Grand South East Asia

After breakfast, we will depart for the Cu Chi tunnels. By 1965, 250 km of tunnels crisscrossed Cu Chi and surrounding areas. Just across the Saigon River was the notorious guerrilla power base known as the IRON TRIANGLE. The Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the American war as they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 to 40 km from Saigon. At its height, the tunnel system stretched from Saigon to the Cambodian border. The network, parts of which were several levels deep, included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel for what underground life in the American War must have been like. The tunnels have been widened for our benefit, otherwise, we would not be able to enter them! Once back in Saigon, a former fishing village that has grown to a city of over 9 million, the city tour will commence with a visit to Saigon’s Notre-Dame Cathedral (Tan Dinh Church), built with materials imported from France, including glass from Chartres. Although it is not a replica of the famous Notre Dame, it is equally impressive with its high steeple and distinctive pink, gothic design. A short walk from the Basilica is the Central Post Office, exquisitely designed by none other than Gustav Eiffel. After a short visit, take a stroll along Dong Khoi Street to visit the Opera House. The Opera House has an interesting history as it has been everything from a bomb shelter to a House of the Parliament. Restored in 1995, the Opera House has returned to its roots and is once again a theatre. Continue on to visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on April 30, 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. From there we will continue on to the War Remnants Museum. The displays share the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum showcases diverse aspects of the war and its impacts on the region. It is a sobering experience to see the effects of war on ordinary citizens. You will then have time to explore the famous Ben Thanh Market and shop for some amazing, hand-crafted souvenirs.

We will acquire our Angkor Conservation Area entrance pass and continue onto the Small Circuit Tour. This tour includes a visit to the huge pyramid of Takeo and the jungle-clad Ta Prohm, made famous by the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’. We continue on to visit Sras Srang, known as the King’s bathing pond and the temple of Banteay Kdei, before exploring Prasat Kravan, an elegant brick temple. After lunch we explore the impressive Royal City of Angkor Thom, where you will find the Bayon; a temple famed for its many gigantic carved faces smiling beguilingly down at you. We will also visit other important sites in this immense walled city, including the pyramids of Baphuon and Phimeanakas as well as the royal viewing stands known as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Finally, we will complete this exciting adventure by rediscovering the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple. Tonight’s dinner will be served with a traditional local Apsara Dance show. Apsara is the traditional Khmer, classical dance. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel we will begin our guided tour which will commence with Wat Traimit; the Temple of the Golden Buddha which is famous for its 900-year- old, five and a half-ton, solid gold image. We then continue on to Wat Arun, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Dawn; one of the best-known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok. Afterwards, we will visit Wat Po, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok as well as the largest single Buddha image; The Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas), found in Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Our guide will escort us to a local restaurant for lunch. Next, we will visit some of the most famous tourist sites in Bangkok, including the Royal Grand Palace with its Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace adjoins Wat Phra Kaew in a common compound. Despite the proximity of the two, there’s a distinct contrast in style between the very Thai style Wat Phra Kaew and the more European inspired designs of the Grand Palace. It is then time to take a thrilling long-tail boat ride along the canals of the Chao Phraya River to witness life on the river and maybe a few giant lizards. Once the tour is completed, we head back to our hotel to freshen up for our final farewell dinner and show, which includes a variety of traditional Thai dancing. Overnight in Bangkok.