CHALLENGING VIETNAM & CAMBODIA FAMILY TOUR

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1

  Hanoi arrival – Home hosted meal (Dinner)

  Upon arrival in Hanoi – a thousand years Capital, you are met and transfer to hotel in the city centre by tour guide and driver. Time at leisure after a long flight.

  Then, in the evening, experience a unique opportunity to join a local middle-class family in Hanoi for dinner. You will know how the local people live, their custom and their daily activities. The hosts are a young couple with two children who are very open minded. During the dinner, you can exchange stories about life, custom, kid education and also learn some secret to cook the local food. The dinner is about 2.5 to 3 hours.

  Overnight in Hanoi.

• Day 2

  Hanoi city (Breakfast)

  The day starts with visit to the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the Nation’s founder, containing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and his house on stilts. This complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city.

  Next, we visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology which successfully presents the recognition of Vietnam as a multi-ethnic country and promotes socio-cultural diversity.

  In the afternoon, return to city central, visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam dating back to the 11th century. Discover the famed Old Quarter on foot. Walk through the hidden alleys, amaze at the old styled tube houses, visit the lively local market. Next, hop on a traditional bicycle rickshaw move at leisure pace that’s perfect for photos and slow-moving sightseeing. Seat back and relax while your driver weaves through the busy streets, dodging speeding motorbikes and rolling past French colonial houses. Followed by the Water Puppet show – a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.

  Overnight in Hanoi

  Note: Shorts and tank tops are not allowed in Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & pagodas.

  - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mons & Fri afternoon.

  - Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mons.

• Day 3

  Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Breakfast, Lunch)

  Located around 90km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is famous for amazing karst mountains, misty caves, history relics and wildlife. In this one day excursion, we will visit the must-see places as Hoa Lu and Tam Coc.

  Depart from your hotel to Ninh Binh. Start our journey with a visit to Hoa Lu ancient capital, part of Trang An complex, listed in UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014. Hoa Lu tells you the story of the first three centralized feudal states of Vietnam: the Dinh Dynasty, the Le Dynasty, and the Ly Dynasty. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

  Tam Coc, meaning three caves, was created by the river of Ngo Dong flowing through a mountain. A boating will take through these caves while seeing the stretching mountain views, and beautiful waterways of the rice paddies along the river.

  After the boat row, we return to Hanoi and arrive at your hotel at around 5.00PM. Overnight in Hanoi.

  Note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change according to weather condition.

• Day 4

  Hanoi – Halong Bay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  Make an early morning departure from Hanoi by shuttle bus and drive 3.5hours through the Red River Delta on our way to Halong city. Upon arrival, the crew will greet us abroad the traditional style junk with a refreshing welcome drink and then the cruise begins!

  While navigating the way through the emerald waters and limestone islands, lunch is served with delicious fresh seafood (vegetarians are also catered for). As cruising through the bay, marvel at the amazing karst scenery with different formations. Halong Bay is littered with hidden caves and grottoes and we’ll take some time to explore one of these. For those felling active you then can explore the bay by sea kayak. After the dinner, night fishing is available on the main deck.

  Overnight onboard on the bay.

  Note: Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions or local administration regulations.

• Day 5

  Halong Bay – Hanoi – Danang – Hoian (Brunch)

  Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of Halong Bay’s landscape. We Continue cruising to explore more of the bay and enjoy the brunch breakfast before returning to the Jetty at noon time. Then shuttle bus will pick you up and transfer back to Hanoi. Then private transfer will take you to Noi Bai airport for 1hr flight to Danang city.

  Land in Danang airport and make the 40-minute drive (no tour guide) to the charming town of Hoi An.

  Over night in Hoian.

• Day 6

  Hoian Fish & Chips (Breakfast, Lunch)

  The morning excursion offers you a closer look into the countryside life in the outskirt of Hoi An Ancient town. Such an amazing experience with first easy bike through picturesque villages, rice fields, graveyard, see water buffalos, water coconut gardens, then meet & talk with local villagers as you meet. Continuing with an exciting basket boat rowing on the water coconut river.

  Later on, we take boat ride on a stunning river to see how local fishermen catch fish, reach Tra Que organic village for a mini course of cooking class and enjoy tasty lunch prepared by your host. After lunch, cycle back to hotel. Overnight in Hoi An

• Day 7

  Hoian free (Breakfast)

  Have free time in Hoian for walking, shopping, spa, joining group tour to Cham Island, relaxing on An Bang Beach, visiting to the villages nearby…

  Stay overnight at your hotel in Hoian.

• Day 8

  Hoian – Saigon (Breakfast)

  Free time until transferring to Danang airport for your flight to Saigon (former name of Ho Chi Minh City). On arrival, welcome by driver and transfer to the city centre to check-in.

  Overnight in Saigon.

• Day 9

  Cu Chi Tunnels & Half day city highlights (Breakfast)

  Head out to Cu Chi tunnels, through urbanized areas and a typically lush southern Vietnamese countryside. Discover a vast network of underground passageways built and used by the Viet Cong to evade detection as they moved troops and supplies throughout Ho Chi Minh City’s northern districts.

  In the afternoon, transfer to the War Remnants Museum which presents a partial, but riveting, view of the American War, as it is known in Vietnam. Continue to the Reunification Palace, former residence of the Indochina Governor General and later President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the fall of Saigon in April 30, 1975. Next is the Notre Dame Cathedral; Central Post Office and the last stop at the bustling Ben Thanh Market for shopping Overnight in Saigon.

• Day 10

  Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Can Tho (Breakfast, Lunch)

  After breakfast, leave behind the hustle and bustle of Saigon to delve into the Mekong Delta, a patchwork of emerald greens and the rice bowl of southern Vietnam. After 2hours drive, arrive in Ben Tre province crossing Rach Mieu Bridge, hop on a private motorize and we cruise through the waterways and cannel of the Mekong delta to visit fruits orchards and learn about the local cottage industries like brick kiln-making, coconut processing, sleeping mats. Take a motorized cart (tuk tuk) or bicycle on shady paths, passing by green rice fiends and vegetable plains. Lunch is served in local restaurant.

  After lunch, experience a rowing-boat ride along beautiful water palm creek before we continue by the motorized boat back to the pier. Then return to our vehicle for the onward journey to Can Tho.

  Overnight in Can Tho.

• Day 11

  Cai Rang Floating Market – Saigon – Siem Reap (Breakfast)

  In the morning take a boat trip to Cai Rang floating market – the highlight of Mekong Delta (please confirm time with tour guide, we suggest you start tour at 5.30AM). These sights and the scene of the busy colorful floating market are unique to this area. Weaving through the various boats arrive at the tropical fruit garden (Ba Cong Fruit Garden) well known for some of the most delicious fruits of the country. Savor the season fruits of the area. Go back hotel for breakfast & have free time for relaxing. At 12.00PM, check-out and transfer directly to Saigon airport for your flight to Siem Reap.

  Upon arrival, our car will pick you up at the airport then transfer to hotel for check in.

  Overnight in Siem Reap.

• Day 12

  Siem Reap – Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat (Breakfast)

  The day starts with visit to Ta Prohm, perhaps most popularly known as The Tomb Raider temple. This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving it a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent tree roots have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling.

  Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of Khmer Empire with its center piece; the Bayon temple. As you approach, you will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction.

  Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th century, around the time when Angkor Wat was built. Overnight in Siem Reap.

• Day 13

  Siem Reap – Banteay Srei (Breakfast)

  Enjoy a drive to visit Banteay Srei. This red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. They provide an excellent insight into the Angkor civilization and their beliefs. It was built in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva. On the way, make a stop and visit Banteay Samre, a structure often compared to a mini Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, the temple served as a Hindu temple. Overnight in Siem Reap.

• Day 14

  Siem Reap departure (Breakfast)

  You will be free today until being transferred to the airport for your departure flights.

  ----------- End of service ----------

Kindly contact us or send email to tour@vietnamstay.com for the updated price!

Our services include: 

• Hotel room with daily breakfast as mention or similar
• Transfer services in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi by shuttle bus.
• 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.
• Private excursions on Day 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.
• Government taxes & service charges.

Our services do not include: 

• Drinks and other meals not clearly mentioned
• Surcharge for special request on food, and meals.
• Entrance fees, guide service during free time.
• Travel insurance
• All kind of gratuities for guides, drivers & others
• Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
• Internal airfares in the tour (please refer to the airfare supplement)
• International airfare from/to Vietnam
• Vietnam Visa handling fee, visa stamping fee.
• Personal expenses such as Bar, telephone & Laundry bills
• All other service not stated in the program.

 A. CANCELLATION POLICY:

The cancellation charges below refer to the non-transferable fee that is charged to the group member who has cancelled their tour:

• 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

B. CHILDREN POLICY (land service only)

• 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