15 Days Cambodia & Vietnam Discovery Tour

Today you will be driven to the south gate of Angkor Thom, the entrance to the once-glorious capital of the Khmer Empire. This massive historical site encompasses a series of eminent structures, such as the Bayon Temple, famed for the multitude of serene and vivid carvings, Elephant Terrace, a giant reviewing stand for Angkor’s King to greet his victorious army, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm Temples, a famous location in the film Tomb Raider. After the lunch break, the trip continues to the world-renowned Angkor Wat Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. While here you will be transferred to the Pre Rup Temple, acknowledged as one of the best spots in Angkor to catch an impressive sunset, weather permitting.

Meals included: Breakfast

Notes:

Dress Code: Revealing clothes, such as shorts and skirts above the knees and showing bare shoulders are prohibited in sacred places. Respectful dress is strongly recommended in Angkor.

Smoking: Smoking inside the temple is prohibited at all times.

Public holiday closures: The Bakan Tower (Central Tower) of Angkor Wat Temple is closed on Buddhist Sabbath Days (Buddhist religious days which occur four days each month. On these days, the tower cannot be climbed.

Commence the day with exploration of Kompong Khleang Floating Village, perhaps the most authentic of Cambodia’s floating villages of stilt houses built within the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake. During the dry season when the lake is low, the buildings in the villages seem to soar atop their 6 meter stilts exposed by the lack of water. Villagers then move out onto the lake and build temporary stilted houses, returning in the wet season when water level rises again. Travelins on, arrive at the Wat Thmei, Killing Field, featuring a unique glass-walled stupa containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well while others are the remains of soldiers who died on a nearby battlefield. Proceeding to Les Chantiers Ecoles Artisans D' Angkor, you will be able to observe a workshop that teaches the unique craft of wood and stone carving in the tradition and style of classic Cambodian artistry, before stopping at Wat Preah Prum Rath, the second oldest pagoda in Siem Reap.

Meals included: Breakfast

After taking a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll be met by our guide and taken to visit the Ben Thanh Market where you can mix with locals going about their daily lives while you check out the variety of goods on offer, before heading to the hotel. Gain an overview of the spirit of the people and what they have overcome from turbulent history of Vietnam on display at the War Remnants Museum, featuring artefacts and records of hostilities against French, Japanese and American incursions. Also of significance to the country’s history is the Independence Palace commemorating the declaration of independence and rejoining of the south with the north. A strong French colonial influence is evident at Notre Dame Cathedral and an amazing fusion of French and Vietnamese architecture within Saigon Central Post Office. Further remnants of French colonial architecture can be found strolling along Dong Khoi Street, now mixed with high rise and populated with designer shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Meals included: Breakfast

Before arriving at today's main destination - Cu Chi Tunnels – savor the experience of visiting an organic agricultural garden where you’ll enjoy lunch after a private cooking class. In the afternoon you have a challenging opportunity to explore the incredible underground Cu Chi Tunnel network, which was constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The below-ground network providing living and restorative capability formed an essential part of their strategy for success. Some tunnels have been enlarged to accommodate visitors. Following a drive back to the hotel you will be free to relax for a pleasant Saigon sunset and enjoyable night.

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, you will leave Ho Chi Minh City to visit Cai Thia, passing through Cai Be, in the Mekong Delta. From here, witness local life from a different perspective as you ride a bicycle along paths that wind through plantations, vegetable gardens and tropical vegetation. You will pass peaceful villages and cycle along narrow canals, before stopping at a local family to sip tea and enjoy local fruits. After lunch at a guesthouse, jump aboard a rowing boat for further exploration on the river after which a local boat will return you to dock. From here, continue your journey to Can Tho where you’ll spend the night.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: The route for today’s cycling activity is between 5 and 10 kilometers and a maximum 1 hour travel.

Start today’s trip with a boat cruise on sparking streams of the mighty Mekong River to Cai Rang Floating Market, where hundreds of boats loaded with fruits, vegetables and fish jostle for trade and sellers shout loudly to advertise their wares. In the afternoon, you will be driven to Can Tho airport for your flight to Da Nang. On arrival you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to the hotel in Hoi An.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, on a light excursion around the tiny town of Hoi An, you will be able to explore picturesque cultural sites such as the ancient Japanese Covered Bridge, Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) and Cantonese Assembly Hall (Quan Cong Temple), and the Old House of Tan Ky, home of a former Vietnamese merchant. A boat ride on the Hoai River in the afternoon leads to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where making pottery is still practiced in the traditional way and you can watch the locals at work. Pay a visit to the Precious Heritage Museum and see photographic work by Rehahn, a French photographer who shares his adventures in Vietnam. Tra Que Vegetable Village is a charming vegetable village which produces fresh leaves, vegetables and fruits for the local community. You may enjoy an opportunity a cooking class learning Hoi An culinary specialties. The evening is yours to explore charming Hoi An, taking in a highly recommended visit to the Hoi An night market.

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Hoi An, before being driven to Hue. On route, you’ll have a chance to tour Da Nang, visiting Non Nuoc Beach, the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture and the famous Marble Mountains. On route take in the spectacular view to the ocean from Hai Van Pass. On arrival in Hue in the afternoon, you are free to explore the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Get a fine experience of Hue today with a visit to the Imperial City of Hue, where you can stroll around this Forbidden Purple City site to see the Halls of Mandarins. At every turn there are things to broaden your knowledge, experience and understanding of Vietnamese history. Continue the tour to the majestic Minh Mang Tomb and a sail along the Perfume River in a royal dragon boat to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda. Later, you will be transferred to the bustling Dong Ba Market where you can get up close to local life and sample some of the exotic wares.

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy free time early in the morning until it’s time to leave to catch the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, after checking into the hotel, take a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter street markets with a local guide who’s passionate about food. Discover the exotic flavors of Vietnam with fellow food-lovers. You can sample fruit, hawker street food and local specialties like pork crepes. Visit Hanoi’s largest covered market, Dong Xuan, for a personalized taste encounter with Hanoi’s best street food on this walking tour.

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, spend some leisure time on Ba Dinh Square, site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Later, visit Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda and Vietnam’s Confucius center and first university, the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, proceed to Hoa Lo Prison (named Hanoi Hilton by American POWs), followed by the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the best place to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups from the rich collections of objects, photos, video tapes and cassettes. Pay a visit to a local craftsman’s house to learn how the water puppets are made and enjoy a unique water puppet show, a favorite experience for all visitors to Vietnam and a highlight of any Vietnam tour.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Please note the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Fridays and Mondays and most museums are closed on Mondays. Your guide may adjust the itinerary accordingly.

The next day and a half promises the enriching experience of a Halong Bay cruise, beginning with a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi to the World Heritage site. Around 1,600 limestone karst islands dot the bay, traditional sampans and junks sail the glittering waters, grottos, thick forests, and hidden coves complete a movie-magical picture. Check-in for the cruise at midday, in time to be served a buffet lunch, before embarking on a memorable ocean adventure. Along the way a variety of optional activities like kayaking, swimming, diving can add to the fun of this trip.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Continue your leisurely Halong Bay cruise today until brunch is finished (around 10:00am-10:30am). Disembark from the boat around 11:00am. Your guide and driver will meet you at the pier and return you to your hotel in Hanoi by mid-afternoon. You are then free to explore Hanoi for the remainder of the day.

Meals included: Brunch

Enjoy a free morning before you are escorted to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast