ID16: Vietnam & Cambodia explorer 20 days

Itinerary in Brief:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Arrival at Noi Bai Airport, welcome and transfer to hotel by Asia View Travel guides with signboard, check in, relax. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi city tour – night train to Sapa (B, L)
This morning we start city tour  with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh ( Close on Monday, Friday & November), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam, visit the Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, take a cyclo tour  around the 36 streets of the Hanoi old quarter to learn more about simple life of Hanoian. Enjoy water puppet show- a remarkable Vietnamese art form that combines traditional music, fireworks, underwater puppeteers, and elaborate puppets floating gracefully over water. Tonight we enjoy water puppet show before taking the night train to Laocai. The train leaves Hanoi around 9:00 PM. Overnight on train.

Day 3: Sapa – Cat cat tribe’s village (B, L)

The train arrives at the Lao Cai train station at approximately 06:00. There will be a vehicle and tour guide waiting to transfer us to Sapa. The drive to Sapa is only 33 km but it takes around 1.5 hours to make our way up the mountains. Arrive Sapa and  enjoy  breakfast at the hotel ( There will be surcharge if require early check in ). We then do a tour to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, and Sansaho village home to the H'mong  hill tribes minority peoples. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Here we have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families that live in the area. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

Day 4: Lao chai – Tavan village – night train back Hanoi (B, L)
Buffet breakfast at the hotel Embark on a lovely  walk  that will take us along small paths and trails and through several hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Tavan, home to H'mong, and Dzay people. This is a absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Stopping for a picnic lunch on the way at a family in Ta Van village. Opportunity to meet with local people and study the art of making batik and local weaving villages - study textile tradition of craft women o Black H'mong and Red Dzao. Transfer back to Lao cai for night train back Hanoi. Overnight on train.

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay on board (B, L, D)
Arrival in Hanoi in the early morning at round 5:00 am. Please find your way by foot back to a mini hotel near the Tran Quy  Cap station gate to have shower and basic set menu breakfast. Then 8:30 AM start a 3. 5hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Comfort stop en route for photos and coffee before arriving to Ha Long City. We then transfer to a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island. Overnight on Junk.

Day 6: Halong bay – Ninh Binh (B, D)
Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a trip to Ninh Binh. Arrive in Ninh binh, check in, relax at hotel.

Day 7: Tam Coc – Bich dong – Hoa lu - Hanoi (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel, take a board sampans at Tam Coc to ferry down the Boi river, spend some time relaxing on a 3 hour boat trip. The boat goes through 3 cavernous limestone tunnels, offering a cool break from the sunshine and astounding views of the cave structures. We then ready our bicycles and start cycling to Bich Dong. Lunch at local restaurant in Tam Coc. In the afternoon, transfer to Hoa  lu, the ancient citadel of Vietnam in 10th century, to visit temples of two Kings: Dinh and Le, walking up and down in the beautiful Truong Yen Valley to enjoy the marvelous scenery. Transfer back to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi - Danang - Hoian (B)
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to the airport for the flight to Danang. The guide in Danang will pick you up, transfer to Hoian. Along the way we will visit the excellent Cham Museum which has much relevance to your later visit of the Cham ruin of My Son., Marble Mountain with a Buddhist cave and a wonderful view of the surrounding, China Beach. Arrive in Hoi An, check in, relax. We spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Hoian ancient town. The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence. There are plenty to see in this delightful and tranquil town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tam Ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market. We visit these on our morning walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past.

Day 9: Hoian – Myson sanctuary (B)
Breakfast in the hotel. This morning we drive to visit holly land My Son. This is a former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled central Vietnam between the second and thirteenth centuries. Hinduism from India heavily influenced their religion. Located 60 km. from Danang, My Son is considered to be one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. The complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. This site is a must-see for those who are interested in architecture and ancient civilizations. It is one of four World Heritage listed sites in Vietnam. 

Day 10: Hoian- Hue (B)
At leisure to enjoy Hoian. Whether it be a stroll about the old quarter or  a bike ride throught the scenic country side to the beach or shop amongst the famous silk shop in town Hoian has all to offer. Leaving Hoi An in the afternoon, we drive north to Hue - the Vietnam's last imperial capital of Vietnam. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Day 11: Hue city tour (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel, we then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We embark on a boat for cruise upstream on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to The beautiful pagoda of Thien Mu. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc, Emperor Khai Dinh. On return to the city, we then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market and pass many fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to sample some local delicacies.

Day 12: Hue - Saigon (B, L)
Morning after breakfast transfer to airport for the flight to Saigon. Pick up at Tan Son Nhat airport, transfer to city center, check in, relax. We discover dynamic city with the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight at hotel in Saigon.

Day 13: Saigon – Cuchi tunnel (B)
After breakfast, we drive to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. At the height of the Vietnam war, the tunnel system stretched from the outskirts of Saigon  all the way to the Cambodian border of over 250 kilometers of tunnels. The tunnel system, built over 25 years starting in the 1940s, let the Viet Minh and, later, the Viet Cong, control a huge rural area.  It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers.  In places, it was several  stories deep and housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years.... getting married, giving birth, going to school. The ground here is hard clay, which made this whole thing possible. But even so, the planning and construction was incredible. People dug all this with hand tools, filling reed baskets and dumping the dirt into bomb craters. They installed large vents so they could hear approaching helicopters, smaller vents for air and baffled vents to dissipate cooking smoke. There were also hidden  trap doors and gruesomely effective bamboo-stake booby traps. Today, the trees and bushes have grown back. And since 1988, two sections of tunnels have been open for visitors. Drive back to Saigon, free for shopping.

Day 14: Saigon – Mekong Delta Cruise (B, L, D)
Transfer to Mekong Delta. Board LE COCHINCHINE boat. Enjoy welcome drink. Explore the lively Cai Be floating market. Cruising amongst the mazes of waterway to visit the handicraft villages and meet with local people. Sightseeing the old house and sample various tropical fruits. Arrive  in Vinh Long island we  then embark on  a walk or bike for sightseeing tour of the Culao BINH HOA PHUOC Le Cochinchine sets sail  to Cantho via Cho LACH and TRAON. Disembark Cho LACH village. Embark on a pleasant walking or biking on the footpaths of the countryside to discover tropical fruit orchards and the local people's activities. Enroute to visit a cottage industry, a local farm and sample seasonal fruits. Cruise to continue to Mang Thit . Enjoy the magnificent sunset on the river. Leisurely cruise up the Mekong River while enyoying the beautiful scenery and the aperitifs, sunset cruise. A wonderful day with picturesque ferry crossings over Mekong River branches. Dinner and nite on Le Cochinchine boat in TRAON.

Day 15: Mekong Delta Cruise – Saigon (B)
Rising up to the sound of River and Mekong Delta coming to life for another lovely day we enjoy the sunset.
After breakfast, we cruise along the canals and visit a village on the bank of Co Chien or, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life of the local inhabitants, and their hospitality. Leisurely cruise up the Bassac river while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Arriving in Cantho, we explore the CaiRang market, one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong Delta with hundreds of small boats ladden fruits barging and jostling for space as owners attempt to sell their goods. Boat through the palm-shaded creek to see local houses and green orchards, ship building yards, local markets in full swing. Check out and disembark the boat. Return to Saigon. Overnight at the hotel.
 

Day 16: Saigon - Phnompenh (B, L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport for the flight to Phnompenh. Arrival transfer our hotel in Phnompenh, the capital of Kingdom of Cambodia. Transfer from Phnom Penh International Airport to the hotel.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Phnom Penh city tour: Visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your afternoon with the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset.

Day 17: Phnompenh - Siemreap (B, L )

Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport and departure by Siem Reap Airways International or similar to Siem Reap. Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport and transfer to the hotel (rooms may not ready until the afternoon).
Visit the Roluos Group. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89), are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor.
Lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue your temple tour. See the unique interior brick sculptures Prasat Kravan, the Srah Srang reservoir (known as "The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the mountain-temple of Pre Rup until sunset. 

Day 18: Siem reap (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
Visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Sunset at Angkor Wat

Day 19: Siem reap (B )

An early bird special:
Transfer to the archaeological site for the sunrise from the Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat Or sunrise at Srah Srang.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning, transfer to Banteay Srei temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area's most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.
In the afternoon, you continue your temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Prea Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som and Banteay Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the southern example remarkably well preserved. Two concentric walls enclose the ensemble

Day 20: Siemreap departure (B)
Free at leisure before transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of tour.

Accommodation Options

Tour includes:
• All accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
• 2 days 1 night cruise in Halong Bay ( private cabin - sharing boat )
• 2 night on train
• 2 days 1 night cruise in Mekong Delta ( private cabin - sharing boat )
• All tours & transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Private English  speaking guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary at local restaurant with local foods (B = breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
• Boat cruise as stated
• Round trip train ticket soft sleep 4 berth/ cabin  Hanoi – Lao cai – Hanoi
• Flight Ticket  Hanoi – Danang, Hue – Saigon, Saigon – Phnompenh, Phnompenh - Siemreap
• Entrance fees and permits for all sights visited
• Mineral water & towel
• Government taxes & Service charges

Tour excludes:
• International flights that not mentioned above
• Vietnam visa arrangement (upon request visa on arrival at 15 USD, not including stamping fee at 25 USD)
• Cambodia Visa (available at the airport at 20 USD/person)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Kayak in Halong Bay
• Surcharge on 24,31 December and Lunar New Year
• Personal travel insurance (Compulsory)
• Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills
• Tips and gratuities