Vietnam & Cambodia Unplugged 12 Days

As you touch down in Hanoi, you'll step into a city where the modern and the traditional intertwine seamlessly. Hanoi's bustling streets are alive with scooters competing for the right of way, amidst a symphony of honking horns. Yet, beneath this vibrant surface, layers of history whisper tales of French and Chinese occupation, revealing the unwavering spirit of ambitious and proud Hanoians.

Every corner invites you to savor the wild and wonderful, explore bustling markets, immerse yourself in the evolving arts scene, and then find respite in luxurious accommodations that won't break the bank. Dive into the local culture, delve into the past, and witness the ever-evolving dynamism of Hanoi.

Upon your arrival, our dedicated guide will be there to welcome you. They'll accompany you to a waiting vehicle for a seamless transfer to downtown Hanoi, all the while offering intriguing insights about the city. Look out for your guide, easily spotted holding a welcome signboard adorned with the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO and your name. Once you've settled into your hotel, it's time to relax and soak in the city's atmosphere.

Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam and a city that celebrated its 1,000-year history in 2010, beckons with a treasure trove of captivating cultural and historic sites. Our guided tour will take you to the city's most iconic highlights.

We'll begin by admiring the grandeur of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, even though access to the interior is limited (closed on Mondays, Fridays, and during October-November). Next, we'll visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and explore the serene beauty of the Temple of Literature. The tour continues with a visit to Tran Quoc Temple on the picturesque West Lake and the Quan Thanh Pagoda. We'll immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Quarter before concluding the day with a mesmerizing water puppet performance. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Ninh Binh serves as an ideal base for discovering the quintessential limestone landscapes of Vietnam. Despite centuries of changes in nature and society, the province has managed to preserve its ancient historical relics, showcasing miraculous caves adorned with karst formations, glistening stalactites, and stalagmites. Beautiful rivers meander through this pristine region, offering captivating experiences.

After breakfast at your hotel, we'll embark on a journey to Ninh Binh, where you'll explore the ancient royal capital of Vietnam – Hoa Lu. Here, you'll visit the Dinh King Temple and the Le King Temple, both dating back to the 10th century, and gain insights into the heroic history of these two kings during the Chinese Wars. Following this historical exploration, you'll enjoy a boat trip to explore one of the mesmerizing attractions, such as Trang An, Tam Coc, or Van Long. Finally, we'll head to your hotel for check-in, allowing you to unwind in this picturesque setting.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a breathtaking expanse scattered with over 2,000 floating islands formed from karstic rock. Legend has it that these unique landforms were created by a family of dragons summoned by the Emperor to protect Vietnam from Chinese invaders. These dragons flew across the bay, releasing jewels and jade, which magically transformed into the scattered islands we see today. These islands united to form a protective barrier, and this natural wonder still captivates visitors.

Our journey begins with a 9:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Hanoi, followed by a scenic drive through the lush Red River Delta to reach the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site – Ha Long Bay. Here, you'll board a luxurious junk ship for an unforgettable overnight cruise. As you relax on board, be prepared to be awe-struck by the incredible limestone karsts rising majestically from the sea, creating a dramatic and enchanting seascape. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin cradle hidden grottoes and ancient caves, enveloping you in a timeless world of wonder.

Savor a delectable seafood lunch while soaking in the breathtaking views with a refreshing drink in hand. We'll take you to a traditional fishing village, where the locals have built an entire town on the decks of their boats. You'll have the opportunity to explore Tien Ong Cave before returning to the cruise for a delightful evening of cocktails, canapés, and a mesmerizing sunset. Your day concludes with a romantic, candlelit dinner under the starry sky.

As the morning light bathes the bay, the karsts shimmer in the gentle glow. Begin your day with a Tai Chi session on the ship's deck in the early morning mist. Each graceful movement soothes both body and soul. Afterward, the cruise will continue its voyage, allowing you to revel in the scenic beauty of Ha Long Bay until you disembark in the late morning.

Once you disembark, our driver will be ready to greet you and transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Hue. Take this moment to unwind and prepare for the next chapter of your journey.

Hue, a city that once served as the imperial capital of Vietnam and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, awaits your exploration. Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, this city boasts majestic citadels, opulent palaces, and royal tombs. Many of these sites can be reached by a leisurely river cruise, providing a unique perspective on the city.

Your day begins with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty reigned from 1802 to 1945. As you explore the remnants of this magnificent monument, you'll continue to the 'Old City' and Tinh Tam Lake, a tranquil spot where emperors once came to relax.

In the afternoon, our journey takes us to Mu Pagoda, offering breathtaking views overlooking the Perfume River. We'll conclude the day at Khai Dinh's Tomb, a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese design with a European touch, setting it apart from other tombs in Hue. Afterward, you'll have some free time to unwind at your own pace.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our guide will pick you up and embark on a scenic journey to Hoi An. Along the way, we'll make stops to visit the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co Beach and the Cham Museum. As you ascend the Pass of Ocean Clouds, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape will unfold before your eyes. Upon your arrival in Hoi An, you'll check in to your hotel and have the remainder of the day to explore and relax.

Hoi An, known as the "Ancient Town," lies 30 kilometers south of Da Nang along the banks of the Thu Bon River. Here, you'll discover a captivating blend of Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, and ancient tea warehouses that have been remarkably preserved. While traditional residents and rice fields have given way to tourist businesses, the town maintains its enchanting charm.

Today, you have the option to choose from the following itineraries for your own exploration of Hoi An:

Option 1: Cooking Class Your culinary adventure commences with a visit to the vibrant local market, where you'll select the freshest ingredients needed for your cooking class. Returning to the cooking school, your expert chef will guide you through the preparation of typical Vietnamese cuisine. You'll then have the chance to savor the dishes you've prepared. In the afternoon, embark on a guided walking tour of enchanting Old Hoi An, a town that once served as a major Asian sea port. You'll encounter traditional Chinese shops, elegant French homes, and an ancient Japanese bridge. Hoi An is also home to silk markets, Vietnamese street food stalls, and talented street performers, all ready to charm you.

Option 2: Tra Que Village Countryside Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel before setting out for a bike ride to Tra Que Village and a visit to a local farm. Here, you'll engage in the daily activities of growing vegetables, learn about their traditional medicinal uses, and even participate in weaving sleeping mats. You'll join the farmers in collecting seaweed fertilizer, sowing, raking, watering, and picking. This hands-on experience continues as you prepare and enjoy lunch with the family, incorporating the vegetables you've helped cultivate. You'll also have the opportunity to taste other local specialties such as Tam huu (spring rolls) and Bahn xeo (pancakes). After a post-lunch nap, you'll return to the fields to learn how to harvest and wrap the produce. In the late afternoon, say goodbye to your newfound friends and return to Hoi An to explore the Old Quarter.

Option 3: Bike or Motorbike to the Countryside Our guide will pick you up at your hotel by motorbike for a journey to Tra Que Village. From there, you'll ride to the river and take a local ferry to Kim Bong Village. This village is renowned for its wood carving and traditional weaving of sleeping mats. You'll stop at a local family's home to observe the intricate process of mat weaving, an essential part of daily life in the past. You'll also have the opportunity to learn how to make the perfect banh dap (rice cracker). Continuing your adventure, you'll explore a small village, gear up for an adrenaline-pumping 300-meter bamboo bridge river crossing, and reach the sea-board side of the island. Your final destination is Cam Thanh Village, where water coconut palms sway in the breeze. You'll enjoy lunch at a local homestay in Cam Thanh Village before returning to your hotel by motorbike. If you prefer biking over a scooter tour, we can adapt the route to match your abilities.

Siem Reap, a city destined for greatness, beckons with its awe-inspiring temples and much more. While the temples are the primary draw, there's plenty to experience in and around the city once you've explored the ancient wonders. Siem Reap has transformed into the epicenter of chic Cambodia, offering everything from vibrant nightlife and world-class dining to sumptuous spas, excellent shopping, local tours catering to food enthusiasts and adventurers alike, and a thriving cultural scene that includes Cambodia's premier contemporary circus.

After a leisurely breakfast, you'll have the morning to relax before we pick you up and transport you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace.

The temples of Angkor are a source of inspiration and national pride for the Khmer people as they strive to rebuild their lives following years of turmoil. These temples are a pilgrimage site for all Cambodians, and no traveler to the region should miss their extravagant beauty. Angkor stands as one of the world's most exceptional ancient sites, featuring the grandeur of the Great Wall of China, the intricacy of the Taj Mahal, and the symbolism and symmetry of the pyramids, all wrapped into one.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up to explore the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya. Flourishing in the late 9th and early 10th centuries, these are the earliest temples in the Angkor area, collectively known as the Rolous group, comprising Lo Lei, Preah Koh, and Bakhong Temples. After a lunch with a local family, our journey continues to the rural outskirts, 35 kilometers from the Angkor area, where we'll visit Banteay Srei. This magnificent temple, dating back to the 10th century and dedicated to Shiva, is renowned as the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture. Its bas-relief work serves as the finest example of Khmer classical art, featuring intricate sculptures, lintels, pediments, and friezes. Local legend suggests that the temple must have been carved by women, as the details are considered too fine for the hands of men. En route back to Siem Reap, we'll visit Banteay Samre Temple, adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes from Vishnu and Krishna legends.

Commence your day with an early breakfast at your hotel. At 7:30 AM, you'll depart for a visit to the evocative Ta Prohm Temple. This temple has nearly succumbed to the jungle's embrace, creating a haunting and exotic atmosphere. The temple's enormous tree roots, entwined with the massive stone blocks, evoke emotions that may stay with you forever.

Our journey then takes us to the intricately carved Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat, one of the world's most breathtaking archaeological wonders. The temple boasts exquisite Apsara carvings in the Angkorian era style. Following this, we'll continue to explore the enigmatic Royal City of Angkor Thom. The city's centerpiece, Bayon Temple, features 54 towers adorned with enigmatic faces. At first glance, it may appear as a shapeless mass of stone, but closer inspection reveals countless faces, each gazing mysteriously through half-closed eyes from a distant and primitive era. Our exploration extends to the surrounding complex, including Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lipper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace Enclosure. As a final touch, we'll visit another gem in the Angkor region, Preah Khan Temple, constructed in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Its architectural style mirrors that of Ta Prohm Temple.

Your time today is yours to savor until your private car and driver arrive to transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. As your unforgettable Vietnam Tour with AsiaTourAdvisor concludes, we bid you farewell and look forward to welcoming you back for future customized adventures. If the provided itinerary doesn't align with your preferences, rest assured that AsiaTourAdvisor can arrange additional tailored trips to match your expectations.