PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP – SAIGON – CU CHI TUNNELS – MEKONG DELTA – HOI AN – HUE – HANOI – NINH BINH – HA LONG BAY
(15 days/ 14 nights)
Take it easy if you don’t have much time but want to cover all the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia in a trip. In two-week Essential Vietnam and Cambodia Tour, you won’t miss Phnom Penh or Siem Reap in Cambodia and all the best places in Vietnam including bustle Saigon, charming Hoi An, historical Hue Kingdom to busy Hanoi Capital. With our good experience, surely that your trip is not too rush. Let’s enjoy!
DAY 1 – PHNOM PENH ARRIVAL
Included meals: No
Arrive in Phnom Penh (Cambodia) you are warm welcome and transfer to hotel for check in. Free at your leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh
DAY 2: TOUR OF PHNOM PENH
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, gain some insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Taken over by the Khmer Rouge, this former high school was converted into a detention and torture center known as ‘S-21’. Equally as harrowing are the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Both are grim, but important visits that allow one to dig below the surface and understand present day Cambodia better. After learning about some of Cambodia’s tragic past, getting back to the city and go to visit the hilltop Wat Phnom Temple, the founding place of the city. Lunch is served at a nice restaurant around noon.
After lunch, embark on a cyclo tour through the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh. Begin first with a visit to the Royal Palace, followed by the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5,000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the temple is known for its collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze. Continue on to the National Museum, housing the world’s foremost collection (over 5,000 pieces) of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Wrap up the tour with a boat ride for the late-afternoon refreshment. Along the ride, you will enjoy great views of the confluence of the Upper Mekong, Lower Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers. Get back to your hotel after the sunset. Dinner on our own account. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 3: PHNOM PENH > SIEM REAP (Angkor Thom Visit)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. On arrival in Siem Reap, meet with the local guide and head to the hotel for check in.
The afternoon starts with a visit to Angkor. First, visit the incredible temple of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 meter-tall wall, drawing a perfect square around its perimeter. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive carved stone gate.
From here, continue to Bayon Temple, in the exact center of the city. This temple is extremely distinct, with 54 towers, each with four faces representing the 54 provinces of the then Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.
After an incredible first encounter with the historical wonders of Angkor, return to the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 4: ANGKOR TEMPLES DISCOVERY (Ta Prom, Banteay Kdei, Angkor Wat) By Tuk Tuk
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, explore the temples of the Small Circuit by ‘remork’(similar to Thai Tuk Tuk). Begin the day with a visit to Ta Prohm Temple, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. The visit will also include Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th Century, and Srah Srang, also known as the “pool of ablutions”. Lunch is served at a restaurant in town.
In the afternoon, continue on with a very special sightseeing tour of the famous Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed to symbolize Mount Meru, home of the gods. The divine residence of Vishnu, the King himself was to reside here after his death. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Moreover, Angkor Wat is well-known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor to complete.
After touring this incredible temple, return to the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 5: SIEM REAP/ FLY TO HOCHIMINH CITY (SAIGON)
Included meals: Breakfast
Free at your leisure until time transfer to airport to take your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City (former Saigon). Upon arrival, you are warm welcome by our tour guide and driver and then transfer to your hotel for check in. Overnight at hotel in Saigon
DAY 6 – SAIGON VISITING AND CU CHI TUNNELS
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hochiminh City is the largest city in Vietnam. The city was influenced by the French during their colonial occupation of Vietnam, and a number of classical Western-style buildings and French villas in the city reflect this.
You will have a full day tour to visit Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels.
In the morning, we drive 70 kilometers North West to explore the underground tunnels in Cu Chi which system had been created long time back, from 1948 to assist Viet Cong in the combat with French. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers. In places, it was housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years… getting married, giving birth.
Have lunch at local restaurants
In the afternoon, we will visit the War Remain Museum. Historically, the War Museum as part of the Vietnam and World Peace museums system was born on Sep 4. Since its 30-year inception, the museum has attracted over 10 million arrivals of domestic and foreign tourists, especially, student delegations from provinces and cities nationwide. The next stop is visiting Independence Palace that is the symbol of the Vietnamese’s Victory against the French colonial occupation. We will visit the outside of Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883 and one of the city’s major landmarks. Neo-Romanesque in form, Notre Dame is the major seat of the Catholic religion in modern Vietnam. In the other side of Notre Dame is Sai Gon Central Post Office. The building was constructed by the French colonists in early 20th century during French Indochina. This post features the Gothic architecture style and was designed in well harmony with the surrounding ward. We then visit Cholon area which is Vietnam’s largest Chinatown with roots dating back to 1778 includes Thien Hau Pagoda.
In the end of day, we can explore the bustling Ben Thanh market to find something interesting to take home from Vietnam’s oldest and busiest market. Overnight in Saigon
DAY 7 – SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA/ FLY TO DANANG – HOI AN
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast at farmstay and enjoy the peacful atmosphere in the local village, the morning drive takes you toward My Tho. Visit to the flood plains of the Mekong Delta, “the mystic serpent with nine tails.” To Vietnamese, the river is Cuu Long, “The River of Nine Dragons,” referring to the number of mouths as the river empties into the sea. As well as producing over half of the nation’s rice, the Delta area is abundant with fruit orchards and traditional fish farms. Culturally, the area is a diverse mix of ethnic Khmer and Chinese. Take a boat trip along Mekong River by motor-boat. During a boat cruise along Mekong River you will have a chance to see fish cages, floating house and the activities on the River. The boat take you to Xep canal, where is the place you totally escape from the busy town. The boat cruise in the coconut trees canal takes you to a small islet. We disembark and have a walk around the village. Stop at a local family to enjoy tropical fruit, taste honey tea, honey wine and listen to Vietnamese traditional music, performance by the villagers. Continue walking on the village’s road. Get off for a rowing boat in the small canal to the motor-boat and then head to the restaurant on the other islet. Get back to the pier and make your way back to Saigon and then going to airport t take a short flight to Danang City. On arrival, you are welcome and transfer to hotel in Hoi An Town for check in and leisure. Overnight in Hoi An
DAY 8 – HOI AN COOKING CLASS AND ANCIENT TOWN VISITING
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning you will enjoy in the cooking class in Hoi An to know about the cultural cuisines of Vietnam. We start the day with a welcome drink at the meeting point. Then visit Hoi An’s colorful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.
We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy.
On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – the Red Bridge chefs first demonstrate each dish before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat what we have cooked.
Transfer back to Hoi An town for your visiting the ancient town. Hoi An nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Before the river silted up, Hoi An was one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia, and a Centre for East-West exchange and trade. From the 2nd until the 10th century, Hoi An was one of the principal Cham cities. Over the years, Indian, Dutch, Portuguese, French, Thai, Indonesian, Spanish, American, Japanese, Filipino and Chinese ships docked in Hoi An. In the 19th century, as the result of warfare and environmental changes, Hoi An was replaced by Danang as a major port. The rooftops of Hoi An retain a magical old world Oriental feel and are a favorite subject for Vietnamese artists. In the early 1980s Hoi An’s ancient quarters and historical monuments came under the protection and restoration efforts of UNESCO and the Polish government.
The visit including: Japanese Bridge, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, Tan Ky House or Tran Phu 77 and one of the museum. Lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will be free to go shopping and making tailor clothes. Back to your hotel and free at your leisure. Accommodation in Hoian
DAY 9 – HOI AN/ DANANG/ HUE
Included meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will depart for Hue. On the way, we stop to visit Mable Mountain, Cham Museum and Hai Van Pass.
Marble Mountain was one of four mountains located south of Da Nang that stretched from the coast inland (westward) for about three miles. These mountains are riddled with caves and tunnels.
Hai Van Pass, also known as “Sea Cloud” Pass crosses. This is the pass vehicles generally used to travel from Da Nang to Hue and vice versa. The pass goes through the highs and lows of the Truong Son Mountain Range and gives travellers a spectacular view of the shoreline. As the name says, during winters or raining days, the pass get misty and it makes you feel as though you are travelling on clouds.
Continue on to Hue and check in your hotel. Free time at your leisure. Accommodation in Hue
DAY 10 – HUE VISITING/ FLY TO HANOI CAPITAL
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Located in the center of Vietnam, Hue was the capital city of Vietnam for approximately 150 years during feudal time (1802–1945), and the royal lifestyle and customs have had a significant impact on the characteristics of the people of Hue, even long afterwards. This morning, we will take cruise on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Then, visit the impressive tombs of King Minh Mang and Khai Dinh and then take time to visit Hue’s Ancient Citadel and Imperial City. Created in the 19th century, inside the citadel was a forbidden city where only the emperors, concubines, and those close enough to them were granted access; the punishment for trespassing was death. Today, little of the Forbidden City remains, though reconstruction efforts are in progress to maintain it as a historic tourist attraction.
The rest of day is free to explore the crowded market of Dong Ba where you can bargain for anything from souvenirs and bronze goods, to Hue sesame sweetmeat and conical poem hats.
Transfer to airport to take the direct flight to Hanoi. On arrival, you are warm welcome, transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 11 – HANOI VISITING
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This day tour is our first introduction to the history of Vietnam. We spend the morning visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and learn more about the historical and cultural events at the peaceful Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, we visit the Ethnologic museum, followed by an hour cyclo tour through the bustling Old Quarter. A walk through its exciting streets is a fascinating introduction to the different lifestyles of Vietnam, and an opportunity to shop for bargains. After that, we attend the performance of the unique water puppetry. Overnight in Hanoi
Tips: Hochiminh Mausoleum is closed on Monday and Friday and from June to September
Museums are closed on Mondays
DAY 12 – HANOI/ NINH BINH (BOAT TRIP AND CYCLING)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart from your hotel in Hanoi early in the morning, the drive to Ninh Binh province takes you about 2,5 hours through the fertile land of the Red River Delta.
Upon arrival, you will take 2-hour sampan boat trip at Tam Coc (Three Caves). This area is considered as “Inland Halong Bay” featured with karst formations. It is very beautiful scenery along the row with vertical sides of Limestone Mountains and rice paddy-fields. The local rowers will take you gently through three beautiful limestone caves with hundreds of stalactites above your heads.
Back to the dock and transfer to a local restaurant for a Vietnamese lunch.
After lunch, you will jump on a bike for a stunning ride along the back roads through the beautiful scenery of towering karsts on the ground of ponds, rice paddies and rural villages in the area.
On the bike, we will have as many stops as you want to take photographs. One of the stop is Bich Dong Pagoda. Bich Dong pagoda is an important religious place for the locals in the region. It comprises three structures: Ha (Low), Trung (Middle), and Thuong (Upper) pagodas in ascending order at the side of a rocky mountain. We will take a slow hike up to visit the three structures. Besides learning about the local belief, you will get a beautiful view when you reach the highest one. Thence, we pedal back to where we start.
Check in hotel in Ninh Binh and leisure. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
DAY 13 – NINH BINH/ HA LONG BAY (OVERNIGHT CRUISE)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch / Dinner
In the morning, we will depart for Ha Long Bay, listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. Driving through the heart of the Red River Delta where you will see many farmers tilling their green fields, stop on route to admire the landscape picture, you might take picture of buffalo. Ha Long Bay means “Dragon descending to the sea” as it is known in Vietnamese, picturesque Ha Long bay has more than 1.000 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes. Arrive in Ha Long and board the cruise. You will have a full day activities on Ha Long Bay include visiting the floating village, nice cave, demonstration cooking class… Dinner and overnight on cruises.
Note: Each cruise will have the different itineraries. The itineraries of cruises may be changed due to the weather and the water condition
DAY 14 – HA LONG BAY – HANOI
Included meals: Breakfast, Brunch (early lunch)
Weak up in early morning and you can enjoy in the Taichi Exercise. Han a light breakfast with cake, tea and maybe noodle. Continue to explore Ha Long Bay following the program of cruise. Back to cruise and check out, have brunch. Disembark the cruises and take the transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi. Free at your leisure and overnight in Hanoi
DAY 15 – HANOI DEPARTURE
Included meals: Breakfast
Take your time to enjoy shopping in Hanoi or just simply be leisure. Transfer to the Airport for your departure flight back home. End of service!
****** HAVE A NICE TRIP *****
Included:
– Accommodation at hotels and cruise as above hotel list with daily breakfasts
– All meals as indicate in the program, excluding drinks
– Modern transportation throughout the tour.
– Boat cruises in Mekong Delta, Hue, Hoi An, Ninh Binh as mention
– Cycle in Hanoi as program
– Entrance fees and permits as stated in the tour program.
– Local good and experience English speaking guide in during your day tours
– All time support hotline for guarantee
– No extra charge after confirmation
Complimentary:
– Approval visa letter to entry Vietnam (not included the visa fee at 25.00/ pax which will be paid directly at the airport)
– Mineral water and tissue during day-tours
Excluded:
– International ticket in/ out Vietnam
– Visa fees to entry Vietnam and Cambodia.
– Domestic tickets Phnom Penh – Siem Reap// Siem Reap – Saigon – Danang/ Hue – Hanoi – (quoted seperately)
– Any meals, drinks other than specified.
– Tip and personal expenses.