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scot's g-adventure

Day 18 Siem Reap- Departure Day

2/11/2020

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Today was our departure day to go home. For those who were not ready to leave had the option to have the trip CEO to help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure. 
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Day 17: Angkor Museum Visit, Tonle Sap Floating Village, Siem Reap Quad Biking

2/10/2020

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Today in ​Siem Reap, we learned about the story of Angkor and the Khmer empire at the interactive Angkor Museum. We had the chance to explore the museum's inspiring galleries and interactive technology, which bring Angkor's past to life. For a full experience, there was an option to rent an audio guide.
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From touring the floating villages of Tonlé Sap, we were able to see what life is like living on a lake -- rice planting, pig farming, even attending churches and school, are all done on top of water.
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Ready to ride into the sunset? After a safety briefing and test drive, we hopped on a nifty quad bike and followed our guide through the scenic countryside surrounding Siem Reap. There, we passed rice fields, buffalo, temples, and small villages bathed in dusk light. We ended the ride with a stop at a viewpoint to enjoy a memorable Cambodian sunset.
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Day 16: Siem Reap

2/9/2020

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Angkor Wat Guided Tour
We enjoyed a tour of impressive ancient ruins with a local guide. We woke up early to watch the sun rise over the magnificent Angkor Wat temple. We visited the enigmatic faces of Bayon within the walled city of Angkor Thom, and tour Ta Prohm (aka the "Tomb Raider" temple), which is slowly being swallowed by the jungle. 
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Today was the first of two days exploring the ruins of the Angkor Wat temple complex with a local expert guide. We experienced a Khmer lunch at New Hope, a local training restaurant and G Adventures-supported project. This evening, I enjoyed a performance at Phare, the Cambodian circus and social enterprise that provides training and gainful employment to Cambodian youth from difficult social and economic backgrounds. We also met with one of the organizers who gave us an overview of this incredible enterprise. 
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Day 15: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap

2/8/2020

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Today, it was instructed that we prepare ourselves for a long drive day over roads that are not well maintained and often have heavy traffic. On the bus, we stretched out and scanned the scenery from the comfort of a first-class public bus which included air-conditioning, free wifi, and complimentary snacks. We arrive rested and recharged thanks to extra legroom and electrical outlets. 
​A neighbourhood unto itself, Siem Reap's night market is lively with shoppers exploring more than 240 hut shops selling souvenirs, artwork, and clothing. Opt for a Dr. Fish massage--small fish nibbling dead skin off your feet--or a visit to the tropical Brick House Bar.
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Day 14- Phnom Penh

2/7/2020

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Today,we explore the dark side of Cambodian history at Choeung Ek Memorial, the site of the infamous killing fields. We also visited Tuol Sleng prison, the notorious Khmer Rouge prison where thousands of Cambodians perished. The dark side of Cambodian history at Choeng Ek Memorial, the site of the infamous killing fields that were the execution grounds for Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge during their reign from 1975-1979. We also visited Tuol Sleng prison, the notorious Khmer Rouge prison where thousands of Cambodians perished. This is a haunting look into history which serves to remind everyone that genocide must not be ignored, or those lost, forgotten.
Tuol Sleng Museum 
Here at the Tuol Sleng Museum, we learned of the devastation that occurred at Security Prison 21 (S-21); the prison, used by the Khmer Rouge regime, is now Tuol Sleng Museum. We took a guided tour to hear the stories behind the sombre photos lining the museum walls.
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Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) Guided Tour
Learning more about the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge, we visited the killing fields of Choeung Ek. The grounds now stand as a powerful memorial filled with victims' skulls and mass graves. 
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Royal Palace Visit 
After Choeung Ek, we took a guided tour of the dwelling place. It is a magnificent riverside palace with classic Khmer architecture.
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National Museum Visit
At the museum, we wanderws the galleries of the National Museum to see amazing works of art from Cambodia's "golden age" of Angkor.
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Silver Pagoda 
Here we toured the Royal Palace complex to see the neighboring Silver Pagoda (aka the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). We saw the many magnificent treasures inside this beautiful vihara (Buddhist monastery), including its floor lined with more 5,000 tiles of silver. ​
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Day 13- Ho Chi Minh City/Phnom Penh

2/6/2020

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Today we took a flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia take an NGO-supported cyclo city tour along the waterfront and key city sights, and then we visited the famous Foreign Correspondents' Club for sunset drinks.
Phnom Penh Cyclo Tour 
We settled in a traditional cyclo and departed from Wat Phnom. On cyclos, we toured busy streets to soak up the real vibe of the city. The post office and Van's restaurant were both stunning colonial buildings, and made our way to the Royal Palace and National Museum. Along the riverside road, we took in the atmospheric cafes that line the street.
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Day 12- Ho Chi Minh City

2/5/2020

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In Ho Chi Minh, we discovered the infamous Cu Chi tunnels, legendary for the vital part they played during the Vietnam War. We took a half day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels with a local guide. With some free time in the afternoon, we took time to sightsee or shop. Some tried their hand at bargaining at the Ben Thanh Market, while others hired a cyclo (cycle rickshaw) for sightseeing or to take a boat ride on the Saigon river. 
Cu Chi
Today at Cu Chi, we took a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex network of tunnels that the Viet Cong lived in to protect themselves from opposing forces during the Vietnam War. Those who were not too clausrophobic tried crawling through some of the tunnels. These tunnels stored ammunition, had underground hospitals, and served as a hidden base for attacking allied forces.
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War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum, a gut-wrenching but worthwhile experience that includes three storeys of exhibits and military hardware was our next stop. We learned about the devastation that occurred in Saigon during the Vietnam War, a period that greatly contrasts the joy and liveliness of the Vietnamese people today. 
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Reunification Palace Entry 
We wandered the historic halls of the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. This former home of the South Vietnamese president during the Vietnam War became the location of the end of the war when a North Vietnamese tank pushed through the palace gates on April 30, 1975.​
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Dam Sen Water Park Visit 
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City at this nearby water park. A lush setting and refreshing water make Dam Sen the perfect place for the whole family to cool off and have some fun--splash around or take a ride down one of the slides. ​
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Day 11- Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City

2/4/2020

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We caught our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam and take a thrilling cyclo tour of this bustling city. 
Ho Chi Minh City Cyclo Tour 
Today we took a city tour on a cyclo (cycle rickshaw) which was a great way to absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of Ho Chi Minh City. 
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Benh Tan Market Visit 
The bustling aisles of this energetic market known for its abundance of dried and fresh produce, jewelry, textiles, liquor, and tobacco products. Be fancy (and efficient) and have a one-day suit made. Feel free to bargain! ​
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Day 10-Ha Long/Hanoi

2/3/2020

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Toda we returned to land and headed back to Hanoi. We enjoyed lunch at Hoa Sua, an NGO and training school for disadvantaged youth. After lunch, we set out on a guided cyclo ride and orientation tour of the Old Quarter. Classic French colonial architecture, beautiful decor and a scenic location makes Hanoi a fantastic place to visit. We were encouraged that if local cuisine piqued our interest to pre-book the "Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour".
Lunch at Hoa Sua
We savoured a meal of Western (mainly French) and Vietnamese cuisine at this restaurant while supporting a training program that prepares local disadvantaged youth for careers in the culinary arts. After 19 years of operation the Hoa Sua School has trained more than 7,000 young people giving them the skills to overcome poverty, many of them go on to have very successful careers. 
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Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour 
On this tour, we indulged our inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. We followed our guide through the back streets and markets of the city's old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. As we mingled with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, we tasted a variety of Hanoi faves like "nem ran" and "banh goi." We stopped at a streetside bar to savour a draught beer like Hanoians do. Capping off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, we stopped at a G Values Fund Project, and tried the city's signature specialty coffee. 
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Temple of Literature Entry 
The Temple of Literature is a sprawling temple built to honour Confucius, sages, and scholars. Dedicated to learning, it housed the country's first university in 1076. Independently explore its five courtyards, containing various gates, altars, sanctuaries, shrines, the stelae of doctors, and the Well of Heavenly Clarity. 
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Museum of Ethnology Visit 
We learned about Vietnam's various ethnic groups on this visit to the Museum of Ethnology. This museum is considered to be the finest modern museum in Vietnam. ​
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Fine Arts Museum 
Wandering through the Fine Arts Museum, you'll find over 20,000 works of art housed in a former French colonial boarding school. This museum has some of Vietnam's National Treasures so it's east immerse yourself in traditional folk art, find sculptures inspired by deities or admire intricate lacquer and silk paintings you won't find anywhere else.
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Day 9-Hanoi/Ha Long

2/2/2020

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This day, we visited Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, then continued to Halong Bay to spend the night on a traditional junk boat surrounded by turquoise waters, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the calm waters. We cruised through Bai Tu Long Bay, a more secluded section of this stunning World Heritage site, and then continued to cruise around the bay and explore the Me Cung cave with our local guide.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Guided Tour 
Here we took a guided tour of the mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh's embalmed body is housed in a glass case.
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Halong Bay Overnight Junk boat Cruise 
Cruising through stunning and secluded Bai Tu Long Bay, a less visited section of Ha Long Bay. Relax on board our comfortable traditional wooden junk boat, we enjoyed our time afloat eating fresh seafood and admiring the magnificent karst formations and exploring Me Cung Cave. The peaceful night was spent anchored in the bay under the stars. 
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Kayaking
We had the chance to transfer from boat to kayak in this guided water tour, giving you the chance to get even closer to the stunning natural surroundings. 
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Day 8-Luang Prabang/Hanoi

2/1/2020

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Before catching a late afternoon flight to Hanoi, we had free time in Luang Prabang.
Free Time 
Luang Prabang is a picturesque city and with some free time we were able to get great pictures of the city though some chose to stay in their room and relax before departure. 
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Day 7- Luang Prabang

1/31/2020

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Our morning was free for optional activities such as visiting textile galleries, relaxing in one of the town's cafes, or visiting the Ethnology Museum. In the afternoon, we took an excursion to Kuang Si waterfall. 
Kuang Si Waterfalls Excursion 
We journeyed to this magnificent tiered waterfall, where relaxing is highly recommended. We could opt for a dip in the turquoise waters and explore multiple picture-perfect pools, framed by the jungle landscape.
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Our Discover Moment 
There's plenty to see and do in Luang Prabang, and we made sure that we had some time to take it all in. Some chose to experience a Laotian cuisine with a cooking class, some decided to relax by getting a massage, and some took leisure rides cycling around town. 
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Night Market Visit 
We had the opportunity to shop until our hearts were content at the night market in Luang Prabang - one of the best in Southeast Asia. Head to the market around dusk. We toured the vendor stalls lining the streets offering food, wooden statues, clothes, trinkets and souvenirs to dozens of people wandering up and down the market. 
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Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Entry 
We were able to take an independent tour of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) to learn about the traditional arts and cultures of Laos's many diverse ethnic groups. We then shopped in the TAEC Boutique for authentic village-made handicrafts and relaxed with a drink at the museum café.​
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Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre Visit 
We visited Ock Pop Tok "East Meets West" Living Crafts Centre on the banks of the Mekong River to learn from artisans about Laos handicrafts and the importance of woven textiles in Laos culture. 
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Day 6-Luang Prabang

1/30/2020

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​Rising at dawn, we were able to watch the monks collecting offerings of food from the locals in exchange for blessings, then visiting the Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xiengthong. Later, we caught a boat to Pak Ou Temple caves and stop in local villages. 
Royal Palace Museum Visit 
The ornate rooms of this royal palace-turned-museum house the country's crown jewels, many religious artifacts, and a 50kg (110 lb) Buddha, cast of gold, silver and bronze. Gifts from visiting heads of state are on display, as are the beautiful silk screens crafted by the Queen. ​
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Wat Xien Thong Visit 
Once a royal temple where Kings were crowned, the importance of this 16th-century Buddhist temple as a religious monastery is not lost on visitors. Wat Xieng Thong stands resplendent among shrines, pavilions, chapels, towers and gardens, and its gilded wooden doors, mosaics, and ceiling displays are representative of typical Laos art and craft. ​
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Pak Ou Caves Visit 
Visit these dramatic caves considered an important spiritual site by many Lao people. See thousands of Buddha statues and images that line the limestone walls.
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Day 5-Chiang Mai/Luang Prabang

1/29/2020

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Today we flew to Luang Prabang, Laos, and took an orientation walk around this town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
Orientation Walk 
We enjoyed a brief walk with your CEO. She gave some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. 
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Day 4-Chiang Mai

1/28/2020

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Today, we explored Chiang Mai with some free time. This evening, we visited a village outside Chiang Mai and sit down around an authentic khantoke for dinner in a local family's guesthouse. We traveld to the countryside near Chiang Mai. This night, we enjoyed a chant dinner, a must-do when you reach northern Thailand. Khantok in the Northern dialect means a wooden tray used for carrying dishes, round in shape, made of teak wood. The host invited guests to sit on the floor around the khantok. The main dishes on the khantok usually include sticky rice, hang-le curry (Burmese-styled curry), and some chili-pasted crispy pork. After, we enjoyed tea time with the opportunity to talk with local people to learn their way of living. 
Night Market 
There was an opportunity to pick up a a souvenir at this shopper's paradise. You could wander through the market to find music, food, and local artists selling handmade crafts. ​
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Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure 
Today. we learned how to drive a classic Thai mode of transport - the tuk-tuk - then set off for a full-day Northern Thailand adventure like no other. With our very own guide, we explored the rural lanes of Chiang Mai, drive past rice fields and temples as we weaved through the countryside, and experienced Thai hospitality at its finest over lunch and chatting with the locals. 
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Day 3-Chiang Mai

1/27/2020

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Today we voyaged to the market with a local chef to learn about traditional ingredients. We participated in a Thai cooking class and enjoyed our creations for lunch. Later, we visited an historic temple and sit down with one of the young monks to discuss daily life and Buddhism. We visited the Doi Suthep Buddhist Temple and listened to monks chanting at sunset. We could opt to visit the bustling Chiang Mai night market. Monk Chats are a great cultural exchange, but is also important in helping the young Monks improve their English. Our hotel was located in the heart of Chiang Mai city, a five-minute walk from the famous night bazaar. 
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet with Monks 
We visited a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai's Suthep district. We sat down with young monks to discuss daily life and Buddhism, and left feeling spiritually refreshed. Monk Chats are informal discussions at a round table with a prepschool age Monk, usually accompanied by their teacher.
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Doi Suthep Temple Visit 
We visited Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. We climbed 300 steps to reach the temple and were rewarded with an unforgettable view. We admired the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. 
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Day 2-Bangkok/Chiang Mai

1/26/2020

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Today we explored Bangkok and took a boat along the klong canals. We were able to visit the Grand Palace and sacred Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew temple. Later, we caught a flight to Chiang Mai followed by us settling into the exquisite surroundings in Chiang Mai to take a relaxing break from the fast pace of Bangkok. ​
Klong Riverboat Tour 
We traveled by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River. We went through the smaller klongs (canals) to see skyscrapers, temples, and shops in the distance, and the densely populated waterfront settlements up close. 
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Grand Palace Visit 
We visited the King's official residence (made up of many buildings, halls, lawns, gardens, and courtyards) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. 
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Day 1- Bangkok

1/25/2020

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​The adventure began tonight. We were free to explore before the welcome meeting before meeting with the tour group CEO to discuss the details of the tour. 
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Here is a picture of Bangkok
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This was my hotel, ​Maitria Hotel
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