Essential Vietnam and Cambodia 17 days1
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Essential Vietnam and Cambodia 17 days

17 Days
Adventure & Activity
Price: Contact

Come with us to explore the genuine exoticism of Vietnam and Cambodia, known for their rich cultural diversity and fascinating history. You will be able to enjoy classic dishes that bring forth unprecedented new flavors and feelings beyond your imagination.

This tour includes the top highlights of two countries in a single extensive journey: from the unique atmospheres of three different regions in Vietnam to the historic temples in Angkor, as well as the colonial buildings in Phnom Penh.

Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, our tour guide will greet you at the meeting point and provide a brief introduction. Next, you will be taken to your hotel in Hanoi to complete the check-in process for your room.

You can take it easy at any time of the day.

Day 2: Hanoi Half Day Tour - Night Train to Lao Cai

Following breakfast at the hotel, your day two in Hanoi will commence with a tour of the city's top attractions.

Begin visiting the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's initial institution of higher learning, to observe its historical architecture dating back to the Ly dynasty.

Explore the One Pillar Pagoda, a renowned temple in Vietnam known for its distinctive design resembling a lotus flower emerging from the water.

Visit the Mausoleum and simple stilt house of President Ho Chi Minh (Sites can be seen from outside only; closed on Mondays and Fridays, and from June to August).

Stroll along West Lake to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the lake and explore the ancient Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi from the sixth century.

Eating at a genuine Vietnamese eatery for lunch.

In the afternoon, return to the hotel, making sure it is close to the train station for the overnight train to Lao Cai. You are now given time to discover Hanoi at the last minute and prepare for the train journey by packing your bags.

Our tour guide will collect us from the hotel around 21:00 and take us to the train station for the night train to Lao Cai train station.

The train leaves around 9:35 pm. Additionally, the sleeping area is intended for communal use, with two lower and two upper berths shared among passengers.

Day 3: Sapa - The Town of Clouds - Trek to The Far Away Villages

You will reach Lao Cai train station between 05:30 and 06:00. Subsequently, our driver will collect you from the train station and take you to Sapa on the tourist shared bus.

Unwind and enjoy breakfast at the hotel until the tour guide arrives to escort you on today's tour. You will rendezvous with the local tour guide at approximately 09:30 and commence the trek.

Embark on a journey to Y Linh Ho Village, situated beside the Muong Hoa River, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the Black H'Mong community and the stunning sight of never-ending terraced rice fields.

Hike to Ta Van Village (1.200 m) for a visit with the Zay people. Zay is a relatively small ethnic group comprised of around 38,000 individuals residing predominantly in the mountainous regions of Northwest Vietnam.

Come back to Sapa using a car. You have the remainder of the day to yourself and will spend the night at the hotel in Sapa.

Day 4: Sapa to Cat Cat & Sin Chai Villages

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before departing. Our tour guide will pick you up around 09:00 for the tour.

Walk towards the South-west of Sapa to explore Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’mong tribe, renowned as one of the most picturesque ethnic villages in the area.

Appreciate the beautiful waterfall, a remnant of a French-built hydroelectric plant from the colonial era in Vietnam.

Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the river.

In the afternoon, keep trekking for another 3 kilometers until you reach Sin Chai Village, situated at the base of Fansipan Mountain, also known as "the Roof of Indochina", where you can admire the breathtaking views of the mountain.

Return to the main road and take a 3km transfer back to Sapa town on a jeep. Next, you will travel to Hanoi in a shared limousine.

Day 5: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Hanoi. Between 08:00 and 08:30, our driver will pick you up and take you to Halong Bay, which will take approximately 2.5 hours.

You will arrive at the cruise port at midday. Once you complete the check-in procedures, the friendly staff warmly welcome you as you board the cruise ship.

Follow the safety instructions and then savor a tasty local seafood lunch provided on the boat.

In the afternoon, you can participate in various activities while on the boat to explore the bay's beauty, such as cave visits, kayaking, or swimming in the sea (based on the daily itinerary of each cruise).

Return to the garbage, unwind, and enjoy your meal. Spend the night staying on the boat and have fun with the onboard nightlife, which offers activities such as squid fishing, card games, and more.

Day 6: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Danang

Get up in the morning to participate in a Tai Chi class on the deck in the sun. If you are unable to rise early, simply admire the stunning sunrise over the bay from the balcony of your cabin.

Start the day with breakfast onboard the cruise ship, then kick off your next adventure by visiting a cave in Halong Bay or a nearby fishing village...

After the tour, come back to the cruise to pack your things and complete the check-out process. Enjoy a delicious brunch on your way back to the main dock.

By midday, our driver will take you to the harbor, and from there, you will be transported to the airport for your flight to Danang.

Transfer to the hotel in Hoi An for check-in. Take it easy for the remainder of the day.

Day 7: Immerse Yourself in The Beauty of Hoi an Lantern Town

Enjoy your morning meal at the hotel. You will discover Hoi An on a half-day walking tour starting at 08:00.

Stroll through ancient streets, pass by numerous old buildings, observe the routines of the locals, and experience the blending of historic and contemporary aspects in the town.

Explore the historic landmarks of the old city, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge or Fujian Assembly Hall of Chinese.

Stop at a roadside store for a refreshing beverage and savor the authentic flavor of Hoi An in your mouth.

If you have the time, consider stopping by a few handicraft stores, purchasing some unique souvenirs, and bringing them back to your hometown as gifts for your friends.

After lunch, devote the remainder of the day to discovering Hoi An during your free time.

Day 8: Hoi An - Hue

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being picked up by our driver for the transfer to Hue through Cloudy Pass. Once you arrive in Hue, you will complete your hotel check-in process and then unwind for the remainder of the day.

Day 9: Hue Half Day Tour - Explore The Ancient Capital City

Before starting a half-day city tour in Hue, you will be having breakfast at the hotel.

At 08:00: Explore Thien Mu Pagoda, a renowned Buddhist site situated along the captivating Perfume River.

Keep exploring the well-preserved complex of temples and palaces at the Imperial Citadel on the banks of the Perfume River. Devote some time to exploring the main entrance, the Flag Tower, and The King’s Palace.

Visit Dong Ba Market, Hue City's biggest traditional marketplace. When visiting Dong Ba market, you can observe how local sellers conduct their daily business, learn about their business practices, and buy unique souvenirs.

After the tour ends, you will return to the hotel and have free time to relax.

Day 10: Hue - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

You will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before our driver takes you to Hue airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

By midday, you’ll arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City following a flight lasting 1.5 hours. Our chauffeur is ready at the airport to transport you to accommodations in the downtown area.

Register at the hotel. You are free to wander around the city at your own pace or just relax and take a nap.

Day 11: Full Day Tour to Cu Chi Tunnels

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing at approximately 08:00 to drive 70 km outside of Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels.

Explore some of the tunnels by crawling to learn more about the Vietnam War, and have the opportunity to handle an actual gun with firing range services available for an extra fee. Experience the cuisine of Cu Chi during wartime by sampling some tea and boiled cassava.

Grab a quick meal at a nearby eatery while heading back to Ho Chi Minh City.

In the afternoon, you will participate in a tour to explore Ho Chi Minh and its neighboring areas.

Explore the War Remnants Museum to view displays about war crimes and hear a detailed account of the brutal American War.

Visit the Reunification Palace to discover Vietnam's history and see its magnificent architecture, once the workplace of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu.

Discover the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (currently being renovated) and the Old Post Office in Sai Gon, both showcasing a sophisticated blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial architectural styles.

Visit a nearby market and hone your bargaining abilities while picking out souvenirs, all while immersing yourself in the local lifestyle and traditions.

Once you get back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, you will have the rest of the day to yourself.

 

Day 12: Can Tho - Have A Glimpse of Mekong Delta’s Beauty

Eat breakfast at the hotel before checking out and make sure to take all your belongings with you when you leave. At approximately 08:00, you will start your trip to discover the tranquil atmosphere of the Mekong Delta.

Explore the village life in the area that is centered around the rivers and canals forming the delta.

Explore the variety of the Mekong rivers by boarding a boat.

Discover fish farms and exotic fruit farms, tour the orchards, rice fields, and wetlands of the Mekong Delta while being rowed by locals on a sampan.

In the afternoon, you are being moved to Can Tho to spend the night. Once you have completed the check-in process, you are allowed to unwind and enjoy the remainder of the day.

Day 13: Can Tho - Cai Rang Floating Market - Chau Doc

Enjoy the breakfast at the hotel. Next, start your new journey by exploring the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho.

Explore the Mekong River and its intricate canal system by motorboat and sampan while surrounded by the lush canopies of water coconut trees.

Get the chance to try fresh seasonal fruits straight from the orchard, interact with welcoming locals, and explore the vibrant floating markets in the area.

At approximately 13:30, a road transfer will be arranged for you to Chau Doc. Stay overnight in this quiet small town.

Day 14: Phnom Penh Arrival - Welcome to Cambodia

Eat breakfast at the hotel. At approximately 08:00, you will make your way to the boat station in order to catch the speed boat to Phnom Penh.

Once you arrive in Phnom Penh, our tour guide will pick you up and take you to the hotel. Upon arrival at your Phnom Penh hotel, feel free to enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

 

Day 15: Phnom Penh Half Day City Tour

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Your tour guide will meet you at 08:00 for the city tour in Phnom Penh.

Explore the iconic architectural achievements of the Khmer people by visiting popular tourist spots in Phnom Penh such as the Independence Monument, Royal Palace Compound, and Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple).

Visit the National Museum, the biggest museum of cultural history in Cambodia ideal for those interested in discovering the ancient Khmer culture.

Explore Wat Phnom, the only elevated area in the city that houses holy places. You have the option to ascend the stairs leading to the summit of the hill to experience breathtaking sights of the city.

Around 13:30, our driver will pick you for the transfer to Mekong Bus station to catch a bus to Siem Reap. The bus will make a stop at a restaurant where passengers can use the restroom and purchase their own food or snacks.

When you arrive in Siem Reap, make sure to rendezvous with your guide at Borei Seang Nam station and then proceed to your hotel for the check-in process.

You have leisure time available in Siem Reap. You have the option to visit the night markets, indulge in Khmer massage and spa services, dine and drink at numerous fantastic cafes and restaurants, and more.

Unwind and get ready to discover Angkor the next day.

Day 16: Angkor Wat Full Day Tour

Eat breakfast at the hotel before starting the full-day tour to explore the Angkor complex, which kicks off at around 08:00.

Explore Ta Prohm Temple, a Buddhist temple devoted to Jayavarman VII's mother, surrounded by the roots of massive fig trees and large creepers.

Visit Angkor Thom, known as the antique capital, and explore landmarks like the South Gate, Bayon Temple, Phimeanakas, Royal Enclosure, Elephants Terrace, and Terrace of the Leper King.

At 13:30: Spend some time discovering Angkor Wat, the most renowned temple in the Angkor area. Following the tour, you have the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful sunset view from either Angkor Wat or another suitable location.

Experience a buffet dinner along with a Khmer Traditional Dance Show at a local Cambodian restaurant.

Day 17: Siem Reap Departure

You are free to explore Siem Reap until the driver arrives to take you to the airport. May your travels be packed with amazing memories, thrilling escapades, and unforgettable moments.

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