Amazing Vietnam and Cambodia – 18 Days

Welcome to Hanoi!

After arrival at Noi Bai airport, you will be greeted at the pickup lobby by a professional driver. Enjoy a 45-minute drive to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter). Be escorted to your hotel, check in, and relax.

Note: Please keep in mind that check-in begins at 14h00.

• Meal: NA
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Option 1: City Tour ( Morning )

Embark on a city tour to explore the important landmarks associated with Ho Chi Minh. Begin with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his stilt house, and the Presidential Palace, offering insights into the life and work of the revered leader.

Next destination, One Pillar Pagoda, symbolizing a blooming lotus in a serene pond. Explore Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter, renowned for its 36 streets filled with unique local goods and handicrafts.

To gain a deeper understanding of Hanoi’s culture and local life, visit Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple, and the picturesque West Lake. Additionally, the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum are worth visiting to gain valuable historical and cultural insights.

Option 2: Street Food Tour 

• Afternoon Time: Pick up around 11h30Am
• Evening Time: Pick up around 18h00

Embark on an evening street food tour, starting at 6:00 PM. Your knowledgeable guide will pick you up from your hotel and lead you on a walking tour focused on Hanoi street food.

Indulge in the opportunity to sample some of the most famous dishes loved by Hanoi locals, known as “Hanoi-style fast foods.” Your guide will provide insights into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture, sharing details about ingredients and the historical background of popular northern dishes. The bustling streets of the Old Quarter await with a wide array of delicious culinary delights for you to taste.

• Meal: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Transfer to Halong Bay, fantastic sailing route, swimming at Titov beach, panoramic views

At 8:30 AM: Pick up from your accommodation in Hanoi Old Quarter. Take a three-hour drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, passing through the Red River Delta’s communities and rice farms.

• Make a pit stop for a drink and restroom break.
• Continue driving and arrive at the harbor around noon, where you will be warmly greeted at reception.
• 12:30 PM: Board the boat and receive a cruise briefing and safety instructions.
• Begin your cruise and visit Halong Bay, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes while cruising along the bay, passing by beautiful spots like Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, and Coconut Island (The Three Islands).
• In the afternoon, head to the Tung Sau area, known for its leaping fish. Witness cultured pearl fishing and explore the pearl-making process. You can also choose to go kayaking.
• Visit the scenic Titov beach for swimming (weather permitting) or climb the steps to the top of Titov Island for a panoramic view of Halong Bay.
• Return to the boat for some downtime before cruising to the Luon Bo area and anchoring for the night.
• 6:30 PM: Join a cooking lesson on the sundeck to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls. Enjoy Happy Hour (buy one drink, get one free) and witness the stunning sunset over Halong Bay.
• Dinner: Deluxe Vietnamese BBQ Set Menu.

Evening activities include relaxing, enjoying music, playing cards or chess, reading magazines in your room or the dining area, and trying your hand at squid fishing and boat fishing.

• Meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Overnight on cruise

6:30 AM: Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a gentle exercise combining relaxation and slow movements.

• Enjoy breakfast in the dining area with a stunning view of the bay.
• Take a tender to Sung Sot Cave, accessible via around 100 steps. Explore this large cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites for approximately 45 minutes. Return to the cruise ship on the tender.
• Check out and settle your bill at the front desk.
• As you cruise back to Tuan Chau Wharf, savor a buffet meal while admiring the beauty of the bay.
• 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Disembark at the harbor and be welcomed by your driver. Begin the journey back to Hanoi with a break along the way.

Get back Hanoi. Recheck in Hotel. Enjoy your free time

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

After having breakfast, At 7.45 AM: A private car will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to Ninh Binh, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

10.25-10.45 AM: Your tour guide will accompany you to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which was founded in 968 and served as the capital until the early 11th century. You’ll explore the temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasty, located in the beautiful mountainous landscape.

12.30 PM: Enjoy a delectable buffet lunch featuring local specialties at a restaurant in Tam Coc.

13.35 PM: Embark on a mesmerizing Tam Coc Boat Tour, where local rowers skillfully navigate the boats using their hands and legs. Explore three enchanting grottos: Hang Ca (First Grotto), Hang Hai (Second Grotto), and Hang Ba (Third Grotto) along the Tam Coc River.

15.50 PM: Relax and take a 30-45 minute bike ride around the scenic Tam Coc area. If you are visiting during the harvest season, you’ll be treated to golden-colored rice fields.

17.00 PM: Reach the final destination, Mua Cave, often compared to the “Great Wall of China.” Climb 500 steps to reach the top of Mua Cave and enjoy a splendid panoramic view of Ninh Binh.

17.55 PM: Relax and return journey to Ha Noi.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Morning:

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Evening:

At 6:00 PM, our driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the train station for your train journey to Hue. It is recommended to prepare some snacks, drinks, and tissues for the 12-hour train ride.

You will spend the night on the train in a comfortable 4-berth soft sleeper cabin.

• Meals: B
• Accommodation: Overnight on the train in a comfortable 4-berth soft sleeper cabin.

Upon arrival at approximately 9:00, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is your leisure time.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Pick up you at your hotel at around 8:00 and then take a full day to discover Hue:

Dive further into the history of Vietnam by visiting the ancient citadel plus two addition tombs of emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last family to rule Vietnam before the French colonial takeover. Although the ancient citadel was badly damaged by the Vietnamese-American War, it is still possible to catch a glimpse of what used to exist here hundreds of years ago in the Forbidden Purple City.

Compare and contrast the tombs of Emperor Tu Duc and Emperor Khai Dinh, one constructed from 1864-1867 with a landscape dominated by a large lake and rustic architecture while the other designed as a hybrid of European and Vietnamese beauty standards.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hue city

Today, we will embark on a 3-hour journey to Hoi An by a private car, famously known as the “land of lanterns.”

Upon arrival, take the opportunity to unwind and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance and captivating charm of this riverside town. Once a bustling international port from the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was frequented by traders from various parts of the world, including China, the Netherlands, France, Japan, Portugal, and Arabia. They came to trade in the region’s exquisite silk, which is still produced to this day.

Today, Hoi An has transformed into a serene resort destination, beloved by tourists for its unique blend of architectural styles, talented tailors, and cozy cafes. Take your time to explore this enchanting town and soak up its cultural richness.

• Meals: B
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Exploring Kim Bong and Tra Nhieu by bicycle, embarking on a boat journey to Cam Thanh village, and engaging with the friendly locals.

8h00 Am: Meet at your hotel and embark on a cycling adventure to Hoi An pier. Cross the Thu Bon river by ferry to reach the renowned wood-carving village of Kim Bong. Explore the village, witness the artisans’ talent at a carpenter’s workshop, and consider purchasing wood products as souvenirs.

Continue cycling through scenic trails, passing rice paddies and bamboo bridges, until you reach Tra Nhieu village. Immerse yourself in the peaceful countryside and meet locals skilled in mat weaving, bamboo sampan basket making, and boat-building at Mr. Huynh Ri’s shipyard. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of palm and rice fields, accompanied by buffaloes and farmers.

Next, embark on a boat trip along the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh village. Admire the fishing farms and water palm trees along the way. In Cam Thanh, experience crab catching in the water palm tree forest aboard a small round bamboo sampan basket boat. Afterward, relax at the house of a fisherman, Mr. Phong, where you can enjoy green tea and a foot massage using medicinal herbs from the family garden.

Participate in a cooking session using fresh vegetables and herbs from Tra Que village. Learn to prepare typical dishes such as crispy pancakes, spring rolls, Tam Huu, and grilled fish in banana leaf. Indulge in the delicious dishes you have prepared.

Finally, return to your hotel in the afternoon, reflecting on the enriching experiences and memories made throughout the day.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Overnight in Hoi An

You are free time today until transferring to the airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up & transfer to hotel.

Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat airport, You are welcomed by the driver to transfer to the hotel.

Note: Hotel check-in time is at 14:00.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Embark on a special excursion to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and visit the Cao Dai Temple.

8h00 Am: Embark on an extraordinary journey starting from your hotel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a significant site in Vietnam’s history.

Explore Cu Chi, an extensive underground city stretching over 250km, where the Viet Cong waged their resistance against American forces during the Vietnam War. These remarkable tunnels were meticulously hand-dug over two decades using only basic tools. Experience the tunnels firsthand with a special guided tour. Nearby, you’ll also visit the lesser-known Ben Duoc Memorial Temple, built in 1993 to honor the Vietnamese lives lost in Cu Chi.

Next, venture to the awe-inspiring Cao Dai Temple, one of Vietnam’s most sacred attractions. Caodaism is a distinct Vietnamese religion that incorporates elements from Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and even Roman Catholicism. If you time it right, you can attend the midday mass, a fascinating cultural experience.

Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel in the afternoon, filled with unforgettable memories of this remarkable journey.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

From Saigon to Mekong delta, visiting Cai Be, boat trip, biking

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will meet our knowledgeable tour guide and driver, who will accompany you on your journey to Cai Be.

Upon arrival in Cai Be, you will embark on a delightful adventure aboard a private small boat, gliding through one of the branches of the legendary Mekong River. Immerse yourself in the enchanting rhythm of life along the river as you explore the picturesque canals adorned with orchards.

Discover the artistry of local crafts at workshops specializing in rice popcorn, coconut caramel, and rice cakes. Engage in a biking or walking excursion along village paths, leading you to the ancient and exquisite Phu Chau Pagoda, where serenity pervades, and you can interact with the friendly local residents.

Indulge in a delectable lunch at an open-air restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to savor the renowned local delicacy, the elephant ear fish. Conclude your journey with a delightful experience of rowing a small rowboat through the shaded canals, while relishing the flavors of seasonal fruits.

In the late afternoon, return to Saigon, carrying with you the cherished memories of this enchanting Mekong River excursion.

• Meal: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

At 8:00 AM, you will be picked up from your location and transported to the bus station. Prepare for a 6-hour coach journey to Phnom Penh. Alternatively, you have the option to upgrade your travel to a flight (please contact us directly for more information). During the journey, there will be a stop at the border for visa processing before continuing to Phnom Penh.

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and enjoy free time at your leisure to explore the city and unwind at your own pace.

• Meal: B
• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

At 8:00 AM , we will commence our visit to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the infamous ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek. These sites offer a profound understanding of the tragic and violent reign of the Khmer Rouge.

Afterwards, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to explore Psar Toul Tom Pong, commonly known as the “Russian Market,” where a wide range of items are available for sale, catering to diverse interests. Later in the afternoon, we will embark on a one-hour boat cruise along the Mekong River, allowing us to appreciate the scenic beauty of this iconic waterway.

• Meal: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Travel to Siem Reap by bus, specifically the Mekong Express, which will take approximately 6 hours.

Alternatively, you have the option to upgrade your journey to a flight. Please contact us directly for more information regarding flight arrangements.

• Meal: B
• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

After enjoying breakfast, we will start our day by heading to the Angkor Thom Area. Here, we will explore various remarkable temples including the Angkor Thom Temple South Gate, Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, Phimean Akas Temple, Elephants Terrace & Leper King Terrace, Royal Palace, and the Woman and Man Pond. Next, we will proceed to visit the famous Ta Prohm Temple.

Following a satisfying lunch, our journey will continue to the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple. Considered one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the world, this temple was constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, showcasing incredible craftsmanship and rich history.

At around 4:30 PM, we will return to your hotel, concluding the day’s exploration of these awe-inspiring sites.

• Meal: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, followed by a leisurely and free day to enjoy your final moments in Siem Reap. Take this opportunity to explore the city, indulge in any remaining activities, or simply relax and soak up the ambiance.

Later, our team will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure.

As your time in Cambodia comes to an end, we bid you farewell and hope you had a memorable trip. Safe travels, and thank you for choosing us to be part of your journey.

• Meal: B
• Accommodation: NA