Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (D)
Xin chao - Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam! You are greeted by your guide and driver at Noi Bai International airport for your transfer to the hotel. Hanoi, one of Asia’s most enchanting cities, full of culture, history and the engaging contradictions of a rapidly developing and deeply traditional society. Welcome dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B/L)
Depart the hotel at 8.30 for the Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past. The One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 will be visited next. This structure is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from 5th Sep- 5th Nov; possibility to visit without supplement before 11.00. Order of the visit may be changed to realize this cost saving) and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. Visit his former home, which illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary. Continue to picturesque West Lake and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda.
Lunch al local restaurants. In the afternoon visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays), which is both a research centre and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. As an alternative to the Ethnology Museum, visit the highly acclaimed Vietnam Women’s Museum. The museum is located near Hoan Kiem Lake and offers wonderful insight into the lives of Vietnamese women. Displays highlight Vietnam’s vast cultural diversity and educate on the significant role Vietnamese women play in Vietnamese society. Learn historic and modern-day traditions centered around births, weddings, motherhood, spirituality and more.
At the end of the afternoon visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter also known as the ‘36 streets’. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around.
Finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong (B,L,D)
Depart from Hanoi and travel to the spectacular World Heritage site of Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin (approximately four hours). Arrive at jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board. A peaceful night on board in your private cabin.
Note: 2 days cruise itinerary is subject to change bases on each cruise company, english speaking guide is available on board.
Day 4: Halong Bay – Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Enjoy your fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards Tuan Chau port. Disembark and to Hanoi’s airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh, where you will be met and transferred to hotel for a two-night stay. Accommodation at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L)
Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh city is Vietnam’s commercial capital and a city of extraordinary energy. After breakfast, travel to Cu Chi, 70 km to the Northwest of Ho Chi Minh. Cu Chi Tunnels consist of more than 200km of underground tunnels. This main axis system has many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life during the U.S - Vietnam War. Lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will be taken on a city tour of Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) including the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office. If you desire, you can visit the powerful War Remnants Museum. Also visit to Thien Hau, arguably the most important Buddhist pagoda in Saigon, and then spend some time shopping at Binh Tay market (Chinatown) or Ben Thanh Market before transferring to hotel. Accommodation at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh – Cai Be floating market – Chau Doc (B/L)
Today, leave the bustle of the city behind for a day of exploring scenic rice fields, waterways and colorful markets of the Mekong Delta, Cai Be Floating Market, which is a famous place in Mekong Delta, here the Tien River forms the border between Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre provinces.
On arrival, start with a visit to Cai Be’s famous floating market, where vendors come from around the Mekong Delta to sell their fruits, vegetables and other wares. The boat then stops at some local homes that double as artisanal factories. Talk with local residents as they make rice paste, coco sweets and popcorn. The trip continues along the smaller canals by rowing boat. You will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong delta rural life. Lunch can be served at local home. After lunch, we can walk around and then we will enjoy some kinds of fruits when listening to the traditional music. The cruise will end at Vinh Long city, then drive to Chau Doc. Overnight in Chau Doc
Day 7: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh by boat (B/D)
Depart early this morning for the boat ride to Phnom Penh, Cambodia (at 7 am). Once you reach the Cambodian border, the boat will stop to arrange your visa, which is approximately 34 USD per person (your own expense). On arrival in Phnom Penh (about 12.30), you’ll be transferred to hotel for an overnight stay.
After settling in, set out to explore the city's many unique highlights. Visit the elegant Royal Palace, a Khmer-styled structure constructed by the French in 1866, which stands on the site of the former citadel, Banteay Keo. Continue to the Silver Pagoda, so called because its dazzling floor is made of 5,329 silver tiles weighing one kilogram each. The Silver Pagoda houses a broad, eclectic selection of statuary and Buddhist relics, many from the Royal collection. Also learn more about Cambodia’s past tragedy with a visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 8: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B/D)
Today, after breakfast free leisure on own arrangement until time check out, transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap, the small town closest to the majestic Angkor Wat, once the cradle of a highly complex civilization that controlled the greater part of Southeast Asia for four centuries. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. Dinner with dance Apsaras show at local restaurant. Overnight in Seam Reap.
Day 9: Siem Reap (B/L)
After breakfast, set out to explore the city of World Heritage. Begin at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, an ancient royal city that covers four square miles and is the pinnacle of the Khmer obsession with vast public works. Walk through looming gates, guarded by statues of gods and demons. At the center of Angkor Thom is the Temple of Bayon, a tremendous multi-towered temple with bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology. The central tower is covered with four gargantuan heads, depicting the king as a Bodhisattva, or Buddhist deity of compassion. This image is repeated throughout the Bayon, making it one of the most striking sites at Angkor. Continue by car past the Elephant and Leper King Terraces to Preah Khan, a remarkably preserved temple, and Ta Prohm, a temple that remains completely engulfed in vines and tree roots - this is arguably the most evocative of all Angkor's many temples.
In the afternoon, you will visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor, Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. You will enjoy a wonderful sunset from the Phnom Bakheng Hills. Overnight in Seam Reap.
Day 10: Siem Reap – Banteay Srei – Lake Tonle Sap (B/L)
Begin the day with a drive through rural villages to the intricately carved, and well preserved, 10th century Temple of Banteay Srei, also known as the 'Citadel of the Women'. Banteay Srei is considered by many to be the 'jewel' in Angkor's crown. Return to Siem Reap mid-day and visit Artisans D'Angkor, where young Cambodians are being trained in the traditional arts of their country. Spend the afternoon cruising Lake Tonle Sap, inhabited by dozens of floating villages. This leisurely cruise provides a perfect opportunity to take in the local lifestyle, as well as to observe the many species of birds that thrive around the lake. Overnight in Seam Reap.
Day 11: Siem Reap Departure (B)
The day is at leisure until you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Prices are quoted in US dollars per person base on minimum two travelers
Rates vary depend on group size, travel time, accommodation level, transportation and other service. Please contact us to get the best price!
HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM & CAMBODIA 11 DAYS |
Hotel Class |
Valid from 1 May 2017 to 30 Apr 2018. Price per person in USD for private party of |
2 – 3 persons |
4 - 5 persons |
6 – 8 persons |
Single Supplement |
Superior |
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TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
+ 09 nights hotel accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room
+ 01 night cruise accommodation (shared twin or double cabin, in-house english speaking guide)
+ Tours and transfers as mentioned by air conditioned vehicle
+ Internal flight tickets: Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh & Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (Max 20kg baggage & 7kg hand luggage)
+ Public speed boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh
+ English speaking guide (for other languages supplements apply)
+ Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
+ Entrance fees for mentioned visits
+ Boat trip as mentioned in the itinerary
+ Vietnam visa on arrival pre-approved letter
+ Mineral water on coach
+ Service charges and government tax
TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:
+ International flights & departure taxes if any
+ Personal travel insurance
+ Bank charge relating to payment
+ Vietnam visa stamp fee (US$ 25 & 1 passport photo for each person)
+ Cambodia Visa stamp fee (US $34 per person & 1 passport photo for each person)
+ Tips, gratuities and personal expenses as drink, laundry, phone...
+ Optional tours, Kayaking, Spa, Beauty & Massage on boat in Ha Long
+ Early check-in or late check-out:
- Check-in time at hotel: 14:00 - Check-out time: Before 12:00
+ Compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and Peak Season Surcharges for the following periods:
- The Hung Kings Anniversary from 6 April 2017 to 7 April 2017
- Victory Day & Labour Day from 29 April 2017 to 02 May 2017
- Independent Day from 02 September to 03 September 2017
- Christmas Eve gala dinner (December 24, 2017)
- New Year’s Eve gala dinner (December 31, 2017)
- New Year & Holiday: 24 December 2017 to 10 January 2018
- Lunar New Year from 15 Feb 2018 to 20 February 2018
+ Other services not mentioned above
RECOMMENDED HOTELS:
Cities |
Hotels List or similar |
Room Type |
Website |
Superior Category/3-star hotel |
Hanoi |
Thien Thai Hotel 3* |
Deluxe room |
www.thienthaihotel.com |
Halong |
Glory Legend Cruise 3* |
Deluxe cabin |
www.glorylegendcruises.net |
Hue |
Asia Hue Hotel 3*+ |
Deluxe room |
www.asiahotel.com.vn |
Hoian |
Belle Maison Hadana Resort 4* |
Deluxe room |
www.bellemaisonhadana.com |
Ho Chi Minh |
Signature Saigon Hotel 3* |
Deluxe room |
www.signaturesaigonhotel.vn |
Chau Doc |
Chau Pho Hotel 3* |
Superior room |
www.chauphohotel.com |
Phnom Penh |
River Home Boutique 3* |
Deluxe room |
www.riverhomeboutiquehotel.com |
Siem Reap |
Central Boutique Angkor Hotel 3* |
Boutique room |
www.centralboutiqueangkorhotel.com |