Day 1:
(Fri.) Board your transpacific flight.

Day 2:
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. (Sat.) Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 3:
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Cu Chi Excursion. (Sun.) This morning, leave the city and drive through vast expanses of rice paddies to visit the CU CHI TUNNELS, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length that were used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a walking tour of the city’s famous and historic landmarks. The tour will take you through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit the REUNIFICATION PALACE (formerly the Presidential Palace) and the WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM followed by BEN THANH MARKET, the largest and oldest in the city. This evening, join your traveling companions at a special welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Mekong Cruise Excursion. (Mon.) Enjoy a CRUISE on the great Mekong River. Travel south to My Tho, gateway to the Mekong Delta and Vietnam’s “rice bowl.” Board your boat and travel to an island in the middle of the delta where you can visit a local family’s home, enjoy their hospitality, and share some tea or rice wine. Tonight, venture on your own to try some of the local cuisine, an interesting blend of French and Asian flavors. Your Tour Director can assist with dinner recommendations for tonight; maybe you’ll choose to dine at the famous Rex Hotel. (B,L)

Day 5:
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)–Danang–Hoi An. (Tue.) After a short flight to Danang, enjoy a picturesque journey by motorcoach to Hoi An. Along the way, visit CHINA BEACH, landing point for U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War, and also visit the CHAM MUSEUM. Hoi An is Vietnam’s active trading center and a town that has been largely preserved. The architecture of Hoi An reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders. Hoi An is also where French missionary Alexandre de Rhodes introduced Catholicism and Roman script to Vietnam. (B,D)

Day 6:
Hoi An. (Wed.) Today starts with a BOAT JOURNEY on the Thu Bon River. Continue with a walking tour of Hoi An, visiting an old MERCHANT HOUSE, the HOI AN MUSEUM, a CHINESE ASSEMBLY HALL, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Then, free time to enjoy this quaint town. (B)

Day 7:
Hoi An–Hue. (Thu). Drive north over spectacular Hai Van Pass, considered to be one of the most scenic in all of Vietnam, before arriving in Hue. One of Vietnam’s former capitals, Hue is a beautiful and welcoming city and still a cultural and religious center. Upon arrival, visit the IMPERIAL CITADEL and the THIEN MU PAGODA, the unofficial symbol of the city. This evening, enjoy an imperial banquet at a famous local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8:
Hue–Hanoi. (Fri). This morning’s sightseeing provides a unique window into Vietnam and its complex past. Visit the TOMBS of the NGUYEN EMPERORS: the KHAI DINH MAUSOLEUM and the ROYAL TOMB of TU DOC. Later, fly to Hanoi, the nation’s capital and one of Southeast Asia’s most engaging cities. An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating performance of Hanoi’s renowned WATER PUPPETS, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century. (B,D)

Day 9:
Hanoi. (Sat.) Start today with a “CYCLO” ride through the fascinating Old Quarter, 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade as they have for centuries. Then, take time to look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. First, visit the MAUSOLEUM and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda are the ONE PILLAR PAGODA, the HO CHI MINH MUSEUM, and the PRESIDENTIAL PALACE. Stop at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” before continuing on to mystical Hoan Kiem Lake, where you will enjoy a brief guided walk. Also visit the ancient TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, over 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university. (B,L)

Day 10:
Hanoi. Ha Long Bay Excursion. (Sun.) Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, is dotted with over 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets that are sprinkled across the Bay. Board a CRUISE that takes you to explore the caves and admire the beauty and scale before stopping at one of the many secluded bays. Return to Hanoi late this evening. (B,L)

Day 11:
Hanoi–Siem Reap, Cambodia. (Mon.) Today, a quick flight brings you to Siem Reap, which will act as your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins found on earth! (B,D)

Day 12:
Siem Reap. (Tue.) This morning, start your sightseeing of the TEMPLES OF ANGKOR. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the temples were built around the Khmer interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that ultimately evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of the Angkor temples is arguably unmatched among ancient ruins anywhere in the world. First, visit the best preserved and most famous of all the temples, ANGKOR WAT, honoring the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Next stop is ANGKOR THOM to see the BAYON TEMPLE. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas reliefs. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, witness one of the world’s most amazing experiences: sunset at Angkor Wat! (B,L)

Day 13:
Siem Reap. (Wed.) Today, continue your sightseeing of the Angkor temples. Unlike the other temples, TA PROHM has been left relatively untouched. Surrounded by jungle, tree roots grow over and through the ruin walls, and you will experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. Then, visit BANTEAY SREI, a unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Unlike other temples, it is built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. This afternoon, enjoy a CRUISE on Tonle Sap (Great Lake), where you will see a floating village and get a glimpse of life on the water. This evening is at your leisure to explore charming Siem Reap. (B,D)

Day 14:
Siem Reap–Bangkok, Thailand. (Thu.) Today, fly to Bangkok. Upon arrival, enjoy a fascinating tour of the city, including a visit to the stunning GRAND PALACE featuring WAT PHRA KEO, which houses the 31-inch Emerald Buddha. Also visit the TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA. This evening, enjoy a FAREWELL DINNER CRUISE on the Chao Phraya River with sweeping views of Bangkok’s modern skyline and riverfront. (B,D)

Day 15:
(Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Click here to check rates and availability online, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Or, to speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301. Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
1/23/2009 - 2/6/2009	$4,109	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
2/20/2009 - 3/6/2009	$4,109	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
3/20/2009 - 4/3/2009	$4,109	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/24/2009 - 5/8/2009	$4,109	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/1/2009 - 5/15/2009	$4,109	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/22/2009 - 6/5/2009	$4,109	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/5/2009 - 6/19/2009	$4,109	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/11/2009 - 9/25/2009	$4,109	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/25/2009 - 10/9/2009	$4,109	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/9/2009 - 10/23/2009	$4,109	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/30/2009 - 11/13/2009	$4,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
11/13/2009 - 11/27/2009	$4,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
12/4/2009 - 12/18/2009	$4,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
Price Details US Land-only price includes intra-tour flights, and must be purchased with this vacation. Single Room Supplement: $1189. Triple Room Reduction per person: $116. Extra Nights per person in Bangkok: Feb.-Jun., Sep.-Oct. in single room $121; in twin room $70; in triple room $58. Nov.-Dec. in single room $124; in twin room $73; in triple room $62. Extra Nights per person in Ho Chi Minh City: Jan.-Jun., Sep.-Oct. in single room $178; in twin room $109; in triple room $97. Nov.-Dec. in single room $200; in twin room $122; in triple room $110. 2010 prices and itineraries subject to change. Details will be available in August 2009. Related Tours OVE|Add Chiang Mai to Your Vacation

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus

Discount for young travelers

Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.

Pay less for your second vacation

We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent.

Triple room reduction

On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room.

Avoid the single room supplement

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!

Right now when you book a 2009 vacation between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75

Do you have a large party of friends or family that wants to travel? Right now when you book a 2009 vacation between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75.* For example, book 5 passengers and receive a $375 discount, 6 passengers equals a $450 discount and 7 passengers will receive a $525 discount. With an offer like this, the world’s greatest destinations are now closer than ever!

*Book a 2009 Globus vacation for five, six or seven travelers to receive the $75 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between Jun 4 and Dec 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. Individuals must be traveling together from the same origination point to receive the discount. Not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.