Day 1: Siem Reap arrival
Xin chao! Welcome to Siem Reap!
Upon arrival, your guide or driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2: Full Day Temple Tour
Set off early to see the sun rise over the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and the best-preserved temple in the complex. This visually spectacular massive three-tired pyramid has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its flag. Admire the grandeur of its architecture its extensive decoration of bas-relief friezes.
Continue to Ta Prohm, one of Cambodia’s most beloved temples. Unusually, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found. The combination of large trees growing out of the ruins and the surrounding jungle give the temple a truly magical feel. Take a break for lunch and then set off to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance.
Next visit Bayon, a richly decorated temple. Its most distinctive feature is the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers. Impressive bas-reliefs tell stories of daily life and of the great battles that were fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais.
Move on to Phimeanakas, a pyramid-shaped temple with two ponds in the rear. Climb to its top and take in the awe-inspiring sight of the Angkor ruins below before taking in row upon row of elephant trunks that form the wall of the Terrace of the Elephants.
Note: The tour can be organized on bicycles if you wish
Note: While you'll have the opportunity to see some of the most famous temples on this trip, we can also arrange visits to Koh Ker, Cambodia's newest UNESCO Heritage Site, or Banteay Srei temple, known as the 'citadel of women, where you can see the most intricate carvings.
Day 3: Tonle Sap Lake Tour
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Take a short 15-kilometer drive to Tonle Sap Lake, located south of Siem Reap. Here embark on a cruise to Kompong Phluk, an isolated Khmer community of three villages built on stilts. The community has about 3,000 residents who farm fish and vegetables on the floating platforms. Admire the floating village with a Buddhist monastery right in the middle.The cruise will also take you through the flooded forests that surround the village, a unique ecosystem where millions of fish come to spawn each season, attracting a myriad of water birds. Enjoy the views and keep an eye out for wildlife, especially birds and crab-eating macaques.
Interesting fact: The Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia experiences a unique phenomenon where its water flow changes direction twice a year. During the dry season, the lake drains into the Mekong River. However, during the rainy season, the Mekong River swells with water, causing the Tonle Sap River to reverse its flow direction, effectively filling the Tonle Sap Lake and expanding its surface area. This phenomenon is essential for maintaining the lake's ecosystem and biodiversity and supports the livelihoods of many people living in the surrounding areas.
Day 4: Siem Reap - fly to Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi!
Upon arrival, your guide or driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Interesting fact: The building shown in the above picture is known as "Shark Jaws," built in 1991 near Hoan Kiem Lake. Despite its controversial design at first, it has become an iconic fixture in the Old Quarter. It's been featured in many international documentaries and is a favorite spot for tourists to take coffee breaks and photos.
Day 5: Hanoi Cooking Class, Cyclo & Water Puppet Show
For your authentic culinary experience, we partner with Rose Kitchen, the no.1 cooking class provider in Hanoi. Today you will be picked up at your hotel by shared transfer. Head straight to a local market to purchase ingredients for the class and learn about produce integral to Vietnamese cuisine. Learn to cook in a local luxurious villa of 500m2 with a local chef. In the kitchen, you’ll prepare and cook authentic dishes, such as spring rolls, a salad of banana flowers, and barbecue pork with noodles and fish sauce. Once you’ve finished cooking, you’ll sit down to feast on the fruit of your labors,accompanied by free and unlimited local wine tasting. You will then be dropped off at your hotel.
In the afternoon take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, named after the products that were sold from their shops. Today, vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still sell the same wares. Next, sip a strong Vietnamese coffee in a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake - an important symbol in Vietnamese folklore. End your day with a delightful water puppet show, a traditional art that is still being performed today. In the evening you will be transferred to the station for your overnight train to Sapa.
Tip: Instead of taking a bus, try the overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa. It's a unique experience, where you can relax in your sleeper cabin and wake up refreshed to explore Sapa's hills and valleys.
Day 6: Sapa arrival, half day Love Waterfall tour
Upon your early arrival at Lao Cai station (5:55 am), our guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy an early check-in with breakfast, allowing you to unwind before your afternoon tour.In the afternoon, our guide will meet you at your hotel and escort you to a local restaurant for lunch.Following this, embark on a half-day guided tour to Sapa's Love Waterfall. A 40-minute drive brings you to Tram Ton Pass, the highest pass in Vietnam at 2047 meters above sea level. Revel in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests of the Hoang Lien National Park.Take a 30-minute walk to appreciate the stunning scenery on both sides of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, where the wind plays with the clouds, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Continue your adventure with a 30-minute trek through the forest, surrounded by vibrant wildflowers. Following the stream, you'll reach the magnificent Love Waterfall—a true natural marvel. Standing at 100 meters tall, the waterfall sparkles in the sun, with water cascading into a golden stream, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and thick bamboo. It's an enchanting sight that captures the beauty of Sapa's landscapes.
Day 7: Sapa full day tour
Begin your morning adventure by descending into the enchanting Sa Pa valley, a scenic drive that takes approximately 2 hours. Along the way, be prepared to be mesmerized by the breathtaking vistas of the expansive paddy terrace fields and vibrant cornfields, showcasing the largest terrace paddy in Sa Pa. Pass through Ban Ho village before ascending to My Son Village and Nam Cang Village, nestled at the far end of the valley and home to various ethnic minority groups like Xa Pho, Red Zao, and White H'mong. Pause at Nam Than Village before continuing your journey with a hike to Nam Nhiu village, where the Red Dao people reside. Experience the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the towering mountains and immerse yourself in the warmth of the local village atmosphere. Cross a suspension bridge and be greeted by the refreshing sight and sound of small waterfalls along the trek. Prepare to be captivated by the stunning landscape of the lowest valley, adorned with scattered "Buffalo houses on stilts" nestled among the paddy terraces. As you trek, be serenaded by the melodious songs of the forest, the delightful chorus of birdsong filling the air. After approximately 2 hours of trekking, enjoy a hearty lunch in a traditional minority people's house on stilts in Thanh Phu Village. Conclude your day by returning to Sapa, where you can witness the mesmerizing sunset over the picturesque mountains.
Tip no.1: If you'd like to witness the mesmerizing golden rice paddies, consider visiting Sapa in August or September.
Tip no.2: Consider leaving your bulky luggage at your hotel in Hanoi and opt for just a backpack, sturdy hiking boots, and a lightweight rain jacket when traveling to Sapa.
Day 8: Sapa free morning - transfer to Hanoi
Free day at leisure until you are transferred to Hanoi.
Check in your hotel in Hanoi and relax.
Day 9: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay
Depart from Hanoi and travel by road to the Tuan Chau Island pier in Halong Bay. Set off on your luxury cruise, where you’ll be pampered in style and comfort whilst meandering through the towering limestone cliffs and emerald green waters of Ha long Bay. Stop in Tra Bau, a secret hideaway in Lan Ha Bay that has beaches, caves and coves.
You can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay. Back to your boat, enjoy life aboard the vessel or in your suite, and with cocktail in hand watch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. In late afternoon part in a professional cooking demonstration before indulging in a luxurious dinner in the dining hall. Spend the rest of the evening as you’d like: watch a movie in the dining area, relax on the deck with a cocktail, or go squid fishing under the cover of night.
Fact: Ha Long Bay experiences cool weather and clear skies from September to November. Mist rolls in from December to March, lending the bay an air of mystery. April and May bring sunny days and a refreshing breeze, while the monsoon season, occurring from June to August, can make visits unpredictable.
Day 10: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - fly to Hue
Rise with the sun and practice Vivonam on the sundeck while taking in majestic views of the surrounding bay and the cool sea breeze. Wrap up your experience with a bamboo boat trip to visit Dark and Bright Cave before cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. Your guide and driver will take you to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue.
Upon arrival in Danang you will be taken to your hotel in Hue.
Day 11: Hue Full Day City Tour
Start your tour with the ancient walled Citadel, which was closely modelled along the lines of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Then visit Khai Dinh tomb, admire the unusual combination of architecture that blends a traditional Chinese past with a modern Western future. Khai Dinh was the Nguyen Dynasty’s most eccentric and unusual king, who reportedly embraced French colonialism. Much like his father, Khai Dinh favoured imported luxuries, spent huge sums of money on his tomb, and was the subject of ridicule by nationalist leaders. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In afternoon you’ll have a tour of Thien Mu pagoda, one of iconic sights in Hue and An Hien garden house. An Hien garden house contains many large and small architectures built according to the traditional architecture style of Vietnam in general and Hue in particular. The garden house is strongly influenced by fengshui. The main architecture of An Hien garden house is a 3-room 2-gable house with wooden structure and beautifully sculpted patterns. Over a century of existence, An Hien remains almost intact both in landscape and architecture.
Tip: Did you know that Hue was once the former royal capital of Vietnam and is renowned as one of the country's most remarkable culinary destinations? We can arrange a mini food tour for lunch, during which our guide can introduce you to the most iconic Hue dishes. These range from the famous bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and traditional Hue royal cakes such as banh bot loc, banh nam, and banh beo, to fragrant specialties like com hen (clam rice) and nem lui (lemongrass skewers).
Day 12: Hue drive to Hoi An via Hai Van pass
Today you will be transferred to Hoi An over the scenic Hai Van Pass,probably the most scenic stretch of coastal road in Vietnam. You will visit Cham museum which houses the largest exhibition of Cham sculpture in the world with almost 300 terracotta and stone works of art ranging from the 7th to the 15th centuries. The tour continues with a visit to the Marble Mountains which are a group of five limestone and marble hills in Ngu Hanh Son District. The mountains sheer porous limestone is punctuated by caves and tunnels which are fitted with spectacular Buddhist and Hindu shrines. Check in your hotel in Hoi An. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Tip: For your first night in Hoi An, why not take a leisurely walk or use the hotel's shuttle bus to visit Hoi An Ancient Town? Take in the charming atmosphere, indulge in some delicious local cuisine, and unwind at a riverside bar.
Day 13: Hoi An Full Day City Tour
Begin your story of Hoi An, a former port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th centuries. Today it is renowned for its old quarter lined with two-storey Chinese shops, with elaborate carved wooden facades and terracotta tile roofs. And not forgetting expert tailor shops and delicious food! The tour includes stops at several famous landmarks. The first is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653 and built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next, pop into Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, to see the Jinshan Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. From there it’s a short walk to Tam Ky House, a 200 year old ancestral house and finally, stroll across the often photographed 17th century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen. The beautifully built bridge doubles as a temple and is a major landmark of Hoi An. After a Vietnamese lunch, take a short boat trip down the river and visit a craft village where local artisans make ceramics. End your afternoon with a visit to the docks and see traditional fishing boats and the unusual round basket boats that ply the water.
Tip: If you find yourself with additional time in Hoi An, consider extending your stay for another night. You can unwind with a massage, shop locally, or take a tour to either My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Cham site, or the Golden Bridge, known for its unique design resembling being lifted by two giant hands.
Day 14: Hoi An half day street food tour
Set off on a culinary adventure in Hoi An to discover the flavours and dishes that make this coastal town unique. Alongside an expert local guide, your journey introduces you to the stories behind Hoi An’s most iconic dishes at the town’s most famous eateries. Start your tour at a local restaurant famous for white rose dumplings, found exclusively in Hoi An. Enjoy the delicacies while marveling at the work that goes into them. The staff churn out up to 6000 of these dumplings every day and each one is as beautiful as the last. Your visit here includes a chance to try making a few of your own dumplings too!
Continue on to find the world's best Banh Mi! Prepared with a crusty baguette, generous fillings of grilled pork, pate, fresh herbs, and tangy pickled vegetables, Banh Mi is a mouthwatering delight that has gained international acclaim. Continue onward to sample grilled pork noodles and visit the central market on way. Wrap up the tour with a local Vietnamese coffee- the perfect ending to any meal.
Interesting fact: Did you know that every banh mi shop in Hoi An keeps a closely guarded secret sauce? This special sauce, when added to your banh mi sandwich, has the power to completely transform its flavor.
Day 15: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Half Day Tour
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight Upon arrival, your guide or drive will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
In the afternoon enjoy a half day walking tour of Saigon. Start your Story of Saigon with a visit to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs - some that are quite graphic in nature. Although many of Vietnam’s 90 million people are now too young to remember the war, its legacy is still felt strongly across Vietnamese society. Next, visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received. Then, continue to the Central Post Office, designed and constructed by the renowned architect Gustave Eiffel, and take a moment to send a postcard! Just behind the post office is the Notre Dame Cathedral, an iconic Saigon landmark built in neo-Romanesque style by the French between 1863 and 1880. Today it’s a favoured backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs. Next, stroll down follow Dong Khoi Street, which figured prominently in Graham Greene’s famous Vietnam novel, The Quiet American, as Rue Catinat. The walk ends at the Saigon Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history.
Tip: Experience the AO show for an unforgettable evening. Using bamboo props, it tells the story of transitioning from serene countryside to vibrant city life in modern Southern Vietnam. Enjoy breathtaking acrobatics, contortion, and live music blending traditional and modern tunes seamlessly.
Day 16: Mekong Delta Full Day Tour, overnight in Can Tho
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Depart from your hotel at 8am and drive about 2 hours from Saigon to the township of Cai Be to board the Cai Be Princess. The crew welcomes you aboard with cold towels and are freshing drink as the Cai Be Princess Sampan sets off for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways of the Mekong Delta. On the river, all sorts of boats ply the water, from small fishing boats to cargo barges loaded with fruit and vegetables. Observe a little of river life as it plays out on the banks - noting the people and the stunning landscapes - while your attentive crew serves you tea and seasonal fruit. At Tan Phong Islet board a little rowing boat to explore the canal’s hidden mangroves. Return to yoursampan to visit an ancient house built in the 19th century. Make stops along the way to provide glimpses of local cottage industries, including factories for the production of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), products that provide a living for the river people. Your cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villaset in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of life during the Indochina of yesteryear. After lunch, take a short walk along a small canal, towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you to Can Tho. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon.
Day 17: Cai Rang floating market, fly to Phu Quoc
The Cai Rang floating market is one of the most unique and colorful markets in Southern Vietnam. Learn about the history and culture of the market and buy fresh fruits from one of the charming local vendors. Then, visit a traditional family owned“noodle house” where colorful noodles are made using traditional techniques.See the fascinating process of making noodles and sample some of the delicacies. Make your way along the idyllic canals in search of a traditional cocoa farm, where you will learn a lot of interesting facts and stories about chocolate! Find out how organic cocoa is used to make everything from wine to cosmetics, while enjoying a glass of cocoa milk or cocoa wine! Delicious! You will then be transferred to Can Tho airport for your flight to Phu Quoc.
Fact: In the early morning at the Cai Rang floating market, you'll find "floating restaurants" on small traditional boats selling tasty breakfast dishes to passing boats.
Day 18 - 20: Free days in Phu Quoc
Day 21: Departing Phu Quoc
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight.
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