Highlights Of Vietnam And Cambodia

Upon arrival into Hanoi, be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.Welcome dinner at local restaurant this evening.Please note:* Estimated distance from hotels in the Old Quarter to the airport or v.v: ~25-30km* Estimated driving time: ~30mins - 40mins.* International arrivals: Please proceed through immigration and customs, and make your way to the exterior arrivals area, using the exit indicated for your flight on the arrivals marquee (either exit A1 or A2). Our representative will be waiting here for you holding a Pick-up sign. He will then escort you to your vehicle to take you to your hotel.

Today you’ll experience the very best Hanoi has to offer with this full day tour of the city.Your morning begins with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where you will hear everything about the man whose name adorns the museum and his leadership of Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Ho Chi Minh dedicated his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule before passing away in 1969. His body has been preserved for later generations.Each year the Mausoleum closes its doors in October for upkeep.The grounds are well worth a wander. Check out the one-pillar pagoda and the Presidential Palace. Next, visit the 11th-century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.After lunch at a local restaurant, head over to the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, named for the products that were sold from their shops. Here, you will tour the streets on a Cyclo – Vietnam’s famous Cyclo are three-wheeled cycle taxis and a great way to get around! Through the streets you will see the vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still selling the same wares the street names suggest.Please note:* Estimated pick-up time: 8.00AM - Estimated duration: 8hrs* A long waiting time in line is required to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum especially in high season (March and April) and on rainy days. You can’t visit other places in the complex without visiting the Mausoleum.* The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every afternoon as well as on Mondays and Fridays. During closure, the Ho Chi Minh Residence and other places in the complex can be visited as normal.* From 15th June to 14th August, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum will be closed for the annual renovation. Presidential Palace and the Resident of the complex remain opened at normal schedule for your visit.

Hanoi free day

This morning you will transfer to the UNESCO heritage Halong Bay which means 'where the dragon descends into the sea'.

After your transfer step into a world of maritime enchantment as you board the ship, where a warm welcome and refreshing drink set the tone for an unforgettable journey through Halong Bay.

Indulge in a delightful lunch at the onboard Restaurant, setting the stage for the adventures to come. Ti Top Island beckons, offering the choice of a refreshing swim in the crystalline waters or a mountain climbing expedition for breathtaking panoramic views of Ha Long Bay.

As the sun begins its descent, savour French-style Crêpes on the Sundeck, adding a touch of culinary delight to your Halong Bay experience. Later, we drop anchor to participate in either kayaking or an array of other engaging activities.

Happy hour on the sundeck invites you to unwind and relish the beauty of your surroundings. As the evening progresses, immerse yourself in the art of crafting spring rolls against the backdrop of the slowly setting sun over the Bay.

Indulge in Canapés on the Sundeck, a prelude to a sumptuous dinner served at the Restaurant. The night takes a whimsical turn with squid fishing (Seasonal), adding an element of excitement and charm to your Halong Bay sojourn.

* Estimated pick-up time: 09.00AM

* Estimated distance from Hanoi to Halong: ~180km - Estimated duration: 2.5hrs

Indulge in a serene morning ritual as tea, coffee, and delectable cakes are elegantly served aboard. Immerse yourself in tranquility with a rejuvenating yoga class held on the ship in the early morning.

Afterwards, we will begin exploring the Sung Sot Cave relic. Board a small boat and join a guided tour to delve into the mesmerizing expanse of this cave, nestled within the captivating Ha Long Bay cave complex.

Complete your journey by checking out and settling payments at the reception desk. Meanwhile, relish a delightful brunch at the ship's restaurant, a culinary experience that adds a touch of indulgence to your morning.

As the cruise navigates back to the port from 9:00 to 11:00, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as Hon Trong Mai, Dinh Huong, and the magnificent limestone mountains. This scenic return journey becomes a perfect conclusion to your Halong Bay exploration.

We will then transfer you back to Hanoi for your flight to Da Nang,

Please note:

* Itinerary subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions.

* Set menu applies for cruises with 14 persons and below.

* Kayak hire subject to additional charge.

* Estimated disembark time: 10.30 AM.

* Drinks not included with meals.

Upon arrival, be met by your guide and transfer by road to your hotel.

Please note: Estimated distance from the airport to hotels in Hoi An old town or vice versa: around 30 - 35 km - Estimated driving time: appx. 45 - 50 minutes.

Hoi An Ancient Town’s impeccable preservation has earned it recognition as a UNESCO heritage site. On today’s walking tour we will gain an insight into the kaleidoscope of cultures that have shaped this former port city and what keeps it thriving today.

Your guide will start by taking you to the iconic 16th Century Japanese covered bridge with pagoda (Chùa Cầu). If you are experiencing déjà vu, this bridge is an important symbol of Vietnam’s history and is featured on the 20,000VND note. We will then come to learn the history behind the bridge's origin and how it still functions as a place of worship today.

Meandering through the Ancient town towards our next stop your guide will help you to recognise all the cultures that have influenced the designs of the building, both indigenous and foreign. We will then get the opportunity to go into one of Hoi An’s ancient homes where we will meet the 14th generation still living in this house.

From vibrant past to bright future, we will finish our tour by visiting Ms. Quynh’s stores, we will come to learn how she set about starting a tailor shop, the mistakes she made along the way and the school she has set up to help support those wanting to start a career in the industry. We will get to see where the magic happens and meet the faces behind the incredible clothing.

Start time: 09:00 or 13:30Finish time: 12:00 or 16:30Black Out Dates: Tet Holiday, 4th November, only runs Mon & Thurs (Yaly Couture Fashion Show)

Today, you will transfer from Hoi An to Hue, passing over the Hai Van Pass, arguably the most scenic and iconic route in Vietnam.

On the way, take a visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of marble and limestone hills which were a major battleground during the Vietnam War. The hills are named after the five elements and the caves within the mountains served as temples. Discover the cultural importance of these mountains in Vietnamese culture and admire the beautiful natural scenery.

Estimated distance: 130km - Estimated driving time: appx. 3,5 hours.Upon arrival, free time at leisure until the evening when you embark on a culinary journey and sample the best of street food in Hue with your expert guide.Meandering through the street of Hue the many sights and sounds of food being prepared for evening dining can make the mouth water. Tonight, with your guide, you will get to sample some Vietnamese cuisine that is an absolute must-try!

We will begin with a recent phenomenon here in Hue that is beginning to spread to the rest of the nation: Salt coffee. this almost salted caramel-like drink is the perfect way to kick-start your night and see where the Hue people like to spend their evenings.

After a touch of the new, we make tracks for some more staple dishes synonymous with the region 'Banh Khoai' A crispy pancake stuffed with pork, shrimp and beansprouts dipped into a light peanut sauce. We will follow this with 'Nem Lui' which is a grilled pork dish wrapped in rice paper and combined with fresh herbs and sour fruits. We will also stop to try a famous liquor of the region and sample a 'Banh Mi' a small pork sandwich packed full of flavour.

Please Note: We cannot guarantee the exact dishes you will try as food stops may vary depending on availability.

Black out Date: Tet Holiday

Indulge in a leisurely morning and consider enhancing your experience with an optional bike tour. As the afternoon unfolds, immerse yourself in the rich dynastic history of Hue. Begin by exploring the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty at the Imperial City, an architectural masterpiece fashioned after Beijing's Forbidden City in China. Despite the impact of war and conflict, numerous palaces and temples within the Imperial City have been meticulously restored to their original splendour.

Following your captivating visit to the Citadel, embark on a short and scenic boat journey along the Perfume River. This delightful cruise leads you to the picturesque Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hue. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery, Thien Mu Pagoda is a seven-story tower that stands proudly on the riverbank.

Conclude your enriching day by returning to the welcoming ambience of your hotel, having witnessed not only the imperial grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty but also the timeless beauty of Thien Mu Pagoda.

Free time at your leisure until transfer by vehicle to the airport for your onward flight.

Please note: Estimated travel from hotels in city center to the airport or vice versa: ~ 15km - 20 km - Estimated driving time: 30 - 45 minutes.

Upon arrival Ho Chi Minh City, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Please note: Estimated distance from hotels in city center to the airport or v.v: ~8km - Estimated duration: 40 minsStart 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, 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.

End your day with a speedboat trip along the city’s ancient canals where life carries on unchanged. Return to your hotel as the sun sets on this fascinating city.

Please note:

* Estimated pick-up time: 01.30PM - Estimated duration: 4hrs

* Since the Notre Dame Cathedral is closed for renovation since July 1st 2017, we can only view the church from the outside at this time. Depending on the time of construction, different parts of the church will be visible.

Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Mekong Delta's verdant countryside. Experience life on and by the river aboard the Cai Be Princess, as you navigate through water hyacinths and past boats brimming with fresh produce. Get up close and personal with local life on the waterways and witness their way of life amidst the stunning landscape.

You will be picked up in Ho Chi Minh City and transferred to Cai Be where a warm welcome awaits you aboard the Cai Be Princess Sampan. Prepare to embark on a serene journey along the enchanting waterways of the Mekong Delta. As we glide through this picturesque landscape, you will have the opportunity to disembark and immerse yourself in the local countryside, taking in the tranquil beauty of nearby rice fields and visiting a charming watermelon farm. An authentic encounter awaits as you meet a local family, sharing tea within the comfort of their home.

Returning to the embrace of the Cai Be Princess, you can unwind in the cosy confines of your sampan, all the while relishing the unfolding tableau of life along the riverbanks. A pause at a quaint village temple provides a glimpse into local traditions before your cruise culminates at Le Longanier restaurant. Nestled in the countryside, this elegant colonial-style villa is ensconced within a tropical haven. Within its walls, a sumptuous lunch of local delicacies awaits.

Following lunch, your voyage aboard the Cai Be Princess continues towards Cai Be town. En route, a stop unveils the artistry of local handicraft production, including coconut candy and pop-rice—an indigenous twist on popcorn.

We will then transport you back to Ho Chi Minh City, marking the conclusion of your remarkable Mekong Delta odyssey.Start time: 08:00

Finish time: 17:00

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.

* Estimated distance from hotels in city center to the airport or v.v: ~8km - Estimated duration: 40 mins

Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Set off on your journey at the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and best-preserved temple in the complex. This visually spectacular massive three-tier pyramid has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its flag. Admire the grandeur of its architecture and its extensive decoration of bas-relief friezes.

Lunch is served at local restaurant near Sras Srang.

After our rest, we will then continue by spending the rest of the afternoon exploring Bayon, a richly decorated temple where its most distinctive feature is the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers and next, drive to one of Cambodia’s most beloved temples, Ta Prohm. 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.

Today you will immerse in traditional Cambodian culture and take home some great memories. This morning departs from your hotel and head to the Kok Sangke Community. Begin your tour with a visit to a local family home who will make bamboo sticky rice and traditional Khmer desserts. Next, learn how the village uses sustainable farming and horticultural methods before visiting a community centre where you will dine on a delicious Khmer lunch, cooked by the local community before visiting Wat Luang Proleung, an ancient pagoda, where you will see locals perform a traditional dance called Chhayam. Explore the pagoda and receive a water monk blessing, said to bring you good luck. Next, head through beautiful rural countryside and picturesque small villages to Kampong Khleang, a village built on high stilts on Tonle Sap Lake. Home to approximately 10,000 people, Kampong Khleang’s residence’s main income comes mainly from fishing. Depending on the time and season you visit Kampong Khleang, you will see a very different landscape, as the lake is tidal.

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport.