Vietnam and Cambodia Experience – 12Days

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, set off on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi. Begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square, where you can view the embalmed body of the former leader encased in a glass sarcophagus. Following this, explore Ho Chi Minh’s former residence to gain insight into his life and career.

Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a historical temple originally built in 1049. Your guide will highlight the architectural features that make this temple a significant cultural landmark in Vietnam.

Following a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local eatery, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established in 1070. Wander through its five courtyards and discover notable elements, including a statue of Confucius flanked by bronze storks standing on turtles.

In the afternoon, enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, then visit Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake). Take time to explore Ngoc Son Temple, situated on a small island in the lake, and savor a cup of freshly brewed coffee (at your own expense) from one of the nearby cafés while appreciating the picturesque scenery.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Thang Long Theater for a captivating Vietnamese water puppet show. This traditional performance, which originated from rural festivals, features puppeteers standing in the water to manipulate the puppets, bringing them to life as they move, talk, and dance on the water's surface.

You'll be driven to the Gulf of Tonkin and Halong Bay, situated about 112 miles (180 km) east of Hanoi. By midday, you'll board a traditional junk boat for check-in.

Enjoy a seafood lunch on board as you set out on a scenic cruise through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning natural landscapes.

Known in Vietnamese as "Dragon Descending to the Sea," the bay is home to over 3,000 limestone islets that rise dramatically from the emerald waters. Many of these islets feature captivating grottoes.

Accompanied by your guide, you'll explore one of these caves and, depending on weather and water conditions, you may have the chance to swim at Titov Beach’s golden sands. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in your superior cabin on the boat.

Start your day with a relaxing tai chi session on the sundeck, following the graceful movements of your instructor as you engage in this time-honored practice.

Next, bask in the sun on the top deck while enjoying a light breakfast of pastries, coffee, and fruit, with plenty of opportunities to capture the breathtaking views of the bay. After breakfast, set off to explore the Cave of Surprises (Sung Sot Cave) on Bo Hon Island, an impressive cluster of limestone islets. Upon arrival, ascend the hundred stone steps leading to the cave’s entrance and take a guided tour through its illuminated paths. This cave is the largest grotto in Halong Bay and features an array of dramatic stalactites hanging from its lofty ceiling.

As you return to the Halong wharf, savor a buffet brunch aboard the junk. Upon reaching Tuan Chau Marina, a vehicle will be ready to transport you on a four-hour drive back to Hanoi Airport.

From there, catch a flight to Danang, a renowned coastal city known for China Beach, famously associated with GI rest and recreation during the Vietnam War. Upon arrival, a coach will take you down the coast to Hoi An, an ancient trading port that’s one of Vietnam’s most enchanting destinations. Your hotel is conveniently located on the edge of the pedestrianized Old Town, perfect for easy exploration.

This morning is free for you to discover at your own pace. The Old Town is small and easily accessible from our centrally located hotel. You might enjoy relaxing by the pool at the resort, or you could visit one of the charming riverside cafés and restaurants for some people-watching. If you're feeling more energetic, you can rent bikes to explore the surrounding countryside.

Following a relaxed morning, we'll proceed to the historic city of Hue, with a stop at the impressive Cham Museum in Danang along the way. The journey from Danang is renowned for its stunning views, including the scenic ascent over the Cloud Pass and a descent into the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co. After arriving and checking into our hotel with views of the Perfume River, you'll have the rest of the day free to explore at your own pace.

After a morning tour of the expansive Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen Emperors, and a cyclo ride through the Old Town, we'll embark on a scenic boat journey up the Perfume River. The river, named for the scent of tropical blossoms drifting down from upriver orchards, leads us to the Thien Mu Pagoda. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to continue exploring. The surrounding countryside is rich with the tombs of past emperors, and you might want to visit some of these impressive sites. Notable among them are the grand Mausoleum of Tu Duc and the European-influenced Tomb of Khai Dinh, the final resting place of the last Nguyen Emperor.

This morning, we continue our journey south with a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, known for its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. We’ll be staying at a well-located hotel near the Opera House, nestled amidst a lively district filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Located in District One, our hotel offers easy access to many of the city's key attractions, including the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, and Dong Khoi Street, all within walking distance. Spend your afternoon exploring these landmarks at your own pace. Additionally, your Tour Leader will offer an optional excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive network of underground passages created by the Viet Cong during the French and American wars.

After an eventful few days, today we take a more leisurely pace as we journey south into the enchanting Mekong Delta. Few experiences are as relaxing as cruising through this tranquil tropical region. We begin our voyage in Ben Tre, drifting down the river past coconut groves and rice-laden barges until we reach Mango Homestay for a delicious, home-cooked lunch. Post-lunch, we’ll have the opportunity to explore nearby villages and fruit orchards either on foot or by bicycle, observing local crafts and small-scale industries. We’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City later in the afternoon.

This morning, we bid farewell to Vietnam and take a brief flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival and after clearing customs, we meet our local guide and make a short drive to the town, where we check in and prepare for our afternoon exploration. Traveling in a traditional tuk-tuk, we head to the renowned Angkor Wat, constructed during the early 12th century under King Suryavarman II. This iconic temple is so significant that it features prominently on Cambodia’s national flag. We visit Angkor Wat in the late afternoon, a time when the crowds are thinner and the intricate carvings of Apsara dancers are beautifully illuminated by the setting sun. The day ends with a delightful sunset boat ride on the grand moat of Angkor Thom, complete with drinks and canapés.

Today, we begin our journey early to avoid the crowds and experience the enchanting sunrise at Ta Prohm, also known as the 'Tomb Raider temple.' Constructed between the mid-12th and early 13th centuries, Ta Prohm remains largely as it was discovered, with towering jungle trees and entwining vines overtaking the ruins. We then set off to explore the grand temples of Angkor Thom, the final capital of the Great Khmer Empire under King Jayavarman VII. Entering through the East Gate, we pass beneath the imposing stone faces and proceed to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, renowned for their detailed bas-reliefs. As we walk, we catch glimpses of smaller temples nestled within the dense jungle and towering structures that highlight the vast array of ruins. Our morning concludes at the Bayon Temple, a 12th-century marvel featuring 54 towers adorned with massive, serene faces gazing out over the encroaching jungle. The afternoon is yours to either continue exploring or unwind by the hotel pool.

Today marks the end of our luxurious and adventurous journey. Your guide will escort you to Siem Reap Airport in time for your departing flight home.