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BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA - PATTAYA BEACH - SIEM REAP - PHNOM PENH - MEKONG RIVERS (Chau Doc - Can Tho) - HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI TUNNELS - TAY NINH HOLY SEE

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Arrival in Bangkok, warm welcome to everybody, a moment of courtesy meeting then self-introduce with tour guides in the meeting point's Bangkok Airport.

Bangkok - the “Land of Smiles”, one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities, is a national treasure house and Thailand’s spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.

You will be transferred to your hotel for check in and free at leisure for your own activities.

Please note that standard check in time is 14.00, check out at 12.00. Early check in or late check-out is subject to room availability. Hotel would probably guarantee early check in or late checkout as an extra surcharge on depend to the rooming’s status at that time.

In the evening, we highly recommend a welcome dinner with THAI DINNER & DANCES - A Thai cultural dance and music performance with fresh seafood dinner in traditional setting at Silom Village Restaurant (or similar) - The last restaurant constructed in the old Thai traditional village style on Silom Road is housed in a compound with 15 teak houses and 3 buildings. These houses were constructed during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1908 and converted to a restaurant and Thai handicraft shops in 1981. (see supplement)

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) - Together, these two sites form what many consider the greatest spectacle for visitors to Bangkok. Dating back to 1782 (when Bangkok was founded), the entire compound consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics. Because of its popularity, this destination is often extremely crowded, but still an essential part of any trip to Bangkok.

Presently, the Grand Palace is used for the occasional ceremony and is no longer the royal home (the present King Bhumibol lives in Chitralada Palace, located in Bangkok's nearby Dusit district). The interiors of most of the buildings in the Grand Palace are closed to the public

Wat Phra Kaew adjoins the Grand Palace in a common compound and is the home of the country's most famous Buddha statue (also known as the Emerald Buddha). This important figure has a long and interesting history that is tied to the royal family and once resided in nearby Wat Arun. It is relatively small (about 66 centimeters) and is situated in a high position in the Wat to signify its important status in the Thai kingdom.

Wat Po (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) - Bangkok’s largest temple is most famous as the home a giant reclining Buddha statue (45 meters long), but there is also much more to see here. Four large Chedis (and 73 small ones) 394 Buddha statues, and a Bodhi tree are situated throughout the compound and about 300 monks live in the monastery.

Thonburi Klongs: Travel on the picturesque Chao Phraya River (also known as the River of the Kings) and throughout the klongs (canals) of Thonburi situated on the West side of the river from Bangkok. This is an excellent chance to observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways, all of which helped gave the city the nickname of “Venice of the East.” A highlight of this trip includes Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), a major riverside landmark. This magnificent shrine is decorated with ceramic pieces from top to bottom and has a pagoda that soars 79 meters into the sky. The afternoon concludes with a visit to the Flower Market and The Golden Mount.

Floating Market - Located at Ratchaburi Province, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market dates back to 1866 when King Rama IV ordered that a canal 32 kilometers long be dug at Damnoen Saduak to connect the Mae Klong and Tacheen Rivers (his reason for doing so lies in the fact that the quality of the soil on the banks of the canal is excellent for growing many kinds of fruits and vegetables including Malacca grape, Chinese grapefruit, mangos, bananas, and coconuts). The Floating Market is an ideal place for tourists to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables and other from small boats. Tourists will also be able to see traditional Thai houses and the way locals use boats in their everyday lives.

River Kwai - Apart from the fascinating natural geography, this region has many major attractions affiliated with World War II: The Bridge over the River Kwai, still in use today, was the target of frequent Allied bombing raids during 1945, and was rebuilt after the war end. The JEATH Museum, an enclave constructed largely as an Allied prisoners of war camp, contains a collection of photographs. The War Cemetery is the final resting place for over 6000 prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the “Death Railway,” (also known as Hell Fire Pass). Visitors to Kanchanaburi will be moved as they reflect on how these memorials have come to signify the harsh realties of war.

This morning, after breakfast, check out then drive to Ayuthaya. Located just a short drive north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is Thailand’s former capital (1350-1767). A trip there is an amazing opportunity to see the surviving ruins from this once magnificent city. Other highlights at this World Heritage Site include the summer palace at Bang Pa-In, some of the finest examples of ancient Thai architecture, and many other important and well-known temples.

After that, drive to Pattaya, located 160 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation spot. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday-makers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during exotic holiday on much fun and comfortable beach vacations.

The Alcazar Show is the greatest transvestite cabaret show in Asia and has become the legend of Pattaya. The Alcazar will offer a memorable experience of a life time with a marvelous combination of Music, Dance, and costume presentations. The magical performance of Alcazar involves high-technology of computerized lighting system, studio colors, and circle surround of DTS system.

Today, the Alcazar is a "World Class" cabaret show in its own right. No visit to Pattaya is complete without seeing the spectacular Alcazar Show. With your "Satisfaction guaranteed", everyone of all age groups will undoubtedly have the most entertaining night!

After breakfast, you will enjoy full day of Coral Island Tour with lunch (S.I.C tour). An exhilarating experience from the moment the motor launch leaves Pattaya Bay until the return in the late afternoon, this excursion offers guests the opportunity to sail across the sparking aqua-blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand for over an hour and then anchor offshore from Koh Larn (Coral Island) for fun under the brilliant tropical sun. Once there, you can relax, swim, dive, snorkel (your own account) or simply bronze yourself on the Island’s golden beaches. The whole day is designed for maximum enjoyment and the unique experience of this idyllic tropical paradise.

After a delicious lunch on the Island, board a glass-bottomed boat to view the beautiful coral formations before finally returning to Pattaya Bay.

After breakfast, check out then drive to the airport in Bnagkok for flight to Siem Reap by K6 701 BKK/REP at 14.20-15.30.

Siem Reap - The Cradle of Angkor Civilization - Where Cambodian were Born, this is also a famous Archaeological City, as named as one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the World. Covering approx 600 sq km, it contains more than 100 fabulous ancient monuments and over dozen major compound Temples, which were built during the most splendid Era of the Khmer Dynasty between the 9^th - 13^th centuries and were the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire.

We would strongly recommend a Cultural Show-Dinner on buffet, with the most traditional surrounds accompanied with the best of regional Cambodian cuisine in a local restaurant. Your clients will enjoy able the tradition Royal musical instruments of Cambodia. A traditional music band will sow in your mind the most memorable moments of lifetime thru the folk music, folk-singers, folk songs and folk-dances of Apsara dancers during dinner (see supplement).

Firstly, you will visit the wonderful Angkor Thom (the Great City) including the Southern Gate, famous Bayon temple (12^th century in the center of city remains one the most enigmatic temples of the Angkor group composed of 54 gothic towers decorated with 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Baphuon temple is lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru. Terrace of Elephants used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall; Terrace of the Leper King a plateform 7m high, on the top stands a nude though sexless statue; Phimean Akas temple means “Celestial Palace”, dedicated to Hinduism.

Afternoon, visit the wonderful Angkor Wat - one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the world, as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of 12^th. Angkor Wat is probably the best-preserved of the Angkorean temples, with a central tower surrounded by four smaller towers. The central monument represents the mythical Mount Meru, the holy mountain at the centre of the universe, which was home to the Hindu God Vishnu. The whole complex covers 81 hectares, a rectangular wall measuring 1025 meters by 800 meters borders the inner edge of the moat, and temple's greatest sculptural treasure is its 2 km-long bas-reliefs around the walls...

In the late afternoon, coming to the Phnom Bakheng temple, is the first temple in Angkor region build by the YacovarmanI King in the first of 9^th century, located on a slope gently hill where thousands tourist are grouping on the hilltop to catch a memorable time of life when viewing the marvellous sunset, the distant Angkor Wat in the jungle and Tonle Sap Lake.

A continuing full day tour for Angkor complex. Visit Thommanon, small, attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat. It’s Angkor Wat style is most easily seen in the style of the carved Apsaras and the shape of the tower, Chaosay Tevoda, it seems to stand in partnership with Thommanon but actually was built much later in Suryavarman II’s rule than Thommanon, Banteay Kdei, Srash Srong. Then visit Kravan & especially Ta Phrom Temple, was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been controversially left to the destructive power of the jungle by French archeologists to show how nature can destroy man's work. It has been largely overgrown by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them.

After that, excursion to Grand Circuit, visit Pre Rup, traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact the state temple of Rajendravarman II. Mebon, architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain. Beautifully carved false doors on upper level as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Tasom, the most distant temple on the grand circuit. Small but classic Jayavarman VII temple, Neak Pean, which means ‘coiled serpents’, from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple. The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors and Preah Khan, ‘Preah Khan' means 'sacred sword'. In harmony with Ta Prohm, which was dedicated to Jayavarman VII's mother, Preah Khan is dedicated to his father.

Day 9: SIEM REAP - PHNOM PENH (by A/C car, public bus)
This morning, check out and then transfer to Siem Reap Bus Station for taking public bus to Phnom Penh that takes around 06 hours (ETD 07.30 - ETA 13.30). The trip is smoothly and passes how many ponds of white and pink lotus in blossom, immense rice-fields, particularly palm ranges. After a 6-hour drive, you will arrive in Phnom Penh - the city retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the gem of Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have triggered an economic boom of sorts, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up around the city.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy sightseeing tour around Phnom Penh City with visit to Independence Monument - the Independence Monument commemorates the end of Cambodia’s ruled by France in 1953, which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony, Royal Palace compound, was built by King Norodom in 1866, inside its gleaming yellow walls are most conspicuous feature and impressive colourful Khmer-style Halls for the Royal family, then visit Silver Pagoda, located in the compound of the Royal Palace. Inside its floor is constructed of 5000 silver tiles. In the centre of the pagoda there is a magnificent 17th-century emerald Buddha statue made of baccarat crystal and its walls enclosing are covered with frescoes depicting episodes from the Khmer version of the Ramayana. Then you will visit Wat Phnom Daun Penh – the name of a pagoda, was built by lady Daun Penh in 1372 on a little hill, Legend has it that after a particularly heavy flood, a wealthy Khmer woman named Daun Penh found a tree on the banks of the Mekong with four statues of Buddha hidden inside. Today Wat Phnom remains the highest artificial hill in Phnom Penh and the center of many forms of leisure activity. Left time of the day is saved for shopping at Toul Tompong Market (called Russian Market), so-named because of the prevalence of items from the Eastern Bloc in past times, the Russian Market today is a treasure trove for tourists, that you will feel a bustling daily life of local people with Cambodian’s special character through local specialties, their houses, their face.

Day 10: PHNOM PENH - CHAU DOC (by A/C car, speed-boat)
This morning, check out right after breakfast, you will visit National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, Copper, wood and others. They are really the cultural treasure of Cambodian. Continue your visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). This prison was a high school, and used as a prison by Pol Pot's security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge.

Then transfer to the Phnom Penh Quay for a speed-boat trip to Chau Doc - Vietnam (ETD 12.00 - ETA 17.00, duration is depended on the tide). After a 5-hour journey, you will arrive in Chau Doc, a riverain commercial center not far from the Cambodian border.

Transfer to hotel for check-in and take your time to free at leisure for your independent activities.

This morning, take a short drive to the mystic Sam Mountain. Explore this 230 metre high sacred hill and its hundreds of temples, pagodas and tombs, with a mix of Chinese, Cham and Khmer cultures. Today, Sam Mountain is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists coming to pray and retreat from all over Vietnam. Visit the Lady Chua Xu Temple, the "Lady of the Region’" at the bottom of the hill. In the midst of the incense’s fragrance and smoke, you will see people touching the cape of the statue for blessing. Not far from Lady Chua Xu Temple is Tay An Pagoda. It’s architecture is sometimes described as Hindu/Muslim, which is a bit fanciful. However, there’s a definite Chinese and Islamic influence, and the interior contains a small army of colorful effigies. Further along, the Cave Pagoda isn’t really worth the climb for ones with no interest in pagoda. Then transfer then to boat quay got a boat cruise to visit the floating fishing communities and the Cham village offers the curious an opportunity to have a close look at the fascinating life in this watery town.

Arrival in Can Tho, check in then take your time to free at leisure, enjoy yourself the romantic and pleasant views of Vietnam countryside. Nothing is more refreshing than a view to the sun that is about setting in the horizon, sight and sound by the riverside at sunset, and salubrious countryside breeze, which blows over..are indeed soothing and invigorating.

This morning, after breakfast, transfer to the pier then embark on an elegant traditional Mekong wooden ship, and cruising during sunrise, visit Cai Rang floating market where thousand commercial boats on the busy river are exchanging their specialties of Mekong Delta. Explore the treasures, strange-looking views of Mekong Rivers. Cruising back to the Pier, Stop-over Ninh Kieu wharf on the bank of Lower river - is a beautiful city garden where hundreds of shuttle-boats are waiting the passer-by, a good and memorable Group-picture should be take place, proceeding to visit Cantonese Congregation Pagoda, It is called Ong Temple built at the end of the 19th century using construction materials such as wood pillars, grindstones and rafters from Kuang Tong, China.

Back to your hotel, check-out then visit Khmer pagoda of Munirangsyaram, on Hoà Bình street, there is very popular due to its elaborate sculptures and modeled on the Tam Bao (Three Treasures) tower, which is part of Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat complex. If the time may permit, you will visit to the well-presented Can Tho Museum, this enormous Museum has exhibits of the history of Can Tho resistance during foreign rule as well as displays on the culture and history of the province and Mekong Delta as well.

Drive straight up to Ho Chi Minh City, check in and free time for your own leisure.

Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, a young city with the age of more than 300 years, a centre of culture, education, commerce and tourism of Vietnam, the biggest city of Vietnam mix with the West and the Orient, and once known as the "Pearl of Far East".

Transfer to hotel for check in and time of rest. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (B)

After breakfast, it would be a good time to have a glimpse of Saigon and Vietnam. Visit the Reunification Palace - a symbol of Saigon old Government before 1975, (also called former President Palace) to learn the sorrowful historic of Vietnam Ideology War from 1954-1975. Followed up, visit Neo-Roman Notre Dame Cathedral - one of the most splendid and typical of the beautiful French-built churches in Ho Chi Minh city, next Municipal Post Office - Saigon's French-style main post office to admire and take photos of its nice architecture that is one of the Ho Chi Minh City's symbolizing images, then drive slowly along a historical boulevard which the impressive buildings as the old US Embassy the Prime Ministerial building and many more, there are like the historical witnesses to the ups and downs, political upheavals of a Nation and its generations. Later, pass by Ho Chi Minh City People Committee (also the old French City Hall before 1975), and Municipal Theatre built in 1899. Then shopping at Ben Thanh Market - a most typical market of Vietnam, is a big marketplace in the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City, with how many things are available for your choice. The market is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and today is considered one of symbols of Ho Chi Minh City, popular with tourists seeking local handicrafts, textiles, áo dài (traditional long-dress for female Vietnamese), and souvenirs, as well as local cuisine.

Afternoon, drive to visit China Town, the really typical marketplace, a good indication of the importance the Chinese have traditionally played in Vietnam's economy. Witness the bustling Binh Tay Wholesales Market where the most Oriental typical commercial center, continuing to visit a Chinese Lady Temple of over 150 years, with the legendary story of the ancient boat-men refugees from mainland China during the feudal dynasties, which are illustrated via an impress collection of Chinaware and porcelain masterpieces. Rest time of the day for shopping at the famous An Dong Market which is one of the best wholesale market in city.

Evening, we highly recommend a farewell dinner cruise on Saigon River in a floating restaurant and getting the admirable feel of the charming views of Saigon river and city-by-night during a short river-cruising. (see supplement).

Day 14: HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI TUNNELS - TAY NINH HOLY SEE (by A/C car 100km)

Morning taking an excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels located at the threshold of Saigon and adjacent to the revolutionary base, played an important role in the two wars of resistance against French and American. Visitors will have a lot of questions as knowing that Cu Chi was an "underground village" with its labyrinth of interlaced tunnels having a combined length of more than 200 km of tunnels built here by the Communist guerrillas are the highlight of South Vietnam tours. You will be guided to the bedrooms, meeting rooms, air-raid shelters, smokeless kitchens, and experience life underground during your short visit to this extraordinary tunnel complex. Opportunity to crawl into the tunnels for discovering and hearing all things of it. You can also try shooting with real bullets here (your own account).

Then, taking an excursion to Tay Ninh Town, visit Caodai Holy See, viewing noontide religious ceremony at the Great Temple - a most mysterious religion in Vietnam, Caodai Holy See is the cathedral of the Cao Dai religion where worship Jesus Christ, Confucius, Taoism, and Buddha.

Drive back to your hotel and free leisure at night. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (B)

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for flight back home. Have a safe trip come home!

It’s timely, you have to say Good-Bye Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam. You surely have plentiful memories of Orient also my country. We (Toan Vinh Tours) thank you very much for your choice of our company as your ground handler in Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam and may be Indochina countries on further, be sure all our people are your best friends always and beyond. May we will meet and honoured welcome you have other voyages to Indochina in the days coming, continuing to discover, to experience the endless imposing landscapes, and then get the restful moments in a diversified World and a colourful Sub region of Mekong River: VIETNAM - LAOS - CAMBODIA - THAILAND - MYANMAR! GOOD-BYE & SEE YOU AGAIN! (B)

This is quite an itinerary for our people, I would like to book this tour programe. Click here