BEST VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA TOUR

* Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival – Hanoi Sightseeing Tour
Day 2: Hanoi Full Day City Tour
Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay – Halong Cruising Tour
Day 4: Halong Bay Tour to Hue Citadel – Hue City Tour
Day 5: Hue Sightseeing Tour to Hoian Ancient Town
Day 6: Hoian Full Day Sightseeing Tour
Day 7: Hoian – Danang – Saigon City Tour
Day 8: Saigon Package Tour to Tay Ninh – Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 9: Saigon Tour to Mekong Delta
Day 10: Saigon to Cambodia – Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tour
Day 11: Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tour to Siem Reap
Day 12: Angkor Watt Sightseeing Tour
Day 13: Angkor Watt Package Tour
Day 14: Siem Reap – Departure

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL – HA NOI

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to your hotel. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old world charm and some of Asia’s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for a relaxing atmosphere.

If time permits we enjoy a short cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.

O/N in Ha Noi.

DAY 2 – HA NOI FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR (B/-/-)

Today we commence our exploration of Hanoi with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city.

We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. Later on, we will take a short visit to the Hilton Prison where Vietnamese soldiers captured & detained American pilots from 1967 till 1973 to learn more about the history of Vietnam war against American Imperialists. In the afternoon, visiting the outlaying Ethnological Museum is also a major part of our sightseeing.

This gleaming mansion is dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic group s. Afterwards we drive to the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. They are some major highlights set by the beautiful West Lake. We also visit the old quarters and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theater where we will see a fantastic performance.

O/N in Ha Noi.

DAY 3 – HALONG BAY ON FLAMINGO CRUISE (B/L/D)

7:30 – 08:30: Our SHUTTLE BUS with tour guide will pick you up at your hotels (Note: This pick-up is just applicable for those who use our shuttle bus service)

10h30: Stopover in Hai Duong city where you can experience our hand-made Vietnamese handicraft products.

12h30: Arrive in Tuan Chau Marina Pier (Tuan Chau Island). Followed by activities:

+ Boarding FLAMINGO CRUISEs for departure.

+ Welcome drink will be served and cruise briefing, safety instructions, check-in cabins by Cruise Manager.

+ Great lunch is served while cruising passing by islets, through Hoa Cuong floating village.

+ Exploration of Halong Bay passing by Soi Sim Beach, Coconut Three Island. Then arrive in the area of Surprising Cave.

+ Kayaking & swimming or climbing up to the mountain and getting a complete view of Halong Bay at Titov Beach

+ Joining our COOKING CLASS on the sun-deck. Learn how to make the fresh/fried spring rolls and mix fish-sauce.

+ Enjoy a sunset party with fruit and wine.

19:30: Under the magnificent night sky, Our luxury set-menu dinner is served with a variety of Vietnamese and Asian foods.

Evening activities include:

+ Join the SQUID FISHING on a boat with our crew. You can enjoy the squid cooked with assistance from our chef.

+ Or Relax yourself with our happy-hour drinks at the bar.

Overnight on Flamingo Cruise.

DAY 4 –HALONG CRUISE TOURS – HA NOI – FLIGHT TO HUE – HUE PACKAGE TOUR (B/L)

06:15: Tai Chi class on the Sun-deck.

07:15: Have breakfast with Coffee, tea and Bakeries on board.

08:00: Visit the SURPRISING CAVE (Hang Sung Sot) discovered by the French in 1901. Opened for tourists since 1936, now it is a must-see and a symbol for the geological value of Halong.

09:30: Check out time. Then relax on the sun-deck or inside the restaurant to enjoy the bay’s scenery.

10h15: Enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch while cruising back to the pier.

12:00: Disembarkation at Tuan Chau Pier. Our car will be at your disposal to pick you up then drive back to Hanoi.

16:00: Arrive in Hanoi.

Arriving in Hanoi,  you will be transferred to Noi Bai airport for an afternoon flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you will be escorted by our guide & driver then driven to your hotel for a drop of your luggage.

By the end of the day, we will have one more chance to take a glancing tour of Hue with a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies.

O/N in Hue.

DAY 5 –HUE CITY TOUR – DA NANG CITY – HOI AN SIGHTSEEING TOUR (B)

After breakfast at hotel, we enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the beautiful riverside Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious work ship in Hue. Then we continue to discover Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945 including Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace, and Forbidden Purple City.

The city tour in Hue includes with a chance to see a Royal musical performance of Hue (which is listed also as one of cultural UNESCO World Heritages) In the afternoon, we will departure to Danang. The scenic 4-hour drive via Hai Van Pass Hoi An, which was originally one of major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century.  Hoian town is now not only an UNESCO World Heritage, but a real live museum.

We start by visiting Hoi An Town with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, brightly painted temples and pagodas make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam.

O/N in Hoi An.

DAY 6 – HOI AN FULL DAY OFF SIGHTSEEING TOUR (B)

Hoi An, which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market.

We include these sites in an enchanting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town’s multi-cultural past

The rest of time, you will be free on your own.

O/N in Hoi An.

DAY 7 –HOI AN PACKAGE TOUR – DA NANG – FLIGHT TO SAI GON CITY (B)

After having breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to Da Nang airport for a short morning flight to Ho Chi Minh. On arrival you are met by our guide and transferred to the hotel. This metropolis, in contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, exciting numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. An afternoon will acquaints us with some major sights of Ho Chi Minh. We drive past many lively streets on our way to the Reunification Palace.

This mansion was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We follow these with a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War remnant exhibit. The final stop is Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale!.

O/N in Ho Chi Minh.

DAY 8 – SAI GON PACKAGE TOUR TO TAY NINH – CU CHI TUNNELS TOUR  (B)

The incredible underground network in Cu Chi stretched over 200 kilometers and became legendary during the American war. The extensive tunnels have specially constructed with living areas, 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. Upon leaving Cu Chi we drive a short distance to Tay Ninh, the headquarters of Cao Dai Sect . This religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers over 2 million members. We arrive in time to see the ornate temple of Cao Dai and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes. These costumes are a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.

O/N in Ho Chi Minh.

DAY 9 – HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELUXE GROUP TOUR (B/L)

PICK UP: 7:30am – 8:15am RETURN: 17:30pm

ROUTE: HCMC – My Tho – Ben Tre – HCMC

Highlight: A trip to Mekong Delta to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and the rich culture of the vibrant southern Delta region. Boating down the river to experience the local life, fishing port, fishing floating house, enjoy the local folk song music and seasonal fresh fruit.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and start your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands. Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around country lane and seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation. Ride in a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.

Have lunch at a local restaurant. Break time. In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammock relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those can’t join the cycling trip. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 10 – SAI GON PACKAGE TOUR – FLIGHT TO PHNOM PENH – CAMBODIA – PHNOM PENH HALF DAY CITY TOUR (B)

After morning breakfast, we take you to the airport for flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival at Po Chen Tong Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel.

In the afternoon, we have a half day city tour to discover Phnom Penh – capital city of Phnom Penh was once considered the loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent history, it still maintains considerable charm. A city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh.

The private quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal family. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred shrine in the country. We visit both structures as well as the legendary temple of Wat Phnom, which provides an interesting view over the environs.

O/N in Phnom Penh.

DAY 11 –PHNOM PENH SIGHTSEEING TOUR – FLIGHT TO SIEM REAP (B)

Phnom Penh is famous for history begins with Lady Penh who discovered five Buddha images concealed in a tree and had a pagoda named Wat Phnom Don Penh built on that spot. The city that took its name from the pagoda was founded nearly a century later, becoming the capital in 1866.

Today we continue seeing Phnom Penh with the Royal University of Fine Arts, where the young Cambodians learn the ancient arts of their ancestors. The sight of numerous children practicing the graceful movements of the beautiful national dances is impressive. The next stop of our trip is the National Museum, exclusively dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th centuries, but some date from as early as the 4th century.

Heading out of town we visit the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek, which will give us a deep insight into the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. We have time for an exploration of Psar Toul Tom Pong, also called the “Russian Market”, where you can purchase just about anything.

In the afternoon, You have lunch (your own account) before we transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for short flight to Siem Reap. On arrival met and transfer to hotel for check in.

O/N at Siem Reap.

DAY 12 – ANGKOR WATT SIGHTSEEING TOUR (B)

Upon arrival in Siem Reap airport, met and welcome by our friendly guide, then transfer direct to hotel. Check in. visit to South Gate of Angkor Thom, the famous Bayon, Baphoun, the Terrace of Temple, Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King.

It is time to visit the Angkor National Museum and visit one of the great wonders of the world and symbol of the heart and soul of the Cambodia, Angkor Wat and view wonderful sunset from the top of Phnom Bakheng Hills. Tonight you will enjoy dinner with Khmer Apsara Dance Show.

* Optional for elephant riding at Bayon temple or ride up/down at Bakheng.

O/N at Siem Reap.

DAY 13 – ANGKOR WATT PACKAGE TOUR (B/L/-)

Optional for view sunrise (early morning)

Breakfast at the hotel

We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers, Pre Rup, East Mebon, and Neak Poan.

Visit Krovan, Royal Bath of Srah Srang and Banteay Kdei temples. Lunch at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel

O/N at Siem Reap.

DAY 14 – SIEM REAP – DEPARTURE (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

We board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake. Here, enjoy a brief cruise past floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals.

Free leisure for your own time for strolling at local market for shopping until transfer to Siem Reap International airport departure flight.

End of Service!!!

*Inclusion:

• Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
• Domestic Air-tickets: Hanoi – Hue, Da Nang – Saigon
• Accommodation in hotels (Twin / Double shared room)
• Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch & D = Dinner
• Regional English or French speaking guide
• Entrance fee to indicated sights
• Water puppet show
• Cyclo trip in the Old Quarters in Hanoi
• Boat trip in Mekong Delta.
• Cruising trip in Halong Bay
• Pure bottled water & wipes
• Visa Approval Letter to Vietnam

*Exclusions:

International flights (Saigon – Phnom Penh), Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance,…