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Discover the Wonders of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam

A cultural discovery itinerary takes in the many great highlights of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam: from vibrant cities to peaceful countryside and ancient towns. Explore the dynamic Bangkok; discover the impressive temples of ancient Angkor where Tomb Raider and many other films have been filmed, visit Cu Chi tunnels from the Vietnam War, cruise through thousands of islands in Halong Bay
  • angkor wat
  • sieam reap - ta prohm
  • apsara dance
  • saigon ben thanh market
  • hanoi - street vendors (4)
  • water puppet show
  • Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
  • tai chi on the boat
  • hoi an ancient town (1)
  • hoi an ancient town (8)
  • local market near cu chi (12)
  • rowing boat
  • mekong delta
  • mekong delta
  • floating market
  • Tuan 6
  • Tuan 5

TRIP OVERVIEW

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Destinations: Bangkok - Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi - Hue - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay
Starts in/Finishes in: Bangkok/Hanoi
Highlights:

  • Stay two nights in Bangkok to explore this bustling city
  • Visit the incredible temples of Angkor
  • Explore the engrossing underground network of Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Cruise the waterways of the Mekong Delta on a private sampan ride & walk the village paths to learn about local life.
  • Visit the sights of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An on foot
  • Enjoy a cyclo ride of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to learn about traditional Vietnamese architecture
  • Spend a night cruising Halong Bay aboard a traditional Junk
  • Sample delicious Vietnamese food all the way

Duration: 14 days

Travel Style: Multi-country Tours
Suitable: First timers, Culture seekers, Honeymooners, Couple

TRIP IN DETAILS


Upon your arrival at the airport in Bangkok, met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Meals:
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

Today you will enjoy a guided city orientation which begins with a visit to Wat Traimit – the Temple of the Golden Buddha. The temple is famous for its 900-years old five-and-a-half-ton solid gold image. Continue to visit Wat Arun, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of the best known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok. Next up is Wat Po, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, as well as the largest single Buddha image: the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas). The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage Reclining Buddha.

Afternoon you continue to visit the most famous tourist places in Bangkok, Royal Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace adjoins Wat Phra Kaew in a common compound, and is where you will end up after exiting Wat Phra Kaew. Despite the proximity of the two, there’s a distinct contrast in style between the very Thai Wat Phra Kaew and the more European inspired designs of the Grand Palace (the roof being the exception). Return to your hotel and free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle


Morning flight to Siem Reap. Upon your arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you will be greeted and driven to your hotel to leave luggage.

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle, Plane

Start your visit 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. Your next visit will be to the Elephant and Leper King, followed by Taprohm Monastery left in a devouring jungle.

Afternoon, you will visit the famous temple of Bantey Srey “the Citadel of Women”. This small pink sandstone temple (late 10th century) is considered as the crown jewel of classical Khmer art with the delicate beauty of its carvings. Continue to Bantey Samre (mid-12th century), which has been admirably restored.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle


Morning, you will be driven to Kompong Pluk Village. The name means “Harbor of the Tusks”. Kampong Phluk is a commune and village in Siem Reap Province in northern-central Cambodia. It is a village on the Tonle Sap Great Lake, a home to families who eke out a living on one of the most abundant inland fisheries in the world. A visit here by boat gives an insight into another world and way of life. The flooded forest around Kampong Phluk is also fascinating, submerged for half the year, the trees have learned to adapt and are an invaluable part of the extraordinary ecosystem here.

Afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival, met and transferred to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat, Plane

After breakfast, you will drive to 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. Visit the fighting tunnel system with your local guide. After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City

Afternoon embark on a guided city tour, starting with the War Remnants Museum – a real eye-opening part of Vietnam’s proud history; followed by the Reunification Palace; the former South Vietnam Presidential Palace; the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, as you get your camera working overtime peeking into the past of Vietnam’s biggest, most energetically progressive city. Return to your hotel at around 18.00.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat

After breakfast, you will be transferred to airport for a morning flight to Hue. Once you arrive, you will be picked up and transferred to your downtown hotel. 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 King Khai Dinh. 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 cuisine are great introduction into Hue’s culture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle, Plane

Today you’ll spend the full day for a city tour of 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.

After lunch, you’ll drive south to Hoi An through Hai Van pass, enjoying 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. When you arrive in Danang, visit either the Cham Museum in the city centre of Danang OR the famous Marble Mountain, which stands for the five essential elements that establish nature. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue the scenic route to Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, your guide will show you around the old town. You’ll start a walking tour with numerous places of interest: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, a museum and the colorful local market. Following the narrow lanes, you walk along tiny streets with houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures. After your walking tour, your time will be at leisure to wander around or go shopping.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

Morning flight to Hanoi. When you arrive at Noi Bai International airport in Hanoi, you’ll be smilingly met and transferred to your downtown hotel to leave luggage. You’ll then jump head-first into Hanoi’s sights and sounds on a tour that covers all the essentials. You’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes the Mausoleum, Uncle Ho’s former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and The Temple of Literature, which, dating back to 1070, is Vietnam’s oldest university.

After lunch, explore the enthralling Museum of Ethnology, which contains an extensive display of life-size structures dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities. Next, enjoy an hour-long cyclo ride winding 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 15th June to 15th August (approx.) for annual conservation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle, Plane

In the early morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and start a scenic drive to Halong Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone ‘karst’ landscape. Enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta countryside and have a short break en-route. Meet the crew upon boarding the traditional wooden junk, then relax and enjoy lunch while the boat heads towards the secluded islands. Visit a fishing village by a rustic rowing-boat, meet the local people and pass through the floating school and pearl farms. Return to the junk refreshed and and relax on sundeck with a drink to watch the sunset. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood dinner under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight Cruises
Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat

Enjoy an early morning swim/Taichi (if weather permits) followed by breakfast. You will visit a famous ancient limestone cave in the middle of the bay where you’ll discover magnificent stalagmites and stalactites as you walk along the lit paths on a guided tour. Enjoy a tasty brunch while cruising back to the main harbor Pier where your private vehicle will be waiting for you and transfer you back to Hanoi, arriving at around 16.00.

The remainder of the day will be all yours to stroll around the Old Quarter of Hanoi and its raucous streets full of traditional vendors and artisans, or if you prefer, simply relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat

Your time will be your own until being picked up to head to Noi Bai Airport for your onward journey or departure flight. Be warned, though: you’ll probably want to come back. Farewell from Vietnam!!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Transportation: Private vehicle

PRICE GUIDE & NOTES

From: US$ per person for a private tour of minimum 4 guests traveling together
Valid till October 31, 2024

Meals: 13 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 1 Dinner, 1 Brunch
Transportation: Private vehicle, Plane, Boat
Accommodation: 13 Nights

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • All pick-ups and transfers by private vehicles with experienced drivers, by shared shuttle between Hanoi and Halong Bay.
  • Accommodation in Twin/Double share basis, and 1 night on a traditional junk in Halong Bay.
  • Experienced local English speaking guides
  • Domestic flight ticket: Ho Chi Minh City – Hue and Danang – Hanoi (economy class by Vietnam Airlines, inclusive of domestic airport taxes)
  • Lunches and Dinner as indicated in the programme
  • All entrance fees as mentioned in the programme
  • Private sampan ride in the Mekong Delta
  • 1 hour cyclo ride & First class water puppet tickets
  • VAT and all other taxes

HOTEL LIST

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

  • Entry visa to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand (if required)
  • International flights and regional flights
  • Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not mentioned on the program.
  • Travel Insurances
  • Peak season surcharge between Dec 20, 2019 – Jan 10, 2020
  • Gala Dinner on Dec 24 & Dec 31, 2019

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