Vietnam & Cambodia New Border Crossing 23 days/22 nights

Looking for a long trip to Southeast Asia? Look no further! Check out our "Vietnam & Cambodia New Border Crossing" itinerary with a duration of 23 days, which offers you enough time to explore the most famous attractions of these two Indochina Peninsula countries.

23 days 22 nights

Vietnam

Multi-Country Tours

Attractions

Ha Noi - Sapa - Ha Long City - Hue - Hoi An - Kon Tum - Pleiku - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh - Chau Doc - Can Tho - Ratanakiri

Duration

23 days 22 nights

Code

MUVN4

Overview

As the new border open between Pleiku in the Highland of Vietnam and and Ratanakiri in Cambodia, Asia King has the idea to design this newest trip that no any other tour operator do it before.
Beginning the trip in Hanoi with the old ancient houses beneath tree shady roads, smooth green lakes, lovely parks and museums, the trip offer you the feeling of adventure by trekking to a few ethnic minority hill tribes in Sa Pa, on the way seeing sculptured, emerald-green rice terraces. You have chance to enjoy and explore three World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO is an incredible feat of nature-Ha long Bay, Hue Imperial city & Hoi An ancient town on your trip. Drive through beautiful mountain passes to Kon Tum which is a small town with the surrounding area dotted with montagnard villages. Here you will take some short trekking to the villages and enjoy a traditional music & dance performance.

After taking one night in Plei Ku, drive cross the border to Ratanakiri of Cambodia in which shows considerable promise as an eco-tourism destination with plentiful waterfalls, volcanic lakes, a large national park and a number of waterways, all of which can be explored from the provincial capital of Ban Lung. Your trip becomes more interesting to take traditional boat to see riverside scenery and verdant villages and rice paddies along Mekong River from Stung Treng – Kratie. To arrive Siem Reap, we will drive pass Kampong Thom, it’s an ideal base from which to explore the pre-Angkorian Chenla capital of Sambor Prei Kuk. Siem Reap is best known for being home to the incredible Angkor Ruin: Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom and some temples around as Ta Phrom & Banteay Srei. The next trip is the capital of Cambodia still considered to be its spiritual heart, breathes a rich meld of French Indochinese architecture, Theravada Buddhist temples and a magical atmosphere, depressing swing through Tuol Sleng and a run out to the Killing Fields.

The rest of journey, you will turn back Vietnam by speedboat crossing the border. Chau Doc is a pleasant town near the Cambodian border with sizable Chinese, Cham and Khmer communities and its cultural diversity – apparent in the mosques, temples, churches and nearby pilgrimage sites. In Can Tho, you will take part in the bustle colorful floating markets, bargain things you like, enjoy the peaceful and simple of living here. To close your trip, you’ll explore some French colonial structures, pagodas & fascinating bustle market in Ho Chi Minh and have chance to see the famous underground network Cu Chi.

Highlights:

- Explore the Vietnam’s elegant capital Hanoi by cyclo and take the time to get off the beaten track
- Trek through the breathtakingly beautiful mountain scenery around the northern hill tribe minority town of Sapa
- Take a night aboard on magical Halong Bay.
- Visit the fabulous former imperial capital of Hue, the charming old port town of Hoi An and the ancient ruined city of My Son.
- Have great experiences by trekking to some ethnic villages through natural features a diverse range of cultural relics, green parks.
- Cross the border to enter Cambodia land & explore Ban Lung
- Take a boat to see the endangered fresh water Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie
- Discover the civilization of Khmer Rouge through the giant Angkor Complex
- Experience Mekong river life and countryside views.
- Explore some French colonial structures, pagodas & fascinating bustle market in Ho Chi Minh
- Have chance to see the famous underground network Cu Chi.

Itinerary

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Upon the arrival, you are met at the Noi Bai airport and transferred to the hotel by Asia King’s guide. Check-in hotel and relax. In the late afternoon, 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, followed to have dinner at nice local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Today we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, Friday & November), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Have lunch at the local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups several of which we will see on our forthcoming trek. Then we take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. In the late afternoon, catch the train to Lao Cai. Overnight on aboard

At approximately 06:00 we arrive in Lao Cai. After breakfast, we drive past the beautiful scenery for a 100km to the tranquil town of Bac Ha, home of the Flower Hmong and amazing Sunday market.
Located 70 km from the northeast of Lao Cai, 105 km from Sapa, this is the biggest weekly market opening every Sunday morning, gathering all the locals for bartering and stocking up on goods. Here you will have chance to witness thousands of local minority people in their traditional ethnic dress busily meet, drink alcohol and trade goods. The best time to join the market is from 09.00 to 12.00 but it is fascinating to spend few hours earlier to see the people along the trail to the Bac Ha Maket.Transfer back to Sapa for your own time to explore Sapa town. Overnight in Sapa

Buffet breakfast at the hotel, then embark on a lovely walk that will take us along small paths and trails and through several hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to H'mong, and Dzay people. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Stopping for a picnic lunch on the way at a family in Ta Van village. Opportunity to meet with local people and study the art of making batik and local weaving villages - study textile tradition of craft women o Black H'mong and Red Dzao. In the afternoon, back to Lao Cai to prepare for train back to Hanoi. Overnight on train.

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 refurbished 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

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 Hue. Upon arrival Hue, pick up & transfer to hotel in Hue. Overnight at the hotel in Hue

We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc. Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945, do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

As we bid Hue farewell this morning we continue our south bound journey, this time in the comfort of an air-conditioned bus. Today's destination is the old trading town of Hoi An. Along the way we will stop atLang Co beach for coffee and refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co beach and south over Danang city. Continuing on our way down the other side and into Da Nang, where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed East Beach, and the Marble Mountains. Arrival in Hoi An we will visit the ancient merchants' houses, a Phuc Kien temple, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colorful riverside market. Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An

Morning 8.00 am, we start our drive trip to My Son to visit My Son Cham ruined tower. My Son is one of the most stunning sights in Hoi An area, and a UNESCO World Heritage recognized Site. During the century when Tra Kieu (then known as Simhapura) served as the political capital of Champa, My Son was the site of the most important Cham intellectual and religious centre, and also may served as a burial place for Cham monarchs. My Son is considered to be Cham's counterpart to the grand cities of South-East Asia's other Indian influenced civilizations: Angkor (Cambodia), Bagan (Myanmar) Ayuthaya (Thailand) and Borobudur (Java). Then return to Hoian. In the afternoon, you are free to explore the ancient town by yourself. Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An

In the morning we pick up you at your hotel in Hoian and drive through beautiful mountain passes to Kon Tum. During the drive, take stops to enjoy the scenery and panoramic views of the lowland country. Visit Dak Wak village of the Gie Trieng people on the way. Lunch at Ngoc Hoi town.
Arrive at Kon Tum and check in to hotel. In the evening transfer to Konkotu village for a traditional music and dance performance around a bonfire while sampling local rice wine. Return to hotel for the night. Overnight at the hotel in Kon Tum.

After breakfast, Visit the seminary and have a look at the charming wooden church of Kon Tum, which was built in 1913 and Vinh Son Orphanage before the departure for Pleiku. Stop on the way to visit the Jarai village of Pleikep and Bien Ho Lake. Continue visiting the Banhar village of Dektu. Overnight at the hotel in Pleiku

Morning after breakfast, departure for Le Thanh border via Doc Co, after more than 2 hours, arrival in the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. Formality and pick up the visa on arrival and cross the border to enter Cambodia land where your guide waiting. Pick up and proceed to Banlung nearly three hours by car. Arrival, check in hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Banlung

This morning transfer via Stung Treng to Kratie, and then take a boat to observe the endangered fresh water Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River. As few as 80 dolphins remain in the waters, and while there are ongoing and comprehensive conservation projects underway, dolphin mortality remains high. Dolphins aside, Kratie province is known for its pleasing riverside scenery and verdant villages and rice paddies. Overnight at the hotel in Kratie

Depart for Kampong Thom passing through lush grasslands- home to a plethora of water birds- and watch out for ox-carts along the road, the main form of local transportation in this region. Although there are almost 1000 steps, climbing up Phnom Santuk Mountain offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside and houses a small pagoda at the top. After soaking in the view, descend the steps and continue by road to Kampong Thom. Overnight at the hotel in Kampong Thom

Breakfast at local restaurant. Visit Sambor Prei Kuk, located 37 km from Kompong Thom province. It is a former capital and was previously named Ey San Borak, built during reign of King Isanavarman I in the 7th century. Lunch at local restaurant. Continue journey to Siem Reap, en-route stop at Naga Bridge (Spean Prabthes) was built by King Jayavarman VII on the 12th century by laterite stone. Upon arrival in Siem Reap; transfer to the hotel for check in. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Angkor Thom, the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, built from the late 12th century to the early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII and consists of 54 towers, the Royal Enclosure, the Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, then visit Ta Prohm, surrounded by jungle. Lunch at local restaurant. Visit Angkor Wat, the largest temples in world and covers an area of 200 hectares and surrounded by moat and an exterior wall measuring 1300 m x 1500 m. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Banteay Srei, constructed at the late 10th century by a Brahmin counselor under a powerking Rajendarvarman. It was loosely translated to citadel of the woman, but it is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. En-route stop at Pre Rub (turn the body), was constructed in late 10th century dedicated to Hindu gods. This reflects the common belief among Cambodians that funerals were conducted at the temple. Lunch at local restaurant. Visit Preah Khantemple, built by King Jayavarman VII dedicated to his father. It is a huge, highly exportable monastic complex, and served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks. Continue to Neak Pean, a small island temple located in the middle of the last Baray, constructed by a Khmer king in the Angkor area. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap

Morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh. Afternoon, visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures – from throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.Overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh

Breakfast at hotel and we will visit the truth in face of the Khmer-rouge genocidal regime by visit to Toulsleng S21 and Cheuong Ek Killing fields. At noon time, transfer to the boat pier for boarding to Chau Doc by Hang Chau Express boat at 13:00. Arrive Chau Doc around 17: 00 Pick up and transfer to your proposed hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Chau Doc

Breakfast at hotel. Take boat trip to visit the floating fish farm and the floating village, visit the local Cham minority village and her traditional weaving village. Depart for Long Xuyen, visit the bird Sanctuary in Thot Not and the incense stick making village. Check in upon arrival in Can Tho. Free for exploring the city on your own in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Can Tho

After breakfast, we will take the boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River. The boat trip takes you to the Cai Rang floating markets, which are the most original ones and bustling places of the region. And we will try probably the Vietnamese vermicelli soup, then will now go and see how it is made. After that roam into the village to get in touch with the local people, we will have a chance to experience how to pass a “Monkey bridge” which is built by only one bamboo. Return to Can Tho for lunch. Depart for Ho Chi Minh city. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh

We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit
the Reunification Palacewhich was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. We continue to 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. Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh