Vietnam Cambodia Tour 15 days: A Journey Through Southeast Asia

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 and of course our tour guide is always available at your request. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Meals: N.A

Accommodation: 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.

To round off the day tour around the city's Old Quarter by a bicycle rickshaw, called a cyclo. In this part of town, each colorful street is devoted to a particular craft or ware. You will be pedaled amongst the quaint French buildings along Shoe Street, Silk Street and Banner Street (to name just a few), ending at the historic Hoan Kiem Lake - the social center of Hanoi.

To round off the day, enjoy the Water Puppet Show, the unique Vietnamese traditional art. This art originates from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists-men and women-stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move about, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water
 
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Breakfast at hotel and then start a 3-hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Comfort stop en route for photos and coffee before arriving to Ha Long City. We then transfer to a luxury 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 on board. Overnight on Junk
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On 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 for flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival Da Nang, pick up & transfer to hotel in Hoian.
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.
Overnight at the hotel in Hoian
 
Note: 
- Due to operation or weather conditions, itineraries and food may change without prior notice.
- Itinerary in Halong Bay is difference between cruises
 
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: Halong Bay cruise

08:00 am – 08:15 am: Our Car and tour guide will pick you up at hotel lobby. Reach Ba Na Hills via Cable Car.

Spend your time on the most modern Cable Car which gains 4 world scores.

Travelling through hills, contemplating the whole primitive forest and travelling freely by the Climbing Train. Come to Le Jardin D’Amour (consists of 9 gardens), Ling Ung Pagoda and Golden Bridge.

Continue to visit the French Village – a classical ad romantic France with unique architectural works, peak of Chua Mountain, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple and Tru Vu Tea Shop.

12:30 pm: Lunch at Restaurant (Buffet).

Join in Fantasy Park – one of the largest indoor games zone in Viet Nam. Discover Dinosaur Park and Jurassic Park, watch 5D, 4D and 3D cinemas, ride on Journey into the underground, challenge Freefall Tower and participate in adventure in Horror House and over 90 free games.

15:00 pm: Return to the Cable Car and go down the mountain.

16:45 pm – 17:45 pm: Our Car will bring you back to your hotel. End of the tour.

Accommodation              : At the hotel in Hoian

Meals                             : Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning start walking to the Hoi An Old Town.

You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world.

Make a stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.

Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues and elaborate rooftops. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees making offerings.

Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.

In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Siem Reap airport, welcomed by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in or luggage drop-off. Leisure time and overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation        : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals                          : Breakfast

Morning, we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war

In the afternoon we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the now-demolished wartime American Embassy. After that, we head to the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until end of April 1975, followed by some French colonial structures including the Old Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral. Apart from the religious meaning, the even more special captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum. If time permit, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here

Accommodation        : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals                          : Breakfast

08.00-08.30

Pick-up at the hotel in Saigon. (district 1 and parts of district 3 (only included for those pax using the transfer service)

11.30

Boarding of the cruise vessel and check-in.

12.00

Panorama cruise and lunch on board around 13.00

16.00

Guided walk to a rural village or through the lush greens of orchards and rice paddies.

17.30

Return to the boat for refreshment and to enjoy the sunset on the top deck.

Dinner on board, night on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mekong Eyes Cruise (even dates)

07.00

Morning cruise and morning tea break served on board.

08.00

Excursion on a long sampan to Cai Rang floating market.

12.00

Panorama cruise and lunch on board.

16.00

Afternoon walk to a rural village.

19.00

Dinner on board, night on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mekong Eyes Cruise (even dates)

07.00
Morning cruise and morning tea break served on board.
08.00
Check-out of cabin. Excursion on rowing sampan, exploring small canals of Tan Phong islet, home-made handicrafts family. Bicycle ride on back roads or walk in a small village along the Mekong Canals.
11:00
Departure to Saigon/ end of services. (Lunch is only included for those pax using the transfer service)
~ 14:30
Arrival in Saigon.
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
 

Breakfast at hotel then you are free at hotel until transfer to the airport to take a flight to Siem Reap.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, meet and transfer by the local guide to the hotel for check-in (Early check-in is NOT included and is subject to the hotel’s availability).

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Siem Reap

Meals                            : Breakfast

Start to tour to visit Angkor Wat Temple, one of the modern wonders of the world. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries, around the time when Angkor Wat was built. Stroll through the intricately carved hallways that show hundreds of fine carvings and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. And then, continue to the picturesque Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. Return to hotel for relaxation

Lunch on your own

After lunch, we will visit Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire with its centerpiece; the Bayon temple. As you approach, you will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking in every direction. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passageway that leads to the Baphuon complex. Next, we drive to West Baray to get the nicest spot to view the sunset over this manmade lake, and enjoy the snacks and drinks (local beers and snacks) while the sunset is setting down.

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Siem Reap

Meals                            : Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out from the hotel, our guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and drive about 45 minutes to the countryside, stopping en route to visit a local village. Arrive at the quay and board a local boat for a 1.5-hour ride on the Tonle Sap Lake (Kampong Phluk Stilt House Village), also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Find out how communities live and work on the lake; see the schools, markets, pagodas, and police stations, among others; and observe their daily lives. Ride the boat back to the pier and proceed to Phnom Pen, we will stop for lunch at the local restaurant on the way, also making a few more stops to visit the ancient bridge and spider market. On arrival at Phnom Penh Hotel, check-in and free at leisure. Meet the local guide in Phnom Penh, he/she will ride you by tuk-tuk to discover Phnom Penh after dark through the riverfront where the walking area is, and the main road of Norodom Boulevard (Around the Independent Monument) before having dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation        : At the hotel in Phnom Penh

Meals                          : Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, visits Toul Sleng, which was a high school prior to 1975, an interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era, and today it is a genocide museum. It tells the sad story of the thousands of innocent Cambodian people who were tortured on its grounds. Walking through the narrow corridors and former classrooms of the buildings will give you an eerie feeling of being part of Cambodia’s turbulent past. The stories of the victims are documented and some torture devices are on display for visitors to learn about the suffering the people endured. Photographs were taken of each prisoner passing through the prison and hundreds of the haunting black and white photos are now on display in the museum. While this experience may be depressing, it is recommended to visit in order to truly understand the cruel methods of control the Khmer Rouge implemented over the country, and visit the Russian Market. Enjoy the buffet lunch at Tonle Basak Restaurant, or the Khmer Set Menu at another local restaurant, or walk the central market and eat as locals in the foot hall area (you can taste any kind of food, fruits, drinks, and snacks as your lunch).

Afternoon, visit The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda two of the most striking buildings in the capital and are considered some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. They were initially constructed in 1866 by the French. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. The floor consists of 5,329 solid silver tiles to which the building owes its name. The building houses many golds and jeweled Buddha statues including the highly prized 17th-century baccarat crystal Buddha. Other important buildings that can be found within the compound include Wat Preah Keo Morokat, where Royal ceremonies are performed, and stupas such as King Ang Doung Stupa – the burial site of former King Norodom.

Accommodation        : At the hotel in Phnom Penh

Meals                          : Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Free until transfer to the airport for departure

Accommodation        : NA

Meals                          : Breakfast