13-Day Best of Vietnam and Cambodia

Upon arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport, meet your driver and guide and transfer to your hotel.

Check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals included: n/a
Luxury Accommodations: Peridot Gallery Classic Hotel (Hanoi)
Accommodations: Sofitel Legend Metropole (Hanoi)

Hanoi City Tour:

The day begins with a city tour to Ba Dinh Square and Ho Chi Minh Complex, including a visit to the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to West Lake, Hanoi's largest, where you will see Quan Thanh Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda. After lunch, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, followed by a walk through the lively Old Quarter.

End the day with a traditional water puppet show before heading back to your hotel.

Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed all day on Mondays and Fridays, and all afternoons of other days. During closures, the tour visits Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Hanoi Evening Street Food Tour:

We start this exhilarating evening at a nice cafe in the town center, with views of the amazing St Joseph's Cathedral and try snacks from a nearby street vendor before hopping on the back of our Vespas.

We weave through narrow streets of the Old Quarter before arriving at a fascinating local joint located mere centimeters away from the railroad tracks, where we will brief about the local setting of Hanoi. The next stop is gastronomical heaven as we taste the quintessential dish of Hanoi, before making our way along West Lake to taste another local specialty and learn the art of wrap 'n' roll, Vietnamese style! The night ends at a live music venue. A live band will wow you with a truly unique blend of styles !

Stops include: Cafe bar, St. Joseph's Cathedral (outside), two local restaurants, railroad tracks bar cafe , live music bar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Luxury Accommodations: Peridot Gallery Classic Hotel (Hanoi)
Accommodations: Sofitel Legend Metropole (Hanoi)

Meet your guide and driver and depart from your hotel to Halong Bay, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Area.

HA LONG BAY - LAN HA BAY (DRAGON LEGEND OPTION)

• 11:30: Arrive at Indochina Junk Office, take rest at the Waiting Lounge before transferring to Cruise.
• 11:50 - 12:15: Go to the port by Electric Car.
• 12:30 - 13:00: Welcome to Dragon Legend Cruise. Cruise begins with a welcome drink and safety briefing.
• 13:15: Have lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay; admire the fascinating formations on the way.
• 14:30: Explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.
• 15:00: Enjoy kayaking to explore the limestone karsts in the bay.
• 16:35: Back to junk for refreshing and watch the sunset on board.
• 17:15: Join a Vietnamese cuisine cooking demonstration (Banh Xeo).
• 19:00: Take a rest and enjoy dinner in a peaceful and romantic atmosphere on the bay.
• 20:00: Leisure time, guests can experience squid fishing, and have a good night on Dragon Legend Cruise

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Luxury Accommodations: Dragon Legend Cruise Indochina Junk
Accommodations: Orchid Classic Cruise (Lan Ha Bay)

HA LONG BAY - HANOI

• 06:00: Start a new day with a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck.
• 07:00: Breakfast is served on the cruise.
• 07:45: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by a rustic rowboat, meet the local people and pass through the floating school and fish farms.
• 08:45: Return to the cruise for relaxation and leisure.
• 09:45 - 10:00: Check out and enjoy some free time to relax, capture memorable photos as the cruise passes through a stunning limestone island area.
• 10:15: Enjoy a buffet while the cruise continues its journey on the bay.
• 11:30 - 12:00: The cruise returns to the International Port of Ha Long.

Transfer from Halong bay to Noi Bai Airport - Meet your guide and driver at the cruise lounge and transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your onward flight.

Transfer from Da Nang Airport to Hotel in Hoi An - Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, meet your driver and guide and transfer to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Luxury Accommodations: Little Riverside Hoi An
Accommodations: Anantara Hoi An Resort

Morning Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour:

The historic and quaint nature of UNESCO World Heritage Site Hoi An is perfect for exploring. As a former fishing village set on the banks of the Thu Bon River and strategic trading port for Southeast Asia, centuries of Chinese and Japanese influence have left their unique mark on this town.

Afternoon free to explore on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast
Luxury Accommodations: Little Riverside Hoi An
Accommodations: Anantara Hoi An Resort

Transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang/Lang Co to Hue -- After breakfast, check out from your hotel and meet your guide and driver to depart for Hue.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which opened in 1915. Then, visit the Marble Mountains, a well-known pilgrimage site with peaks, caves, tunnels, and temples. The mountains are home to numerous Buddhist sanctuaries and places of worship, making them a much-visited spiritual site. You will find many pagoda temples, including a special circular cave featuring a chimney leading to the summit, offering spectacular panoramic views. Afterwards, continue driving towards Hue.

The trip passes through many spectacular scenes along National Highway 1, including the breathtaking Hai Van Pass. The pass, which once formed the boundary between the kingdoms of Dai Viet and Champa, also marks the boundary between the climates of northern and southern Vietnam.

The Hai Van Pass is the highest and longest pass in Vietnam, with the North-South National Highway zigzagging through it for almost 20 km. Stop for photos along the pass and capture perfect pictures of Lang Co Beach, the spectacular landscape, or the peaceful fishing village.

Meals included: Breakfast
Luxury Accommodations: Eldora Hotel Hue
Accommodations: Ancient Hue Garden House (Hue)

Full day in the Forbidden Purple City:

Meet your guide at your hotel in the morning and head to the Purple Forbidden City, built by Emperor Gia Long in the early 19th century. Located within the Citadel of Hue's Imperial City, the site was severely damaged during the Tet Offensive of 1968. Established as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802, Hue served as the political, cultural, and religious heart of the country under the Nguyen dynasty until 1945.

After exploring the Purple Forbidden City, stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Then, board a dragon boat for a relaxing cruise along the Perfume River, making your way to the famous Thien Mu Pagoda. Continue to the tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Tu Duc, Vietnam's fourth emperor, is said to have had 104 concubines. The tomb of Khai Dinh, the 12th emperor, blends traditional Vietnamese architecture with modern European influences, crafted mostly from concrete.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Luxury Accommodations: Eldora Hotel Hue
Accommodations: Ancient Hue Garden House (Hue)

Today you will have free time until your driver and guide pick you up 2.5-3 hours before your departure time and transfer you to the airport.

Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet your driver and guide and transfer to your hotel.

Ho Chi Minh Half-Day Sightseeing:

Get ready to explore Saigon. Your first stop will be the Reunification Palace, the residence of South Vietnam's former president before 1975. Next, you will visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office. Saigon is the country's most dynamic city - a vital economic hub bustling with life. The city could be described as a reconciliation of Chinese and American influences, while retaining its distinct Vietnamese charm and character. Modern office skyscrapers, next to Chinese pagodas, street markets, food vendors and imposing colonial buildings - they all create a fascinating dynamic urban landscape. Later you head to the War Museum, one of Vietnam's most popular museums, which focuses primarily on the American side of the Vietnam War.

You then move to China Town of Saigon, stroll through the famous Thien Hau temple and Binh Tay Market, enjoy street foods at local restaurants, Take some beautiful photos at Lantern Street

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel.

*** Please note that the Cathedral is undergoing restoration through 2027 and will only be open for church services during this time.

Meals included: Breakfast
Luxury Accommodations: Bach Suites Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Accommodations: Mai House Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Cu Chi Tunnels:

You will head into the countryside near Ho Chi Minh City to spend half a day exploring an incredible feat of perseverance and wartime engineering, the Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War, and you will gain insights into the prolonged struggle against invading armies, and an appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the Vietnamese people.

The residents of Cu Chi took the war underground and into a network of highly developed tunnels that, at peak, stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens and triage areas, covering some 120-miles (200-kilometers). Imperceptible from the ground, opposing armies could roll their tanks over the bunkers without causing damage to the tunnels below. Living conditions were harsh - in addition to fighting the war, residents battled food and oxygen scarcity, venomous insects, and cramped living quarters. After touring through the tunnels, take a break and enjoy some time at leisure before being returned to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals included: Breakfast
Luxury Accommodations: Bach Suites Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Accommodations: Mai House Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Exploring the Tributaries of the Mekong Delta:

This morning, depart for your journey, around 2.5 hours, to Ben Tre in the heart of the Mekong Delta. On arrival stop at the vibrant My Long market where you will witness the daily activities of locals as they sort and sell a myriad of fresh fish and local produce and see the specialty rice paper cake being made. Board your boat as you cruise the waterways, through coconut jungles with a canopy of palm trees and along small canals. Stop at a local farmer's house to observe how coconut jam is skillfully crafted. Here, you will enjoy the flavors of tea and jam while enjoying the charming ambiance.

Next a XE LOI ride will take you through local villages where you will stop to see the art of coconut processing in a local workshop. You will also have the privilege of connecting with local villagers who will regale you with tales of the community's way of life. Enjoy a journey on a wooden rowboat as you gently glide along the shaded waters of some small canals. The picturesque scenery will provide ample opportunities to capture truly mesmerizing photographs.

Lunchtime beckons, and you will be treated to a feast of local specialties at a charming riverside restaurant. Here, you can unwind and savor the culinary delights in a serene setting. Following your meal, your boat journey will take you back towards Ben Tre where you will make a stop at a traditional brick kiln. Here you will gain an insight into the intricate art of handcrafting bricks and experience more of the local industry. After another short cruise you will be met by your driver for the trip back to Ho Chi Minh city.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Luxury Accommodations: Bach Suites Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Accommodations: Mai House Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Transfer from your hotel in Saigon to Tan Son Nhat Airport. You have free time until your driver and guide pick you up 2.5 to 3 hours before your departure time and transfer to the airport for your flight.

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival in Siem Reap, clear immigration and customs before proceeding to the arrivals area, where you will be greeted by your private guide and driver, who will escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast
Luxury Accommodations: Treeline Urban Resort (Siem Reap)
Accommodations: Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor (Siem Reap)

Temple Biking & Quiet Trails:

Explore Angkor Temples by bicycle. Cycle quiet back trails, explore breathtaking temples in the stunning and friendly Cambodian countryside. This trip runs outside Siem Reap. Escape the crowds, the busy roads and the well-worn trail at Angkor. Cycle the small tracks and minor roads to see a different side of the Angkor Temples.

This is a guided tour of the most intriguing of the major temples. We will visit Angkor Wat, Tha Prom, The Elephant Terrace and the Bayon as well as a couple of less visited ones along the way. We finish with a ride on small trails through the villages and back to town. This is a truly enjoyable ride on a good bike with a friendly Cambodian cycling guide. If you can ride a bike, then you will love this ride. The distance is approximately 30km on mainly flat tracks and small roads. We will stop often for photos, temple exploration on foot and refreshments.

Note: Visiting temples or other religious sites in Cambodia, visitors are advised to follow a dress code consisting of long trousers or skirt which covers the knees as well as covered shoulders. Skirts, short shorts, tank tops and revealing clothing are culturally insensitive and not allowed.

Bring with your camera, sunglasses, sunscreen and comfortable cycling clothes.
Biking distance: 30-35KM / Biking level: Medium

Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus:

Transfer from your hotel by Remok (tuk tuk) to the Phare circus tent, located just outside of town. This evening, enjoy a show at the Cambodian Circus. The show starts at 8:00 PM and lasts about an hour. Phare Ponleu Selpak means "Brightness of the Arts". This is a circus like no other and it is very different to a western style circus.

Phare is a Cambodian non-profit art organization founded in 1994 by eight young Cambodians returning from refugee camps along the Thai border. The purpose is to improve the development of local communities by providing education and professional artistic training. The circus performers are very talented, passionate and have traveled all of the world giving performances. The shows are constantly rotating depending on the time you visit. All of their shows are fantastic and focus on both traditional and contemporary themes. Some people credit Phare with the rebirth of Cambodian dance and culture.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Luxury Accommodations: Treeline Urban Resort (Siem Reap)
Accommodations: Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor (Siem Reap)

Enjoy your last morning in Siem Reap before checking out of your hotel. Your private guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.

Meals included: Breakfast