Vietnam and Cambodia Holiday 14 Days

Discover the vibrant capital of Vietnam, a city steeped in a thousand years of history, as we embark on a comprehensive city tour. Visit the most notable cultural and historical sites that showcase the essence of Hanoi. Marvel at the majestic Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh (exterior view; closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as from October to November), behold the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, and admire the exquisite Temple of Literature. Experience the serenity of Tran Quoc Temple on West Lake and delve into the rich heritage of Vietnam at the captivating Ethnology Museum. Dive into the bustling ambiance of the Old Quarter, pay a visit to Ngoc Son Temple, and marvel at the shimmering beauty of Restored Sword Lake. To truly appreciate the essence of Hanoi's Old City, embark on an enchanting one-hour cyclo tour. Allow yourself to be captivated by the mesmerizing sights and sounds that unfold around you. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a reputable restaurant, savoring the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the unique cultural tradition of water puppetry, a quintessential art form of Vietnam. Conclude the day with an overnight stay at your hotel in Hanoi.

07:45 – 08:00: Our shuttle will pick you up from your hotel for the scenic 3 and a half hour journey to Halong Bay. 12:30 – 13:00: Embark on the cruise and receive a brief cruise briefing. 13:30 – 14:30: Indulge in a delightful lunch on board while surrounded by the captivating limestone islands. 15:00 – 16:00: Explore the breathtaking Sung Sot Cave, renowned as the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay. 16:00 – 17:00: Cruise to Titov Island, where you can enjoy swimming and relaxation on the beach or climb to the island's summit for a panoramic view of Halong Bay. 17:00 – 17:30: Return to the main boat and continue cruising to a tranquil area, marveling at the enchanting seascape along the way. 17:30 – 19:00: Witness the magical moments of the day during the Sunset Party on the sundeck. 19:00: Savor a delicious dinner on board. Socialize with fellow guests, engage in board games, try your hand at squid fishing, or simply unwind. Overnight on board.

06:30 – 07:00: Begin your day with Tai Chi exercises or capture memorable photos. 07:00 – 07:30: Enjoy breakfast on board and relish the serene morning ambiance of Halong Bay. 08:30 – 09:30: Embark on a kayaking adventure to discover hidden corners of the bay, including the Drum Cave. 09:45: Return to the boat, freshen up, and check out of your cabin. 10:00 – 10:30: Continue your cruise, exploring the bay while passing by Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more. 10:30 – 11:30: As we sail back to the harbor, witness a captivating fruit carving demonstration and take part in a Cooking Class before savoring a traditional Vietnamese lunch. 11:45 – 12:00: Disembark from the V'Spirit Classic cruise. 12:15 – 12:30: Return to the harbor around noon, then we will drive you to Hanoi airport for your flight to Danang. Overnight in Hoi An.

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin our journey to the captivating My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Spend 2 hours exploring the landscape, immersing yourself in its history with our knowledgeable local English-speaking guide, and witnessing traditional Champa performances. Return to the minivan and head to a local house, where you'll learn the art of making rice paper and enjoy your own handmade product later on. Indulge in a delicious lunch at another local house, accompanied by refreshing herbal tea and the serene atmosphere. Take a scenic boat trip on the Thu Bon River, enjoying the cool breeze and admiring the beautiful river scenery. In the afternoon, embark on a self-guided walking tour of Hoi An's ancient town center, where you'll visit former merchants' houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall, and the vibrant market. Hoi An is a city of contrasts, with its charming old-world trading port and pristine beaches lined with modern resorts. Despite the passage of time and the impact of weather and war, Hoi An's center has retained its timeless charm.

Enjoy some free time at your hotel before our car and driver take you to Danang and then to Hue. As you cross the Hai Van Tunnel and descend to the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the lagoon and Danang. From there, we'll proceed to Hue for an overnight stay. In the late afternoon, around 17:30, our tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby. You can choose to walk or take a taxi to the Toa Kham boat station. Embark on a delightful dragon boat trip along the Perfume River, where you'll witness a mesmerizing sunset. Our tour guide will share fascinating insights about Hue's history, culture, people, and cuisine. Experience the enchantment of Hue while cruising on the Dragon Boat. Later, savor a dinner featuring local Hue specialties as the boat gracefully floats along the river. Take in the sights of Hue at night, including the illuminated Truong Tien Bridge. As the dinner concludes, we'll release paper lamps onto the river, symbolizing prayers for good fortune in your life. The Dinner Cruise on Perfume River will conclude around 19:00 - 19:30.

Embark on a captivating journey starting at the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty held sway from 1802 to 1945. This ancient citadel reflects the grandeur and tumultuous history of the dynastic rulers, bearing the scars of both ancient and modern conflicts. Despite the ravages of time and war, the Royal Citadel exudes an enduring elegance and grandeur. Hop on a cyclo and traverse the Dai Noi, the "Old City," until you reach Tinh Tam Lake, a serene retreat where emperors sought solace. Adorned with lotus flowers during summer, the lake is surrounded by local-style coffee shops, often frequented by university students engrossed in their studies. Next, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Celestial Lady Pagoda, perched atop a hill overlooking the Perfume River. Built in 1601, the pagoda features a majestic 21-meter tower, representing the seven incarnations of Buddha. Within the pagoda grounds lies the renowned Austin car, driven by a resident monk to Saigon in 1963 as a poignant protest against the southern regime. This act of self-sacrifice was immortalized in a photograph and became one of the iconic images of the war. In the afternoon, explore the tranquil gardens and ponds that surround the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. Continuing our journey, we visit Khai Dinh's Tomb, an architectural masterpiece blending traditional Vietnamese design with European influences, setting it apart from other tombs in Hue. Conclude the day by transferring to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Embark on a captivating half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City's major landmarks after breakfast at your hotel. Witness the remnants of history as you pass the former American embassy, now demolished. Explore the Reunification Palace, once the residence of the South Vietnamese President until April 1975. Marvel at the French colonial architecture displayed by the Notre Dame Cathedral and the old Saigon Post Office. Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnants Museum, immersing yourself in the city's rich history. Conclude the tour at the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where a multitude of goods awaits. After lunch, journey to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network crafted by Vietnamese fighters during the struggle for national independence. These tunnels served as military bases, housing hospitals, schools, and living quarters during the Vietnam War. Return to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll have a free evening to further explore the city and savor a delightful dinner at one of its exquisite restaurants. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Embark on a pleasant one-and-a-half-hour bus ride through picturesque rice fields along National Highway 1, arriving at the serene rural district of Trung Luong. Take a scenic boat ride along the Ba Lai River in Ben Tre, known as the birthplace of coconuts, to discover the various uses of this versatile fruit beyond its refreshing juice, including coconut candy and coconut oil production. Witness the vibrant waterway activities of the locals, with cargo boats, fishing boats, fish traps, and coconut processing handicraft factories. Explore coconut charcoal ovens, where coconut shells are transformed into active charcoal, a material used for batteries. Experience the beauty of the coconut canal in Ben Tre by taking a rowing boat paddled by local residents. Opt for a tuk-tuk ride or cycling tour through the village's coconut grove to observe the traditional art of mat-making. Enjoy a delicious set menu of authentic Southern local cuisine at a riverside family restaurant. After lunch, unwind as you continue your journey on a serene palm tree-lined canal by rowing boat. Return to the boat station and head back to Saigon.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Enjoy some free time until 6:00 pm to dine at a restaurant. Indulge in an exquisite Apsara Dance Show, a classical Khmer performance art that draws inspiration from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Admire the dancers' traditional attire, intricate headdresses, and gilded jewelry, as they bring to life the water and cloud spirits depicted in the Angkor temples' bas-reliefs near Siem Reap.

Embark on a journey to the awe-inspiring Angkor Thom in the morning. This majestic site once stood as the resplendent capital of the Khmer Empire. Take a moment to marvel at its grandeur before venturing inside the city. Explore the remarkable Bayon Temple, adorned with more than 200 imposing faces intricately carved into its central towers. Continue your exploration to Neak Pean, an artificial island featuring a Buddhist temple situated on a circular island within Jayatataka Baray. Next, visit the remarkably well-preserved Banteay Srei. This smaller sandstone temple boasts intricately detailed reliefs that are widely regarded as the finest and most skillfully crafted in Cambodia. On the way back, make a brief stop at Banteay Samre, an ancient structure with internal moats that showcase the architectural prowess of the era. Conclude your day by ascending to the Bakheng Temple for a captivating sunset experience.

Embark on an early morning adventure as we depart from your hotel to witness the captivating sunrise outside Angkor Wat. Absorb the magical ambiance of dawn at Angkor from the serene edge of one of the ancient library pools. Delve into the heart of this magnificent temple, exploring its corridors, central chambers, and upper terraces for a comprehensive two-hour exploration. Continue your morning exploration with a visit to Preah Khan temple, a captivating blend of tree roots and weathered stone structures that exudes a hauntingly atmospheric charm. Afterward, return to your hotel for a delicious lunch and a refreshing swim. In the afternoon, we will journey to Ta Nei, a late 12th-century stone temple dedicated to the Buddha. Conclude your tour with a visit to the jungle-clad Ta Prohm, one of the most evocative temples in Angkor.

After breakfast, we set off to explore Pre Rup, a pyramid-shaped temple, followed by East Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean, Preah Khan, and Baksei Chamkrong, each showcasing unique features of the Angkorian sites. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a boat trip on the majestic Great Lake, Tonle Sap, renowned for its abundance of fresh water fish. Discover the fascinating world of Tonle Sap's aquatic life at the freshwater exhibition before continuing to explore the enchanting Floating Village.

It's time to bid farewell to Siem Reap as we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.