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| World Heritage Journey |
On arrival in the former capital city of Vietnam, meet and transfer to hotel for check in. Of the ancient capitals in Vietnam, Hue is the only one that still has the intact appearance of a complex of the monarchic capital consisting of walls, palaces, and royal tombs. Afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, and stroll through the Capital Citadel, Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Citadel with a celebrated Hue’s historian, Mr. Phan Thuan An to learn about the former Royal history and culture. Evening, enjoy dinner at the historian’s home that was formerly the home of the princess of the Emperor Dong Khanh during the Nguyen Dynasty
Overnight in Hue (D)
Day 2: Hue
At 7.45 am, enjoy a lecture at hotel: "Architecture of Ancient City of Hue and the French Influence”. The lecture is presented by Dr. Dac Xuan, Director of Hue restoration center, a member of UNESCO. Following the lecture is a video about Hue architecture and Hue Royal music and dance. At 10 am, drive to visit to the Truong Quoc Hoc Hue, a well-known National High School in Vietnam. Lunch is at a Restored Royal home with Royal cuisine. Afternoon, boat cruise on the Perfume River upstream to visit the Thien Mu pagoda, the most religious monument of Hue. Continue to visit Tu Duc and Khai Dinh tombs, the most elaborate royal tombs of Nguyen dynasty. A lecture at Tu Duc tomb delivered by the historian Phan Thuan An is about: "Reign of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh”. On return to the hotel, en route visit to the Duc Son/ Minh Tu pagoda; this pagoda has founded an orphanage inside; opportunity to see the full operations of the orphanage and interact with the nun Minh Tu, founder of the orphanage. Evening, home hosted dinner is at the home of Mrs. Tung Chi, a member of royal family.
Overnight in Hue (B, L, D)
Day 3: Hoi An
Early morning drive for 3 hours from Hue to Da Nang with a stop at the Phu Thanh elementary school to visit a rural school, opportunity to interact with students and teachers before passing over Hai Van (Ocean Clouds) Pass with stunning photo opportunities. On arrival in Hoi An around noon, check in to hotel. Lunch is at Brothers Café restaurant. After lunch, attend a lecture: "Hoi An’s Cultural Heritage” presented by Mr. Tran Van Nhan, a member of UNESCO in Hoi An, followed by a walking tour through the Ancient Town of Hoi An. Evening, dinner at Full Moon restaurant.
Overnight in Hoi An (B, L, D)
Day 4: My Son
After breakfast, travel by coach for 45 km to My Son, UNESCO World Heritage site. On arrival, take an on-site lecture by Prof. Tran Ky Phuong about: "Hindu Influence in Cham Architecture”. Explore different sites in My Son holly land to visit different groups. Drive back to Hoi An for lunch at the Cargo Club restaurant. Afternoon is free at leisure to walk around this ancient town or optional visit the Thanh Ha pottery-making village. Dinner is free on your own at one of many local restaurants in the old quarter.
Overnight in Hoi An (B, L)
Day 5: Danang/Siem Reap (Air via Saigon)
Transfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel. Start exploring the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom Its 50-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, and Leper King Terrace and Royal Place area. This tour in is specially led by member from APSARA Authority, Department of Monument and Archaeology, opportunity to learn more about Khmer history. After lunch, visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat– one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. Dinner is at Mme Butterfly restaurant
Overnight in Siem Reap (B, L, D)
Day 6: Siem Reap
After breakfast, continue your exploration with a visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, give one a true feeling of ‘lost city’. Lunch is at Carnets D'asie restaurant. Afternoon, enjoy a drive to the rural outskirts 35km from the town and visit to Banteay Srei, the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture. This is a small temple but its carvings are so impressive. Dinner is at Café Indochine restaurant
Overnight in Siem Reap (B, L, D)
Day 7: Departure
Morning enjoy a private tour of the Angkor Conservation outdoor Museum, where thousands of Khmer statues and bas relief are stored, hidden from the general public and safe from art thieves. Then, transfer to the airport for departure flight.
End of services. (B)
