VIETNAM & CAMBODIA'S HERITAGE

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1

  HANOI ARRIVAL

  Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, after you finish all customs and immigration procedures, please head to the exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in town by a private vehicle.

  Overnight in Hoan Kiem
• Day 2

  HANOI CITY HIGHLIGHT (B)

  The capital of Vietnam, Ha Noi is a perfect blend of old and new, Asian and European, a dynamic unification of tradition and progressive 21st-century thinking. Despite recent rapid development, the city has retained much of its traditional identity

  Visit the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the nation's founder and affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Make the first stop at the historic Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, an imposing monument built to serve as the final resting place of Uncle Ho (outside visit). Continue walking through the beautiful botanical garden of the Presidential Palace to visit Uncle Ho's humble house, built based on a rural Vietnamese stilt house with simple design in a tranquil setting, reflecting his simple, pure and noble lifestyle. Tour the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 of wood on a single stone pillar, designed to resemble a lotus blossom, a symbol of purity.
   
  Continue to the Tran Quoc pagoda, Hanoi's oldest pagoda, located on a small island of West Lake.
  In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam. Constructed in the 11th Century, this stunning temple constitutes a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.
   
  The cyclo (rickshaw) ride is an excellent way to experience Ha Noi at close hand as the atmosphere is lively, hectic, and sociable. Your local driver will pedal you off, behind your guide, into narrow streets of the Old Quarter, known for its '36 streets of 36 wares'. Within the Old Quarter, as they had since the 15th Century, the narrow 36 streets of the Old Quarter bear names that reflect the business once conducted there; silk street, rice street, paper street, lacquer ware street, and jewelry street. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, discover your bargaining power, and come away with unusual items that will always remind you of this memorable afternoon.
   
  What people in the area typically eat? Have fun on the street food walking tour. Discover the history, customs, and cuisine of Vietnam! Learn more about the history of Vietnamese food, the country's culture, and the eating habits of the Vietnamese people as you make your way through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter and watch as the vendors prepare your meals. 
   
  Cap off your trip by wandering around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake “Lake of the Returned Sword”, named after a magical sword once used by the most revered heroes to defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty and then returned to the Golden Turtle God of the lake.
   
  Notes:
  • Tour duration: 7.5-8 hours (08.30-17.00)
   
  Overnight in Hoan Kiem
• Day 3

  HANOI - HA LONG BAY (B, L, D)

   Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay covers an area of 43,400 ha and includes over 1,600 islands and islets, most of which are uninhabited and untouched. Ha Long (literally “where the dragon descends into the sea” in Vietnamese) is world-renowned for its spectacular seascape of limestone pillars complemented by its biodiversity. 

  This morning, depart for a 2.5- hour journey to Ha Long Bay. On arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, settle in on board your boat where a welcome drink awaits. Listen to a cruise briefing as the ship cruises through many stone islets, floating villages, small beaches of the magnificent Ha Long Bay.  Visit a local fishing village by kayak or on a small bamboo boat rowed by the villagers for an authentic look into life in the bay. One of four villages in Halong Bay, approximately 700-800 people live in the floating village, most making a simple living from fishing. Return to the boat and participate in a cooking demonstration with the chef or simply relax on the sundeck before dinner. In the evening, try your hand at some night squid fishing or relax in your cabin.

• Day 4

  HA LONG BAY - HANOI - DA NANG - HOI AN (B, BRUNCH)

  Begin your day with a gentle Tai Chi demonstration that combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements. Coffee, tea, and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with a morning view of the bay's landscape. Enjoy breakfast in the fresh air of Ha Long Bay while the boat continues cruising around the bay passing the most beautiful and quiet areas. Visit one of the most magnificent caves in Ha Long bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, then return to your boat to cruise towards the wharf. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery while approaching the wharf. The vehicle is ready awaiting your disembarkation at approximately 1030 for driving back to Ha Noi. 

  Transfer back to Ha Noi. Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Da Nang.

  Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, please head to the exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An town by a private vehicle.
• Day 5

  HOI AN FULL DAY TOUR (B,L)

  Hoi An is surrounded by restful countryside where life is simple and slow with people living close to nature. This morning is filled with interesting activities, offering to you offers you a closer look into the traditional way of agricultural life in the outskirt of the ancient Hoi An town. 

   
  Hop on your bicycle and set off for an easy bike ride through picturesque villages, passing by rice paddies and vegetable farms. Along the way, you might see cows or buffalos working on rice fields with farmers or lazy relaxing under the shade. 
   
  Then, learn the art of paddling the unique Vietnamese round basket boat and journey through the tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways while hearing about how the area was important during the war.
   
  Arrive in the Tra Que village where the local farmers work on the organic fields and gardens using traditional methods that date back hundreds of years. Join the local host to prepare the tasty dishes of Central Vietnam. Then savor your creations in a rustic yet cozy setting before bidding farewell to the host and cycle back to downtown Hoi An. 
   
  Notes:
  • Tour duration: Half day (08.30-14.00)
  • Cycling distance: 5-7km, on flat terrain, depending on your physical  condition or length you desire
   
  This afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour around Hoi An Ancient Town, which is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets, and typical local cuisine. During this leisurely exploration on foot, observe some of the historic merchant and community houses, ancient pagodas, and traditional places of worship with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture. Make a stop at the iconic over 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge first built by the Japanese community in 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water. Visit the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation notice its gorgeous woodcarvings on the beams, walls, and altar while unraveling with your guide some untold stories about the Chinese community during their time in Hoi An. Continue strolling around Hoi An’s back street and feel soft, clattering hum which is the sound of sewing machines. This little charming town is also home to hundreds of tailor shops and nobody can explain exactly when, how, or why it became sewing central. Visit a tailor shop where you can get some express made-to-order clothes. Step into a back alley to visit an elderly man who has a passion for Vietnamese calligraphy. Have some tea and a chat with him to learn that calligraphy is more than just a way to convey information; it can also be used to convey one's innermost thoughts and feelings. See the master at work as he creates a lucky character in calligraphy for you to take home with you as a souvenir.
   
  Overnight in Cam Pho.
• Day 6

  HOI AN – FREE TIME (B)

  Free time at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

• Day 7

  HOI AN - HO CHI MINH (B)

  Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, after you finish all customs and immigration procedures, please head to the exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An town by a private vehicle.

  Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, after you finish all customs and immigration procedures, please head to the exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in town by a private vehicle.
   
  Once known as the “Pearl Of Indochina”, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) has several historical sites with untold stories behind. Commence the journey with the visit to CIA building where helicopters evacuated the remaining US citizens in 1975, you can choose to experience the most ancient elevator, built in the French colonial period. Continue to Reunification Palace, former residence of the Indochina Governor-General and later President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Stop at Thich Quang Duc monument, dedicated to the monk who famously committed self-immolation in 1963 to protest against the persecution of Buddhists. Take a rest at a local hidden coffee shop, the house with secret tunnels where VC used as a place to hide and store weapons during Vietnam War, the staff will escort you to explore the secret tunnels after enjoying the traditional Vietnamese coffee and learning some untold stories behind. End up this morning by a simple lunch with “Pho” (noodle soup) at Pho Binh restaurant, this place used to be the headquarters of Viet Cong Commanders where they gathered to plan for the 1968 Tet Offensive. The guide will share with you some stories about this place and if possible take a walk upstairs to learn more about war history through the family's photo collection. Drive back to your hotel after the tour.
   
  Notes:
  • Tour duration: Half day (08.00-12.30 or 13.00-17.00) but preferred morning tour
  • Capacity: 20pax
   
  Overnight in District 1
• Day 8

  HO CHI MINH - MEKONG DELTA (B, L)

  This morning, drive 2 hours towards Ben Tre province in the Mekong Delta, famed for its tropical fruit gardens, coconut groves traditional products made of coconuts. Upon arrival, board a local wooden boat to enjoy countryside scenery and river life. Then stretch your legs a bit at a local family-run workshop to learn how local traditional methods utilize every bit of the coconut. Hop on a bicycle for a short ride of about 3-4km (over easy, level terrain) along narrow village lanes, past fruit orchards, and local cottage industries. Locals will often greet you with a hello or “xin chao” as you pedal by. Stop en route at local families and chat with the local farmers to understand their daily farming activities while enjoying the opportunity to taste fresh fruits and local tea with honey. Board a traditional rowing sampan for close up views of the water palm-lined waterways of the Delta. After feasting on Mekong Delta specialties, you may wish to take a stroll around the orchard to see how the fruit is cultivated. Then, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.

  Notes:

  • Tour duration: Full day (08.00-17.00)
  • The cycling distance is 3-4km, depending on the physical ability and length your desire
• Day 9

  HO CHI MINH - SIEM REAP (B)

  Transfer from your hotel to the airport

  Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport, after you finish all customs and immigration procedures, please head to the exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in town by a private vehicle. 
   
  Overnight in Siem Reap
• Day 10

  THE ANGKOR ESSENTIAL - PHARE SHOW (B)

  Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Angkor complex is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia as it contains the outstanding remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th Century.

  Today, set off to encounter the beautiful temples which are considered as Angkor's jewel. Transfer from your hotel to Ta Prohm, perhaps most popularly known as The Tomb Raider temple. Built in the late 12th and early 13th Centuries as a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII, this beautiful temple is the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings. The magnificent tree roots have merged over the centuries with the temple's huge stone blocks, emphasizing a 'forgotten city' feeling.
   
  Explore the ancient Angkor Thom, founded by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th Century and was one of the largest Khmer cities and remained the capital until the 17th Century. Get inside the reinforced city of Angkor Thom to admire the mysterious Bayon temple, crowned with the large number of serene faces sculpted on its towers. Also, take this chance to learn more about the intricate carvings of the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
   
  Your temple exploration continues as you enter the gate of Angkor Wat, a vast temple complex originally constructed in the early 12th Century by King Suryavarman II. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple. Stroll through the intricate and astonishing bas-reliefs that represent hundreds of fine carvings of Apsara, Hindu mythology as well as key events in its narrative tradition. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th Century.
   
  “Phare, the Cambodian Circus” is one of the most unique, authentic, and top-rated evening entertainment options in Siem Reap. Much more than a circus, Phare artists share uniquely Cambodia stories by combining music, dance, and modern circus. This art is an amazing blend of traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, and juggling, performed by young Cambodians who have underprivileged backgrounds and succeed in finding a new sense of purpose and hope. Several generations of performers have graduated through Phare's original Battambang campus and many of them have the touching personal stories of abuse and hardship, making their talents a triumph against the odds. Take in this inspiring night out that is perfectly created for adults and children alike. 
  • Duration: 1 hour, everyday nightly performance for one hour Show starting from 20.00 (show lasts one hour, followed by an opportunity to chat with and photograph the performers)
  • Cambodian street food, drinks, shopping, and pre-show entertainment begin at 17.30
• Day 11

  THE GRAND CIRCUIT (B)

  Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, the Angkor complex is located in Siem Reap's surroundings and one the most extraordinary sites of the ancient world. With the architecture and layout of the successive capitals within the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th Century, Angkor complex is a great site featuring cultural, religious and symbolic values, as well as containing high architectural, archaeological and artistic significance 

   
  Start the day with a transfer to Banteay Srei “The citadel of women”, the only major temple that was not built by a monarch. Originally constructed in the 10th Century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor's most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been remarkably well preserved. Stop along the way at the Hindu temple of Banteay Samre, a structure often recognizable as a mini Angkor Wat.
   
  In the afternoon, continue your ruin exploration by taking a short ride to the Rolous Temple group, dating back to the 9th Century reign of King Indravarman. Being some of the earliest temples built during the Khmer empire, the ruins of Rolous refer to a collection of four Angkor-era monuments which are the last remnants of the ancient city of Hariharalaya. Learn the evolution of these magnificent temples from the early days of the Khmer empire up to its peak with the Angkor temples in the 13th Century. You will peacefully explore the temples as its location make a nice escape from the crowds.
   
  Notes:
  • Tour duration: Full day (08.30-17.30)
  • Accessibility: all vehicle types 
• Day 12

  SIEM REAP DEPARTURE (B)

  Transfer from your hotel to the airport

 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.

SERVICES EXCLUDED:

• Drinks and other meals not clearly mentioned

HOW TO BOOK AND CONFIRM A TRIP

• No service secured at our proposal, services in destination (hotel, boat, flight, guide etc) are subject to availability.
• Please send booking order to VietnamStay as soon as you agree on our proposal to secure your trip arrangement. Similar alternative service to be suggested when your choice is unavailable at the time of booking.

PASSPORT & FLIGHT DETAILS

• Full passport information is required in your booking order for flight reservation & hotel check-in
• International flight details of arrival & departure are required for airport transfer arrangements

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT

• At least 50% deposit of the total tour cost to be deposited upon commitment of the tour.
• The outstanding amount to be paid prior to arrival date or at our office in Viet Nam on your arrival day.

CANCELLATION & AMENDMENT POLICY & CHARGES

In practice, VietnamStay always do the best to minimize cancelation penalty for our guests but we must abide by the cancelation policy of each service provider.

Please be advised that during Peak Season (Christmas and New Year) and during Public Holidays different cancellation policies may apply. The cancelation policy for such period will be informed to client(s) case by case.

CHILDREN POLICY (land service only)

• Accompanied child from 1- 4 yrs:  Free of charge if sharing existing bed with parents
• Accompanied child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 30% of adult price if sharing existing bed(s) with parents
• Accompanied child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 50% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
• Accompanied child from 7 – 11 yrs: charge 75% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
• Accompanied  child from 12 yrs up: pay as adult rate
• In case child under 12 yrs using twin share room with an adult, please pay full fare.

TOURIST VISA

Please make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity from the entry date. Also please check whether you need an entry visa to Asian countries (Vietnam/ Lao/ Cambodia/ Myanmar/ Thailand) before starting your trip. Please consult with our travel consultant if you are not sure.

NOTE ON AIRFARES

• All airfares are subject to change until final purchase.
• Eco-flex class: allow to re-book (change date, change flight) without fee, but subject to availability. Passenger (s) pay surcharge between classes (if any)
• Refund fee: 15% of airfare plus service charge.
• Airport tax included
• Child under 2 yrs: 10% of adult airfare; Child from 2 to 11 yrs: 75% of adult airfare

LAND TRANSPORTATION

Our price based on the group arrives at one time (on one flight). In case, clients arrive at different flight times, and need different airport transfers, the extra transfer will be charged.  We apply the same for departure date.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Our price of the tour is not included travel insurance. We highly recommend you purchase health/travel insurance for your trip to Asia.

RESPONSIBILITY

• Except in situations beyond human control, VietnamStay will be held responsible for any additional expense resulting from the change caused by us in itinerary, transportation, accommodation.
• However, VietnamStay cannot be held responsible for denied boarding, nor for additional costs occurred due to the situations beyond human control.
• The detailed program and schedule flights are subject to changes by airline without prior notice and in accordance with the weather conditions and daily operation of flights. Consequently, itinerary concerned might be adjusted. If this occurs, VietnamStay will endeavor to secure the alternative arrangements.

VACCINE

There is no compulsory to get any vaccine to visit our countries. But we encourage you to have popular Vaccine such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid, Polio. You may consult your doctor before traveling.