From the Bay to Angkor

Today, your private guide and driver will take you on a tour of Hanoi’s top attractions, followed by an exploration of authentic local cuisine away from the usual tourist spots. Begin your day at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, exploring the Mausoleum and his House on Stilts. Then, stroll through quaint lanes to Huu Tiep Lake and visit a centuries-old temple and the B52 crash site, a historical relic. Explore the Museum of Ethnology before enjoying a traditional Pho noodle soup for lunch and learn about local meal traditions.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo prison, enjoy a captivating cyclo ride through the French colonial precinct, passing historic landmarks. Pause at Pho Co Café for Egg coffee with stunning views. Conclude the day with a walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant street food scene. Sample delights like green papaya salad, Banh Mi Pa Te, and the iconic Bun Cha, all while seated on tiny plastic stools in charming back alleys.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, you leave Hanoi for Halong Bay. The journey is through the rich farmlands where you can observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers. Arriving in Halong Bay in the late morning and you will board a traditional “junk” boat. You will begin a relaxing and unforgettable cruise around the breathtaking and unique limestone karsts and islets. A delicious fresh seafood lunch will be served as you cruise this spectacular bay, a UNESCO listed site.

Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, dinner is served with fresh seafood, salad, and fruit. You will spend the night in your private cabin aboard the junk in Halong Bay.

Notes: The program may differ slightly based on the junk cruise’s itinerary.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Overnight on cruise.

Begin your day with the serene practice of Tai Chi, a local custom that eases you into the morning. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ on the deck of the Junk boat amidst the exquisite natural surroundings. There’s time for an early morning swim at one of Halong Bay’s peaceful beaches, and for the more adventurous, take a kayak and paddle through the Dark and Bright Caves, admiring the glistening stone walls.

Return to the junk boat, check out of your cabin, and savor a sumptuous brunch buffet as you cruise back to port. Disembark around midday for your return journey to Hanoi, then our driver will transfer you from inner Hanoi city to the airport for your flight to Hue.

When you arrive at Hue airport, our representative will take you to the hotel. Relax after the flight and you will have the rest of day to explore evening Hue which offers a laid-back and authentic Vietnamese experience.

Meals included: Breakfast, Brunch.
Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to the Imperial City, a UNESCO heritage site. The tours start at the “South Gate” and continue with the Palace of the Five Phoenixes, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Nine Dynastic Urns dating back to 1835, the Thai Mieu Temple, the Queen Mother’s Palace, and more. The visit continues to the famous Thien Mu Pagoda, known for its octagonal tower.

After visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, take a cruise on the Perfume River towards Thuy Bieu village, renowned for its ancestral garden-houses with a unique style, passing by numerous temples belonging to ancestors, a cultural specificity of Hue. Stroll around the village through orchards, vegetable gardens, local craftsmanship, garden-houses, and more. Lunch at a family restaurant by the Perfume River, and treat yourself to a brief foot massage.

In the afternoon, visit the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The mausoleum is one of the most impressive royal tombs in Hue. With an area of 12 hectares and over 50 structures in total, this complex is considered the secondary Imperial City.

Afterwards, explore the Dong Ba Market. At the market, you will have a chance to discover a favorite Noddle soup by Anthony Bourdain – the World Famous Chef and TV Producer. Here you will sample the best Bun Bo Hue “Hue Noddle soup”. Conclude your day of exploration and return to your hotel, where you’ll spend the night in the charming city of Hue.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Hue as your journey unfolds southward towards Danang and Hoian, a picturesque coastal train that spans approximately three hours. The highlight of the trip is the mesmerizing Hai Van Pass, often referred to as the “Sea Cloudy Pass.” As you ascend to its summit, be prepared to be spellbound by the breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the city of Danang sprawled below.

Upon your arrival in Danang, your first pause will be at the Marble Mountain. The journey continues with a visit to the Cham Museum, offering insights into the region’s rich history, followed by a stop at the pristine My Khe Beach, known for its 20-mile stretch of white sandy shores, once home to American GIs during the war.

Continuing your journey by car, you’ll reach Hoian around midday. Here, you’ll check into your boutique resort, conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the enchanting old town. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Explore the charming Old Town with its paper lantern-lined streets and riverside restaurants, or relax at the resort.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Hoian.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with a late breakfast and relaxation at your hotel. In the afternoon, our tour guide will lead you through the Ancient Quarter of Hoian, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore notable attractions like Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Next, visit the Precious Heritage Museum, housing Rehahn’s Precious Heritage Collection, which offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic tribes

The highlight of the day is the visit to the Reaching Out Tea House, run by mute and deaf individuals. Savor delightful cakes and Eastern-style tea. Discover the art of lantern-making at a craftsman’s house, where you’ll create your lantern with expert guidance.

Wrap up your day with a Hoian street food tour, led by our guide. Wander through narrow alleyways to sample local delicacies and gain insight into how Hoian locals enjoy their vibrant street food scene.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Hoian.

After a delightful stay in Hoian, you’ll catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you’ll be transported to your hotel, where you can unwind and recharge after your journey. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a dynamic hub of commerce, culture, and history. It offers a captivating blend of the old and the new, with colonial-era architecture juxtaposed against modern skyscrapers.

Ho Chi Minh City’s energetic atmosphere and rich history are sure to leave a lasting impression as you delve into its unique charm. Enjoy your well-deserved relaxation and get ready to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant tapestry.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to the outskirts of Saigon to visit the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels.

Originally constructed in 1948 as a refuge from French forces, these tunnels evolved into a complex network of underground hideouts used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Explore these tunnels, which served as living quarters, communication routes, hospitals, and storage for food and weapons.

During the tour you will have a chance to meet a Viet Cong veteran who once lived in these tunnels, gaining valuable insights into their history and the incredible resilience of the Vietnamese during wartime. With your translator-guide’s assistance, listen to the veteran’s firsthand experiences, painting a vivid picture of life in these subterranean hamlets during challenging times. Finish the tunnel tour and return to the city enjoying lunch at a local restaurant en route.

In the afternoon, explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and the adjacent Central Post Office, both rich in architectural beauty and history. Admire the red brick cathedral with twin spires and the 1891 Post Office.

Continue to visit the former Presidential Palace, once the Saigon Government headquarters during the American War. Nearby, explore the War Remnants Museum, offering a poignant perspective on the war. (Note: Some exhibits are graphic.)

Experience Saigon’s famous street coffee culture with your guide, who will provide language insights and share the daily life of Saigonese residents.

Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in HCM City.

After breakfast, embark on a two-hour drive to Ben Tre Town, the “rice bowl” of Vietnam in the Mekong Delta, famous for its rice fields, orchards, coconut trees, and waterways. Arriving in Ben Tre, take a motorized boat ride along the scenic Ben Tre River, visiting local factories making bricks and sleeping mats.

Explore the village, sampling dried fruits, honey tea, and enjoying local Tai Tu music. Visit a coconut mill where coconut candy is made. Hop on a small sampan boat to cruise palm-fringed canals, a peaceful escape from the city.

Experience local life on a Motor Cart (xe lôi) and enjoy a simple lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. You may also consider joining our recommended optional activities for further exploration and enjoyment.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in HCM City.

Our private driver will be ready to pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh Airport, meet and transfer by the local guide to the hotel for check-in if the room is available before 2 pm or drop off the luggage at the lobby and set the tour to visit Wat Phnom, which is the center of Phnom Penh that gives the city its name.

At 27 meters above sea level, it is the highest point in the area, and as a town gradually grew up around it, the settlement became known as Phnom Penh, the hill of Penh. It is the zero point of the city. Then continue to visit Wat Unalom (Buddhist Monastery), this pagoda serves as the headquarters for one of Cambodia’s most revered Buddhist patriarchs. In addition to the pagoda, there is a post-Angkorean stupa at this monastery. Then lunch at the local restaurant.

After lunch, visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which was a high school before 1975, an interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era, and today as a genocide museum. Return to the hotel free at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Phnom Penh. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most striking buildings in the capital which are considered some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. They were initially constructed in 1866 by the French. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda stands out in its distinctive way. The floor consists of 5,329 solid silver tiles to which the building owes its name.

Continue to Central Market, our guide will take you through the food hall and get you to taste different snacks, drinks, foods, and fruits that are available in the market. A landmark building in the capital, the art deco Psar Thmei (literally ‘New Market’) is often called the Central Market, a reference to its location and size. The huge domed hall resembles a Babylonian ziggurat and some claim it ranks as one of the 10 largest domes in the world, and return to the hotel for check-out.

And drive to Siem Reap, will take us 6 hours to drive, on the way, we will stop to visit Spiker Market in Skun, the Ancient Bride called Spean Neak in Kampong Kdei. On arrival at Siem Reap, check in at the hotel and have dinner on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, our guide and driver pick you up from the hotel and visit Angkor Wat Temple, an architectural marvel, one of the world’s most impressive ruins to understand Khmer Culture and Civilization. The temple has fine carvings of Apsaras in stone made during the Angkor period.

Then we drive to visit Srah Srang and walk through the village to one of the local houses to get high tea and picnic breakfast, the hosts will greet us as friends, offering fresh fruits, snacks, coffee, hot tea, and picnic breakfast. Continue to visit the Ta Prohm temple of “Tomb Raider” fame. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. Undisturbed by crowds of tourists you can better appreciate the interplay of man and nature at this magical site. Return to the hotel for a lunch break.

Afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal city of Angkor Thom. At first glance, it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic, silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Enter at the South Gate before uniquely walking along the 8m high wall through the forest to the less touristy Death Gate. Passing behind the Terraces of Elephants and Leper King walk through the shaded parkland to Phimeanakas and Baphuon temples, learning about the trees and fruits used locally.

End our sightseeing this afternoon with a visit to Bayon temple with its iconic carved faces. Enjoy the sunset from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, and have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Early wake up in the morning for a transfer to Phnom Krom, we climb up the hill to view the sunrise over the rice paddies and the floating village of Tonle Sap Lake and enjoy the picnic breakfast on the hip of Phnom Krom.

After breakfast, take the boat ride visiting the Chong Kneas Floating Village on Tonle Sap Lake and take a boat trip to see the daily life in the village. The natural wonder of Tonle Sap offers an insight into the old tradition of riparian life and the natural splendor of the countryside and is followed by an Artisan Dangkor workshop. Return to the hotel for relaxation, and lunch on your own.

Until 3 pm, our guide and the scooter/tuktuk driver pick you up and ride you to Krabei Riel Village to visit the daily activities of the villagers working in the vegetable gardens, rice fields, and weaving, a lot of stops for pictures and interaction with villagers. Then we get to Mr. Ron’s house and are greeted by his family, we will enjoy the cooking class that will be led by his wife, Mrs. Sina. Our guide will assist in doing the presentation of his family and also bring you around his vegetable garden before we begin to learn to cook 3 Cambodian dishes with his wife. Taste the food you cooked as dinner, then say goodbye to Mr. Ron’s family and our scooter driver ride you back to your hotel in Siem Reap.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Your private transfer greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Siem Reap International Airport where you board your flight home or travel on to more adventures, we will help you with the planning.