ITINERARY OUTLINE
DAY 1 DEPARTURE FROM SAN FRANCISCO
DAY 2 ARRIVE BANGKOK (4 NIGHTS)
DAY 3 BANGKOK
DAY 4 BANGKOK AT LEISURE
DAY 5 DAY TRIP BY TRAIN TO AYUTTHAYA
DAY 6 BANGKOK - FLIGHT TO HANOI - HALONG CITY (1 NIGHT)
DAY 7 HALONG BAY TOUR - HANOI (2 NIGHTS)
DAY 8 HANOI
DAY 9 HANOI - MORNING FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH CITY (2 NIGHTS)
DAY 10 CU CHI TUNNELS & HO CHI MINH CITY
DAY 11 DEPARTURE FROM HO CHI MINH CITY
(ADMISSION COSTS INCLUDED)
BANGKOK: Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo (Emerald Buddha), Wat Traimit, Wat Po (Reclining Buddha),
Wat Benchamabophit
AYUTTHAYA: Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratachaburana, Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, Elephant Ride
HALONG BAY: Junk Cruise of Halong Bay
HANOI: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoluem, One-Pillar Pagoda, West Lake (Tran Quoc, Quan Thanh Temple),
Hanoi City Tour, Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), Old Quarter Walking Tour
HO CHI MINH: City Tour (Notre Dame Cathedral, Cholon, Cao Dai Holy See Temple, Reunification Palace),
Emperor Jade Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market, Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum
“A TASTE OF THAILAND & VIETNAM”
DAY 1 DEPARTURE FROM SAN FRANCISCO
Enjoy full meal service on your scheduled wide-bodied flight to Bangkok.
Friday, March 7, 2008
DAY 2 ARRIVE BANGKOK (4 NIGHTS)
Today we will arrive in Bangkok, where we will be met at the airport by our tour manager/guide and transferred to our hotel. We will enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening.
Accomodation: Bangkok - Anoma Swiss Hotel (4-star) or similar
Meals Included: Meals on the plane, Group Welcome Dinner in Bangkok hotel or restaurant
Transportation: Transfer to hotel by private, air-conditioned, motorcoach
Saturday, March 8, 2008
DAY 3 BANGKOK
Our morning begins with a tour of the Grand Palace, begun by King Rama I and was added to and rebuilt during subsequent reigns. The palace as it appears today was greatly influenced by Western architecture, including colonial and Victorian motifs. Anna, tutor to the son of Rama IV and the central figure in the story The King and I lived here. (As this is sacred royal ground, visitors are required to wear long pants or skirts, and shirtsleeves that cover the upper arms) Next we will visit Wat Phra Kaeo, also known as the Temple of the Holy Jewel Image or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This is a royal chapel and probably the shrine most revered by the Thai people. The temple sits within the grounds of the Grand Palace, is surrounded by walls more than a mile long, and contains some of the finest examples of Buddhist sculpture, architecture, painting, and decorative craft in the country. Central to the wat is the Emerald Buddha, a small, dark statue made of green jasper that sits atop a huge gold altar. It is housed in a magnificent bot (the central shrine in a Buddhist temple), used by monks for important religious rituals. The interior walls are decorated with late Ayutthaya-style murals depicting the life of the Buddha, steps to enlightenment, and the Buddhist cosmology of the Worlds of Desire, Being, and Illusion. Our afternoon begins with a visit to Wat Traimit, which is thought to date from the 13th century, and features an astonishing Buddha image. The Golden Buddha is nearly 10 ft. high, weighs over 5 tons, and is cast of solid gold. It was discovered by accident in 1957 when an old stucco image was being moved from a storeroom by a crane, which dropped it and shattered the plaster shell, revealing the shining gold beneath. Next we will visit Wat Po, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Wat Po was built by Rama I in the 16th century and is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. The temple is considered Thailand's first public university, because many of its monuments and artworks explain principles of religion, science, and literature. A highlight of the visit will be the enormous Reclining Buddha, which is 140 ft. long and 50 ft. high, and was built during the mid-19th-century reign of Rama III. Outside, the grounds contain 91 chedis (stupas or mounds), four wihaans (halls), and a bot (the central shrine in a Buddhist temple). Our final visit this afternoon will be Wat Benchamabophit, often called the Marble Wat because of the white Carrara marble of which it is constructed. This early-20th-century temple designed by Prince Narai, the half brother of Rama V, is the most modern and one of the most beautiful of Bangkok's royal wats. Unlike the older complexes, there's no truly monumental wihaan or chedi dominating the grounds. Many smaller buildings reflect a melding of European materials and designs with traditional Thai religious architecture. We will walk inside the compound to view the many Buddha images that represent various regional styles. We return to our hotel for the evening.
Accomodation: Anoma Swiss Hotel (4-star) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel and lunch in Bangkok
Transportation: Sightseeing by private, air-conditioned, motorcoach
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Today we will have a free day to explore Bangkok at our leisure.
Accomodation: Bangkok - Anoma Swiss Hotel (4-star) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel
Transportation: Sightseeing with a Public Transport Pass
Monday, March 10, 2008
Today we will take a trip northwest of Bangkok to the temple town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand from 1350 until 1767, when the Burmese sacked the city. Our sightseeing begins with a visit to Wat Mahathat in the very heart of the city. This is the most striking of all of the temples in Ayuthaya and was built in 1384 during the reign of King Rachatirat. The temple is typical of the Ayuthaya ruins, as it features large crumbling stupas, which are surrounded by low laterite walls and rows of headless Buddhas. Next we visit the nearby Wat Ratachaburana, built in 1424 and splendidly restored. Highlights of the temple features murals, rows of seated Buddhas, standing disciples, and Jataka (tales from the Buddha's former lives) scenes in the four niches. We continue with a visit to the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, Thailand's second largest museum. The museum houses an impressive collection including antique bronze Buddha images, carved panels, religious objects, and other local artifacts. Our afternoon will include an Elephant Ride, before we return to Bangkok.
Accomodation: Bangkok - Anoma Swiss Hotel (4-star) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel
Transportation: Sightseeing by private, air-conditioned, motorcoach
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
DAY 6 BANGKOK - MORNING FLIGHT TO HANOI - HALONG BAY (1 NIGHT)
This morning we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Upon our arrival we will transfer to into the rich Vietnamese countryside as we travel through the Red River Delta to Halong Bay. A Vietnamese fable says that the towering limestone-karst rock formations at Halong were formed with the crash landing of a dragon sent by the prehistoric gods of early Vietnamese animism to protect the country from an invading navy. Today the bay is most famous for its UNESCO World Heritage status, its emerald green water, and the 3,000 islands of towering limestone in the Gulf of Tonkin. We will overnight in the Halong Bay area.
Accomodation: Halong City - 3 or 4-star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel in Bangkok and Dinner in Halong City (hotel or restaurant)
Transportation: Transfers and Sightseeing by private, air-conditioned, motorcoach – flight to Hanoi
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
DAY 7 HALONG BAY TOUR - HANOI (2 NIGHTS)
This morning we will take a Junk Cruise of Halong Bay, stopping to explore grottos and the unique rock formations throughout the bay. The total area of the bay is some 606 sq. miles, but only 169 sq. miles are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of the more than 700 islands and islets in this area, only a few are habitable and local fisherman originally named many based on their shape. During our cruise we will enjoy a Seafood Lunch on board the Junk. Late this afternoon we take the journey back to Hanoi.
Accomodation: Hanoi - Sunway Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, Seafood Lunch on the Junk
Transportation: Sightseeing & transfers by private, air-conditioned, motorcoach
Thursday, March 13, 2008
DAY 8 HANOI
Our morning begins with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoluem. Housed in an imposing, somber, granite-and-concrete structure modeled on Lenin's tomb, Ho lies in state, embalmed and dressed in his favored khaki suit. (A respectful demeanor is required, and the dress code mandates no shorts or sleeveless shirts) Next we will visit the One-Pillar Pagoda, a wooden structure built in 1049 that sits on stilts over a lake. A king of the Ly Dynasty, Ly Thai Thong King had it built after having a dream in which Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the goddess of mercy, presented him with a lotus flower. The existing pagoda is a miniature reproduction of the original, which was said to represent a lotus emerging from the water. Next we will explore West Lake, which is steeped in legend and is bordered by several significant pagodas. We will view Tran Quoc, Vietnam's oldest pagoda, built in the 6th century and located on Cayang Island in the middle of the lake. We will also view the Quan Thanh Temple, by the northern gate, which was built during the reign of Le Thai To King (1010-28). It's dedicated to Huyen Thien Tran Vo, the god who reigned over Vietnam's northern regions. The impressive temple has a triple gate and courtyard, and features a 12-ft. bronze statue of the god. This afternoon we will take Hanoi City Tour, where we will view the narrow, tree-lined alleys, Government buildings, former colonial French residences and the lakes of Hanoi. During our city tour, we will stop for a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton). Originally constructed by the French in 1896 mainly to house political prisoners, the Vietnamese took it over in 1954.
It was subsequently used to house prisoners of war and from 1964 to 1973 it was a major POW detention facility. U.S. senator John McCain was a particularly famous inmate, as was Pete Peterson, the ambassador to Vietnam, and Lieutenant Everett Alvarez, officially the first American pilot to be shot down over Vietnam. Our day concludes with an Old Quarter Walking Tour. This area features a maze of streets dating back to the 13th century when specialized trade guilds were responsible for each street. This is the oldest area of Hanoi and has long been an important economic center.
Accomodation: Hanoi - Sunway Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel
Transportation: Sightseeing & transfers by private, air-conditioned, motorcoach
Friday, March 14, 2008
DAY 9 HANOI - AFTERNOON FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH (2 NIGHTS)
This morning we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon our arrival we will transfer to our hotel. This afternoon we will take a City Tour, which will include: Notre Dame Cathedral, a neo-Romanesque cathedral constructed between 1877 and 1883 using bricks from Marseilles and stained-glass windows from Chartres; Cholon, the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City; the Cao Dai Holy See Temple; and the Reunification Palace. During our tour we will also visit the Emperor Jade Pagoda (Phuoc Hai), one of the most interesting pagodas in Vietnam. It is filled with smoky incense and fantastic carved figurines. It was built by the Cantonese community around the turn of the 20th century and is still buzzing with worshippers, many lounging in the front gardens. The dominant figure in the main hall is the Jade Emperor himself; referred to as the "god of the heavens," the emperor decides who will enter and who will be refused. Our day concludes with a stroll throught he famous Ben Thanh Market, whose clock tower over the main entrance to what was formerly known as Les Halles Centrale is the symbol of Saigon. Opened first in 1914, it features one-way aisles loaded with people clamoring to sell you cheap goods (T-shirts, aluminum wares, silk, bamboo, and lacquer) and postcards.
Accomodation: Ho Chi Minh – Novotel Garden Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel in Hanoi and Dinner in the hotel or local restaurant
Transportation: Sightseeing & transfers by private, air-conditioned, motorcoach – flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Saturday, March 15, 2008
DAY 10 CU CHI TUNNELS & HO CHI MINH CITY
This morning we will travel just north of the city to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Vietnamese are proud of their resolve in their prolonged history of struggle against invading armies, and the story of the people of Cu Chi is indicative of that spirit. The Cu Chi area lies at the end of the Ho Chi Minh trail and was the base from which Ho Chi Minh gorillas used to attack Saigon. As a result the whole area became a "free fire zone" and was carpet-bombed in one of many American "scorched-earth" policies. The residents of Cu Chi then took their war underground, literally, developing a network of tunnels that, at its height, stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens, and triage areas. Our visit will include: a Vietnam War-era propaganda film, a small museum of photos and artifacts, as well as an extensive outdoor exhibit of guerilla snares and reconstructions of the original tunnels and bunkers. We return to Ho Chi Minh for an afternoon visit to the War Remnants Museum, which features a comprehensive collection of the machinery, weapons, photos, and documentation of Vietnam's wars with the both the French and Americans. The museum is a call for peace and a hope that history is not repeated. The exhibit begins with a room listing war facts: troop numbers, bomb tonnage, statistics on international involvement in the conflict, and numbers of casualties on both sides. Our visit will also include exhibits dedicated to the journalists who were lost during the war; biological warfare, weaponry, and to worldwide demonstrations for peace.
Accomodation: Ho Chi Minh – Novotel Garden Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel
Transportation: Sightseeing by private, air-conditioned, motorcoach
Sunday, March 16, 2008
DAY 11 DEPARTURE FROM HO CHI MINH
Our enjoyable and rewarding tour will come to an end as our guide accompanies us to the airport for the return flight home. Arrive back in the U.S. on the same day.
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel
Transportation: Airport Transfer by private, air-conditioned, motorcoach
What is Included:
* Round trip airfare with a major carrier on scheduled flights and guaranteed dates
* Airport taxes/fuel surcharges (currently $320 but subject to change prior to time of ticketing)
* Accommodation in 3 or 4 Star tourist class hotels with private facilities guaranteed throughout
* American breakfast throughout your touring program (lunch & dinner per itinerary)
* Full-time English speaking guide services in each city (exclusively for the group)
* Local specialist guides (where required as per the itinerary)
* Transportation by private, air-conditioned, bus for all transfers and touring
* All internal flights as per the itinerary (including taxes)
* All admissions, activities and excursions as per the itinerary
* Free places in twin rooms for group leaders (as per number of full paying participants stated above)
* All applicable taxes
This Does Not Include:
* Services not mentioned above
* Personal beverages with meals & meals not mentioned on the itinerary
* Visas (required)
* Gratuities
* Travel insurance - Casterbridge offers a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy to all participants. This Policy includes Health, Cancellation and Property coverage and costs $99 for those 30 years or below and $129 for those aged 31 years or above. This travel insurance is gratis for all free group leaders. Each passenger must be covered by a Health Insurance policy whilst on a Casterbridge tour.