Cambodia and Vietnam Delights - 14 Days

Your Cambodia and Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Siem Reap. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, get ready to explore the famous Angkor complex. Start with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the best-preserved holy Buddhist gateway built in the 12th century. Then visit Bayon Temple, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanaka, the Elephant Terrace and Leper King Terrace. Continue to Ta Prohm, a famous temple covered by trees growing out of the ruins, where impressive scenes of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider were filmed. In the afternoon, visit Hindu temples Thommanon, Chaosay Tevoda, and Ta Keo, small attractive temples in good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat. Then continue to Angkor Wat - one of the "7th Wonders of the World" and a World Heritage Site since 1992. Famous for its beauty and splendor, Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, narrating stories from Hindu mythology. End the day at the top of Bakheng Hill for sunset views over Angkor Wat and the Tonle Sap. Bakheng is the first temple constructed in the Angkor area. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, transfer to Phnom Penh by air-conditioned bus. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace, currently the residence of the King of Cambodia and the royal family. The palace looks like a small town of royal dynasties. Continue to Silver Pagoda, which serves more as a repository for cultural treasures like the 90 kg golden Buddha encrusted with 2,086 diamonds than a functioning temple. Finally, visit Wat Phnom Temple, one of the most important pagodas in Phnom Penh, built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Daun Chi Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, visit Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 prison), a former school used as a prison by Pol Pot's forces. Over 17,000 people held here were executed at Choeng Ek. Then visit the Russian Market (Toul Tumpong Market) to find clothing, Buddha images, woodcarvings, silk, jewelry and musical instruments. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

In an open-air Jeep, you'll see the city's historic landmarks and sites in a 4-hour private tour. Get real insight into Ho Chi Minh's history, culture, daily life, architecture and religious life. Visit the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Emperor of Jade Pagoda, the former U.S Embassy, Saigon Opera House, and Ben Thanh Market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

After breakfast, head to My Tho on the Mekong River. Board a sampan and cruise around the Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Stop at Unicorn Island to walk the country lanes, see orchards, and enjoy tropical fruits and folk music. Take a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal, immersing yourself in the countryside. Visit family workshops, a honey-bee farm, and taste honey tea and coconut candies. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch, then cycle around Tan Thach village to experience local delta life. For those not cycling, relax in a hammock. Return to Ho Chi Minh. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Relish your remaining time in Ho Chi Minh before your driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your city center hotel. The rest of the day is free. Overnight in Hue.

8:00 - 8:30 AM: Pick up at your hotel and board a dragon boat to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. 9:15 AM: Visit the Imperial Citadel. 11:30 AM: Continue to Dong Ba Market. 12:15 PM: Have lunch at a local restaurant. 1:30 PM: Visit Minh Mang Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb. 4:00 PM: Visit and take photos at a conical hat and incense making village. 4:30 - 5:00 PM: Return to your hotel in Hue city center. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, transfer from Hue to Hoi An by private car. Drive through the stunning Hai Van Pass, with breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. Upon arrival in Hoi An, check in at the hotel and have free time to explore the area. Overnight in Hoi An.

8:15 AM: Pick up from your Hoi An hotel. Visit the Museum of Folk Culture, Old House of Tan Ky, Japanese Covered Bridge, and Fujian Assembly Hall. 11:00 AM: Participate in a 1-hour lantern-making class. 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. 1:00 PM: Tour ends, drop off at your hotel. Then, take the flight to Hanoi. Check in at your hotel and have free time to rest. Overnight in Hanoi.

Halong Bay is a natural wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking views and enjoy a relaxing cruise with exciting activities. After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for Halong Bay. The cruise team will meet you at the hotel lobby between 8:00-9:00 AM (exact time to be confirmed the day before). Arrive at the jetty around noon and board the cruise. After check-in, enjoy lunch as the cruise makes its way through the limestone islets. In the afternoon, participate in activities like swimming, kayaking or cave visits (depending on the boat's itinerary), or simply relax on board. Towards evening, the boat will anchor for the night in a beautiful spot. Don't miss the sunset before dinner. Overnight on board. Note: In case of bad weather, the itinerary may be changed or canceled if the boats are not allowed to leave port. Your travel consultant will make alternative arrangements.

Enjoy an early breakfast as the vessel cruises slowly back to port. Have an early lunch before disembarking. You will be transferred back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own. Overnight in Hanoi.

8:00 AM: Private guide and car pick you up from your hotel. 9:30 AM: Arrive at Ri village and meet your host, Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and tea farm owner. Learn about tea harvesting and production on his plantation. 11:15 AM: Drive to Moc village to join a cooking class with Mrs. Chin. Enjoy the lunch you helped prepare. 1:30 PM: Stroll around the village, visit local workshops, and learn about rural life. 2:45 PM: Cycle through the paddy fields and interact with local farmers. 3:30 PM: Relax with a traditional foot soak in warm water with herbs. 4:00 PM: Drive back to your hotel in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy a healthy breakfast on your final day. Complete hotel check-out, then you can visit local markets to buy souvenirs. Later, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. Trip Ends.