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Gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the tropical sun, straw-roofed sampans drifting down tranquil rivers, ornate royal capitals, shy young monks draped in saffron-colored robes—Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia present a world of stunning beauty and vibrant traditional cultures. Our journey brings us into the heart of Indochine for cultural encounters with its mosaic of peoples, whom we meet in their villages, schools, homes, and temples.
We find Indochine at its most irresistible in settings like Luang Prabang, the heart of the old Lao kingdom, in breathtaking Halong Bay, with its emerald waters and stunning rock formations, and in Hoi An, Vietnam's beautiful 17th century trading port, a World Heritage Site. Our journey ends at Angkor Wat, Cambodia's surreal, jungle-shrouded city of temples." from the Wilderness Travel web site. The trip involves the following extraordinary itinerary:
Days 1-4
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is the ancient royal capital of Laos. In this regal town of gilded temples encircled by mountains, we stroll the atmospheric streets, visit temples dating to the 15th century, and boat up the Mekong River to explore an ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site. In the surrounding hills, we visit villages and markets of the Hmong and Khamu hilltribes, then fly to Hanoi on the afternoon of Day 4.
Days 5-6
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is an elegant capital in the Red River Delta. We visit a wealth of historical and cultural wonders, from the Old Quarter, vibrant commercial hub of the city for 500 years, to the impressive Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Opera House, artisan galleries, and more.
Day 7
Private Boat on Halong Bay
We travel to Halong Bay and board our own private junk for a day trip around this magnificent World Heritage Site, one of the natural marvels of Vietnam, with its stunning rock formations and tiny limestone islands.
Days 8-9
Hue
Set along the Perfume River, Hue is Vietnam's cultural and religious capital. We explore its immense citadel, journey by river on our private boat, and enjoy tea with a Buddhist monk.
Days 10-11
Danang / Marble Mountains / Hoi An
A scenic drive along Vietnam's magnificent coastline bring us to Danang and ancient Hoi An, with its mix of Chinese, Japanese, and European architecture built during its 17th century heyday as a trading port in silk, porcelain, and spices.
Days 12-13
Saigon / Cu Chi
In the countryside outside Saigon, we visit beautiful rural villages and explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by the Viet Cong during the war.
Days 14-16
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
We explore Angkor Wat, a magnificent monument to Khmer civilization, with its hundreds of intricately carved temples scattered across a tropical landscape. We also visit a rural Cambodian village and a school of arts and crafts. We depart from Siem Reap on Day 16.
This 16 day adventure for two includes all meals except for three dinners and is valued at $8590. Transportation to, from, and within Indochina is not included.
The trip is for two people. Five possible departure dates are Nov. 3, 15, Dec. 29, 2007, and Jan. 12, 2008, Feb. 9 2008. Travel in 2008 may require a slight increase in cost.
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