Journey to Angkor Wat – 15 Days

Hanoi – Halong Bay. This morning, we embark on a scenic journey to the mesmerizing Halong Bay, renowned for its emerald waters and towering limestone peaks. A deluxe Junk Boat awaits us for an unforgettable overnight cruise in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Blending traditional design with modern comforts, these exceptional vessels offer oriental elegance. Admire the panoramic vistas from the sundeck as we gently sail along. In the afternoon, we explore Trinh Nu Cave, an exquisite natural wonder boasting stunning stalactites and stalagmites. There's also the opportunity for kayaking and a refreshing swim. As evening falls, we return to the boat for a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck, followed by a delectable seafood feast.

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Rise and shine to a serene Tai Chi class on the sundeck or indulge in a traditional massage to invigorate your senses. Before returning to the port, we delve into the mesmerizing Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Grotto), an expansive 10,000m² marvel composed of two grand chambers capable of accommodating thousands of visitors. Mid-afternoon, upon our arrival back in Hanoi, we embark on an enchanting cyclo ride through the labyrinthine streets of the French Quarter. Highlights include the Opera House and the picturesque Ly Thai To Park. Afterward, we trade our wheels for a leisurely stroll along the famed "36 Streets of the Old Quarter," named after the myriad guilds that once thrived in this area, from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops. In the evening, before boarding the train to Hue (4-berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the historic 'Reunification Express' railway, you have the option to freshen up. Alternatively, a flight from Hanoi to Hue is available.

Upon our arrival in Hue, we embark on a captivating guided tour of the 19th-century capital of the Nguyen Empire. Our first stop is the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the city's oldest monastery, followed by a visit to the citadel. Within the citadel lies the Imperial Purple Palace, an exquisite replica of Beijing's Forbidden City, adorned with formidable ramparts, regal moats, and imperial palaces, some of which now lie in ruins. As the day progresses, we venture into the countryside to admire the elaborate mausoleums of the Nguyen kings. As the sun sets, you have the option to embark on a scenic long boat cruise along the gentle Perfume River or indulge in retail therapy at the bustling Dong Ba Market, conveniently located just a stone's throw away from our hotel.

Embark on a breathtaking journey today as we traverse the scenic Hai Van Pass, famously known as the Road of the Ocean Clouds. This picturesque route reveals stunning vistas of pristine beaches on one side and verdant hills on the other. Along the way, we pause for a leisurely stroll along the captivating My Khe beach, affectionately referred to as 'China Beach' by American soldiers during the war and immortalized in Francis Ford Coppola's iconic film, 'Apocalypse Now.' Feel free to take a refreshing swim in the azure waters before continuing our coastal expedition to Hoi An. Compact and charming, Hoi An entices with its cobblestone streets, quaint shop houses, and laid-back eateries. During a brief walking tour of this enchanting historic town, we'll visit the notable landmarks including Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the age-old Tam Ky house, former merchant residences, and the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. While in Hoi An, we offer an exclusive optional Hoi An Street Eats add-on, an immersive culinary adventure that delves into the city's most beloved local food spots. Cruise the streets like a local on a vintage Vespa and savor the tantalizing flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Reserve your spot early with our travel consultant, as availability is limited.

Embark on a delightful bicycle ride to the nearby village of Tra Que, where we discover time-honored farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. Today is a hands-on experience, as we assist in tending the fields, tending to gardens, and even cooking a delightful lunch. Day 7 grants you free time to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Relax by the pristine beach or indulge in some downtime by the pool. Alternatively, you have the option to embark on an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary or venture on a day trip to the captivating Ba Na Hills. Here, you can ride the second-longest cable car in the world, explore the splendid resort, and stroll across the awe-inspiring Golden Bridge (bookings and payments can be made locally).

Hoi An - Can Tho. Rise and shine as we embark on an early morning adventure, transferring to Da Nang Airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, we journey to the captivating Mekong Delta. Renowned for its fertile lands and bountiful harvests of tropical fruits, flowers, and rice, this delta offers mesmerizing canal views as we navigate through its intricate waterways aboard our sampan. From Cai Be, we leisurely cruise downstream to Can Tho, immersing ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of daily river life. Along the way, we encounter vibrant trading boats, floating homes, and carefree children swimming. We make stops at local cottage industries, witnessing the craftsmanship behind popcorn, coco candies, and paper production. Lunch is a delightful affair, served in the welcoming ambience of a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.

Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Begin the day with an early visit to the lively Cai Rang floating market, a fascinating spectacle of vibrant commerce. We then make our way to the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Embark on a captivating walking tour, where we explore iconic city landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, showcasing remarkable architectural splendor. Our journey continues with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, offering poignant insights into the history of the Vietnam War.

Embark on a captivating journey this morning as we explore the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network of living quarters and tunnels utilized by the resourceful Viet Cong during the war. Afterwards, we make our way to the Cambodian border, crossing at Moc Bai/Bavet, and continue our adventure to the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh. This bustling city harmoniously blends the allure of Asia's past with its thriving modernity, boasting exceptional dining establishments and a plethora of attractions.

Prepare for a day filled with remarkable discoveries as we delve into the cultural treasures of Phnom Penh. Our exploration commences at the National Museum of Fine Arts, an elegant terracotta edifice of traditional design that houses the world's finest collection of Khmer sculpture. We then proceed to the exquisite Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, renowned for their opulent embellishments. The Silver Pagoda features floors adorned with silver tiles, and statues of Buddha adorned with countless diamonds. This afternoon, we confront the harrowing legacy of the Pol Pot regime as we visit Tuol Sleng (Security Prison - S21), a haunting former school transformed into a chamber of torture during the Khmer Rouge era. We also pay homage to the victims at the Killing Fields, a solemn site where over 10,000 individuals met their tragic fate.

Phnom Penh – Siem Reap. After checking out of our hotel, we transfer to the airport for our included flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, we have time to freshen up before embarking on a captivating visit to the Angkor National Museum. This archaeological museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the artifacts and rich heritage of the Angkorian era. We marvel at the collections, which showcase the splendor of the Khmer civilization during the 9th to 14th centuries. In the afternoon, we venture to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of the Angkor temple complex. Its grandeur is unmatched, with its towering lotus-like towers and intricate carvings adorning the walls. As the largest religious structure in the world, Angkor Wat is a testament to the architectural genius of the Khmer Empire. Enjoy your evening at leisure, with a plethora of charming bars and restaurants to explore in the easily navigable city center.

Start your day with an optional excursion to witness the magnificent sunrise over Angkor Wat, casting a golden glow upon the ancient temple (book and pay locally). Our included tour begins with a visit to the well-preserved Banteay Srei temples, known for their intricate beauty. En route, we stop at an enchanting butterfly sanctuary and the village of Preak Dak, where you have the opportunity to contribute to a local initiative by planting a tree sapling, supporting low-income farmers. In the afternoon, we return to the Angkor Temple Complex to explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the final capital of the Great Khmer Empire. Within its borders, we encounter the captivating Bayon Temple, the royal enclosure of Baphuon, and the awe-inspiring Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King. Our final temple visit is to Ta Prohm, where nature has intertwined with history, as colossal tree roots embrace the crumbling structures, creating a mesmerizing sight. In the evening, prepare to be enthralled by the incredible Phare Cambodian Circus. This captivating show showcases the talents of street children trained by the Phare NGO circus project, blending circus skills with thought-provoking interpretations of modern life and Cambodian society's challenges.

This morning, we embark on a drive to Kampong Phluk, a captivating cluster of three stilt house villages nestled within the floodplain of Tonle Sap Lake, approximately 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. Prepare to be mesmerized by the houses perched on towering stilts, suspended above the glistening waters of the lake. As we explore the area, we'll encounter the fascinating petrified trees of the flooded forest, revealed when the water level recedes. After a boat excursion on the lake and a delightful lunch, we return to Siem Reap, where the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Consider indulging in some last-minute shopping at the bustling central market or immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Pub Street.

Saturday. Today marks the end of our remarkable journey. Enjoy a leisurely morning, taking in the final moments of your Siem Reap experience. After checking out of the hotel, a departure transfer will be arranged to take you to the airport. Reflect on the memories created during this unforgettable adventure.