VIETNAM CAMBODIA 10 DAYS

Day 01: Arrive Hanoi

Day 02: Hanoi – Tam CoC – Hoa Lu – Hanoi

Day 03: Hanoi – Halong

Day 04: Halong –  Hanoi - Saigon  

Day 05: Saigon / Day excursion with a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels

Day 06: Saigon / Excursion tour to Mekong Delta

Day 07: Saigon - Siem Reap

Day 08: Siem Reap Angkor Tour

Day 09: Siem Reap Angkor Tour

Day 10: Siem Reap / Departure

DAY 01: HANOI ARRIVAL – CITY TOUR 

Welcome to Hanoi – Vietnam!

On arrival at Noi Bai airport, our local tour guide and driver will pick us up and transfer to the centre of Hanoi then check-in at hotel. This afternoon, we visit Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Stop at Ba Dinh Square and take photos of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum from outside. We then visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple then take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Please note: Standard check in time is 14:00. Early check in is subject to availability of the hotel

Night activities suggestion: enjoy local beer at Ta Hien Streets, experience the ambience of sleepless street with life music, the young people of Hanoi and also foreign tourists. Hundred of bars and pubs in the Old Quarter are also at your disposal. Or just simple spend your time at shopping malls or various boutique Shops.

DAY 02: HANOI – TAM COC – HOA LU – HANOI (B/L) (SIC TOUR)

Have breakfast at hotel. This morning, a 90km drive south of Hanoi will lead us to Ninh Binh, the site of the one capital city of ancient Vietnam before Hanoi took its leading role in 11th century. The area is featured by lots of well-known sceneries, which include Tam Coc Caves and Hoa Lu ancient capital with the old temples dedicated to King Dinh & King Le reigned in 10th century. The visit in Ninh Binh starts by a boat trip in Tam Coc where spectacular limestone karsts jut out from the green paddy fields reminding about Halong Bay, which gives this scenery the name “Halong-bay-on-land”. After lunch at local restaurant, we will drive from Tam Coc to Hoa Lu thru tranquil villages to enjoy the daily life of people in Ninh Binh until reaching the shady temples with many dedicated wood relieves of King Dinh and King Le, which have been built on the foundation of their former palace. Late afternoon we return to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 03: HANOI – HALONG (SHUTTLE BUS) – OVERNIGHT ON BOARD (B/L/D)

Have breakfast at hotel and check out hotel. This morning, we journey east by shuttle bus for 4 hour through picturesque rice-farming villages of the Red River Delta, where we see everyday Vietnamese village life to reach to Halong Bay, a Natural World Heritage as designated by UNESCO since 1994 and 2006. Upon arrival in Halong, we take our overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this “Descending-dragon” bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch of fresh seafood on board, we can visit the Surprising Grotto, stop for swimming or kayaking (at your own cost), passing floating villages and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close distance. Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Overnight on the boat.

DAY 04: HALONG –  HANOI (SHUTTLE BUS) – EVENING FLIGHT TO SAIGON (B/L)

Have breakfast on board. This morning, we visit by boat to Luon Cave, a ring-shaped pool inside an island in Halong with absolutely tranquil landscape and emerald water. Back to the Wharf of Halong passing the most densely area with many islands that have been named like the Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense burner rock or Sea Dog Rock. Early lunch/brunch will be served on board. Arrive at Halong Wharf around noon time, we return to Hanoi also by shuttle bus. Arrive in Hanoi after 4 hour driving, we have some leisure time before transferring to the airport for flight to Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City) – the most hectic and business city of Vietnam. Upon arrival, pickup by our local guide from the airport and transfer to the city center to check in hotel. drop off at our hotel for check in. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Saigon. 

Please note the program may be little varied upon the cruise you choose. Depending on the cruise, kayak will be included or not.

DAY 05: SAIGON – CU CHI TUNNELS – CITY TOUR – SAIGON (SIC TOUR) (B)

Have breakfast at hotel. Transfer to visit Cu Chi Tunnels. Located 60km from Saigon, Cu Chi is now a popular spot for both Vietnamese & foreign tourists – the network of over 200km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the War. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens. After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. Return to Saigon and your lunch will be mananged by your own.

In the afternoon, continue to visit the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notredame Cathedral (outside due to construction) and the Central Post Office. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 06: SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA – SAIGON (SIC TOUR) (B/L)

Have breakfast at hotel. This morning, we drive to My Tho the homeland of coconut and family factories with local products like coconut candy, rice paper,… Upon arrival, embark on the boat cruising on the mighty Mekong River viewing the life to the local people live along the banks. We stop at one of 4 island in the area for sightseeing. Enjoy the fresh tropical fruits served in the heart of the garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music at the plantation. After that you will embark on the small boats rowed the the local people thru the small cannels with water coconut tree to visit the local factories. There you will taste the honey tea and see the local people produce the coconut candy milk and of course you also can try it or stroll in the garden where the locals feed honeybee. After that enjoy the horse-cart trip through the tranquil road of the village. We continue getting on the big boat to visit the vast area. Enjoy your light lunch at a local restaurant nearby Mekong River with the Elephant Ear fish. This afternoon, we drive back to Saigon with stop to visit Vinh Trang pagoda, a famous pogoda in the area that its architecture is a mix of Chinese, Cambodian, and French culture. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 07: SAIGON – MORNING FLIGHT TO SIEM REAP – CITY TOUR (B)

Have breakfast at hotel and check out hotel. This moring, we transfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, pick up by our local tour guide from the airport and transfer to check in hotel. This afternoon, we visit the "Les Artisans d'Angkor – Chantiers Ecole" the Finest Authentic Khmer Arts and Crafts. End our visits at one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 08: SIEM REAP ANGKOR TOUR (B)

Have breakfast at hotel. This morning, we explore South Gate of Angkor Thom known as Big Angkor, 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. The famous Bayon Temple was an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century. Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two and a half meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and gradual that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon - huge temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas - impressive rite and sandstone pyramid. Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants, a double terrace wall with deeply carved nag as, demons and other mythological beings. This afternoon we visit Angkor Wat temple, the Cambodia's ancient temple is one of the wonders of the oriental world. Masterpieces of decorative details as well as of architectural style, its awe-inspiring ruins survive as testament to the spectacular achievements of Southeast Asia's greatest civilization. It is a replica of the universe according to the Hindu mythology. It is composed by the Mount Meru, surrounded by the continents and the oceans. Its extraordinary bas-reliefs, describe some Khmer epics and myths. Angkor Wat's five famous towers rise into the sky, a geometrical arrangement of numerous galleries, adorned with beliefs and the stone images of celestial Apsara dancers, as well as portals, chambers and courtyards. Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 09: SIEM REAP ANGKOR TOUR (B)

Have breakfast at hotel. This morning, we visit other highlights of Small Circuit. Explore Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty! Giant trees have grown here for centuries! Prasat Kravan was originally constructed by noblemen rather than a king. Banteay Kdei was built in sandstone, which has deteriorated quite badly. However, there remain some very beautiful lintels and pediments. Srah Srang is a royal pool which was the King's bathing pond, where he washed with his many concubines each day.  Takeo was commissioned by King Suryavarman I in the 10th Century, but it was never completed so has no elaborate decoration like its contemporaries. It is a pyramid on 5 levels and is dedicated to Shiva. Thommanon is a small attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat. Chau Say Tevoda was built during the second quarter of the 12th century opposite of Thommanon, it was dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.

This afternoon, we overland to visit the highlights of the Grand Circuit. Start from Preah Khan, meaning The Sacred Sword, was also built by Jayawarman VII and is famous for its immensely long cruciform corridors and delicate carvings. Neak Pean is a delicate highlight of Khmer art. Built by Jayavarman VII, this temple is the perfect representation of the heavens on earth. Ta Som was a small classic Bayon style monastic complex consisting of a relatively flat enclosure. East Mebon was built in the 10th Century by Rajendravarman; this temple was situated on a small island in the middle of the Oriental, or Eastern, Baray. Last visit Pre Rup built in the 10th Century by Rajendravarman and enjoy sunset there. Overnight in Seam Reap.

DAY 10: SIEM REAP DEPARTURE (B)

Have breakfast at hotel and check out. Free until time transfer to airport for departure flight.

Please note: Hotel Check-out time is around 12.00. Late checkout is not included.