Truly Asia (16 days and 15 nights)

	Name of the trip: Truly Asia
	Trip Code: VNLT-MPT-10
	Length of the trip: 16 days and 15 nights
	Trip type: Private & Daily departure
	Trip Starts from: Bangkok City, Thailand
	Trip Ends in: Saigon City, Vietnam
	Extension: The trip can be extended if tourists want to visit Angkor Wat in Siem Reap in Cambodia before or after the trip.
	Required booking time: At least 20 days in advance for individuals and 45 days in advance for group
	Call to book this trip: +84.91.2270058 (24/7)
	Email to book: info@vietnamprivatejourneys.com

DETAILS OF THE TRIP

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok City

Pick up upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and transfer to the hotel in the city. Welcome to Thailand, the land of smiles. Bangkok is the financial, political and cultural capital of Thailand, located in the centre-south of the country, in the heart of a fertile rice-growing region. Bisected by the Chao Phraya River, which is overlooked by all the major palaces, Buddhist temples and luxury hotels, Bangkok is seventh heaven for those who love their food and their shopping. Overnight at hotel in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok Temple Tours

This half-day sightseeing tour in Bangkok will allow you the opportunity to explore the Grand Palace complex, which houses a number of attractions including Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and then we will proceed to see Wat Traimit, Wat Pho and Wat Benchamabophit. A Wat is a Buddhist building where both men and women can be ordained as monks or nuns. Wat Traimit is also known as the temple of the Golden Buddha. The 3 meter tall statue is made from solid gold and weighs 5.5 tons and is a fine example of Sukhothai style art. You will then pass through Chinatown on your way to Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha. At 46 meters in length and 15 meters high the Buddha is the largest in Bangkok and illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. Your last stop is at Wat Benchamabophit, or the marble temple. This magnificent monastery was built out of white Italian marble from Carrara in the late 19th century. Transfer back to hotel and stay overnight at hotel in Bangkok.

Day 3: Sightseeing Tours & Dinner Cruise

Those that love architecture and buildings or are interested in local culture will be fascinated by the Jim Thompson house and the Vimanmek Palace, two of the finest Thai residences to be found in Thailand today. The Jim Thompson House is the former home of James H.W. Thompson, a self-made American entrepreneur who returned to live in Bangkok after the Second World War. Continue to amazing Vimanmek Palace, the largest teakwood building in the world. The former home of King Rama V, the palace fell into disuse until it was restored in the 1980s and today it is a fascinating museum reflecting the Thai heritage from the dramatic reign of King Rama V. A fantastic way to end your day in Bangkok, this relaxing dinner cruise aboard one of Bangkok’s luxurious restaurant boats will take you through the heart the city along the Chao Phraya River past wonderful night time views of illuminated temples and sparkling skyscrapers. As you relax in modern comfort and dine on a variety of local, regional and international dishes you will pass landmarks like the Temple of Dawn, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace. Transfer back to hotel and stay overnight at hotel in Bangkok.

Day 4: Bangkok - Siem Reap City

Free at leisure until we transfer you to the airport to catch flight to Siem Reap City. Pick up and transfer to hotel. Free by your own way and stay overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap Tours

Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. The distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five tower symbolize Meru's five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond sunset from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat.

Day 6: Siem Reap Tours

In the morning, you will continue your temple visits. Included are Prasat Kravan (with its unique brick sculptures), Srah Srang ("The Royal Boths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by four concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of the harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the "Mountain Temple" of Pre Rup. In the afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site and continue to the temple tour. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area. Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Then, visit Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 7: Siem Reap - Saigon City

Transfer to the airport to take flight to Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon, the city located on the right bank of the Saigon River, a tributary of the Dong Nai, Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city, the greatest port, and the commercial and industrial center of Vietnam. It has an airport and is the focus of the country's highways, railroads, and Mekong Delta waterways. On the way from the airport to the city, the tour guide will overview of the city and the sightseeing programme for next days. Check-in hotel and the rest of time you will be at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Saigon City.

Day 8: Saigon - Mekong Delta

The excursion starts at around 10.am from our pier in Phu An hamlet located next to Cai Be town, approximately 2 hours drive south from Saigon. Upon embarkation on your sampan you will be welcomed by our crew. After your installation, the cruise will begin with the visit of some local home factories where you will be able to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other specialties are traditionally made.  We will then proceed to Cai Be colorful floating market, cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables.Your sampan will take direction of Vinh Long and Sa Dec, cruising by Dong Phu and An Binh islets famous for their fruit orchards. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos, and remain unknown to many people. Crossing the large Co Chien River we will pass under the spectacular My Thuan Bridge. We will then cruise on a small beautiful canal through water jacinth plantations… You will disembark to take a small rowing boat for a cruise along a narrow canal passing by a local tiny village and fruit plantations. Further on the banks, some dark smokes in the sky will lead us to one of the largest artisanal bricks and tiles factory where you will have an interesting visit. Sa Dec town will appear like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals. You will disembark at the local market place for a guided visit of this charming town, walking along its narrow streets where beautiful French old houses and Chinese temples dating from the last century are numerous. Your lunch will await you at an ancient house dating from 1890, home of Mr. Huyen Thuy Le, the “Lover” of Marguerite Duras famous writer. (see her novel and adapted movie “The Lover”). Back on board your sampan, you will enjoy cruising down to Can Tho along a beautiful narrow canal, passing under several wooden “monkey bridges” and by tiny typical villages.
Some stops on the banks will be possible to establish contacts with the local population. A visit will be done at a Cao Daist temple.Before sunset, we will have our last stop on the banks arranged at a splendid ancient house or “Nha Co” dating from the early 19th century. After being greeted by the owners, we will cater a candlelight dinner for you, an unforgettable experience in a unique atmosphere. After dinner, we will proceed the cruise for approximately one hour until Can Tho. We will moor for the night in a quiet place. Your bed will be ready for your night on the Mekong river.
Day 9: Mekong Delta Cruising

At around 06am, your sampan will slowly start cruising. Your breakfast will be served on board at 07am while approaching Cai Rang floating market actually still the largest in the whole Mekong delta. We will pass by countless sampan boats carrying sand, rice, fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers… showing an intense activity on the river. Your cruise journey will end at around 10.am at Ninh Kieu pier after a visit at Can Tho local market. TRansfer to hotel and stay overnight at hotel in Can Tho.
Day 10: Can Tho - Saigon

Morning drive back to Saigon City. Free for the rest of day and stay overnight at hotel in Saigon City.

Day 11: Saigon - Nha Trang

Free at leisure until we transfer you to the airport to take 1 hour flight to Nha Trang City - "The Top 100 Best Beach & Bay City in the World" ranked by the Forbes and Conde Nast Leisure & Travel Magazine. Nha Trang is a popular seaside resort known for its palm-lined white sand beaches and clear turquoise water. Some islands in Nha Trang are paradise for those who are interested in snorkeling and scuba diving. At leisure and overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 12: Free at leisure

You will be free at leisure to relax for whole day at the resort.

Day 13: Free at leisure

You will be free at leisure to relax for whole day at the resort.

Day 14: Nha Trang - Hanoi

Fly to Hanoi City, our tour guide will meet and greet you upon arrival to Hanoi City -  the capital city of Vietnam, is an elegant city located on the banks of the Red River with tranquil Restored Sword Lake at its heart. North of the lake are the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, each street named after the trade that used to take place there. Much of the city was transformed by the French when it became a French protectorate in the 1880s and there are wide boulevards and large colonial buildings which are now home to government departments and foreign embassies. Transferring to your hotel in the city center to refresh. Overnight in Hanoi City.

Day 15: Hanoi - Halong Bay

Morning depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Driving back to Hanoi city. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 16: Depart Saigon City

Free at leisure until we will transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of service.