Siem Reap, Angkor Temples, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Saigon, Phnom Penh, Can Tho, Chau Doc, Vietnam, Cambodia
Itinerary
Day 1
Hanoi arrival
You are welcomed by our guide at Noi Bai international airport and transferred to your hotel for check
in, free time at leisure to relax after your journey.
Ha Noi, Vietnam's capital, originally named Thang Long or “City of the Ascending Dragon,” the city
was first the capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010. The city’s quiet air gives it a gracious, almost regal flavor.
Hanoi is dotted with dozens of lakes around where you can usually find a cafe, a pagoda or two, shaded
boulevards and attractive French style buildings.
Day 2
Hanoi city
Today's sightseeing tour starts to visit the city's landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Mondays and Friday mornings and during October and November for annual repair), his Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature - a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surviving examples of traditional
Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of
Vietnam’s first university. Proceed to Hoa Lo Prison Museum. It is a tour site in Hanoi, is better
known as the 'Hanoi Hilton' by the US POWs during the American War. Those incarcerated at Hoa Lo
included Pete Peterson who later became the first US Ambassador to a unified Vietnam in 1995 and also
Senator John McCain. The vast prison complex was built by the French in 1896. Originally intended to
house around 450 inmates, records indicate that by the 1930s there were close to 2000 prisoners. Much
of the prison was razed to make room for the Hanoi Towers skyscraper, though the section at the front of
the site has been thoughtfully preserved and restored as a museum.
In the afternoon, continue the city tour to visit Hanoi's Ethnology Museum and its fascinating exhibitions about
the diverse hill tribes in Vietnam. Short visit Hoan Kiem, Ngoc Son Temple: located in the northern
end of Hoan Kiem Lake, it was founded in the 18th century. Surrounded by water and shaded by trees,
it’s a delightfully quiet place to rest. The temple is dedicated to the scholar Van Xuong, General Tran
Hung Dao and La To, patron saint of physicians. Enjoy 1 hour cyclo tour around the Hanoi City's old
quarters and Water Puppet Show, a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, the best
seen in Hanoi. Meal: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at Brother Café
Day 3
Hanoi - Halong Bay - a night cruise
Breakfast at hotel. We depart for Ha Long (170 km), approximately three hours away. Halong bay - one of the world’s natural wonders and is the most beautiful tourist destination of Vietnam. Halong Bay
features thousands of limestone karsts and islets in various sizes and shapes with 1969 islets. Several of
the islands are hollow, with enormous caves, other support floating villages of fishermen. You have
chance of observing scenic countryside of Vietnam dominated by enormous lush rice fields.
Upon arrival in Halong. Check-in between 11:30 – 12:00 at the boat port. Enjoy a refreshing “Welcome
cocktail” upon check-in on the sun deck.
Enjoy an Vietnamese or Asian lunch as the vessel sails to Halong Bay passing the Fighting cocks islet,
the Elephant leg islet, the Castle islet, the Soi Sim Island. Arrive at Surprise Grotto - one of the most
famous grottos in the entire Halong. We will visit the cave by Tender (weather permitting). After taking
a lot of photos and admire the beauty of the cave we visit an interesting fishing village (Cửa Vạn
Floating Village) with the opportunity to interact with fishermen who have been living in the bay for
almost three generations. Later in the afternoon, go swimming on a quiet beach or sunbathing on the
sundeck. You can enjoy kayaking also (weather permitting).
Vietnamese seafood dinner served at the restaurant. Evening Activities: Enjoy movie night, board games
or beauty spa services, relax at leisure.
(The itinerary above may be changed depending on the cruise we choose). Meal : Breakfast at hotel
Lunch on board
Dinner on board
Day 4
Halong Bay - Da Nang - Hoian
Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise with an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay.
Sitting on the upper desk we can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the
crystal-clear water of the bay. We can hear the birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle
lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle
breeze.
International Brunch Buffet served in the restaurant. Check-out on board and disembarkation at boat
port, Halong city.
(The itinerary above may be changed depending on the cruise we choose).
Our tour guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to Noi Bai airport to take a short domestic flight
to Da Nang (1.5 hours). Upon arrival, you are welcome at the airport and transfer to Hoian ancient town
(35km) - an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the
15th to the 19th century. Hoian has 1,068 ancients houses, 19 pagodas, 43 temples, 23 communal
houses, 38 family temples, 5 assembly halls, 11 old wells, one bridge, 44 ancient tombs. In the old quarter,
there are more than 1000 relic sites. At leisure for the rest of day. Meal: Brunch on board
Day 5
Hoian ancient town - Cooking class
Take a bike to the downtown, stop by Hoi An’s colorful central market. Here you will have the
opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about the ingredients to be used in the cooking
lesson later. So make sure your camera is handy.
10:00 bike to Tra Que vegetable village. Welcome drink for rest and walk through the vegetable
gardens where local farmers work on their fields using the traditional methods of hundreds of years ago.
No electrical machinery here.
11:00 Work together with the chef. Learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. After the lesson, enjoy what you have cooked. After your lunch. Walking tour of the ancient town centre takes us to the sites of former merchants’
homes, the 400-year old Japanese Covered bridge and a Chinese Communal Hall. The Japanese
Covered bridge was the first bridge in Hoi An and was constructed in 1593. It was built by the Japanese
community of Hoi An to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was
provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun. Enjoy browsing and shopping in
one of the most colorful local marketplaces in all of southeast Asia. Free your time to relax or discover the hidden charm of Hoi An town.
Meal: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at Tra Que village
Day 6
Hoian - Hue Imperial
Breakfast at hotel. We leave Hoian to Hue (145km). On the way, you’ll have a brief look at the
remarkable Hindu statuary in the Cham Museum. Upon arrival Hue, Transfer to the hotel for check in.
We will visit the Imperial Citadel, from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The
sightseeing continues with a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market - fantastic to wander boulevards,
verdant parks and ochre buildings that retain an old-world charm. They sell all manner of items and is a
lively place to spend some time. Dong Ba is also famous for the best conical hats in Vietnam.
Tonight you will have a chance to enjoy a “Royal dinner“. Enjoy delicious food while listening to
melodious music and having a feeling of being the King and Queen. All wear traditional royal clothes.
All the food served is royal, including dishes reminiscent of dragon, phoenix, or peacock... Meal: Breakfast at hotel
Dinner at Phuoc Thanh restaurant in Hue
Day 7
Hue - Chi Minh City
Breakfast at hotel. Morning excursion boat trip along the romantic Perfume river carries us through a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes, where Hue’s best known religious sites are located. We
will visit Thien Mu pagoda - one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. We include this in a half day cruise on the Perfume River, which also gives us a taste of the scenic
countryside and an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of
gardens and lakes. This impressive landmark reflects the beautiful architecture, intricate decor and
mysterious statues. Afterwards we take a short drive though the rolling hills to see the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.
Free time at leisure until transfer to the airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour). You
are welcomed at Tan Son Nhat airport for a transfer to the hotel for check in. Meal: Breakfast at hotel.
Day 8
Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels
Breakfast at hotel. We drive to Cu Chi district, 50 km to the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon).
The incredible underground network in Cu Chi stretched over 200 kilometres and became legendary
during the American war. The extensive tunnels have been especially constructed with living areas,
storage facilities, weapon factories, filed hospitals, command centres, plus accommodation.
Today we have an excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels to visit an exposition hall and a widened section of the
tunnels to get a feel of the underground life. There are also possibilities to fire off rounds from an AK47
or MK16 at the nearby rifle range.
The following programme is a sightseeing of major sights in Ho Chi Minh City. First stop is Notre
Dame Catholic cathedral and short visit to the famous French built Post Office nearby and then we will visit the
War Remnants museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the
Vietnam war. Discover the history and fascinating street life of Saigon on a walking tour along Dong
Khoi street, known as Rue Catinat in French-colonial times. Free time at leisure. Meal: Breakfast at hotel
Day 9
Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Can Tho
Breakfast at hotel. We’ll take a scenic early morning drive to Vinh Long (140 km), stop for photos at
Tan An town over the flat rice fields. The program will start with the visit of Cai Be colorful floating
market cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Then, an optional stop can be made at
local workshops where you can see how rices paste, coconut candy and pop-rice and pop-corn are made.
It is most interesting to visit the handicraft village where you can see how they make some special
products: making rice-net for spring-rolls, fish sauce & soya sauce, cooking salt, sewing coconut-leaves
for cottage proof... A Mekong Delta lunch will be served under the shade of local orchards on An Binh
Island with the famous dish “Fried Mekong Elephant Ear Fish”.
After lunch, the rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals and to enjoy a
peaceful time. It is so interesting to see traditional houses made of wood and palm tree leaves and see
some activities of the local farmers with an opportunity to make contacts with them and see how they
catch fish or pick up fruits by ancestral ways in the Mekong Delta...
One more stop can be made at the nursery garden where you can learn how to have grow high quality
fruit trees. This is a great opportunity for you to contact the real famous farmers – Mr Tiger & his son, who
are very successful in Vietnamese agriculture. We will enjoy some different kinds of fruits from his garden & home
made rice wine when listening to traditional music.
The boat will take you to visit the floating village to see how people farm catfish under the houses. Meet
the driver in Vinh Long and transfer to Can Tho. Check into hotel upon arrival in Can Tho. Free time
at leisure. Meal: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at Ba Duc restaurant.
Day 10
Can Tho - Cai Rang floating market - Chau Doc
Breakfast at hotel. Early morning wake-up. Walk to Ninh Kieu pier for sampan to Cai Rang floating
market - one of the most interesting sights in the Delta are the floating markets, Cai Rang Floating
Market is open all day but it is busiest from sunrise to about 9am. Stops at a Bun Tau noodle factory
and a short trek before arriving at a rice-husking mill. You can even try passing one of the many fragile
monkey bridges along the canals. Good photoshoot. At the floating markets, you will discover a typical way of
displaying and advertising farm products of local people gathering on the Mekong river to trade their
goods.
After lunch, transfer to Chau Doc. On arrival, check in at the hotel, then take a boat to visit the unique
farms where fish are bred in wooden cages suspended under floating houses on the river. Continue by
boat to visit a village of houses built on stilts, belonging to the Cham minority, where colourful traditional textiles
are woven on old wooden looms. Meal: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at Con Khuong restaurant
Day 11
Chau Doc - Phnom Penh
Board a speed boat to Phnom Penh. Visa formalities take about 45 minutes at the border and Cambodian visas must be issued beforehand, as they are not available on the border at the present time.
Continue by river to Phnom Penh.
On arrival in Phnom Penh by boat from Chau Doc (1300hr), you are met by our guide and transfer to the hotel for check in. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon visit to the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. Meal: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
Day 12
Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel. The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh lies near the confluence of the Mekong and
Tonle Sap Rivers. This riverside town still maintains considerable charm despite its recent turbulent
history. We start the city tour which acquaints us with some major Phnom Penh sights. The private
quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal family and are therefore closed to the public.
At the northern area of the palace grounds is the Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. We
visit both structures as well as the National Museum, for an appreciation of the splendor of Khmer
history. Afterwards, we climb up a small hill to visit the legendary Wat Phnom and enjoy a fantastic view
over the surrounding areas.
Afternoon free time at leisure, then transfer to the Pochentong airport for a short flight to Siem
Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, you will be met by our local guide and transferred to your hotel for check in.
If time permits, climb Ba Kheng Temple, and enjoy a romantic sunset view form Bakheng hill. Meal: Breakfast at hotel
Day 13
Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
Breakfast at hotel. Siem Reap is our base for exploring the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor, which was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD. Upon leaving Siem Reap Town, we set off on a short drive to the archeological area and spend our time visiting the most striking structures. They are the South Gate of Angkor Thom which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon we visit the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat. We stroll around this massive monument, exploring the many galleries with columns , libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering
temple.
Enjoy a special dinner at Kulen restaurant with Apsara dance. Meal: Breakfast at hotel
Dinner at Kulen restaurant in Siem Reap
Day 14
Siem Reap - Angkor Temples - Departure
Breakfast at hotel. Morning we continue to the enchanting temple of the Banteay Srei, nearly
everyone's favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of
preservation, and the excellence of its decorative carvings. Then we visit the jungle covered temple of
Ta Prohm. It is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace the stone foundations of the structure, giving the impression of man's creation being
reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore the well-known Ta Prohm and other nearby
temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado.
Free leisure time for strolling at a local market for shopping until your transfer to Siem Reap International airport for your departure flight. Meal: Breakfast at hotel
Included:
- Hotel accommodation with twin or double sharing rooms as hotel below or similar
- Meals as mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Private transfer and transportation on tour
- Entrance fees as in the itinerary
- Sightseeing with local experience English speaking guides
- Mineral water with 1 bottle/ day/ pax
- Cyclo tour in Hanoi
- Sharing Speed boat from ChauDoc to PhnomPenh
- Overnight on board in Ha Long Bay with twin or double cabin
Not Included:
- All international airport tax
- International flights & domestic flights
- Early check in or late check out
- Visa arrangement & visa stamp
- Other meals with drinks
- Travel insurance
- Optional tours
- Other beverages, TIP and personal expenses
- All other services not clearly mentioned
- Surcharge for:
Christmas Day : 24 Dec – 25 Dec 2012
New Year : 31 Dec 2012 – 01 Jan 2013
Lunar New Year : 08 Feb 2013 – 15 Feb 2013
Hung King’s Death Anniversary : 17 Apr 2013 – 23 Apr 2013
Reunification Day & Labor Day : 27 Apr 2013 – 04 May 2013
National Independence Day 2013 : 31 Aug 2013 - 06 Sep 2013
Christmas Day 2013 : 24 Dec - 25 Dec, 2013
New Year 2014 : 31 Dec 2013 - 01 Jan 2014
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