Highlight of Viet Nam and Cambodia 14 days

DAY 1: HA NOI ARRIVAL

Upon reaching Hanoi, complete the immigration and visa on arrival process at the airport. Meet our driver at the airport and board your transfers to reach the pre-booked hotel.

 

Complete the check-in procedure at the hotel and get ready to explore this capital city of Vietnam.

 

Free time for leisure to enjoy Old Quarter to enjoy the bustling local life. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers.

 

It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you. Return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

 

DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR AND FOOD TOUR

8.00 - 8.30: Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City 

 

08.45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake 

 

It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.

 

09.30: Visit Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of  Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Goddess of Mercy – It is the most unique pagoda in the world

 

Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…

 

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

 

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed for at least 2 months (15th June -15th August) for the annual maintenance but still can take pictures Mausoleum and visit that area

 

11.15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam

 

Special Note: we will visit Women's Museum instead of the Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays

 

12.45: Have lunch at our restaurant.  You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with 8 delicious dishes.

 

14.00-14.15: Continue to visit the Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century 

 

15.15 -15.30: Tour finishes, drop off at meeting point.

 

18:00 | for Dinner option 

 

(Pick-up time will be flexible in 15 minutes.)

 

Join a Hanoi street food tour to learn more about the culture and history of this thousand-year-old town while filling up on the flavors that have made Hanoi one of the world's best destinations for food lovers. Our expert guide will show you all the best food stands or local restaurants in The Old Quarter.

 

We carefully choose very unique and authentic dishes (*) to perform a very special experience we've created for you. 

 

Bun Cha: It has been more than 6 years since former US President Barack Obama had bun cha with the late celebrity and his own chef in Huong Lien restaurant at 24 Le Van Huu Street, Hanoi.

 

You will really fall in love with egg coffee. It will make you drool with its strong taste of natural coffee bitterness and the frothy texture of the yolk mixture.

 

Vegetarian food or special requirements are available upon request.

 

DAY 3: NINH BINH DAY TOUR

07:30–8:00 | Get picked up by our friendly guide in your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter or in Lily’s office in Hoan Kiem distric, then depart for Ninh Binh province

 

09:15 | Have a short break for 15–20 minutes to relax

 

10:30 | Visit Hoa Lu, ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties.

 

11:45 | Have lunch in the restaurant with a lot of local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken, fried rice, etc. Vegetarian foods are always available in the buffet lunch

 

13:00 | Visit Trang An, which was recognized by UNESCO as A World Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An has a wonderful tunnel cave system, so Kong’s Movie Group chose this place for the 2016 New Version of Kong, “Skull Island”. With 2 hours for the boat trip, you will be persuaded by the beauty here.

 

15:00 | Continue the tour for 45 minutes, cycling around the village to discover the lives of the local people.

 

15:45 | Get back to the transportation, then leave for Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). If you walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain and have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here

 

17:00 | Get on the transportation to return to your accommodation or train/bus station if you take train/bus later     

 

If you stay in Ninh Binh this night, you will arrive hotel in Tam Coc/Trang An/Mua cave according to draft itinerary

 

If you come back to Hanoi this time, we will drop you back to the hotel in the Old quarter.

 

If you go to the train/bus later, we will take you to the train/bus station. If you go straight to another province, we will arrange accordingly.

 

DAY 4: HANOI – HALONG BAY

Have a hearty breakfast at the hotel and begin your journey to Halong Bay.

 

This journey will take you through the Red River Delta where you can see the everyday life of the Vietnamese Villagers.

 

Upon arriving at Halong, board a traditional sailing junk and get greeted by the crew members.

 

Discover some of the treasures disseminated across the Bay of the Descending Dragon during the afternoon: fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, and fantastic rock formations rising up out of emerald water.

After having a delicious lunch on board, spend the rest of the time at leisure, wherein you can choose to attend our chef's cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking.

 

Spend the rest of the evening on the sundeck of your cruise and admire the colors of the sunset painting the sky.

 

Later, have your dinner accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages (additional cost for drinks) along with various entertainment options like - movie night, squid fishing, etc.

 

You can also choose to enjoy your drink by sitting relaxedly surrounded by limestone rocks majestically springing out from silent waters in the night.

 

Overnight stay on the cruise at Halong Bay.

 

DAY 5: HALONG BAY – HANOI – DA NANG

Get up early to do a restorative Tai Chi lesson on the Sundeck while taking in the magnificent dawn over the water. Light breakfast will provide you energy for the day, and later on the cruise, a colorful brunch will be savored.

 

Continue your exploration of Halong Bay by cruising amongst its more than 2000 islets and stopping at some of its top attractions, including its breathtaking beaches, amazing caverns, and attractive floating towns. You'll have plenty of time to take in the splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, capture it on camera, and lose yourself in the peace of the natural world.

 

After enjoying the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay on a memorable cruise, we'll return to Hanoi, where our attentive driver will transfer you to the airport for a flight to Da Nang.

 

Upon arrival, our skilled driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel, where you can check in and relax before embarking on a night of exploration in Da Nang. Take advantage of your free time to discover the vibrant nightlife of this bustling coastal city, where you can indulge in delicious local cuisine, experience the energetic atmosphere of the night market, or simply soak up the breathtaking views of the city skyline.

 

With a variety of options to choose from, you're sure to find something to suit your interests and make the most of your time in this charming destination. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Da Nang!

 

DAY 6: BA NA HILLS

In the center of Vietnam, close to Danang, are the Ba Na Hills, a highland resort. It is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery, French colonial architecture, and an array of sights and entertainment choices. Panorama views of the surrounding hills and shoreline are available from Ba Na Hills, which is located at an elevation of more than 1,400 meters above sea level.

 

One of the main attractions at Ba Na Hills is the Golden Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that spans across two mountain peaks and is held up by giant stone hands. The bridge is a popular spot for photos and offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Visitors can also take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain, which is one of the longest and highest cable car rides in the world.

 

At the top of the mountain, there are several other attractions to explore, including a French village with European-style buildings, a flower garden, an amusement park, and a wax museum. There are also several restaurants and cafes serving a variety of Vietnamese and international cuisine.

 

Ba Na Hills is a popular day trip destination from Danang or Hoi An, and visitors can spend several hours exploring the attractions and enjoying the scenic views. It is also possible to stay overnight at one of the resorts or hotels located on the mountain.

 

DAY 7: BASKET BOAT TRIP AND HOI AN TOWN

Join us for an exciting adventure at Cam Thanh coconut village! At 8:00 am or 1:00 pm, our knowledgeable guide and skilled driver will pick you up at your Hoi An hotel lobby and transfer you to this picturesque destination.

 

Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to hop aboard a basket boat and embark on a serene ride through the coconut forest. Along the way, your boatman will create lovely natural ornaments from coconut leaves, such as hats, rings, and glasses.

 

As we cruise along the Cua Dai River, you can even join in with the local fishermen and learn how to use a round net or cast net. You'll get to explore the stunning mangrove forest and discover the diverse array of marine life that calls this area home, including crabs, shrimp, and fish.

 

Get ready for some hands-on fun as local people teach you how to paddle a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat. Our knowledgeable guides will also share stories of past wars and the difficulties soldiers had to face. After all the excitement, we'll stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

 

Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

 

DAY 8: DA NANG – HCMC – CU CHI TUNNEL

Begin your day with a scrumptious breakfast at your hotel before our chauffeur whisks you away to Da Nang airport for a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, we'll be waiting to transfer you to your hotel, where you can freshen up before embarking on an exciting half-day tour of the legendary Cu Chi tunnels in the afternoon.

 

Located 60 km from Ho Chi Minh, Cu Chi is a network of over 200km of tunnels that were functioning as underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens.

 

Watch a short introductory video on how the tunnels were constructed before heading the explore these tunnels.

 

There is plenty of evidence of the fierce battle that took place here during the 1960s when Cu Chi was a “Free Target Zone”.

 

After exploring the tunnels for an hour, head back to Ho Chi Minh city.

 

Return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

 

DAY 9: MEKONG DAY TRIP

Have a hearty breakfast at the hotel and get ready by around 8 to 8:30 am to begin an interesting day of this tour.

 

Board your transfer to My Tho city, after which you will be starting the one-and-a-half-hour bus ride that will take you through the lush green landscapes of the rice paddies.

 

Later, embark on a boat ride along the Mekong River as it is the only means of transportation to explore this region.

 

Watch the fisherman fishing using the fish cages from their unique floating houses on the river.

 

The boat will further take you through a small canal to one of the two islands in the region famous for producing the local specialties like coconut candy, coconut handicrafts, etc.

 

You can also visit the bee farms to try the freshly made honey and taste the honey wine. Stop by and listen to Vietnamese traditional music as performed by the villagers (Đàn Ca Tài Tử – A folk art form from Southern Vietnam accredited by UNESCO in 2013 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity). Click some postcard-perfect pictures of the surrounding vistas before heading to a local restaurant for lunch.

 

Re-energize yourself by having a special Vietnamese lunch prepared by the locals in a natural setting under the shade of the trees. During this tour, you will also visit the Vinh Trang pagoda, the biggest pagoda in the Mekong delta.

 

The rest of the time is at leisure for you to relax and take walk around.

 

Later, start your journey back to the city and where you can spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

 

Return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

 

DAY 10: HCMC – SIEM REAP

Breakfast at your hotel and take flight from HCMC to Siem Reap in Cambodia.

 

Experience the warm embrace of Cambodia as you arrive at Siem Reap International Airport. Seamlessly navigate immigration procedures, with the option of obtaining your visa on arrival or conveniently securing it in advance via www.evisa.gov.kh. Step out into the arrival hall, where our friendly representative eagerly awaits your arrival. Enjoy a swift transfer to your centrally located hotel in Siem Reap, just a short 30-minute drive away. Take some time to unwind, freshen up, and indulge in the comforts of your accommodation, preparing for an unforgettable journey ahead. Rest peacefully, for the adventures of Siem Reap await you tomorrow. Overnight in Siem Reap, the gateway to wonders.

 

DAY 11: ANGKOR HIGHLIGHT

Embark on an extraordinary early morning adventure as we chase the captivating sunrise at Angkor Wat, an ethereal spectacle that draws visitors from far and wide. As the golden light bathes the temple, we'll seize the opportunity to capture the iconic image from various angles, immortalizing the intricate sandstone devatas in their divine beauty.

 

Our journey continues to Ta Prohm, renowned as the enchanting setting of "Tomb Raider." Here, nature reigns supreme, as ancient stone structures are entwined by the relentless embrace of sprawling tree roots. Witness the harmonious dance between man-made wonders and the unstoppable forces of nature.

 

Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking Preah Khan temple, a haven for photography enthusiasts seeking to capture the perfect shot. Lose yourself amidst the grandeur of this magnificent temple, as history comes alive through your lens.

 

As the sun begins its descent, we venture to the awe-inspiring Bayon temple, adorned with 54 towering structures adorned with 216 enigmatic faces. Survey the abandoned city of Angkor Thom from its vantage point and witness the magic of the Golden Hour casting a spell over the ancient ruins. Our day concludes at one of the gates of Angkor Thom, where we'll capture the enchanting sunset reflecting upon the tranquil moat.

 

Relish in the memories created throughout the day as we return to Siem Reap for a restful overnight stay. Let the allure of this captivating city permeate your dreams, for tomorrow holds new adventures. Overnight in Siem Reap, a testament to Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.

 

DAY 12: SIEM REAP – PHNOM PENH

Immerse yourself in the unique charm of Cambodia as we embark on a delightful boat ride across the enchanting Tonle Sap Lake. Marvel at the vastness of the largest permanent fresh-water lake in Southeast Asia, as it gracefully merges with the Tonle Sap River and eventually flows into the Mekong in Phnom Penh. Along the way, we'll encounter a fascinating sight—a "floating village" inhabited by fishermen, complete with floating schools, a floating police station, and more. Witness the remarkable lifestyle of this vibrant community, as they adapt to the ever-changing water levels and currents, creating a village that seems to float effortlessly on the lake's surface.

 

Following our Tonle Sap Lake adventure, we'll transfer to the Siem Reap bus station, where we'll board a comfortable shuttle bus or minivan bound for Phnom Penh. Upon our arrival at the bus station in Phnom Penh, our driver (no guide) will be there to warmly greet us and provide a seamless transfer to our hotel for check-in. Rest and rejuvenate in the capital city of Phnom Penh, preparing for the intriguing experiences that lie ahead. Overnight in Phnom Penh, a city pulsating with history and cultural allure.

 

DAY 13: PHNOM PENH

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, we will embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant city of Phnom Penh. Our first stop is the Royal Palace compound, a magnificent architectural marvel built in 1866. The elaborate Khmer-style Palaces, adorned with vibrant colors, will leave you in awe. Adjacent to the Royal Palace is the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Emerald Buddha temple. Here, you will find a stunning collection of Buddha statues embellished with precious gems like diamonds, emeralds, gold, and silver.

 

Our exploration continues at the National Museum, a striking red building showcasing exquisite Khmer architecture. This museum, established in 1917, houses an extensive collection of over 5,000 art objects crafted from sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood, and other materials. Immerse yourself in Cambodia's rich cultural heritage as you marvel at these artistic masterpieces.

 

We will then visit the iconic Independence Monument, erected in 1954 to commemorate Cambodia's independence from French colonial rule. As we delve deeper into the history of Cambodia, we will uncover its darker chapters. Our next destination is the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, famously known as S21. This haunting site was once a school but tragically transformed into a Khmer Rouge prison and torture center. Through the exhibits and stories, you will gain insight into the harrowing events of Cambodia's recent past.

 

Continuing our journey, we will make our way to Wat Phnom, a serene Buddhist temple situated on a hill. Legend has it that the first pagoda was built here in 1372 to house four sacred Buddha statues discovered by Lady Penh in the Mekong River. Wat Phnom holds great significance for the local people, who often visit to seek blessings, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and witness breathtaking sunsets.

 

As the day comes to an end, we will retreat to our accommodations in Phnom Penh, where you can reflect upon the rich history and cultural tapestry of this fascinating city. Overnight in Phnom Penh, where stories of the past intertwine with the vibrant energy of the present.

 

DAY 14: DEPARTURE

Embark on an extraordinary early morning adventure as we chase the captivating sunrise at Angkor Wat, an ethereal spectacle that draws visitors from far and wide. As the golden light bathes the temple, we'll seize the opportunity to capture the iconic image from various angles, immortalizing the intricate sandstone devatas in their divine beauty.

 

Our journey continues to Ta Prohm, renowned as the enchanting setting of "Tomb Raider." Here, nature reigns supreme, as ancient stone structures are entwined by the relentless embrace of sprawling tree roots. Witness the harmonious dance between man-made wonders and the unstoppable forces of nature.

 

Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking Preah Khan temple, a haven for photography enthusiasts seeking to capture the perfect shot. Lose yourself amidst the grandeur of this magnificent temple, as history comes alive through your lens.

 

As the sun begins its descent, we venture to the awe-inspiring Bayon temple, adorned with 54 towering structures adorned with 216 enigmatic faces. Survey the abandoned city of Angkor Thom from its vantage point and witness the magic of the Golden Hour casting a spell over the ancient ruins. Our day concludes at one of the gates of Angkor Thom, where we'll capture the enchanting sunset reflecting upon the tranquil moat.

 

As your unforgettable journey comes to an end, we will provide a transfer service to Phnom Penh airport (without a guide) for your departure to your next destination. It's time to bid farewell, and we sincerely thank you for choosing to travel with us. We hope you had a remarkable experience and we look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. Safe travels!.