Must-See Vietnam and Cambodia 17 Days

Meet your tour guide on arrival at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to hotel in the city center and check-in. (Hotel rooms may not be ready until 14:00 but an early check-in would be guaranteed with a surcharge.)

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Optional: We introduce two one-of-a-kind traditional performances which are found nowhere else than in Vietnam. You can choose one of below options:

- Water Puppet Show where puppets are performed on water stage with folk music, presenting ancient tales, folklores and daily life in Vietnamese countryside.

- Tu Phu (Four Palaces) Show - a very unique show about ritual of spirit practiced in the Vietnamese indigenous religion with music, colors and lively dance performance. The Four Palaces Shows take place on Thursday and Saturday every week.

If you're interested in the shows, please contact our travel consultants to book.

Meals: NA

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Activities: Welcome to Hanoi - capital city of Vietnam! Pick up at the airport and transfer to hotel in the city center. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Hanoi Traffic

Half day Hanoi city tour (by car or by motorbike – upon client’s interest) - Routes can change subject to client’s interest.

Begin the first day of the trip with a tour of Hanoi. Depart from the hotel at 08:30 for a visit to Vietnam’s first university: the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1076, Quoc Tu Giam was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite.

Continue with a visit to the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Nearby is the mausoleum of the historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and his modest house on stilts. (Sites are viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov)

Wrap up the morning with a visit to the picturesque West Lake and its sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda.Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years.

Have lunch at an authentic Vietnamese Restaurant. Free time at leisure until guide and driver pick up and transfer to Hanoi train station..

Meet at your hotel in Hanoi at around 20:00 - 20:30 and transfer to Hanoi train station. Overnight train trip to Lao Cai in shared sleeping compartments (sharing with other passengers in 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment). Train departs at approximately 21:15 hrs.

Notes:

- Our tour guide will not accompany during the train trip

- Train schedule is subject to change.

- Private compartments on request at surcharge.

- Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight on train

Activities: Hanoi City tour by motorbike in the morning. Evening, take night train to Lao Cai.

Hanoi city tour by car is available at customer's request

05:30 ~ 06:00 Arrive at Lao Cai Train Station. Pick up at the train station and transfer to Sapa by a tourist shared bus (1 hour to get to Sapa). Early check in upon arrival is possible upon room occupancy (Surcharge applicable). Relax for a while to get ready for our full day tour. At around 9:00 am, the tour will start from Sapa town, you will take a 7km of walking down to the south east of Sapa along the side of Muong Hoa Valley to Y Linh Ho Village of the Black H’mong to see those sensual patterns of the terraces from above. And then take 3km trekking down to Lao Chai Village, and 4 km through terraced rice fields to Ta Van Village of the Giay minority people. Have a picnic lunch at local family, where you can see the local house architecture and witness local daily life styles and exclusive customs. After the tour, you will come back to Sapa and stay overnight at Sapa Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa Activities: Participate in a trek a long the Muong Hoa Valley straight to Y Linh Ho Village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Activities: Full day soft trekking, pass along dirt tracks as well as through several villages of ethnic minority groups. Experience the culture of the local daily life styles and exclusion custom in Sapa

In the morning, have breakfast at the hotel and then check out. Take a walk down to the South-west of Sapa (around 3 km) to visit Cat Cat Village of the Black H’mong, one of the more well-known ethnic village of Sapa. Relax at the foot of the stunning waterfall and the vestige of a hydroelectric power station that was constructed by the French during the colonial time in Vietnam. Enjoy picnic lunch by the side of the river, and then continue trekking to 3 km to Sin Chai Village, located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain - “the Roof of Indochina”, where you enjoy a stunning landscapes of the mountain. Then come back to the main road to be transferred to Sapa town on a jeep for 3km. Around 15:00 - 15:30: Transfer back to Hanoi by shuttle bus. Arrive in Hanoi in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Activities: Join on a soft trekking tour to discover the untouched beauty of the villages in Sapa before heading back to Hanoi by bus.

Sapa Trekking

Be ready for pick-up at your hotel lobby at 08:00. Halfway to Halong City we will have a stop at Hong Ngoc Humanitarian Centre. Apart from having clean western style toilet facilities we will be able to see local craftsmen at work and have time for relaxation.

Upon arrival at the pier, embark on the boat and set sail on a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay, taking in the spectacular scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lunch is served as you cruise by impressive rock formations with unusual names and shapes.

In the afternoon you will start to discover Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage of outstanding natural beauty, known in Vietnamese as “Dragon descending to the sea“. Depending on each cruise’s itinerary of the day, you may visit a beautiful cave, have some swimming at Titov or Soi Sim beach.

(Resident English speaking guide on board is available).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: On-board an overnight cruise in Halong Bay

Activities: Depart for Halong Bay. Embark on a cruise and set sail into the magical bay. Depending on each cruise’s itinerary of the day, you may visit a beautiful cave, swim or relax on beach, kayak... Overnight on cruise.

Fishsing Village in Halong Bay

Wake up the next morning at sunrise, you are invited to practice Tai Chi on the sun deck. Enjoy the feel of the early morning salt water scent and bask in the early sun rising from behind the mountains.

Arriving at the pier, you will be picked up for transfer back to Hanoi. Take a short flight to Hue, check in hotel and overnight in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Activities: Wake up to the sound of ocean. Spend the morning exploring Halong Bay and join activities available. Have lunch while cruising back to the land then back to Hanoi. Fly to Hue

Kayaking

08:00 – 08:15 Pick up at your hotel. Enjoy your wonderful day by taking a boat trip to visit the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda. Thien Mu pagoda is one of the most beautiful and ancient architectural structures of worshiping in Vietnam now. Thien Mu Pagoda has become one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hue City now. Then visit Dong Ba market, the biggest and most significant market in Hue in particular and Central Viet Nam in general. Continue your journey to discover the Imperial Citadel then make your way to the Hue Royal Antiques Museum to see a collection of ornaments. Hue Royal Antiquities Museum where preserves royal treasures has a history with many changes. The main exhibition house of the present museum used to be a palace under Nguyen Dynasty, called Long An Palace. It was built in 1845 by Thieu Tri King, located on the north of Ngu Ha River. It was a type of “isolated palace” for the king.

12:00 - 12:30: Drop you off at your hotel. Free at leisure for rest of the day.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Activities: Morning: City tour with a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, then explore the Imperial Citadel, and Dong Ba Market, Hue Royal Antiques Museum

Transfer by bus to the enchanting town of Hoi An listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage and was once a well-known trading centre in Southeast Asia from the 16th to 18th centuries. Land transfer by shuttle bus or Private car with stop at some sightseeing on the way for short break (admission fee not included).

Check in the hotel and relax.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Activities: Transfer by bus to Hoi An.

The best way to discover Hoi An, however, is to simply wander. Little more than a maze of a few streets, there are temples, museums and preserved houses to visit; yet with some 850 buildings heritage-protected, the best feel for the town comes from the places which are free to all. As with everywhere in this country, the ‘real’ Vietnam is to be found in unexpected places, such as a back street or turning down an unexpected alley, or talking in broken English to the old lady who sells Chinese scrolls. In hidden nooks and crannies are art galleries, cafes, gastronomic gems, ceramics for sale, shops filled with lanterns and, of course, the silk for which the town is famed. There are woodworkers and carvers, artists at work, craft shops. Plus there are always cold drinks for sale, important no matter the time of year. In this part of Vietnam, it is either hot and dry, or hot and wet.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Activities: Follow local to leisurely stroll through the famous ancient town and learn about its history, the blend of Orient and Western culture, and visit ancient temples, houses as well as enjoy shopping.

Hoi An

Enjoy your free time before transferring to airport in Da Nang for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, transfer from airport to hotel. Spend free time to relax, unwind or explore the dynamic city on your own. Formerly known as Saigon, todays Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and vibrating economic centre of the South. Over the past few centuries, Saigon was called the “Pearl of the Far East” and was an important trading centre for Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants who traveled along the Saigon River.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Activities: Enjoy your free time before transferring to airport in Da Nang for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Spend free time to relax, unwind or explore the dynamic city on your own

Today morning you will drive 55 km out of Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi District famous for the amazing complex of underground tunnels. There are more than 200 km of tunnels, comprising a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters and other tunnels. Experience traditional noodle for your lunch. In the afternoon, gain an insight into the city’s development through a walking tour to the most significant landmarks including the Saigon Opera House, Ho Chi Minh City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office (all magnificent sights from the French colonial period). Your next stop will be the famous Ben Thanh Market, where you can purchase souvenirs for your beloved ones.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

Activities: Morning: drive 55 km out of Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi District and discover the amazing complex of underground tunnels. Afternoon: walking tour to the most significant landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cu Chi Tunnel

This morning you will be transferred to Can Tho. The lush, riverine tapestry of the Mekong Delta makes the perfect escape from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. You can savour blissful peace in Cai Be – where they can explore orchards, farms and survey the scenery by bike or from a boat.

Enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the tranquility in this part of countryside in Mekong Delta, still untouched by tourism.

Board on a sampan and experience the diversity of the Mekong waterways first hand as you explore fish farms and exotic fruit farms.Touring the orchards, and swamplands of the Mekong Delta, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into the pages of a geography textbook. After lunch, our driver will transfer you to Can Tho, checking in hotel and taking rest. Overnight in hotel in Can Tho.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Activities: Drive to Can Tho, experience relaxing pace of life in Mekong Delta.

Early wake up with a “should not be missed” floating market in Can Tho. Travel along the Mekong and the natural network of canals by motor boat and sampan under the shadows of water coconut trees. Taste seasonal fruits right from the orchard, meet friendly locals, and visit the region’s lively floating markets.

Northwest of Can Tho meanwhile, and a stone’s throw from the Cambodian border, is the ebullient town of Chau Doc, south of which Sam Mountain provides a welcome undulation in the surrounding plains. The opening of the border here has brought a steady stream of travellers going on to Phnom Penh by boat

Afternoon transfer to Chau Doc and spend one night at this small town before heading to Phnompenh next morning

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc

Activities: From early morning, visit the lively floating markets with lots of local and experience their daily activities. Transfer by road to Chau Doc in the afternoon.

Cai Rang floating market

Have breakfast at hotel.Head to the boat station, take speed boat to Phnom Penh. Transfer to your hotel and have a short rest. Then visit significant landmarks of Phnom Penh: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Activities: Transfer by speed boat to Phnom Penh. Visit significant landmarks of Phnom Penh and overnight here.

Phnom Penh

07:45 Transfer to Mekong Bus station for departure to Siem Reap (6 hour drive). Your guide will be not with you on bus but he/she will meet you in Siem Reap. The bus will stop at Arunras Restaurant for restroom and where you can find your own meals or snack before continue to final destination. Upon arrival Siem Reap, meet your guide at Borei Seang Nam station and transfer to check in at hotel for refreshment.

This afternoon, take a fun by Rermork “Tuk Tuk” ride to visit the Angkor National Museum, learn about “the Legend Revealed” and see how the Khmer Empire has been established during the golden period. Continue to Preah Ang Check Preah Angkor, the secret place where local people go praying for good luck or safe journey. Tonight enjoy buffet dinner with Khmer Traditional Dance Show at Amazon or Kulen II restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Activities: Transfer to Mekong Bus station for departure to Siem Reap. In the afternoon, take a fun by Rermork “Tuk Tuk” ride to visit the Angkor National Museum and Preah Ang Check Preah Angkor. Enjoy buffet dinner with Apsara Dance performance.

Siem Reap Shopping

Morning, visit to jungle Ta Prohm Temple, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. The temple of Ta Prohm was once used as a location to film the famous Hollywood film Tomb Raider. Begin tour to the antique capital of Angkor Thom, start from the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Afternoon, explore Angkor Wat the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Last but not least, view a wonderful sunset from Angkor Wat or somewhere possible.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Activities: Explore some of the most significant temples of Angkor Complex: Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat.

Free until transfer to Siem Reap International airport for boarding home sweet home or next destination.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: NA

Activities: Free until transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for onward flight.

Angkor Wat