17 days discovering Vietnam and Cambodia

Arrival in Hanoi, our driver will pick you up to hotel for taking your package

10AM, our guide will come hotel and pick you up to discover Hanoi city tour.

Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Visit the Stilt House and One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.

Lunch by your own account

In the afternoon, you will discover Hoa Lo Prison - Most exhibits relate to the prison’s use up to the mid-1950s, focusing on the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France. A gruesome relic is the ominous French guillotine, used to behead Vietnamese revolutionaries. There are also displays focusing on the American pilots who were incarcerated at Hoa Lo during the American War

Arrival in Ninh Binh, you will visit Hoa Lu, an ancient capital dating back to the 10th century, packed with temple & fortress ruins.

Then you will visit the Temple of King Dinh and King Le and learn more about Vietnamese history under the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties.

Lunch by your own account 

In the afternoon, you will visit Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on the land”, where you can spend 1.5 hours on the bamboo boat to explore this area. On this excursion down the Ngo Dong River, you will pass through the beautiful paddy fields, limestone karst formation, and a stunning cave system including Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba for an unforgettable experience.

We continue to visit Mua Cave, also known as the “Great Wall of China” in Vietnam, and climb 500 steps to reach the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain, overlooking the amazing view of the city and Tam Coc below.

Back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi

In the morning you will depart Hanoi at 08:30 for a three and a half hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay City. On the way, you will stop for refreshments, and upon arriving in Halong City, you will take a tender transfer to your junk and set sail through the bay while lunch is served. As you cruise the magical bay, you will notice thousands of sculpted limestone islands rising from the waves like dragons' teeth. Back on board, you'll enjoy cocktails or a cooking class while watching the sunset, and later you can unwind at a restaurant with a lavish dinner. To end the day, you can enjoy some evening activities such as movie night, board games, or a beauty treatment, before an overnight stay on the junk.

***Special Note: Cruise Itineraries may be subject to change due to weather condition without prior notice.

Wake up on the bay to the sounds of waves and bird welcoming the new day. You will have an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit a beautiful limestone grotto then walk back to the boat for a final glimpse of Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock.

Disembark on cruise, then back to Hanoi.

Next, you will drive back to central Hanoi for a walking tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. You will visit Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple – the temple of the Jade Mountain.

Finally, you will enjoy Water Puppet show - a traditional art dating back from 11th century.

9PM, you will transfer to train station for overnight train to Lao Cai.

Overnight on train – Cabin 4 bed.

Then you will transfer to Sapa and discover Cat Cat Village.

Start trekking to Cat Cat village – home of Black H’Mong People, you visit Cat Cat waterfall and the Hydrofoil constructed by the French in 19th Century, visit family of H’’Mong People to understand their culture and customs.

Lunch at local restaurant  

In the afternoon, you will discover Fansipan.

Firstly, you will transfer to Cable Car Station and discover Fansipan.

Reach the altitute of 2800 meters, you have a good time to see the view and take photos, visit pagoda the spiritual destinations and trek up to 600 steps you will reach the peak of Fansipan – the Roof of Indochina. ( Spend about 1,5 hours for hiking and taking photos).

Come back to Cable Car Station and return to Sapa town.

Overnight in Sapa.

Breakfast at hotel, checkout.

The point where the elevation reaches 2,000 meters is aptly named "Cong Troi" or Heaven's Gate - a famous tourist landmark in Sapa. From this vantage point, visitors can gaze down at the challenging terrain of Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range or marvel at the grandeur of Fansipan, Vietnam's highest peak. To reach Heaven's Gate Sapa, travelers can take National Road 4D for about 15 kilometers to reach O Quy Ho Pass.

Golden Stream originates deep in the primeval forest, is 1,600m long and is a long road made of stacked stones. To fully experience the beauty of this stream, you can walk along the stream bank to admire the scenery and enjoy the fresh air, breathing in the natural fragrance from the trees here.

Love Waterfall is a famous waterfall located in San Sa Ho commune, 16 km from Sa Pa town center. From here is also one of the starting points for the journey to conquer Fansipan peak.

To reach Love Waterfall, visitors have to go through the green forest and bamboo forest. In March, the road leading to the waterfall becomes more beautiful thanks to the brilliant red color of azalea flowers creating a charming natural picture. After 20 minutes of traveling through the bamboo forest, visitors will reach the Golden Stream at the foot of Love Waterfall. Seen from a distance, the waterfall appears like a winding cone next to the surrounding green vegetation.

Then back to Sapa Town

Free and easy until our guide pick you up return Hanoi by overnight train.

Arrival in Hanoi, our guide will transfer you to airport for flight to Hue.

Arrival in Hue, transfer to hotel to putting your luggage at hotel.

Then you will discover Huong River on Dragon boat to visit Thien Mu pagoda, an ancient one in Hue.

Lunch on your own

In the afternoon, you will visit Ancient Citadel - Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to the 19th centuries, Hue’s splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel contribute to its undeniable royal charm. Discover the Imperial Citadel at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Enter through the towering main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue surrounding the former royal court. Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections intact and others which are being carefully restored.

Then back to hotel and take a rest.

Free and easy in the evening.

Breakfast at hotel, then you will transfer to Da Nang.

Arrival in Da Nang, transfer to Bana Hills Station. You have a chance to ride on a modern system of cable cars helps you get a bird’s-eye view, very miraculous and attractive while enjoying a feeling of flying in the blue sky amidst the clouds and wind. You will visit some old French villas en route, as well as the suspension bridge, Nui Chua & the Mountain Peak (at the height of 1,487m). Visit Linh Ung Pagoda, Golden Bridge, Sakyamuni Buddha’s monument and Ba Na.

Leave Bana hill behind, you will transfer to Hoi An.

Arrival in Hoi An, check in and take a rest.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Breakfast at hotel, then you will discover Hoi An Ancient town in the peaceful morning.

The slow life, quiet without buslting as in the evening, you will have time to discover amazing and colorful Hoi An ancient town. Visting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tam Ky ancestral house, Hoi An ceramic museum and Japanese Bridge.

Lunch on your own

In the afternoon, you will visit Coconut Forest at Cam Thanh Village with amazing basket boat dancing – this is a must – see in Hoi An.

Then transfer to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh.

Arrival in Ho chi Minh, check in at hotel and take a rest.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

After breakfast at hotel, you will transfer directly to Cu Chi Tunnels. The ingenious tunnel complex was initially started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches and contained hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American War.

Back to Ho Chi Minh.

In the afternoon, you will discover History Museum, which shows you the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam as you explore various exhibits and artifacts on display.

Then you will visit Reunification palace. It was designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ and was the home and workplace of the president of the Republic of Vietnam. It was the site of the Fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975 that ended the Vietnam War, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. Finally, you will visit Old Post Office, constructed from 1886-1891 and depicts classic elements of Gothic, Renaissance and French colonial design.

Then you will get on a waterbus to watch the sunset of Saigon.

Dinner on cruise and visiting the beautiful Saigon on night time.

Back to hotel and take a rest.

Receiving at Mỹ Tho tourist boat station: No 6-8, 30/4 Street, Ward 1, Mỹ Tho City, Tiền Giang province.

Cruising on the Mekong river for a sight-seeing of the four islands: Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, Phoenix and Rạch Miễu bridge.

Heading toThới Sơn (Uniorn island, the biggest island in this area which is about 1.200 square hectare and about 11 km long).

Visiting an orchid garden to to see orchid flowers, some bee hives and enjoy honey tea as well as to have a look at a local chocolate processing workshop.

Continuing to Bến Tre province visit a coconut candy workshop and riding tuktuk along the village road.

Resting at a farm-house to enjoy some fresh tropical fruits and listen to some traditional music performed by local people then rowing small boat (sampan) along a beautiful natural canal and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the countryside.

Getting to a local restaurant for lunch with some typical Mekong Delta food...

Returning to Mỹ Tho city and enjoy fresh coconut on the boat.

Visiting Vinh Trang Pagoda with beautiful architecture.

Then back to Saigon and take a rest.

Overnight in Saigon

Breakfast at hotel, then our guide will transer you to Moc Bai.

Arrive Moc Bai border will meet with our local guide and driver then transfer to hotel for check in it take around 3hours for driving .  Free to relax.

In the morning after having breakfast then we tour Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. We will visit Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, with many pre & post Angkor artifacts.

This afternoon, we deal with a dark chapter of Cambodian history as we visit sites related to the Khmer regime. Visit the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum & Choeung Ek Killing Field. This former school was used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. We will also have some time to explore the Russian Market.

Today, you will do a trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by private coach. Distance: 314 km. It takes you 6 hours to drive. On the way visit spider merchants sell different varieties of large, furry arachnids for locals and adventurous tourists to snack on..  archeological “Naga Bridge” at Kompong Kdei , Arrived follow to check in hotel in down town . After bit relax then you will visit the King’s Residence to see the Main Shrine, where the local people usually worship, with its statue of Yeay Teap, Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm. Buying jasmine and lotus flowers to worship is very important for the Cambodians. We will continue to "Chantiers Ecoles - Les Artisans d'Angkor" which provides training to young Cambodians in an effort to revive the ancient Khmer traditions of stone carving and wood sculpting. Spend the rest of time to visit one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale! Then continue to Wat Bo, a large, highly respected pagoda, founded in the 18th Century. Like the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, the vihear of Wat Bo contains unique wall paintings of the Reamker that are said to be late 19th Century. Here we will have a blessing ceremony by Buddhist monks for propensity, happiness and safely

After breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion to discover Angkor Thom and Temples. Firstly, you will visit the wonderful Angkor Thom (the Great City) including the Southern Gate, famous Bayon temple (12th century in the centre of city remains one the most enigmatic temples of the Angkor group composed of 54 gothic towers decorated with 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Baphuon temple is lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru. Terrace of Elephants used   as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall ; Terrace of the Leper King  a platform 7m high, with statue and temple walls covered in emerald-green moss intertwined with roots which many deem the most charming of all, Ta Prohm.

Afternoon, it is time to visit the wonderful Angkor Wat Temples – one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the world, as a temple and mausoleum forKing Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of 12th. Angkor Wat is probably the best-preserved of the Angkorean temples, with a central tower surrounded by four smaller towers. The central monument represents the mythical Mount Meru, the holy mountain at the centre of the universe, which was home to the Hindu God Vishnu. The whole complex covers 81 hectares, a rectangular wall measuring 1025 meters by 800 meters borders the inner edge of the moat, and temple's greatest sculptural treasure is its 2 km-long bas-reliefs around the walls. In the late afternoon, visit to the Phnom Bakheng temple, is the first temple in Angkor region build by the Yacovarman I King in the first of 9th century, located on a slope gently hill where thousands tourist are grouping on the hilltop to catch a memorable time of life when viewing the marvelous sunset, the distant Angkor Wat in the jungle. This evening, enjoy buffet local dinner with Cambodian Cultural Performance including Apsara Show

Breakfast in the hotel. Excursion to Mount Phnom Kulen  • We will see the river “thousands of lingams” - the bottom of which is decorated with stone carvings from the image of deities for hundreds of meters. Climbing the holy mountain Phnom Kulen and visiting the 16th-century temple with a carved 8-meter silhouette of the “recumbent” Buddha. A visit to the waterfall (optional, you can swim - we recommend taking towels and bathing accessories) • Next visit to the Banteay Srei temple, built at the end of the X century. A pink sandstone Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. The temple site is surrounded by a wall, behind which there is a moat. The temple consists of three prasat towers. The walls of the towers are decorated with reliefs. The Banteay Srey Temple is also called the . On the way back stop at Pradark Village, where you will see the villagers making palm sugar, handicraft for selling to tourist. It’s a nice chance for you to see the local people living at the country side with their struggling for daily life.

Today is on your own leisure until transfer to the airport for your flight to the next destination. End of base tour service.