Vietnam and Cambodia
Duration: 7 nights
Price: On request
Country: Vietnam
Description
Embark on an exquisite 7-day journey that takes you through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia, offering a blend of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, breathtaking natural landscapes, ancient marvels, and vibrant cultural experiences. With the guidance of local English-speaking experts, dive deep into the essence of Indochina, creating memories that will last a lifetime. This tour is meticulously designed to ensure a seamless travel experience, allowing you to delve into the region's rich culture and connect with its warm-hearted people without any stress.
Tour Highlights
A Memorable Cruise in Ha Long Bay: Set sail on a cruise through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, a New Seven Wonder of the World, known for its thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests.
Historic Cu Chi Tunnels: Gain insights into the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people during the war with a visit to the extensive network of Cu Chi tunnels.
Comprehensive Angkor Tour: Witness the grandeur of Angkor, one of Southeast Asia's most significant archaeological sites, as you explore its ancient temples and ruins at sunset, culminating in a special dinner featuring an Apsara dance performance.
Hanoi's Cultural Charms: Discover Hanoi's major landmarks and be enchanted by a traditional Water Puppetry show, showcasing the unique folk art of northern Vietnam.
Dynamic Ho Chi Minh City: Contrast the tranquil beauty of Hanoi with the energetic vibe of Ho Chi Minh City, visiting iconic sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the lively Ben Thanh Market on guided city tours.
Life on the Mekong Delta: Experience the lifeblood of the region with a visit to the Mekong Delta, where life flourishes on the water amid floating markets, boats, and homes.
Vietnamese Independence at Cu Chi: Learn about Vietnam's struggle for independence through the intricate Cu Chi tunnels that played a crucial role in the conflict with American troops.
Ha Long Bay Adventures: Engage in an array of activities aboard your overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, including kayaking, swimming, bamboo boat riding, squid fishing, a cooking class, Tai Chi, and more.
This meticulously curated tour combines the must-visit sites of Vietnam and Cambodia with unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, offering an unparalleled exploration of these captivating countries.
Itinerary
Day one
On arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai airport, your local tour guide and driver will pick you up and transfer to the centre of Hanoi to check-in at your hotel.
After some relaxation time you will visit The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. You can stop at Ba Dinh Square and take photos of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum from outside. You will then visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and then take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
You will then head back to your hotel for your first nights’ stay.
Day two
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel you will commence your journey East through picturesque rice-farming villages of the Red River Delta, where we see everyday Vietnamese village life en route to Halong Bay, a Natural World Heritage as designated by UNESCO since 1994 and 2006.
Upon arrival in Halong, you will transfer to the pier and board a charming traditional wooden junk for cruising through the Bay.
The cruise passes by rock formations with such names as Stone Dog, Incense Burner (Dinh Huong), and Fighting Cock (Ga Choi) while a seafood lunch will be served on board.
At the core of the islets, there is a wonderful cave to visit called Thien Cung (Heavenly Residence Grotto). You visit the cave or just choose to relax on the boat. After 4 hours of cruising and exploring the Bay, you disembark at Halong pier and return to Hanoi for your second nights’ stay.
Day three
After enjoying your breakfast at your Hanoi Hotel you will be met and transferred to Ho Chi Minh City Airport (Saigon) the most hectic and busiest city of Vietnam
The flight time is just over two hours and upon arrival you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the centre of Saigon to check in to your hotel.
After some relaxation you will begin your city tour to the Reunification Palace, formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president. This 60s style palace was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam.
It has been preserved to its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.
You will then to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions.
You will pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre dame Cathedral (outside due to construction) and the Central Post Office.
You will then head back to your hotel for your first nights stay in Saigon.
Day four
After breakfast at your hotel you will be met and start your day by driving to My Tho the homeland of coconut and family factories with local products like coconut candy, rice paper.
Upon arrival, embark on the boat cruising on the mighty Mekong River viewing the life to the local people live along the banks. You will stop at one of 4 islands in the area for sightseeing.
You will also enjoy the fresh tropical fruits served in the heart of the garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music at the plantation.
Afterwards you will embark on the small boats rowed the local people through the small cannels with water coconut tree to visit the local factories.
There you will taste the honey tea and see the local people produce the coconut candy milk and of course you also can try it or stroll in the garden where the locals feed honeybee.
After that enjoy the horse-cart trip through the tranquil road of the village. You will continue getting on the big boat to visit the vast area.
You will then enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant and the drive back to Saigon with a stop to visit Vinh Trang pagoda en route, a famous pogoda in the area that its architecture is a mix of Chinese, Cambodian, and French culture.
You will then arrive back at your hotel for some free time and dinner.
Day five
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel you will check out as you will be travelling to Cambodia.
Before your flight you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Located 60km from Saigon, Cu Chi is now a popular spot for both Vietnamese & foreign tourists – the network of over 200km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the War. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens.
After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside.
After this fascinating trip you will transfer to Saigon Airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will clear customs and collect your baggage and be met by your local tour guide and transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day will be free for you to start exploring the local area and have dinner.
Day six
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be met to start your tour.
You will explore South Gate of Angkor Thom known as Big Angkor, 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire.
You will visit The famous Bayon Temple which was an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century.
You will then visit Terrace of the Elephants, an impressive, two and a half meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and gradual that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon a huge temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom
You will also visit the Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas an impressive site of sandstone pyramid.
Next to the Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants, a double terrace wall with deeply carved nag as, demons and other mythological beings.
Your last visit this morning will be Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty! Giant trees have grown here for centuries.
In the afternoon you will enjoy lunch and start your sightseeing again by visiting Angkor Wat temple, the Cambodia's ancient temple, one of the wonders of the oriental world. With masterpieces of decorative details as well as its architectural style, the awe-inspiring ruins survive as testament to the spectacular achievements of Southeast Asia's greatest civilization.
It is a replica of the universe according to the Hindu mythology. It was composed by Mount Meru, surrounded by the continents and the oceans. Its extraordinary bas-reliefs, describe some Khmer epics and myths.
Angkor Wat's five famous towers rise into the sky, a geometrical arrangement of numerous galleries, adorned with beliefs and the stone images of celestial Apsara dancers, as well as portals, chambers and courtyards.
After this fascinating day you will transfer back to your hotel for free time and explore the area and enjoy dinner.
Day seven
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will transfer back to the airport for your flights home. Depending on chose flights you may have some time for last minute shopping or sightseeing.
Includes
All international and internal flights.
Accommodation in 4 star hotels in a twin or double room.
Daily breakfast and lunches at selected points during your day.
All transportation in a Air conditioned vehicle.
Coach tours for Halong Bay, Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.
English speaking guides in Vietnam and Cambodia. (Different guides for each country)
Water during the day and whilst touring.
All entrance fees for activities mentioned in the program.
Items to budget for:
Visas.
Any early check in or late check out at the hotels.
Gratuities given to drivers/waiters etc.
Anything else not mentioned in the program.
