Twenty-five years of isolation from the West have enabled Vietnam and Cambodia to preserve their ancient culture and traditional folkways better than any of their neighbors in Southeast Asia. Our deluxe journey lets you experience these unique countries for yourself. We begin with three nights in Hanoi where everything from the architecture to the cuisine is classic Vietnamese, but with a French accent. Then drive to Ha Long Bay where we cruise among the 3000 islands rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. At Danang we have reserved rooms for you at the 5-star Furama Danang Resort, set right on China Beach. If an unspoiled stretch of white sand doesn’t appeal to you, there are multi-level swimming pools at the resort, as well as tennis courts, a steam room, sauna, and a masseur. Hue was the seat of Vietnam’s emperors. You’ll have two full days to explore Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Your visit includes the former American Embassy, lunch among the food stalls of the Ben Thanh Market, and an excursion outside the city to the Cu Chi tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Finally, fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to the temples of Angkor. You’ll have three days to explore this spectacular site in the midst of the Cambodian jungle, including a visit to the most famous temple, Angkor Wat, at sunset. End in Bangkok, where you may opt to continue your trip or connect with flights home.

Day 1 -- USA Depart the West Coast on any regularly schedule flight to Hanoi.

Day 2 -- HANOI Arrive Hanoi this morning and transfer to the Softel Metropole Hotel (Premium Room, New Wing). Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at a fashionable restaurant, which specializes in Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 3 -- HANOI This morning tour Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and House on Stilts and the famous One Pillar Pagoda before a private tour of the Museum of Ethnology. The museum features an astounding collection of art and every day objects that demonstrate the depth of Vietnam’s cultural diversity. After lunch in a local restaurant, tour Hanoi’s Ancient Quarter. Dinner tonight is at a popular restaurant offering French-Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 4 -- HANOI A Hanoi city tour this morning captures the rich heritage of French colonial architecture and captivating street life of Vietnam’s capital. Visit such sites as the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the Temple of Literature, and the Ngoc Son Temple---Lake of the Restored Sword. We will recommend local restaurants for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax or visit one of Hanoi’s street-side cafes. Before dinner, attend a performance at the Water Puppet Theatre, a Vietnamese traditional art, combing puppetry, water ballet and folk music. Tonight, dine at one of Hanoi's trendy restaurants.

Day 5 -- HANOI / HA LONG BAY After breakfast depart on an early morning drive to Ha Long City. Upon arrival, embark Emeraude Cruise (Deluxe or Superior Cabin) for a one-night cruise in Ha Long Bay, reminiscent of the French Colonial Era in Indochina. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail upon boarding the Emeraude around noon. After checking in, have lunch at the restaurant. Cruise among hundreds of islets to discover unspoiled pockets of Ha Long Bay and visit the Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprise). Kayak or swim from the vessel's stern deck at the Hang Trong anchorage or whet your appetite with an onboard cooking demonstration. After sunset, enjoy dinner in the restaurant, before retiring to your cabin to sleep.

Day 6 -- HA LONG BAY / DANANG This morning awaken early and join a Tai Chi class on the sundeck. After breakfast, check out around 09:30 am and drive to the Hanoi airport for a flight to Danang. A simple lunch stop is made to sample Vietnam's signature dish - Pho. Fly to Danang and upon arrival transfer to the Furama Resort Danang (Lagoon View Room - Seaview room upgrades available), one of Vietnam’s finest 5-star luxury resorts located right on the famous China Beach. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Day 7 -- DANANG Drive to Hoi An, among Vietnam’s oldest and best preserved fishing villages. Built in the 1500’s, Hoi An was once one of the most important ports in Southeast Asia. Today the town still looks like it did centuries ago. Visit the colorful, riverside market and tour the town. Return to the hotel in Danang to relax and enjoy the afternoon on the beach or by the pool. Dinner is poolside this evening. (B

Day 8 -- DANANG / HUE This morning tour the Cham Museum before continuing to Hue, the stronghold of the Nguyen Dynasty, founded in the early 19th century and lasting until 1945. Hue is home to Vietnam’s most impressive ancient monuments. Tour the Citadel, begun in 1804, built in the style of the great French military architect, Vauban. Return to the hotel to relax before dinner. Overnight accommodations and dinner are at Le Residence Hotel & Spa, (Superior River View Room).

Day 9 -- HUE / HO CHI MINH CITY Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang Tomb, the most majestic of the Royal Tombs. In the afternoon, fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to the Caravelle Hotel for 3 nights. The afternoon is at leisure. Ho Chi Minh City has some of the best restaurants in Southeast Asia. We dine this evening at a favorite Vietnamese restaurant.

Day 10 -- HO CHI MINH CITY During a Ho Chi Minh City tour, visit the Reunification Palace, The History Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the grounds of the former US Embassy. At lunchtime, visit the enormous Ben Thanh Market to taste some of the delicious noodles from colorful stands. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Dinner is on your own to choose Nouveau Vietnanese or traditioanl French.

Day 11 -- HO CHI MINH CITY Through picturesque villages with a backdrop of the Mekong River, we travel to the site of the Cu Chi tunnels, an extensive network of Viet Cong tunnels used in the French Indochina war and American war. Lunch is at the celebrated Blue Ginger Restaurant. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the city’s nightlife.

Day 12 -- HO CHI MINH CITY / SIEM REAP Transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap, the gateway town leading to Southeast Asia’s most immense collection of ancient temples and palaces built between the 6th and 13th centuries. Our elegant hotel is the Grand d’ Angkor Hotel, (Landmark Room, space available basis) After lunch at the hotel, tour the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Baphoun Temple, Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of Leper King, and Phimean Akas. Remain at Angkor Wat until sunset. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 13 -- SIEM REAP Continue your sightseeing of Angkor Wat, including an excursion to the remote Banteay Srei temple, known as the "pink temple". Enjoy time to swim and relax at the hotel and take advantage of the wonderful spa facilities. Dinner is at the hotel: a Cambodian feast with traditional dances.

Day 14 -- SIEM REAP / BANGKOK Join us for sunrise at Angkor Wat. Return for a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Continue exploring with visits to Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei, Ta Phrom, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda. Late morning return to the hotel. Lunch is on your own today. In the afternoon, drive to the airport and board the flight to Bangkok. Dinner and overnight at the Novotel Airport Hotel.

Day 15 -- BANGKOK / USA Depart on scheduled flights to the USA.