USA)
From Sadie Ciganek (USA)
From Kevin N. Shenoy (Australia)
From Holly and Douglas Bruce (USA)
From Patrict Okas (France)
From Jerry, Dee Ann - Jessica and David Jensen (Denmark)
From Angie Dillman (Germany)
From Brian Thome (UK)
From Gill and Anna (Finland)

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DISCOVER CAMBODIA AND VIETNAM

Tours - Indochina Tours

Trip code: VET.MT-02
Type of trip: Private
Trip Duration: 15 Days
Starting: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Finishing: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Destinations: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - Saigon - Mekong Delta - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Halong Bay

Description: DISCOVER CAMBODIA AND VIETNAM - 15 Days combines the hidden charm of Vietnam and the mystical treasures of Angkor in Cambodia with a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and traditional lifestyle found throughout the Mekong Delta. Begin in Cambodia, where you explore the cultural and historical sights of Phnom Penh and stunning temples of Angkor...highlights of Vietnam from south to north, the beauty Halong Bay and gracious Hanoi.

BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1 – Welcome to Siem Reap
Day 2 – Angkor Tours: Visiting AngkorThom, Angkor Wat
Day 3 –Siem Reap – Fly to Phnompenh
Day 4 – Phnompenh – City Tour
Day 5 – Phnomepnh – Chau Doc
Day 6 – Chau Doc – Mekong Delta Tour - Saigon
Day 7 – Saigon – Cu Chi tunnels- Tay Ninh
Day 8 – Saigon City Tour – Fly to Hoian
Day 9 – Hoian Cooking Class – Visit ancient town
Day 10 - Hoian - Hue
Day 11- Hue – Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 12- Halong Bay Cruise
Day 13 – Halong Bay - Hanoi
Day 14 – Hanoi – City tour
Day 15 – Hanoi – Departure

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 – Welcome to Siem Reap

Welcome at the Siem Reap airport – one of the most elegant airport in Southeast Asia. Our guide and driver will meet you and transfer to hotel in town. Late afternoon, we will take the orientation tour of the Siem Reap, walking around the Old market and our guide will give you the brief information about this city.

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 2 – Angkor Tours: Visiting AngkorThom, Angkor Wat

Breafast at hotel, Start to Visit South gate of Angkor Thom with its majestic doors, monumental temple of Bayon facing the tropical forest and Baphuon and Phimeanakas mountains, elephant terrace and Terrect of the Liper King, Takeo "Jewel of Crystal" is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and was erected at the end of the 10th century and Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty. Giant trees have grown there for centuries. Return to town for lunch at Tonlesap restaurant.

Visit Angkor Wat: the 7th World heritage wonder, the founder was Suryavarman II who reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century and dedicated them to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys, ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction.

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 –Siem Reap – Fly to Phnompenh

For early birds and photographers: We have early morning tours for those who want to see the Sun rise on Angkor Temples from 4.30 AM till 6AM, then get back to town.

After breakfast you check out hotel and be ready for the flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival our driver and guide will pick you to hotel in town. This city was once considered one of the most beautiful in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history it still retains a colonial charm.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 4 – Phnompenh – City Tour

Breakfast at hotel, visit the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek are not to be missed. A visit to these sights provides a deep insight into the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. After lunch we will visit private quarters of the Royal Palace where now is home of the royal family otherwise it’s very close to the public.

Later in the afternoon, we visit the Russian market – a good place for bargain hunting and see how local people prepare for the daily use.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 5 – Phnomepnh – Chau Doc

After breakfast just enjoy the relaxing morning and 10.00 we check out hotel for the speed boat trip along Mekong River down the way to Vietnam .Visa formalities take about 45 minutes at the border. Continue by river to Chau Doc. Meet our guide and transfer to hotel.

In the rest of the day, if time is permitted we will take the orientation walk around hotel area and back to hotel later in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc

Day 6 – Chau Doc – Mekong Delta Tour - Saigon

We leave hotel early in the morning crossing Mekong Delta to Cai Be. From here the group will see the Mekong Delta (“Nine Dragon River Delta). This is special experience of Mekong Delta. We will visit the Candy factory, orchard garden, listen to traditional music and have lunch in the ancient house.

We cross the island in the middle of Mekong river by oars boats and get to know more about the living of local people along this magic river. Later in the afternoon, drive to Saigon.

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 7 – Saigon – Cu Chi tunnels- Tay Ninh

Enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Tay Ninh Province to visit Cao Dai, a local sect of Buddhism, and join a memorable noon daily ceremony of the Cao Dai followers.

After lunchtime back to a historic site of the Vietnam War - the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network constructed by the local people and guerillas to survive the war against the American explosive attacks. We can even crawl a part inside the tunnel to understand the living of Vietnamese shoulders during the wartime. Drive back to Saigon in the afternoon, check in hotel and relax.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 8 – Saigon City Tour – Fly to Hoian

Have breakfast in the hotel and check out hotel in Saigon. Briefing tour of Saigon to famous landmarks such as: the Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral - two of the city's architectural landmarks then drive to the airport for the flight to Danang and continue the drive to hotel in Hoian.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Day 9 – Hoian Cooking Class – Visit ancient town

Have breakfast in the morning and our guide will take you to the ancient town of Hoian and visit the local market.

We have the cooking class in “Cau Do” restaurant. The lunch is included.
Afternoon, take the walking tour to explore Hoi An town. We will visit Hoi An museum, Old merchants' house, Assembly hall, Japanese covered bridge. Walk along the bank of the lively Thu Bon River, once prosperous and famous as a trading port.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Day 10 - Hoian - Hue

Leave HoiAn in the morning, drive northward to Hue over the 500m high HaiVan pass with a stop at scenic beach of Lang Co for a drink before proceeding to Hue.
Afternoon sightseeing in Hue –the ancient capital city of Vietnam include:

Royal Citadel and imperial Purple Citadel
Thien Mu pagoda.
Mausoleum of King Tu Duc a replica of the king palace build purposely for the next carnation of the King.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 11- Hue – Hanoi – Halong Bay

Breakfast in the hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi. On arrival, driver will pick you up from the airport and drive straight to Halong City. Check in hotel and relax.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Halong Bay

Day 12- Halong Bay Cruise

Have breakfast in the hotel and about noon time, driver will pcik you up from hotel lobby to the Halong boat station to board the traditional style Vietnamese Junk Cruise. Enjoy the welcome drinks and today the lunch will be served on board amidst spectacular views of the Halong Bay – The World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, we will visit one of the largest caves in Halong Bay and a beach stop where perhaps you may want to take a swim or dip in the water of the South China Sea. Tonight enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on board your junk.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Halong Cruise

Day 13 – Halong Bay - Hanoi

Breakfast on the junk and enjoy the sundeck of the junk while she navigates amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay to get back to Halong City. Have lunch on board before getting back to Halong pier. Afternoon, drive to Hanoi, check in hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 14 – Hanoi – City tour

After breakfast in the hotel, we will have a full day city tour and visit the most tourist attractions in town:

HoChiMinh Mausoleum (Closes in Oct and Nov just have look from outside)
One pillar pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda and Temple of Literature
Hoa Lo Prison which is known as “Hanoi Hilton”

Evening highlight will be Water Puppet Performance – the unique form of Vietnamese art derived from wet-rice civilization in South East Asia.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 15 – Hanoi - Departure

Breakfast at hotel, you are free on your own for shopping or relaxing until transfer to airport for departure.

Meals: Breakfast

End of trip.

Pricing & Inclusion:

This is a sample itinerary so the cost really depends on your hotel choice, number of people in your group and time of travel.

This rate is quoted in USD per person, based on Double/Twin occupancy at 3-star hotel standard.

Apply from 1.January - 2012 to 31.December - 2012

Group Size	2 persons	4 persons	6 persons	Single Supp*
Price / pp	1438	1071	928	407

Supplements flight:	SIEM REAP - PHNOM PENH: US$ 97 /pax included airport tax
	SAIGON - DANANG: US$ 105 /pax included airport tax
	HUE - HANOI: US$ 105 /pax included airport tax

Price Inclusion:

• All land transportation by private air conditioned vehicles
• Tour arrival and departure airport transfers
• Hotel accommodation on a double or twin-share basic
• Double or twin-share bedroom on Halong bay
• Meals as mention in the program
•All domestic flights as the itinerary (economy class)
• Local English speaking guides
• All entrance and sightseeing fees
• Travel insurance
• Visa approval fee
• Mineral water

Price Exclusions:

•International air tickets and airport tax.
• Drinks and other meals do not indicate in the program
• Early check-in and late check-out at all hotels
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, shopping...)
• Tipping/ Gratuities
• Additional expenses in case of force majeure

Notes:

• All flights and hotels are subject to availability
• Surcharge might be applied during November, December 2011 and February 2012 which will be advised at the time of booking.
• All the points of interest are open for visit based on current updating. In case of closing for construction or any reason, we will replace with similar point of interest.
• This Private Journey will depart on your desired date. It can also be taken in reserve starting inHanoi and finishing in Siem Riep.