Jewels of Vietnam and Cambodia 11 Days

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, you will be warmly greeted by your guide who will accompany you to a waiting vehicle for a seamless transfer to downtown. En route, your guide will provide a brief introduction to the city. Look for your guide holding a welcoming signboard adorned with the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO and your name. Once you arrive at your hotel, take some time to settle in and unwind.

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

Note: We are flexible and can adjust the itinerary if you wish to start or finish your trip in another city.

Explore the capital of Vietnam, a city that celebrated its 1,000th anniversary in 2010. Hanoi boasts numerous captivating cultural and historic sites, and our full-day tour will introduce you to its highlights. Visit the grand and solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewed from outside; closed on Mondays and Fridays, and during October and November), see the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, and explore the beautiful Temple of Literature.

Discover the tranquility of Tran Quoc Temple on West Lake and the charm of Quan Thanh Pagoda. Wander through the bustling Old Quarter and, to conclude the day, immerse yourself in the unique art of water puppetry. The evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a journey to Ninh Binh to explore Hoa Lu, the Ancient Royal capital of Vietnam. This visit includes the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, both dating back to the 10th century, where you will learn about the heroic histories of these two kings during the Chinese Wars.

Following this historical excursion, embark on a boat trip to explore either Trang An, Tam Coc, or Van Long tourist attractions before checking in at your hotel.

We will pick you up in Hanoi by 8:00 am and drive through the lush Red River Delta to reach the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay. Here, you will board a luxurious junk ship for an enchanting overnight cruise. As you relax on board, take in the breathtaking limestone karsts that rise majestically from the sea, and the thousands of jungle-covered islands that appear to float on the water's surface.

The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin will mesmerize you as they swirl around hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating a timeless and enchanting world. A fresh seafood lunch will be served as you relax with a drink in hand. We will take you to a traditional fishing village where the locals have created a thriving community on their boats. Explore Tien Ong Cave before returning to the cruise for cocktails, canapés, and a spectacular sunset. End your day with a romantic, candlelit dinner.

Begin your day with a Tai Chi class on deck amidst the early morning mist or simply admire the beautiful scenery as the sun rises over the azure waters. You can choose between two excursions: visit a secluded island with a sandy beach for a refreshing swim or join the ship's chef for a cooking demonstration to gain deeper insights into Vietnamese cuisine.

Enjoy a leisurely brunch while your junk ship cruises through Halong Bay, passing by captivating islets and caves as you make your way back to the dock. Upon disembarkation, your driver will meet you and transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in downtown Hoi An.

Note: The itinerary is subject to change based on different boats and weather conditions.

Option 1 – Cooking Class:

Embark on a culinary adventure that begins with a visit to a vibrant local market to acquire fresh ingredients. Return to prepare your meal. Your chef will demonstrate how to cook typical Vietnamese cuisine, and you will have the opportunity to cook and savor your creations. In the afternoon, explore the time-capsule town of Old Hoi An on a walking tour with your guide.

Hoi An, once a major Asian seaport, showcases a fusion of styles and cultures that have been beautifully preserved. Stroll through traditional Chinese shops, elegant French homes, and visit an ancient Japanese bridge. The town is also home to silk markets, Vietnamese food stalls, and talented street performers, all of which will enchant you.

Option 2 – Vegetable Village:

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a bicycle ride to Tra Que Village and visit a local farm. This immersive experience provides insight into Vietnamese rural life, including the history of the village and daily practices of vegetable cultivation. Participate in farming activities such as collecting seaweed fertilizer, sowing, raking, watering, and picking. Join a local family to prepare and enjoy lunch, tasting other regional specialties like Tam Huu (spring rolls) and Banh Xeo (pancakes). Take a 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.

Option 3 – Countryside Biking or Motor Riding:

Your guide will pick you up at the hotel by motorbike, taking you to Tra Que Village and then riding back to the river to board a local ferry to Kim Bong Village. This village is renowned for wood carving and weaving sleeping mats, and you will stop at a family to observe how they weave mats for everyday use, as well as traditional mattresses. Visit a local family making the famous local noodle - Mi Quang, and have the opportunity to make and enjoy Banh Dap (rice cracker).

Ride into a small village, prepare for an adrenaline-pumping 300-meter bamboo bridge river crossing to reach the sea-side landscape of Duy Hai market and harbor. Here, take a local ferry crossing to the water coconut palm-fringed Cam Thanh village. Have lunch at Cam Thanh homestay and return to your hotel by motorbike. The route can be modified to match your preference if you prefer biking over a scooter tour.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the day at your leisure in Hoi An. This charming town offers numerous opportunities for exploration, from visiting nearby villages to swimming in the sea or simply relaxing by the hotel pool and savoring the pleasures of life.

You'll have a leisurely morning for breakfast and personal activities before we arrive to collect you and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Flight details will be provided. Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred directly to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel, after which your guide will pick you up for a visit to the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya. This site thrived in the late 9th and early 10th centuries and includes the earliest temples in the Angkor area, collectively known as the Rolous group (Lo Lei, Preah Koh, and Bakhong Temples).

Afterward, enjoy lunch with a local family before continuing your journey to the rural outskirts, approximately 35 kilometers from the Angkor area, to explore Banteay Srei. This temple, built in the 10th century and dedicated to Shiva, is famous for its intricate pink sandstone structure and exceptional bas-relief work, considered the finest example of Khmer classical art. Some even believe that women must have carved these fine details, as they appear too delicate for a man's hand. En route back to Siem Reap, visit the Banteay Samre Temple, adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes of Vishnu and Krishna legends.

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel. At 7:30 am, depart for a visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm temple. This captivating site had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, creating a haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent tree roots, entwined with the temple's massive stone blocks, evoke unforgettable feelings.

Next, continue your exploration with a visit to the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. The temple is adorned with exquisite Apsara carvings in the Angkorian era art style. Your journey continues into the enigmatic Royal City of Angkor Thom. The 54-tower temple, Bayon, is a mesmerizing sight. Initially, it may seem like a shapeless mass of stone, but upon closer inspection, faces emerge, drawing you into a silent, enigmatic gaze from a distant time. Explore the surroundings of the complex, including Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lipper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace Enclosure. Lastly, visit another ruin in the Angkor Area, the Preah Khan temple, built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII in a style similar to Ta Prohm.

Your remaining time in Siem Reap is at your leisure until your private car and driver arrive to transfer you to the airport for your homeward flight. Our services come to a close, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey.