Best Of Vietnam & Cambodia 12 Days

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, get ready for an unforgettable journey to the magnificent World Heritage site of Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin. Marvel at the breathtaking landscape of 1,600 limestone islands, sandy coves, and enchanting grottoes that have been shaped over centuries by the forces of wind and water. Embark on the Lavender Cruise around 12:00 - 12:30 PM, following a short cruise briefing and a warm welcome drink. Settle into your cabin and savor a delectable lunch featuring regional fresh seafood as you cruise through the picturesque waters. Admire iconic landmarks like the Incense Burner island, Fighting Cock islet, and Stone Dog. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the bay as you engage in kayaking amidst the stunning limestone mountains, visit Titov Island for swimming or relaxation on the sun-deck to soak in the breathtaking views. Afterward, return to Lavender Cruises and join a sunset party. As the cruise continues, you'll pass by Soi Sim Beach and "Rang Dua" Island, eventually reaching the sleeping area near the Surprising cave. Participate in a cooking class at the restaurant and learn the art of making fresh/fried spring rolls and mixing fish sauce. In the evening, be enchanted by the magical night sky as you indulge in a set-menu dinner featuring a variety of Vietnamese and Asian delicacies. Engage in evening activities such as squid fishing, card games, karaoke, or simply relax with happy-hour drinks at the bar. Spend a tranquil night aboard the cruise, surrounded by the serenity of the bay. Night 2: Overnight stay on the Halong Cruise.

6:15 AM: Begin your day with morning exercises on the sun-deck. 7:15 AM: Enjoy a delightful breakfast with coffee, tea, and fresh pastries on board. 8:00 AM: Visit the Surprising Cave (Hang Sung Sot), a magnificent geological wonder discovered by the French in 1901. This cave, open to tourists since 1936, showcases the remarkable geological value of Halong Bay. 9:30 AM: Check-out time. Relax on the sun-deck or inside the restaurant, soaking in the mesmerizing scenery of the bay. 10:15 AM: Delight in a traditional Vietnamese lunch as you cruise back to the pier. 12:00 PM: Check out of the cruise. Our car will be ready to transport you back to Hanoi. 4:30 PM: Arrive in Hanoi, marking the end of the trip. Night 3: Overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at leisure in Hanoi. Take this opportunity to relax, go shopping, and explore the city on your own. Admire the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake, stroll along shaded streets, and consider visiting attractions such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, or the Fine Arts Museum. Optional activities (not included) are available for you to enhance your experience in Hanoi. Night

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will have the morning free until it's time to be picked up for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel located in the vibrant and bustling tourist area of the city. Night 5: Overnight stay at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Embark on a captivating journey to the Mekong Delta, where you will immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich culture of this vibrant southern region. Experience local life as you boat down the river, passing fishing ports, floating houses, and enjoying the melodic tunes of traditional folk songs. Indulge in seasonal fresh fruits and explore the fruit plantations. 7:45-8:15 AM: Our knowledgeable tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, and together, you will depart for My Tho, a town situated on the left bank of the Mekong River. Board a sampan and cruise along the river, passing by the picturesque Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Stop at Unicorn Island, where you can stroll along country lanes, observe orchards, savor tropical fruits, and enjoy local folk music performed by talented locals. Visit a fruit plantation and experience a hand-rowed sampan ride through Thoi Son canal, immersing yourself in the countryside's beauty. Visit a family business, a honey-bee farm, and a coconut candy workshop, where you can indulge in honey tea and witness the candy-making process. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and take a break before embarking on an afternoon cycling adventure around the Tan Thach village. Interact with local villagers to gain insights into their daily lives in the Mekong Delta. If you prefer not to cycle, you can relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze. At 5:30 PM, you will be dropped off at your hotel, and the tour concludes. Night 6: Overnight stay at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

7:45-8:15 AM: Our experienced tour guide and skilled driver will pick you up from your hotel. Prepare to embark on a journey to Cu Chi, located 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. During the Vietnam-American war, Cu Chi earned the moniker "area of steel" due to its resilience. Its intricate tunnel network spanning over 200 km served as an impregnable underground village. Today, it remains a compelling destination for both local and international visitors. The scenic drive to Cu Chi will take approximately one and a half hours. Upon arrival, you will receive a brief introduction and watch an informative video detailing the construction of the tunnels and the survival strategies employed during the war. Explore the preserved areas and tunnel systems, including living quarters, kitchens, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, and command centers. These underground structures catered to the basic needs of the inhabitants. Within the labyrinthine tunnels, you will also discover concealed trap doors and ingenious traps strategically placed for security purposes. Conclude your visit with a serving of special tea and cassava, which were vital sustenance for guerilla fighters during the war. Take a break to relax or, for those seeking an adrenaline rush, try your hand at shooting a real gun. 1:30 PM: Return transfer to your hotel. Trip concludes. Take the opportunity to further explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own leisure. Feel free to contact us if you wish to join other daily tours in the city. Night 7: Overnight stay at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our driver will transfer you to the bus station. You will board the comfortable Mekong Express bus bound for Siem Reap. The journey takes approximately 13 hours. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. If you prefer, we also offer the option to upgrade to a flight from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap, which takes just 1 hour. Please contact us for further details. Night 8: Overnight stay at the hotel in Siem Reap.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. At 8:00 AM, our driver will pick you up to embark on a captivating journey. Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, renowned for its impressive stone carvings depicting colossal human faces. Explore the magnificent Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue your exploration with visits to Thommanan, ChaosayTevoda, Takeo, and the enchanting Ta Prohm temple. At noon, indulge in a delightful lunch at an authentic restaurant. Spend your afternoon discovering the heart and soul of Cambodia, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat. Marvel at the architectural masterpiece as you stroll through its vast galleries, columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and reflective ponds. Night 9: Overnight stay at the hotel in Siem Reap.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before being picked up for your chosen tour. Please note: For the Tonle Sap Lake tour, the sampan boat trip is not recommended during the low water season from February to July due to shallow and smelly water. We offer alternative options at the same price: Option 1: Tonle Sap Lake Half-Day Tour (L) Our knowledgeable tour guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and take you to Tonle Sap Lake, known as the "Great Lake" of Cambodia and one of the largest in Asia. After a 30-minute drive to the port, we will embark on a small sampan boat to cruise on the expansive Tonle Sap Lake. This freshwater lake is home to a diverse ecosystem and picturesque floating villages. As you sail by, you'll witness the daily life of locals, including children commuting to school and fishermen using traditional methods to catch fish. If you arrive early in the morning or late afternoon, you may even catch a breathtaking sunrise or sunset. The boat trip lasts approximately one and a half hours before returning to the city. We will then visit "Les Artisans D`Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles," a workshop that empowers young artisans to create unique sculptures, lacquerware, silk weavings, and paintings. This initiative promotes fair and sustainable development to benefit rural communities. At 12:00 PM, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before being dropped off at your hotel. Option 2: Sunset of Floating Village with Buffet Dinner or Fixed Menu (D) At 3:00 PM, our knowledgeable tour guide and driver will pick you up for a mesmerizing sunset tour of the floating village on the Great Tonle Lake. You'll have the opportunity to capture the beauty of lotus flowers (seasonal), which hold deep significance in Buddhism. Upon arrival at the port, board a traditional long-tail boat, expertly navigated by a local driver (life jackets provided). As you cruise through the floating village, observe the daily lives of ordinary Cambodians. Witness fishermen, boat-makers, markets, schools, spirit houses, and friendly children along this scenic route. The boat also stops at the floating Crocodile & Fish Farm, where you can learn about the livelihoods of the local tradespeople. If you're not interested in catfish and crocodiles, there is a souvenir shop and a viewing deck on board for you to purchase gifts or capture memorable photos. Next, dock at the Queen Tara Riverboat, the largest vessel on the Tonle Sap Lake, offering unparalleled views of the floating villages, flooded forests, and a breathtaking sunset. Indulge in a delightful buffet meal (or fixed menu) and unlimited drinks, including cocktails, beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks. Relax in a hammock, unwind on the viewing deck, or have your picture taken at the steering wheel. Enjoy the comfort and luxury of the biggest boat on the lake while other tour groups pass by on smaller boats. If weather permits, you will witness a spectacular sunset, an unforgettable experience. At approximately 6:45 PM, bid farewell to the Queen Tara and return to the port, where your air-conditioned vehicle will be waiting to transport you directly to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Siem Reap.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, take the opportunity to explore Siem Reap at your own pace. Discover the city's charms, delve into its rich history, or simply relax and swim in the hotel's pool. Night 11: Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at the hotel, you have some free time to further explore Siem Reap. Later, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your departure. Your memorable trip comes to an end.