From Hanoi to Angkor: 14 Days through Vietnam and Cambodia

Embark on a tour around Hanoi. We will drive along along tree-lined avenues to discover Hanoi’s most cultural and historical monuments:

First of all, we make a visit to the recently excavated Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the first political stronghold of the millennial capital. Continue to Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam under Ly and Tran dynasties. This ancient site offers a chance to take photos of turtle steles, pavilions, courtyards and passageways that were once used by royalty. 

Then together we head to Ba Dinh Square, the complex of former Indochina Governor Palace which is close to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his stilt house. Another highlight of the trip is Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – the collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary ethnic objects from all corners of Vietnam. 

After touring, we enjoy Water puppet shows which is recognized as an UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

At night, it is your own time strolling around the Old Square to witness the daily life of Hanoians. Please feel free to taste some street food, have some beers or cocktails at local bars, and immerse yourself in the vivid colors of Hanoi at night.  Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Morning depart for Halong by shuttle bus (without private guide), the most beautiful bay of Vietnam, one of the most beautiful landscapes of Asia. Located 180 km east of Hanoi and close to China, Halong is an expanse of water, about 1500 km². It is famous for thousands of limestone karsts of all shapes and sizes emerging from the emerald waters, with magnificent cellars eroded in the islands and islets over the centuries by the wind and the sea.  On arrival, welcome by cruise staff and embark with the shuttle boat for short transfer (approximately 5 minutes) to the main cruise. Welcome cocktail and check-in on board. 

Enjoy your lunch while cruise passing by some of the most scenic locations mountains and a floating village. In the afternoon, swimming, kayaking if weather permitted (Kayak is on your own expense). Do not miss the chance to capture breath taking and sunset scene on the bay. In the evening, dinner is served while the cruise anchored in quiet water area. Overnight on board.

Note: The itinerary and activities of the cruise may vary according to the proposed junks.

In the early morning, greet the morning as the first ray shines through thousands karst of the bay. We then visit caves of Halong Bay including the French-baptized “Surprise Cave”, study stalagmites and stalactites which date back thousands of years ago.  Have brunch on board.

Return to Hanoi at the end of the afternoon then transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Hue. Overnight at hotel in Hue. 

Note: The itinerary and activities of the cruise may vary according to the proposed junks.

Day 5: Hue full day tour (Meal: B)

Today is a day dedicated to explore Hue – the last imperial capital of Vietnam between 1802 and 1945.  We visit Imperial City – the residence and workplace of 13 Nguyen kings for 143 years. This Imperial City was finally completed under the reign of Minh Mang, making it the most massive structure being built in the history of modern Vietnam involving thousands of workers,

We then head to Gia Long Tomb – the founder of Nguyen Dynasty or of Ming Mang Emperor who was famous for fathering 142 royal offspring with his 43 concubines.

The tour continues to visit garden houses in residential area which still retains images of the ancient royal heritages and artifacts in Phu Mong village. The garden system contains various types of gardens: house garden, tomb garden, pagoda garden, palace garden and royal garden. Flowers in Hue garden house are planted according to certain layer principals and hundreds of types of flower blossom throughout a year. 

From the old village, we go along the Perfume river to visit Thien Mu Pagoda –  the most visited pagoda in Hue or Tu Hieu Pagoda – the burial site of Nguyen Dynasty’s eunuchs. If time permits, we visit Dong Ba Market – the largest and oldest market of Hue. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Departure for Hoi An, a small old town located 150 km south of Hue, the off-the-beaten route along the wild coast of the eastern sea and the route to the Cloud Pass. Several visits and stops are planned along the way: First the beautiful bays of the turquoise water of Lang Co and Da Nang, long pristine beaches Thuan An and Lang Co; here you could sightsee the large lagoons with local fish farms in several types. Then we reach Cloud Pass, the highest pass of Vietnam Center, a climatic dam between the North and the South will offer you a view overlooking the entire coastline of Da Nang.

Along the way you can visit small factories and stores of melaleuca oil. The widely cultivated melaleuca in the area yields oil which is used by local residents in the treatment of joint, respiratory and digestive diseases.

Highlight of the trip today is “An Bang Ghost city” - the picturesque cemetery along the road with many stunning tombs. They are recognized from faraway as luxury castles finely carved in different Asian architectures. You will have opportunity to discover the original custom "Double burial" of Vietnamese, accordingly, the exhumation must take place 3 or 4 years after the initial burial. The bones are collected and then placed in a terracotta coffin to be transplanted, from that moment, the deceased will rest eternally.

Arrival in Hoi An in the afternoon and overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

We have a full day in one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric and historical town. Once a major port in the Central coast of Vietnam, it inherits the ancient architecture and beguiling riverside setting that offers tourists a throwback to the past. 

In this day we visit: 

• Phuc Kien temple: although it’s still referred to as an assembly hall by many, the buildings and grounds have long been used as a temple to worship goddess who protects fishermen and sailors by the descendants of Chinese families in Hoi An. 
• Phuc Thanh pagoda: the most ancient one of it kind in Hoi An (Since 1454)
• Japanese bridge: Built in 1593 which connects Chinese and Japanese area in the town. 
• Old alley and ancient houses which are witnesses of hundred years gone by
• Shops where colorful silk and lantern can be found. Tourists might me amazed by the speedy service for tailor made clothes. It is rare chance for you to buy clothes which specially made by your size within just 24 hours
• Afternoon, we explore the fish village of Van Lang and the coconut forest of Bay Mau, surrounded by multiple canals, mangrove forests, coconut palms which are still very authentic. The route crossing fields of rice, maize, lush gardens, friendly hamlets, handicraft factories, and boat building workshops will offer you beautiful stops of photos as well as interesting visits. Arrival at the village of Van Lang, welcome by open and nice boatmen and then departure for a basket-boat trip round river coconut trees. Admire beautiful landscapes, relax then try the techniques of shrimp catching before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Hoi An.

Today is your free day in Hoi An. There are many suggestions of activities you can join with your friends and family in this lovely town: Cycling through the peaceful rural area of Hoi An along beautiful green rice field, enjoy the candle light and roses in the most romantic restaurants in Hoian along Thu Bon river, soak up the sunshine on beautiful nearby beaches (Cua Dai and An Bang), taste famous street food in Hoi An sold in street vendors to explore the harmony combination of spice used in local culinary culture… Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

In the morning transfer to Da Nang International Airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the capital of the South. Upon arrival, be welcomed by our guide at the airport then transfer to your hotel. 

In the afternoon, if time permits, we go on a city tour passing by the hallmarks of the city which used to be called “The Gem of Far East”, Cathedral of Notre Dame which is built by the French in 1880, the first basilica of Vietnam, Central Post Office which is an iconic symbol of Saigon mixing of Gothic, Renaissance and French architecture, Former Catinat Street (now Dong Khoi Street) with a score of restored French buildings, Headquarter of the People’s Committee of Chi Minh City (formerly Central Park) which is considered as the most beautiful colonial building of the city. 

If we still have time, continue to visit War Remnants Museum – Ho Chi Minh city’s past during the years of the American-Vietnamese War (1954-1975), Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine to discover traditional Vietnamese medicine dating back more than 3000 years old ago. 

The tour concludes with Cho Lon (Chinatown) with the Temple of the Celestial Lady and Ben Thanh Market - the representative image of Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the morning, we departure for the Mekong Delta. Originating from the high plateau of Tibet on the Himalayan ranges, the Mekong is one of the longest rivers in the world running through several countries in South-East Asia before throwing itself into the sea. 

First we stop by Ben Tre, a local village located in the heart of the Northern branch of the river. From here, we boat trip on to reach Mo Cay which is famous for products made from coconut. To go around, we will take a ride or Xe Loi (motorized cyclo) on this green island abundantly covered with coconut plantations. The route away from the mass touristic area leads you to small paths under the shade of coconut palms that offer a particularly poetic landscape. On the way, we stop at farms to observe the manufacture of sweets and coconut brooms.

The highlight of trip is travelling on small rowing boat through canal surrounded by water palms to soak up the daily life of the delta. We then continue to a traditional house of Mr. Van, tasting of local specialties made by his wife: coconut jam, honey tea and pollen ...while talking with the local residents. Local lunch will be served at a restaurant by the river Cai Cam (On your own budget). 

Enjoy free time at your leisure until your flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, where you'll begin exploring the second city on our Vietnam Cambodia tour. Siem Reap, which translates to the "Defeat of Siam," is the most thriving region in modern Cambodia. Its close proximity to the Angkor Wat temple complex has transformed the city into one of the world's foremost travel destinations. Spend the night in Siem Reap as you embark on your adventures in this remarkable city.

Today is a full day dedicated to exploring the mystical Angkor Wat. In the morning, you will visit the "Great City" of Angkor Thom, which includes renowned sites like the Bayon Temple, Phimeanakas Temple within the Royal Palace enclosure, Baphuon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the most famous and magnificent temple of all, Angkor Wat. In the evening, you will be transferred to a restaurant for dinner accompanied by an Apsara dance show. Enjoy your overnight stay at a hotel in Siem Reap.

Today you will have the chance to explore other impressive temples:

Banteay Srey: loosely translates to ‘citadel of the women,’ but this is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art.

Ta Prohm: This quiet, sprawling monastic complex is only partially cleared of jungle overgrowth. Intentionally left partially unrestored, massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors offering some of the best ‘tree-in-temple’ photo opportunities at Angkor. Flocks of noisy parrots flit from tree to tree adding to the jungle atmosphere. Continue to visit Mebon temple. Enjoy sunset at Pre Rup Temple. Overnight in SiemReap. 

Free at your own leisure until your flight time. Say goodbye to SiemReap and we wish you a good journey ahead. End of our tour.