Port
Da Nang (Hue), Vietnam
Activity Level
Strenuous
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$2499.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
3 Days/ 2 Nights
Meals Included
Meals not included
Day 1 (L/D) Da Nang - Hoi An - Siem Reap
Spend the morning in Da Nang, exploring this fascinating part of Vietnam. Set out by motorcoach through central Da Nang, where colonial-style buildings border shady, tree-lined streets.
A scenic panoramic drive brings you to Hoi An -- a beautiful city where the presence of Eastern and Western merchants has influenced the community's architecture, culture and customs. Many of the wooden buildings date from the first half of the 19th century, so the town retains a distinctive charm. Step back in time on a guided walk through the narrow streets. A visit to a traditional merchant's house will reveal a mix of European, Japanese and Chinese styles, and you will watch a short handicraft production demonstration.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Return to Da Nang this afternoon, passing the Marble Mountain area, which has long inspired Vietnam's artisans. It combines the natural harmony of the Vietnamese countryside with external architectural influences.
Your exposure to artistic Vietnam begins as you meander along Da Nang's tree-lined streets on the way to the Cham Museum. This ethnographic facility opened in 1939 under the umbrella of the French School of the Far East. Its collection of original sculpture works is displayed in four sections, according to each piece's origin.
Transfer to Da Nang's airport for a flight to Siem Reap. Dinner is served at the hotel in Siem Reap.
Hotel: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra or similar.
Day 2 (B/L/D) Siem Reap - Angkor Wat
Optional Sunrise: 04:45 am meet your guide at the Lobby and leave for Sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple at 05:00 am
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to visit Ta Prohm Temple, Ta Prohm is a temple of towers, closed courtyards and narrow corridors. Many of the corridors are impassable, clogged with jumbled piles of delicately carved stone blocks dislodged by the roots of long-decayed trees. The next temple is Preah Khan Temple, Rectangular in shape and occupying 138 acres, Preah Khan's boundaries are defined by a protective moat and fortified walls adorned by monumental carved stone garudas—eagle-like divine beings
This afternoon you will head to Angkor Wat -- the largest temple in the world with a volume of stone equalling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all other Khmer temples in that it faces west and was inspired by 12th-century Hinduism. Its symmetrical towers are stylized on the modern Cambodian flag. Conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took an estimated 30 years to build. It is generally believed to have been a funeral temple for the king. It has been occupied continuously by Buddhist monks and is well-preserved. Intricate bas-reliefs surround Angkor Wat on four sides. Each tells a story. The most celebrated is the Churning of the Ocean of Milk on the east wing. In it, the Naga serpent is twisted by demons and gods to spurt out the elixir of life.
After sunset at the temple, return to your hotel in Siem Reap for dinner .
Hotel: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra or similar.
Day 3 (B/L) Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Upon landing, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the former capital of Vietnam. A city drive takes you past the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House, City Hall and the Presidential Palace. Your guide offers a brief commentary about the sights en route.
After a panoramic drive to Phu My port, you will meet the ship at the pier.
Notes:
Modest attire is required for visiting temples; no fitted or collarless tops are allowed; shirts/blouses must cover shoulders; trousers must cover ankles; shorts and skirts are not permitted. A wrap is not sufficient. Wear closed-toe shoes; no sandals or backless shoes are allowed. Men must wear socks. The Apsara Authority will not allow children under 12 to climb up to the top level of Angkor Wat. Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. The cut-off date is 100 days before the ship's call at Da Nang. Due to the popularity of this tour and strict booking conditions, cancellation fees start 100 days prior to the call at Da Nang. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). Airport assistance and transfers, transportation by air-conditioned coach, all entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour.
Important information regarding visa requirements:
It is solely each participant's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Overland Adventures and/or Overnights and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through and for the country where you will re-join the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email: US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email customerservice@cibtvisa.com. Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca. CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of Holland America Line's website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at
https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica . You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.