DAY 01: HO CHI MINH ARRIVAL
Upon arrival in Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be greeted by local guide and transfer you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh - a vibrant metropolis, Sai Gon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorcyles, chatting on cellphones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense. The remainder your day is at leisure. It’s a great city to explore at night, lots of bars and great restaurants...you’ll be spoilt for choice! Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Meals included: None
Optional lunch or dinner:
DAY 02: HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR CU CHI TUNNEL
Journey out of Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you will visit the vast underground network of tunnels built first as a defence against the French, and later expanded during the Vietnam war. It was from here that the North Vietnamese waged their guerrilla warfare. You will marvel at their ingenuity and resilience. See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms. The more adventurous may explore the deeper second, and even third level tunnels. For those preferring to remain above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from above. Your guide will advise you of the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering - some are easily accessed by stairs. We recommend good walking shoes and sun protection for this tour and advise you may get a little dirty ! In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Proceed to the former Presidential Palace, which is now preserved as a museum, including the underground communications bunker headquarters for the Sai Gon Government during the War. Continue to the History Museum, which houses an excellent display tracing the origins of the indigenous Vietnamese. Visit the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office. Strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Sai Gon, passing by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 03: HO CHI MINH BANGKOK
Free at leisure until transferring to the Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight to Bangkok. Well known as the City of Angels, Bangkok is the present capital city and the focal point for Thailand. Upon arrival, meet with our local tour guide and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 04: BANGKOK CITY TOUR
This morning, your sightseeing in Bangkok begins with a visit to the Grand Palace. It is an architectural wonder of golden stupas, walls and pillars encrusted in shining, colorful mosaics, and the previous residence of the Kings of Thailand (from the 18th to the mid-20th century). You will see palaces once used for different occasions; Reception Hall, Coronation Hall, Throne Hall, Royal Guest House and Wat Phra Kaew. The architecture is predominantly Thai, though there are some European influences. The most famous building within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, as it is regarded the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The main temple building houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered object in Thailand, carved from a single piece of jade. Then you will proceed to Wat Po, home of the enormous Reclining Buddha and one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. Afterwards, return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 05: BANGKOK DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET TROPICAL GARDEN
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of sightseeing. Located at Ratchaburi Province, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market dates back to 1866 when King Rama IV ordered that a canal 32 kilometres long be dug here to connect the Mae Kong and Tacheen. The Floating Market is an ideal place for you to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables and other items from small boats. You will also be able to see traditional Thai houses and the way locals use boats in their everyday lives. After seeing Phra Pathom chedi, the world's highest stupa, visit the Rose Garden. This tropical garden is filled with beautiful flowers including Thai orchids and roses. A major attraction of the Rose garden is the Thai Cultural Dance Show that includes Thai boxing, sword fighting, folk dance, an elephant show, and a traditional wedding ceremony. You will never forget this very exciting experience. Overnight in Bangkok.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 06: BANGKOK DEPARTURE
Free at leisure until transferring to the International Airport for your departure flight back to your home. End of services.
Meals included: Breakfast