Classic Cambodia and Vietnam

When you arrive at Siem Reap airrport, you’ll be welcome by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel in the downtown. After check-in and a short break, visit the first and only Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap and enjoy its unique collection of invaluable art objects from the ancient Khmer Kingdom. Opening hours are daily from 10:00 am to 18:00 pm. Besides the museum complex visitors can also enjoy time in the Cultural Mall featuring galleries, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals:
Accommodation: Popular Residence Hotel Saem Siemreap Hotel Borei Angkor Resort & Spa Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

You’ll begin with a visit to Angkor Thom, starting with the Bayon, a bizarre structure of several architectural changes reflecting a switch from Hinduism (the foundations) to Buddhism (the superstructure). Your next visit will be to the Elephant and Leper King Terraces followed by the Baphoun Temple. You’ll also see Ta Prohm monastery, strangled by massive tree roots and typical of the condition of the whole complex when it was discovered in 1860 by French naturalist Henri Mouhot.

Afternoon you’ll explore Angkor Wat that is the most impressive Hindu temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. Breaking from the Shaivism tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country’s prime attraction for visitors.

As dusk nears, a walk to the summit of Phnom Bakheng Hill will afford a panorama of the whole complex lit by the rays of the setting sun, weather permitting of course.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Popular Residence Hotel Saem Siemreap Hotel Borei Angkor Resort & Spa Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast you will be taken to visit a floating village. You could visit one village, Kompong Pluk or Chong Kneas. This floating village is located in the Tonle Sap Lake (Great Lake) that could swell up to seven times of its original size during the monsoon season. Its ecosystem is one of the richest and most diverse in the region. This boat trip will explore the floating fishing villages that live at the edges of the lake, passing submerged forests and fishing farms. After the village tour, you will ride a small canoe through the submerged forest close to the local houses.

Return to Siem Reap for lunch. Your time will be your own till being picked up to airport for your flight to Hanoi. When you arrive at Noi Bai International airport in Hanoi, you’ll be welcome by one of our representative and transferred to your hotel in the downtown. The remainder of the day will be your own.

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is a modern city that retains a unique old World charm and some of Asia’s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks give the city a relaxing atmosphere.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Golden Lotus Boutique Hotel La Belle Vie Hotel Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

This city tour of Hanoi takes in essential sites which will commence from your hotel lobby at 08.30 a.m. In the morning, you’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex including the Mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum; The Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070.

After lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant, you’ll continue visiting the Museum of Ethnology, widely acknowledged as the best in the country, containing an extensive display of life-size structures dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority peoples; enjoy a cyclo ride for 1 hour touring through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter – a must for any visitor to Hanoi! The day finishes with a traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets.

Note: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed all day on Monday and Fridays, as well as from 1st October to 30th November (approx.) for annual conservation.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Golden Lotus Boutique Hotel La Belle Vie Hotel Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, you’ll drive through the fertile lands and rice fields of the Red River Delta, a major agricultural area of Vietnam with refreshment break en route. Once you arrive in Halong Bay you will board your boat for an overnight cruise that will uncover the mysteries of this legendary bay.  As your boat navigates pass the thousand limestone peaks, your informative guide will explain the local legends and the global value of Halong Bay, the World Natural Heritage site of Vietnam. Visit one of the famous caves in the middle of the bay. Return to the junk refreshed and relax on deck with a drink to watch the sunset. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood dinner under the stars.

Overnight on a traditional junk in Halong Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Swan Cruises Huong Hai Sealife Cruise Athena Cruises Overnight Cruises
Transportation: Shuttle Bus

Enjoy an early Taichi exercise or photo hunt, followed by breakfast. Visit a popular beach site and go swimming if the weather permits, relaxing at the beach or hike up to the top of the island for a panoramic view of Halong Bay. Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Man’s Head Islet area. Enjoy a brunch while cruising back to the main harbor for the 4 hour drive straight to Noi Bai airport in Hanoi for a late afternoon flight to Danang. On arrival, met and transferred to your selected hotel in Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: Lotus Hoi An Boutique Hotel and Spa Vinh Hung Riverside Resort and Spa Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

At 9:00 AM sharp, your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby to give you a proper show-around of the old town. You’ll start a walking tour with a lion’s share of places of interest: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls; the museum and the colorful local market. Following the narrow lanes, you’ll meander through tiny streets studded by houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures.

After such gallavanting, your time will be your own to wander around or getting amongst some retail therapy. This afternoon is your own.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Lotus Hoi An Boutique Hotel and Spa Vinh Hung Riverside Resort and Spa Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa Hotel
Transportation:

Apart from exploring Hoi An’s World Heritage architecture & colorful market on foot, you might visit Vietnam’s grandest Cham ruins at My Son; attend a cooking class at a riverside restaurant; or join other travelers to get up close and personal to daily farming and fishing life. For early risers, why not capture the real Hoi An by joining a 4-hour photography tour led by a local expat expert? If you want to go below, hop on a boat to Cu Lao Cham Island for a fun and relaxing day to explore exotic coral reefs and marine life [best between March & September]. If you’d like any of these activities to be included during your free time in Hoi An, just let it be known during your enquiry, or ask one of the Travel Specialists.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lotus Hoi An Boutique Hotel and Spa Vinh Hung Riverside Resort and Spa Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa Hotel
Transportation:

This morning you’ll drive north to the Royal City of Hue with en-route stop to visit either the Cham Museum in the city centre OR the famous Marble Mountain, which stands for the five essential elements that establish nature. Continue the scenic route to Hue, enjoy the view of the coast line and Danang from the top of the Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Clouds) makes your journey interesting and have your camera ready for some great photo opportunities.

In the afternoon, you will cruise the Perfume River by a dragon boat to serene Thien Mu Pagoda and drive to visit the majestic Royal Tomb of King Ming Mang [and Royal Tomb of King Khai Dinh if time permits]. Return to your hotel by road just before sunset.

Note: You might consider a candle-lit dinner set in a garden house which is a traditional feature of Hue’s culture. Both the garden house and the are great introduction into Hue’s culture.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Thanh Lich 2 Hotel Cherish Hotel Hue Imperial Hotel Hue Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

Today you’ll continue visiting the Imperial City of Hue, firstly with the ancient walled Citadel including the former Imperial Palace. You’ll then visit the Dong Ba market to learn about local produce and specialties of Hue. You might get some great deals done at the local Dong Ba Market.

Afternoon you will be transferred to Phu Bai airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by another local expert who will escort you to your hotel in the downtown.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Prague Hotel Paragon Saigon Hotel Grand Hotel Saigon Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a guided city tour starting with the War Remnants Museum – a real eye-opener to a part of Vietnam’s proud history, followed by the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace for the president of the South of Vietnam, the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post office to get good shots for our memory of the big, modern city of Vietnam. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will continue by heading to Chinatown with walking tour through back streets of China town near Cho Lon to view the local daily life. Stop off for a visit of Thien Hau temple, which was built in the early 19th Century dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of seafarers. We delve deeper into Chinatown visiting the amazing Cholon and Binh Tay Market (or Ben Thanh market) for an insight into where locals shop. Then you’ll be back to hotel at around 17:00.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Prague Hotel Paragon Saigon Hotel Grand Hotel Saigon Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, you will drive for 2 hours to Tay Ninh, once the historical center of the Cao-Dai religion. Founded in 1926, Cao-Dai is a combination of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism. At the Holy See Temple, you will have the chance to watch the worshipers in their long white tunics during noon mass.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels where you will visit the amazing network of underground tunnels was used during the Vietnam War by the Viet Cong. This huge construction was a habitation for villagers in the war time. With 3 levels of depth, it was never discovered by the US during the Vietnam War despite its proximity to Saigon. Return to Saigon, arriving around 17.30.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Prague Hotel Paragon Saigon Hotel Grand Hotel Saigon Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

At 8.00 AM, depart for a 2 hour drive to Ben Tre, one of the country’s southern provinces, situated in the Delta of the Mekong River. Take in the highway as you leave behind the busy city. On arrival, take a boat on Ben Tre River – one of tributaries of Mekong River to witness lively activities along river such as fishing, water transferring. Stop at brickwork to see how to make bricks in traditional style by printing and baking. You will visit one of plenty of coconut processing workshops located along canal. Turn on natural scissors creeks where they look smaller and smaller to go to village. Take a walk to family workshop making sleep mats and enjoying some fruits. Later, take a motor-cart on shady village paths, passing by green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch on real life and find out about tropical culture from Peasants. After lunch at a riverside restaurant, enjoy rowing-boat along water palm creek, and boat back to pier where you will be taken to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at around 17.00.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Prague Hotel Paragon Saigon Hotel Grand Hotel Saigon Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

Your time will be your own until being picked up to Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City for your departure flight. End of services.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Transportation: Private vehicle