Author: EveColorado

Hue, Vietnam

Itinerary: Today’s adventure begins as we board our boat for a trip on the Perfume River. We will visit the Tien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of the emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.

After lunch, we see the local Dong Ba market and take cyclos to explore the ancient streets of Hue. Overnight at the Romance Hotel.
__________

Hue, Vietnam

Itinerary: Today, we drive to Hue. We stop at beautiful China Beach and then continue on to the Cham Museum in Danang.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Hue. Serving as Vietnam’s capital from 1802 – 1945, Hue has traditionally been one of the country’s cultural, religious and educational centers. We will visit the Dai Noi citadel and view this fantastic structure, which was based on Chinese designs in Beijing. Overnight at the Romance Hotel.
__________

I’m publishing today ahead of some previous days, and will catch up with them later in the trip.

Wow! The more we travel north, the more I like this country. It’s cooled off considerably though the humidity is still high. I haven’t had to put lotion on my hands since about day 3, and they feel smooth and satiny.

We stopped at a marble works and looked at carvings. When we arrived at our hotel in Hue which is pronounced “Way”, they had this pair of lions out front.

China Beach was windy and misty, and very atmospheric.

The lunch stop today was amazing–great building and grounds, and such fun to cook our own hot pot meal.

The Cham Museum was interesting and I’ll add some more about it at another time, probably when we return home.

We walked our legs off at the Dai Noi citadel in Hue. We must have walked four or five miles, including steps. Trish was glad she and Jo Ann had been doing so much walking at home.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Itinerary: This morning, we have a walking tour of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quaint pastel buildings line the streets, interspersed with colorful temples, small art galleries and meandering canals. We visit Hoi An Museum and a Chinese pagoda.

In the afternoon, enjoy Vietnamese cuisine at Morning Glory Cooking School. Having an intensive talk on Vietnamese food, culture, nutrition, herbal remedies and cooking techniques. The hands on class includes learning some cooking & cutting techniques & how to use a Vietnamese vegetable grater & knife. You will get hands-on experience with Rice Paper Rolls, Soup with Cabbage Leaf and Shrimp Parcels, Chicken with Lime Leaves to be grilled, Mango Salad, and Crispy HoiAn Pancake. Overnight at the Vinh Hung Riverside Resort.
__________

Hoi An, Vietnam

Itinerary: We spend the morning seeing Ho Chi Minh City and strolling through the immense Binh Tay Market.

We will visit the Reunification Palace, which was the residence of the presidents of South Vietnam before 1975. Before heading back to the hotel we will also see the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, as well as the War Crime museum.

In the late afternoon we transfer to the airport for out flight to Danang. A short drive will take us to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.
__________

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Itinerary: Following breakfast, we will leave Ho Chi Minh City to explore the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, the Vietcong’s underground tunnel system that, at one time, stretched as far as the Cambodian border. The network consists of over 130 miles of tunnels in the Cu Chi district alone; parts of which are several stories deep.

There are trapdoors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens – all underground! Parts of this remarkable tunnel network have been enlarged and upgraded and are now open to the public.

In the afternoon, we have chance to experience the many sides of Saigon only accessible by water. You will be brought through isolated canals, local neighborhoods, and some of Saigon’s rapidly developing areas. Enjoy the sunset over the city and the best view of the city’s skyline. Overnight at Sapphire Hotel.
__________

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Itinerary: After breakfast we will take a leisurely boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong Delta (Bassac River). Deposits of sediment from the Mekong River formed this rich verdant region. We then journey to Cai Rang floating markets, which are the liveliest in the region. We will have lunch in Can Tho at a local restaurant before departing for Ho Chi Minh City to arrive in the late afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
__________

Cai Rang floating market

Advertising what produce is for sale by attaching samples to mast

Can Tho, Vietnam

Itinerary: This morning we leave Phnom Penh by boat for a mid-afternoon arrival into Chau Doc, Vietnam. We continue to Can Tho to relax before dinner. Overnight at the Kim Tho Hotel.
__________

Departing Cambodia–back to our boat.

Now in Vietnam after clearing immigration.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Itinerary: Phnom Penh is situated at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and the Tonle Sap Rivers. Once considered the most beautiful of the French-built cities of Indochina, its charm and character is still evident despite its turbulent past. Today’s highlights include visits to the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the Killing Fields and Toul Sleng.

Early this afternoon, we will visit the National Museum before some free time to explore on your own. Overnight at the Plantation.
__________

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Itinerary: This morning, we visit Banteay Srei, “The Citadel of Women”. Tucked away in the countryside, the sandstone carvings are better preserved here than at most temples of Angkor. Early this afternoon, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Phnom Penh, where we will be met upon arrival and transferred to our hotel. Overnight at the Plantation.
___________

Fly to Phnom Penh

The Plantation Hotel

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Itinerary: Today, we continue our exploration of the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat. Following breakfast, we will visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas. Overnight at Casa Angkor Hotel.
__________

Angkor Wat–the best saved for last.