Meals included: No

Meals included: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Hanoi (downtown)

Welcome to Vietnam, a vibrant and charming country in Southeast Asia, which boasts the profound history, culture, and natural resources. Your exploring tour starts from the capital city Hanoi, the political, cultural and scientific center of Vietnam, yet the second largest city.

Upon arrival, our local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day, free and easy on your own.

Meals included: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Hanoi (downtown)

Today, spend a full day time to explore the highlights of the capital city, get to know its history and culture. The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, a towering testament to the life and legacy of Vietnam’s iconic leader, stands proudly in Hanoi’s heart. Designed with a blend of Russian and Vietnamese architectural styles, it embodies the nation’s gratitude and admiration for Ho Chi Minh’s unwavering dedication to independence and unity. The solemn atmosphere and strict protocols underscore the profound impact Ho Chi Minh has had on Vietnam’s history and identity. It’s also a good place to know the history of Vietnam. The Temple of Literature is a historic complex dedicated to Confucianism and education. It serves as a prestigious shrine honoring scholars and Confucian thinkers, while also functioning as Vietnam’s first university, founded in the 11th century. You can admire its intricate carvings, peaceful gardens, and the Quoc Tu Giam, a museum showcasing historical artifacts related to Vietnam’s educational system. Then, take a local traditional cycle ride through the Old Quarter to know the daily life of Hanoians. End the day tour with the local traditional Water Puppet Show.

Meals included: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Overnight Cruise

After breakfast, embark on a 3.5-hour road journey to the breathtaking Halong Bay. You will board on the leisurely cruise, settle into your cozy cabin, enjoy the fascinating view of Ha Long Bay.

Spend the rest of the day at your own pace, enjoying the serenity of lounging on the sun-kissed deck or engaging in thrilling optional water activities like kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling amidst the crystal-clear waters. Be sure to capture the fantastic view of Halong Bay’s sunset, as the sky turns a palette of gold and orange, painting the towering limestone karsts in a breathtaking display of nature’s finest artistry.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Hoi An (downtown)

Start your day with a rejuvenating Tai Chi Lesson on the deck, inviting the morning sun to awaken your senses. Rise early to partake in this harmonious practice, blending mind and body. Sung Sot Cave,a marvel of nature in Halong Bay, boasts awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites within its vast chambers, casting a magical glow as sunlight filters through its colossal opening.

Enjoy brunch on board before you dock. Then take a transfer to the airport in Hanoi for your onward flight. Upon arrival in Da Nang, your private tour guide and driver will greet you at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.

Meals included: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Hoi An (downtown)

Today, you will spend a full day to explore the Hoi An Ancient Town and its local lifestyle, immerse yourself into the local history and tradition. Embark on a captivating walking tour through Hoi An Ancient Town, where your guide unveils key sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the historic Tan Ky Old House. Step deeply into Vietnamese culture by visiting a nearby fishing village along the Thu Bon River, observing the fishermen’s daily routines. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cast traditional nets and paddle a round-basket boat, mirroring local traditions. Do as the locals do. Then you will have a light seafood lunch on another boat, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Meals included: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh (downtown)

This morning, be transferred to Da Nang for an onward flight to the largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City. A private transfer accompanied by your tour guide is included in both cities. Upon arrival, you are free and easy for the rest of the day. In the evening, our local guide will give you some advice on the places to go by your own in Ho Chi Minh.

Meals included: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh (downtown)

After breakfast, you will spend a full day time to discover the highlights of Ho Chi Minh. Embark on an exhilarating morning speedboat adventure to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, where in just a fleeting 15 minutes, the bustling cityscape gives way to verdant jungle along the river’s edge. Upon arrival, delve into the labyrinthine underworld of tunnels, chambers, secret rooms, and ingenious booby traps, remnants of the strategic genius employed by the Vietminh and Viet Cong.

This afternoon, immerse yourself in the essence of Saigon with a stroll through its iconic landmarks. Notre Dame Cathedral is a stunning architectural marvel from the French colonial era. This Gothic-inspired cathedral, with its towering spires and intricate stonework, serves as a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, captivating visitors with its timeless beauty and charm. Central Post Office, a testament to the city’s architectural prowess. With its elegant facade, intricate dome, and intricate ironwork, the post office exemplifies the blend of European and Asian influences that shaped Vietnam during the colonial period. Reunification Palace, is once the seat of power for South Vietnam’s government, now stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s reunification. This imposing structure, with its neoclassical architecture and grand columns, invites visitors to step back in time and explore the country’s turbulent history. War Remnants Museum, where the hulking relics of war machinery serve as a somber reminder of the devastation and sacrifice that shaped the nation’s history.

Meals included: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Siem Reap (downtown)

Today, say goodbye to Vietnam, and head for your next destination, Cambodia, a tropical kingdom blending ancient culture with fantastic heritage sites. It is renowned worldwide for its mysterious and spectacular Angkor Wat ruins, unique Khmer culture, and charming tropical scenery. Upon arrival, be picked up and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day, relax at your own pace.

Meals included: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Siem Reap (downtown)

Today, you will do a small circle of Angkor and explore its highlights. The day tour starts from Angkor Thom, also known as Great Angkor or the City of Angkor, which served as the last capital city of the Khmer Empire. It was repeatedly ravaged by wars and subsequently rebuilt multiple times, acting as the “heart” of the Angkor archaeological site. The Bayon Temple stands at the heart of Angkor Thom and represents its quintessential part. Built in the late 12th century, it was constructed as a temple for King Jayavarman VII himself. Here, you can not only witness the renowned “Khmer Smile” but also admire the rich and vivid bas-reliefs adorning the temple’s corridors.

After lunch, drive back to your hotel and have a short break.

In the afternoon, continue on your exploration tour. Ta Prohm Temple, located to the east of Angkor Wat, was built in 1186 by Khmer King Jayavarman VII to honor his mother, hence it is also known as the “Mother Temple.” Constructed from massive stones, it once served as a sanctuary housing monks, priests, and dancers, functioning both as a temple and a monastery. Over time, however, it was invaded by rampantly growing tropical trees. Tree roots, resembling pythons, have crept over the temple and penetrated deep into its structures, causing internal stone towers and enclosing walls to collapse. This unique blend of natural and human-made wonders has even served as a filming location for the movie “Tomb Raider.” The day tour ends at the most popular site of Angkor, Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is the largest religious monument globally. Built in the 12th century by Khmer King Suryavarman II, it’s dedicated to Hinduism. You will have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking sunset scenery at Angkor Wat (depending on the weather). After the tour, drive back to your hotel.

Meals included: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel:Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Siem Reap (downtown)

After breakfast, you will continue your tour to explore the highlights of outer cycle of Angkor. First, drive to visit Banteay Srei, often hailed as a “pearl in the crown of Angkorian art.” Its vibrant colors and exquisitely detailed reliefs are truly captivating. Unlike most Angkorian monuments constructed from gray sandstone, Banteay Srei was built using the unique Khmer materials of laterite and a slightly pinkish stone, resulting in an exceptionally vivid palette. Next, you will proceed to the Roluos Group, the cradle of Angkorian architecture. The Roluos Group is a masterpiece of Indravarman I and represents one of the earliest large-scale temples constructed by the Khmer people, marking the dawn of the Khmer classical art era.

Lunch will be served with local meal.

After Lunch, you will visit one of Angkor’s most enigmatic temples, Beng Mealea. Entirely overgrown by the wilderness, Beng Mealea offers a chance to explore the primitive state of Angkor amidst dense jungle ruins. It is both a must-visit and a challenging site within the Angkorian ruins complex. Its scale and design style closely resemble those of Angkor Wat, yet it remains tightly enshrouded by the jungle, preventing a full view. In the late afternoon, head to Phnom Bakheng. Standing at approximately 70 meters tall, Phnom Bakheng is the highest point nearby and a prime spot for watching the sunset over Angkor Wat. The golden halo of the setting sun over the ruins hidden within the jungle, as viewed from the mountaintop, is truly unforgettable.

Special Notice:

Phnom Bakheng is a popular sunset-watching spot, and the temple restricts the number of visitors to 300 people at a time. During peak seasons, the reservation might be fully booked and there is no guarantee of entry.

Meals included: Breakfast

It’s the ending day for your exploration tour in Cambodia. You are free until being transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Wishing you safe travels home and wonderful memories to cherish from your journey to Angkor!