Best of Vietnam and Cambodia- 13Days

This morning, we embark on a 3-hour drive through the lush Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival, we board a private sampan for a five-hour cruise around the tranquil and breathtaking Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the stunning landscapes as you savor a delicious local seafood lunch onboard. You’ll also have the chance to swim and explore some of the area's limestone caves. We will return to Hanoi in the afternoon.

Today, we will embark on a city tour of Hanoi, guided through its key attractions.

In the morning, we’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s residence, the Presidential Palace, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. We’ll also explore the fascinating Museum of Ethnology. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant in Hanoi.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Fine Arts Museum and take a walking tour through the Old Quarter's labyrinthine streets. We’ll stop by Hang Bong Street to shop for Communion party banners and badges and explore some of Hanoi’s renowned art galleries. If time allows, we’ll visit Ngoc Ha Village to see the American B-52 wreckage in the lake. Our evening concludes with a traditional water puppet show.

Transfer to the airport for your flight from Hanoi to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, we’ll begin our city tour by exploring the Citadel and the Imperial Purple City. Next, we’ll visit the impressive Thien Mu Pagoda, where we’ll board a boat for a cruise along the Perfume River. Along the way, we’ll stop to visit Hon Chen Temple and Minh Mang's tomb. After disembarking, we’ll continue to Tu Duc's royal tomb, and if time permits, we’ll visit Phu Cam and Notre Dame Cathedrals.

Set off on a picturesque drive over the Cloudy Pass to Danang. In Danang, explore the Cham Sculpture Museum, which showcases exquisite artifacts and sandstone statues of the Cham people. Continue with a visit to Marble Mountain and the nearby craft village before driving to Hoi An. Take some time to unwind at the renowned Cua Dai Beach, a beautiful stretch of the East Vietnam coastline.

Hoi An is a charming town best explored on foot. Unlike any other place in Vietnam, Hoi An preserves the ambiance of bygone centuries and is a favorite among travelers. We'll take a leisurely walking and cyclo tour through the historic town, immersing ourselves in its unique atmosphere and exploring the intriguing local market. Visit ancient houses and temples, and take part in a cooking lesson near the Caudo Bridge.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, visit the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Thien Hau Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City Museum, and Chinatown. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.

The Mekong Delta, located in the southernmost part of Vietnam, is often called the country's "rice bowl," producing three rice crops annually. This fertile region is also renowned for its tropical fruits and flowers. The Delta marks the final stretch of the Mekong River's 4,500 km journey through six countries. Traditional transportation here involves boating along an extensive network of canals and channels. Exploring these waterways and visiting the floating markets offers a captivating experience for visitors. We will drive to Vinh Long, where we'll take a boat ride through the lush green canals, arriving at an orchard to enjoy a lunch of delicious tropical fruits.

Morning: We are heading towards Tay Ninh to visit the elaborate Cao Dai Temple and witness the remarkable mid-day service. During this time, followers fill the hall dressed in colorful robes, representing the unique blend of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

Afternoon: After having lunch at a local restaurant, we will return to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at the Cu Chi Tunnels along the way. These narrow tunnels were constructed by the Viet Cong guerrillas during the war to hide from bombing raids and launch surprise attacks. We will then drive back to Ho Chi Minh City to catch a flight to Siem Reap, where we will transfer to a hotel.

Morning: Explore the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, dating back to the 12th century. Begin at the South Gate, adorned with massive statues illustrating the churning of the ocean of milk. Visit the Bayon Temple, renowned for its 54 towers featuring over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. Continue to the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Afternoon: Discover Angkor Wat, the most renowned temple on the Angkor plain. Spanning 81 hectares, this temple complex rivals the size of the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its iconic five towers, depicted on the Cambodian flag, are a 12th-century masterpiece and a prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Enjoy a buffet dinner and a traditional Khmer dance show at a local restaurant, followed by accommodation at a hotel.

Morning: Begin with a visit to Ta Prohm, one of the most stunning temples in the area. Ta Prohm has remained largely untouched since its discovery, preserving much of its enigmatic charm. Next, explore Neak Pean, a fountain situated in the center of a pool symbolizing a heavenly Himalayan lake. Continue to Ta Som, a small yet classic temple built in the late 12th century C.E., and the most remote on the grand circuit. Then, visit Preah Khan, constructed by King Jayavarman VII. Like Ta Prohm, Preah Khan features towered enclosures and narrow corridors. However, unlike Ta Prohm, Preah Khan is well-preserved and undergoing restoration to maintain and enhance its condition. Lunch is not included.

Afternoon: Visit the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, followed by Srah Srang, known as “The Royal Baths,” once used for ritual bathing. Proceed to Banteay Kdei, surrounded by four concentric walls, and then to Ta Keo, built in the late 10th to early 11th century C.E., notable as the first temple constructed entirely of sandstone. Dinner is not included, and accommodation will be at a hotel.

We will drive to visit Kbal Spean, located 50 km northeast of Siem Reap or 18 km from Banteay Srei. Known as the original “River of a Thousand Lingams,” Kbal Spean features an intricately carved riverbed deep in the foothills of the Cambodian jungle. Lunch is not included.

Next, we will visit Banteay Srei temple, which has four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, with the southern example being remarkably well-preserved. Dinner is not included, and we will stay overnight at a hotel.

We embark on a boat trip across Tonle Sap Lake, passing by floating villages that include schools, restaurants, and hospitals. Afterward, you have free time to explore the local market for shopping before transferring to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight.