Vietnam Beaches and Island with Siem Reap – Angkor Wat – 15days

Begin your private, full-day Hanoi tour with an early pickup from your hotel. You'll then hop into a cyclo and head to the city's core with your knowledgeable guide. Observe the local morning routines, including tai chi, badminton, and other popular activities, while getting a glimpse of daily life in Hanoi.

Navigate through the Old Quarter, the historic heart of Hanoi, known for its 36 ancient streets and traditional artisan guilds dating back to the 13th century. Your tour will conclude at St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon), a structure that has remained largely unchanged since its construction in 1886.

Enjoy a classic Vietnamese breakfast of pho bo (beef noodle soup) and engage in a relaxed conversation with locals over a cup of rich coffee. This is a perfect opportunity to dive into Hanoi’s culture. Your guide will also help you practice ordering ca phe nong (hot black coffee, usually with sugar) or ca phe sua nong (hot coffee with sweetened condensed milk).

Next, continue your exploration in the comfort of an air-conditioned private vehicle. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where you'll see key landmarks such as the President’s Palace and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, learn about President Ho Chi Minh's life and career. Visit the historic One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Vietnamese temple with its unique architecture, originally constructed in 1049.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Ngon Restaurant before appreciating Vietnamese architecture at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, and view the Long Bien Bridge from the French colonial era.

In the afternoon, delve into the diverse customs of Vietnam’s 50-plus ethnic minorities at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Then, admire the serene Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) and visit Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain), located on a small island in the lake.

Conclude your day with a water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese performance that brings mythology and local customs to life for just over an hour.

Wrap up with a visit to Bia Hoi Junction (Ta Hien Bia Hoi Corner) for a taste of local beer in a lively setting before returning to your hotel.

After being picked up from your Hanoi hotel by your guide and comfortable coach, you'll embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Tuan Chau Wharf at Halong Bay.

Upon arrival, board your luxury vessel, styled like a traditional Chinese junk. After a brief safety orientation and introduction from the crew, you’ll be welcomed with a complimentary drink and fruit. Settle into your deluxe ensuite cabin at your own pace.

Relish a delectable seafood lunch served onboard as your boat, accommodating up to 36 passengers, glides through the stunning Halong Bay. The crew will narrate the intriguing seascapes and highlight the famous limestone formations. After lunch, you can unwind on the sundeck, enjoying specialty cocktails crafted by the bartenders (available at an extra cost).

The cruise will make a stop at the fishing village of Vung Vieng. Here, you have the option to embark on a brief guided sea kayak excursion in a lightweight, easy-to-handle kayak. Paddle past floating homes and interact with the locals. If you prefer exploring independently, you can opt for an upgraded kayak rental.

Following the kayak adventure, return to the boat and anchor at a secluded spot near Drum Cave (Trong Cave). Spend the afternoon swimming in the emerald waters.

In the evening, participate in a cooking class and then savor a seafood dinner onboard. Afterward, relax in your cabin or partake in optional activities such as night squid fishing.

Overnight: Ensuite Sup cabin on a traditional junk boat in Halong Bay.

Begin your day with a rejuvenating tai chi session on the sundeck, guided by your instructor through the graceful movements of this traditional martial art.

Afterward, continue to bask in the sun on the upper deck while enjoying a light breakfast of pastries, coffee, and fruit, and capture the bay’s natural beauty with your camera. Next, head to the Cave of Surprises (Sung Sot Cave) on Bo Hon Island, a cluster of connected limestone islets. Climb the hundred stone steps to the cave entrance and take a guided tour through the illuminated paths inside. This cavern, the largest grotto in Halong Bay, is renowned for its impressive stalactites hanging from the high ceiling.

As you make your way back to the Halong wharf, enjoy a buffet brunch aboard the boat. Upon reaching Tuan Chau Marina, a vehicle will be waiting to transport you on the four-hour drive back to Hanoi. Your tour concludes with a hotel drop-off in the capital city.

Catch a brief flight to Hue, where upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guide and driver at your centrally located hotel. Meet them between 8 and 8:30am to kick off your full day tour of Hue, filled with temples, tombs, palaces, and pagodas.

Begin your exploration at the vibrant Dong Ba Market, a perfect spot to immerse yourself in daily Vietnamese life. Experience the bustling atmosphere as your guide introduces you to local foods and vendors selling fresh produce and other ingredients.

After enjoying a variety of Vietnamese treats, proceed to the Hue Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial capital of Vietnam. Discover the expansive palace complex within its towering stone walls, which stretch 6 miles (10 km) long and 6 feet (2 meters) thick. Explore the ornate temples and pagodas, and marvel at the royal tombs of the Nguyen Emperors, who ruled from this grand city until the early 20th century.

In the Forbidden Purple City, located at the heart of the Citadel, observe the ruins enveloped in greenery. This area, severely damaged during the Vietnam War, was once an exclusive residence for the emperor, his concubines, and trusted eunuch servants.

After touring the Citadel, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local nunnery, where you’ll have the chance to converse with the nuns and learn about their Buddhist practices. Following lunch, take a short minibus ride through Hue’s picturesque landscape, including rice paddies and traditional villages, to a village known for its incense-making. Discover this ancient craft before visiting an impressive royal tomb.

Next, head to the Bao Quoc Pagoda, a 17th-century temple complex situated on a hill overlooking the Perfume River. Explore the seven-tiered pagoda and the historic Tiger Arena, where the emperor once enjoyed dramatic elephant versus tiger duels until 1904.

Conclude your tour with a relaxing boat cruise on the Perfume River, absorbing the region’s natural beauty as you drift along. Your guide will then transfer you back to your hotel in Hue, leaving you to enjoy your evening at your leisure.

After breakfast, board a minibus for a four-hour journey south to Hoi An. Along the way, you'll pass through lush coastal rice fields and navigate the scenic Hai Van Pass, a 14-mile (21-km) route winding through dramatic mountain scenery and alongside the glistening South China Sea. Following a brief stop at the picturesque China Beach, you will arrive in Hoi An and check into your hotel.

Post-lunch (at your own expense), join a guided walking tour of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that largely survived the ravages of numerous wars. Wander through the charming, car-free streets with your guide, marveling at the well-preserved architecture and learning about its historical and cultural importance.

As you explore, you'll pass by various Chinese assembly halls, such as the Cantonese Chinese Congregation, noted for its impressive main altar, and the memorial to the Hainan Chinese Congregation, which honors 107 merchants from Hainan Island who were mistakenly killed during Emperor Tu Duc’s reign. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 1590s by the town’s Japanese community to connect with the Chinese district across the stream.

Once your walking tour concludes, head to a local, family-run restaurant for a small-group cooking class. Discover the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine as a professional chef guides you through the preparation of traditional dishes. Start with a trip to the local market to select fresh ingredients, learning how to choose the best produce and experience new flavors.

In the kitchen, pick up valuable tips and recipes for making authentic Vietnamese dishes that will impress your friends and family back home. The day concludes with a delightful meal, where you can enjoy the delicious dishes you’ve prepared alongside your fellow participants.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, giving you the freedom to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Renowned for its cultural and historical importance, Hoi An also boasts excellent cooking schools, many of which are affiliated with top local restaurants. Additionally, it's the perfect place to have custom-made clothing created by a local tailor, ensuring a unique piece tailored just for you. You might also want to try your hand at crafting a beautiful silk lantern.

Alternatively, you can spend the entire day relaxing on Cua Dai Beach.

Cua Dai, meaning 'big sea mouth,' is situated in Cam An Ward, approximately 4km northeast of Hoi An Town, in Quang Nam Province. Stretching over 3km in length and up to 300m in width, the beach features fine white sand, clear blue waters, gentle slopes, and mild waves, making it ideal for swimming and various beach activities.

This morning, we bid farewell to Vietnam and board a short flight across the border to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, we complete the customs and immigration process before meeting our local guide. We then head to town, check into our hotel, and freshen up before embarking on our afternoon exploration.

Hop aboard a private remork (tuk-tuk) for a brief 15-minute ride to the South Gate. Here, you'll walk along the ancient city wall with your guide, taking time to photograph the impressive demons lining the causeway. Spend about an hour exploring the hidden temple of Prasat Chrung before continuing to the Bayon Temple, renowned for its 51 stone towers, each adorned with four serene faces of a smiling bodhisattva.

Your guide will then lead you to the Terrace of the Elephants, the Royal Palace, and the Terrace of the Leper King, where you'll have up to two hours to explore. Listen to captivating stories about the Khmer kings who once ruled this ancient city.

After your private tour, enjoy your evening at leisure. You can take a dip in the outdoor pool and join the happy hour, or relax in your air-conditioned room and order dinner and drinks from the room service menu.

Start your day early, departing from your hotel about 30 minutes before sunrise. Take a remork ride to the lush, jungle-enshrouded Ta Prohm temple. This UNESCO-listed site is renowned for its stunning state, left largely untouched since its discovery in the 19th century.

Return to your hotel for breakfast, then set out to explore Angkor Wat, another UNESCO World Heritage site and the most well-preserved temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Spend a few hours discovering this impressive 12th-century temple, which was once surrounded by wooden palaces, public buildings, and residences that have since vanished.

After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Banteay Srei, a 10th-century temple located 19 miles (32 km) from Siem Reap. This small UNESCO-listed temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, is celebrated for its intricate sandstone carvings and is often referred to as the ‘Citadel of Women,’ highlighting its exquisite artistry.

Enjoy a 1.5-hour private tour of Banteay Srei before exploring the area on your own. As you return to Siem Reap, you might catch the sunset casting a beautiful glow over the ruins of Pre Rup.

After breakfast, embark on a 30-minute morning drive by remork to the outskirts of Siem Reap. From there, enjoy a 15-minute ox-cart ride through the picturesque countryside. Next, continue your journey in an air-conditioned vehicle to Tonle Sap, Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tonle Sap plays a crucial role in feeding the Mekong River during the dry season and expands significantly during the monsoon.

At the riverbank, board a local boat for a 30-minute journey to Kompong Phluk, the largest floating village on the lake. Spend the rest of the morning observing the intriguing daily routines of the villagers, gaining insight into how their lives revolve around the lake's dynamic environment.

You’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore or relax as you wish.

This morning, you'll fly from Ho Chi Minh City to the picturesque island of Phu Quoc. Spend the next few days relaxing and soaking in the beauty of this tropical paradise. Phu Quoc is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant night markets, tranquil bays, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. With a variety of beautiful resorts and fantastic local cuisine, whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach or engage in exciting activities, Phu Quoc has something for everyone.

Savour couple final days of relaxation on Phu Quoc Island.

This morning, you’ll take a brief flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. This vibrant metropolis offers a perfect opportunity for a city break and a chance to experience Vietnam’s most cosmopolitan area.

Your full-day exploration begins with a pickup from the airport and a comfortable drive in a private, air-conditioned vehicle into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Start your journey at the National History Museum, which showcases an impressive array of artifacts that trace the cultural evolution of Vietnam, from the Dong Son Bronze Age civilization to the Cham, Khmer, and contemporary eras.

Next, enjoy a captivating water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century. Your guide will explain the history behind this unique performance, where intricately crafted puppets seemingly dance on water in a waist-deep pool.

After lunch at a local eatery, take a 1-hour cyclo ride along Dong Khoi Street, once known as Rue Catinat, the heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by iconic French-style buildings like the Saigon City Hall and the Saigon Opera House, and make brief stops at the neo-Romanesque Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Capture some photos at the Presidential Palace, a site historically significant for its role in the fall of Saigon in 1975. Conclude your cyclo tour at Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s most bustling areas. You’ll have time to explore the market’s diverse offerings before returning to your hotel by private vehicle.

Following your last breakfast, your journey comes to a close. Your guide and driver will be on hand to take you to the airport for your departure and the start of your journey home.