A fascinating journey taking you from Vietnam's northern capital, Hanoi to Thailand's busting capital, Bangkok. This trip enables you to explore the rich cultural legacies and colonial pasts of Vietnam and Cambodia, before ending in Thailand. In Vietnam we take in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, overnight on a traditional junk on World Heritage Halong Bay and then visit Hue, the former capital and seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. We explore the emperors' mausoleums and take a dragon boat trip on the Perfume River. We stay in the picturesque town of Hoi An, before flying to Nha Trang, with its miles of white sandy beaches, and then inland to Dalat in the Central Highlands. Next stop Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, a dynamic and energetic city with a visit to the Vietcong armies wartime tunnels and an optional trip to the Mekong Delta. Crossing into Cambodia we reach the capital Phnom Penh, once considered to be one of the most beautiful cities of the Orient, but with reminders of Cambodia's violent past. We visit the Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Museum, and the killing fields of Choeung Ek, before driving to Siem Reap and the fabled city of Angkor, the spectacular ancient capital of the powerful Khmer Dynasty and home to the greatest number of religious monuments in the world. Before crossing into Thailand, we explore Battambang, and then end our tour in lively Bangkok.

Hanoi.  If you are an early riser, do not miss the opportunity to take a walk around the lake first thing and you will witness Vietnamese people of all ages carrying out their regular exercise routines. Tai Chi, badminton, power walking or jogging are some of the activities on show. If you have the energy why not join in.

After breakfast we explore the city of Hanoi on our included city tour. First on the agenda is Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, where Uncle Ho is laid out in state, surrounded by immaculately dressed soldiers.  The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closes annually for 6 to 8 weeks for maintenance at which time visitors are not allowed into the Mausoleum, but we are still able to visit Ho Chi Minh's house and the museum.

Next we will visit the Presidential Palace where Ho refused to live, choosing instead a small stilt house beside a lake. Close by, the next stop is the One Pillar Pagoda. A drive around the beautiful West Lake takes us to the venerable Temple of Literature. The Army Museum is a must for all visitors. Not only does it cover a crucial period of Vietnamese history but also it is also comparatively well laid out and provides a large amount of English explanation. If you have the energy after that, an optional visit could be taken to the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the National Fine Arts Museum or why not stroll around Hanoi and admire the beautiful French architecture.

In the evening we include a Water Puppet Show. This ancient art form dates back over 1000 years, but was virtually unknown outside of northern Vietnam until the 1960’s. It originated with rice farmers who carved the puppets from water resistant fig tree timber, modelling the puppets on the villagers themselves, animals and mythical creatures.   (B)

Halong Bay & The Reunification Express.  After an early breakfast we continue our cruise to visit Man‘s Head Island, Tortoise Island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Toad Island and Bai Tho Mountain. Upon our return to Halong city we have lunch on board, and then board our transport back to Hanoi in the afternoon. In the evening, we will transfer to the train station, and board the Reunification Express to Hue and our bed for the night is a 4-bed sleeper carriage. Please note that depending on the group size, you may be sharing a cabin on the train with other members of the group or with other travellers. (B,L)

Hoi An.  We leave by road after breakfast and drive via the scenic Hai Van Pass also known as the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds”. Spectacular scenery awaits you. We stop at the small fishing village of Lang Co and then continue on past Marble Mountain, Southern Vietnam’s most southerly limestone crops. 

We arrive in the picturesque UNESCO town of Hoi An by late afternoon. Its ancient core is a rich architectural fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European dating back to the 18th Century. Hoi An is a firm favourite with travellers and most find it difficult to tear themselves away.

The following day is free for you to explore Hoi An at your leisure. A walking tour of the town could include visits to the Chinese Assembly Halls, The Japanese Covered Bridge, the Merchants Houses or the local market. Hoi An is full of tailor shops, so if you get in quick you can have your clothes made here. It truly is an intimate town with superb cultural as well as shopping opportunities including taking a Vietnamese cookery class and making your own dinner! There is also the option to take a trip to the atmospheric Cham ruins of My Son.  (B)

Dalat. Today we have an early start for the drive to Dalat, in the Central Highlands area of Vietnam. En route, we will stop off to visit the Cham Towers. Dalat enjoys cooler mountain air , and is in a region dotted with waterfalls, forests, gardens and lakes. On arrival we will have a city tour, which will include visits to Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace, a flower garden and Thien Vien Truc Lam Monastery.

The following day is free for you to explore Dalat at your leisure, with options for a one day hill tribe trek, or cycling, or just exploring the town.  (B)

Ho Chi Minh City. After breakfast we drive to the Cu Chi tunnels. On the way we may stop at a rice cake house, where we watch the women at work and if you want you can have a go at making one but it’s not as easy as it looks. On arrival at the tunnels your guide will fill you in on the background as to how these tunnels came about. You then head into the bush where the guide will point out the lethal booby traps that the Vietnamese invented to capture American soldiers. Then into the tunnels. We drop to our hands and knees and squeeze underground for an insight into life as a tunnel dwelling resistance fighter. As we negotiate a very short stretch of the system, keep in mind that people lived here for months on end.

After well-earned refreshments, we take a tour of the city. This will take in the American Embassy, Notre Dame Cathedral, The Old Saigon Post Office, the Presidential Palace and the War Remnants Museum, which although a moving experience, should be high on your list of places to visit

The next day  is free for you to explore Saigon further at your leisure, or maybe do some shopping in the many shops and markets.

We can also organise an optional day trip to the Mekong Delta for those that are interested. This is a fertile area covered with rice fields and winding tributaries. The Delta is a colourful display of rural life, with its lush vegetation, floating markets and smiling people. Upon arrival in My Tho, we board a wooden boat for a river cruise, through winding canals to a get a closer view of daily river life. We stop at one of the many orchards to sample exotic fruits. The tour will return to Ho Chi Minh City late afternoon.

In the evening we can venture out into this lively city for a group meal together. Ho Chi Minh is famous for it’s Karaoke bars so we could head into one of these if you fancy some singing!  (B)

Phnom Penh.  The morning is reserved for a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum followed by the Choeung Ek - known throughout the world as the Killing Fields. Most people have some idea of Cambodia’s unhappy history but this is where it really hits home. The museum used to be the Tuol Svay Prey High School but under the dictator Pol Pot it was turned into a hideous place of detention and torture. It is now a silent testament to the horrors that Cambodians suffered not so long ago. From the museum we go the Choeung Ek where 17,000 people were taken from the detention centre and slain. The mass graves were opened in 1980 and 8,000 skulls are now arranged and visible behind glass in the Memorial Stupa. Some graves have been left opened.

We return to Phnom Penh for a tour starting with the Royal Palace. This was built in 1813. You will see the breathtaking Silver Pagoda, which has a floor, covered with 5,000 silver tiles and is approached up an Italian marble staircase. Inside the pagoda is the Emerald Buddha and a Buddha made of gold covered in thousands of diamonds. Then it’s on to the Independence Monument, which was put, up in 1958 and now also serves as a war memorial. We finish our sightseeing at the Wat Phom a temple on top of a tree-covered 27metre high knoll. Why not end the day with dinner at the Foreign Correspondents Club at Sisiwath Quay. You can choose to dine on the third floor with views of the Tonle Sap River. (B)

Angkor Wat Complex. Today we have an early start to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the temples of Angkor were the imperial centre of Cambodia from the 9th to the 14th centuries at the high point of the ancient Khmer empire. The buildings are set in acres of jungle land and after Phnom Penh became Cambodia’s capital, sank into oblivion for a number of centuries.

We continue to Ta Prohm, the jungle temple, before returning to the hotel for a late breakfast. Ta Prohm had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever.

After breakfast we continue to explore the Angkor Thom complex including the South Gate, Bayon, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper Kings, Baphuon and the Royal Palace.  The 50-tower temple of Angkor Thom is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time.

We end the day with a visit to Banteay Srei, known as the Citadel of the Woman. (B)

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx  for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Asia trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.columbusguides.com/region/atoz.asp <http://www.columbusguides.com/region/atoz.asp> provides up-to-date visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Certain visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Vietnam: Visas are required by all nationalities. All visitors must obtain visa approval form the Vietnamese Immigration Department before a visa is issued. Visas are refused without explanation to those the authorities consider a proscribed profession. It is advisable to avoid listing your profession as journalist, editor or the like.

You MUST obtain a Vietnam visa in your home country before joining the tour.

Cambodia: Visas are required for all nationalities. Visas can be obtained on arrival at the border. The cost is approximately US$25. 

It is also a good idea to carry 2-4 passport-sized photos with you when travelling to Cambodia as immigration officials sometimes request these.

NOTE: Visas are issued on arrival at the International Airport in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Airport.

Please note that regulations and costs change frequently so it is advisable to check the current rules. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. Kumuka cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation.

Vaccinations:

No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia, but we do recommend you are covered for *diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

NB* A Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. Please consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Asia.

We also recommend:

- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
- That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.

You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.

Medical Supplies:

We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items:

Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.

A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$15-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

For security you are advised to carry most of your money in Traveller’s cheques - small denominations are preferable.

It is often a good idea to have a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport.

Banks are generally open Monday to Friday and some are open on Saturday morning. In the main cities travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks and some exchange bureaux, but this can be very difficult in small towns.

Some Hotels will also change money.

How much should I take?

• Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. Pack essentially for hot conditions: days are hot and humid. Lightweight rain gear is essential at all times.
• Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s.
• A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe. Dress discretely, especially if you are visiting religious sites. For women this means skirts or long pants with T-shirt. For men, this means long shorts or trousers with a T-shirt. Always take your shoes off when entering temples or any religious site.

Care should be taken to respect the conventions of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other religious and ethnic groups, particularly in respect of clothing and footwear.

Khmer New Year (Cambodia)

The Cambodian New year lasts for 3 days, and depends on the lunar calendar, but is generally mid April. It is held at the end of the harvest before the rains begin. Homes and villages are cleaned, sand stupas are constructed at the temples and decorated, and Buddha images are decorated with flowers. There is traditional music and dancing, and many games are played. Special food dishes are also prepared. Water features heavily in these celebrations, so if your tour coincides with the New year please be prepared to get wet! The people are very friendly and don't mean any harm, but if you are out driving or walking on the streets they are very likely to squirt you with water. The purpose is to wish a long and healthy life for themselves, but they are also wishing the same for you.

For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com

Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!

Vietnamese, the official language of Vietnam, is a tonal language that can be compared to Cambodia's official language, Khmer. With each syllable, there are six different tones that can be used, which change the definition and it often makes it difficult for foreigners to pick up the language. There are other languages spoken as well such as Chinese, Khmer, Cham and other languages spoken by tribes inhabiting the mountainous regions. Although there are some similarities to Southeast Asian languages such as Chinese, Vietnamese is thought to be a separate language group, although a member of the Austro-Asiatic language family.

In written form, Vietnamese uses the Roman alphabet and accent marks to show tones. This system of writing called Quoc Ngu, was created by Catholic missionaries in the 17th century to translate the scriptures. Eventually this system, particularly after World War I, replaced one using Chinese characters (chu nom), which had been the unofficial written form used for centuries.

Cambodia is Khmer and unlike most other languages in South East Asia is not tonal. However, there are a number of sounds in Khmer, which are difficult for English speakers to pronounce. Nonetheless we encourage you try to speak a few words of Khmer as the locals will certainly appreciate your efforts!

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.

It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installation

Pre-booked transfers - If you have booked an arrival transfer, please look for our representative who will be holding a sign with your name or Kumuka once you have cleared Customs and Immigration.

Making Your Own Way - The Meeting Point for your tour is advised at the beginning of this dossier. If you have not arranged for us to meet and transfer you on arrival and are therefore making your own way to the Meeting Point it is best upon arrival at to take a metered taxi. Drivers may want to negotiate a price before leaving the airport. Do not agree to this, insist that they switch on the meters and pay the amount that it displays when you arrive at your destination.

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com