Vietnam and Cambodia at A Glance

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital, where the charm of its French colonial history mingles seamlessly with the energetic buzz of modern Asia. In this city, you’ll discover a blend of traditional architecture, serene lakes, and the constant movement of countless motorbikes, alongside a thriving cosmopolitan scene with trendy restaurants and boutiques.

You will be met on arrival at Hanoi International Airport with a welcome signboard with your names on it and a private transfer to your selected hotel, allowing you to settle in and start exploring the city at your own pace, either by enjoying the hotel amenities or venturing out for your initial taste of Hanoi’s unique atmosphere.

Overnight in Hanoi.

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 a secondary Imperial City.

Afterwards, explore the Dong Ba Market. At the market, you will have a chance to discover a favorite Noodle soup by Anthony Bourdain – the World Famous Chef and TV Producer. Here you will sample the best Bun Bo Hue “Hue Noodle 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 own 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.

Private transfer to Danang Airport for flight to Siem Reap. Warmly welcomed at Siem Reap airport (Arrival Lounge, our driver will hold a Welcome Sign with your Name and our company Logo on), then you will be transferred in a private car directly to your hotel in downtown.

The rest of day is your own to relax and explore the evening town.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

This morning we visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake.

Continue on to the incredible Ta Prohm temple, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. Lunch at local restaurant

In the afternoon visit the legendary Angkor Wat. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple.

We end up the day by a beautiful sunset view from the top of Phnom Bakheng hill. Once the sun has set, we’ll head back to town. Time is on your own in the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Siemreap.

This morning you will embark on an interesting boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Tonle Sap is South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake with its size varying greatly depending on the season, as it swells to about four times its size during the wet season. Board a local boat and visit Kampong Phluck, a village where you will see houses on stilts that are submerged when Tonlé Sap Lake swells. On the way, you will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water. Return to Siem Reap town for lunch and to rest a while.

In the afternoon, you will be taken on a drive through the countryside to a local village, a beautiful small farming village where life revolves around the seasons and family, located approximately 15 minutes outside of Siem Reap. Here you will be taken on an incredible walking tour through the village and local community, learning about their simply way of life, meet local people and you probably want to chat with them or help them with gardening works or help grow vegetables in the gardens, you will be welcomed by kids saying “Hello” to you.

The village tour guide will explain you about Cambodian daily lifestyle, customers, cultures and superstitions. Then we will also stop at a local pagoda for an intimate monk blessing (water blessing), wishing you good health and a safe journey – a very special experience! This is a wonderful village tour that provides a lot of photo opportunities and local experiences. End of the trip, we enjoy seasonal fruits & fresh coconut juice at a host family’s house before we transfer you back to the hotel.

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

Time is on your own. Depending on the time of your departure flight, your private driver will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport for your outbound flight. Your driver will ensure that you are taken to the correct gate. Say goodbye and we wish you safe flight departure.