Travel Impressions

SHORT STAYS & CITY TOURS BANGKOK Historical sites and natural beauty blend with a flurry of commotion in the intriguing city of Bangkok. Always alive with activity, discover the colorful markets and intricate temples, incredible shopping and amazing street food, along among the sounds of chanting monks. It is a land of contrasts; from the colorful markets to the intricate temples, there is something for everyone to enjoy. BANGKOK SHORT STAY Immerse yourself in quintessential Bangkok, Thailand's exciting and vibrant capital, for an essential, authentic experience in the heart of this country. DAY 1: ARRIVE BANGKOK Upon arrival in Bangkok Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. DAY 2: BANGKOK Embark on a city tour visiting the Royal Grand Palace, the nation's landmark followed by Wat Phra Kaew, Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Take a longtail boat ride on Chao Phraya River to the fragrant Pak Klong Talaat Flower Market. This evening watch a classical Thai dance performance while enjoying dinner. (B, D) DAY 3: BANGKOK Rise early this morning to visit the Damneon Saduak Floating Market and Railway Track Market in Samut Songkhram. This is a unique experience— see the vendors quickly pack up their stores as the train approaches. The afternoon is free at your leisure. (B) DAY 4: DEPART BANGKOK Transfer to the airport for your ongoing flight. (B) SAIGON Saigon is one of the world's true cosmopolitan cities with a history, culture and style influenced by colonial France, ancient China and the Art Deco era. While the city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1975, the government soon realized that the proud Saigonese insisted on keeping their traditional name. SAIGON SHORT STAY Immortalized in song and theatre, this break itinerary will show you exactly why this city of cultural fusion remains so romantic. DAY 1: ARRIVE SAIGON Upon arrival in Saigon, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. DAY 2: SAIGON Enjoy a city tour around Saigon, starting at Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1886 and 1890, and the French-style Central Post Office. Continue on to the Reunification Palace and the emotional War Remnants Museum, where you will have time to explore on your own. After lunch, visit Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown, and the Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Enjoy some free time at Ben Thanh Market. (B, L) DAY 3: SAIGON – DAY TRIP TO MEKONG DELTA Travel south to the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre, passing lush rice paddies and fruit farms. Stroll through the coconut gardens and enjoy a snack of fresh fruit and honey tea while watching a traditional folk song performance. Continue on to the riverbank and begin your sampan cruise on the Mekong River, paddling through palm-lined canals. See a family- run business of coconut candy making before sailing on to Turtle Island, where you can stroll through the village and fruit orchards. Lunch will include typical Mekong dishes. Next cruise to Chuong Duong pier, where you will see stilt houses and local fish farms. En route to Saigon, stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the first to incorporate a mixture of Asian and European architecture. (B, L) DAY 4: SAIGON This morning, head to Tay Ninh to visit the Cao Dai Great Temple. Cao Dai is a relatively new religion, founded in 1926 by a Vietnamese man who elected himself the first Pope. This local religion of over two million followers combines the philosophies of Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. After exploring this striking temple, transfer to Cu Chi Tunnels for a tour led by a war veteran, hearing firsthand what life was like in this network of tunnels. (B, L) DAY 5: DEPART SAIGON Transfer to the airport for your ongoing flight. (B) TOKYO One quarter of the Japanese population live in Tokyo and its vicinity, creating one of the world's most vibrant cities. Combine a mesmerizing pop culture and futuristic skyscrapers with sacred shrines and ancient temples, plus some of the best restaurants in the world and you have only a glimpse of this amazing destination. TOKYO SHORT STAY Bright lights and electrifying excitement contrast with time-honored tradition in Japan's famous capital. DAY 1: ARRIVE TOKYO You will be met at Tokyo Airport and transferred to your hotel by limousine bus. DAY 2: TOKYO Take a full-day tour of Tokyo with a private guide traveling, around town by public transportation for a true sense of the city and a feeling of being a local. Start the day with an early morning visit to Meiji Shrine, Tokyo's most famous shrine. Next visit Harajuku, Tokyo's youth mecca and Omotesando, commonly referred to as Tokyo's Champs- Élysées. Take the metro to Ginza, Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping mecca. (B) DAY 3: TOKYO Travel to the famed Tsukiji fish market, one of the largest markets in the world. Explore this fascinating market and purchase various ingredients for lunch. After having successfully explored the market, move on to a nearby location to learn to prepare maki sushi, gunkan maki and nigiri sushi. Once prepared, learn how to present them best and then finally, dig in! After enjoying lunch, your guide will escort you to the nearest subway station, where you can continue exploring Tokyo at leisure. (B, L) DAY 4: DEPART TOKYO Transfer to the airport by limousine bus for your ongoing flight. (B) Ask us about adding a night in Hakone & Mt. Fuji! Short Stays & City Tours 57

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