Angkor Wat, Cambodia and Vietnam

, on the heels of our successful March 2011 Vietnam trip, will take travelers from 'that grand old dame of the orient, Hanoi' to the highlands of hill-tribe villages in SaPa to beautiful Halong Bay aboard a deluxe classic junk, from Danang to the Citadel city of Hue to historic Hoi An and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Angkor Wat built nearly a thousand years ago is believed to be the largest religious structure in world and one of the wonders of the world.

Hanoi, a city with a thousand year history, has a unique and vibrant culture today. It is dotted with lakes and temples, graced with sweeping, tree-lined boulevards, bustling with innumerable motorbikes, and offers many museums with exhibits to suit almost every interest. Travel by train (private carriages) to the scenic, mountainous northwest region of Vietnam right near the China border. Here are the terraced rice paddies and small villages of the H'mong people with beautiful textiles and colorful dress. Next depart to the geological wonders of Halong Bay with its famous limestone islands and caves (featured in LA Times Travel Section) and stay aboard a classic Junk for a night right on the bay. Head back to Hanoi and take the night train (private carriages) to the old imperial city of Hue for tours of the Citadel (similar to Forbidden City in Beijing). Then go further south to relax in riverside Hoi An, an ancient trading center where Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, French, Dutch, and Thai merchants lived together peaceably. Today Hoi An has become a travelers haven, but it is still irresistible with its authentic, quaint charm. And, yes, there are beaches, like 'China Beach'. The town is also famous for its tailor shops which can make you any custom clothing you desire for reasonable prices. We'll take a flight from Da Nang for 5 days in Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat. You'll visit many temples including the most famous ones and enjoy a boat trip to the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. And finally a flight back to LAX.

This fully escorted trip, March 23-April 8, 2012 is $1695, plus group airfare and visas. Includes accommodations, 25 meals and Happy Hours, all in-country transportation, and entry fees, offers a first-hand unforgettable visit of undiscovered but fast growing travelers paradise with its unique culture, history, and traditions. The leaders have led numerous Sierra Club trips to China, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Egypt.

O: Angkor Wat, Cambodia and Vietnam: Come with us on a new adventure to Angkor Wat and Vietnam. Experience this fast growing travelers paradise with its unique culture, history, and traditions. Our land package is from Hanoi to SaPa, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Siem Reap, Cambodia for Angkor Wat, spending varying number of days in each location. Trip fee includes several modes of transportation, trains, boats, and air-conditioned coaches. Also included are deluxe accommodations (dbl. ocup./hotels, 4-person berths/train), 25 meals/happy hours, all park/museum entrance fees, guides, tours, all tipping, misc. Price is $1695. Discounted group international airfare offered. For itinerary and application, send email to lajeunes@pacbell.net Please insert subject line 'Angkor Wat'. Applications accepted on first-come first-served basis, as previous trips have all sold out. Ldrs: Mariel Sipman and John Lajeuness.