CHARMING VIETNAM CAMBODIA

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1

  SIEM REAP – ARRIVAL (D)

  Our guide and coach will pick up at Siem Reap airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Enjoy the welcomed dinner with Apsara dance show in the restaurant.

  Overnight in Siem Reap.

• Day 2

  SIEM REAP – Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat temples (B)

  Full day tour to discover Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat temples, the highlights of this Vietnam Cambodia tour.

  Start on our bike and cycle (45 minutes for cycling) or drive to world heritage areas on the roads less travelled. Ride among the jungle passing local village and local shop. It’s a very special and acting day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit the West Gate of Angkor Thom – undiscovered by mass tourist. The ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate, Bayon Temple- unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King

  The afternoon, visit the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology, visit Bakheng Temple and enjoy a romantic sun set view form Bakheng hill.

  Relax with 1 hour foot massage before transfer to your hotel.

  Overnight in Siem Reap.

• Day 3

  SIEM REAP – HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

  Early morning, start witness sunrise over Angkor Wat temple and listening singing birds over the ancient land of Angkor area. Then back to hotel for your breakfast.

  Continue to visit the women museum – Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre. Afterwards, head towards the Tonle Sap Great Lake then board small wooden boats for the trip to visit the village. Cruising down a narrow waterway, enter this medieval floating village, where the houses stand atop stilts as much as seven meters above the water. Everything lives on the water, pigs, dogs, crocodiles and people, all jockeying for space in this incredible floating town.

  Head back to your hotel, relax time before transfers you back to airport for flight to the next destination in the Vietnam Cambodia tour,  Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam.

• Day 4

  HO CHI MINH CITY & CU CHI TUNNELS (B)

  This morning, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground world used by the Vietnamese communists to elude the Americans. Whole villages went underground during the 1960s and the tunnels stretched for more than 250km, from the Cambodian border to the suburbs of Saigon. Using this incredible warren of tunnels, the Vietcong were able to stage ambushes and attacks on American patrols and even bases. Explore this astonishing complex, a testament to the tenacity of the Vietnamese people. For those that dare, it is possible to crawl through some of the original tunnels, a fascinating but claustrophobic experience.

  In the afternoon, begin exploring the sights of the city. Get far off of the tourist track with a unique walking excursion by foot through Ho Chi Minh City's Cho Lon District, or "big market". Sometimes referred to as Saigon's Chinatown district, explore the vivid and distinct charm of this little-explored corner of the city - and learn the local secrets behind one of the world's oldest and largest Chinatowns. Return to city downtown and take a stroll around the impressive old French-built post office and Notre Dame Cathedral before continuing to the City Hall area, another grand old colonial-era relic. Then leave guests free to explore the famous Dong Khoi area, home to the legendary Continental Hotel, made famous by Graham Greene in the Quiet American, and lots of popular restaurants, bars and boutiques.

  Overnight in HCMC.

   
• Day 5

  HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA – FLIGHT TO DANANG – HOI AN (B/L)

  Leave bustling Saigon behind, head out to un-touched areas not well-known by tourists in Ben Tre. Board the Apricot Cruise, featuring a new boat design open on all sides to allow the river breezes to flow freely. From the comfort of your Apricot Cruise, meander down the Mekong observing local life play out along the river banks. Stop at some local families and see how local traditional methods utilize every bit of the coconut. Learn how to make local cakes, and why you don’t let a local fortune-teller tell you what is supposed to happen in the future. 

  It is a full day of interesting experiences that offers you unforgettable moment of Vietnam Cambodia tour: boat rowing through winding water-coconut canals, bike riding along lush rural roads, sampling tasty local cakes, tea with honey, and enjoying lunch served with Mekong specialties at Apricot Riverside Restaurant. Join us, relax, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and have memorable experiences. 

  Then transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City airport for a short flight to Danang city.

  On arrival, transfers to hotel in Hoi An town. Relax and overnight in Hoi An.

   
• Day 6

  HOI AN – fish and chip tour (B/L)

  We will ride bicycles to Tra Que Village. Visit the vegetable village and see the daily activities of the local farmers there.

  Continue riding bicycle along De Vong River to Hoi An Beach dock. Take a boat to Cua Dai sand dune, enjoy casting net show and learn how to cast net by local fishermen.

  Continue to Cam Thanh Water coconut village, have a brief introduce to the history there. Take on the basket boat (02 pax/ boat) and row along the water coconut river. You will learn how to catch the crabs (for fun).

  Embark on the motor boat again; enjoy the folk songs show by local people there. Have lunch at local restaurant.

  After lunch, learn how to make funny tools by water coconut leaf. Then visit a craftsman’s house in the village. 

  Rest of day is your leisure time. Overnight in Hoi An.

• Day 7

  HOI AN COOKING CLASS – DANANG – HUE (B/L)

  Hoi An is famed for its fine cuisine. This morning, join in an interesting cooking class to learn some signature recipes. The talent chef lead us to the local wet market, show us the secret to select fresh seafood, meats, vegetable and spice that make Vietnamese food such a delectable experience. Return to our kitchen, cook the dishes and enjoy what we’ve prepared, which brings you great experience and memory in this Vietnam & Cambodia tour.

  The afternoon, leave Hoi An for Hue city along the Highway 1. This drive is reputedly the most beautiful in all Vietnam. We pause in Danang city to visit the informative Cham Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Cham artifacts in the world. The drive takes us over Hai Van Pass, ‘pass of the ocean clouds’, and also pass by the coastal fishing settlements, most notably Lang Co with its stunning lagoon backdrop.

  Overnight in Hue city.

   
• Day 8

  HUE CITY (B)

  After breakfast time, depart from your hotel. Start today trip to explore Hue city, capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 during the reign of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1993, the Citadel is only one of many well-preserved historical sites in the city and its environs. Take a walk through Dong Ba market that offers an array of goods and product, ranging from fresh vegetables to conical hats. We continue visit to visit the intricately decorated tomb of Khai Dinh, which contains a beautiful altar and a bust of the king. Next, visit Minh Mang’s mausoleum located on the left bank of the Huong River, which represents the perfect harmony between nature and architecture

   Afternoon is time for us to explore the most important relic – the Citadel, seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Construction began in 1804 under the orders of the first Emperor Gia Long after the site had been selected using principles of geomancy (Feng Shui). The citadel was inspired by Vauban fortifications and is composed of three sections; the capital city (Thanh Kinh), the Imperial city (Hoang Thanh) and the Forbidden City (Cam Thanh). It was largely destroyed in 1968 during the fighting that engulfed Hue following the Tet Offensive. Today, efforts are being made to restore and preserve this invaluable piece of heritage.  End Hue city day tour with a visit to Thuy Xuan village where locals make a living by crafting conical hats and colorful incense.

  Overnight in Hue city.

   
• Day 9

  HUE - HANOI (B)

  Take a morning flight to Hanoi, the last city in your Vietnam Cambodia tour. Welcomed at Noi Bai International airport by our guide and transferred to your hotel.

  This afternoon, we visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (close on Monday & Friday afternoon), his modest stilt house where he chose to live and work and also the museum dedicated to his memory. Then continue to visit the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam dating back to the 11th century.

   Later, return to the city centre and stroll through Old Quarter from Hang Be Market to Thanh Ha wet market. Along the way delicacies, strange food items and an explanation of Vietnamese food practices will be given. This busy, eclectic market are alive with the sights and sounds of Hanoi and is the essence of Vietnamese culture.

   Continue through the streets of the Old Quarter to Dong Xuan market to sample some local treats such as pho tiu and bun dau. Your guide will explain the routine of Vietnam meal times and indigenous/unusual ingredients eaten. Stroll up ‘food alley’ to see other dishes on offer.

   Back into the inner of the Old Quarter – check specially treated fruit which are dependable on the seasons and a common snack in Vietnam. Last stop at one of the Old Quarter busiest (yet smallest) coffee shops for a well-earned sit down and coffee before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi city

   
• Day 10

  HANOI – VIET ANCIENT VILLAGE (B/L)

  One of few Ancient village remaining Hanoi, Duong Lam is a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River delta where still preserve many hundred-year-old houses. Upon arrival, bike along tiny ancient alleys to visit Mong Phu temple in Mong Phu hamlet - the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact, dedicated to national heroes. Continue riding around the village to discover the daily life and farming working of Vietnamese peasants along the terrace with a stop in two ancient houses: the biggest ancient house was build 200 years ago and the most ancient house back to 400 years ago.

  After lunch and resting, visit Ngo Quyen temple and Phung Hung temple, places dedicated to two national heroes Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung. Again biking to visit Mia Pagoda (other hamlet in Duong Lam village), is built in 15 th century and admire 287 statues of all sizes, among with are famous sculpture such as the statue of Buddha in the Himalayas and the statues of the Eight Vajra Deities.

  Drive back to Hanoi for overnight.

   
• Day 11

  HANOI – HA LONG BAY – THE WORLD HERITAGE (B/L/D)

  After breakfast, take a drive to Ha Long Bay (without tour guide), one of the World Natural Heritages recognized by UNESCO with thousands of spectacular limestone islands rising from the clear, emerald sea in the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival, welcome aboard. Enjoy welcome drink before check in at your cabin. While the junk is passing many rocky islets, caves, floating villages and beaches, your lunch will be served on board with fresh seafood. Relax on the sundeck. Later on, the junk moves a quiet area to dock for overnight stay. Dinner with Vietnamese food is served on board.

  Overnight on board.

  Please note: 

  • Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations.  
  • No guide from Hanoi to Halong

   

   
• Day 12

  HALONG – HANOI (B)

  Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of Halong Bay’s landscape. Continue cruising to explore more of the bay and enjoy the brunch breakfast before returning to the Jetty at noon time. Drive back to Hanoi city (without tour guide) for overnight.

• Day 13

  HANOI - DEPARTURE (B) End of Vietnam Cambodia tour

  Spend the last minutes shopping and soak up in the city. Transfer you back to Noi Bai international airport. Depart Hanoi.

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SERVICES INCLUDED:

• Hotel room with daily breakfast as mention or similar
• Transfer services in private air-conditioned vehicle, unless when other vehicle is mentioned
• Entrance fees, other boat fees where applicable
• Meals as listed in the program B= Breakfast; L= Lunch & D = Dinner: pre-arranged at local restaurants based on local food with set menu.
• Tours with local English speaking guide on day with tours
• Government taxes & service charges.
• Vietnam Visa handling fee

SERVICES EXCLUDED:

• More than 45 days before departure: No cancellation charge
• Between 45 and 30 days before departure: 10% of total tour cost 
• Between 30 days and 15 days before departure: 25% of total tour cost
• Between 15 days and 7 days before departure: 50% of total tour cost
• Less than 7 days before departure: 90% of total tour cost
• No-show at the airport on the day of arrival/departure: 100% of total tour cost

• Child from 1- 4 yrs:  Free of charge if sharing bed with parents 
• Child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 30% of adult price if sharing existing bed(s) with parents
• Child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 50% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
• Child from 7 – 11 yrs: charge 75% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
• Child from 12 yrs up: pay as adult rate