Secrets of Indochina: Vietnam & Cambodia<br>9 days

Our Indochina trip begins with an overnight flight to Siem Reap, a city filled with bustling markets, eclectic cuisine, and a lively arts scene, making it a dynamic cultural hub in Cambodia. Meals: In-flight Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, hop on a Tuk-Tuk for a tour that includes visits to the Royal Independence Gardens, the Royal Residence, the shrines of Ya Tep and Preah Ang Check Preah Chom, significant places of local worship. Explore the city's vibrant open markets, including Psar Chars, also known as the 'Old Market,' where locals gather to picnic with their families (Crispy crickets anyone?). Try out your negotiating skills as you shop for bargains before we wrap up the day with our welcome orientation followed by a welcome dinner featuring Khmer specialties. Meals: In-flight, Dinner Inclusions: Transfer from airport to hotel included with purchased AESU group airfare Tuk-Tuk tour of Siem Reap Guide tour of Siem Reap, led by an English-speaking local expert See the Royal Independence Garden, the Royal Residence and places of local worship, Psar Chars, the 'Old Market' Welcome orientation Welcome dinner of traditional Khmer specialties 1 bottle of mineral water Ancient temples rise through the thick mysterious jungle as we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei Temples today. Angkor Wat is famous for its splendor and features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world narrating stories from Hindu mythology. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, then gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit incredible Ta Prohm; the fortified city of Angkor Thom; the mysterious Bayon Temple; and the Terrace of the Leper Kings. Surrounded by the jungle, these ancient temples settle among enormous fig trees and giant creeper roots, slowly becoming reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We return to Siem Reap for our overnight. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Inclusions: UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat Guide tour of Angkor Wat, led by an English-speaking local expert Banteay Srei Temple Ta Prohm and Bayon Temple Terrace of the Leper Kings Traditional Angkor Wat lunch 1 bottle of mineral water Following breakfast, we board our motor coach for the drive to Phnom Penh. Along the way we stop to explore the intriguing Spider Market and the historic Naga Bridge. In Phnom Penh, we dive into the poignant history of the region with a visit to the Tuol Sleng prison, also known as the Genocide Museum or S-21 (Security Office 21). This facility, once a Khmer Rouge security camp, offers insights into its dark past, originally designed for the interrogation and persecution of those deemed anti-Angkor. The day concludes with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Inclusions: Spider Market Naga Bridge Tuol Sleng prison 1 bottle of mineral water Cambodia's capital is the perfect place to delve into the country's history and culture. Our morning city tour includes the ornate Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum of Khmer Arts, with graceful statues of Hindu gods and ancient Sanskrit tablets. Later, we'll visit the hilltop Buddhist Temple, Wat Phnom, the Choeng Ek Killing Field Memorial, and finally the central market, designed by French architect Louis Chauchon. It was constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls offering goods for sale. Tonight, we fly to Ho Chi Minh City and check into our hotel upon arrival around midnight. A light snack, such as pho or stir-fried noodles is available before resting up after a busy day. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Light Dinner Inclusions: Guide tour of Phnom Penh, led by an English-speaking local expert Royal Palace Silver Pagoda National Museum of Khmer Arts Buddhist Temple, Wat Phnom Choeng Ek Killing Field Memorial One-way flight to Ho Chi Minh 1 bottle of mineral water Early this morning, we take an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive underground network spanning approximately 125 miles. These tunnels, painstakingly constructed by the Viet Cong, served as hideouts, hospitals, and shelters during the Vietnam War. Following this historical exploration, we visit the Reunification Palace, an enduring symbol of the war's conclusion in 1975. Our next stop is the Ben Thanh Market, an iconic landmark in the city.In the evening we are invited to a water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form performed in a large pool. Later you may explore Ho Chi Minh City's nightlife. From captivating rooftop bars and lively nightclubs to vibrant night markets and inviting street bars, this bustling metropolis offers endless opportunities. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Inclusions: Guide tour of Ho Chi Minh City, led by an English-speaking local expert Cu Chi Tunnels excursion Reunification Palace Ben Thanh market Water puppet show 1 bottle of mineral water Enjoy today at your leisure shopping for souvenirs or join an optional excursion to the Mekong Delta where we take sampan boats through narrow jungle canals, fishing villages and floating markets. At our farewell Saigon River dinner cruise, enjoy a delightful blend of culinary treats and captivating riverfront views, allowing you to unwind while exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Inclusions: Saigon River cruise and dinner 1 bottle of mineral water Optional activity: Mekong Delta excursion For some of us, our Indochina adventure ends after breakfast as we say good-bye to new-found friends. For the rest of us, a quick flight to Hanoi awaits!It is the capital of Vietnam, and a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old-world charm and some of Asia's most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks also create a relaxing atmosphere in this otherwise bustling city. Explore the city and visit the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature (the first national university of Vietnam built in 1070), and the "Hanoi Hilton" prison (where John McCain and other POWs were kept during the Vietnam War). In the afternoon, join a fun 'Cyclo' rickshaw ride through the buzzing Old Quarter of Hanoi. For dinner, we have the pleasure of dining at KOTO Van Mieu restaurant, which not only serves delicious food but also contributes to a noble cause by providing hospitality training and life skills to disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. During your free evening, soak up the nightlife from a plastic stool in the walking street district sampling steamed peanuts and exotic snacks, or go high-end at a famous jazz club or insane multi-level nightclub. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (for travelers continuing on the extension Inclusions: Transfer from hotel to airport included with purchase of AESU group airfare Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi Transfer and city tour of Hanoi, led by a local English-speaking expert See Ba Dinh Square Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum One-Pillar Pagoda Temple of Literature Cyclo tour of Hanoi 36 Street shops This morning, we travel to Halong Bay, located in northeastern Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. This iconic bay is characterized by its thousands of limestone karsts and islets, often shrouded in mist, creating a surreal and picturesque seascape that has made it a symbol of Vietnam's natural splendor. We board our cruise ship and enjoy a relaxing evening on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Inclusions: Transfer to Halong Bay 5-star overnight cruise Lunch on board the cruise ship Specialty dinner on board the cruise ship We cruise along the Bay and enjoy the picturesque scenery with some 2,000 islands rising amazingly from the clear, emerald waters. The stone karst formations are strewn with beaches, grottos, and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and take an excursion to one of the many hidden grottos beneath the towering cliffs. Enjoy a relaxing dinner on board tonight with tranquil views of the bay and an unforgettable sunset from the upper deck. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Inclusions: Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site - Ha Long Bay 5-star overnight cruise Lunch on board the cruise ship Specialty dinner on board the cruise ship After brunch, we board our coach for the transfer to Hanoi Airport. We bid farewell to fellow travelers and make plans to reunite on another young alumni adventure in the near future. Meals: Brunch, In-Flight Inclusions: Morning Swim Cruise ship brunch Coach transfer to Hanoi Airport >p>* U.S. citizens require visas for Cambodia and Vietnam - see terms and conditions or contact AESU for details. Cost to obtain visas on behalf of travelers (US citizens) for a fee of $40 pp. The Cambodia visa stamp must be obtained and paid for on arrival. Cost pp. currently $30 Visa and stamp fees are not included in land package price.