Pearls of Vietnam & Cambodia - 8 Days

Your Vietnam adventure starts with arriving in Hanoi, where a private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a sign with your name. They will take you to your accommodation, conveniently located in the heart of the city, with the captivating Old Quarter nearby. Feel free to explore the city at your leisure or unwind at the hotel after your flight.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before our knowledgeable English-speaking guide leads the journey to Ba Vi, a charming rural area on the outskirts of Hanoi. On arrival at Ri village, enjoy a warm welcome with drinks and snacks, and meet Mr Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and tea farm owner. Listen to his fascinating wartime stories as you sip your drink, then explore his tea plantation. We'll show you how to select the finest tea leaves, an essential skill for crafting Vietnam’s acclaimed teas.

Next, witness the traditional tea production process at Mr Duoc’s small, manually-operated workshop. A short drive then takes you to Moc village, where you’ll be introduced to Mrs Chin, your guide to Vietnamese cuisine. Under her guidance, cook authentic dishes, then savour your creations for lunch amidst a picturesque tropical garden. After lunch, take a leisurely break.

Join Mrs Chin for a stroll around the village. Visit local families to gain insights into rural life and learn about the production of tofu, conical hats, and other traditional products. Afterwards, enjoy a cycling tour through the picturesque paddy fields.

Conclude your visit with a soothing traditional foot soak in warm herbal water, a relaxing remedy from the Muong ethnic minority, perfect after a day of exploring. Finally, we’ll transfer you back to your accommodation in Hanoi for an overnight stay.

In the morning, check out of the hotel and meet the Cruise team for pick-up. We'll take the scenic route through the Red River Delta, where you'll see expansive, emerald-green rice paddies. Upon arrival at the pier, board the cruise and take in the stunning views of Halong Bay's limestone formations and karst grottoes.

We'll enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on the sundeck while exploring the bay's breathtaking beauty. Our cruise will stop at a secluded spot, offering opportunities for kayaking or swimming, allowing you to experience the grottoes up close. In the evening, return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by leisure time. You can join optional onboard activities or simply relax.

Please note: In the event of adverse weather conditions, if the cruise cannot set sail or overnight at sea, the Halong Bay tour may be cancelled without prior notice. We will explore alternative tours or refunds based on the situation.

Start your day early to witness the stunning sunrise over a natural wonder, followed by breakfast in the dining room. We will then participate in a Tai Chi class on the sun deck to invigorate both mind and body.

Afterwards, we will visit a magnificent limestone cave adorned with stalagmites and stalactites. Upon concluding our exploration, we return to the boat to check out and savour a brunch while cruising back to the harbour. You will then be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Savour your last moments in Hanoi before your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you will be met by your driver and taken to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to explore or relax at your leisure.

Note: On certain days, the flight from Hanoi to Siem Reap may include a stopover in either Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a guided tour of the Angkor complex. We start our journey at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, renowned for its towering stone faces. Our exploration continues with visits to the Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Next, we visit Angkor Wat, the largest and most complete temple in the complex. Built in the 12th century, this architectural marvel spans approximately 210 hectares. We'll wander through its grand galleries, columns, libraries, pavilions, and courtyards, where reflections in the tranquil ponds highlight the temple's grandeur.

Our final stop is the iconic Ta Prohm, a temple famously entwined with enormous fig trees and creeping vines. This site vividly illustrates nature's reclaiming power over human structures.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will explore the Floating Village. Take a traditional wooden boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake, experiencing life at the water's edge. Discover floating villages and towering stilt houses, marvel at the large fish traps, and observe the local lifestyle which is closely tied to the lake's fish, wildlife, and seasonal water levels. During the wet season, Tonle Sap Lake becomes one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes.

In the afternoon, we'll head to Pouk district, located around 15 km west of Siem Reap, to visit a silk farm. Here, you can witness the silk-making process firsthand, from cultivating food for silkworms and breeding them, to extracting and refining silk. You'll also see how traditional dyeing patterns are crafted and the art of looming.

On our return journey, we'll stop at the Western Baray, an impressive reservoir measuring 8 km by 2.3 km, historically used for irrigating the fertile lands surrounding Angkor. We will then return to Siem Reap for an overnight stay.

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast on the last day of your Vietnam and Cambodia journey. After checking out of the hotel, you have the opportunity to explore the local markets for some last-minute souvenirs. Later, our private driver will transport you to the airport for your flight home.