Enchanting Vietnam and Cambodia 13 Days

As you arrive in Hanoi, a warm welcome awaits you. Your personal guide will be there to greet you, guiding you to a waiting vehicle for a comfortable transfer to the heart of the city. While en route, your knowledgeable guide will offer insights into the local culture and sights.

Look out for your guide, who will be holding a distinctive welcome signboard adorned with the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO along with your name. Upon arrival at your hotel, take a moment to unwind and settle in.

(Please note: Check-in time is from 14:00, with early check-in subject to availability.)

Note: We are always open to adjusting the itinerary to accommodate your preferences, including starting or finishing your journey in another city.

Immerse yourself in the charm of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, a city that celebrated its 1,000th anniversary in 2010. Hanoi boasts a myriad of captivating cultural and historical treasures, and today's tour will unveil its most renowned highlights.

Marvel at the grandeur and solemnity of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (please note that it can be viewed from the outside only and is closed on Mondays and Fridays and during October-November). Explore the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, admire the beauty of the Temple of Literature, and soak in the serenity of Tran Quoc Temple on West Lake and Quan Thanh Pagoda. Later in the day, discover the bustling streets of the Old Quarter before experiencing the unique art form of water puppetry. Your evening is free for leisure and relaxation.

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel at approximately 9:00 am. Prepare for a picturesque journey through the lush Red River Delta as we head towards the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay.

Upon arrival, you will board a luxurious junk ship for an unforgettable overnight cruise. As you relax onboard, be captivated by the stunning limestone karsts that emerge majestically from the sea, along with the thousands of jungle-clad islands that appear to float upon the waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin envelop hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating a timeless and enchanting realm.

Lunchtime offers a delightful seafood feast, allowing you to savor the breathtaking views with a refreshing drink in hand. The cruise continues with a visit to a traditional fishing village, where you can witness an entire community thriving on the decks of their boats. Explore the mystical Tien Ong Cave before returning to the cruise for a memorable evening filled with cocktails, canapés, and a mesmerizing sunset. Conclude your day with a romantic candlelit dinner.

Begin your day with tranquility as you partake in a Tai Chi class on the deck, or simply savor the serene beauty as the sun rises over the azure waters. Choose between two exciting excursions: embark on a journey to a secluded island with a sandy beach for a refreshing swim, or join the ship's chef for an enlightening cooking demonstration, delving deeper into the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine.

Enjoy a leisurely brunch as your junk ship gracefully glides through Halong Bay, passing by captivating islets and mysterious caves on your return to the dock.

Upon disembarkation, your driver will be ready to meet you. They will transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Hoi An.

(Note: The itinerary is subject to variations depending on the specific boat and weather conditions.)

Option 1 – Cooking Class:

Prepare for an exciting cooking adventure commencing with a visit to a vibrant local market. Here, you will select the freshest ingredients for your culinary journey. Return to your cooking class, where your skilled chef will guide you through the preparation of typical Vietnamese cuisine. Embark on a delectable culinary experience as you cook and savor your creations.

In the afternoon, explore the enchanting time-capsule town of Old Hoi An with your knowledgeable guide. Once a bustling Asian seaport, Hoi An has retained a captivating fusion of styles and cultures. Wander through traditional Chinese shops, opulent French residences, and an ancient Japanese bridge. The town offers silk markets, Vietnamese street food stalls, and talented street performers, all sure to captivate your senses.

Option 2 – Vegetable Village:

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a bicycle ride to Tra Que Village. Here, you will gain insight into authentic Vietnamese rural life, learning about the village's history and witnessing daily agricultural practices. Discover how these vegetables are integral to traditional Vietnamese medicine.

Participate in farming activities alongside local villagers, including collecting seaweed fertilizer, sowing, raking, watering, and harvesting. Your cultural immersion continues as you join a local family to prepare and enjoy a lunch that features the produce you helped cultivate.

Taste other local specialties such as Tam Huu (spring rolls) and Banh Xeo (pancakes). Don't forget to indulge in the post-lunch nap before returning to the field to learn about harvesting and packaging produce. In the mid-afternoon, bid farewell to your newfound friends and return to Hoi An to explore the Old Quarter. Return to your hotel for relaxation.

Option 3 – Countryside Biking or Motor Riding:

Let your adventure begin as our guide picks you up from your hotel by motorbike, taking you to Tra Que Village. From there, embark on a journey back in time to Kim Bong Village, renowned for its wood carving and traditional mat weaving.

Observe a local family as they demonstrate the art of mat weaving, an essential part of daily life in days gone by. Witness the creation of the famous local noodle, Mi Quang, and even have the opportunity to make and taste the perfect banh dap (rice cracker).

Venture into a small village, where you will gear up for an exhilarating 300-meter bamboo bridge river crossing, leading you to the scenic coastal landscape of Duy Hai market and harbor. Here, a local ferry transports guests to Cam Thanh village, nestled amidst water coconut palm-fringed scenery. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Cam Thanh homestay before returning to your hotel via motorbike.

(Please note: If you prefer biking over a scooter tour, we can flexibly modify the route to match your ability.)

Today promises a relaxed day, allowing you to either extend your stay in Hoi An or proceed to Hue. At the appointed time, our driver will collect you and transfer you to Hue.

En route to Hue, you'll have the opportunity to visit the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co Beach, explore the Cham Museum, and ascend the majestic Pass of Ocean Clouds for panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Upon your arrival in Hue, check-in at your hotel and relish your free time.

Commence your day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Imperial Citadel, once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty's power between 1802 and 1945. Explore the mesmerizing ruins of this historic monument before continuing your journey through the 'Old City' to the serene Tinh Tam Lake, a favorite relaxation spot for emperors.

In the afternoon, venture to Mu Pagoda, which overlooks the Perfume River. Conclude your day with a visit to Khai Dinh's Tomb, characterized by its unique blend of traditional Vietnamese design with European influences, setting it apart from other tombs in Hue. Your evening is free for your leisurely enjoyment.

Enjoy a leisurely morning and a sumptuous breakfast before we collect you and transfer you to catch a flight to the vibrant city of Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be met and taken to downtown Saigon for a day of exploration.

Depending on your interests, we suggest two exciting options. You can embark on a journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a significant site from the Vietnam-American War, offering a fascinating day trip that includes an exploration of these mysterious tunnels, complete with hidden doors and once-lethal traps. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the War Remnants Museum or the Presidential Palace, based on your preference. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the city's colonial streets, visiting the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Continental Hotel, Opera House, and City Hall.

This morning, depart Saigon and drive to the enchanting Mekong Delta. Upon reaching Ham Luong Pier, commence your river cruise along the Bến Tre River, where you will witness the lively activities that characterize life along the riverbanks. Observe traditional fishing, water transportation, and brick-making techniques, all performed in a time-honored, hands-on fashion.

Explore one of the numerous coconut processing workshops nestled along the canal, gaining insights into the art of coconut processing. Take a pleasant stroll to a family workshop where traditional sleep mats are crafted, and savor a delightful sampling of local fruits and tea.

Experience the local way of life with a ride on a motorized cart (xe lôi) or bicycle along shaded paths, passing through verdant rice fields and fertile vegetable gardens. Lunch will be served at Hai Ho House.

In the afternoon, embark on a sampan ride along picturesque canals before returning to Ham Luong Pier. Following your exploration, return to your hotel for relaxation.

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast before we pick you up for a journey to the airport. You will catch a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon your arrival at the airport in Siem Reap, you will be met and promptly transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

After indulging in a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your guide will accompany you to explore the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya, which thrived during the late 9th and early 10th centuries. These temples are among the earliest in the Angkor area and are collectively known as the Rolous group, consisting of Lo Lei, Preah Koh, and Bakhong Temples.

Enjoy a delightful lunch with a local family before continuing your journey to the rural outskirts, approximately 35 kilometers from the Angkor area, to visit the smallest yet most magnificent temple, Banteay Srei. Constructed in the 10th century and dedicated to Shiva, this temple serves as the birthplace of Khmer classical-style architecture. It is renowned for its exquisite pink sandstone structure, adorned with striking sculptures, lintels, pediments, and friezes. Local lore even suggests that women crafted the temple due to the intricacy of the details.

As you return to Siem Reap, make a stop at Banteay Samre Temple, adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes from the tales of Vishnu and Krishna.

Commence your day with an early breakfast at your hotel. At 7:30 am, depart for a visit to the captivating Ta Prohm temple, an ancient structure that has become entwined with the surrounding jungle, creating an eerie and exotic ambiance. The towering tree roots, embracing massive stone blocks, evoke an unforgettable sense of wonder.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites. The temple features exquisite Apsara carvings, showcasing Angkorian-era artistry. Your adventure unfolds as you further explore the enigmatic Royal City of Angkor Thom. The 54-tower temple, Bayon, presents a captivating sight. Initially, it may appear as a shapeless mass of stone, but closer examination reveals face after face, drawing you into a silent, enigmatic gaze from a distant era.

Explore the complex's surroundings, including Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lipper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace Enclosure. Conclude your temple tour with a visit to Preah Khan temple, constructed in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, showcasing a style akin to Ta Prohm.

Your time is your own until your private car and driver arrive to transfer you to the airport for your homeward-bound flight. With cherished memories of your journey, our services come to a close.

This refined version of your travel itinerary combines eloquent language with a captivating narrative, aiming to inspire and entice travelers to explore the enchanting destinations of Vietnam and Cambodia. If you have any specific preferences or further adjustments, please feel free to share them.