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 Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand - South East Asia is a melting pot where a multitude of nationalities, religions, beaches, fine culinary foods, and smiling faces meet. We explore the highlights as well as venturing off the beaten track to find the more remote sights. Starting in Hanoi and finishing in the melting pot of Bangkok, we are guided through three of South East Asia's most enriching countries.
 • Day 1 to 2 Arrive Hanoi
• Day 3 Halong Bay
• Day 4 to 5 Halong Bay to Hanoi -to Hue
• Day 6 to 7 Hue to Hoi An
• Day 8 to 9 Hoi An to Saigon
• Day 10 Mekong Delta
• Day 11 to 12 Phnom Penh
• Day 13 to 14 Siem Reap
• Day 15 to 17 Bangkok
• Accommodation:
* 12 nights in hotels (4-5 star) centrally located hotels,
* 1 night luxury Halong Bay Cruise,
* 2 nights on overnight sleeper trains
• Meals:
* 15 breakfasts,
* 10 lunches,
* 6 dinners
• Excursions:
All excursions mentioned as per the itinerary
• Transport:
Private car, private air-conditioned coach, train, taxi, on foot, cyclo, bicycle
• Group Size: Maximum 20
• Staff: Yellow Brick Road Tours tour leader, local guide
• International flights and departure taxes
• Domestic flight taxes if applicable
• Tips on included excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items
• Pre & post tour accommodation
• Departure transfers
• Spending money allow approximately US$30 - $40 per day to cover snacks, meals not included, drinks, souvenirs, laundry, tips etc.
• Optional excursions
Day 1 - Saturday, July 07, 2012
 • Your trip starts today with your arrival transfer to the hotel included for Hanoi.
• No activities are planned until your evening group meeting at approximately 18:00, so you may arrive at any time prior to that. Please consult the notice board in the hotel reception for details of where you will meet your tour leader and group. This will advise you of your tour leader's name, telephone number and the time and location of your group meeting. It will also detail matters of safety, how to travel, and the cost of taxis etc. If in any doubt, you can call your tour leader's room or failing that ask at reception.  • Until your meeting, we encourage you to explore and discover what a wonderful city Hanoi is. Make sure that you take a hotel business card so that you are able to find your way back to the hotel.
• Although there has been a settlement here since the 3rd century AD, the city of Hanoi traces its origins to 1010. From the 1880s to World War II, Hanoi was developed as the French colonial capital of French Indochina which is why you see so many colonial French buildings. Today's Hanoi people take a lot of pride in their grand old colonial buildings and these together with the wide spacious boulevards and tree-lined lakes help make Hanoi one of most graceful and charming cities in South East Asia.
Day 2 - Sunday, July 08, 2012
 • Pick up from hotel and drive to Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi. It is great spot to start the day with healthy pursuits as the sun rises over the water. Locals concentrate around this lake in the early morning for Tai chi, aerobics and some light sports or simply to stroll around the lake. Our leader will lead the walk around the lake and you will join in Tai Chi with the locals.
• You conclude your Hoan Kiem experience at a cafe boasting marvellous views of the lake, enjoying the view and a traditional Vietnamese breakfast (Pho) before preparing yourself for a truly wonderful cooking experience.  • Vietnamese food is healthy, simple to cook and downright delicious. This half day cooking tour in Hanoi will provide you with a hands-on lesson on how to shop for, and to cook, authentic Vietnamese food. Your Hanoi cooking tour will begin with a quick walk to the famous Chau Long market, where you will learn more about the various ingredients that go into a Vietnamese dish including vegetables, fruits and Vietnamese herbs and spices. It's then onto the Hanoi Cooking Centre for your hands on cooking lesson followed by a chance to try your new creation. The Vietnamese cooking class is held in small groups (2 to 16 people) to enhance interactivity with the head chef. You will have one cooking station between 2 persons for your hands-on lesson.
• At midday, sit down and enjoy your own Vietnamese creations accompanied by local beer or wine plus receive detailed recipe cards to take home.  • In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour of Hanoi. Having celebrated its 1000-year anniversary in 2010, the city has a rich and fascinating history.
• The sites we visit on our tour are the Museum of Ethnology, widely acknowledged as the best in the country, containing an extensive display of life-size structures dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority peoples. • The Temple of Literature - Vietnam's first university dating back to 1070, Hoa Lo Prison - better known as the "Hanoi Hilton", a one-hour cyclo tour through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter - a must for any visitor to Hanoi! • This is followed by a traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets in the evening.
Day 3 - Monday, July 09, 2012
 • In the morning, drive to Halong Bay (3.5 hours), with a refreshment break en-route.
• Board 'Paradise' junk on Tuan Chau Island and meet the crew. • Enjoy a welcome cocktail and Asian buffet lunch while admiring the beautiful bay scenery. • Spend the day cruising around the UNESCO heritage-listed bay. • In the afternoon, explore a famous limestone grotto and traditional fishing village. • Go kayaking or swimming (weather permitting) or relax on the sundeck and enjoy the sunset over the islands as the boat arrives at its anchorage for the evening.  • Dinner is a freshly prepared seafood feast and the evening entertainment includes movies, board games or optional spa treatments.
• Some of the highlights include marvelling at the 2000 limestone peaks emerging from the sea, visiting spectacular caves blessed with stalactites and stalagmites and, swimming from the boat in the azure waters (don't forget your swimming trunks). • We spend the night on board at perhaps one of the most beautiful open air docks in South East Asia. This area is a photographer's dream.
Day 4 - 5 - Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - Wednesday, July 11, 2012
 • Awake to morning tai chi and a buffet breakfast, before cruising back through the bay to Tuan Chau Island, arriving at 10:30am. Meet up with the vehicle for the drive back to Hanoi, arriving at 14:30pm. The afternoon is at leisure until you are transferred to the train station for the night train to Hue.
• The following day we reach Hue in the early morning and transfer to the hotel. • A day room will be available, so you can shower and freshen up before breakfast. • Today, you will enjoy a guided tour of Hue city. Hue was the Vietnamese capital during the Nguyen Dynasty 1802-1945 and ruins of the city's regal past can still be seen inside the Citadel and the Imperial City. •  Created in the 19th century, the Imperial City was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing and holds many palaces and temples inside its giant walls. Many of the buildings were damaged by French aerial bombing and the Tet Offensive in 1968. Now, it is slowly being restored thanks to generous funding by UNESCO. • The tour begins with the ancient walled Citadel containing the former Imperial Palace. • Spend the morning wandering through the enclosure before lunch and a trip into the surrounding countryside to see the final resting place of the emperors at two of the most impressive Royal Tombs. • In the evening, there is a cruise along the Perfume River, followed by a Hue royal dinner with the accompaniment of Hue royal music.
Day 6 - 7 - Thursday, July 12, 2012 - Friday, July 13, 2012
 • Drive south along a beautiful stretch of coastline and over the scenic Hai Van Pass, to the picturesque riverside community of Hoi An.
• On arrival, check in hotel in Hoi An. • Afternoon is at leisure for you to discover this charming traditional town now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The ancient and historic town of Hoi An was for three centuries one of the most important ports in Central Vietnam, visited by sailing ships from all over the world seeking trade in silk, ceramics, spice and the like. In the late 19th century, the Tu Bon River, linking the port to the open sea, became un-navigable to large vessels. Trade moved up the coast to Tourane, now modern day Danang, and Hoi An went back to being a sleepy little fishing and rice farming community.  • Today however, Hoi An is fast becoming Vietnam's chief tourist destination. This is largely due to the mix of Chinese, Portuguese, and Japanese style of architecture that packs the narrow streets and relaxed atmosphere.
• We have a slow-paced cycling tour taking us to some of the more beautiful and scenic surrounding countryside showing you a different side to Vietnam that most tourists don't get to see. • After this the time is at leisure. • You may wish to keep the bikes, take a boat trip on the river, relax on the nearby beach or journey out to world famous 'China Beach', enjoy the wonderful Vietnamese cuisine or have some clothes made up in one of the numerous silk shops' offering same-day service for tailor-made clothes at ridiculously low prices. • If you'd like to learn more about the Kingdom of Champa, the ancient ruins at My Son can be visited inside half a day. Here, you can see more than 70 monuments spread over a large area, and although the Americans destroyed much of the area during the war, the beautiful area is still worth the visit.
Day 8 - Saturday, July 14, 2012
 • In the morning, you will be transferred back to Danang with free time to explore; from here you will take the overnight train to Saigon.
• (N.B: Vietnam Railways often changes the departure time of this local train, so it may operate as an overnight sleeper instead. Either way, the conditions on board are generally quite basic. Also, breakfast is not always included on the train so it is recommended that you purchase some breakfast supplies before boarding in Danang).
Day 9 - Sunday, July 15, 2012
 • Arrive in Saigon at around 5:00am. A day room will be available for use, so you can shower and freshen up before breakfast.
• Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the city is still frequently referred to, is Vietnam's largest city. It is a fast-paced metropolis full of contrasts, with street vendors selling fruit and vegetables next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Amazingly, the city's history dates back only 300 years. In 1859, the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Cochin China. From 1956 until April 1975, it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is very much the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurial activity. The French left their mark with some fine colonial-era buildings such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. • In the morning we have an excursion to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, a reminder of the Vietnamese war and a network of connecting underground passage ways. • In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of this bustling, cosmopolitan city.  • We visit the following:
Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Her two 40-metre towers, topped with iron spires, still dominate the city's skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country's largest post office.
• Dong Khoi Street, the Opera House and the Peoples' Committee Building: built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, the 800 seat Opera House was used as the home of the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. It was not until 1975 that it was again used for performances. The structure was restored in 1995. The Opera House is located on the historical Dong Khoi Street which is home to many boutiques and fine restaurants. Just around the corner are the iconic Rex hotel and the beautiful Peoples' Committee Building.
 • The Reunification Palace: This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 1975, the 'American War' officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time, the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.
• The War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the 'Requiem' exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.
 • In the evening, take a two-hour cruise on a traditional Junk and enjoy an intense gastronomic moment on the most authentic vessel on the river. Enjoy live music and a dance performance while dining on an extensive selection of Asian and Western cuisine. Enter the replica of the emperors' dragon boat "Bonsai" for a magnificent and memorable dining and entertainment spectacle on the Saigon River. Start with canapes and drinks while cruising by central Saigon. Then a European and Asian Buffet will be served accompanied by the in-house orchestra or a band on the upper deck. Cruise is from 19:00 - 21:30 hrs.
Day 10 - Monday, July 16, 2012
 • Our one day cruise excursion starts from Ho Chi Minh City with a drive to Cai Be - Phu An where you board the Cai Be Princess at around 10:00am.
• The tour will start with a visit of Cai Be's colourful floating market. • Visit some local home factories such as rice paste making, rice pop corn, coco candies, and longans drying processing. • The trip continues along the Mekong canals to Dong Hoa Hiep Island, located between Vinh Long and Cai Be.  • During the cruise, you will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong delta rural life, while cruising past the evergreen islands set along the Mekong River.
• Lunch awaits you at Le Longanier restaurant at La Residence de Phu An Resort, a superb Indochine style resort. • After a short walk along a narrow canal, the excursion will end at around 15:30pm where the vehicle will await you for your transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11 - Tuesday, July 17, 2012
 • Leaving Saigon, we drive through pleasant countryside before arriving at Cu Chi. • During its height, the tunnel system stretched over 250 kilometres from Saigon to the Cambodian border, and was three levels deep. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens. • Today, the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the American/Vietnam war must have been like. The tunnels have been widened for your benefit (otherwise you would not be able to enter them!).  • We explore the amazing tunnel network before heading across the border into neighbouring Cambodia and onto the capital, Phnom Penh.
• Upon reaching the border, we bid farewell to our Vietnamese tour leader and cross over to pick up our new Cambodian leader. • Transfer to your hotel in Phnom Penh. • Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 12 - Wednesday, July 18, 2012
 • Today, we travel by bicycle for a sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh.
• Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia was a bustling commercial hub during French colonial days and today has re-established itself as the political and financial centre of the country. Its rich historical past can be traced to the Khmer and French influence evident in the ornate Khmer-style temples and the grand colonial buildings and villas. • The most obvious examples of this include the National Museum and the Silver Pagoda which we visit in the morning part of this tour.  • After lunch, we take a sobering look at Cambodia's disturbing past with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum, a testament to Cambodia's recent bloody past under the Khmer Rouge regime.
• We also visit the Choeung Ek killing field where an estimated 17,000 people met their death at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. • The tour ends with a visit to the Russian Market, a labyrinth of markets and a great place to look for clothing or local crafts.
Day 13 - Thursday, July 19, 2012
 • In the morning, you are transferred to Siem Reap. • Check in to hotel upon arrival.
• Late this afternoon you will be driven to the magnificent Angkor temple complex to watch the sunset from Phnom Bakheng.
Day 14 - Friday, July 20, 2012
 • In the morning, you are transferred to Siem Reap. • Begin your day at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, and then explore the centrepiece of this ancient city, the Bayon. • The Bayon holds 54 towers decorated with more than 200 enigmatically smiling stone faces. • The morning tour also visits the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings, as well as Ta Prohm Temple, made famous by the movie Tomb Raider. • Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed lunch in Siem Reap before heading to the famous Angkor Wat - the best preserved of all the Angkor temples. • Time is allowed for a thorough exploration before heading back to the hotel.
Day 15 - Saturday, July 21, 2012
 • Today, we make our way from Cambodia to Thailand and the buzzing metropolis of Bangkok.
• We travel by mini bus on a bumpy four-hour road journey to the border town of Poipet. • After crossing the border and receiving our third stamp, we make our way to the third capital city in two weeks, stopping off at the town of Aranya Prathet for lunch. • The final leg of our overland journey is made in relative comfort on paved roads, following the neon trail to our final destination of Bangkok. • We arrive in the late afternoon and check into our centrally located hotel. • Tonight, we head out to explore some of the famous Thai nightlife!
Day 16 - Sunday, July 22, 2012
 • Spend the day exploring Bangkok's magnificent temples including Wat Traimit, Wat Po and the Grand Palace.
• Discover the Golden Buddha (5.5 tons of solid gold) at Wat Traimit and the most extensive temple in Bangkok with its colossal reclining Buddha, and the chedi of the Kings at Wat Po. • Continue on to visit the Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Bangkok.  • Here you will see Palaces including the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple.
• After lunch, visit Vimanmek Teakwood Mansion which was a gracious royal residence built by King Rama V in 1901. This residence is built entirely of precious golden teak and is an outstanding example of 19th century architecture. • Admire the craftsmanship as you travel back in time and enjoy some rare insight into the lifestyle of the royalty. The section where The King resided is octagonal and has four storeys. • Then visit the Jim Thompson house, the home of James H.W. Thompson, a self-made American entrepreneur who was the founder of the world renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. His fabulous taste resulted in a great many art objects, many of which you can see here today. He mysteriously disappeared in 1967, after which it emerged that he had been a CIA operative. • In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner.
Day 17 - Monday, July 23, 2012
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning; please consult Happy Gay Travel if you wish to extend your stay. Failing that for assistance on transferring to the airport please consult your Tour Leader.
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Enchanting South East Asia
