Vietnam Explorer with Siem Reap – Angkor Wat – 14Days

Begin your full-day private Hanoi tour with an early pickup from your hotel. You'll then hop into a cyclo and head to the vibrant heart of the city with your knowledgeable guide. As you navigate through Hanoi’s streets, observe locals practicing tai chi, playing badminton, and engaging in other morning activities, offering you a glimpse into daily life.

Explore the Old Quarter, known for its historic 36 streets and traditional artisan guilds dating back to the 13th century. Your tour will conclude at St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon), which has retained much of its original charm since its construction in 1886.

Savor a classic Vietnamese breakfast of pho bo (beef noodle soup) and enjoy a conversation with locals over a cup of flavorful coffee. Your guide will help you master the art of ordering ca phe nong (hot black coffee, often sweetened) or ca phe sua nong (hot coffee with condensed milk), enriching your cultural experience.

Next, continue your exploration in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Visit Ba Dinh Square to see important landmarks such as the President’s Palace and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Your tour will also include Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, where you’ll learn about the esteemed leader's preserved body and the surrounding complex, which includes his former residence and the Presidential Palace.

Before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Ngon restaurant, admire the architecture of the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and view the historic Long Bien Bridge from the French colonial era.

In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the customs of Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups. Then, relax by Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) and visit Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) on its small islet.

The day concludes with a captivating water puppet show, offering an engaging glimpse into Vietnam’s mythology and traditions.

After an early pickup from your hotel, you'll set off from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a journey of about four hours in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Arriving at Halong Bay around midday, you’ll be met by a tour representative who will transfer you to a traditional junk boat.

Upon boarding, enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and start your cruise through the stunning scenery of Halong Bay. As you settle in, meet the friendly crew and your fellow travelers while savoring a delectable seafood lunch, complete with tea and coffee. After lunch, relax on the top deck and take in the panoramic views, or capture the bay’s natural beauty through your camera lens as your captain navigates to a secluded spot ideal for a swim.

You’ll have the opportunity to try kayaking and explore the ancient limestone caves scattered across the bay. Glide through serene lagoons and marvel at the dramatic limestone formations, with the modern, easy-to-handle kayaks and safety buoyancy vests provided for your convenience. The junk boat will remain close by to ensure assistance if needed.

Following your exploration, return to the boat for further relaxation on the deck and perhaps enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner featuring fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes, prepared by the on-board chef as the boat anchors in a picturesque part of the bay. Later, you can try your hand at night fishing right from the boat.

Begin your day with a tai chi session on the sundeck, where you can follow the smooth movements of your instructor as you engage in this traditional martial art.

Afterward, relax and bask in the sun on the top deck, an excellent vantage point for capturing the breathtaking landscapes of the bay. Enjoy a light breakfast onboard, including pastries, coffee, and fruit. Next, explore the Cave of Surprises (Sung Sot Cave) on Bo Hon Island, part of a network of limestone islets. Climb the hundred steps leading to the cave's entrance and discover the illuminated pathways within on a guided tour. This cave, the largest grotto in Halong Bay, is renowned for its impressive stalactites hanging from its high ceiling.

As you return to the Halong wharf, enjoy a buffet brunch on the boat. Upon reaching Tuan Chau Marina, you'll be transferred by vehicle for the four-hour drive back to Hanoi Airport.

We’ll arrive in time for a flight to Danang, a well-known coastal city famous for China Beach, a notable GI R&R spot during the Vietnam War. Upon arrival, a coach will be ready to take us to Hoi An, an enchanting ancient trading port. Our hotel is situated on the edge of the pedestrianized Old Town, offering an ideal base for exploring this charming area.

Explore the rich history and culinary delights of Vietnam on this walking and cooking tour in Hoi An. This charming town, which has largely avoided the devastation of past conflicts, is filled with delightful streets and architecture waiting to be discovered. After meeting your guide, you’ll head straight into the heart of Ancient Town to begin your adventure.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ancient Town is home to numerous historically and culturally significant buildings and features several streets closed to vehicle traffic. As you wander through the area, you’ll encounter various Chinese assembly halls, such as the Cantonese Chinese Congregation with its striking main altar and the Hainan Chinese Congregation, which commemorates 107 merchants from Hainan Island who were mistakenly executed during Emperor Tu Duc’s reign. You’ll also visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 1590s by the local Japanese community to connect with the Chinese quarters across the river.

After the walking tour, you’ll proceed to a family-owned restaurant for a Vietnamese cooking class. The chef will introduce you to a selection of delicious dishes you’ll be preparing, and then it’s off to the local market to gather fresh ingredients for your meal. Learn how to select the finest produce and explore some unique ingredients before returning to the restaurant to start cooking.

Under the guidance of your chef, you’ll prepare popular dishes such as spring rolls and grilled tuna (see below for a sample menu), and you’ll receive recipes to recreate these dishes at home. The experience concludes with a delicious feast of the dishes you’ve made.

From the 4th to the 13th centuries, the Champa Kingdom thrived along Vietnam’s coast, with My Son serving as its spiritual and intellectual hub. After your private guide collects you from your hotel, you'll embark on a scenic 30-mile (50-km) drive to the breathtaking My Son temple complex, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Nestled in a valley of striking natural beauty, My Son is renowned for its significance within the Champa Kingdom. As your guide leads you through the site, you'll gain insight into the history, architectural styles, and cultural importance of these ancient temples. Although originally over 70 temples graced this picturesque valley, around 20 remain today, with some well-preserved and others in various states of ruin, including damage from the Vietnam War.

While exploring, you'll have the opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the temples set against dramatic mountain vistas. Your guide will also provide information about the influence of Indian culture and Hinduism on the Champa civilization, highlighting the Hindu deities honored at My Son.

Following an enriching morning at the temple complex, you’ll head back to your Hoi An hotel around midday.

After breakfast, board a minibus for a four-hour journey south to Hue. En route, you'll pass through lush coastal rice fields and traverse the scenic Hai Van Pass, a 14-mile (21-km) road that meanders through breathtaking mountain scenery and alongside the shimmering South China Sea.

Upon arrival, 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 Hue tour with a pickup from your hotel in a private vehicle, then embark on a full day of exploring Vietnam’s former capital. Your personal guide will first take you on a 1 to 1.5-hour tour of the Hue Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once home to the Imperial Palace. Modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City, the Citadel features a royal palace, tombs, grand hallways, and elaborate temples, reflecting the city’s imperial heritage.

As you tour the fortified complex with your guide, learn about the Nguyen Emperors who ruled Hue until the early 20th century. Despite heavy damage from French and American bombings, as well as the 1968 Tet Offensive, the Imperial City is undergoing a careful restoration to revive its former splendor.

Following your exploration of the Citadel, enjoy a serene 45-minute cruise on the Perfume River. Your boat trip includes a stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda, Vietnam’s tallest pagoda, located on the river's northern bank.

After a tasty lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey to the countryside, about six miles (10 km) from Hue. Visit the impressive Royal Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, set amidst lush pine forests. Explore these grand tombs, adorned with intricate decorations and surrounded by temples, courtyards, and pavilions, honoring the Nguyen Dynasty's emperors.

This morning, we bid farewell to Vietnam and take a short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival and after clearing customs and immigration, we’ll meet our local guide and drive the brief distance to our accommodation. After checking in and freshening up, we’ll embark on our afternoon exploration.

Hop into a private remork (tuk-tuk) for a 15-minute ride to the South Gate. Stroll along the ancient city wall with your guide, taking time to capture photos of the impressive stone demons that line the causeway. Spend about an hour exploring the lost temple of Prasat Chrung before heading to the 12th-century Bayon Temple. Here, you’ll marvel at the 51 stone towers, each adorned with four tranquil faces of a smiling bodhisattva.

Next, your expert guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants, the Royal Palace, and the Terrace of the Leper King, where you can immerse yourself in the history of the Khmer kings who once ruled the city.

After the tour, enjoy your evening at your own pace. You can relax by the outdoor pool during happy hour, or retreat to your air-conditioned room to savor dinner and drinks from the room service menu.

Begin your day with an early departure from your hotel, setting out about 30 minutes before sunrise by remork to the lush, jungle-encased temple of Ta Prohm. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its captivating state, preserved as it was when first uncovered in the 19th century.

After returning to your hotel for breakfast, proceed to Angkor Wat, another UNESCO-listed treasure and the most well-preserved temple within the Angkor Archaeological Park. Spend a few hours on a private tour of this grand 12th-century marvel, exploring its numerous surviving stone temples that were once surrounded by wooden palaces and public buildings now vanished.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, drive to the 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple, located 19 miles (32 km) from Siem Reap. This small, UNESCO-listed temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva and is known as the ‘Citadel of Women’ for its exquisite sandstone carvings, representing some of the finest examples of Angkorian art.

After your 1.5-hour private tour, enjoy some personal exploration time and lunch before heading back to Siem Reap. On your return journey, you might have the chance to witness the sunset casting its glow over the Pre Rup temple.

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

At the riverbank, board a local boat for a 30-minute ride to Kompong Phluk, the lake's largest floating village. Spend your morning exploring this unique community, observing the daily routines of the villagers and understanding how their lives are intertwined with the lake’s seasonal changes.

After a lunch at a local eatery, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

This morning, we continue our journey south with a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant heart of Vietnam. Upon arrival and after checking into your hotel, join your guide for a private walking tour through the backstreets of Chinatown.

Begin your exploration at Thien Hau Temple, a 19th-century shrine dedicated to the sea goddess. Wander through the lively 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 and savor a cup of authentic Vietnamese coffee while observing the bustling city life of Vietnam's largest metropolis.

After visiting the markets, enjoy a traditional bowl of Vietnamese pho (noodle soup) for lunch. Next, embark on a sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City's iconic landmarks. Start with the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into the Vietnam War through exhibits featuring military equipment like the F5A fighter jet and UH1-Huey helicopter.

Continue your tour with a visit to the Reunification Palace, formerly known as the Presidential Palace, where South Vietnam surrendered in 1975. Explore other French colonial architectural gems, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the General Post Office, and the Saigon Opera House.

Known as the rice bowl of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is renowned for its rich soil and abundant tropical fruits and flowers. The region’s traditional mode of transport is by boat, navigating a vast network of canals and waterways. Exploring these canals and visiting the floating markets offers a captivating and enriching experience. On this tour, you’ll glide through the lush green canal vegetation to reach an orchard, where you'll enjoy a delightful lunch featuring tropical fruits. Afterward, you’ll boat to Vinh Long town, where you'll be met and transferred back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving around 6:30 PM.

Unfortunately, your journey concludes today. At the scheduled time, your guide will pick you up for a brief transfer to the International Airport for your departure flight.