Best of Vietnam with Siem Reap – Angkor Wat – 15days

Ho Chi Minh passed away before the end of the Vietnam War, but the esteem in which he was held led to the preservation of his body and the creation of a grand mausoleum in Hanoi, allowing the Vietnamese people to pay their respects. Our city exploration begins here, at the complex that includes the Stalinist mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh's more modest private residence. Our next destination is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university established in 1070, featuring beautiful gardens and well-preserved architecture.

After lunch, you have the option to explore on your own or join activities planned by your Tour Leader. You might consider visiting one of the city's excellent museums—both the recently opened Ethnology Museum, which provides a thoughtful and interactive explanation of Vietnam's diverse minority cultures, and the Women's Museum, come highly recommended. Later this afternoon, we'll include a visit to see the unique Water Puppets, a traditional northern Vietnamese folk art.

After an early morning pickup from your hotel, we depart from the capital for Halong Bay, a scenic four-hour drive in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Upon arrival around midday, you'll be welcomed by a tour representative and transferred to a traditional junk boat.

Begin your cruise around the majestic Halong Bay with a complimentary welcome drink. As you settle in, meet the expert crew and get to know your small group while enjoying a delicious seafood lunch, accompanied by tea and coffee. After lunch, relax and soak up the sun on the top deck—a perfect spot for photographing the natural wonders of the bay—as your captain navigates to a secluded area ideal for swimming in the clear waters.

You'll have the opportunity to try kayaking and explore some of the ancient limestone caves dotting the bay. Paddle through the most secluded lagoons, admiring the surrounding limestone karsts amid unforgettable scenery only accessible by kayak. The modern kayaks are lightweight and easy to maneuver, and all participants will be provided with water buoyancy vests. The junk boat will be nearby at all times, serving as a backup vessel for those who need it.

After your adventures, return to the boat for more relaxation on the deck, and enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar if you wish. In the evening, the cook will prepare a splendid meal featuring fresh seafood dishes and traditional Vietnamese fare as your crew anchors in the heart of the bay. After dinner, you'll have the chance to try some night fishing from the boat.

Awakening to the serene beauty of the bay, you’ll have time for an early morning swim followed by breakfast. Next, explore the Cave of Surprises – Halong Bay’s largest cave – where you’ll encounter magnificent stalagmites and stalactites as you walk along illuminated paths during a guided tour.

After enjoying another delicious lunch around midday, embark on your return cruise to the main harbor. From there, transfer to your waiting vehicle for the four-hour journey back to Hanoi. Before boarding the Reunification Express, the train connecting northern and southern Vietnam, enjoy a quick dinner. The onboard facilities are simple yet clean, providing an authentic Vietnamese experience.

Early this morning, we arrive and, after refreshing ourselves and enjoying a light breakfast, embark on a one-hour drive inland to the majestic peaks of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This park, located in central Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam, about 500 km south of Hanoi, boasts some of the world’s most remarkable cave systems. Throughout the day, we explore this remote and stunning jungle region, including a refreshing swim at Nuoc Mooc Spring, where warm waters flow from a nearby cavern. Prepare to be amazed by some of Asia’s largest and most exquisite caves. Among the highlights is the grand cathedral-like structure of Paradise Cave, nestled deep within the park’s mountains.

Departing from Dong Hoi, where we spent the night, we head south this morning toward Hue. Along the way, we visit the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) and Vinh Moc Tunnels. These tunnels were constructed during the height of the Vietnam War by local villagers residing near the infamous 17th Parallel. Their purpose was to provide shelter from the relentless carpet-bombing. After crossing the Ben Hai River, we continue our journey to Hue, arriving in the mid-afternoon. Once we check in to our hotel overlooking the Perfume River, the rest of the day is free for exploration.

Today, we explored Hue, once the capital of Vietnam. We began our journey at Dong Ba market, a vibrant hub where local life unfolds. Amidst the bustling market, our guide introduced us to traditional Vietnamese foods and local vendors, immersing us in the sights, sounds, and aromas of everyday life.

After savoring a variety of Vietnamese delicacies, we ventured to the Hue Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam's ancient capital. Enclosed by imposing stone walls stretching 6 miles (10 km) long and 6 feet (2 meters) thick, the Citadel's vast palace complex unfolded before us. Among hundreds of ornate royal tombs, pagodas, and temples, we explored the legacy of Hue's Nguyen Emperors until the early 20th century.

Inside the Forbidden Purple City, nestled within the Citadel, nature has begun reclaiming the ruins. Once accessible only to the emperor, his concubines, and eunuch servants, this former royal residence bore witness to a turbulent history, particularly during the Vietnam War.

Having uncovered the Citadel's treasures, we enjoyed a traditional lunch at a local nunnery, engaging with the nuns about Buddhism and their daily lives. Following lunch, a scenic minibus ride through Hue's picturesque landscapes led us to a village renowned for its incense production and an impressive royal tomb.

We concluded our day with a visit to Bao Quoc Pagoda, a sprawling temple complex dating back to the 17th century. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Perfume River, the pagoda's seven-tiered structure and nearby Tiger Arena, where historic duels between elephants and tigers once entertained emperors, offered a glimpse into Hue's rich past.

Our journey concluded with a serene afternoon cruise along the Perfume River, soaking in the natural beauty before returning to our hotel in Hue's city center, where we had the evening to ourselves.

Following breakfast today, we set off for the historic port town of Hoi An, enjoying one of the most picturesque drives in the country. Our route takes us through the charming fishing village of Lang Co, perfect for photography, before we climb the Pass of Ocean Clouds. Our hotel in Hoi An is situated on the outskirts of the pedestrian-only Old Town, providing a perfect base for personal exploration. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

This morning's brief walking tour of the Old Town will help you get your bearings, ensuring you can make the most of your leisurely afternoon. You might be tempted by the resort hotel's inviting pool, or perhaps the charming riverside cafes and restaurants, perfect for people-watching. For those seeking a bit more activity, bicycles are available for rent to explore the countryside. Alternatively, your Tour Leader can assist in arranging a cooking class or a visit to the Cham Dynasty ruins at My Son, just an hour's drive from town.

This morning, we bid farewell to Vietnam and take a short flight across the border to Siem Reap, Cambodia. After clearing customs and immigration, we meet our local guide and make the brief drive to town where we check in and freshen up before our afternoon adventure begins.

Climb into a private remork (tuk-tuk) for a 15-minute ride to the South Gate, where you'll walk along the ancient city wall with your guide, pausing to capture photos of the impressive demons lining the causeway. Spend about an hour exploring the lost temple of Prasat Chrung before moving on to the 12th-century Bayon Temple, famous for its 51 stone towers, each adorned with four serene faces of a smiling bodhisattva.

Next, your knowledgeable guide will lead you to the Terrace of the Elephants, the Royal Palace, and the Terrace of the Leper King, where you can spend up to two hours learning fascinating stories about the Khmer kings who once ruled this ancient city.

After your private tour, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can take a dip in the outdoor pool, which features a happy hour for socializing, or retreat to your air-conditioned room and savor dinner and drinks from the room service menu.

Following breakfast, embark on a 30-minute morning remork ride to the outskirts of Siem Reap. From there, enjoy a 15-minute ox-cart journey through the picturesque countryside. Next, continue your exploration by air-conditioned vehicle, heading toward Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this lake plays a vital role in feeding the Mekong River during the dry season and expanding significantly during monsoons.

Upon reaching the riverbank, board a local boat for an approximately 30-minute ride to Kompong Phluk, the largest floating village on the lake. Spend the rest of the morning observing the captivating daily activities of Cambodian villagers who reside along the shore, gaining insight into how their lives are intricately connected to the water’s rhythms.

After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, the remainder of your day is yours to explore as you wish. 

Following breakfast, embark on a 30-minute morning remork ride to the outskirts of Siem Reap. From there, enjoy a 15-minute ox-cart journey through the picturesque countryside. Next, continue your exploration by air-conditioned vehicle, heading toward Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this lake plays a vital role in feeding the Mekong River during the dry season and expanding significantly during monsoons.

Upon reaching the riverbank, board a local boat for an approximately 30-minute ride to Kompong Phluk, the largest floating village on the lake. Spend the rest of the morning observing the captivating daily activities of Cambodian villagers who reside along the shore, gaining insight into how their lives are intricately connected to the water’s rhythms.

This morning, we proceed with our journey heading southward by catching a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the most vibrant and dynamic city in Vietnam. Our accommodation is a well-priced hotel situated in an excellent spot right behind the Opera House, surrounded by lively streets teeming with cafes, restaurants, and shops. District One, where our hotel is located, offers great accessibility to many of the city's main attractions, such as the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, and Dong Khoi Street, all within walking distance. Choose your destination and set out this afternoon for your own explorations.

Following a few hectic days, today we take things slower as we travel south from the city into the picturesque Mekong Delta. There are few experiences more relaxing than a cruise through the tranquil tropical landscape of the delta. We embark in Ben Tre and sail downstream, passing by heaps of coconuts and heavily-laden rice barges, until we reach Mango Homestay where we stop for a delicious homemade lunch. After lunch, we explore the local villages and fruit orchards either on foot or by bike, witnessing local crafts and small-scale industries, before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. A final group dinner concludes our adventure, offering one last opportunity to reminisce about the trip's highlights and exchange contact information before we go our separate ways the next day.

Today, your tour leader or guide will accompany you to Ho Chi Minh International Airport, where you’ll be bid farewell as you board your return flight home.