13 Days – Highlight of Vietnam & Cambodia

Tour code: IV/13D-VC
Route: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Detla – Siem Reap
Tour style: Classic
Tour start in in Hanoi – end in Siem Reap

Ta Hien Street ( Old Quarter), Hanoi

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, after collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet your local guide. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it. From the airport, you will be privately transferred to your selected hotel. You are free at your leisure in the rest of day. Relaxing at hotel or walking around Hanoi Old Quarter – a network of narrow alleys and shop houses. Hanoi Old Quarter is consider a great place to watch local life and shopping

Meal: not included
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Hanoi

DAY 2: HANOI FULL DAY CITY TOUR

Morning, start a full day city tour beginning with Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder. At the complex, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the nation’s founder’s body is preserved (closed on Monday, Friday and through October – November) and the rural style house on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Stop by one of Hanoi’s icons, the One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th Century in dedication to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or Buddha of Compassion and reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond. Continue to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars.
Afternoon, continue Museum of Ethnology. Go to Hoan Kiem Lake, the center point of Hanoi whose name meaning “The Return Sword Lake” originated from a legend of a sacred sword and home to a rare endangered giant turtle species and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake. Next, take a one-hour xichlo (3-wheeled rickshaw) tour of the Old Quarter of Hanoi with its ancient streets representing traditional trades from the past. Finish the tour at the Thang Long Opera Theatre with a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Drop you at hotel. Free at your leisure in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast,
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Hanoi

DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY / OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE

After breakfast, travel by air-conditioned private through the Red River Delta to beautiful Ha Long Bay. The scenic drive will pass through some of the rural landscape before arriving to the World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. A Bay with more than 3000 islands, which time, wind and waves have sculptured into fantastic shapes.

Upon arrival, you will set out on a junk cruise on the bay while lunch is served. You will pass through the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, you will take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay, swimming on a quiet beach or sunbathing on the sundeck. In the late afternoon, you will visit an interesting fishing village with an opportunity to interact with fishermen who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. At sunset, you can kayak or simply take a bamboo row boat to discover a water tunnel with many coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on board, you can enjoy watching the peaceful sunset and later unwind at a restaurant. You will stay overnight onboard.
Beautiful kayaking route from Titov beach to Luon Cave for those who book kayaking option (kayaking time after visit the Sung Sot cave).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Stay on board in Halong Bay

Halong Bay

DAY 4: HALONG BAY – HANOI – HOI AN / EVENING FLIGHT

Rising to the sound of lapping bay waters, you will have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water of the bay. After breakfast, explore Sung Sot cave (8 a.m. to 9 a.m.), swim and relax at Soi Sim beach. At 9:30 a.m., your boat cruises back to the jetty while brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You will continue cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations. Cabin check-out is at 11:45 am. The boat arrives at the harbor around noon.

Those who book kayaking trip start kayaking from Luon Cave toward islets in shape of Man’s head island, Tortoise island (kayaking time after breakfast). Lunch included. Back Hanoi by private car, transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Da Nang, after 1 hour flight we arrive at Da Nang airport. You are met and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An by private vehicle with an English speaking guide.
Please note: Program may differ slightly base on cruise ships.

Meals: Breakfast and Brunch
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Hoi An.

DAY 5: HOI AN CITY TOUR – HUE

Enjoy breakfast at hotel and walking tour of Hoi An, discover the historic town which used to be a prosperous seaport city during the 16th to 18th centuries. Visit Hoi An’s colourful local market, Tan Ky old house, Fukien Assembly Hall, and the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge.Travelers can also see local residents raise silkworms and produce silk for Hoi An’s burgeoning textile industry.
In the afternoon, depart to Hue and stop in Da Nang visit Cham Museum where the remaining evidence of the Champa civilization can be viewed, via Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass). Enjoy a stunning headland-and-bay panoramic view from high above the pass, which for miles hugs the mountainside along the shoreline and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Arrive Hue in the late afternoon, check in hotel and relax.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Imperial Citadel, Hue

DAY 6: HUE CITY TOUR

Morning visit the Hue Citadel – Vietnam’s former imperial capital and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. With an area of 500ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, this citadel is far more elaborate than those constructed by previous empires. Stop at Khai Dinh tomb and Tu Duc Tomb.

After lunch (included), continue your tour with a boat cruise along the Perfume River. Enjoy this romantic cruise and visit the Minh Mang Tomb. Finish up at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Stop at Dong Ba market for shopping.

Meals: Breakfast,
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Hue

DAY 7: HUE – HO CHI MINH / FLIGHT

Have breakfast at hotel and private vehicle transferred to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Upon arrival in Tan Son Nhat, local guide welcome you and takes you to hotel.
Take half day city tour with famous sightseeing as War Remnants Museum, established in September 1975 in Ho Chi Minh City, it contains countless artifacts, photographs and pictures documenting some of the less heroic activities carried out by the US army in Vietnam. Planes, tanks, bombs and helicopters are also on display. Next visit the FITO Museum, it is the first museum of Vietnamese medicine. On display are nearly 3,000 items dating back to the Stone Age. Exhibits include tools used to prepare medicine, knives, mortars and pestles, documents and objects from a traditional pharmacy. The museum regularly screens a documentary about the history of medicine. Continue visiting to the 1880’s General Post Office and the late 19th century Notre Dame cathedral, located in a peaceful part of the city. Ending at Ben Thanh Market or House of Saigon for shopping and café.

Meals: Breakfast,
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Cu Chi Tunnel, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

DAY 8: CU CHI TUNNEL HALF DAY

Morning visit Cu Chi tunnels, “the Iron Triangle” as its nickname during Vietnam War 1955 – 1975. 55km Northwest from the city center, this was the former battlefield between Vietcong VC with American troops, also the shelter for VC guerillas from American attack and bombing. Try crawling in one part of this 31km underground tunnels, visiting the underground school, kitchen, hospital, meeting halls, dining rooms, guarding points and ammunition display which VC used during the War. Free shooting by AK47 riffle (paid by yourselves) in Free Target Zone, a chance to act like a VC ! Enjoy lunch ( Paid by your own) in Cu Chi then transfer back to Ho Chi Minh city. Free at your leisure in the afternoon for shopping.

Meal: Breakfast,
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 9: FULL DAY MEKONG DELTA ( MY THO)

After breakfast, full day tour traveling south from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, the Delta is the most fertile region in the country, and the main producer of rice and tropical fruits. From My Tho, you board your boat and travel to one of the islands located in the middle of the Mekong River. On the island visit a fruit orchard and sample some of the local produce, before boarding a smaller sampanthat winds along narrow canals. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a local family’s house and enjoy their hospitality and share with them some tea or rice wine. After lunch in My Tho return to Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Saigon

DAY 10: HO CHI MINH – PHNOM PENH – HALF DAY CITY TOUR / FLIGHT

Today you are transferred to HO Chi Minh City Airport to board flight for Phnom Penh. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh Airport you are met and transferred to your pre booked.
Visit to the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony, continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. Visit Tuol Sleng prison (Genocide Museum) was the most secret organ of the Khmer Rouge regime. S-21 stands for “Security Office 21.” was Angkar’s premier security institution, specifically designed for the interrogation and extermination of anti Angkar elements. Then shopping at Toul Tompong Market (called Russian Market), so-named because of the prevalence of items from the Eastern Bloc in past times, the Russian Market today is a treasure trove for tourists, that you will feel a bustling daily life of local people with Cambodian’s special character through local specialties, their houses, their face. Drop you at hotel .

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 11: PHNOM PENH – U DONG – SIEM REAP ( DRIVE)

Depart from Phnom Penh for Udong. En route, visite a Cham Muslim village, Silver craft Village. Drive to Udong, visit the various temples and the three large Stupas where the ashes of three former Kings are preserved. Next, visit the most impressive structure of the site, the “Vihara of the 18-Cubit Buddha”. En route to Phnom Penh, stop to visit a silver craft village. On route you will witness the everyday lives of Cambodians as you pass through interesting provincial towns, bucolic villages, and delightful scenery. This is no freeway dash as you will often slow down to let cows and water buffalo wander across the road, pass horse drawn carriages, and school kids walking and cycling to/from school. Not far from Phnom Penh you may choose to stop at Skoun, also known as ‘Spiderville’ due to the deep fried tarantula that is the local delicacy, are you adventurous enough to try one. Last you may wish to stop off in Kompong Kdei, to look at Spean Prahtos – an ancient Angkorian bridge built by the Khmers 1,000 years ago. Then continue to Siem Reap town for hotel check in.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Siem Reap.

Ta Prohm, Siem Reap, Cambodia

DAY 12: SIEM REAP – ANGKOR TOUR

Get up early and transfer to Angkor Wat to admire a spectacular sunrise. Come back hotel for breakfast.
A single magical day at Angkor Temples, Enjoy your first taste of Angkor with Angkor Thom Ancient City: Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of Leper King, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, and Bayon with its captivating stone faces. Then visit to Tomb Raider fame, Ta Prom Temple,.

In the afternoon, explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Angkor Wat. At this point, you most probably have gotten glimpses of the towers over treetops and the gates in front in passing. But now you’ll finally get to satiate that curiosity that’s grown in the last few days. Have lunch at restaurant.

Enter Angkor Wat and learn about the stories and amazing architecture that has stunned archaeologists leaving more questions than answers. Angkor Wat possesses some of the most intricate and longest stone carvings in the world. This complex is four times the size of the Vatican City making it the largest religious site in the world. Spend the morning adventuring through the many passages, levels, and exploring chambers that once housed one many treasures of the ancient world. It will be an experience you won’t forget. Enjoy sunset at Pre Rup temple. Drive back hotel in Siem Reap. Lunch and Dinner not included

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Siem Reap.

DAY 13: SIEM REAP DEPARTURE

Today you are transferred to Siem Reap Airport for international flight, depends on your flight, our guide and drive will pick you up at hotel and transfer to airport in time. End trips.

Meals: Breakfast

PRICE FROM IN USD PER PERSON

Date: Jan – Apr & Oct – Dec

Date: May – Sep

• Supplement for ticket

Hanoi ( HAN) to Danang (DAD) by Vietnam Airline:                 US $ 115 per person
Hue (HUI) to Ho Chi Minh (SGN) by Vietnam Airline :                US $ 115 per person
Ho Chi Minh (SGN) to Phnom Penh ( PHN) by Vietnam Airline        US $  198 per person
Phnom Penh ( PHN) to Siem Reap ( REP) by Angkor Air                 US $  115  per person
NOTE: Airfare and schedule are subject to modification without prior notice from the airline.

• Surcharge for Chinese new year: 

Surcharge for booking during Chinese New Year from

• US$ 30/pax/day for FIT booking of 2 pax
• US$ 20/pax/day for FIT booking of 3 pax
• US$ 15/pax/day for booking from 4 – 9 pax
• US$ 10/pax/day for booking from 10 pax up

• Supplement charge  for Lunch or Dinner       (including food, guide, car and driver)
• US$ 12 for lunch  / US$ 15 for dinner  (Vietnamese food)
• US$ 16 for lunch & US$ 18 to US$ 30 for dinner  (Western food)

INCLUSIVE

• Accommodation with daily breakfast based on double sharing
• Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers
• One night overnight at Ha Long cruise
• Private boat for sightseeing in Mekong Delta
• Experienced English Speaking guide guide during all tours and transfers.
• Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
• Mineral water is available as complementary
• Vietnam visa approval letter on arrival as complementary
• Full 1 FOC base sharing twin room for group from 16 pax up

EXCLUSIVE

• International & domestic flight tickets
• Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
• Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. All other services not specified in the itinerary
• Visa stamping fee at the airport (25US$ in Vietnam & US$ 30 in Cambodia paid by cash at the airport)
• Surcharge for public holidays (if any) & Compulsory dinner for Xmas and New Year Eve: TB

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