15-Day Luxury Journey Through Vietnam and Cambodia

Discovery of the most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments of Hanoi:

• The Temple of Literature , the symbol of feudal education and one of the emblems of Hanoi.

Built 1,000 years ago, this Confucian temple was an institution where royal sons and mandarins studied. It was also the site of competitions for the country's most talented students, the winners of which became scholars and high officials of Vietnam's feudal dynasties.

• Ba Dinh Square where the former palace of the governor of Indochina, the mausoleum and the house of Ho Chi Minh are located.
• The Ethnography Museum, an extensive collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts, reflecting the history and cultures of Vietnam's diverse ethnic communities.
• In the evening, there will be a show at the water puppet theatre – a traditional art form unique to Vietnamese culture.

The colorful wooden puppets are manipulated by hand by the artists using sticks and bamboo sections underwater. This is a special and fascinating art unique to the Northern Vietnamese.

Overnight at the hotel.

Departure for Ninh Binh – a region known for its limestone karsts, towering rock formations, and rice fields, flooded by rivers and lakes throughout the year.

Your first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam (960-1009). Visit the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, nestled at the foot of a picturesque valley surrounded by rice fields and limestone peaks. Learn about Vietnam's rich history, especially the thousand-year conflict against Chinese troops, with Kings Dinh and Le as the first victors and unifiers of the nation.

Then transfer to Tam Coc , bike ride and relaxation to discover this fabulous region.

A vast landscape area including sugarloaf rock formations, rice fields and rivers. Boat trips on the Ngo Dong River, through the sugarloaf mountains, will allow you to fully enjoy the lush surrounding nature.

Afternoon, boat trip on the Ngo Dong River to discover Tam Coc. This long river winds between rice fields, sugar loaves and passes under the three caves at the foot of the limestone peaks.

Overnight at the hotel

Departure for Halong Bay, Vietnam's most stunning bay and one of the most enchanting landscapes in Asia. Upon arrival, board a traditional junk for a spectacular cruise through the iconic waters of Halong Bay. You'll be welcomed by the crew before setting off on your journey, beginning with the exploration of Bai Tu Long Bay (the northern part of Halong Bay).

Marvel at the scenic islands and islets, each with unique shapes resembling a sail, dog, rooster, or incense burner. Visit the breathtaking Thien Canh Son Cave, filled with ancient stalagmites and stalactites that date back thousands of years.

The cruise continues to Cap La, where you'll have the opportunity to kayak and swim in the bay’s crystal-clear waters, weather permitting. As the afternoon winds down, relax on the upper deck of the junk, taking in the peaceful surroundings.

Later, participate in a culinary demonstration on board, where you'll learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes such as nems or spring rolls. Enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner featuring traditional cuisine and fresh seafood.

The evening is yours to relax, whether you choose to enjoy card games, try your hand at night fishing, or simply unwind. Spend the night aboard the junk, surrounded by the tranquility of Halong Bay.

Wake up at dawn to witness the stunning sunrise over the bay’s limestone karsts and join a peaceful Tai Chi session on deck. Then, take a boat or kayak to explore the fishing village of Vung Vieng, with the chance to meet local villagers.

Enjoy lunch on board before disembarking and returning to Hanoi. In the evening, catch a flight to Hue, the ancient imperial city in central Vietnam.

Spend the night at Ancient Hue Garden House, a chic, poetic, and charming retreat.

Begin your day with a tour of Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam (1802-1945):

• Visit the Imperial City, home to the 13 Nguyen kings for 143 years.
• Explore the Mausoleum of Minh Mang, the emperor known for having 142 children with 43 concubines.
• Stroll through Phu Mong Village, known for its garden houses that are integral to Hue’s imperial identity.
• Visit either the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most beautiful and visited pagoda, or the serene Tu Hieu Pagoda, where tombs of Nguyen dynasty eunuchs rest. Depending on the time, you may witness a monk prayer session.
• Stop at Dong Ba Market, the largest and oldest market in Hue, famous for local specialties like conical hats and traditional tunic dresses.

In the evening, experience a royal dinner in costume. Immerse yourself in Vietnamese royal culture with traditional dishes prepared from ancient recipes, all while dressed in royal costumes and enjoying live musical performances and traditional dances.

Overnight at Ancient Hue Garden House, a chic, poetic, and charming accommodation.

Embark on a road journey to Hoi An, a charming ancient town located 150 km south of Hue. Along the way, enjoy several scenic stops:

• Admire the long, pristine beaches of Thuan An and Lang Co, still relatively untouched by tourism. Pass by large lagoons dotted with local fish farms.
• Cross the Hai Van Pass (Col des Nuages), the highest pass in central Vietnam, serving as a natural climatic divide between the north and south. From the summit, take in panoramic views of Lang Co and Da Nang Bay.
• See the “Ghost Towns,” clusters of tomb-castles along the roadside, featuring a blend of Asian architectural styles that resemble miniature luxurious cities from afar.

Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon for check-in and an overnight stay at your hotel.

Start your morning with a leisurely bike ride through the tranquil countryside of Hoi An. After breakfast, head towards Van Lang Fishing Village and the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, an area surrounded by canals and lush water coconut trees that has preserved its authenticity. Along the way, pass through rice fields, cornfields, vegetable gardens, and charming hamlets. Stop for photos and visit craft workshops, boat-building sites, and wooden junk factories.

Upon arrival in Van Lang Village, enjoy a round basket boat ride through coconut-lined rivers. Relax as you take in the stunning scenery, and try your hand at shrimp fishing, learning unique local techniques.

After disembarking, settle in with a local family for lunch, where you'll savor traditional dishes prepared by your hosts.

In the afternoon, return to the city to explore Hoi An, often hailed as "the most charming city in Vietnam." Enjoy a walking tour of the old quarter, visiting:

• Fujian Shrine, dedicated to the patron goddess of fishermen and sailors.
• Phuc Thanh Pagoda, Hoi An’s oldest, built in 1454.
• The iconic Japanese Bridge, constructed in 1593, linking the Chinese and Japanese quarters.
• Wander through ancient alleys, museums, and centuries-old wooden houses.
• Visit silk and lantern shops, with the option to have custom-made clothing crafted in local silk shops.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Enjoy a completely free day for relaxation or personal exploration in Hoi An.

• You can shop in the old quarter for lacquerware, handicrafts, or have custom-made clothing tailored in one of the renowned silk shops.
• If you prefer, take a cycling trip to the surrounding countryside to visit traditional villages known for vegetable farming, pottery, and carpentry.
• Alternatively, unwind on the beautiful Eastern Sea beaches of Cua Dai or An Bang, located near Hoi An (weather permitting).

In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your chauffeur and transferred to your hotel for the night.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, embark on a city tour starting with Colonial Saigon:

• Visit the iconic Ben Thanh Market, a symbol of the city.
• See the People's Committee Headquarters, formerly the Central City Hall, renowned as the most beautiful colonial-era building in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Stop by the War Museum, which documents Saigon’s history during the American-Vietnamese War (1954-1975).

In the afternoon, explore Traditional Saigon:

• Visit the Vietnam Traditional Medicine Museum, home to an extensive collection of artifacts and instruments related to Vietnamese traditional medicine, which dates back over 3,000 years.
• Explore Cho Lon Chinatown, including the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Heavenly Lady. Chinatown is the largest Chinese-Vietnamese community in Vietnam, home to nearly half a million ethnic Chinese.

Overnight at the hotel.

Begin your journey to the Mekong Delta, a unique region of land and water in southern Vietnam.

Arrive in Ben Tre, a town nestled among the northern arms of the river, known for its coconut industry. Take a boat trip along the rivers to reach Nhon Thanh, a lesser-known rural area famous for coconut products like coconut, coconut thread, and activated coconut carbon. Stop at traditional brickyards to learn about brick-making processes and enjoy a tasting of local fruits and honey tea in a serene garden setting.

Continue your adventure with a bike ride or Xe loi (motorized cyclo) through the green island, richly covered with coconut plantations. Follow scenic paths under the shade of coconut trees, away from the tourist crowds, and stop at local farms to observe the production of coconut candy and woven mats.

Next, take a small rowing boat ride through the palm-lined arroyos, offering an immersive glimpse into daily life in the delta.

In the afternoon, drive to Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta. Check in at Azerai Can Tho, a peaceful resort on a private island on the Hau River. This exclusive property provides a tranquil escape, close to local attractions yet removed from the city’s bustle.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Rise early and board a boat for a trip on the Mekong River to visit the lively Cai Rang Floating Market, where a vibrant display of boats brimming with fruits, vegetables, and goods awaits.

After the market visit, return to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Spend the day exploring the mystical temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire (9th-15th century):

• Visit Angkor Wat, dedicated to Vishnu, the supreme god of Hinduism, and considered the pinnacle of Khmer art and architecture.
• Explore Angkor Thom, a vast 10 km² fortified city that once housed a million people. Discover its iconic landmarks, including the towering statues of the South Gate, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the remarkable Bayon Temple, featuring 54 towers adorned with 216 faces of Avalokitesvara, the Buddhist goddess of compassion.

Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon. The evening is free, with an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a visit to the magnificent temples of the Small and Large Circuits:

• Banteay Srei Temple (Citadel of Women), renowned for its intricate carvings of Apsaras and deities in pink sandstone.
• Explore the sacred temples of Takeo, Banteay Kdei, and the awe-inspiring Ta Prohm, a Buddhist monastery engulfed by gigantic tree roots, giving it a mystical, otherworldly appearance.

End the day with a sunset view from the mountain temple of Pre Rup.

Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, enjoy a touching excursion to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia. Visit the authentic and non-touristy floating village of Kompong Khleang, where you'll explore stilt houses, floating rafts, the local market, pagoda, and a primary school filled with smiling children. Gain insight into the daily life of local fishermen.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure until it's time to transfer to the airport for your return flight.

This marks the end of your luxurious 15-day journey through Vietnam and Cambodia with Kampá Tour. Safe travels!