The Ultimate Women Only, VIETNAM & CAMBODIA Active, Cultural Experience - 14 days/13 nights

Download and Print Our Women Only Vietnam & Cambodia Tour Itinerary (Adobe pdf)

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Our Southeast Asia adventure begins in southern Vietnam in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), takes us through central Vietnam and finally to the northern part of the country to wonderful Hanoi before concluding in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Formerly named Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City began as a small fishing village known as Prey Nokor. The area that the city now occupies was originally swampland, and was inhabited by Khmer people for centuries before the arrival of the Vietnamese. It should be noted that in Khmer folklore southern Vietnam was given to the Vietnamese government as a dowry for the marriage of a Vietnamese princess to a Khmer prince in order to stop constant invasions and pillaging of Khmer villages. Hue, located in central Vietnam, is well known for its historic monuments, which have earned it a place in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. The seat of the Nguyen emperors was the Citadel, which occupies a large, walled area on the north side of the Perfume River. Inside the citadel was a forbidden city where only the emperors, concubines, and those close enough to them were granted access; the punishment for trespassing was death. Roughly along the Perfume River from Hue lie a myriad of other monuments, including the tombs of several emperors. Also notable is the Thien Mu Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Hue and the official symbol of the city. Just north of Hue is the city of Hoi An which possessed the largest harbour in Southeast Asia in the 1st century and was known as "Champa City". Between the 7th and 10th centuries, the Cham (people of Champa) controlled the strategic spice trade and with this came tremendous wealth. And as we arrive to the northern part of the country, located on the right bank of the Red River, is the city of Hanoi which once served as the capital of French Indochina. Hanoi has been inhabited since at least 3000 BC. One of the first known permanent settlements is the Co Loa citadel (Co Loa) founded around 200 BC.

Following our memorable adventure in Vietnam, we arrive for a a few days of exploration and cultural and culinary discovery in Siem Reap, the capital city of Siem Reap Province in northwestern Cambodia, and the gateway to Angkor region. Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market. In the city, there are traditional Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake.

Throughout this ROAM adventure you'll experience Vietnam and Cambodia in an active, secure small group environment, and unlike a traditional tourist. We head off the beaten path to learn about local village lifestyles, traditions and culture, explore temples, walk through small villages and rice paddy covered countryside, photograph spectacular landscapes, participate in culinary classes and to embark on various modes of fun transportation, such as tuk tuks, elephants and cyclos all with the assistance of course of our local guides and specialists. Prepare yourself for one of the most fun and entertaining vacations you'll ever experience in Southeast Asia!

Click this link to read the article CNN just did on the beautiful hidden temples and sites of Cambodia where we visit during this adventure trip.

Scroll to bottom of page for 2013 trip date and price.

 

ITINERARY

Arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) - Transfer – ** Drinking water and towel included throughout tour **

Overnight in Majestic Saigon 5* (colonial room) - L, D

 

After breakfast we attend a morning Tai Chi lesson in the park (transport to the Park via TUK TUK, a popular local form of transportation).

Afterwards we participate in an excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels. Never discovered by American forces, the CU CHI TUNNELS were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate visitors.

Afternoon excursion to "Passage to Vietnam" Crafts Village. Upon arrival, we are welcome at the reception area, taste some of the Thai Nguyen tea and prepare for the tour. Start visiting the Vietnam - Country and People area, including Passage to the Origins, Altar of the Nation, Vietnam Declarations of Independence.

We end our day with a short sightseeing visit of Saigon city - Visit Notre Dame Cathedral.

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL: built between 1877 and 1883, is set in the heart of Saigon's government quarter. It has a neo-Romanesque form and two high square towers, tipped with iron spires. In front of the cathedral is a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Visit Central Post Office - CENTRAL POST OFFICE: this is a French-style building with its glass canopy and iron frame right next to the Notre Dame Cathedral. The structure was built between 1886 and 1891 and is by far the largest post office in Vietnam.

Visit Ben Thanh Market - BEN THANH MARKET: this is the central market of Saigon and the market and the surrounding streets make up one of the city's liveliest areas. Everything commonly eaten, worn or used by the average resident of Saigon is available here.

Overnight in Majestic Saigon 5* (colonial room) - B/L/D

 

 

Transfer - Internal Flight from Saigon to Danang. - Transfer.

Visit Cham Museum.
CHAM MUSEUM: this houses probably the best collection of Cham art to be found anywhere in the world. There are more than 300 artifacts in the museum, many dating to the 4th century. There are beautiful sculptures reflecting the 1000 year Cham period.

Continue By vehicle from Danang to Hoi An.
Journey south past the Marble Mountains and small villages, stunning and breath-taking countryside.

Sightseeing in Hoi An by cyclo.
Enjoy a CYCLO RIDE through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central MARKET and the small HARBOUR where colorfully painted boats are moored. The tour will include 5 places. Visit a PRIVATE HOUSE, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting; and to a typical ASSEMBLY HALL. Continue to one of a MUSEUM in the heritage town. Visit a TEMPLE and a HANDICRAFT WORKSHOP in Hoi An where local products are being made by the industry itself.

Overnight Life Heritage Resort Hoi An 4* (superior garden view room) - B/L/D
Conde Nast celebrates Life Heritage Resort Hoi An on it's 2010 Gold List of Places to Stay.

Excursion to Tra Que vegetable village by bicycle (or by cyclo alternatively).
Travel by bicycle (or cyclo alternatively) from Hoi An through the surrounding countryside and past rice paddies to TRA QUE VILLAGE, located on a quiet stream. Tra Que village is famed throughout Vietnam for the quality and variety of its vegetable and herbs, grown using a special method of organic farming. Tour the gardens with a local farmer, with explanations of the different plants. Join the farmers in preparing the land and fertilizing it with seaweed from the local lake. Continue doing next steps such as raking the ground, sowing, watering greens, picking grrens and many more gardening activities. Return to the farmer's house and learn how to prepare special dishes with local family before going back to Hoi An.

Enjoy lunch at a farmer house in Tra Que Village.

Afternoon in Hoi An.

Overnight Life Heritage Resort Hoi An 4* (superior garden view room) - B/L/D

 

Excursion to Thuy Bieu village with lunch at local house.
Arrival Thuy Bieu, an authentic village representing the countryside of Hue with the clear notion "garden-home". Relaxing by steeping your foot in with medicinal herb water - a traditional therapeutic practice. Lunch at a local house.

Afternoon excursion - a nice country walk to Thuy Bieu village (7km).
Along the walk we have opportunity to admire the quiet and superb landscape of Hue: rice fields, fruit trees and vegetable gardens, communal houses, a primary school and a traditional cemetery in the valley. We will visit a garden-home and have contact with local people. We will have chance to visit a homemade incense production household and discover the life of the farmers while they are working strenuously yet joyfully and with enthusiasm.

Overnight Pilgrimage Village 4* (Deluxe Villa) - B/L/D

 

Transfer - Internal Flight from Hue to Hanoi. - Transfer.

Sightseeing in Hanoi.
Head to HOAN KIEM LAKE and Ngoc Son Temple, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny TORTOISE PAGODA. From there, walking to explore the OLD QUARTER. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses is also known as The 36 Streets, each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft lover paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life. Afterwards, visit the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY, which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.

Visit a Water Puppet Show and talk with Water Puppeteers.

Overnight Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel 5* (premium room/Opera wing) - B/L/D

 

Cooking class with Chef Corlou with market visit (Private).
Welcome cocktail by Chef Corlou at his private mansion before going to the local market, where we learn about Vietnamese herbs and spices. Participate in the cooking process with Chef Corlou to prepare 5 Vietnamese traditional dishes before enjoying a dinner of the dishes we prepared in class.

Afternoon at leisure in Hanoi.

Overnight Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel 5* (premium room/Opera wing) - B/L/D

By vehicle from Hanoi to Mai Chau with visits to minority villages enroute.
Travel into HOA BINH and MAI CHAU provinces, the beginning of the northwest highlands, home to many different ethnic minorities. First stop is the Muong village of GIANG MO in Hoa Binh. This small village of traditional stilt houses is nestled among rice paddies, against picturesque hills. Continue into Mai Chau province along scenic rice paddies to LAC VILLAGE, inhabited mainly by White Thai.

Sightseeing in Mai Chau (including Buoc, Lac & Pomcoong).
We continue on to Buoc village for a visit. Buoc is one of the most beautiful white Thai ethnic villages. The village still maintains the rustic and typical life of the ethnic white Thai minority. Lunch in Buoc village, then drive back to Mai Chau. Walk around Lac & Pomcoong villages to experience more features of white Thai monority.

Overnight Mai Chau Lodge 3* (deluxe pool and mountain view room) - B/L/D

 

Sightseeing in Mai Chau (including Xa Linh & Pa Co).
This morning we leave Mai Chau for Hmong village of XA LINH and PA CO. We will participate in a local walk today to discover the local villages and see how people live. Enjoy the small jungle of plum trees, peach trees and persimom tree along the trail.

Overnight Ana Mandara Ninh Binh 5* (superior room) - B/L/D

Cruise aboard the Halong Jasmine with kayaking through Ha Long Bay, day 1 of 2.
Welcome on board and set sail through Bai Tu Long bay while seafood lunch is served. Rest your eyes on the azure waters of this magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragon's teeth, passing picturesque area around Mat Quy islet, Am islet.

Mid afternoon, cruise to Cua Van fishing village.
Enjoy a pleasant bamboo row through the village with floating homes. Visit Tien Ong cave before going back on board for sunset cocktail. Dinner is served onboard.

Overnight Ha Long Jasmine Cruise 4* Jasmine (Premium cabin) - B/L/D

 

Cruise aboard the Halong Jasmine with kayaking through Ha Long Bay, day 2 of 2.
Start the day early to enjoy a Tai Chi class on top deck with an opportunity to admire the magnificent scenery of sunrise over the sea. Deep cruise into Bai Tu Long bay, passing Peal Farm, Phao Dai islet, Tam Cung cave, Hon Xep islet, Dau Moi temple while joining our chef for cooking demonstration to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine art. Enjoy buffet brunch on board before arrival to the dock.

By vehicle from Ha Long to Hanoi with sightseeing at a water puppet village.
Welcomed by the head of the troupe of puppets to a water puppet village in the countryside of Vietnam which is located in the Red River Delta of northeastern. Stop at the communal house to visit and understand more about the water puppet in the past, present and future. Enjoy a water puppet show.

Overnight Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel 5* (Premium Room/Opera Wing) - B/L/D

Transfer - Included Commercial Flight from Hanoi, Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia - Transfer.

Arrival in Siem Reap - Sightseeing in Angkor.
The fortified city of ANGKOR THOM covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter by the monumental SOUTH GATE over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the TERRACE OF THE ELEPHANTS and the TERRACE OF THE LEPER KINGS, former spaces for public cermonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined BAPHUON, ROYAL ENCLOSURE and PHIMEANAKAS before continuing to the mysterious BAYON TEMPLE. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle.

Watch the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple.

Elephant ride around Angkor Thom.

Overnight Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa 5* (superior room) - B/L/D

Cooking class at Paul Dubrule and Tourism School with a market visit.
Discover the secrets of Cambodian food with Executive Chef including market tour and shopping local foods. Introduction to Cambodian herbs and ingredients for cooking. Enjoy lunch with the food you have prepared.

Excursion to the Kampong Kleang with boat trip.
Kampong Kleang is located about 50 km from Siem Reap town. The place is situated northeast shore on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake. The road to the site is good but rather narrow. This boat trip will explore the floating fishing villages that live at the edges of the lake, passing submerged forests and fishing farms.

Visit the Chantiers Ecoles (Artisans d'Angkor).
LES CHANTIERS ECOLES: vocational centre trains 650 apprentices a year including 160 in fine arts and crafts trades united in the Artisan d'Angkor production network. Guided tours through the different workshops like stone sculpture, woodcarving, polychromie, and watch the artisan at work.

Overnight Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa 5* (superior room) - B/L/D

Morning at leisure. Transfer to Siem Reap airport for our return flights home - B

B = Breakfast Included, L = Lunch Included, D = Dinner Included

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