Vietnam Beaches South Coast with Siem Reap – Angkor Wat – 17days

This private, full-day tour of Hanoi covers the city's major highlights. The day begins with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Next, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university founded in 1070 and originally dedicated to Confucius. The site features stone steles on turtle backs, inscribed with the names of graduates, and is organized into five courtyards that were once reserved for the Emperor and his officials. One courtyard houses a statue of Confucius, flanked by elegant bronze storks on turtles.

• Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. On these days, you will visit the Hoa Lo Prison instead.

After a delicious Vietnamese lunch, visit the Museum of Ethnology, renowned for its extensive collection representing Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups. Following this, head to Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake. Dating back to the 13th century, the temple and lake are iconic landmarks in Hanoi, popular with both tourists and locals.

Conclude your day with a one-hour cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 Streets. This lively area is filled with countless small shops and businesses, providing ample photo opportunities. You’ll return to your hotel around 6:00pm.

Following pickup from your Hanoi hotel in a comfortable coach, you'll embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Tuan Chau Wharf at Halong Bay.

Once you arrive, board the luxurious boat designed to resemble a classic Chinese junk. After a safety briefing and an introduction to the cruise by the knowledgeable crew, settle into your deluxe single or shared ensuite cabin at your convenience, and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and fruit.

Lunch will be a delectable seafood feast served on board as the 36-passenger vessel navigates the stunning Halong Bay. Your crew will highlight the bay's iconic limestone formations and scenic vistas. Post-lunch, relax on the sundeck or indulge in specialty cocktails from the bar (additional charge).

Visit the floating village of Vung Vieng, where you can embark on a guided sea kayak adventure. Paddle through the village, pass by floating homes, and interact with the locals. Alternatively, you can opt for a kayak rental upgrade to explore independently.

After about an hour of kayaking, return to the boat and anchor near Drum Cave (Trong Cave) to enjoy swimming in the clear, emerald waters for the afternoon.

In the evening, participate in a cooking class and savor a delicious seafood dinner on board. You can either unwind in your cabin or take part in optional activities like night squid fishing.

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

Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, where you can follow the graceful movements of your instructor and immerse yourself in this ancient practice.

Afterwards, relax on the top deck and enjoy the sunshine while you take in the breathtaking views of the bay. A light breakfast of pastries, coffee, and fruit will be served as you soak in the scenery. Next, head to Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises) on Bo Hon Island, a series of interconnected limestone islets. Climb the hundred stone steps to the cave entrance and explore its illuminated paths on a guided tour. This expansive grotto, the largest in Halong Bay, is renowned for its impressive stalactites hanging from the ceiling.

As you make your way back to Halong Wharf, savor a buffet brunch aboard the boat. Upon returning to Tuan Chau Marina, you'll be greeted by a vehicle for the four-hour drive back to Hanoi. Your day concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in the capital city.

On the fifth day of your Vietnamese adventure, you'll take a flight from Hanoi to Danang, the gateway to the charming town of Hoi An. Upon your arrival in Danang, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Hoi An. Many travelers find Hoi An to be the highlight of their trip to Vietnam, and it serves as an ideal midpoint between the northern and southern regions of the country.

Hoi An is renowned for its skilled tailors, vibrant art galleries, and narrow streets lined with quaint wooden cafes. During your stay, you can leisurely explore these streets and have a custom-made outfit crafted by a talented tailor. There's plenty to enjoy in and around this historic port town, including a bike ride through lush paddy fields to a nearby beach. The beach offers a tranquil retreat during the day, perfect for relaxing under a thatched umbrella. In the evening, the beach comes alive with locals who gather to unwind, chat, and play football after their workday.

On the sixth day of your Vietnamese journey, you have the option to leisurely explore the quaint streets of Hoi An or unwind at the beach for some sun-soaked relaxation. Hoi An is renowned for its multitude of tailors, offering custom-made suits and clothing at a fraction of the cost you’d find in the US. Whether you're interested in bespoke suits, dresses, trousers, or shirts, this is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe. Although the tailors work quickly, it's advisable to have your fittings done a few days before departing for your next destination to allow time for any necessary adjustments.

Today is set aside for you to leisurely explore the charming town of Hoi An at your own pace. Known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, Hoi An is also celebrated for its cooking schools, many of which are connected to excellent local eateries. If you're interested in custom clothing, Hoi An is renowned for its tailors who can craft unique, made-to-measure garments just for you. Additionally, you can learn the art of creating beautiful silk lanterns during your stay.

Alternatively, you might choose to spend your day relaxing on Cua Dai Beach. Located in Cam An Ward, about 4 kilometers northeast of Hoi An, Cua Dai Beach stretches over 3 kilometers and is up to 300 meters wide. It features fine white sand, clear blue waters, gentle slopes, and small waves, making it perfect for swimming and other beach activities.

This morning, we bid farewell to Vietnam and board a short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. After passing through customs and immigration, you'll be greeted by your local guide and driven a short distance to your accommodation in town. After checking in and freshening up, you'll be ready for an afternoon of exploration.

Travel by private remork (tuk-tuk) for a brief 15-minute ride to the South Gate, where you'll walk along the ancient city wall with your guide. Enjoy photo opportunities of the impressive demons adorning the causeway. Spend about an hour discovering the hidden temple of Prasat Chrung before heading to the 12th-century Bayon Temple, renowned for its 51 stone towers, each adorned with four tranquil faces of a smiling bodhisattva.

Your guide will then take 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 learn about the Khmer kings who once ruled this ancient city.

After your guided tour, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you please. You might choose to relax by the outdoor pool, which features a happy hour, or retreat to your air-conditioned room for a relaxing dinner and drinks from room service.

Begin your day with an early departure from your hotel, leaving about 30 minutes before sunrise. Travel by remork to the lush, jungle-enshrouded Ta Prohm temple, a popular UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple complex remains largely as it was discovered in the 19th century, with its ancient monuments preserved in their natural state.

After breakfast back at your hotel, visit the renowned Angkor Wat, another UNESCO World Heritage site and the most well-preserved temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Enjoy a private guided tour of this stunning 12th-century structure, where you can explore the many surviving stone temples that were once surrounded by wooden palaces and public buildings now long gone.

In the afternoon, have lunch at a local eatery before driving to the 10th-century Banteay Srei 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' due to its exquisite artistry.

After a 1.5-hour private tour of Banteay Srei, enjoy some free time to explore the area at your own pace. On your return to Siem Reap, you might catch a glimpse of the sunset over Pre Rup’s towering prongs.

After breakfast, embark on a 30-minute morning journey by remork to the outskirts of Siem Reap, where you’ll enjoy a 15-minute ox-cart ride through the scenic countryside. Then, continue in an air-conditioned vehicle to Tonle Sap, Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tonle Sap nourishes the Mekong River during the dry season and expands significantly during the monsoon rains.

Once at the lake, board a local boat for a roughly 30-minute ride to Kompong Phluk, the largest floating village on Tonle Sap. Spend the morning observing the intriguing daily life of the villagers living along the lake, gaining insight into how their existence is influenced by the lake's seasonal changes.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, the remainder of your day is yours to enjoy as you wish.

This morning, you'll board a brief mid-morning 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 hub.

Your full-day city tour starts with a pickup from the airport and a comfortable drive into Ho Chi Minh City in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

Begin your exploration at the National History Museum, which showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts that trace the cultural evolution of Vietnam, from the ancient Dong Son civilization to the Cham, Khmer, and contemporary eras.

Next, enjoy a brief water puppet show and gain insights from your knowledgeable guide about this traditional Vietnamese art form, which dates back to the 11th century. The performance features lacquered wooden puppets that appear to dance across the water in a shallow pool.

After a local lunch, embark on a one-hour cyclo ride along Dong Khoi Street, once known as Rue Catinat and central to old colonial Saigon. You'll pass by iconic French-style landmarks such as Saigon City Hall and the Saigon Opera House, and make a quick stop at the neo-Romanesque Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Conclude your cyclo tour with a photo opportunity at the Presidential Palace, noted for its historical significance in the fall of Saigon in 1975. End your day at Ben Thanh Market, one of the most bustling areas of Ho Chi Minh City, where you can explore a variety of goods before returning to your hotel in a private vehicle.

The next two days of your Vietnam adventure are set aside for exploring the Mekong Delta, a vital and fertile region that plays a crucial role in the southern economy. At around 7:30 am, a minibus will transport you towards Cai Be. From there, you will board a boat and embark on a small-group journey through the Mekong Delta. As you navigate the waterways in Cai Be, you'll encounter vibrant floating markets where vendors showcase their goods from boats, displaying their produce on long poles.

Your journey will continue as you glide through the Delta’s canals, observing the daily lives of the local inhabitants. You'll pass by quaint villages, lush rice paddies, and family-run businesses, offering an authentic glimpse into the region’s way of life. One of the highlights will be a visit to Vinh Long Island, where you’ll enjoy a meal featuring local Mekong Delta delicacies. After lunch, you'll continue your boat trip for approximately three hours until you reach Can Tho, arriving just in time to witness a stunning sunset. Should there be any unexpected issues, such as low water levels, this portion of the trip will be completed by minibus instead.

In Can Tho, you’ll stay overnight at a modest yet charming hotel situated along the Mekong River. Here, you can unwind with a refreshing drink and take in the tranquil sunset over the delta before resuming your Vietnam journey the following day.

At 6:00am today, you’ll depart from your hotel to continue your Vietnam holiday. A local boat will transport you to the Cai Rang floating market, the largest and most significant, and likely the most bustling, floating market in the Mekong Delta. To fully immerse yourself in the market’s lively atmosphere, you’ll switch to a bamboo rowboat. You won’t need to row, giving you ample time to haggle and buy goods.

Afterward, we’ll catch a morning flight from Can Tho to Phu Quoc Island.

Known as the Emerald Island due to its lush tropical greenery, Phu Quoc also boasts some of Vietnam’s finest beaches. You’ll spend the last few days of your Vietnam holiday at a beach resort on the tranquil Ong Lang Beach. This stunning stretch of ivory sand on the island’s west side is lined with palm trees offering pleasant shade.

While staying on Phu Quoc Island, you’ll enjoy nights in charming, rustic cabins that radiate warmth. The island boasts an excellent restaurant with a sea view, perfect for romantic sunset dinners, and fresh fish is a regular feature on the menu. You can relax on the white sandy beach or gently sway in a hammock under the palm trees with a book. For those feeling more active, the azure waters invite you to swim, snorkel, or even dive to explore the underwater world, with a diving school on the island making lessons easy to arrange.

For the more adventurous, the tropical wilderness of Phu Quoc Island’s interior awaits exploration. Since 2001, nearly 70% of the island has been designated as a National Park, preserving its ecosystems. The island is also mountainous and almost entirely covered in rainforest, with several natural springs offering a refreshing dip. The most famous and accessible spring is Suoi Da Ban, also known as Stony Surface Stream.

Regrettably, all wonderful experiences must conclude, and today marks the end of your Vietnam travel package. You will head to the airport in Phu Quoc on your own for a brief flight to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1 hour), where you will spend your final night in Vietnam.

Following your final breakfast, your trip concludes, and your guide and driver will be ready to take you to the airport for your journey back home.