Best of Vietnam & Cambodia Tour

This 14-day multi-country tour passing through Vietnam and Cambodia is designed with the highlights of both countries, but especially empathizing with the experience of the river crossing instead of the usual flight.

14 days 13 nights

Vietnam

Multi-Country Tours

Attractions

Ha Noi - Ha Long City - Hue - Hoi An - Can Tho - Chau Doc - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Duration

14 days 13 nights

Code

VNC01

Overview

Overview

This multi country tour combining two countries Vietnam and Cambodia is designed with the highlights of both countries but especially experience of the passage of the river crossing instead of the usual flight.
Start from the visit to Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam through the temples, the historical sites, then an excursion to the ancient capital of Ninh Binh and spend one magnificent night on Halong Bay. You then head to the center for a cultural with the visit to Hue and Hoian. he following days, you will go to South Vietnam for a visit to Saigon and a trip on the Mekong river. Take a speed boat to cross the border to access to Cambodia. Immerse yourself into the wonderful architecture of the temples of Angkor and visit the capital of Cambodia - Phnom Penh with the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Archeology. Last but not least, take a flight to Siem Reap to admire the wonderful structure of the temples of Angkor, the huge Khmer kingdom of the 9th to the 13th century.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

Visit Hanoi, a city not only lively but also very traditional with its old quarter and other famous monuments: the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the single pillar pagoda, the Temple of Literature ...
Immerse yourself into the beauty and diversity of Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ha Long Bay, Hue Imperial Citadel, Hoi An Old Town, My Son Shrine.
Explore the bustling and dynamic city of Saigon, the very complex system of underground tunnels Cu Chi, the Mekong Delta by taking a boat trip on one of the arms of the river and the many channels of the Mekong River, the discovery of beautiful landscapes on the river.
Visit the capital of Cambodia - Phnom Penh with the Royal Palace, the National Archeology Museum, the Prasa Neang Khmau consisting of two deteriorating brick Prasats (tower) built in the Angkor era in the 10th century.
Admire the wonderful structure of the temples of Angkor, the huge Khmer kingdom of the 9th to the 13th century.

Itinerary

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Warmly welcome you on arrival at Noi Bai international airport. We transfer you with a comfortable vehicle to the city center of Hanoi to check-in your hotel. This day is scheduled to take some rest after your long flight. You have the opportunity to get some first impressions of the city by yourself. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up and show you around Hanoi, Vietnam’s gracious capital. We enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, home to his mausoleum, garden, house on stilts and a museum which traces his life and work.

Our first stop is to visit the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh. Located in the center of Ba Dinh Square, this is the most important monument of Vietnam in which Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved. This site only opens on Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 08:00 – 11:00.

The next destination is the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house was completed on May 19th, 1958 as a birthday present for uncle Ho and becomes a symbol of his simple life.

Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda. The pagoda looks like a lotus blossoming from the square pond. It was constructed in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong based on his dream of Goddess of Mercy seating on a lotus flower and giving him a boy. In 1954, it was destroyed by the French and then restored in 1955.

We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. This temple provides an opportunity to learn more about education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago until recent history.

In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum that is dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. This museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibition area with the most popular architectural styles of house’s ethnic people. The museum closes on every Monday.

The remaining time would be spent at your own pleasure.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Breakfast served at hotel and then starts a 3-hour drive through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City.
Declared as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attractions. Nearly 200 km far from Hanoi, the bay is dotted with 1600 limestone islands, capturing visitors’ attention.
Arrive in Halong ad board a wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island. Dinner served on board.
Overnight on Ha Long Bay Cruise

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey to Noi Bai airport and then catch a short flight to Hue. Overnight at the hotel in Hue

Day 5: Hue Imperial City (B)
We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including a boat trip to visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda
Built in 1601, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peace for travelers.
Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.
Stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most picturesque site of Hue. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest architectural work of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs.
Transfer back to Hue center Hue
In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City
Built in the 19th century by Nguyen dynasty, the Citadel becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. It is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures: the Citadel, the Yellow Imperial city, and the Forbidden Purple city.

If time permits, we continue to do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Overnight at the hotel in Hue

After having breakfast, we continue our south journey by road to Hoi An.
The ancient town of Hoian is a small town in Central Vietnam. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoian was a busy international commercial port for foreign merchants. Today, Hoian is popular for its peaceful beauty, eclectic architecture, tailors and cafes.

The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass to admire the stunning views north to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City. Continue on our way down to the other side and head to Da Nang where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and the Marble Mountains. Arrival in Hoi An, we will have our first glimpse of this beautiful boutique town recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, and the colorful riverside market make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places.
Overnight at hotel in Hoian

Morning after having breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Afternoon we pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the Reunification Palace.
Reunification Palace is a unique construction designed for the President of South Vietnam during Vietnam War. When entering, visitors can not only admire its architectural beauty but also enjoy fresh atmosphere created by trees and grasses around.

We then move to some French colonial structures including the Old Sai Gon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral.
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous architectural monuments influenced by European architecture. Both its exterior and interior are impressive with bright red color of bricks, stained glass panels and carved tiles, attracting many tourists.

We continue our trip to the War Remnant Museum.
War Remnants Museum primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. War Remnants Museum comprises a series of themed rooms in several buildings, with period military equipment placed within a walled yard.

Our last stop is to visit bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale.
Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

After breakfast, we depart for a long day of visit including of Cao Dai Temples.
Located in Tay Ninh province, Cao Dai Temple will be a good choice for those interested in the Vietnamese religion. In its main building, there are four prayers conducted daily, and travellers can witness or even join in the ceremonies. Tay Ninh is also famous for Ba Den Mountain Festival which is attractive to lots of visitors.

Afterwards we continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.
Located 70 km northwest of Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese soldiers in the American war. Nowadays, the tunnels have become a popular tourist attraction of Vietnam.

Back to Saigon for overnight.

Departure from the hotel at 8:00am.Your first introduction to the countryside of Vietnam and also the rice basket of the country. Arriving at the Vinh Trang Buddhist pagoda (built in 1849), view its antique wood carved statues of this well-preserved temple. Take a unique opportunity to see the process of making rice noodle in a typical village in the countryside. Arrival Cai Be you will visit a local workshop to see how they make pop rice and pop corn. Cai be floating market a unique opportunity to see trading and commerce on the vast waterways. After weaving through the lush greenery of the Mekong River you will arrive on An Binh Island in Vinh Long to visit with the local people and beautiful collection of Bonsai. Visit the fascinating collection of tropical fruit trees and flowers nursery of Mr. Tam Ho. Depending on the day you can see the local boat building, the local production of bricks and earth ware in the area. Enjoy a local lunch on the island. Continue cruising to Vinh Long. Pick up and drive to Can Tho.
Overnight at the hotel in Can Tho

Another discovery in the Mekong Delta: the floating markets. You will wake up early to visit the floating market of Cai Rang where a great variety of fruits and vegetables found in the region are sold. From Can Tho, you will travel the colorful road to the bustling river town of Chau Doc. Overnight at the hotel in Chau Doc.

This morning we will have a boat ride from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh departing at 8am. The boat takes us along the Mekong River. It continues on to the Vietnamese (Vinh Xuong) - Cambodian (Kaom Samnar) border and then to Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel for check-in or dropping off your luggage (Early check-in is NOT included & subject to hotel’s availability). Set out on a city tour to visit the Royal Place built in 1866 by King Norodom; Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles and located within the Royal Palace compound, and visit Tuol Sleng Museum, a reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for the domestic flight into Siem Reap. Arrival in Siem Reap, welcomed by your guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in/luggage drop off if the room is yet to be ready for you.

Afternoon, visit to nearby Angkor National Museum which opened in November 2007, offering a fascinating collection of Buddhist artifacts and Cambodian artifacts showcasing the origins of Khmer art, culture, and architecture. Late afternoon, we will transfer you to southern part of Siem Reap through local villages and along the rice paddy fields to Chong Kneas Floating Village where is home to hundreds of families living on their floating house on the Tonle Sap Lake. A 2-hour boat ride will lead you through floating houses, school, market, crocodile farm, and fish farm to the open lake while being accompanied by beautiful scenery of the lake along the way. You will be greeted by small children whom keeps waving their hands and saying “Hello” to you. Return to the pier then we will take a short drive to foot of Phnom Kraom to admit a beautiful sunset over the rice paddy field before returning to the hotel for overnight.

Beat the crowd early morning by 7am, visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. And continue to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat - one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. Lunch is own account.
Afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom. City & Bayon Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further, visit to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lepper King Terrace and Royal Place area.
Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap