With thoughts of conflict banished to history, Vietnam is nothing less than mesmerizing. And peaceful, as you'll discover in its countless serene temples and during our exclusive Hermes overnight stay on a traditional junk amidst an archipelago of limestone towers. We'll travel the length of this coastal gem, from Hanoi to Hue to Hoi An – on a journey punctuated by gracious people in colorful markets and grand palaces and tombs emerging from an emerald-green landscape. We then fly to Siem Riep, Cambodia with its sordid past and magnificient temples. We round up our South East Asian trifecta in Luang Prabang where we explore the mighty Mekong River and local villages. Join Hermes, and discover the rich past and promising future of this ever-evolving region.

Highlights

• Hanoi, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
• Rickshaw ride through Hanoi's Old Quarter
• Water Puppet show
• Full day and overnight aboard a traditional Vietnamese junk on Ha Long Bay, with opportunities for active exploration
• Hue, including Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel, and the tombs of emperors Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh
• Hoi An, including Japanese Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda, Phung Hung Old Merchant House, and the Quang Dong Assembly Hall
• Siem Riep, including magnificent Angkor Wat, Khmer temples, Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei temples. The ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, the Royal Palace, the Elephant Terraces and the Leper King Terrace.
• Luang Prabang, Former Royal Palace (now the National Museum), Wat Xieng Thong, 3 Wat Sen and Wat Visun, Khuang Si Falls
• Full-day boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to explore local villages
• Accommodations for 10 nights in 3-star hotels and 1 night onboard a traditional Vietnamese junk on Ha Long Bay
• Services of a Hermes Tours respresentative
• Services of an expert, local guide in all cities

Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday, November 13, 2010
Arrive Hanoi
Hanoi celebrates its 1,000th birthday in 2010! Welcomed by our guide at the airport and transfer hotel for check in.

Enjoy a one-hour rickshaw tour of the capital then spend some time in the old quarter with its antique shops.

Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet show.
Overnight Bro & Sis Hotel Hanoi (classic), or similar.
Meal: N/A

Day 2 - Sunday, November 14
Hanoi to Halong Bay
Breakfast at hotel and then transfer to Halong Bay. Seafood lunch served on board. Depart around 13h00 for a memorable cruise through the mystical Halong Bay passing by some of the most scenic locations including Yen Ngua, Con Cho Islands and a floating village.

Enjoy a Vietnamese buffet lunch in the restaurant and then if you feel like it, join an optional guided tour to the Grotto of Surprises. On the way, stop and enjoy a swim in the clear waters of the Gulf of Tonkin if weather permits.

Arrival at Tiptop Island and spend the night on board. Dinner on board & overnight.
Overnight: On Board Bai Tho Junk (SIC- junk – Private Cabin)
Meal: B, L, D

Day 3 - Monday, November 15
Halong Bay - Hanoi
Breakfast on board then continue the cruise through the bay to Halong Port. Check out of the cabin and transfer back around by shuttle boat to Halong Port.

Drive back to Hanoi and visit to the But Thap Pagoda on route, return to Hanoi.
Overnight Bro & Sis Hotel Hanoi (classic), or similar.
Meal: Brunch

Day 4 - Tuesday, November 16
Hanoi - Hue
A full day to explore Hanoi's illustrious history. In the morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex containing his mausoleum, former residence and the One Pillar Pagoda. Also visit the Temple of Literature, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple.

Then transfer to the airport for flight to Hue.
Overnight: Hotel Asia, Hue (Deluxe)
Meal: B

Day 5 - Wednesday, November 17
Hue
After breakfast, visit the Imperial Citadel and Dong Ba market. The spectacular Citadel is built on the same principles and design as Beijing's Forbidden Palace and contains a series of palaces, 2 ornate halls, libraries, residences, and colleges. Visit the elaborate tombs of Emperor Tu Duc, Khai Dinh. Return to hotel and overnight.
Overnight: Hotel Asia, Hue (Deluxe)
Meal: B

Day 6 - Thursday, November 18
Hue – Hoi An
Morning boat cruise on the romantic Perfume River to visit the elegant Thien Mu Pagoda on the riverbank and continue by car to the elaborate tombs of Emperor Minh Mang.

Then, drive along the coast, through emerald-green paddy fields and over the spectacular Hai Van Mountain pass. En route, visit Danang's Cham Museum with the world's finest collection of Cham artwork. Upon arrival in the ancient port of Hoi An transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Hoi An, Hoi An (Deluxe)
Meal: B

Day 7 - Friday, November 19
Hoi An
Embark on a half-day walking tour of this quaint town visiting ancient merchants’ houses, a Hokkien temple, a 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the vibrant riverside market.

Afternoon trip to a lantern workshop to learn the techniques involved and then create your own. Finish the day with a sunset boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Thanh Ha pottery village.
Overnight: Hotel Hoi An, Hoi An (Deluxe)
Meal: B

Day 8 - Saturday, November 20
Hoi An – Siem Reap
After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang airport for flight to Saigon, connect flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, transfer to hotel.

In the afternoon, explore Khmer temples from the early Angkor period. Visit the Roluos group of temples dating from the 9th and 10 century, including Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei temples. Return to hotel in early evening.
Overnight: Khemara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (Deluxe) .
Meal: B

Day 9 - Sunday, November 21
Siem Reap
Begin exploration of the ancient city by entering Angkor Thom via the South Gate. Continue with the ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, the Royal Palace, the Elephant Terraces and the Leper King Terrace.

In the afternoon visit magnificent Angkor Wat with its extraordinary architecture and bas-reliefs. End the day with a spectacular sunset viewed from the top of the mountain temple of Phnom Bakheng.
Overnight: Khemara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (Deluxe) .
Meal: B

Day 10 - Monday, November 22
Siem Riep – Luang Prabang
Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang.

After checking in, take a city tour. Highlights include the Former Royal Palace (now the National Museum), Wat Xieng Thong, 3 Wat Sen and Wat Visun.

Afternoon take a half-hour drive to Khuang Si Falls, where the waters tumble over multi-tiered limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Return to town with a stop at Ban Phanom village, renowned for its hand weaving. End the day with another dazzling sunset atop Mount Phou Si.
Overnight: Villa Santi Hotel, Luang Prabang (Deluxe) .
Meal: B

Day 10 - Tuesday, November 23
Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
Take a full-day boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to explore local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan.

Continue with the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun, which once belonged to the royal family and nearby Sackarine Caves and continue cruising Pak Ou cave. Explore caves and cross Mekong River at Ban Ou for lunch at a local restaurant.

Return by road to Luang Prabang, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai, where the residents create a unique rice wine called lao lao and continue to typical Lao villages at Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek, well known for its handmade Jute Sar paper.
Overnight: Villa Santi Hotel, Luang Prabang (Deluxe) .
Meal: B

Day 11 - Wednesday, November 24
End of program. Depart for home
Transfer to airport for departure.
Meal: B

Tour Hotels

Hanoi:
Bro & Sis Hotel Hanoi
Situated in the Ba Dinh neighborhood, in the heart of Hanoi, this hotel is close to Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ba Dinh Square, and Presidential Palace. Also nearby are Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature.

Business amenities at this 3-star property include a business center, complimentary wireless Internet access, meeting rooms for small groups, and a technology helpdesk. Guests are served a complimentary breakfast each morning. Event facilities include conference rooms. The staff can arrange tour/ticket assistance, dry cleaning/laundry services, currency exchange, and express check-in. Additional amenities include a concierge desk, multilingual staff, and air conditioning in public areas. The property has designated areas for smoking.

Televisions are equipped with satellite television channels . Guestrooms provide complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, direct-dial phones, in-room safes, and dial-up Internet access (surcharge). Guestrooms feature refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, and complimentary bottled water. Guests share bathrooms and amenities include makeup/shaving mirrors, hair dryers, and slippers. Additional amenities include climate control, minibars, and air conditioning. Balconies are featured in guestrooms. Housekeeping is offered. Rollaway beds are available. All guestrooms at Bro & Sis Hotel - Cua Bac are non-smoking.

Ha Long Bay Cruise:
Bai Tho Junk, (SIC- junk – Private Cabin)
Bai Tho Junk – Perfect Cruise, this junk could bring to you wonderful night in Halong Bay with luxury and antique accommodations with perfect services provided by the crew. Spending time on the junk, you’ll not only savor a unique feeling in a world of wonder but also enjoy various of such interesting activities as: watching Vietnamese folk music performance, going fishing on the bay at night, kayaking, learning Vietnamse cuisine.

Hue:
Hotel Asia, Hue
This Hue hotel is close to Truongtien Bridge and Imperial City.

Asia Hotel Hue has an outdoor pool, a steam room, and a sauna. This 4-star Hue property features massage and treatment rooms. Business amenities include a business center, wireless Internet access, meeting rooms for small groups, and business services. Asia Hotel Hue has a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a poolside bar. Guests are served a complimentary breakfast each morning. 24-hour room service is available. The staff can arrange event catering, dry cleaning/laundry services, tour assistance, and translation services. Additional amenities include a concierge desk, multilingual staff, and a fireplace in the lobby.

Asia Hotel Hue has 60 guestrooms. Televisions are equipped with satellite television channels and DVD players. Guestrooms provide direct-dial phones and CD players. Guestrooms feature refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, and complimentary bottled water. Bathrooms offer shower/tub combinations, handheld showers, scales, and bathrobes. Additional amenities include climate control, minibars, and air conditioning. In addition, amenities available on request include a turndown service, extra towels/bedding, and wake-up calls. Housekeeping is offered.

Hoi An:
Hotel Hoi An
This Hoi An hotel is situated near the beach, close to Japanese Bridge.

Hoi An Hotel has tennis courts, a fitness facility, and a pool. Business amenities at this 4-star property include a business center and wireless Internet access. Hoi An Hotel has a restaurant.

Televisions are equipped with satellite television channels . Guestrooms provide complimentary wireless Internet access, multi-line phones, and in-room safes. Guestrooms feature coffee/tea makers and complimentary bottled water. Bathrooms offer shower/tub combinations, bathroom phones, hair dryers, and slippers. Additional amenities include minibars, air conditioning, and welcome amenities. Balconies are featured in guestrooms. In addition, amenities available on request include wake-up calls and a turndown service is available nightly.

Siem Reip (Cambodia):
Khemara Angkor Hotel
This Siem Reap hotel is conveniently situated near the airport. Area attractions include Angkor Wat.

Khemara Angkor Hotel has an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness facility. This 4-star Siem Reap property features body treatments. Business amenities include a 24-hour business center, wireless Internet access (surcharge), meeting rooms for small groups, and business services. Khemara Angkor Hotel has a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a poolside bar. A buffet breakfast and reception are complimentary to guests. Room service is available during limited hours. Additional amenities include a swim-up bar, laundry facilities, and a coffee shop/cafe. This is a smoke-free property. A total renovation of this property was completed in March 2007.

Khemara Angkor Hotel has 130 guestrooms. Televisions are equipped with premium cable television channels, HBO, and ESPN. Guestrooms provide wireless Internet access (surcharge), direct-dial phones, and in-room safes. Beds have Select Comfort mattresses, signature bedding, triple sheeting, and down comforters. All guestrooms provide fireplaces and desks. Guestrooms feature kitchens with stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers, and blenders. Bathrooms offer shower/tub combinations, handheld showers, scales, and bathrobes. Additional amenities include washers/dryers, separate sitting areas, and climate control. Guestrooms have city or mountain views . In addition, amenities available on request include microwaves and irons/ironing boards. Turndown service is offered nightly and housekeeping is available. All guestrooms at Khemara Angkor Hotel are non-smoking.

Luang Prabang (Laos):
Villa Santi Hotel
Walk to the historic city or the shopping district from this elegant boutique hotel decorated in royal Laotian and French colonial themes. Renovated from a former royal mansion in 1992, the Vila Santi has become the most famous and charming boutique hotel in the country. The designer rooms are rich with rosewood and silks. In the morning, bells ring at the nearby wat, and breakfast, with fresh baguettes and made to order omelets is served in a charming dining room. Nearby are the former royal palace, ancient temples dating back to the 16th century, and the Mekong River.