Authentic Vietnam and Cambodia Trip

Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam, is the country’s cultural heart, bearing traces of centuries of changing dynasties. At 8:00 AM, your tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to Hang Be market which offers all a market in Vietnam kinds of goods that might be of need by the people of the Old Quarter of Hanoi, be it uncooked meat, fruits, dry food, … It will bring you an interesting approach to the life of the people in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Then, we transfer to Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest of its kind in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty (544 – 548). The Buddhist shrine has undergone several changes throughout the years, particularly its renaming from An Quoc to Tran Quoc (protecting the country) by Emperor Le Huy Tong in the 17th century.

Afterward, we will head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology where you can deeply explore the life of the Vietnamese ethnic group through their history.

In the afternoon, we will spend time visiting the Temple of Literature – which is well known as the first university in Vietnam- a rare example of Vietnamese architecture back to the 11th Century. 

Later, we will visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (outside) where the great President Ho Chi Minh rests in peace. We will visit the traditional stilt house and the respected One-Pillar Pagoda, the special pagoda with a particular structure. 

In the evening enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.

Back to the hotel. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Around 11:30, you will arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and check in at the waiting lounge. From there, at 12:00, you will embark on the Pelican Cruise and be welcomed with a refreshing drink, followed by a brief orientation. Once you have settled into your room, you will indulge in a delicious lunch of Vietnamese and international cuisine while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the bay. You will pass by some of the most stunning areas, including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Three Coconuts Island.

At 15:00, you will visit Tung Sau, which is the largest pearl farm in Ha Long Bay, where you can learn about the process of manual pearl culture and even try your hand at some techniques. This is also a perfect place for kayaking, allowing you to get up close to the timeless beauty of Ha Long Bay.

Later, you will visit Ti Top Island, a small limestone island boasting one of the best sandy beaches in Ha Long Bay. You can immerse yourself in the emerald water or hike to the top for stunning panoramic views of the Bay.

As the sun sets, you will return to the boat and anchor at the Lom Bo area. You will have the option to indulge in a massage service that is available, which can be booked directly with the Cruise Manager.

At 19:30, a deluxe dinner will be served, featuring traditional and fusion dishes prepared by talented chefs. After dinner, you can enjoy your time at the bar and spa, fish for squid, or watch a movie in your cabin, play cards, and chess, or relax on the sundeck. You will spend overnight on board.

Start your day early at 6:00 am with a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the sundeck to awaken your senses while taking in the breathtaking views of the bay. Then, treat yourself to a delicious breakfast of coffee, tea, and pastries served in the restaurant at 7:00 am.

At 7:30 am, visit Sung Sot Cave, the largest limestone cave in Ha Long Bay. Marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years after a steep climb on Bo Hon Island. It is highly recommended to wear proper shoes, especially when it is wet.

Return to the cruise ship, settle your bill at the reception, and check out. Have brunch while cruising back at 10:00 am, and relax on the sundeck or in the restaurant.

Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina at 11:30 am, bid farewell to the crew, and end your cruise journey with us.

 

Get picked up from station, stop at Dong Hoi city for breakfast, after that departure to hotel for check in and relax.
In the afternoon, board a local boat and start cruising along the Son River to Phong Nha Cave, noted for its depth and surreal scenery the further you go into the cave. After 700m (2,297ft), a large dry passage way becomes visible and visitors can disembark and walk an additional 500m (1,640ft) into the cave. Notice the remnants of Cham altars and inscriptions found at the end.

If you are the person who loves nature and adventure. This tour is for you. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park 1 Day Tour go to Paradise Cave and Dark Cave. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, the remarkable Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia, formed approximately 400 million years ago. Phong Nha is still new to tourism, so the natural beauty still remains. Mountains, lakes, caves, jungles, extremely exotic and endemic wildlife. This place has it all.

Paradise Cave: 70 km northwest of Dong Hoi city. It’s a dry cave and is called the “underground palace”. Paradise cave had been considered the longest dry cave in Asia. It is one of the most magnificent and magical wonders in the world. This cave is 31 km long. Paradise cave celestial splendour between mundane title.

Lunch at a restaurant with local specialties from the people here processing.

Dark Cave: Exploring Dark cave is really an amazing experience. We will kayak along Chay river, walk through the dark with just head torches and plunge into a narrow cavern full of thick, wonderfully gloppy, gooey mud. You will be surprised of the beauty hidden in the dark. Inside Dark cave, you will have the opportunity to have a natural mud bath and swim in the cool lake. Besides, you can join in many activities such as swimming, zip line, high-wire, and kayaking. The cave is a unique experience in comparison with the other caves. Lots of adventurous activities are waiting for you.

Vehicle transfers you back to Phong Nha town.

This morning, we will drive to Vinh Moc Tunnel approximately 2.5 hours away. Our tour guide will recommend stops along the way to see a small church showing the signs of mortar attack in the area and visit former US Bases. You will go through the DMZ, where some of the bloodiest battles were fought during the American War, you will walk cross the Ben Hai River on Hien Luong Bridge that used to demarcate the division between North and South Vietnam (1954-1975).

Then, visit the museums containing photographs and memorials of the war before taking a fascinating tour of the Vinh Moc Tunnels. Your guide will take you into the tunnels and explore the complex; you will walk past huge bomb craters, amazing fighting trench and even venture into the tunnels and explore the tiny living rooms, food and weapon storages and school that villagers would have survived on.

After the tunnels, you will be transported to Cua Tung beach; you can have some time to swim and relax. Mid-afternoon driving all the way back to Hue. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

In the afternoon, the guide will pick you up at your hotel to start visiting the Imperial Citadel – The home of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 – 1945). 

Then, transfer to The Nguyen Emperor Khai Dinh’s Royal Tomb – a unique tomb among the royal tombs in Hue, Vietnam. Where other royal tombs are expansive and invite respectful reflection, Khai Dinh built his final resting place to be monumental in style and bombastic in execution.
Overnight in Hue.

Embark on a city highlights tour that showcases Saigon’s vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Despite its modernity, the city has maintained a strong connection to its past.
Our tour will visit some of Saigon’s most historic landmarks including the red brick Notre Dame Cathedral, featuring twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (please note that entrance is only permitted when no services are being performed). From there, we will head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891.
A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, which was the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War. Next, visit the War Remnants Museum for a vivid and sometimes graphic perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Afterward, experience Saigon’s renowned street coffee culture while your guide provides a brief language lesson and insights into daily life in Saigon before returning to your hotel.

 

Breakfast at the hotel – Heading out of town we make our way by traveling on a newly paved road to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. Along the way we make stopover at the Preah Dark village and we follow these with a visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. Afternoon, Visit Angkor Wat, the largest temples in world and covers an area of 200 hectares and surrounded by moat and an exterior wall measuring 1300 meters x 1500 meters. 
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Angkor Thom, the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, built from the late 12th century to the early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII and consists of 54 towers, the Royal Enclosure, the Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, then Visit Preah Khan temple, built by King Jayavarman VII dedicated to his father. It is a huge, highly exportable monastic complex, and served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks. Afternoon, visit visit the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature and followed by sunset on top of Phnom Bakeng. Overnight in Siem Reap

Head about 11 miles (18 km) south of Siem Reap toward Tonlé Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It’s connected to the Mekong River by the Tonlé Sap River and is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Your private boat will lead you across the lake to its famous floating villages, permanent communities, including schools, markets, and restaurants, built on the water. Learn how the communities sustain themselves throughout the seasons, visit restaurants, or take a boat ride through flooded forests of mangrove trees.

 

Breakfast at the hotel – visit Wat Phnom Temple is one of the most important pagodas in Phnom Penh. Built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Daun Chi Penh by Cyclo ride.  You will be also taken along through the old colonial streets of Phnom Penh and get a glimpse of urban life in Southeast Asia. Afternoon, visit National Museum, over 5000 objects are on display including Angkorian era statu, lingas and other artifacts. Visit Royal Palace is a royal residence now where His Majesty, the King of Cambodia, and the royal families live. it is like a small town of royal dynasties. Continue to Silver Pagoda, serves less as a functioning temple than a repository for cultural treasures such as 90 kg golden Buddha encrusted with 2086 diamonds. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Breakfast at the hotel – continue visit Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 prison). This former school was used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces. More than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to the extermination camp at Choeng Ek to be executed. Then Visit Russian Market (Toul Tumpong Market), the Market has gained reputation for cheap clothing, a large selection of Buddha images and woodcarvings, betel-nut boxes, silk, silver jewelry, and classic music instrument. Transfer to the airport for flight departure