Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia 12 Days

As you step off the plane at Noi Bai International Airport, our warm-hearted guide will be there to greet you at the baggage claim area. Look for the sign adorned with our distinctive Asia Tour Advisor logo and your name. We'll take care of your comfortable transfer to your hotel while providing an introduction to the city en route. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in, unwind, and explore at your leisure.

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city, is a haven for seven million people. Immerse yourself in its traditional elegance, featuring French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, picturesque lakes, and the vibrant Old Quarter. Observe locals practicing Tai Chi by the lake, and savor the sights and sounds of barbers and food vendors conducting their sidewalk trade.

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)

Delve deeper into Vietnam's past with a day visit to picturesque Ninh Binh. Explore ancient sites as well as a relaxing sampan cruise through 'Halong Bay on Land'. 

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. We'll depart from Hanoi to Hoa Lu - Tam Coc, where you'll be treated to captivating rural scenery along the way. 

Join the guide for an in-depth exploration of the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital. Learn about the Dinh (968-980) and Le (980-1009) Dynasties and about the history of the site. See ancient tombs and the ruins of the once-imposing Citadel. 

For those feeling adventurous and fit, there's an option to embark on a half-hour trek up one of the nearby limestone karst hills, providing a rewarding panoramic view. Afterward, we'll journey to Tam Coc, located about 10 kilometers from Hoa Lu, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, you'll experience the enchanting Tam Coc by boarding a bamboo boat rowed by local experts along the Hoang Long River. Explore the mystical "Three Caves," which provide a refreshing break from the sun. The journey takes approximately two hours, offering glimpses of local fishermen, riverside village life, and the iconic limestone karst formations.

For the more adventurous, you can climb to Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled on Ngu Nhac Mountain and dating back to 1428. Comprising three structures (Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas), the pagoda's ascent offers breathtaking views. Return by sampan to Tam Coc town before heading back to Hanoi, where you'll arrive in the late afternoon.

Our journey embarks from Hanoi where we'll pick you up for a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of the Red River Delta. Our destination: the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay. Here, you'll embark on a luxurious cruise for an enchanting overnight cruise.

As you relax on board, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking limestone karsts that majestically emerge from the azure waters, surrounded by thousands of jungle-clad islands seemingly suspended on the gentle waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin conceal hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating a timeless and mesmerizing world.

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with breathtaking views and a refreshing drink. Our next destination is a charming fishing village, where locals have ingeniously turned their boats into a floating community. Meet fishermen, explore a stunning lagoon by kayak or rowboat, and unwind on deck as the sun sets. Spend a delightful overnight stay on board!

Kickstart your day with Tai Chi on the top deck or savor the sunrise over the bay. Sip on morning coffee or tea before setting out to explore nearby islands via rowboat.

Upon returning to the junk, witness a fruit carving demonstration and participate in a cooking class, learning to create traditional Vietnamese cuisine from scratch. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch on board as you cruise back to Halong City. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting at the dock to take you to Noi Bai Airport for your short flight to Hue.

Upon arrival in Hue, your tour guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel in Hue 

Hue is one of the most charming towns in the Central Vietnam and has a long and illustrious history as it used to be one of the main royal capitals of the country.

Today you will explore the royal city of Hue once served as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the citadel, the city retains its royal charm.

After breakfast, you are picked up by your private guide and driver and begin your day with a visit to the atmospheric Imperial Citadel, a large complex that contains the remains of the former Imperial Palace and Forbidden Purple City, where the emperors and his family once lived. The two-hour walking tour allows you to see the magnificent architecture and gardens as your guide explains the events and the intrigue of the former royal court.

From the Imperial City, your guide will take you to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue’s most famous religious site with its origins dating back to 1601. Here you will explore the pagoda’s landscaped gardens, the seven-tiered octagonal tower, and watch the monks chanting.

Hue is famous for its Royal cuisine. The Nguyen Emperors’ banquets were legendary. Some feats were said to have included 300 rare dishes served in more than a thousand bowls. Today your guide will take you to the fine-dining Ancient Hue restaurant where you will be served a royal lunch. This old fashioned style meal which brings a boutique and unique experience.

After lunch, you will explore the tomb of the longest-reigned Emperor Tu Duc, located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds, inspired by the Chinese Confucianism, harmonious design of balance and symmetry for the emperor’s resting place.

Continue to visit the tomb of King Khai Dinh, designed in traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.

After breakfast and check out of your hotel, meet your private guide and driver for a three-hour drive to Hoi An via the stunningly Hai Van Pass. Also known as the “Cloudy Pass,” this winding mountain road overlooks the lush countryside, sandy beaches, the blue waters of the South China Sea, and the coastal city of Da Nang.

En route, you will pause in Danang to visit the Marble Mountain with its beautiful caves of worship and the Museum of Cham Sculpture’s collection of artifacts dating back to the seventh century.

Upon arriving in Hoi An, you'll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon to unwind on the sandy shores of Cua Dai Beach.

Hoi An thrived as a bustling port city from the 16th to the 19th century, conducting trade with merchants from China, Japan, India, Indonesia, and Europe. 

Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Old Quarter of Hoi An preserves the city's past with ornate pagodas, antique trading houses, and historic tile-roofed shops. These have been transformed into art galleries, boutique restaurants, bars, and cafes. 

Hoi An is renowned for its architectural fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European styles, offering a rich cultural tapestry. Surrounding the city are scenic countryside landscapes with traditional farming and fishing, as well as sandy beaches featuring modern seaside resorts.

Discover the vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese daily life and rural heritage on this distinctive Hoi An excursion. 

Begin your day with a morning market tour, sourcing fresh ingredients for your upcoming cooking class. Accompanied by your guide and driver, you'll embark on a journey to the bustling Hoi An local market, where a myriad of sights, sounds, and aromas await. Take a leisurely stroll through the market's vibrant aisles, engaging with local vendors and selecting the finest produce for your culinary adventure.

Following the market escapade, head to Cam Thanh village, making a pitstop at the enchanting Bay Mau Water Palm forest. Enjoy a brief riverside walk in this quaint fishing hamlet, then hop onto a traditional Coracle bamboo boat for a scenic cruise along a charming canal with local fishermen. 

Continue to Tra Que herbs and vegetables village, where a farmer's family awaits. Don traditional farmer attire, explore the nearby farming land with authentic tools, and engage in a cooking class at a local home. Relish the experience of preparing and enjoying your own meal, culminating in a soothing foot soak with local herbs and a foot massage.

Cap off the day with an afternoon exploration of Hoi An's UNESCO-recognized ancient town. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Bridge, a Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, a Chinese Temple, Hoian Central Market, and the Culture Museum. Conclude this splendid day trip back at your hotel.

Siem Reap is an invaluable world’s cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO in 1992. This site has preserved ruins of the ancient Khmer Empire with the mysterious Angkor architectural ensemble. 

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 Camboida 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.