Vietnam and Cambodia Great Journey 22 Days

The tour guide and driver will pick you up at Noi Bai international airport (Hanoi) and transfer to the city centre for hotel check-in. Hotel rooms may not be ready until 14:00 hrs but an early check-in would be guaranteed with a surcharge.

Free at leisure for the rest of the day.

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 Vietnam! Be picked up and transfer to hotel, free day at leisure to prepare for the trip

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 for rest of the day until guide and driver pick up and transfer to Hanoi train station 20:00 - 20:30 Guide pick up you at hotel lobby for transferring to Train Station for night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train (sharing, soft sleeper - 4 berths/ cabin).

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 train to Lao Cai

Activities: Hanoi City tour by motorbike in the morning and walking tour to learn about the history of the sites including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. In the evening, take overnight train to Lao Cai

<

05:30 ~ 06:00 Arrive at Lao Cai Train Station. Pick up at the train station and transfer 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.

9.30am: Meet up your local guide and start trekking. The first part is on the road but we soon turn to the right and walk on a small path down the valley to Y Linh Ho village settled down by the Muong Hoa River and from here to the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai. Black H’mong is one of the biggest minority groups in the Sapa area. They have their own language and wear traditional indigo blue clothing. The H’mong peoples have just recently changed their living way from sifting style into the sedentary one. So there are still a lot traces of the past time can be seen: rudimentary houses, stone wall around homes…

After this you continue to Ta Van village (1.200 m) to visit Zay people. Zay is a fairly small minority group of about 38.000 people who live mainly in the mountains in Northwest Vietnam. After visiting Ta Van village the car will return you to Sapa. Free at leisure the rest of the day. Overnight at Sapa Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Activities: Full day soft trekking, pass along dirt tracks as well as through villages of ethnic minority groups. Home-stay at local house of Dzay people in Ta Van Village

Overnight at hotel in Sapa town is available upon client's request. Therefore itinerary and price will be changed accordingly

Locating just a bout 5km southeast of Sapa town, Ma Tra valley attracts visitors for its stunning scenery highlighted with impressive terraced rice fields. The Hmong peoples has changed from sifting lifestyle into sedentary one form early 20th Century and built terraced field to ensure their permanent earning by farming wet rice.

Trip commences from Sapa at 08.30am or 01.30pm by a 5km road transfer out of Sapa town. Then walk starts from here downhill and cross the stream to the other bank where Suoi Ho village beautifully sits on the top of a low hill. Spend half an hour to visit several local homes for understanding of local life before continue walking along a large path on hillsides which is paved with rock to get through Ma Tra village. This portion of the walk offers beautiful scenery of the valley and terraced paddies as well as flower farm.

Transfer back to Sapa.

15:00 - 15:30 Driver will pick you up & transfer 5 hours to Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Activities: Continue trekking to discover the untouched beauty of the villages in Sapa before heading back to Hanoi by bus.

Typical Houses Of The Red Dao (Yao)

In the morning, our driver and tour guide pick you up at your hotel then depart for Ninh Binh province.

Arrive in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital after 2 hour driving, visit temples of King Dinh Bo Linh and King Le Hoan.

Then our driver will transfer you to Tam Coc Wharf area.

Have lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy famous regional specialties.

In the afternoon, Take a 5 minute walk to the Tam Coc Wharf and start the 2 hour boat trip to visit 3 caves: Hang Ca (First Cave), Hang Hai (Second Cave) and Hang Ba (Third Cave). Each cave owns an unique scenery which will dazzle you as you get in.

Afterwards, take up cycling for an hour to Bich Dong and sight see beautiful scenic pagodas, lush paddy fields, mountains, river and caves. Then get on bus and our driver will take you back to Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Activities: Day trip to picturesque Ninh Binh, visit the Hoa Lu ancient capital and enjoy a boat ride to explore Tam Coc. Then cycling for an hour to Bich Dong and sight see beautiful scenic pagodas, lush paddy fields, mountains, river and caves.

Ninh Binh

Be ready for pick-up at your hotel lobby at 07:30 ~ 08:30.

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 Titop or Soi Sim beach. (Resident English speaking guide on board is available).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight on board

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

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 flight to Hue, check in hotel and overnight in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Activities: Spend the morning exploring Halong Bay and join activities available. Have lunch while cruising back to the land then back to Hanoi. Flight to Hue.

Floating Fishing Village

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

Khai Dinh Tomb

In the morning, transfer by shuttle 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: In the morning, transfer by shuttle bus to Hoi An.

In the morning, join a walking tour in the ancient town. Local guide will lead you to a maze of a few streets, there are temples, museums and preserved houses to visit. 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Activities: In the morning, join a walking tour in the ancient town, follow local guide 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

Transfer to the train station and take train to Nha Trang (Soft Seat). Free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang

Activities: Transfer to the train station and take train to Nha Trang.

Nha Trang

Breakfast at the hotel. You are free to spend time on the beach or go shopping.

Suggested options: Boat trip cruising in Nha Trang Bay to visit Tri Nguyen aquarium, snorkeling in Hon Mun Island or having a fresh meal at the Con Se Tre Restaurant on Hon Tre Island.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang

Activities: Free at leisure to enjoy the beach city your way.

Breakfast at hotel. Full day at leisure in Nha Trang.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang

Activities: Full day at leisure in Nha Trang.

Tri Nguyen Aquarium Hon Mieu Island

All day free at your leisure. In the evening, transfer to the train station for overnight train to Ho Chi Minh (Soft Berth, 04 berths per cabin).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight on train

Activities: All day free at your leisure. In the evening, transfer to the train station for overnight train to Ho Chi Minh.

Scuba Diving In Nha TRang

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 travelled along the Saigon River. 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 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. Rest of the day at leisure

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Activities: In the morning, join a half day city tour to visit some of the most significant landmarks in Ho Chi Minh.

Notre Dame Cathedra

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 Can Tho – where they can explore orchards, farms and fisheries 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 long tail boat and experience the diversity of the Mekong waterways first hand as you explore fish farms and exotic fruit farms.Touring the orchards, paddy fields and swamplands of the Mekong Delta, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into the pages of a geography textbook. Many visitors spend a day or two in Can Tho, the delta’s biggest settlement, to take advantage of its decent hotels and restaurants and to recharge batteries before venturing out to the floating markets nearby.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Activities: Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong delta explore tour begins with a short drive south, leaving the city behind and entering the rural landscapes of the Mekong Delta. Passing motorbikes piled high with goods, large water buffalos working in the fields and school children cycling to school, you will be entertained by the endlessly entertaining scenery.

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, road transfer to Chau Doc and spend one night at this small town before heading to Phnom Penh 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. Land transfer 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, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

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

Chau Doc

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 Chek 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 Siem Reap by shuttle bus. 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.

Unique Slow And Gentle Movement Of Apsara Dance Is Easy To Be Distinguished From Any Dances In The World

Morning, visit to "jungle temple" Ta Prohm, 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

Enjoy your free day in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Activities: Visit the floating villages of Kampong Phluk in the area of Tonle Sap Lake. Experience wildlife and life of local people.

Kampong Phluk

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.

Siem Reap City