Classic Indochina Experience

Day 1: Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok where you are transferred to our centrally located hotel. A pre-trip briefing is held in the evening, to meet the other members of your group and discuss the trip itinerary. Please check for a Welcome Notice on the Peregrine notice-board located near the hotel lifts which will provide your Tour Leaders name, the exact time and location of your welcome meeting. Until your meeting we encourage you to get out and discover the delights that Bangkok has to offer, including Thailand’s famous cuisine. After the Group Meeting in the evening After the meeting we may adjourn to a nearby restaurant and enjoy a meal together (optional). The rest of the evening is free - perhaps a quiet drink or a visit to the bustling night markets of Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok

Today is a full day to enjoy the sights of Bangkok. This city tour is all done on the different forms of public transport available to the citizens of Bangkok (Skytrain, canal boat, ferry and bus), to give you a true taste of life in this busy and varied city. First up it’s a stop at Jim Thompson’s House, a collection of unique antique Thai houses situated by a klong (canal). Here we get to appreciate its amazing Asian art collection. Jim Thompson was an American who arrived in Thailand during World War II and worked with the predecessor to the CIA, the OSS. When the war ended he changed professions and remained in Thailand. He is credited with reviving the Thai silk industry before mysteriously disappearing in the Cameron Highlands, in Malaysia, in 1967. We then visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), a must for first-time travellers to Bangkok. We also visit Wat Po, home of the famous Reclining Buddha. (When visiting temples and palaces in Thailand, please dress conservatively in order to respect the local culture). At the end of a busy day we also have a chance to discover the city’s shopping opportunities. For dinner we head down to the Chao Praya River to enjoy an optional Thai feast at a riverside restaurant. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 3: Siem Reap

After saying goodbye to our Thai guide we catch a flight to Cambodia, which takes us to one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. (Please note that you are likely to be unescorted for the duration of this flight and will be met on arrival in Siem Reap by your Cambodian tour leader). Siem Reap is our base for visiting the world-famous temples of the ancient city of Angkor, home of the powerful Khmer Empire, which dated from 802 AD to 1350 AD. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 4: Siem Reap

We spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor on a guided tour. Angkor Thom, the 'Great Royal City', is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. The impressive Bayon temple is the centrepiece of all this. Angkor Wat is the largest and most complete structure. It is the only one of Angkor's temples with its entrance facing to the west (the others face east), the reason being that it was constructed as a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and a westerly countenance was seen to represent a sunset. Ta Prohm temple is an incredible sight, with large trees embedding themselves in the stone foundations of the structure, giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We can end the day with a sunset view of Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakheng. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 5: Siem Reap

Our ticket for the Angkor ruins enables us to spend more time exploring this memorable archaeological area. It is an early morning start as we travel out to Banteay Srei, famous for its detailed and intricate stone carvings. It is not a big temple, but has been sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art’. Back at the main temple complex, Preah Khan contains a maze of vaulted corridors and is another complex that has been largely reclaimed by the jungle. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 6: Phnom Penh

You have a free morning before leaving Siem Reap. If you wish to stay in town, you can relax outside one of the cafes or visit the market in town, which sells some interesting artefacts and handicrafts. Another option would be to relax by the hotel pool or enjoy a massage by one of the famous blind masseuses of Siem Reap. Flying to Phnom Penh you notice a change of pace, as you arrive in Cambodia’s capital. A relaxing drink at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club is a great way to start your evening. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 7: Phnom Penh

A full city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh, a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap Rivers. The private quarters of the Royal Palace is home to King Sihamoni and is therefore closed to the public; however, we are able to visit the Silver Pagoda that lies in the palace complex, which is the most sacred temple in the country and was previously spared from destruction by the Khmer Rouge. Wat Phnom is the temple, which gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th Century. The bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge is a painful, but unavoidable, part of Cambodia's recent history and visits to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of this tragic legacy. (Note: These sites are a major part of sightseeing in Phnom Penh; however, if you do not wish to visit either of them, please inform your tour leader.) An ideal way to spend your last evening in Cambodia is to relax in a cafe by the riverfront. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 8: Chau Doc

The morning we drive south along National Road 2 through the town of Takeo and on to the Cambodian-Vietnamese border point at Tinh Bien. Please note that a Vietnamese visa must be obtained prior to joining this tour as it is impossible to obtain one at the border. At the border crossing, we say goodbye to our Cambodian tour leader and meet our Vietnamese tour leader. We then continue by road around the base of Sam Mountain and on to our final destination, Chau Doc, an active trading town due to its proximity with the border. The market area runs along the riverfront and sells black-market goods smuggled in from Cambodia. Being on the water allows us to see the interesting lifestyle of many of the local people. Homes are built over metal netting and their inhabitants are kept busy producing enormous amounts of food to feed the thousands of fish being bred here. This afternoon we enjoy a boat cruise on the Bassac River, a tribituary of the Mekong, where we visit a Cham Village, a Mosque, a Floating Fish Farm & see the local handicraft of silk weaving. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 9: Vinh Long

We continue our journey in the Mekong Delta towards Vinh Long, where we stay overnight on an island in a local homestay, situated on the waterways and filled with fruit gardens. The house is basic with all beds set up in a large communal room, but the experience is unique and offers us an insight into the way that the local people live. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 10: Saigon

There is an early start to visit the bustling morning floating markets and then a cruise back to Cai Be, before we embark on the drive to Saigon. Along the way we stop to see the fascinating local industries. Upon arrival, we have an evening to enjoy the exciting nightlife of Vietnam’s largest city. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 11: Saigon

We head out of town today to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district that covers an extensive underground network (approximately 200 kilometres) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilised as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the life underground must have been like. We will also visit Tay Ninh, which is the headquarters of the Cao Dai religion. We will attempt to arrive for the mid-day church service when the followers fill the hall wearing coloured robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the religions of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. (Please note that the church service does not operate during Tet.) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 12: Saigon

Today is a free day to explore this vibrant and captivating city. Most places of interest are located close to the centre of town - the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Market. You may choose to get around by cyclo, which is the local version of a trishaw. The going rate is approximately 50,000 VND per hour but make sure you negotiate a price before setting out. Take time out to relax in one of the cafes on the tree-lined boulevards or enjoy a drink in the Continental Hotel, the meeting place for journalists during the Vietnam War. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 13: Dalat

We start our northbound journey today with the first stop being Dalat, one of Vietnam's most charming towns. The drive offers fantastic views. The influence of the French is prevalent as Dalat was founded as a hill station to enable the colonials to escape the heat and chaos of Saigon. The city is set around a lake and surrounded by forests, waterfalls and rolling countryside. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 14: Dalat

We have a free day to enjoy the sights in and around Dalat. A pleasant way to get around is by bicycle. This is also a great place for sitting in cafes, relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere. Close to Dalat are local Lat and Chill tribal villages, which we sometimes have the option to visit (this depends on the government restrictions at the time). However, we must purchase special permits, which our tour leader can help us to obtain. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 15: Nha Trang

We make our way to the coast today for some 'R & R' on the beaches of Nha Trang. Along the way we pass the stunning Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park - the national park is home to the oldest primordial forest in the Central Highlands. On arrival in Nha Trang we check into our hotel, which is close to the beach.. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 16: Nha Trang

A highlight of a visit to Nha Trang is a day trip out on a boat exploring the islands of the South China Sea. We spend a day on the water enjoying swimming, snorkelling, lazing on a beach and feasting on a seafood lunch. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Day 17: Quy Nhon

This is a very long travelling day. Departing Nha Trang, we drive past the colourful fishing port before making our way north, travelling along the coast. The drive is long, but the views are fantastic and we can make stops as we please, including a stop at the impressive Po Nagar Cham tower. Part of the pleasure of travelling in Vietnam is the simple joy of seeing green rice fields dotted with conical hats and the smiling faces of the people. We arrive in Quy Nhon in the evening for an overnight stop to break our long journey in what is basically a town that sees very few tourists. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 18: Hoi An

We depart for Quang Ngai early and make a stop around lunchtime at the site of the My Lai Massacre. The area and the people are now at peace and, along the old road to the memorial and museum site, we can stop to take a walk through the colourful country roadside markets. We arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon and settle in for our two-night stay in this historical ‘oasis’. Hoi An was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up. Today it is a delightful backwater town with an air of liveliness about it. The tranquillity and charm of Hoi An, coupled with its low tiled houses, makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. It is a constant favourite of our travellers and staff. A walking tour takes us to see a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 19: Hoi An

Today is a free day to explore Hoi An and its surrounding areas. The market is a good place to buy silk, which can be made up into fine garments, all within a day. Close to town there is a nice beach, which can be reached easily by bicycle. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 20: Hue

Leaving Hoi An, we continue north for further sightseeing. China Beach, enjoyed as an 'R & R' spot during the Vietnam War, lies against a backdrop of the sensational Marble Mountains. The five peaks, which are actually limestone with marble outcrops, are also seen to epitomise the five elements: fire, water, earth, wood and metal. The history of the mountains is a rich one. They were once used by the Chams for religious purposes, but in more recent times became a haven for the Viet Cong, with their clear view of the Danang air base - at one time the busiest airport in the world. Good footwear is essential, as the path between the rocks is sometimes slippery. The road to Hue takes us through the city of Danang, before a climb over the hills. The scene from the top of the Hai Van Pass is one of the most impressive panoramic scenes in Vietnam, with views over Lang Co Beach. Upon arrival in Hue we visit the Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 21: Hue - Hanoi

Hue was once the capital of Vietnam. The royal mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda are not to be missed. We include these in a guided cruise on the Perfume River, which also gives us a taste of the tranquil countryside. In the evening we have an early dinner before boarding the train for our overnight journey to Hanoi. The train is very basic; we travel in 'soft sleeper' class which is a compartment for up to four people; a communal environment. The beds on board come with a pillow and sheets, although some people may wish to bring their own sleeping sheet (purely optional and not a necessity). Also, breakfast tomorrow is not the best food you will find in Vietnam, so it is recommended that you purchase some snacks before boarding in Hue. This journey is in keeping with the adventurous nature of our trips and allows you to experience a taste of the 'real’ Vietnam. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 22: Hanoi

Hanoi is one of Asia's most enchanting cities. This northern capital is a quiet, contradiction of its southern counterpart. Its relaxed ambience is a joy, with exploration best on foot or bicycle. The shopping is fun and the many lakes and parks provide enjoyable escapes. We have enough time this afternoon to explore the Old Quarter streets named after the goods once offered for sale there, including Silk Street, Rice Street and Jewellers Street. In the evening there is an option to enjoy a performance of the unique Water Puppets.

Day 23: Hanoi

We take a guided half-day tour of Hanoi, visiting the major sights, including the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, and paying a homage to Vietnam's most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. We also include lunch at the KOTO café – an amazing project aimed at providing vocational training and experience in the hospitality industry for underprivileged young people. All the staff you meet at this café have come from poor backgrounds. The remainder of the day is free to further explore Hanoi or catch up on some shopping in Hang Gai Street. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Day 24: Hanoi

The tour ends after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included; however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available. Meals included: 1 breakfast