Vietnam and Cambodia Yoga Tour

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shophouses invite many to explore the city, while its many beautiful public spaces; lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards, and monuments give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature that is unique for Asian capitals! After a brief rest, head on a sightseeing tour of the capital city of Hanoi. Visit the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, a lovely park setting home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Visit The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Mondays and Fridays) where one can pay their respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Continue your tour through the park to Ho Chi Minhs Stilt House — the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Preserved in the same condition as it was throughout his life, it may be seen through windows only. Visit the miniature One Pillar Pagoda which dates to the 11th century and was rebuilt after it was destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, a lovely park setting that is home to Ho Chi Minhs final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Then visit the Temple Of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. Later, visit Hoan Kiem Lake which means \"Lake of the Returned\". This is a lake in the historical center of the capital of Hanoi. It serves as a focal point for locals. Legend has it that King Le Loi handed over a magic sword called Heaven's Will, which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming Dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God in the lake. The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) standing on a small island near the center of the lake is linked to the legend. Then, visit the Ngoc Son Temple and the Rising Sun Bridge. The temple was erected in the 18th century. It honors the 13th-century military leader Tran Hung Dao who distinguished himself in the fight against the Yuan (Mongol invaders), Van Xuong, a scholar and Nguyen Van Sieu, a Confucian master and famous writer in charge of repairs made to the temple in 1864. In the evening, enjoy a one-hour Cyclo Ride to explore the capital city. The city is a blend of long-established traditions and modern imprints of Western colonization. Tree-lined boulevards and colonial buildings give the city a touch of Western elegance, while crowded blocks of tiny old houses and narrow lanes bear the charm of past centuries.




Overnight in Hanoi

If you wish to spend your days in nature, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve in the north is the place to be. Spectacular scenes of soaring limestone peaks and deep green rice terraces dotted with ethnic Thai minority villages fill the landscape. Pu Luong is the perfect place for short trekking, cycling, or just relaxing. After breakfast, drive through the breathtaking mountain passes and panoramic views of the valleys to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. A delicious traditional Vietnamese Lunch will await you as you arrive at the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. After lunch, check-in and enjoy some free time to explore the captivating views of your surroundings and the tranquil setting of your accommodation. After a brief rest, catch your first glimpse into Rural Vietnam — a chance to interact with the tribal locals living in the hills above the retreat. Walk through the working farmland and rice fields, interact with the locals and get a glimpse into their daily life.




Overnight in Pu Luong

Wake up with the first light of sunrise to practice yoga under the expert guidance of a Vietnamese Yoga Master. Unravel the mysteries of age-old art and learn about the science of Yoga — the perfect path to achieve balance between the mind and body. Later in the morning, walk around the beautiful valley of rice terraces, through the small paths shrouded in vegetation, slowly revealing the picturesque Uoi Village, quaintly sitting at the foothills of the towering mountains. Continue walking down the hill to a local home, where you can rest and recharge. Later, hop on to Cycles to go cycling through the rice fields and the beautiful surroundings of Lan Village. If time permits, visit a local family and learn about the traditional art of weaving brocades. Explore more of the picturesque surroundings while cycling back to the local home, from where you will drive back to your hotel.




Overnight in Pu Luong

Wake up early in the morning to enjoy yet another session of Yoga Exercises under the expert guidance of a Vietnamese Yoga Master as you learn some new Asanas. After a leisurely breakfast, head on a short ride to the Dong Dieng Village along the way, enjoying the mesmerizing view of the breathtaking terrace rice fields and mountains. Arrive at the most beautiful valley in Pu Luong to admire the scenery around. Interact with local villagers to get more insight into their culture and their way of living. Return to the retreat where a sumptuous lunch will await you. Later in the afternoon, you will drive back to Hanoi.




Overnight in Hanoi

After breakfast, depart for Ha Long Bay, a Natural World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO in 1994. En route, you will pass by the Red River Delta with its many rural villages, fascinating towns, and paddy fields. Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay Tuan Chau International Marina, a boat will take you on your Cruise. A refreshing welcome drink will be served followed by check-in into your cabin. Enjoy lunch. A delicious set menu lunch will be served in the restaurant while you can enjoy the incredible scenery cruising along the hundreds of islands. Spend some leisure time soaking in the scenic atmosphere before hopping on to the Kayaks or rowing boats to discover the tranquillity around Luon Cave, an open-air cave that can only be accessed by boat, passing under a 100-metre long arch that is 3 metres wide, and depending on tidal flows, between 2.5 and 4 metres high. As you emerge from under the arc, the picturesque green lake will reveal itself, surrounded by limestone cliffs topped with many plants such as ferns, cycads, Benjamins fig trees, and many beautiful orchids. Encapsulating rich biodiversity, the lake is home to many species of fish, shellfish, and molluscs including shrimp, squid, crab, and cuttlefish. Kayak or Row to Titov Island where you will discover a tranquil crescent-shaped beach with powdery white sand and azure blue waters — the perfect place to sunbathe or go swimming. If you are feeling adventurous, you can conquer the peak of Titov, and enjoy the panoramic view of the Bay. Return to the cruise at Dusk, where a treat of seasonal fruits will await you. After a brief rest, you will have time to learn about the mysteries of Vietnamese cuisine as you join the cooking demonstration on the Sun deck. Get a chance to try your hand in cooking one or two Vietnamese dishes.  Dinner will be served with local seafood. After dinner, you may choose to spend time on the top deck.




Overnight Onboard the Cruise

Wake up early in the morning to see the breathtaking view of the sunrise breaking the clouds over the islands on the bay. This is the perfect time to catch up on your morning exercises. After a light and early breakfast, the boat will take you to visit the surprising Sung Sot Cave, first discovered in 1901 by the French. This is the largest and most celebrated among the 59 caves of Ha Long Bay. Formed by the water erosion of undersea mountains over a million years, the cave features hundreds of marvelous stalactites, stalagmites, and grandeur stone chambers which are incomparable with any cave in the Gulf of Tonkin. Return to your Cruise to freshen up and head to the sundeck to enjoy drinks or sunbathe while your check-out formalities are completed. Enjoy an early farewell Lunch before bidding adieu to the magical wonders of Ha Long Bay. Drive back to your hotel in Hanoi via the Cruise shuttle bus. In the early evening, make your own arrangements to reach the Thang Long Citadel, where the shuttle bus services will transfer you to watch The Quintessence Of Tonkin Show. The Show draws inspiration from the spiritual history of the nearby Thay Pagoda. With years in the making, hundreds of performers, an interactive stage, state-of-the-art technology, and a beautiful setting, this live spectacle is an unmissable highlight of any trip to Vietnam. After the show, the shuttle bus will drop you off at Thang Long Citadel. You will get the option to explore the nightlife of Vietnam at your own pace or directly proceed to the hotel on your own.




Overnight in Hanoi

Wake up early this morning to enjoy yet another session of Yoga Exercises under the expert guidance of a Vietnamese Yoga Master. After breakfast, you will have the rest of the morning to spend at leisure. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the Hanoi Airport for your flight to Siem Reap — the Gateway to the Ruins of the Temples of Angkor. Upon arrival, you will be picked up by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.




Overnight in Siem Reap

As the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor complex is the national symbol and highlight of any trip to Cambodia. The largest, best-preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, this magnificent site impresses visitors by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. After a sumptuous Breakfast at the hotel, continue to explore the South Gate of Angkor Thom, known as the Big Angkor — the three-kilometre-square-walled and moated royal city, which was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. The famous Bayon Temple was an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion over a century. The Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two-and-a-half-meter tall 300-meter-long terrace wall, adorned with carved elephants that span the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon. This is a massive temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom. Discover the Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas — an impressive rite and sandstone pyramid. The Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants, a double terrace wall with deeply carved nag as demons and other mythological beings. Last, you will visit the Ta Prohm Temple, a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty. Giant trees have grown here for centuries.  In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat Temple. Cambodia's ancient temple is one of the fascinating wonders of the oriental world. A masterpiece of decorative details and architectural styles, the temples awe-inspiring ruins survive as a testament to the extraordinary achievements of Southeast Asia's greatest civilization. It is a replica of the universe, according to Hindu mythology. The site is composed of Mount Meru surrounded by the continents and the oceans. Its extraordinary bas- reliefs describe some Khmer epics and myths. Angkor Wat's five famous towers rise into the sky to display a geometrical arrangement of numerous galleries, adorned with the beliefs and the stone images of the celestial Apsara dancers and the portals, chambers, and courtyards. Last, enjoy the breathtaking sunset at Phnom Bakheng. In the evening, enjoy a buffet dinner with an Apsara dance show to get a taste of classical Khmer culture.




Overnight in Siem Reap

Wake up with the first light of Sunrise for yet another tryst with Yoga — your last one on this trip. Enjoy your practice with the historic and beautiful background of the Wat Svay Romeat Pagoda, ably guided by your Khmer Yoga Master. Return to the hotel for breakfast and a brief rest. Later in the morning, you will visit Wat Thmei (Killing Field) which contains a unique glass-walled stupa featuring the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well while others show the remains of soldiers who died on a nearby battlefield. Continue to explore the wonders of Siem Reap. Proceed to the Tonle Sap — the \"Great Lake\" of Cambodia and the largest one in Asia. This is a unique lake that increases up to six times its size during the dry season of the monsoon. Visit the Floating villages to experience a unique way of living adapted to the ever-changing direction of the flow of water to the Great Lake. Enjoy a close encounter with the Khmer way of life on the Tonle Sap. Visit the Wat Bo, a highly respected pagoda founded in the 18th Century, which contains unique wall paintings of the Reamker (Ramayana) that are said to be from the late 19th Century. Afterward, continue to explore one of the citys open markets, Psar Chars, which is also called the “Old Market” where anything and everything is up for sale.




Overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast, you will have the day at leisure to explore the city or go shopping before you are transferred back to the Siem Reap International Airport for your flight home.