INSIGHT VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

DAY 01: HA NOI ARIVAL (D).

Arrive Noi Bai international airport. After completing immigration formalities and clearing customs you will be met by our guide outside the baggage claim area who will escort you to a private waiting vehicle for your transfer to your hotel in Ha Noi (35 km | Approx. 45 minutes). Our guide will be holding a welcome board with your name.

Check in hotel, you're handed a welcome drink at the check-in desk.

Enjoy a half day tour to Bat Trang village.

After your lunch. Our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby. Transfer to Bat Trang village (15 km | Approx. 30 minutes).

• Experience about the lives and traditional handicraft of this ancient typical village in the Red River delta.
• Walking around the village see hundreds of pottery shops. Stop at a pottery workshop to learn about the porcelain-making process.
• Try your hand at making your own pottery, learn how to control the wheel to form the shape of the products.
• Wait for a while for the workshop owner to dry it and then you can draw and decorate your own masterpiece at your interest.
• Visit the Bat Trang pottery market.
• Visit Bat Trang Pottery Museum.

Transfer back to the city.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant. (Top 10 must-try dishes in Ha Noi will be served during your dinner).

Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Overnight in Ha Noi.

DAY 02: HA NOI CITY TOUR (B,L,D).

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel.

Today, we enjoy a private Ha Noi full day city tour:

• Ho Chi Minh Complex. Follow a long queue to get inside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Take a short walk to Ho Chi Minh’s former house, which is built on stilts.
• One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1049), it’s one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples.

• The sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda.
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The museum offers an excellent view of the customs and habits of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam with various unique cultural features.

Note:

• The mausoleum is open in the morning on every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The mausoleum is closed on Monday & Friday weekly. Normally, each year, the mausoleum will be closed for about 2 months for maintenance, usually from September to November.
• Museum of Ethnology is closed on Monday weekly.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

• Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university (Founded in 1070 by Emperor Le Thanh Tong).
• The oldest bridge of Ha Noi “Long Bien Bridge” to take photos and see the local life of Hanoi.
• The Maison centrale in Hanoi, also known as Hoa Lo Prison or the ‘Hanoi Hilton’.
• Enjoy a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as “36 streets.
• Enjoy a traditional water puppet performance “Roi Nuoc” (Approx. 50 minutes).

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 03: HA NOI – HA LONG BAY – A NIGHT ON CUISE (B,L,D).

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel. We depart for Ha Long city to visit Ha Long Bay, a World Natural Heritage site and a World of New7Wonders. (170 km | Approx. 02 hour 30 minutes).

• 11.45 - 12.00: Boarding our boat at Tuan Chau Port – enjoy welcome drink, receive cruise briefing and safety instructions.
• Enjoy the deluxe buffet lunch while cruising towards the bay.
• Spend the afternoon cruising through the bay, admiring the karst scenery and enjoying the full taste of the sea in Titov Island. About one hour is spent on the island, allowing time to climb to the peak for a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bay, relax on the beach and have a swim or just spend some time relaxing on board.
• Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations.
• Attend the Fruit and Vegetable Carving Lesson led by our Head Chef.
• After the dinner, enjoy board games, sip a cocktail at the bar, or try a unique experience of squid catching with help from the crew.
• Overnight on board.

(The itinerary above may be changed depending on the cruise we choose and weather permitting).

DAY 04: HA LONG BAY – HA NOI - FLY TO HUE (B,L,D).

• You’ll start your day with a light breakfast served in the dining room.
• Enjoy Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck (lasting for about 30 minutes).
• Guests are transferred by tender to the Surprise Cave - one of the most spectacular and largest grottoes of Halong Bay. The mouth of the grotto is reached by ascending about a hundred stone steps.
• Upon returning to the boat, guests will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. Please collect all of your belongings from the cabins and leave heavy luggage outside the cabins (staff will transfer directly to the pier).
• Enjoy a Brunch in the dining room. Bills are settled after Brunch.
• Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier.
• Arrive at Tuan Chau port, relax inside the pier building while waiting for return transportation.

Our tour guide and driver will pick you up then transfer to Noi Bai airport (170 km | Approx. 02 hour 30 minutes) to take a short domestic flight to Hue (approx. 01 hour 15 minutes). Upon arrival Phu Bai airport, you are welcome and then be transferred to your hotel (15 km | Approx. 30 minutes). After an included private transfer, you’ll be greeted with welcome drink before check in.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant. (Top 10 must-try dishes in Hue will be served during your dinner).

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Hue.

DAY 05: HUE IMPERIAL – THUY BIEU VILLAGE (B,L,D).

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel.

• Explore Hue Citadel Complex including Royal Citadel and Forbidden Citadel - UNESCO World Heritage sites, set up by Nguyen Dynasty from 1805 to 1945.
• Visit the striking Flag Tower, the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho Palace), Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns…

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a journey to the grapefruit village of Thuy Bieu (7km from Hue city center).
• Walking to visit the old temple dedicated to the genius of the village, at school, and in a family which owns three of the older houses. These buildings are characterized by engravings and sculptures in wood: dragons, phoenix and other natural landscapes on columns, beams or rafters.
• Continuation by bike all along the river of perfumes in the nature, among flowers and thousands of grapefruits. Stop at the local market, to buy if you want notebooks, pencils, pens, to offer to the orphanage.
• Boat trip along the romantic Perfume River carries us through a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes.
• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda - one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious work ship in Hue.
• Admire the sunset aboard of the boat during the return to Hue.
• Enjoy “Royal dinner”. Enjoy a delicious food while listening to melodious music and having a feeling of being the King and Queen. All wear traditional royal clothes.
• Meet and talk with people who are descendants of kings and royal family to have an in-depth experiences of Nguyen dynasty.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Hue.

DAY 06: HUE – DA NANG – HOI AN.

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel. We leave Hue to Da Nang (90 km | Approx. 02 hours). Upon arrival Da Nang we will visit:

• Cham Museum - One of the largest collections of Cham sculpture and artwork in the world.
• Explore the stone-cutting craft village on the way to Hoi An.

Check in hotel, you're handed a welcome drink at the check-in desk.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

Enjoy a walking around the historic town to visit:

• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall - One of five official assembly halls in Hoi An (was established in 1697).
• 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge - The symbol of Hoi An.
• Chua Ong Pagoda (Quan Cong Temple), a centuries-old spiritual treasure trove of Hoi An was established in 1653.
• Tan Ky old house, a living museum with more than 200 years old in Hoi An.
• The silkworm & handicraft workshops.
• Enjoy a short cruise on the river to experience the lantern floating with a lantern drop for good luck.

Our guide will help you enjoy an authentic Hoi An ancient town, enjoy a cup of egg coffee by the riverside and witness the local life.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant. (Top 10 must-try dishes in Hoi An will be served during your dinner).

Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure and overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 07: TRA QUE VILLAGE – DA NANG - FLY TO SIEM REAP (B,L,D).

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and a Xe Lam-Auto rickshaw will transfer you to Hoian’s colorful market, experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market, interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later to Tra Que village.

• Auto rickshaw to Tra Que village, a charming little village on the edge of Hoi An, visit Reu Tra Que.
• Enjoy a signature hand & foot massages, delivered with a unique musical therapy that synchronize song with rhythmic acupressure.
• Learn to prepare Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Crispy Rice Pancake) and be given a sound understanding of the ingredients and flavors used in Vietnamese cooking. You will also be introduced to tastings of local specialty dishes that you may be yet to try.
• Enjoy a delightful lunch prepared by you.

Free your time at leisure until our guide and driver pick you up and transfer to Da Nang airport (25 km | Approx. 45 minutes) for a short flight to Siem Reap (approx. 01 hour 10 minutes). Upon arrival you are welcome and transfer to your hotel in Siem Reap (50 km | Approx. 01 hour 15 minutes). After an included private transfer, you’ll be greeted with welcome drink at the check-in desk.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 08: ANGKOR WONDER (B,L,D).

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel.

Today, we enjoy a private full day to explore Angkor. We will visit:

• Visit the largest and most impressive temple - Angkor Wat - one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on the planet. Angkor Wat was built between 1112 and 1152 by King Suryavarman II.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

• Visit the fortified Royal city of Angkor Thom, constructed by King Jayavarman II at the end of the 12th century.
• Visit Ta Prohm Temple, a great example for the "battle" between nature and man’s art.
• Climb to the hilltop temple of Phnom Bakheng for a truly memorable sunset.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Top 10 must-try dishes in Cambodia will be served during your dinner.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 09: SIEM REAP - ROLOUS GROUP - TONLE SAP LAKE.

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel. We then transfer (15 km | Approx. 30 minutes) to the Rolous Group, the first town created by the kings of Cambodia, dating from the early Angkor period of 802-1431.

• Visit Preah Ko Temple was built by King Indravarman I in 879.
• Visit Bakong was built in 881.
• Visit Lolei was built by King Yasovarman I in 893.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

Late afternoon we transfer (20 km | Approx. 50 minutes) to the Tonle Sap Lake for a sunset cruise and to see a floating village.

• Enjoy a tranquil cruise on Tonle Sap to gain fascinating insight into the riverside Khmer communities.
• Explore Kampong Kleang, one of the most unspoiled floating communities on the lake.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 10: SIEM REAP – FLY TO SAIGON (B,L,D).

Breakfast at hotel. Free your time at leisure until our guide and driver pick you up and transfer to Siem Reap airport (50 km | Approx. 01 hour 15 minutes) for a short flight to Saigon (approx. 01 hour 10 minutes). Upon arrival you are welcome and transfer to your hotel in Saigon(12 km | Approx. 30 minutes). After an included private transfer, you’ll be greeted with welcome drink at the check-in desk.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 11: SAIGON - CU CHI TUNELS - CITY TOUR (B,L,D).

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel and then transfer to Cu Chi district, 50 km to the northwest of Saigon city (approx. 01 hour 30 minutes).

• Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, watch a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels.
• Experience history first-hand as you crawl the legendary Cu Chi tunnels, sample local food and food eaten by soldiers who lived in the wonder of Vietnam's unique military art.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant

Afternoon, enjoy a half day Saigon city tour:

• The twin towers of Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed.
• The historic Saigon Central Post Office.
• The Reunification Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon government during the American war.
• The War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American war through the eyes of the Vietnamese.
• Walking tour along Dong Khoi Street, known as Rue Catinat in French-colonial times.
• Enjoy a walking tour to visit the famous Ben Thanh Market, this will give you a good insight into the Vietnamese markets as well as an opportunity to interact with locals.

It's time to enjoy a cup of coffee, our local guide will help you enjoy a truly Saigon, experience Saigon's famed coffee street culture to get closer to its locals.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant (Top 10 must-try dishes in Saigon will be served during your lunch).

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon).

DAY 12: SAIGON – BEN TRE – SAI GON (B,L,D).

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel.

• We transfer to Ben Tre (90 km & approx. 02 hours).
• Take a private leisurely boat trip, stocked with cold, cold towels, bottled water, fresh, seasonal fruits, and green tea, cruise along the Ben Tre river, you will have the opportunity to witness the daily activities of the local people.
• The boat then takes you to the old brick kiln, where you can learn about traditional brick making techniques.
• The boat ride continues along a small river branch, with rows of green water coconut trees and cork trees on both sides. This picturesque scenery adds to the charm of the journey. The boat makes a stop at a facility specializing in peeling coconuts and making coconut meat, allowing you to witness the skilled work of the workers. You can also try their hand at peeling coconuts with the guidance of the workers.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant (Top 10 must-try dishes in Mekong delta will be served during your lunch).

• Next, the boat takes the group to Cai Son nipa canal, where you can admire the nipa palm groves and visit a coconut candy production facility. Here, you can learn about the traditional handmade coconut candy making process and savor some delicious coconut candy. You can also enjoy honey tea while listening to Southern amateur music.
• The journey continues to Nhon Thanh market, where you can visit the famous Nhon Thanh mat weaving village and learn about the traditional craft of mat weaving. You will have the opportunity to try weaving mats themselves under the guidance of skilled artisans
• Enjoy Xe Lam-Auto rickshaw around the village to have a look at the orchards and visit local people’s house. to experience the daily life of Mekong people.
• You also have the opportunity to experience traditional boating through a small canal surrounded by shady coconut trees. This unique experience allows visitors to get up close and personal with the stunning natural beauty of Ben Tre.

Transfer back to Saigon city.

Farewell Dinner will be served at a local restaurant

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon).

DAY 13: SAIGON – DEPARTURE (B).

Breakfast at hotel.Free your time at leisure until our guide and driver pick you up then transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport (12 km | Approx. 30 minutes) to take your departure flight.