Compare Best of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand by Himalayan Glacier Adventure vs Alluring Vietnam & the Temples of Angkor with Bangkok & Singapore by Globus

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International airport, a company representative will pick you up from the airport and drive you to your hotel in Hanoi Central which will take almost an hour. You can spend the rest of the day in leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Lan Vien (ROH))

Day 2: Hanoi City tour

This full day tour takes us around Hanoi’s most interesting sights; including the Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his Stilts House, Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. The next stop is the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. Then we drive to peaceful West Lake with lovers street Thanh Nien, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. In the afternoon, we visit one of the city’s museums, either the History Museum or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Later we will tour the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets and guilds. Today we also tour Hoan Kiem Lake – the Lake of the Restored Sword and Ngoc Son Temple. We end today’s tour with a visit to the unique Water Puppet Show in Thang Long Theater.

Note: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays and every afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Lan Vien (ROH))

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Cruise (Huong Hai Sealife (Suite))

After early breakfast we begin our four hours drive through the beautiful country side to Halong bay. We set out on our cruise from Bai Tu Long Bay area. During the cruise, we get to enjoy the beautiful islands, namely Tea pot, Mat Quy –Monster Face, Yen Ngua, Man’s Head, Tortoise and many others. Today we also have a bit of fun outside our ship and explore Hang Sung Sot, one of the largest and most famous cave in the entire Halong Bay. We continue cruising through limestone islands and stop at Ti Top Island where we can enjoy swimming or walking up to the summit and admiring a fantastic view of the Halong Bay. In the evening, you will attend the chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking. Later you can relax or try squid fishing. Overnight on board.

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi then fly to Saigon (Brunch)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

There will be a Tai Chi session on the sundeck early in the morning. After breakfast we can enjoy the tranquil lagoon at Luon cave by a traditional rowing boat or by kayaking. Drive back to Ha Long city from where your driver will take you to the airport from where you will fly to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

The itinerary above is operated by Huong Hai Sealife and thus may be altered depending on the weather without prior notice.

Day 5: Saigon: Chu Chi tunnels, city tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

Today we visit the famous Chu Chi tunnels in the morning. This network of tunnels, which stretched for over 200km, became legendary during the 1960s. Next, drive back to Saigon and visit several landmarks of the city which is by far Vietnam’s most modern city. Observe some of the best examples of French colonial architecture represented in the forms of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. We will also tour The Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 and The War Remnants Museum which has a wealth of images from the wars. End today’s tour with a visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a fantastic place for bargains of every kind!

Day 6: Cruise Cai Be floating market then drive to Can Tho

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Victoria Can Tho (Superior))

After breakfast we drive through the Mekong Delta to the town of Cai Be which is well-known for its floating market. Next, enjoy a cruise along the waterways and canals labyrinth before stopping at the home of a Bonsai gardener for a sumptuous Delta lunch, including the popular meal of ‘Elephant ear fish’. We continue exploring the tributaries and canals of the delta throughout the afternoon before leaving for Can Tho city for a good night’s sleep.

Day 7: Can Tho to Cai Rang floating market, My Tho then drive back to Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

After breakfast we take a boat to Jin In and explore the floating market of Cai Rang which is another exciting floating market in the Mekong Delta. Later, drive to My Tho where we visit Vinh Trang Pagoda which is one of the best-known temples in the region before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8: Fly to Siem Reap, tour Angkor Wat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior))

After arriving at Siem Reap, Cambodia, we begin our tour of Cambodia’s 12th century capital of Angkor Thom. We begin by visiting South Gate which has huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean. Bayon Temple is known for its unique 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. We also visit the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, we visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor, Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Next, enjoy a wonderful sunset from the Phnom Bakheng Hills. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9: Siem Reap: Angkor Complex

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior))

Today, we visit the 10th century temple of Banteay Srei Temple regarded as one of the crown jewels of classical Khmer Art. Then, we will continue our visit to Banteay Samre, which was built in the third quarter of the 12th century. In the afternoon, we will visit the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, then see Srah Srang (“The Royal Baths”) which was once used for ritual bathing. Then it’s off to Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Ta Keo (constructed in the late 10th and early 11th century) and Ta Prohm (one of the area’s most beautiful temples). Overnight in Seam Reap.

Day 10: Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake then fly to Bangkok,Thailand

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel (Centre Point Pratunam)

After breakfast, we will take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to visit floating villages (complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals), and then visit the school known as “Les Artisans d’Angkor.” We will then transfer to Siem Reap international airport for our flight to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 11: Bangkok: city sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel (Centre Point Pratunam)

Today we tour Bangkok’s most prominent landmarks beginning with Pak Klong Talad, a bustling around the clock market. Then we take a short Tuk Tuk ride to Saranrom Royal Garden where we can relax and learn about a variety of Thai plants. Next, visit the Royal Regalia Museum and admire beautiful jewelry, which used to be ornaments of the royal officers and consorts. Our next stop is the temple of The Emerald Buddha held by all Thais as the symbol of national independence. In the afternoon, we take a long-tailed boat along the Chao Phraya River and get acquainted with the local lifestyle. We pass through the Grand Palace and pay a brief visit to the Royal Barge Museum which houses ceremonial King’s Barges decorated with multi-color glasses, gilt and stuccos. Our boat ride ends at Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 12: Final Departure

Meals: Breakfast

We have no activities planned for today. A representative of the company will transfer you to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your onward flight.

Day 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI, VIETNAM

Hello Vietnam Welcome to Hanoi, the nation’s capital and one of Southeast Asia’s most engaging cities, rich in Vietnamese history and full of opportunities to experience the traditional culture. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

HANOI-MARKET.jpg

Day 2: HANOI

The Streets of Hanoi & Uncle Ho Take a [LF] cyclo ride and walking tour through the Old Quarter. Then, look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. Visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda are visits to the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Lunch is served at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program created to teach local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. You will also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, more than 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university, followed by the infamous Hanoi Hilton (Hỏa Lò Prison). Join your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner this evening. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
OLD QUARTER PEDALING The ancient Old Quarter is comprised of 36 streets, which was once the thriving center of the city. The best way to explore this fascinating area is by cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) and foot. Here, peddlers trade as they have for centuries and you can find them based on the street name, which reflects their trade - Fish Sauce, Silk, and Bamboo. Along the way, stop for an egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty!

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Consider an outing to see a famed Hanoi water puppet performance. Dating back to the 11th century, water puppetry originated with farmers entertaining their family after the rice harvest.

HANOI-CYCLO.jpg

Day 3: HANOI–HA LONG BAY

Peaks, Caves & Bays, Oh My Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on your overnight cruise of Ha Long Bay. This afternoon. visit a pearl farm to learn the process of pearl cultivation before stopping at one of the islands for a swim or stroll.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
BAY BLAST Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is dotted with more than 1,600 islands, limestone pillars carved into fanciful shapes by water and coastal erosion. Tunnels, caves, and uniquely shaped outcroppings with creative names can be found on many of the small islets that are sprinkled across the bay. Your overnight cruise explores the caves and is an opportunity to admire the beauty and scale of the many secluded bays.

HA-LONG-BAY.jpg

Day 4: HA LONG BAY–HANOI–HOI AN

Peaceful Meeting Place This morning, if you choose, wake up early for a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck before a visit to one of the many caves found in the bay. Explore the caverns and their dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Disembark the ship later this morning and drive to Hanoi and board your flight to Danang, on Vietnam’s historic central coast. Continue to nearby Hoi An, a cultural fusion and well-preserved trading port. The local cuisine and architecture here reflects the influence which Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders had on Vietnam. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HOTEL ROYAL HOI AN Located on the banks of the Thu Bon River with a rooftop pool, bar and restaurant overlooking the enchanting river, your hotel is a perfect blend of historic charm and modern facilities, with a mix of Vietnamese and Japanese influence.

HA-LONG-BAY-CAVES.jpg

Day 5: HOI AN

Sail, Tackle & Stroll Cruise on the Thu Bon River and participate in a [LF] fishing lesson. Later, explore historic Hoi An on a walking tour including an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly hall, and the famous Japanese covered bridge. For dinner, participate in a cooking class where you will learn about traditional Vietnamese spices and how to prepare Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crispy rice pancake). (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CAST YOUR NET Join a local fisherman to learn about local fishing methods and learn how to throw and retrieve a traditional round fishing net called a "ro". Afterward, you will have a chance to throw the net yourself and see what you catch!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PREPARE & SAVOR Participate in a fun cooking class for dinner and learn to make Hoi An specialty dishes including fried spring rolls, grilled fish in banana leaves, and beef salad in a bamboo basket.

HOI-AN-ANCIENT-TOWN-COVERED-BRIDGE.jpg

Day 6: HOI AN–HUE

Rest & Ride Time at leisure this morning. Depart the hotel and top at China Beach, landing point for U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War, and then continue over spectacular Hai Van Pass, considered one of the most scenic in all of Vietnam, before arriving in Hue. One of Vietnam’s former capitals and the last royal dynasty in Vietnamese history, Hue is a beautiful, welcoming city that remains a cultural and religious center. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Spend time at the beach, visit nearby My Son, or explore pottery and wood carving workshops and stores in nearby villages.

HOI-AN-BEACH.jpg

Day 7: HUE

Dynastic Hue This morning’s sightseeing provides a unique window into Vietnam and its complex past. Along the banks of the Perfume River visit the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors: the Khai Dinh Mausoleum and the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc. After lunch, a cyclo tour of the city visits the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city, which is the tallest religious building in Vietnam at seven stories. Continue to the Imperial Citadel built between 1804 and 1833. This heavily fortified structure is still very much the heart of modern-day Hue and despite a checkered history, the fortress remains superbly intact. (Breakfast,Lunch)

HOI-AN-HATS.jpg

Day 8: HUE–HO CHI MINH CITY

Seeing Saigon Today, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. After some free time, join your travel companions for a special dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)

HO-CHI-MINH-CITY-CITY-HALL.jpg

Day 9: HO CHI MINH CITY

Meandering Streets, Landmarks & Markets A walking tour introduces you to the city’s famous and historic landmarks. The route winds through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Opera House, Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, followed by Ben Thanh Market, the largest and oldest in the city. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy some free time. (Breakfast,Lunch)

HO-CHI-MINH-CITY-MARKET-FOOD.jpg

Day 10: HO CHI MINH CITY–CU CHI TUNNELS EXCURSION

Tunnel Vision Drive through vast expanses of rice paddies to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles long that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE The city is booming, and pulses with contagious energy day and night. Sample local food from a street vendor, get a foot massage, or spend more time on Dong Khoi Street. Tonight, be sure to stop at one of several rooftop bars for a drink and magnificent views of the city. Your Tour Director will be on hand to assist with recommendations.

HO-CHI-MINH-CITY-CHI-CHI-TUNNELS-ENTRANCE.jpg

Day 11: HO CHI MINH CITY–SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Captivating Cambodia This morning, board your flight to Siem Reap, your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular archaeological ruins on Earth! Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. (Breakfast,Dinner)

SIEM-REAP-ANGKOR-WAT-REFLECTION.jpg

Day 12: SIEM REAP

Awe-Inspiring Angkor Spend the day exploring the Angkor Temple complex. Begin with a visit to Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire. Stops here include the Bayon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King, and the Baphuon complex. After an included lunch, visit the most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers more than 81 hectares and is comparable in size to Beijing’s Imperial Palace. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
IT’S COMPLEX Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the Temples of Angkor were built around the Khmer interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of the temples is arguably unmatched among the world’s ancient ruins. Start your exploration at Angkor Thom to see the Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features more than 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-reliefs. Next stop is, the best preserved and most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat, dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas-reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia.

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE You may consider exploring the temple complex further, a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see a floating village, or an exciting performance of Phare, The Cambodian Circus. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.

SIEM-REAP-BAYON-TEMPLE-MONKS.jpg

Day 13: SIEM REAP

Tempting Temples & Study Session This morning, visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple outside the main complex dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. This temple was built in the 10th Century on a small scale in red sandstone and boasts exquisitely carved figures. On your return journey, stop at a local school to interact with the children. Then on to Ta Prohm, which has been left relatively untouched and is surrounded by jungle, with tree roots growing over and through the ruins. You’ll be able to experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
DINNER & DANCE Join your Tour Director and travel companions for a farewell dinner followed by a traditional Apsara dance performance, where the ancient Khmer culture is brought to life by talented dancers, singers, and musicians.

SIEM-REAP-BANTEAY-SREI.jpg

Day 14: SIEM REAP–BANGKOK, THAILAND

Capital Gains Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, where you’ll spend the next three nights. (Breakfast)

SIEM-REAP-MONKS.jpg

Day 15: BANGKOK

Bangkok Bliss Explore Bangkok with our Local Guide. Start the day with a boat ride through the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals, to see family homes, temples, and the way of life that gives this city the nickname “Venice of the East.” Next, stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with Bangkok. Continue to the Grand Palace, comprised of the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. (Breakfast,Lunch)

BANGKOK-WAT-ARUN.jpg

Day 16: BANGKOK

Free to Wander Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE You may consider a visit to Jim Thompson’s House, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or an excursion to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market.

BANGKOK-FLOATING-MARKET.jpg

Day 17: BANGKOK–SINGAPORE

Today, fly to exciting Singapore. (Breakfast)

SINGAPORE-CITYSCAPE.jpg

Day 18: SINGAPORE

Sublime Singapore Sightseeing with your Local Guide introduces you to Singapore’s highlights. Start with a visit to the Gardens by the Bay, a showpiece of horticulture and garden artistry. The gardens house flora from five continents and award-winning architecture design as well. Your tour ends at Marina Bay, where you will ascend to the Sands Skypark’s gravity-defying rooftop for stunning views over the city. (Breakfast,Lunch)

SINGAPORE-GARDENS-BY-THE-BAY.jpg

Day 19: SINGAPORE

At Your Own Pace Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Visit the National Orchid Garden, take the popular night safari at the zoo, or explore Malay culture at Changi Village.

SINGAPORE-ORCHID-GARDEN.jpg

Day 20: SINGAPORE

Homeward Bound Your southeast Asia adventure ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

SINGAPORE-MARKET.jpg