Treasures of Vietnam and Angkor Wat – 8Days

Your first full day in Vietnam is dedicated to discovering Hanoi, the capital city that offers a rich tapestry of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French history. Although smaller than Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is home to a variety of museums, government buildings, and several of Vietnam’s universities.

For early risers, a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake is a must. Here, you can witness numerous locals, primarily the elderly, engaging in Tai Chi, calisthenics, or playing badminton and ping pong. Afterward, take a short walk to Hang Be Market, where you can observe affluent locals shopping for daily necessities. A transfer will return you to your hotel in time to enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast.

The rest of your day will be spent exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a charming area with a mix of traditional Vietnamese and colonial architecture. Wander through its narrow streets, discover vibrant street-level shops that blend seamlessly into the owners' homes, and enjoy the picturesque green parks and small lakes. You may even spot a family navigating the tight alleyways on a single motor scooter.

After a delightful lunch in a former Colonial House, you can choose to relax at the hotel, explore the B52 Lake neighborhood, or stroll through the French Quarter.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the traditional Thang Long Water Puppet Show. This centuries-old art form, originating from the Red River Delta, features performers operating puppets in water, delivering an engaging show that recounts local legends, romance, farming, fishing, and childhood stories.

Travel to Halong Bay and board a traditional junk boat. Explore the Vung Vieng Fishing Village, with options for swimming and kayaking.

Your journey takes you to the enchanting Halong Bay, a vast expanse of 600 square miles dotted with nearly 2,000 dramatic, verdant limestone islands, or karsts. The name Halong translates to "where the dragon descends into the sea," inspired by local legend. It is said that a mighty dragon once roamed the mountains and, as it rushed towards the coast, its tail carved out the bay’s valleys and crevices. Situated about four hours east of Hanoi, you will arrive at the bay around midday and board your private junk. After a delicious lunch on board, visit the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you can witness local life and traditional fishing practices. There will also be time for a refreshing swim or a scenic kayak trip.

In the evening, enjoy your first dinner on the boat, as the setting sun fades and the serene waters are illuminated by a starry night sky.

After a light breakfast on the boat, set sail towards Sung Sot Cave, also known as the Cave of Surprises, the largest cave in Halong Bay. This cave features two expansive chambers: the first resembles a grand theater with numerous stalactites hanging from the high ceiling, while the second is vast enough to accommodate thousands of people. At the deepest part of the cave, you’ll find a “royal garden” with a clear pond and a captivating view of surrounding mountains. The cave is home to various birds and plant species, including benjamin figs, cycads, and ancient banyan trees.

Following your exploration, return to the junk for a delightful brunch. After disembarking at Halong Pier, transfer back to Hanoi to catch your flight to Danang. From Danang, drive to Hoi An, where you can check in at your hotel and freshen up before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Start your day by meandering through two charming villages, taking in the quintessential Vietnamese landscape with its lush rice paddies, traditional homes, and perhaps a family balancing their goods on a single moped en route to the local market. Explore the villages of Cam Thanh and Cam Chau, where you might have the opportunity to visit a local school and interact with the children.

Proceed to the historic center of Hoi An, where your guide will provide fascinating insights into the area's rich history. Hoi An was a bustling international trading hub from the 17th to the 19th centuries, attracting merchants from China, Japan, India, and the Netherlands. Its narrow streets and well-preserved Chinese-style buildings have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. One highlight is the Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed in the 17th century by Japanese settlers and notable for its Buddhist temple on one side. Explore a former merchant’s house, visit local shops, courtyards, and temples, and wander through Hoi An’s vibrant central market, overflowing with tropical fruits. Don't miss the nearby fabric market, where you can buy materials and have them tailored into garments within a day.

An early morning departure from Danang will take you to Siem Reap, Cambodia, known as the "Gateway to Angkor." You will transfer through Ho Chi Minh City, where airport assistance will be provided. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, a local Cambodian guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After checking in and refreshing, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the hotel’s poolside restaurant.

Following lunch, take a tuk-tuk to the entrance of Bayon, where you’ll begin your exploration of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Wander along the path to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Explore the narrow streets and admire the impressive fifty-tower temple with its mysterious stone faces. Next, visit Takeo Temple, a majestic but simply adorned structure dedicated to Shiva. Once known as the “mountain with golden peaks,” it was the first temple built entirely of sandstone. Conclude your day by witnessing a stunning sunset over the temples, followed by dinner at a local restaurant where you can savor the delights of Cambodian cuisine for the first time.

This morning, you'll start early to avoid the heat and head to K’bal Spean, located on the southwestern slopes of the Kulen Hills within Phnom Kulen National Park. It was here in 802 AD that King Jayavarman declared himself the god-king and separated from the Java kingdom, marking the inception of the Angkor empire and modern Cambodia. You’ll follow a scenic trail through a forest, leading to the K’bal Spean site, where the riverbed is adorned with numerous sculptures of lingas, symbolizing the divine essence of the god Shiva. Known as the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” this remarkable Hindu site predates Angkor Wat by approximately two hundred years, making it one of the region’s oldest landmarks. Along the way, enjoy a picturesque waterfall and panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

Upon returning to Siem Reap, you'll have lunch at the Paul De Brule Tourism School, where students preparing for careers as chefs will prepare a five-star meal. In the afternoon, visit Ta Prohm, a site overtaken by jungle growth that creates a mystic and exotic atmosphere. The massive tree roots intertwine with the stone structures, creating a dramatic visual of nature reclaiming the ruins. Ta Prohm, intentionally left partially unrestored, offers excellent photo opportunities of the temple’s ancient stones mingling with lush greenery. If time allows, you may also visit a local artisan center to see traditional crafts being passed down to the next generation. Return to your hotel for dinner, where you can savor some of the finest authentic Cambodian cuisine. The evening concludes with a performance by Cambodian Living Arts, a project supported by World Education, dedicated to reviving traditional Khmer performing arts.

The morning is dedicated to discovering Angkor Wat, the vast and elaborately sculpted Khmer temple, celebrated as one of the architectural marvels of the world. Built by the Khmer civilization between the 9th and 13th centuries, this grand temple features extensive hallways and courtyards. As you wander through the site, you’ll encounter numerous small shrines still actively used by locals residing nearby. Inside the main temple, admire the hundreds of intricate carvings of Apsaras, inspired by Hindu mythology.

Following this awe-inspiring visit to Angkor Wat, enjoy a farewell lunch with your fellow travelers to mark the end of your journey. A complimentary transfer to the airport will be provided for your departure.