Vietnam Cambodia Classic Tour 18 Days: Best Highlights of Indochina

We welcome you at the airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. First day of Vietnam Cambodia Classic Tour 18 Days is at your leisure and yours to explore on your own.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi

Meal :  NA

We then enjoy a city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh.

This is the most important monument of Vietnam located in the center of Ba Dinh Square .The construction of the mausoleum was modelled on Lenin's mausoleum in Russia but the architecture was careful designed to reflect Vietnamese culture and lifestyle. Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved here in a glass case (albeit against his wishes). The granite building meant a great deal for many locals as it ensures that their beloved leader ‘lives on forever’. 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 house on stilts was completed on May 19th, 1958 as a birthday present for uncle Ho. He lived here until his death in 1969. This building becomes a symbol of uncle Ho’s simple life. This house reminded him to the time he lived in the mountainous area of Northern border, where he spent quite a long time after coming back to Vietnam after 30 years traveling abroad. Surrounds of this house is a big botanic garden and a fishpond.

Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. 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. Few months later, the queen got pregnant and gave birth to a son. To repay the gift from Goddess of Mercy, the King declares to construct this pagoda. In 1954, it was destroyed by the French before their withdrawer. After taking over the city on October 10th 1954, Vietnam Ministry of Culture restored the pagoda. The pagoda of today remains since this restoration.

We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Well known as the first university of Vietnam, this temple and its beautiful garden provide an opportunity to learn more about education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago until recent history. As a symbol of Vietnamese education, there is a lot of graduating party held in this area as a special honor for students. There’s also a lot of festivities happened here especially during the Lunar New Year festival: the bonsai market, exchanging Chinese characters and other traditional games like the cock fighting, or human chess which is very colorful and attractive.

In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, several of which we will see on our forthcoming trekking 

Lastly take you to watch the water puppet show - a form of entertainment originating in the rural communities and performed in the flooded rice paddies. Puppets depict scenes from rural life, such as planting, fishing, local festivities and parades accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments. The performances are colorful, intricate and there is a lot of humor as well.

In the evening, we transfer to railway station to board a soft sleep & AC train to Lao Cai/Sapa (22:00). The duration of this journey is 8 hours and 5 minutes. You will reach Lao Cai at 06:05 in the next morning.

Note:  There is no escorting guide from Hanoi to Sapa. We are committed to support the communities by using local guide in Sapa; some of them come from the surrounding ethnic villages. The best thing is their willingness to show you about their cultures, customs and especially they know the area as the back of their hand.

Accommodation : On the train (Sharing soft sleeper & AC, carriage cabin of 4 berths on train)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Bac Ha market (Sunday only)  

Can Cau Market (Saturdays only)

Cao Son Market (Wednesday only)

Coc Ly Market  (Tuesday only)

Lung Khau Nhin Market (Thursday only)

Arrive in Lao Cai station around 6 Am, pick up and breakfast and transfer to one of above ethnic local markets filled with many different hill-tribe peoples. At the market, you have chance to enjoy the simple life but unique kinds of food with special wines made from rice, cassavas, corn and different sorts of fruits such as plumps, apples, peaches... talking to the minorities through the guide's interpretation.

You get on the car for journey to Sa Pa.

Upon arrival in Sa Pa, we continue to Ham Rong. Located in the majestic Hoang Lien Son Range, at an altitude of nearly 1,800m, Ham Rong Mountain consists of undulating rocks with many interesting shapes. From far away, Ham Rong Mountain is like a huge dragon bending itself, lying toward the west of Hoang Lien Son Range. The top of the mountain was designed by Mother Nature to make random cliffs bring casual images. The people here call the mountain Mount Dragon Head because due to its appearance heading towards the sky. There are many variants of the legendary Ham Rong mountain but these legends refer to the love affection, graceful salinity, the common dragon.

Proceed to the hotel in Sa Pa for checking-in then you are free to relax.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Sa Pa

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Highlights:

Leave the busy life behind to enjoy a nice walk in an quiet area. Inhabited by the Red Dao and Hmong peoples. This valley is quiet and non-touristic which is quite different from Ta Phin or Muong Hoa valleys where the local peoples have changed much because of the strong influence of tourism.

Itinerary:

Met up at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver for a short road transfer heading northwards of Sapa along national road 4C to O Quy Ho with several stops for magnificent landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai valley and especially amazing flower and vegetable farms. Then turn right to follow a narrow road for half an hour getting through the wild region with thick rain forest covering walled-up mountains, passing several waterfalls before arriving to Ban Khoang, a village of the Red Zao ethnic peoples who live their unique way of life and well maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields with cardamom farming under the shade of trees in thick forest. Spend over an hour walking to explore this remote village for a brief understanding of local life. Leaving Ban Khoang and process along the road for about 10km to Ta Giang Phinh valley inhabited by the Black Hmong who live in some small villages scattering along a peaceful stream.

Enjoy an hour lunch break on the bank of a stream before walking along village path which connects village to village to witness daily activities of local life such as plough and harrow the fields, growing, harvesting or doing some house work. In leisure months men often gather to build new houses or repair parts of old ones while women stay home making their traditional costumes. The walk ends in midafternoon, picked up for the road ride back to Sapa.

Approx: 2-hour driving/ 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

And then transfer you back to Lao Cai station to take your overnight train back to Hanoi. Train time is 21:30-05:25

Accommodation : On the train (Sharing soft sleeper & AC, carriage cabin of 4 berths on train)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch  

Upon arrival at the railway station, pick up and transfer you to a mini hotel for breakfast and fresh up and then transfer you to Ha Long Bay.

We then transfer you to 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 on board. Overnight on Junk

Accommodation: On Ha Long Bay cruise

Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  

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 back to Hanoi and Noi Bai airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival pick up and transfer you to Hoian for your overnight

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoian

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day with a visit to the 4th century Cham religious sanctuary of My Son. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located in a beautiful green valley surrounded by impressive mountains. While a small site, the ruins at My Son are the largest and most intact remaining in Vietnam. It is also the home to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people through their elaborate sculptures and carvings. The passable road ends about 1.5 miles from the actual site.

Back to Hoi An for lunch. Afternoon take 2-hour boat trip in Thu Bon

Kim Bong Carpentry Village We will take a 30-minute boat ride to the Kim Bong Carpentry Village. This is a traditional craft village in Hoi An and formed in the 15th century by the Northerners: Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh. Visit and learn about the shipbuilding area where wooden fishing vessels are built using traditional techniques. You will also have a stop at the carpentry workshop where carpenters create handcrafted furniture and sculptures

Thanh Ha Pottery Village Continue taking another boat ride to Thanh Ha Pottery Village where you will observe how the villagers making pottery products such as vases, pots and kettles. Thanh Ha Pottery Village has over 500 years of history from the establishing period up to now. We then visit Thanh Ha Terra Cotta Park Museum, where masterpiece series includes works of art of human architecture & sculpture are clearly and vividly re-appeared, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy), Taj Mahal (India), Sydney Opera House (Australia), the White House (USA), Pyramid (Egypt), Notre Dame (France)… made entirely of clay, made by the artisans in village.

Overnight in Hoian.

OPTIONAL TOUR TO Hoian Memories show: USD 55/TICKET (WOOWW TICKET)

Transfer to Kuha Land for sightseeing and enjoy your Hoian Memories show (20:00-21:00)- The real world performance features Vietnam's traditional ao dai using modern staging techniques, lighting technology and elegant audio effects. Through these, a 400-year-old story of Hoi An is represented with all of its grace and prosperity.

https://hoianmemoriesland.com/

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoian

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

After having breakfast, 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. 

Then, head to Hue.

The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at the Marble Mountains, the famed China Beach and the Cham Museum. Continue on our way down to the other side and head to Hue. 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.

Check in at the hotel.

In the evening, we enjoy the Hue singing on Perfume River. It was the elegant pleasure of royalty and officials in Hue Royal. Drifting boat to Van Lau wharf, we were instructed by boat managers to drop lights on the Perfume River. This is a long-standing custom of the people of Hue with the desire for peace.

Overnight in Hue.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hue

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

We set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda.

Built in 1601 between the north bank of Perfume Pagoda and a pine forest, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Here we can see the octagonal tower, a symbol of Hue and an old Austin car which transported the bonze Thich Quang to Sai Gon in 1963 for his self-immolation. Only 4 km far from the Hue city center, both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peaceful, unearthly world for travelers  

Next a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.

Nestled in a narrow wooded valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village, stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most beautiful & picturesque sites of Hue city. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest works of architecture of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs. Its major parts and buildings have been built even before the King death; therefore, Emperor Tu Duc used it as a retreat area. And later after the coup because of unjust taxation in 1866, Tu Duc continued to use the tomb’s palace as residence.

Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch by your own.

In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City.

Situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River and built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the city was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945 and becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. The Citadel is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures; the Citadel, Kinh Thanh Hue, the Yellow Imperial city, Hoang Thanh and in the centre the Forbidden Purple city Tu Cam Thanh where the Emperor lived. The Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

If time permits, we will also visit Dong Ba Market.

We then transfer to Hue airport for a flight to Saigon.

Upon arrival in Saigon, have our guide and driver pick you up at the airport for transfer to check-in hotel.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Pick up at your hotel in Saigon and then move 2 hours to Cai Be. The program will start with a quick visit of Cai Be town & the ancient church from the boat. Then, we’ll come to Tân Phong Island for the rowing boat. They will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time under the shade of mangrove trees. Stop at local garden to enjoy some fruits with hot tea when listening to the traditional music.

Then, start the biking trip on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses... On the way, we can make some stops to see how they wave the dried water-hyacinth to make many products: baskets, bags, hats, wallets, shoes... (You can walk, but see less).

Back to our boat to go across one of the longest rivers in the world, Mekong River, to come to An Bình Island. Travel on the handmade canal to a local house & have lunch at this traditional house. After lunch, we can walk in the local village to visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea.

Visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. The cruise will end at the new boat station of VinhLong city! From here we will pick up and transfer you back to Saigon for your overnight

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon  

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we proceed to Tay Ninh, bext to Cambodia border to visit Cao Dai Temple. If you want to explore more about the religion of Vietnam, Cao Dai Temple would be a good choice. It’s located in Tay Ninh province in the southeastern part of Vietnam. Tay Ninh is also famous for Ba Den Mountain. Every year, Ba Den Mountain Festival attracts many pilgrims come to pray, sightseeing and enjoy the entertainment. Caodaism is a uniquely Vietnamese religion that is influenced by elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and even Roman Catholicism. In the main building of the Cao Dai Temple, there are four prayers conducted daily, and travellers can witness or even participate in the ceremonies. Outside of the temple, which boasts beautiful murals, the complex is home to many additional residences, administrative buildings and even a hospital.

In the afternoon, we pay a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels. Located 40 km northwest of Saigon, Cu Chi 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. Nowadays the tunnels have become a popular tourist attraction for any visitors visiting the south of Vietnam.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, we pass the now-demolished wartime War Remnants Museum before we visit the Reunification Palace. 

War Remnants Museum shows us evidence of the crime and the consequences of war that the invasion forces, first those of the French and then those of the American, has caused to Vietnam. Thereby, The Museum educates public, especially the young to struggle for independence and freedom of the country, the anti-war sense of invasion, to protect peace and solidarity friendship between the peoples all over the world.

Reunification Palace is a unique construction designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu as the home &workplace of the President of South Vietnam during Vietnam War. The beauty of the palace is shown with the stone floral blinds which base on the furniture in Hue Palace. Especially, the surrounding garden is covered by green trees and grasses. This green color brings customer cherry feeling when entering. Most of the building materials were imported from France.

We then move to some French colonial structures including the Old Sai Gon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral.

Located right in the heart of Saigon, Notre Dame Cathedral is most famous landmark & huge architectural monuments influenced by European architecture. All building materials were imported from France. The outside wall of the cathedral was built with bricks from Marseille. Although the contractor did not use coated concrete, these bricks have retained their bright red color till today. While the exterior is impressive, the interior is also worth exploring. Look for the surviving stained-glass panels as well as carved tiles and a statue of the Virgin Mary. This magnificent cathedral attracts not only Catholics but also most tourists for its architecture and a sacred atmosphere.

The final destination of a city tour is Ben Thanh Market. Developed from informal markets created by early 17th century street vendors gathering together near the Saigon River, Ben Thanh Market is the earliest surviving structure and an important symbol of Saigon. It is also a good place to by handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs and local cuisines.

We then transfer to the airport for a flight to Phu Quoc.

Upon arrival, you will be picked up by the driver (without guide) for proceeding to hotel.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Phu Quoc

Meals : Breakfast

The time is on your own to be free at leisure.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Phu Quoc

Meals : Breakfast

The time is on your own to be free at leisure.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Phu Quoc

Meals : Breakfast

The time is on your own until we transfer to the airport for a flight to Saigon, connecting with an international flight to Siem Reap.

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.

Early morning, we drive to Kbal Spean (60 minutes), which translates to “Bridge Head”. From the entrance, it is an easy 3km hike up to the hill passing through a nice forest offering beautiful views over the surrounding plains. On top, you will find a river with many rocks under the surface holding inscriptions and Hindu statues referred to as the Lingas which date back to the 11th century. There is also a waterfall on top that drops significant amounts of water during the wet season but dries up entirely during the height of the dry season (March/April). In the rainy season the route may be slippery and good footwear is advised. Hike down the hill back to the car and drive to have lunch at the local restaurant (on your own), after lunch, we will visit Banteay Srei Temple. This red sandstone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. They provide an excellent into the Angkor civilization and their beliefs. It was built in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva. Drive back to your hotel in Siem Reap to relax. Dinner is on your own.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Siem Reap

Meals : Breakfast

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 (Chong Kneas Floating Village), also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Find out how communities live and work on the lake; see the floating schools, markets, and police stations, among others; observe their daily lives. Drive back to Siem Reap for check-out and lunch at the local restaurant, if time permits, visit the old market and artisans in Dángkor before transferring to the airport for departure.

Accommodation : NA

Meals : Breakfast