Vietnam and Cambodia Family Discovery – 15Days

Escape the morning bustle of Hanoi as you embark on a scenic drive to Bat Trang, a village renowned for its ceramics, located about an hour away. Explore the village with your local guide and observe skilled artisans crafting clay pots, dishes, and vases. Watch the entire process, from molding and carving to glazing and firing in the kiln.

Next, visit a traditional 'community house,' which was once central to village life in Vietnam. These houses served as communal meeting places for discussing local matters, though their role has diminished with modernization.

Continue to a local family known for their lacquerware craftsmanship. Discover the intricate process of decorating wooden or bamboo items with lacquer, which involves multiple layers and meticulous sanding to achieve a glossy finish.

Then, tour Do Temple, dedicated to the eight Ly emperors of the Ly Dynasty, who brought prosperity and independence to Vietnam. The temple, restored to its 17th-century architecture in 1989, reflects the era's grandeur.

After lunch at a Hanoi restaurant, head to Van Phuc Silk Village, where artisans have been weaving high-quality silk for centuries. Your guide will introduce you to the local craftsmen and their traditions.

Return to Hanoi for a Vietnamese dinner and an introduction to the Sapa region. After dinner, transfer to the train station to board a sleeper train to Sapa via Lao Cai (approximately 8 hours). The train journey will be unaccompanied, but a driver will meet you upon arrival in Lao Cai.

Relax on the comfortable train and get a restful night’s sleep in preparation for tomorrow’s trek.

Leave your hotel early this morning for a two-hour drive through the scenic countryside of northern Vietnam to Hoa Lu, the site of the country's first capital. Explore the ancient Hoa Lu Citadel, which once spanned three square kilometers, and take a challenging half-hour hike up one of the nearby limestone karst hills. The strenuous climb is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.

In the late morning, travel to Tam Coc Town for a traditional Vietnamese lunch, then embark on a private sampan ride through the picturesque Thung Nang Valley. Glide past stunning cave formations and lotus fields, reaching a charming pagoda before retracing your route.

Later, enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the beautiful landscape of rice paddies, karst formations, and charming rural villages. After your ride, meet your vehicle for a transfer back to your hotel.

After breakfast, set off for Van Long Nature Reserve to enjoy a 1.5-hour boat ride in a traditional sampan, offering an ideal way to appreciate the stunning scenery. Continue your journey to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam's first national park and one of the country's few remaining tropical rainforests. Upon arrival, visit the informative Visitors Centre to gain insight into the park's unique environment. Next, explore the Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Center, home to species such as the Delacour's Langur, Golden-headed Langur, Tonkin Snub-nosed Langur, and Black Crested Gibbon.

Enjoy a simple, local Vietnamese lunch at the National Park Headquarters, then spend the afternoon embarking on a guided trek through the dense forest. Discover the diverse flora and fauna that make this region of Vietnam so remarkable.

Overnight accommodation will be in a hotel located at the heart of the forest.

After enjoying a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Pho, depart from the capital for Halong Bay, which is about a four-hour drive in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Upon reaching Halong Bay around noon, you'll be welcomed by a tour representative and transferred to a traditional junk boat.

Settle in with a complimentary welcome drink as you embark on your cruise through the stunning Halong Bay. Meet the knowledgeable crew and your fellow travelers while savoring a delicious seafood lunch, accompanied by tea and coffee. After lunch, relax and bask in the sun on the top deck—an ideal spot for capturing the bay’s natural beauty—while the captain navigates to a serene area perfect for a swim in the clear waters.

You’ll have the opportunity to try kayaking and explore some of the ancient limestone caves that dot the bay. Paddle through secluded lagoons and marvel at the dramatic limestone karsts in a setting that’s best appreciated from a kayak. The modern, lightweight kayaks are easy to handle, and water buoyancy vests will be provided. The junk boat will remain close by, ready to assist if needed.

After your explorations, return to the boat to relax on the deck and enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar if you wish. In the evening, the chef will prepare a delightful meal featuring fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes while the boat anchors in the heart of the bay. Later, you’ll have the chance to try night fishing from the boat.

Start your day with a relaxing Tai Chi session on the sundeck, following your instructor’s graceful movements as you practice this ancient martial art.

Afterward, continue to unwind and enjoy the sun on the top deck while a light breakfast—consisting of pastries, coffee, and fruit—is served on the boat. Take this opportunity to photograph the stunning natural beauty of the bay. Next, head to the Cave of Surprises (Sung Sot Cave) on Bo Hon Island, which is part of a series of interconnected limestone islets. Climb the hundred stone steps to the cave entrance and explore the illuminated paths on a guided tour. This cave is the largest grotto in Halong Bay, adorned with impressive stalactites hanging from its lofty ceiling.

As you return to the Halong wharf, enjoy a buffet brunch on the boat. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, a vehicle will be ready to take you on the four-hour drive back to Hanoi Airport.

Arrive in time to catch your flight south to Danang, a renowned coastal city famous for China Beach, known as a GI R&R destination during the Vietnam War. Upon arrival, a coach will transfer you to Hoi An, an enchanting ancient trading port. Your hotel, situated on the edge of the pedestrianized Old Town, is perfectly positioned for personal exploration.

Explore the rich history and flavors of Vietnam with a walking and cooking tour in Hoi An. Known for its charm and resilience through various conflicts, Hoi An is a treasure trove of delightful streets and historical architecture. Meet your guide and set off to explore Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with cultural significance.

Ancient Town is renowned for its well-preserved buildings and numerous pedestrian-only streets. Wander past the many Chinese assembly halls, including the Cantonese Chinese Congregation with its grand altar and the Hainan Chinese Congregation, which honors 107 merchants from Hainan Island who were tragically mistaken for pirates and executed during Emperor Tu Duc’s reign. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 1590s by the local Japanese community to connect their quarters with the Chinese area across the stream.

After your walking tour, proceed to a family-run restaurant for a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class. The chef will introduce you to the array of dishes you’ll be preparing. Next, visit the local market to select fresh ingredients and learn about various unfamiliar items. Return to the restaurant to start cooking.

Under the guidance of your chef, prepare popular dishes such as spring rolls and grilled tuna (refer to the sample menu below), and take home recipes to impress your family and friends. Conclude your experience by enjoying the delicious meal you’ve crafted.

From the 4th to the 13th centuries, the Champa Kingdom thrived along Vietnam's coast, with My Son serving as its religious and intellectual hub. After your private guide picks you up from your hotel, embark on the 30-mile (50-km) journey to this remarkable ancient temple complex, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Nestled in a valley of striking natural beauty, the My Son monuments are the most significant structures of the Champa Kingdom. As your guide leads you through the complex, you'll learn about the history, architectural styles, and cultural importance of these temples. Out of more than 70 temples that once dotted this picturesque valley, around 20 remain—some well-preserved, while others are in ruins, having suffered damage during the Vietnam War.

As you explore, capture photos of the temples framed by the dramatic mountain scenery, and listen as your guide discusses the influence of India and Hinduism on the Champa civilization, pointing out the Hindu deities honored at My Son.

After a captivating morning exploring the temples, you'll depart around noon to return to your hotel in Hoi An.

After breakfast, embark on a journey southward by minibus for a four-hour drive to Hue. As you travel, you'll pass through coastal rice fields and then ascend the scenic Hai Van Pass, a 14-mile (21-km) stretch of road that meanders through breathtaking mountains and offers stunning views of the South China Sea.

Upon arrival in Hue, check into your hotel with views of the Perfume River. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Start your private tour of Hue with a pickup from your hotel in a private vehicle, setting out for a full day of exploring Vietnam’s former capital. Your journey begins with a 1 to 1.5-hour guided tour of the Hue Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the former Imperial Palace. Modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City, Hue Citadel features a royal palace, tombs, hallways, and ornate temples that reflect the city’s regal history.

As you stroll through the complex, which is encased by high stone walls, your guide will share insights into the lives of Hue’s Nguyen Emperors, who ruled Vietnam’s former capital until the early 20th century. Although much of the Imperial City was damaged during the 1968 Tet Offensive and previous bombings by French and American forces, efforts are underway to restore its former splendor.

After exploring the Citadel and uncovering Hue’s royal heritage, unwind with a 45-minute cruise along the picturesque Perfume River. Disembark for a brief visit to the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, Vietnam’s tallest pagoda, which stands proudly on the northern bank of the river.

Following a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll head out to visit the Emperor's residence, located approximately six miles (10 km) from Hue amidst lush pine forests. Here, you’ll explore two of the most impressive Royal Tombs – Tu Duc Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb – the final resting places of the Nguyen Emperors. As your guide leads you through these magnificent complexes, complete with temples, courtyards, and pavilions, you'll marvel at the elaborate tombs built to honor the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty.

This morning, our journey continues southward with a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s most vibrant and dynamic metropolis. After checking in at the hotel, join your guide for a private walking tour through the hidden alleys of Chinatown.

Your first stop is Thien Hau Temple, an early 19th-century shrine dedicated to the goddess of seafarers. Continue exploring the bustling markets of Chinatown, including Cholon Market and Binh Tay Market, where vendors offer everything from street food to high-tech gadgets. Take a break at a local café, savoring a cup of rich Vietnamese coffee as you soak in the energy of urban life in Vietnam's largest city.

After the market visit, enjoy a steaming bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho (noodle soup) for lunch. The afternoon is reserved for a sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City's iconic landmarks. Start with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, where you’ll learn about the impact of the Vietnam War and see displays of military artifacts, including an F5A fighter jet and a UH-1 Huey helicopter.

Next, embark on a walking tour to the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace, where the fall of South Vietnam took place in 1975. Continue to Notre Dame Cathedral, the General Post Office, and the Saigon Opera House, all stunning examples of French colonial architecture.

After being picked up from your hotel, embark on a journey in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle towards Cai Be, a town situated roughly 160 km (100 miles) southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to capture photos of the picturesque landscapes and farmers tending to their rice fields.

Upon reaching Cai Be, board a motorboat with your small group to explore the Cai Be Floating Market, a lively trading hub on the Tien River that dates back to the 19th century. Watch as locals exchange fruits and other wholesale goods, which are displayed on poles attached to boats and rafts in this bustling marketplace.

Next, step ashore for a brief visit to a coconut candy factory, where you’ll tour the facility and learn about the candy-making process. There’s also an opportunity to purchase some sweet treats before you wander with your guide through the quaint villages of the Mekong Delta. During your visit, you’ll stop by a fruit orchard and plantation, where you can enjoy traditional southern Vietnamese music known as don ca tai tu—a harmonious blend of court and folk music.

Continue your adventure with a cruise along the Mekong Delta, heading to Tan Phong Island. Here, join your small group for a half-day cooking class led by your guide. You’ll discover the diverse cultural influences on Vietnamese cuisine while learning to prepare regional dishes. Try your hand at making specialties like fried elephant-ear fish, grilled steak in a bamboo cylinder, grilled fish wrapped in banana leaf, and fish braised in a clay pot.

After enjoying the meal you’ve prepared with your fellow participants, hop on a bicycle for a leisurely ride along the village paths. As you cycle past fruit orchards and a bonsai garden, take in the local scenery and interact with villagers. The day concludes with a boat ride back to Cai Be and a return transfer to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Bid farewell to Vietnam this morning as you take a short flight across the border to Siem Reap, Cambodia. After clearing customs and immigration, you'll meet your local guide and make the brief drive into town for check-in and a chance to freshen up before your afternoon adventure begins. Embrace the local culture by traveling in a tuk-tuk, the traditional motorbike taxi, to your first destination—the iconic Angkor Wat. Constructed during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat holds a place of honor on Cambodia's national flag, symbolizing its immense cultural significance. You'll visit this magnificent temple in the late afternoon, when the crowds thin out and the intricate carvings of Apsara dancers glow in the warm light of the setting sun. End your first day in Siem Reap with a dinner accompanied by traditional dance performances.

After breakfast, set out on a delightful exploration of the Angkor sites with a leisurely bicycle ride—an ideal way to avoid the crowds and discover hidden gems on your own. Your first stop is the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Enter the city through the impressive South Gate, adorned with carvings of elephants and four massive faces, and cycle your way to the remarkable Bayon Temple, situated at the very center of the city. Be sure to visit the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, and take time to explore the grounds of the former Royal Palace, where you'll find small, lesser-known temples that are rarely visited.

Later in the morning, make your way to the famous Ta Prohm temple, an atmospheric site enveloped by jungle that gained fame in the Tomb Raider film. Continue your ride to Sra Srang, a serene water basin once reserved exclusively for the king. Here, under the shade of eucalyptus trees and surrounded by the peaceful lake, you'll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. Afterward, cycle back to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

Today marks the end of your adventure. Your guide will ensure you reach the airport in time for your onward flight home.