Endless Beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia – 18 Days

Hanoi, a city that seamlessly melds its rich traditions with a dynamic modern spirit, offers a captivating experience. The bustling streets teem with scooters maneuvering through a symphony of blaring horns, while layers of history unfold, revealing the legacy of French and Chinese occupations. Here, the resilient and proud spirit of Hanoians shines through. Explore the wild and wonderful at every corner, sample market delights, immerse yourself in a thriving arts scene, and rest luxuriously at surprisingly affordable prices. Meet the locals, delve into the city's past, and witness Hanoi's constant evolution.

Upon your arrival, our guide will warmly welcome you and provide a brief introduction during your transfer to downtown. Look out for the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO & your name on the welcome signboard. Settle into your hotel and unwind.

It is unmissable in terms of its pretty pagodas, ancient temples, enchanting French colonial quarter and cultural institutions. Just as fun, however, is darting down its winding lanes and discovering your own favourite hidden corners.

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, our local tour guide will pick you up to embark on an exploration of Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. With over a thousand years of history, this city is rich with captivating cultural and historical sites. Your itinerary includes visits to the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, home to the preserved body of "Uncle Ho."  and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names. 

You'll also experience the delicate beauty of the One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple are a spiritual and cultural symbol of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. With special features in its structure along with historical values, the temple will surely be a real eye-opener for tourists.

After lunch, continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple. Next is Hoa Lo , a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.

To cap off your day, enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour through the bustling and lively Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant marketplace atmosphere.  Sample delicious dishes like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that reflects Vietnam’s culinary heritage)

Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills, Mai Chau is a serene escape from Hanoi's hustle and bustle. En route to Mai Chau, you'll journey along scenic country roads, gradually ascending into the mountainous landscape. Upon your arrival, you'll savor a welcome lunch thoughtfully prepared by a local family. This presents a unique opportunity to engage with the locals and gain insight into their daily lives.

In the afternoon, venture to a nearby village inhabited by the White Thai ethnic minority, one of North Vietnam's indigenous groups. Here, in the mountainous terrain, you'll uncover local crafts and customs. The remainder of the day allows for cycling or walking through the village, providing a glimpse of the region's rural beauty. You'll return to your hotel or lodge by day's end, with dinner at your own leisure. For evening entertainment, consider participating in a traditional dance show with Ruou Can (local wine), a cooking class, or a weaving session, or perhaps all three. Enjoy your overnight stay in Mai Chau.

Distance: 150 kilometers - 4 hours

The morning brings an opportunity to explore the fascinating surroundings and immerse yourself in the daily lives of ethnic minorities. Your excursion can be on foot or by bicycle.

Your trek starts at 09:00 with a stroll through Kha local village, followed by a journey along a forested dirt trail that leads to Pu Poc, a sacred mountain of the Thai ethnic minority in Mai Chau. The scenery gradually unfolds, revealing its spectacular beauty. Your journey continues to Te, a charming village nestled beside the forest and rarely visited by tourists. You'll enjoy a local lunch at a homestay. Following your meal, the walk between the Thai ethnic minority villages of Pu and Khoe follows a concrete trail. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to interact with local children and savor the peaceful mountain and paddy terrace vistas. From Khoe village, you'll transfer back to Mai Chau.

Biking Around The Village

After breakfast, embark on a cycling adventure through the local countryside. Choose between an easy, flat route meandering through rice fields and villages or a more adventurous 16-kilometer loop between the valley and the hills. Lunch will be shared with the locals before returning to Mai Chau by car.

Today, your journey takes you from Mai Chau to Hoa Lu via picturesque landscapes. Arriving in Nho Quan village around noon, you'll enjoy lunch with the locals. In the early afternoon, you'll return to Gia Hung village and embark on a scenic bicycle ride along the dam levee bordering the Boi River. This ride allows you to explore the local villages and meet their inhabitants. Upon reaching the Van Long Nature Reserve, you'll board a small rowboat for a leisurely cruise through flooded rice fields, taking in the stunning sights of rocky peaks, canals, and lush vegetation. Finally, you'll transfer to your hotel.

Distance: 150 kilometers - 4 hours

Today's journey includes a bicycle ride to Bich Dong Pagoda, also known as the "Jade Cave." A small staircase, created during Emperor Minh Mang's visit in 1821, offers a breathtaking panorama of the valley, nestled among archaeological remnants and centuries-old trees.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you'll hop on a sampan for a boat ride to explore the protected Trang An area, featuring natural caves, aquatic landscapes, and pristine air. Later in the day, return to your lodge in Ninh Binh.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its over 2,000 floating karst islands. According to legend, these islands were created by dragons to protect Vietnam from Chinese invaders. In the morning, depart from Ninh Binh for the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay. Board a luxurious junk ship for an overnight cruise. While relaxing on board, marvel at the stunning limestone karsts rising from the sea and the myriad jungle-covered islands seemingly suspended on the water's surface. As you savor a fresh seafood lunch and enjoy the incredible views with a drink in hand, you'll witness the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin weaving through hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating an enchanting and timeless world.

Visit a traditional fishing village, where locals have established an entire community on their boats, and explore Tien Ong Cave. Conclude your day with a romantic, candlelit dinner.

Awaken to a morning of tranquility as the karsts shimmer in the early light. Start your day on the ship's deck with a Tai Chi session, with each slow, controlled movement soothing your body and mind. The cruise will tour around the bay before you disembark in the late morning. Your driver will greet you upon disembarkation and transfer you to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in downtown Hoi An.

Begin your morning with a 45-minute boat journey to Cua Dai seaport, situated at the mouth of the Thu Bon River. Here, embark on a unique adventure aboard a "thung chai" or basket boat, a small, round bamboo vessel often used by local fishermen in Vietnam's central regions. Its unique shape resembles an inverted walnut shell. Paddle through the less-explored canals of the flooded forest, immersing yourself in the tranquil countryside while treading lightly on the environment. Balancing the boat is no easy task but promises plenty of fun.

Continue your exploration with a bicycle ride through Hoi An's rural landscapes to Tra Que herb village. Savor a local house lunch featuring village specialties like tam huu (pork and prawn skewers), various shrimp and pork dishes, and a variety of herbs. In the afternoon, join local farmers in their daily work of planting and harvesting vegetables. After the tour, you'll have the remainder of the day to further explore the old streets or unwind on the beach. Dinner is at your own discretion.

Spend the day at your leisure, taking in the charms of Hoi An. Enjoy your overnight stay at your Hoi An hotel.

Siem Reap, a city destined for greatness, offers more than just temples. While Angkor Wat draws visitors from around the world, Siem Reap boasts a thriving contemporary scene with vibrant nightlife, excellent dining across various cuisines, rejuvenating spas, fantastic shopping, and tours that cater to foodies and adventurers alike. The city also hosts Cambodia's leading contemporary circus.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing for the airport to catch your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon your arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Take advantage of the rest of the day to relax and explore the city at your own pace.

The temples of Angkor inspire and unify all Khmers as they rebuild their lives after years of turmoil. These temples are a point of pilgrimage for all Cambodians, and no traveler should miss their breathtaking beauty. Angkor is a world-renowned ancient site, combining the grandeur of the Great Wall of China, the intricacy of the Taj Mahal, and the symbolism of the pyramids.

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel, followed by a guided visit to the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya. Flourishing in the late 9th and early 10th centuries, these temples are the earliest in the Angkor area, collectively known as the Rolous group (Lo Lei, Preah Koh, and Bakhong Temples). Enjoy lunch with a local family before continuing your journey to the rural outskirts, 35 kilometers from the Angkor area, to visit the small yet magnificent Banteay Srei temple, built in the 10th century and dedicated to Shiva. This temple is renowned as the birthplace of Khmer classical-style architecture, and its bas-reliefs exemplify Khmer classical art. The pink sandstone structure showcases a stunning array of sculptures, lintels, pediments, and friezes. Local lore even suggests that women must have carved this temple, as its intricate details are deemed too fine for the hands of men. On your return to Siem Reap, visit Banteay Samre Temple, adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes from Vishnu and Krishna legends.

Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel. Depart at 07:30 for a visit to the enchanting Ta Prohm, a temple that has become one with the jungle, creating an eerie yet captivating atmosphere. The grand roots of trees intertwine with the temple's colossal stone blocks, forming a hauntingly beautiful scene that may leave an indelible impression. Continue your journey to explore the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, one of the world's most impressive historical sites. The temple is adorned with exquisite Apsara carvings, showcasing the artistry of the Angkorian era.

Your exploration continues in the enigmatic Royal City of Angkor Thom, home to the awe-inspiring Bayon Temple, with its 54 towers that seem like an enigmatic mass of stone at first glance. However, closer inspection reveals an array of serene faces staring out from a primitive and distant era. Further discoveries await, including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lipper King Terrace, and Royal Palace. Explore one more gem in the Angkor Area, the Preah Khan temple, built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, featuring a similar architectural style to Ta Prohm.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, where lively streets and enticing scents, from chili to garlic, ginger to coriander, greet you. Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be met by a private transfer who will swiftly deliver you to your centrally located hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling commercial center, is a harmonious blend of tradition, modernity, colonial history, and the enduring spirit of reunification.

Enjoy a leisurely morning and savor breakfast before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City. Upon landing, you'll be met and transported to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Enjoy your overnight stay in your Ho Chi Minh City hotel.

Set out early in the morning for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located an hour from Ho Chi Minh City. Originally dug by hand during the French Indochina War by the Viet Minh, this extensive network of underground tunnels was later expanded during the Vietnam War. At its peak, the tunnels stretched 200 kilometers in length, with depths of 3 to 4 meters, equipped with meeting rooms, kitchens, and even medical posts. Today, it stands as one of the most significant historical sites of the Vietnam War.

Start your visit with a documentary presentation on the tunnels and the war in the 1960s and 1970s. Then, explore various narrow underground passages, revealing offices, kitchens, meeting rooms, weapons caches, and even hospitals. At the conclusion of your tour, savor a local specialty, khoai my luoc (boiled cassava), a dish commonly consumed during the war. After your visit, return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch.

In the afternoon, discover the city's dynamic urban environment. Notice the architectural influences from the colonial era and Chinese culture in the central part of Ho Chi Minh City. To complete your exploration of the southern capital, visit its main historical sites: the Central Post Office, featuring a metal structure designed by Gustave Eiffel; Notre-Dame Cathedral, constructed with red bricks and reminiscent of Paris's Notre-Dame; the Reunification Palace, and Dong Khoi Street.

Begin your day with breakfast before embarking on a journey to the Mekong Delta. Upon arriving at Ham Luong dock, board a boat and cruise along the Ham Luong River, a Mekong River tributary. The refreshing breeze from the river and the lush tropical islands along the banks set the stage for your upcoming adventures.

During your cruise, visit various local establishments showcasing age-old techniques to create crafts, such as activated charcoal, dried coconut, and handy coconut husk brooms. Witness family-run businesses utilizing coir, or coconut fiber, to produce remarkable art. Explore village paths via "Xe Lôi," a local vehicle resembling a motorized rickshaw. Then, take a sampan ride through tranquil canals, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the Mekong River and the local rural life. Lunch will be served by the river at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, indulge in leisure or enjoy a cycling tour through the village or simply relax amidst the beautiful countryside. In the late afternoon, depart for Can Tho. Dinner is at your own discretion. Overnight at your Can Tho hotel.

Rise early and enjoy breakfast before taking a motorboat excursion to the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest of its kind. Witness colorful boats laden with fresh fruits and vegetables converging for daily trade. Cruise further and stroll along a quiet country road, soaking in the stunning scenery and observing local daily life. Explore a flea market, visit a noodle factory, and wander through tropical fruit gardens, encountering papayas, mangoes, pineapples, and more. Take a short bicycle ride around the village, offering a fantastic glimpse into local life. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Can Tho or en route to Saigon.

Your time is at your leisure until your private car and driver arrive to transport you to the airport for your onward flight.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for joining us on this incredible journey to explore the wonders of Vietnam. Farewell, and we hope to welcome you again in the future. Should the provided itinerary not meet your expectations, Asia Tour Advisor can tailor additional customized trips to suit your preferences.