14 DAYS AND 11 NIGHTS FROM LOS ANGELES -- Seoul (3N) Hong Kong (4N) Bangkok (4N)
Evening departure on widebody jet for Seoul, crossing en route the International Date Line.
Early morning arrival in Seoul, capital and main commercial, industrial and cultural center of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), a staunch American ally in the Pacific, one of Asia's fast-growing ecenomic "tigers" and a country of great natural and cultural beauties embodying the heritage of Chosun, the "Land of the Morning Calm." Highlights of this heritage in today's city tour include the royal palace of Kyongbokkung with its 70,000 piece National Museum and graceful Kyonghoeru pavilion; the Folklore Museum, Chogyesa temple of Chogyejong sect of Korean Buddhism, followed by a drive along Bukak skyway, famous for its splendid views over the city.
Days free to roam such shopping venues as the Myongdong, It'aewon and Insadong districts for silk and brocades, antiques, custom-made suits and dresses, traditional brassware, amethyst and smoky topaz, inlaid lacquerware and, not least, the prized Korean Ginseng root, the "elixir of life." Optional tours include going to Panmunjom, where even during the increased tensions of April 1996 there were some 11 busloads carrying 900 tourists daily through this border village on the DMZ who took advantage of the situation to climb a colorful pagoda and snap photos of North Korean soldiers peering at them through binoculars at this, perhaps the most famous and volatile remaining "flash point" of the Cold War.
Fly this morning to another shoppers' paradise -- this one with the best Cantonese cuisine in the world. Survey Hong Kong's legendary skyline and harbor from the Victoria Peak tram, below which the island's compact 3.5 sq. miles ranges from the skyscrapers and deluxe boutiques of Central, the commercial and financial district, to the traditional "Old Chinatown" vendors of the Western district. Afternoon visit to Repulse Bay's fashionable beaches, the bargain stalls of Stanley Market and Aberdeen's "floating village" where you may later enjoy a mouthwatering banquet on a palatial restaurant-ship.
Hong Kong is great for shopping, sightseeing -- or as a movie backdrop, as shown in Wong Kar-Wai's international hit of 1996, "Chungking Express." For shopping, explore the main areas on Hong Kong island and in Kowloon which extend out from the Star Ferry piers on each side of the harbor: on the island beginning with Connaught Road Central and including Causeway Bay, in Kowloon with East Tsimshatsui and Nathan Road with its famed Golden Mile. Optional tours: Sung Dynasty village, Ocean Park, Happy Valley racetrack , the Arts Center in Wanchai; or explore the New Territories, Hong Kong's 235 other green, scenic islands such as Lantau, Cheung Chau and Lamma or spend a day in Macao
Fly this morning to Bangkok, Thailand's canal-laced capital since 1872, a city of golden temples, royal palaces, a functioning monarchy, traffic congestion, a famous or infamous nightlife, the unique sport of kickboxing -- and, not least, a flourishing market of high quality traditional village handicrafts, particularly in silk, wood and bronze. Today's city tour features the sumptuous Royal Grand Palace, the magnificence of which was only suggested by the sets of the movie-musical "The King and I." Then explore dazzling Wat Phra Kaew complex with its splendid Emerald Buddha, Golden Chedi, Pantheon of Kings and Towers of 9 Planets. Rest of day at leisure.
Three free days for browsing in venues like the Thaniya Plaza, World Trade Centre and Peninsula Plaza; lively street markets like the Weekend and Patpong; and outlets for beautiful Thai silks and fabrics, bargain priced leather goods, jewelry, plus silverware, nielloware, bronzeware as well as artworks and antiques. Optional tours: the magnificent Vimanmek Royal Mansion, the reconstructed Ancient City, the legendary Jim "Silk King" Thompson's baronial Thai House and the marvelous Suan Pakkard palace; Damnoen Saduak "floating market"and the enchanting riverside Rose Garden plus other tours of cultural or historical (especially World War II) interest.
Depart from Bangkok, arriving on the same day due to having re-crossed the International Date Line.
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Copyright 1996 DIA International Travel, Incorporated