Viet Nam – Cambodia exploration
Day 1: Phnom Penh - Arrival (D)
Welcome to Phnom Penh, meet our tour guide and driver at airport and transfer from Phnom Penh International Airport to the hotel.
Afternoon, 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 – from 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 the city during sunset.
Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.
Day 2: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel, in the morning transfer to pier boat Phnom Penh (take 5hours on the Tonle Sap great lake only high water from August - February), Upon arrival Siem Reap, transfer to check-in hotel, and then departure to visit the Grand circuit: Neak Paon was supposed to be a symbol of the Universe, Preah Khan built in 1191 according to the tradition on a spot where the king fought a crucial battle against the Cham, Mebon oriental: used to be in the middle of the waters of the large Oriental Baray that is presently filled with rice-fields and Pre Rup- this temple was built in the 10th century by Rajendravarman. Its proportions are perfect, a truly beautiful piece of work, dinner local restaurant and over night at hotel.
Day 3: Siem Reap (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel, in the morning departure to visit the city of Angkor Thom, South gate of Angkor Thom This Royal city was first built under the reign of Udayadityavarman II in the 11th century, the famous, Bayon temple –this temple mountain built by Jayavarman VII is situated in the centre of the city of Angkor Thom. It is a three-tiered pyramid with its entrance facing east. The central shrine is surrounded by 54towes all crowned by gigantic faces, representing Lokiteshvara but with the features of Jayavarman VII, Baphoun –this temple built by Udayadityarvarman II was the most poorly constructed of all the temples in Angkor, Phimeanakas – this temple constructed late 10th- early 11th century by Jayavarman V., Terrace of Leper King and Elephants the first owes its name to the outstanding depiction of elephants, while the second gets its name from the magnificent sculpture of King Yasovarman, popularly known as the Leper King, lunch local restaurant, afternoon continuation to visiting the Banteay Srey “the city of women” about 30km from Siem Reap town, a magnificent jewel of a temple of pink sandstone and it very finely sculpted with a luxuriance of details and, and continue to visit the Banteay Samré and Prasat Kravan with a unique bas-reliefs of bricks, dinner local restaurant and over night at hotel.
Day 4: Siem Reap (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel, departure to visit Phnom Bakheng and continue to visit famous of 7 wonders of the World “ Angkor Wat” early –mid 12th by King Soryavarman II. The temple is one of the largest monuments to religion ever built and is truly one the wonders of the world. Believed to have been constructed as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of the 12thd century, Angkor Wat is probably the best-preserved of the Angkorean temples, lunch local restaurant, afternoon visit the small circuit: Ta Keo one of the first to be build out of sandstone, Ta Prhom was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother, It has been largely overgrown by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant baniyan growing out of the top of the temple itself,, Banteay Kdei this temple was constructed by Jayarman VII during the 12th and 13th centuries (Citadel of the cells) used to be a religious monastery, Thommanon with some very nice walled-doors and stylized devata and Srah Srang used for ceremonies and royal baths, dinner local restaurant and over night at hotel.
Day 5: Siem reap – Luang Prabang (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel, excursion to the Tonle Sap great lake to visit floating village mangrove forest, fresh fish exhibition and the activities of people’s daily lives. Come back to visit “Les Artisans D’Angkor – Chantiers Ecole “the Finest Authentic Khmer Arts and Crafts. And Siem Reap market, lunch local restaurant, afternoon free time and transfer to International airport to Luang Prabang. Arrival Luang Prabang, check in hotel and relax at leisure.
Day 6: Luangprabang - Pak Ou Cave - Kuangsi Waterfall (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel, we depart to the boat landing, and take an excursion by boat, upstream on the Mekong to visit Pak Ou cave in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height. En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore, bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Our first stop will be at Ban Muangkeo, a well-known village for Lao traditional rice whisky, namely Laoh-Khao to be distilled. We are welcome to taste it and also take away. Lunch is served at a riverside restaurant. We arrive back at Luang Prabang in afternoon and proceed to Kuangsi Waterfall, which, though not very high, is spectacular and really beautiful with its green surroundings as the preserved National park. We stop en-route, visit Ban Na Oune, a small village of a hill-tribe group “Hmong”, probably the best-known minority group in Laos. Just before arriving at Kuangsi waterfall, there is another village of Khmu minority group, namely Ban Tha Pane that we will visit. Our picnic lunch is served at the shady park nearby Kuangsi waterfall. There is plenty of time for relaxing and a swim in cool water. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 7: Luangprabang – Ha Noi (B/L)
Morning, wake-up early and we visit and see the monks seating on the streets. Then, we have breakfast at hotel, we depart hotel to visit the National Museum, the former Royal Palace which houses the collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue, gifts received from foreign dignitaries…etc. Afternoon, we flight to Ha Noi. Welcome to Viet Nam, you meet your tour guide and driver at Noi Bai airport and then transfer to hotel in Ha Noi center. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a Water Puppet Show. Overnight in Ha Noi.
Day 8: Hanoi Sightseeing – Lao Cai (B,L,..)
Breakfast at hotel. 08.00 we get a full day tour of Hanoi including Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and simple stilted house, the Confucian Temple of Literature, site of the first university in Vietnam, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Quan Thanh Temple and lovely Tran Quoc Pagoda. In the afternoon, you will visit the Ethnology museum and ending at historic Hoan Kiem Lake, the social center of Hanoi. Free at leisure time until the time to Ha Noi train station to Lao Cai. Over night on train.
Day 09: Lao Cai – Can Cau market
Arrive in Lao Cai railway station around 6:00a.m. Transfer to Can Cau market (Open every Saturday morning) or Bac Ha market (Open every Sunday morning) by car, arriving in time to enjoy the very colorful H’mong market in Northern Vietnam. This weekly outdoor gathering isn’t just a chance to buy and sell goods; it’s also the social highlight of the week for ethnic groups from all over the area. After the market, transfer by car to the old French hill station of Sapa. Overnight on train.
Day 10: Ha Noi - Ha Long (B,L,D)
05.30 arrival Ha Noi train station, car pick up to hotel for refresh, washing. After breakfast, you’ll be driven about 3hrs to famous and magnificent Ha Long Bay for a 2 days/1night. Here you’ll board a charming Junk where you’ll have lunch as you set sail for Titop Island. Spend the afternoon sailing through the 3,000 limestone pinnacles piercing the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most incredible natural wonders and was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You’ll anchor at Titop this evening before an on-deck candlelight dinner featuring gourmet cuisine.
Note: The cabins on board are simple, comfortable, clean, air-conditioned, and outfitted with their own and hot shower. This is a join-in cruise.
Day 11: Halong – Lan Ha Bay
07h00 – 08h00 Have breakfast on boat
08h30 – 09h00 Transfer to day boat for a cruise to Lan Ha Bay
Option 1 Rock-climbing with Western instructors
10h15 – 12h30 Kayaking around Moody’s Beach area.
12h30 – 13h30 Lunch and transfer to Thap Ngiem (Hai Pai Beach)
13h45 – 15h30 Rock Climb on Hai Pai Beach (option kayaking)
Option 2 Relaxing & kayaking
Have the whole day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Van Boi beach, Ba Cat beach, and leisure
kayak around the Lan Ha Bay.
16h30 – 17h00 Cruise back to the main boat.
19h00 Enjoy dinner. Overnight on board
Day 12: Ha Long – Ha Noi - Hue (B,L,D)
You will begin this morning with a sunrise breakfast before your exploration of Luon Cave (Tunnel cave) by sampan. Then continue to visit another part of Bay (Bai Tu Long Bay). Lunch on board. You will disembark the Junk and return to Hanoi. Free at leisure for exploring Hanoi Capital before transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue. Arrival, check in hotel and over night in Hue.
Day 13: Hue (B,L)
Morning, we visit the majestic Imperial Citadel of Hue and Dong Ba market. Afternoon, you will take a private boat trip up the Perfume River past some dreamy countryside and charming scenes of Vietnamese life to the Thien Mu pagoda. Then continue your exploration of the Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Tu Duc. Overnight in Hue.
Day 14: Hue – Da nang – Hoi An (B,L,..)
Morning, drive to Hoi An via scenic Hai Van Pass, where we enjoy the spectacular panorama of the central coastline from the summit. Stop at Lang Co to stretch your legs and enjoy the white sands of this peaceful beach. Arrive in Hoi An, check in hotel and relax at leisure time.
Day 15: Hoi An – My Son (B,L)
After having a nice breakfast in our hotel we continue our trip towards My Son holly land. Located just 60 km from Danang, My Son includes a complex of impressive temples and sanctuaries of the former capital of the Cham"s Kingdom. This area used to be a glorious empire between the 5th and the 13th century. After noon back to Hoi An to explore the ancient town with the Japanese Covered bridge, the local produce market, Tan Ky House and the Phuc Kien Association. The town is a haven for local artists and there are galleries galore. Hoi An is also particularly well known for its tailors. Over night in Hoi An.
Day 16 : Hoi An free day (B)
Today, you have all day for free to visit and discover Hoi An ancient town. Overnight in hotel.
Day 17: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh (B,L)
Morning, you’ll be transferred to Da Nang airport for domestic flight to Sai Gon. Upon arrival in Sai Gon, you’ll be driven into town to hotel. After lunch, you will immediately begin your exploration of Sai Gon, the economic powerhouse of Vietnam. You will visit the Reunification Hall and the former US Embassy. Historically, both buildings symbolize the deep scars of this once war-torn country. You also have the chance to see the War Remnant Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral and general post office which was reportedly designed Gustaf Eiffel. Walk amongst the frenzied merchants and buyers of Cho Lon market and visit Thien Hau Pagoda. Diner at a local restaurant and. Overnight in Sai Gon.
Day 18 : Sai Gon – Cu Chi tunnels -Can Tho (B,L)
After breakfast, drive to the extraordinary Cu Chi tunnels, just outside Ho Chi Minh. During the war for independence, Viet Cong guerillas built the labyrinth of narrow tunnels virtually underneath U.S. bases, using them to hide during bombing raids and to stage surprise attacks. We return Sai Gon for Lunch at local restaurant and then transfer to Can Tho. Check in hotel and free at leisure.
Day 19: Can Tho – Chau Doc (B)
Morning boat cruise to Cai Rang floating market filled with small boats darting through the water as vendors sell their wares. Cruise through small canals and stop at an orchard. From here take a “xe loi” - a pedicab drawn by a motorbike to visit the Binh Thuy old house and a local market. Afternoon, drive to Chau Doc, a trading port near the Cambodian border. Upon arrival visit the Chau Giang fish farm - where fish are raised in cages beneath houses floating on the river as well as the Cham weaving village of Tan Chau. Over night in Chau Doc.
Day 20: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh departure (B)
In the morning, board the boat for a 4-hour cruise to Phnom Penh giving you the chance to appreciate the immensity of the Mekong River as well as allowing you to see how people live and work along the river.
Around 14h00, arrival Phnom Penh, free until the time to airport for departure flight.
End of services.
B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Diner