Vietnam Experience with Siem Reap – Angkor Wat – 15Days

Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon, is a dynamic metropolis blending French colonial charm, Chinese influences, a modern entrepreneurial vibe, and a wealth of temples. This tour offers a comprehensive look at the city, beginning with an exploration of its historical backdrop at the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum.

Next, discover the city's most notable French colonial landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Enjoy a meal at a local Vietnamese restaurant before continuing to Giac Lam Pagoda and the bustling Cholon Chinese district. The tour wraps up at Ben Thanh Market, where you can hone your bargaining skills.

Following an action-packed first day, we take a more leisurely pace today as we journey south from the bustling city to the serene Mekong Delta. There's nothing quite like a tranquil cruise through this lush tropical region, and we've selected the charming Bassac for this experience. After a welcome drink and an introduction to the ship and crew, we'll set sail on the Tien Giang River, savoring lunch on the upper deck as we go. In the afternoon, we'll visit a village along the Mang Thít River to immerse ourselves in local Delta life. Enjoy a walk through nearby fruit orchards and rice fields before returning to the Bassac for evening drinks as the sun sets over the Mekong's enchanting waterways. Dinner will be served as the Bassac navigates the Mang Thit River, heading towards our overnight anchorage near the quaint market of Tra On.

After breakfast, we make a short stop at the Tra On floating market before heading to Cai Rang, the largest floating market in the area. Here, you’ll witness a vibrant scene where locals trade fruits and other goods directly from their boats. Following this visit, we will disembark and make our way back to Ho Chi Minh City.

This morning, we bid farewell to Vietnam and take a short flight across the border to Siem Reap, Cambodia. After clearing customs and immigration, we meet our local guide and transfer to our hotel for check-in and a quick refresh before our afternoon exploration begins.

We’ll then hop into a private remork (tuk-tuk) for a brief ride to the South Gate. Here, we’ll stroll along the ancient city wall, pausing to capture photos of the impressive demon statues lining the causeway. We’ll explore the lost Prasat Chrung temple for about an hour before heading to the Bayon Temple, a 12th-century marvel known for its 51 stone towers, each adorned with serene faces of a smiling bodhisattva.

Next, your expert guide will 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 delve into the fascinating history of the Khmer kings who once governed the ancient city.

After your private tour, you’re free to enjoy the evening as you wish. You can take a dip in the outdoor pool and join the happy hour or retreat to your air-conditioned room for a relaxing evening with dinner and drinks from the room service menu.

Get an early start and leave your hotel about 30 minutes before sunrise, taking a remork ride to the jungle-enshrouded Ta Prohm temple. This UNESCO-listed site is renowned for its overgrown appearance and is among the most visited temples in Angkor. The ruins remain largely untouched since their rediscovery in the 19th century.

After returning to your hotel for breakfast, head out to explore Angkor Wat, another UNESCO World Heritage site and the best-preserved temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Enjoy a private tour of this stunning 12th-century marvel, where you’ll uncover the remnants of stone temples once surrounded by wooden palaces, public buildings, and residences that have long since vanished.

In the afternoon, have lunch at a local restaurant before traveling to the 10th-century Banteay Srei temple. Situated 19 miles (32 km) from Siem Reap, this small yet exquisite temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Known as the ‘Citadel of Women’ for its intricate sandstone carvings, it is considered a masterpiece of Angkorian art.

Following a 1.5-hour private tour, take some time to explore at your own pace. As you make your way back to Siem Reap, you might catch a glimpse of the sunset casting its glow over the ruins of Pre Rup.

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

Upon reaching the riverbank, board a local boat for a 30-minute journey to Kompong Phluk, the largest floating village on the lake. Spend the morning here observing the unique lifestyle of the local villagers, who have adapted to life on the water, providing insight into their daily routines and the lake's impact on their community.

After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

In the afternoon, catch a flight north to Danang, the largest city in Central Vietnam. Upon arrival, a coach will transfer you along the coast to the enchanting town of Hoi An. Your hotel is conveniently located at the edge of the pedestrianized Old Town, offering easy access for exploration.

This morning, take a brief walking tour of the Old Town to familiarize yourself with the area, ensuring you can fully enjoy your free afternoon. You might choose to relax by the inviting pool at the resort, or explore the charming riverside cafes and restaurants, perfect for observing local life. For those seeking more activity, bicycles are available for hire to explore the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, your guide can assist in organizing a visit to the Cham Dynasty ruins at My Son, located about an hour's drive from town.

After breakfast, we head towards the imperial city of Hue, making a brief stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum, home to the world's premier collection of Cham sculptures. The journey to Hue is renowned for its stunning views, as we traverse the Pass of Ocean Clouds and descend into the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co. Upon arrival in Hue, we check in to the elegant art-deco La Residence hotel and freshen up. Later, we enjoy dinner at the private 'garden house' of one of Hue's renowned architects. This traditional home, surrounded by a beautiful formal garden, has ties to the ancient Hue Royal Imperial Court. The evening includes a delicious Vietnamese meal, a cooking demonstration by the house owner, and an opportunity to try your hand at preparing some of Hue’s famed royal dishes.

Hue lies along the Perfume River, which gets its name from the scent of tropical flowers believed to drift down from the orchards upstream. After a morning tour of the vast Citadel, the former residence of the Nguyen Emperors, and a cyclo ride through the Old Town, we embark on a scenic boat journey up the river to visit Thien Mu Pagoda.

The countryside around Hue is sprinkled with the elaborate tombs of former emperors, and you might choose to spend your free afternoon exploring these majestic and evocative relics of Vietnam's imperial history.

A brief flight north takes us from the former capital to Hanoi, the vibrant current capital known for its eclectic mix of styles and influences. We’ll be staying at the elegant Hanoi Hotel, one of Vietnam's most historic and refined colonial-era establishments, located in the French Quarter near the Opera House and just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.

To truly appreciate Vietnamese culture and its regional distinctions, we’ll delve into its culinary scene. Our knowledgeable guide will lead us through a tour of Hanoi's old town, showcasing local markets, traditional dishes, and the unique dining habits of northern Vietnam. As we wander through the charming alleyways, we’ll sample local favorites such as pho tiu and bun dau, choose seasonal fruits, and perhaps visit a French-style patisserie for coffee and pastries. This immersive culinary experience is an exceptional way to explore the city.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, set out with your guide for a sightseeing tour of Hanoi. Begin with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, situated in the heart of Ba Dinh Square, where you can see the former leader's embalmed body displayed in a glass sarcophagus. Following this, explore Ho Chi Minh's former residence to gain insight into his life and career.

Next, visit the historic One Pillar Pagoda, originally built in 1049. Your guide will highlight the architectural features that make this one of Vietnam’s most renowned temples.

After a Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to the Temple of Literature, the country’s first university established in 1070. Wander through its five courtyards and discover notable sites, including a statue of Confucius flanked by bronze storks standing on turtles.

In the afternoon, enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, followed by a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake). Stop to admire Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) on a small island and savor a cup of fresh coffee (at your own expense) from one of the lakeside cafés.

Wrap up the day with a visit to the Thang Long Theater to experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. This unique performance art, originating from rural festivals, features performers standing waist-deep in water to control the puppets, making them move, talk, laugh, and dance as the story unfolds.

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll be driven to Halong Bay, situated about 112 miles (180 km) east of Hanoi along the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival around midday, you'll board a traditional junk for check-in.

Enjoy a seafood lunch onboard while cruising through the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its remarkable natural beauty.

Known in Vietnamese as “Dragon Descending to the Sea,” the bay is dotted with over 3,000 limestone islets emerging from the emerald waters, many of which house enchanting grottoes.

With your guide, you’ll explore a cave and have the chance to swim at the golden sands of Titov Beach (weather and water conditions permitting). Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay in your superior cabin.

Begin your day with a tranquil tai chi session on the sundeck, following your instructor’s graceful movements as you engage in this ancient martial art.

Afterward, relax on the top deck and enjoy the sunshine while savoring a light breakfast of pastries, coffee, and fruit, all while capturing the bay’s stunning landscapes with your camera. Next, visit the Cave of Surprises (Sung Sot Cave) on Bo Hon Island, part of a cluster of limestone islets. Climb the hundred stone steps leading to the cave entrance and take a guided tour through its illuminated pathways. This cave, the largest grotto in Halong Bay, is renowned for its impressive stalactites hanging from its lofty ceiling.

As you head back to Halong Wharf, enjoy a buffet brunch on the junk. Upon reaching Tuan Chau Marina, a vehicle will be ready to take you on the four-hour drive back to Hanoi.