Vietnam in-depth & Cambodia Extension - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – Sapa by luxury shuttle bus.
Day 3: Sapa – Visit Ethnic villages.
Day 4: Sapa – Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi Insight.
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay.
Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Overnight train to Hue.
Day 8: Hue City Tour.
Day 9: Hue – Hoian.
Day 10: Hoian Morning Tour – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon City Tour.
Day 12: HCMC – Mekong Delta day trip (Ben Tre) – HCMC.
Day 13: HCMC – Fly to Siem Reap.
Day 14: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples full day tour.
Day 15: Siem Reap – Free at leisure.
Day 16: Siem Reap Departure.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi.
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital. Your driver and guide will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your hotel in the city center. After tour briefing, It's time to relax with a trip to the Old Quarter by a vietnam cyclo. The charming area comes out with its small alleys, old houses, charming little cafes, boutique shops and variety of food on the street, such as corn on the cob, juicy mango or young rice wrapped in lotus leaf… Disembark to start a walk from the City Gate "O Quan Chuong" which is the only one remaining through Thanh Ha local market, bustling streets& alleys. End the walking tour at Ta Hien Street and enjoy a glass of local beer at its corner with all the locals around before conclude the tour with the unique water puppet show.
Meals: N/A.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi – Sapa by luxury shuttle bus.
Your trip starts with 5 hour scenic luxury bus ride from Hanoi Capital to Sapa hill station with a comfort stop at the half way. Upon arrival, check in the hotel followed by your lunch (your own account).
The afternoon is full of activities. You’ll walk down streets for the orientation guided tour that endures one hour and the tour includes all the key sites such as the Old Church, local market and the dining & shopping streets… Then, continue by a drive to Sau Chua ethnic Black Hmong village. This village has been recently discovered and much less visited. It is located on the mountain summit, therefore you can take the best photos of panorama Sapa town down there at sunset. Besides, you will have lots of interactions with the villagers who show their great hospitality and want to share their life so you’ll learn more about how they live. Back to the hotel then and have the rest of day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa.

Day 3: Sapa – Visit Ethnic villages.
Enjoy your tasty breakfast in the hotel.
Today, you’ll start a bit later to pick up the best time when the sun arise for the best vision & photos. Your guide and driver will transfer you to Sapa vinicity where the ethnic minorities live. On the way, you will have several stops for magnificent landscapes, silver waterfalls. The first stop is Can Ho B which is a home for Red Dao people. When walking in this hamlet, you will be so much welcomed by the locals whom you meet on the way. Visit their home to learn how the traditional costumes are made from hemp and dyed by indigo plant. Then, proceed further to Ta Giang Phinh, a Hmong village, nestled in the valleys below Sapa for a four to five hour trek. As you walk through the authentic village, you will have a great chance to meet and interact with the native people who love to share with you about their life and so.
Back to Sapa later and the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa.

Day 4: Sapa – Hanoi
Today you have an optional market day trip for you to choose. You are suggested to contact with our travel consultant as early as possible for the best arrangement. Depending on the day of the week, this may either be Bac Ha (Sunday), home to the flower H'mong hill tribe minority people or Can Cau takes part on Saturday, Coc Ly on Tuesday, Cao Son on Wednesday, Lung Khau Nhi on every Thursday. Then, take a drive back to Hanoi from the market in the afternoon. Alternatively, you just follow the included itinerary by driving straight back Hanoi in the morning.
Check in to the hotel and relax.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi Insight.
This a day tour is carefully designed for you to have a deep insight into the city culture. The tour includes not only all the city key sites but also the places where the others don’t come.
First, you’ll be picked up by your expert guide and driver from the desired hotel to Ngoc Ha village. Originally formed long ago as a flower village for the city daily consumption, it is now just like an oasis surrounded by the high-risers due to the urbanization. Herein, the circle walk starts from the village communal house and ends by the Huu Tiep Lake where is the wreckage of a B52 that was shot down in the famous Christmas bombing of 1972. The village shows a great contrast between now and past. Additionally, when you take a walk through the village you’ll have a chance to view and experience the local life and interact frequently.
Then, the trip will continue with a visit to the historical Ba Dinh Square that is a perfect place to review the Vietnam’s modern history. You will walk just outside the Mausoleum to the Uncle Ho’s House, the Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda - all "must see" landmarks.
The lunch offers you unforgettable experience of the famous Hanoi specialty cha ca - fried fish with turmeric and dill and vermicelli noodles - at Cha Ca Thang Long.
In the afternoon, proceed to the famous Temple of Literature that was built in 1070 and best known as the First National University. Next, visit another key site of the Hanoi Hilton where the POW’s were formerly imprisoned.
This evening, you discover the charming Capital of Hanoi by joining us in the Street Food Tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay.
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer by a shuttle bus on the 3.5 hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay. Spend 24 hours on a traditional Junk Cruise in the amazing bay: a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as you sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, cruise around some of Halong’s many islands, including Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way visit one of the bay’s 3 largest caves (Thien Cung, Dau Go or Sung Sot). Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Tonkin Gulf (weather permitting). Pass the night on your junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: on cruise.

Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Overnight train to Hue.
Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as you navigate back to Halong City. Have brunch on board the boat before disembarkation at the pier to hop on the shuttle bus for transferring to a day-used hotel in Hanoi. Before the tour guide escorts you to the nearby railway station, you can relax in the hotel or wander on your own through the Old Quarter.
Meals: Brunch.
Accommodation: Night train to Hue (at 19:30) – sleeping berth.

Day 8: Hue City Tour.
Upon arrival in Hue, your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the city centre.
The first visit is the Imperial Citadel to learn about the last dynasty of Vietnam followed by a call at Thien Mu Pagoda which is the city landmark. Then, take a cruise along the Perfume River to view the city in tranquility before disembarkation at the Ming Mang Tomb for your further exploration. Afterward, your guide & driver will transfer you to the hotel and spend the rest of day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue.

Day 9: Hue – Hoian.
After breakfast at hotel, take a guided transfer by car to Hoian via the Marble Mountains, Lang Co Beach and across the Hai Van Pass. Upon arrival in Hoian, take a walking tour to the ancient town including a visit to Phuc Kien congressional assembly hall, Japanese Cover Bridge and Tan Ky ancient house. Continue walking to the pier by Thu Bon River to embark the boat for cruising along and enjoying the Sunset over the charming town.
Transfer back to hotel and spend your time at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 10: Hoian Morning Tour – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City.
This morning, perhaps you choose and take part in one of the following optional activities:
    •    Enjoy eco-tour.
    •    Or cooking class
    •    Or learn how to make lanterns.
    •    Or enjoy a bicycle tour to Tra Que Village.
    •    Or take a wet rice planting tour.
    •    Or My Son trip.
(Please feel free to contact our travel consultants to get the each tour variation description and their advice on quotation for your best choice.)
In the afternoon, take the domestic flight Danang to Ho Chi Minh City – the central of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. Upon arrival, your tour guide and driver will pick you up to transfer to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon City Tour.
Breakfast at hotel then drive to Cu Chi – the magic underground tunnels network that runs to more than 120 miles (200 kilometers) in total length in this area alone. This is best known as a VC base used in the Vietnam War. By coming here, you will see the war hardship and the vitality of the locals to their final independence and freedom.
Transfer back to the city centre and in the afternoon, visit the Reunification Palace – the former Presidential Palace of Southern Vietnamese Government before 1975, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office – two famous French building in town. Proceed to War Museum before taking an orientation walk along Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue streets where you can get the great view of famous city hall in Saigon. Conclude the day tour by a visit to Ben Thanh market followed by a transfer back to the hotel and you can spend the rest of time at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 12: HCMC – Mekong Delta day trip (Ben Tre) – HCMC.
Today you spend a day away from the busy city of Saigon and drive to Ben Tre Province. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, an ancient southern architectural gem in Tien Giang en route. On arrival at Hung Vuong Pier, board on your private boat for a glimpse at the delta scenery while enjoying coconut juice. Experience the unique lifestyle of the Mekong Delta as you visit fruit orchards, coconut groves, brick workshops, and home-made products such as coconut candies, rice cakes, handicrafts etc. After a short walk to visit a local family to learn how they make sedge mat and enjoy tea, tropical fruits, take "Xe Loi", a kind of motorized rickshaw or you can hop onto your bicycle and peddle through picturesque villages (about 20 minutes). Stop at a riverside restaurant for a delicious and filling lunch. Then board a sampan for a relaxing trip along narrow canals. The boat will be waiting for you at the pier nearby to bring you back to Ben Tre where your car will take you back to Saigon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 13: HCMC – Fly to Siem Reap.
Have breakfast at the hotel then enjoy your free time until the transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport to catch your noon flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check in.
The rest of day is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 14: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples full day tour.
Wake up early to be transferred for picking up the most beautiful, haunting and spiritual moment to visit magnificent Angkor Wat at dawn. This special activity is designed also to help you see "the Temple reflex on the water" when it’s much cooler and less crowded. Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was constructed by Suryavarman II who reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century and dedicated them to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys and ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction.
A table with hot tea or coffee, breakfast is arranged on site for your most convenience.
Your journey continues with visiting South Gate of Angkor Thom, with its majestic doors and artifacts. From here, ride on an elephant to monumental temple of Bayon which is the heart of Angkor Thom. Later, visit the Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King and Takeo "Jewel of Crystal", which is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and was erected at the end of the 10th century. Leaving Angkor Thom by the North Gate, you travel to Preah Khan (Sacred Sword), one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII. You should not miss Ta Prohm Temple, which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty with its giant trees that have grown there for centuries.
Later, drive to the Psar Chass that's a kind of typical oriental bazaars – Old City Market where you'll walk around and learn the local art of how to bargain when purchasing items. Proceed to the most exiting Pub Street for further exploration before heading back to your home away from home.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 15: Siem Reap – Free at leisure.
Have breakfast in the hotel and today you are on your own leisure.
We suggest you take the leisure walk to Old Market near your hotel for your bargain hunting or simply just relax by your hotel's pool.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 16: Siem Reap Departure.
Have breakfast at the hotel until your departure time, your driver will transfer you to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast.