Vietnam Overview & Cambodia 20 Days
Highlights
Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi – Mekong Delta – Siem Reap – Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An –
Ha Long – Mai Chau - Son La – Dien Bien Phu – Lai Chau – Sa Pa
Itinerary
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Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Arrival
You are welcomed with our guide at Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat International Airport and be transfer to your hotel in the center of City.
Overnight at Windsor plaza 5 star in Ho Chi Minh City "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Dinner inclusive)
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh City
Morning: Drive to Cu Chi and visit the amazing complex of underground Tunnels. There are more than 200 kms of underground Tunnels, comprising a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters and other tunnels. Drive back Ho Chi Minh City in the noon.
Afternoon city tour: Visit War Museum, Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. Photo stop at the former Presidential Palace. Visit China Town with Thien Hau Pagoda and local market.
Overnight at Windsor plaza 5 star in Ho Chi Minh City "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap
After having breakfast, take a trip to My Tho and visit Vinh Trang Pagoda. My Tho is famous for its extensive orchards and immense rice fields. In the afternoon, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City and take a flight to Siem Reap. Our car will pick you up and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at Angkor Century 4 star in Siem Reap "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 4: Full day trip around Siem Reap
In the morning, visit Prasat Kravan with its unique brick sculptures and 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. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. Visit as well Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon.
Visit Preah Khan temple. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulders-hanging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. Continue your visits to Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool and representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake and visit the Temple of Ta Som as well as Srah Srang (“The Royal Baths”), undoubtedly used in the past for ritual bathing.
Overnight at Angkor Century 4 star in Siem Reap "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 5: Discover Angkor Temples
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.
After lunch time, visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), until sunset.
Overnight at Angkor Century 4 star in Siem Reap "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 6: Siem Reap – Sightseeing – Ho Chi Minh City
Morning, transfer to Banteay Srei temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap
.
Afternoon, transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for departure flight back to Ho Chi Minh City
Overnight at Windsor plaza hotel 5 star in Ho Chi Minh City "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City - Hue - Sightseeing
This day we will transfer to airport for flight to Hue, the former Royal City of the 13 ruling Nguyen dynasties. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and check in. Enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Continue to visit Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Tombs.
Overnight at Imperial Hotel 5 star in Hue "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 8: Hue - Danang - Hoi An
Today we will have a tour to visit Imperial Citadel, and then depart by coach to Danang. The scenic 4-hour drive via Hai Van pass offers spectacular views of mountains, the sea, idyllic beaches and villages. Arrival Danang and visit Cham Museum. Proceed to Marble Mountains with its beautiful grottoes and temples, which can be reached by climbing steep steps (please wear appropriate shoes). We continue further south to the charming historic city of Hoi An.
Overnight at Golden Sand Resort 5 star in Hoi An "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 9: Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An
Take a drive to My Son, the Imperial city of the Champa Empire of the 4th to 12th centuries. My Son Sanctuary is a large complex of religious ruins comprising more than 70 architectural remains. Then return to Hoi An.
Known to early Western merchants, Hoi An was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a distinctive Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets is still virtually intact. Many of the houses were constructed of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs. During a leisurely discovery tour on foot you will visit some of the historic merchant and community houses, places of worship and famous bridges.
Overnight at Golden Sand Resort 5 star in Hoi An "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 10: Hoi An - Danang - Halong Bay
Our private car will take you to Danang and transfer to airport for flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, proceed to Halong Bay and transfer to hotel, evening for free to shopping, walking along the coach or other activities.
Overnight at Seaside Hotel 4 star in Ha Long City
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 11: Halong Bay Cruise trip
The Chinese style Halong Junk boat could bring to you a wonderful night on the bay with luxury and antique accommodations with perfect services provided by the friendly crew. Spending time on the junk, you’ll not only savor a unique feeling in a world of wonder but also enjoy various of such interesting activities as: watching Vietnamese folk music performance, going fishing on the bay at night, kayaking, learning Vietnamese cuisine.
08h30: Pick up from Hanoi Station for a four-hours drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay.
12h30: Board Luxury Sail Junk, check-in registration , we will sail to different way with other cruise , select the specially way to Bai Tu Long Bay There's more to northestern Vietnam than Halong Bay he sinking limestone plateau, which gave birth to the bay's spectacular islands
Bai Tu Long Bay is every beautiful as its famous neighbour. Indead , in some ways it's more beautiful , since it has scarcely seen any tourist development. The Bay is unpolluted and undeveloped....
13h00: Have lunch with welcome wine during the board is still taking us discover the Bay .
14h00: A fantastic cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, Get down on Sundeck to take whole vision of Heritage site 15h00: Cruise amongst stunning limestone back drop and round optional swim at lovely beaches. Afternoon tea with pastries on the sundeck or in the restaurant and drink before dinner.
Overnight at top – end wooden Junk on Ha Long Bay
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner inclusive)
Day 12: Halong Bay – Hanoi City
Rising to the sound of ocean coming to life for another lovely day. We breakfast over sunrise.
07h30: Junk boat once again sets sail through breathtaking secluded Halong bay.
08h00: Enjoy breakfast while cruising.
09h00: Visit Bai Tu Long Bay, Teapot Island, Chopsticks Island, and Bai Tho Mountain.
11h00: Return to Halong city
12h00: Back to Halong wharf and disembark
.
Transfer back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi at 16pm.
Evening: free at leisure
Overnight at Zephyr Hotel 4 star in Hanoi City "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 12: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Xa Linh - Son La
Drive to Mai Chau, approximately 150 km from Hanoi, home to several ethnic minorities, particularly the White Thai and Muong ethnic group. Their traditional stilt houses are large structures with palm leaf roofs and polished bamboo floors. The kitchen is located in the center of the house; the cooking as well as the weaving of the colorful tho cam, the material used to make their clothes, takes place there. Visit Thai ethnic minority village. Continue to Son La with stopover at Xaling Eithnic Village of Flower H’Mong and Green H’Mong. Arrive in Son La in the late afternoon.
Overnight at Hotel in Son La
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 13: Son La - Dien Bien Phu
Visit Son La Penitentiary before departing to Dien Bien with visit of Thuan Chau market. On the approach to Thuan Chau, large groups of ethnic people may be seen making their way to and from the market, laden with baskets of goods. Continue to Dien Bien, crossing the most spectacular pass in Vietnam, which is famously named by local people as Pha Din Pass meaning “the Heaven and the Earth”. Along the way to Dien Bien Phu, visit some local ethnic families and villages.
Overnight at Hotel in Dien Bien Phu
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 14: Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau - Phong tho
A short visit to Dien Bien central market before visiting A1 Revolutionary Heroes’ Cemetery, Dien Bien Phu Historic Victory Exhibition Centre, General De Castries’s Bunker, Old Muong Thanh Bridge and Nam Rom river. Lunch at local restaurant. Proceed to Lai Chau along a bumpy road, passing a series of ethnic villages of Kho Mu (Xa), Huoi Chan, and Bung Giat. Continue to Phong Tho on scenic roads, crossing the junctions of Da and Na rivers by the way of the Chinese-built Hang Tom suspension bridge. From here, the road weaves its way northwards through the picturesque and steadily more spectacular Na River valley, past more ethnic villages of White Thai, Kho Mu and later Red and White H’mong minorities. Arrive in Phong Tho and check in hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Phong Tho
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 15: Phong Tho - Binh Lu - Sapa
Depart Phong Tho town to Sapa, admiring spectacular scenery along the way. National Road 4D climbs steadily, affording superb views of the surrounding hills. Once over the summit, the road begins its descent towards the town of Binh Lu. Immediately you will begin to see groups of Black Dao people, whose villages are located in the surrounding hills. Arrive in Sapa and check in at hotel. The afternoon is free for own activities.
Overnight at Victoria Hotel "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 16: Sapa - Full Day Tour
In the morning, short walk to Ham Rong Mountain, where you might have the opportunity to enjoy a minority show performed by young minority ladies and men. On clear days you also have opportunity to an overview of Sapa town. Visit the so-called “stone forest” here. Trek back to Sapa. Afternoon: visit the colorful market. A scenic 6km drive brings you to Ta Phin village, lying in a hill side meadow. The village is home to Red Dzao and Hmong people. Drive back to the hotel.
Overnight at Victoria Hotel "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 17: Sapa - train back Hanoi
Morning: free at leisure for more sightseeing until late afternoon: transfer to Lao Cai station to train to Hanoi City. The train leaves at 21:00pm. Arrival in Hanoi at 6am next day.
Overnight on Victoria Express Train
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 18: Hanoi City Tour
Arrive in Hanoi then transfer to hotel and start a full day explore the city:
Morning: visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed on Monday, Friday and the whole months of October-November) and his former Residence, One-Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century as Vietnam’s first university.
In the afternoon, visit Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays), Quan Thanh Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
In the evening, attend the famous performance of a water puppet show, the unique Vietnamese traditional art.
Overnight at Zephyr Hotel 4 star in Hanoi "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 19: Hanoi – Full day at leisure
We will have full free day at leisure for relaxing or own activities and shopping
Overnight at Zephyr Hotel 4 star in Hanoi "Guaranteed Hotel"
(Breakfast inclusive)
Day 20: Hanoi - Departure
The rest time until be transferred to Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport for departure.
(Breakfast inclusive)
Trip inclusive:
+ Accommodation at 4 or 5 star hotel
+ Boat cruise in Mekong Delta & Hue Perfume River
+ English Speaking guide
+ Meals as indicated in the itinerary
+ All tours & transfers in private Air-Con car
+ Admission fees and permits where applicable
+ Vietnam visa processing fees
+ Flight tickets: Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap; Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh; Ho Chi Minh – Hue;
Danang – Hanoi
Trip exclusive:
. Pre/post trip arrangement
. Travel insurance
. Meals not indicated
. Other personal expenses
. Tips and gratuities
. Other flights
. Visa stamping fee (required at airport upon arrival)
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