Vietnam and Cambodia Women-only Tour – March 2012

Sorry you missed this tour! Please see our other tours to this region Myanmar (Burma) Culture and Pagoda Tour 2012

Vietnam and Cambodia Tour for Women

Number of days: 17

Itinerary dates: March 8 – 24, 2012

Tour leader: Joslin Fritz

This 17-day women-only journey to Vietnam and Cambodia will be an opportunity to discover these Southeast Asian countries through their culture, cuisine, history, scenery and people.

The journey begins in Cambodia where the group will visit marvelous Angkor Wat along with other temples near Siem Reap before flying to Phnom Penh for local sightseeing, including the Killing Fields. You’ll then take a wonderful boat trip down the Mekong to Vietnam.

In Vietnam, the group will dive into Saigon’s bustling energy, enjoy light hikes through Sapa tribal communities in the northern mountains, take part in a cooking class, overnight on a traditional junk boat in Ha Long Bay and visit a number of the nation’s most fascinating temples and museums.

Read these Vietnam Holiday and Vacation Tips
Read Vietnam FAQs
View Vietnam and Cambodia Photo Gallery

Itinerary

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you’ll be greeted by a driver and taken to your hotel.

Day 1
March 8, 2012 – Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat (Meals: B, L)
On this first day of the tour, the group will explore the fortified city of Angkor Thom not far from Siem Reap town. Probably one of the most interesting sights at Angkor, this complex includes 200 smiling faces carved in stone. You may also have time to visit the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of Leper Kings.

After lunch, you will tour the amazing Angkor Wat, the best preserved temple of all. (As of this writing, remodeling may not allow for the very best of photos, however.)

HIGHLIGHT! Angkor Wat will clearly be a highlight of this day, however, do not discount the wonder and subtlety of the many temples and wats situated throughout the region. You might leave having found a surprising favorite!

Day 2
March 9, 2012 – Siem Reap (Meals: B, L, D)
In the morning, the group will head out on a boat to visit floating villages on the Tonle Sap River to Kompong Phluk – an isolated community of villages where the homes are built on stilts. On the way back to Siem Reap, you’ll visit Ta Prohm, made famous by the movie Tomb Raider. There may also be time to visit the local Landmines Museum.

The day ends with a traditional Apsara dance performance and a meal of the very best Cambodian cuisine.

HIGHLIGHT! You’ll have a chance today to experience traditional Cambodian culture by boating through the floating villages and watching the unique dance and music of this ancient culture.

Day 3
March 10, 2012 – Siem Reap – Flight to Phnom Penh (Meals: B)
Today, the group will fly from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. You’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel upon arrival with time to walk around and discover this still-developing capital city in the afternoon.

Day 4
March 11, 2012 – Phnom  Penh – Full day city tour (Meals: B, L)
After breakfast, the group will depart for a tour of Phnom Penh, including the National Museum, Cambodia’s largest cultural museum, and the Silver Pagoda, which houses many treasures such as gold and jeweled Buddha statues.

After lunch, the group will visit Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields, where over 17,000 people were murdered and buried in mass graves by the Khmer Rouge. Though this is a very emotional site to visit, it’s very important in terms of understanding recent Cambodian history and culture.

HIGHLIGHT! Phnom Penh was a bustling commercial hub during French colonial days and today has re-established itself as the political and financial center 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.

Day 5
March 12, 2012 – Phnom Penh – Chau Doc (Meals: B)
The group will board the speed boat down the Mekong River in the early afternoon and cross the border into Vietnam. This 5-hour journey will be a lovely way to relax but also see more traditional lifestyles away from the bigger cities. Upon your arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

Day 6
March 13, 2012 – Chau Doc – Can Tho (Meals: B, L)
After breakfast, the group will travel by car to Can Tho, about 3 hours away. This is the largest city in the Mekong Delta and the group will have a chance to visit one of the more popular temples in the area before having some leisure time in the afternoon.

Day 7
March 14, 2012 – Can Tho – Cai Be Princess – Saigon (Meals: B, L)
In the morning, the group will drive to Cai Be, where you’ll board the Cai Be Princess. You will visit the colorful Cai Be floating market as well as some local home factories that make such things as rice paste, rice popcorn and coco candies – YUM!

The trip continues along the Mekong canals to Dong Hoa Hiep Island. During the cruise you’ll take in the beautiful landscape along the Mekong Delta as well as observe typical rural life.

Lunch will be served at Le Longanier restaurant at La Residence de Phu An Resort, a beautiful Indochine-style resort. After a short walk along a narrow canal, the excursion will end in the mid-afternoon and you’ll be met by your vehicle for the ride to Saigon.

Day 8
March 15, 2012 – Saigon (Meals: B, L)
This will be an exciting full-day tour of Saigon (officially, Ho Chi Minh City) beginning early in the morning. You’ll tour the Reunification Palace, see the beautiful architecture at the Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, shop at Ben Thanh and Cholon Markets, and visit Thien Hau Pagoda and the War Remnants Museum.

HIGHLIGHT! Saigon is filled with young, active people who developed this into the financial and entrepreneurial capital of the country. Soak up the energy or just relax with a fantastic cup of local coffee at an outdoor cafe.

Day 9
March 16, 2012 – Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels (Meals: B, L)
The group will leave on this morning for a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. This amazing underground system is where more than 10,000 Vietcong soldiers resided and fought during the Vietnam-America war. You’ll return to Saigon in the afternoon.

HIGHLIGHT! You’ll actually have a chance to walk through the tunnels yourself  where you can see just how the Vietcong managed to stay hidden throughout the war.

Day 10
March 17, 2012 – Saigon – Hanoi (Meals: B)
Today, you’ll have the morning free prior to your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in the north, you’ll be taken to your hotel for check-in and then have a half-day city tour of Hanoi’s most famous sights. This might include Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake as well as a one-hour cyclo tour through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter.

HIGHLIGHT! Hanoi is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city that’s very different than Saigon. Wide tree-lined streets and coffee shops can be found throughout Hanoi and while it lacks the entrepreneurship that permeates Saigon, it’s still quite charming.

Day 11
March 18, 2012 – Hanoi – Overnight train to Lao Cai (Meals: B, L)
Early in the morning, you might consider joining the locals around Hoan Kiem Lake for their daily exercises including Tai Chi. In the late morning, you’ll venture over to the Hanoi Cooking Centre, where you’ll learn tips for preparing wonderful Vietnamese dishes during a half-day hands-on cooking (and eating) class. This is a real treat!

In the afternoon, there will be time to visit the Museum of Ethnology, filled with displays about Vietnam’s cultural past, as well as the beautiful Temple of Literature. In the evening, you’ll board an overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai, the mountainous region near the Chinese border.

HIGHLIGHT! Before the cooking class, you will go to a local market to learn out about the fresh ingredients you will be using. You will then make your very own flavorful lunch. You’ll also take home recipes!

Day 12
March 19, 2012 – Lao Cai – Can Cau market – Sapa (Meals: B, L)
You’ll arrive at Lao Cai station early in the morning and transfer to Sapa, a bustling mountain village. You’ll then check in to your hotel and have breakfast.

The group will take a light hike in the area to explore the lush valleys and mountains that surround the town. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you’ll navigate small paths through verdant, terraced fields of rice and corn, passing farmers and their water buffalo ploughing the land as they have for centuries.

In the evening, you’ll return to the comfort of your hotel in Sapa.

HIGHLIGHT! In the Sapa region, you’ll be entranced by the ethnic-minority groups that still maintain their traditions and way of life, including their own language and intricately embroidered, colorful clothing.

Day 13
March 20, 2012 – Sapa (Meals: B, L)
Today, you’ll start your morning with a hike to a beautiful waterfall before continuing on to a picturesque Red Dao village. Red Dao women wear giant red scarves around their heads, and their clothing is embellished with colorful red embroidery and coins.

You’ll have free time in the afternoon in Sapa before returning to Lao Cai to board the overnight train back to Hanoi.

Day 14
March 21, 2012 – Hanoi (Meals: B)
You’ll arrive early in the morning back in Hanoi where you’ll check into your hotel, have breakfast and then have the day at leisure to discover the many hidden treasures of the city.

Day 15
March 22, 2012 – Halong Bay – Jewel of the Bay (Meals: B, L, D)
In the morning, the group will depart for Halong Bay – a 3.5 hour journey from Hanoi. Upon arrival, you’ll meet the crew for the traditional wooden junk and then relax and enjoy lunch while the boat heads toward secluded islands in the bay.

Along the way, you’ll visit ancient limestone caves and go sea kayaking and swimming if the weather permits. In the afternoon, you’ll return to the junk refreshed and invigorated and have the chance to relax on deck to watch the sunset.

HIGHLIGHT! Halong Bay is a beautiful, peaceful respite from Vietnam’s cities. You’ll enjoy a wonderful freshly prepared seafood dinner under the stars and have a chance to really unplug.

Day 16
March 23, 2012 – Halong Bay – Hanoi (Meals: B, L)
Today, if you like, you can enjoy an early morning swim followed by breakfast. The group will then visit the Cave of Surprises before cruising back to the main harbor for the return drive to Hanoi for a late afternoon arrival.

Day 17
March 24, 2012 – Hanoi – Depart (Meals: B, L)
On this final day, you’ll be able to do a bit more touring in the morning before departing Vietnam. You’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum as well as Uncle Ho’s Former Residence and the History Museum. You’ll have lunch before going back to your hotel to relax and to take advantage of a late check-out prior to transferring to the airport for your flight home (usually at night).

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Costs:
Contact us for 2013 dates and costs – info (at) wandertours (dot) com

Interested in sharing? We do our best to pair up same-sex travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing – PLEASE send in deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement charge? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)

Final payment due no later than January 7, 2012.

Price includes: 17 nights accommodation in 3-star hotels, all ground transportation, flight and trains within Vietnam, boat ride from Cambodia to Vietnam, sightseeing entrance fees, English-speaking guides, 30 meals and bottled water.

Price does not include: flights to Siem Reap/from Hanoi, visas, evacuation insurance (highly recommended), some meals, souvenirs, personal purchases (such as books and snacks), beverages and tips (suggested for all guides and drivers).

We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.

This trip is limited to 12 women and requires an $800 deposit to secure your spot.
Minimum required: 6 people

Women’s Vietnam and Cambodia Tour 2012 Registration Form (PDF)

For deposit and payments, please make payable and mail check to:

WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

For questions, please contact Beth at:
info (at) wandertours (dot) com
888-818-9918

It’s easy to make your deposit of $800! Simply click on the Buy Now button below and you’ll be taken to PayPal where you add your debit or credit card information. Subsequent payments may be made through PayPal by sending to: beth (at) wandertours (dot) com.

Vietnam and Cambodia Packing List: Provided upon registration

Vietnam and Cambodia Tour Itinerary 2012 (PDF)

Tour Leader
About Joslin
Joslin Fritz has a substantial track record in adventure travel as well as leading tours. Often searching for her next challenge, she’s had her nerves and muscles tested in a variety of ways; Treking Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, white water rafting in Chile, backpacking in Patagonia, maneuvering through Djemaa el-Fna market in Morocco, enduring public transportation in Nepal, volunteering at a children’s home in India and bungee jumping over Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

As a tour guide, she loves to get acquainted with the participants as well as share the beauty of the location with them.

Her favorite tune to sing at Karaoke is Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, favorite poem is Song of the Open Road by Walt Whitman, favorite flavor ice cream is mint chocolate chip and her favorite podcast is “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” on NPR.

Related links:
Vietnam Holiday and Vacation Tips
Vietnam FAQs
Vietnam and Cambodia Photo Gallery

Photo Credit:
Woman in Sapa: yeowatzup