General Information
Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh – My Tho – Cai Be Floating Market – Sa Dec – Tan Chau – Phnom Penh – Kampong Chhang – Siem Reap – Bengmela Temple – Banteysrei temple – Danang Hoi An – Hue – Hanoi – Chiang Mai – Bangkok
Duration: 28 Days
Departure Date: Any Time You Wish
Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh/ Bangkok
Brief Itinerary
Two-Day Tour in Saigon
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh – Arrival (D)
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City & Art Tour (B, L)
Day 3: Saigon – My Tho – Cai Be (B, L, D)
8-Day Tour Explore Mekong River by Heritage Line Cruise
Day 4: Cai Be – Sa Dec – Tan Chau (B, L, D)
Day 5: Tan Chau – Border crossing – Phnom Penh (B, L, D)
Day 6: Phnom Penh (B, L, D)
Day 7: Phnom Penh – Kampong Chhnang (Tonle) (B, L, D)
Day 8: Tonle River – Kampong Cham (Mekong) (B, L, D)
Day 9: Kampong Cham (Mekong) (B, L, D)
Day 10: Kampong Cham (Mekong) – Siem Reap – Transfer to Hotel (B)
Two-Day Tour in Siem Reap
Day 11: Siemreap – Sunrise Tour – Small Circuit with some major temples (B)
Day 12: Siemreap – Bengmela Temple – Banteysrei temple (B)
10-Day Tour in Central & North Vietnam
Day 13: Siemreap – Fly to Danang – Hoi An (B)
Day 14: Hoi An Leisure (B)
Day 15: Hoi An – Farming & Fishing Eco Life Tour by Jack Tran check review (B, L)
Day 16: Hoi An – Cooking class – city tour (B, L)
Day 17: Hoi An – Drive to Hue (B, L)
Day 18: Hue City tour – Fly to Hanoi (B, L)
Day 19: Hanoi – City tour – Tonkin show (B, L)
Day 20: Hanoi – Halong Bay, overnight on cruise (B, L)
Day 21: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Street Food (B, L, D)
Day 22: Hanoi – Ninh Binh Tour (B, L)
6-Day Tour in Thailand
Day 23: Hanoi – Fly to Chiangmai (B)
Day 24: Chiangmai – Temples (B)
Day 25: Chiangmai – Elephant Sanctuary – Fly to Bangkok (B, L)
Day 26: Bangkok – Ayutthaya Ancient Town by boat (B)
Day 27: Bangkok – City tour & Canal Tour – Street Food Tour by tuk-tuk (B, L)
Day 28: Bangkok – Depart (B)
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh – Arrival (D)
On arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, you are greeted by the local guide and then transferred to the hotel in the center Ho Chi Minh City. After check-in the hotel, you can wander around the bustling city ‘til 7 pm, then back to the hotel for the welcome dinner.
Stay at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for overnight.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour (B, L)
Today, we visit all the highlights in Ho Chi Minh city such as the statue of the Burning Monk and hear its impressive story, then the Reunification Palace, which is the palace of the former President in South of Vietnam during the American war; visit War Remnants Museum where is poignant display of the futility of war; Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, the two sites that we can’t ignore when we visit the city.
After lunch, we travel to district 5 to visit Cho Lon (China Town) to visit Giac Lam Pagoda.
We then head back to the center to do shopping at the famous Ben Thanh market, this bustling and well-organized market are very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location.
Our free evening activities should be: walking around at the night market in Ben Thanh market area; explore the highest building in Saigon, Bitexco….
Overnight in Saigon.
Picked up by Vespa at the late afternoon and then drive to the happy Cafes Zoom where we enjoy the small welcome drink.
We start our tour once the sun disappears in the west; the drivers drive us around the big streets to small streets and we can see all the daily nightlife of local people. We will then stop at a seafood workshop for the first savory meal. With all picked up dishes, we enjoy with local beer, fruit juice or cold water while streets outside are still busy.
After that, Vespa drivers take you back to the center, passing many highlight places in the city and finally meet a tour guide who takes his private Vespa at the Banh Xeo workshop. This is a special street restaurant where we will have a chance to see the local women cooking Banh Xeo what we later try with a cold drink. Later on, drive back to a hidden Vietnamese-style coffee shop to have a taste of Vietnamese live music as local.
Back to the hotel for overnight accommodation in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 3: Saigon – My Tho – Cai Be (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we gather before noontime at our welcome lounge in Saigon. We bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon and travel 70 kilometers south overland to My Tho to embark on your luxury floating home for the upcoming journey along the Mighty Mekong.
After our crew warmly welcomes you, you check in to your well-prepared staterooms. The ship sets sail and a stunning voyage along the Mekong begins.
Make yourself familiar with all the ship facilities. Now it is time to become one with one of the largest streams in Asia.
In the afternoon, you’re free for your activities, you may choose either drink tea at the balcony or under the sunset in Mekong Delta.
Have dinner while the ship heads to Cai Be Floating Market. It is getting smaller every year since trading on the water is shifting more and more to the modern central markets.
We anchor mid-stream near Cai Be for dinner and moor there overnight.
Day 4: Cai Be – Sa Dec – Tan Chau (B, L, D)
Join in the invigorating Tai Chi Class right on the sundeck before breakfast.
Today you will visit Cai Be Floating Market, a rustic town crisscrossed by a series of water canals and boat. Witness the floating world of people living here. The special feature of this area is most of daily life taking place on the boat, they sell & buy right on the boat, which all creates the long-lasting trading culture. Next, we continue to explore the verdant canal network and observe the farmers working in these fields.
Back to the board and have lunch. Also, you can enjoy your time to either a true Vietnamese coffee at the bar or simply watch the life on the riverbanks floating by.
In the afternoon, the guide will lead us to Sa Dec, then head to Binh Thanh Island. It’s one of the largest ones in the vast stream of Mekong River. After that, spend time wandering through the village and get a deeper understanding of the life of locals.
Back on your boat and enjoy yourself with a spa treatment or dip into the pool on the sundeck. Have dinner right on the boat and then join in our evening cinema session featuring selected classic movies.
Day 5: Tan Chau – Border crossing – Phnom Penh (B, L, D)
Start your day with a savory breakfast at the dining hall. Join in a tour around Tan Chau, a slow-pace town with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh, and Khmer community. Down town the street and see all the local workshops, houses, and domiciles. Eventually, stop at the colorful local market near one of the temples in town.
Enjoy time strolling and interacting with the vendors to practice your bargaining skills. After that, board the boat and cruise past floating houses and reach a floating fish farm. Get a deeper insight into how it works.
In the afternoon, you can choose lots of options, or spend for your relaxation on a sunbed. A cooking class is a not-too-bad idea for your afternoon, you can have a deeper knowledge of local cuisine.
Transfer to the capital of Cambodia, savor lunch and you’re free at the rest of the day.
Day 6: Phnom Penh (B, L, D)
Welcome to Phnom Penh – the Paris of the East. The city has retained a wide range of its rustic charm and elegance, be mesmerized by its history and culture which can be seen at any street corners.
After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour. The first stop is the Killing Fields at the outside of the city, the visit the prison S21. Both two sites display the bloody chapter of Khmer history when the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with the terror and suppression.
Have lunch at a restaurant in town. After that, continues on the stunning cultural heritage of Phnom Penh. Visit the golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda, then visit the exceptional Khmer Craft at National Museum.
Your trip ends with a cyclo riding back to the ship through the bustling street of Phnom Penh.
As the evening unwinds, relish in your supper with a glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh, and the calming flow of the Tonle River. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 7: Phnom Penh – Kampong Chhnang (Tonle) (B, L, D)
In the early morning, the cruise sails towards Kampong Tralach on the Tonle River. Then gently gliding through leafy swaths of the jungle, like the scene we meet in Kampong Tralach. After breakfast, we anchor and ready for the first Tonle discovery.
We stop at the Green School, which partly supported by Heritage Line, witness the life at two sides of the river of Cambodian.
Back to Kampong Chhnang and take minibusses to a rural village nearby for a walking tour.
Day 8: Tonle River – Kampong Cham (Mekong) (B, L, D)
Enjoy breakfast whilst sailing from the lower Tonle River towards the Mekong, passing the confluence at Phnom Penh. Arrive at Koh Oknha Tey island, it is famous as the manufacturing of high-quality silk products.
Jump up a Tuk Tuk and explore the island with its workshops, learn how silk is made, and buy some as a special souvenir.
Before lunch, you’re offered a presentation about the Geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Sap. After that, there’s a Monks’ blessing ceremony on board to wish for our health and prosperity.
Towards the small Angkor Ban village up in the Mekong River, like being transported back to a hundred years ago into an era which hasn’t been affected by the modernity.
Enjoy dinner onboard and then overnight at a spot in the bank of Kampong Cham.
Day 9: Kampong Cham (Mekong) (B, L, D)
After breakfast, visit the enthralling pre-Angkorian Temple of Wat Hanchey, dating back to the 7th century. The complex sits on the hilltop right on the shore with spectacular views over the magnificent Mekong. Have lunch here.
In the afternoon, head to the colorful monastery of Wat Nokor. We might get the chance to meet some monks living in the area. If it’s low water season, you’re able to see the bamboo bridge connecting the mainland and the island. The bridge’s rebuilt every year when the water level drop. Continue the trip to visit the local school to understand more about the education of Cambodia (Optional).
When the night gradually falls, a farewell event here is waiting for you. Enjoy the local food & traditional dance & music.
Your boat moors at the bank of Kampong Cham, overnight here.
Day 10: Kampong Cham (Mekong) – Siem Reap – Transfer to Hotel (B)
Savor the last breakfast on board then disembark the ship for a transfer by bus to the drop off point in Siem Reap. After a 4.5-hour transfer, we arrive in Siem Reap.
Upon arrival at the drop-off point, you’ll be welcomed by the local guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 11: Siem Reap – Sunrise & Discovery of The Heart of Angkor (B)
Today is filled with color by relishing in the early sunrise over the Angkor’s five towers, giving you a chance to live to the fullest. Back to the hotel for breakfast, then begin our trip to head off to enter the South Gate of Angkor Thom and marvel at the wonders of the eerie Bayon, the terrace of Leper King and Ta Prohm Temple.
In the afternoon, take a visit to the famous Angkor Wat, which was built for King Suryavarman II in the 12th century as his state temple and the capital. It’s the only one which has remained a significant religious center – first Hindu, and then Buddhist.
Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 12: Siem Reap, Beng Mealea & Banteay Srei, Phare Circus (B)
After breakfast, continue the trip to witness more of the surrounding temples, then return to the direction of Siem Reap, stop to delve in the lesser-visited temple named Beng Mealea. It’s the same size as the better-known Angkor Wat.
Entirely swallowed by the jungle, it’s easy to imagine what it must have been like for explorers who discover these temples for the first time.
Continue our trip to visit the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, founded in 967.
The temple is considered as the jewel of the Classical Khmer Arts. Banteay Srei – which means “the Citadel of Women” – is true of absolute and rare beauty and fineness.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 13: Siem Reap – Small Circuit – Fly to Danang – Hoi An (B)
After breakfast, prepare for check out the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Visit the masterpiece and some nearby temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon, and Chau Say Tevado. After finish, directly our way to the airport for your departure flights to Danang.
On arrival in Danang, picked up by our local guide and diver transfer to Hoi An.
Check-in hotel for overnight.
Day 14: Hoi An Leisure (B)
Today, you will be free for shopping, strolling in the town, and lazing on the beach, or whatever takes your fancy. We’ll spend the night in Hoi An Ancient Town.
Day 15: Hoi An – Farming & Fishing Eco Life Tour by Jack Tran (B, L)
After breakfast, begin your day with a cycling tour to a farm. In the farm, you can witness and try on the work of local farmer as watering veggie, riding water buffalo,… After that, board the Hoi An tour boat head to the mouth of the river where it meets Cua Dai sea.
Next, delve into the tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways of the past. Have fun with catching stunning purple crabs on bamboo basket boat. After that, take a walk around the village and have some tea & snack with local talks.
Back to the boat and enjoy lunch with a cold beer or soft drink, then transfer back to the resort for overnight accommodation.
Day 16: Hoi An – Cooking class – city tour (B, L)
Start your day by a morning walking tour in Hoi An Ancient Town, one of the World Culture Heritage of Vietnam.
In the afternoon, join in the exciting cooking class at Red bridge restaurant with the first activity to the colorful market in Hoi An. Later on, board the Red Bridge boat for a 25-minute cruise along Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School.
Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Day 17: Hoi An – Drive to Hue (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, hop on the drive to Hue along the Highway 1A. We’ll stop en-route to contemplate the stunning views of North to Lang Co Beach and South to Danang city.
Arriving in Danang, take a brief visit at Cham Museum – the houses of the unique collection of Cham Artifacts; take in China Beach before a visit to the Marble Mountain. Its name is referred to the five universal elements, they are water, wood, air, fire, and earth.
Arrive in Hue in the afternoon, then board your boat on the seductive Perfume River. Hue is surrounded with the antique tombs of emperor past, take a visit to the tombs of Khai Dinh King. Then, visit the enchanted Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) to relish in the great view on the Perfume River and surrounding area.
Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 18: Explore Hue City Tour – Fly to Hanoi (B, L)
Have breakfast before a trip to the sightseeing places in Hue. Take a visit to the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945, then discover the ruins of this wonderful monument. Depart to the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum, housed within the former Dien Long An Royal Palace.
Have lunch before visiting King Khai Dinh’s Tomb and King Tu Duc’s Tomb.
After all, Dong Ba Market is the final destination of our day before a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Noi Bai international airport, you are welcomed by the local guide and then transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 19: Hanoi – City tour – Tonkin show (B, L)
Be ready for the whole day delve into Hanoi capital of Vietnam. First, we will visit Ho Chi Minh Complex, consisting of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, which is the first university in Vietnam.
In the afternoon, visit Museum of Ethnology, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority people or the less-famous Hoa Lo Prison Museum.
After that, pass the hidden Tran Phu Train track, take a seat and enjoy a cup of coffee while waiting for the incoming train. Feel the interesting atmosphere which differs with the bustling streets outside.
Later this afternoon, we transfer to outskirt for Tonkin show. Tonkin Show, Daily operated (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday), The Quintessence of Tonkin Show is one of the most interesting shows in Hanoi at this stage. Find out more about this show here.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 20: Hanoi – Halong Bay, overnight on cruise (B, L, D)
Today, you will be transferred to Halong Bay.
On arrival at Hon Gai International Harbor, check-in cruise and enjoy a set menu lunch served in the outdoor dining room (depending on the weather) while cruising into splendid Bai Tu Long Bay; admire the majestic limestone karsts on the way.
In the mid-afternoon, we cruise to Vung Dang – Cong Dam for relaxing time.
Dinner and overnight at Tra San area.
Day 21: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Street Food (B, L, D)
Start your day with a Tai-chi lesson on the sundeck and indulge in the morning view of Halong Bay whilst sipping a cup of tea or coffee. The cruise heads to Cong Do delve into Thien Canh Son Cave.
Check out the cabin and savor a buffet while cruising towards the harbor for disembarking. Hop on a car driving back to Hanoi.
Arriving in Hanoi, check-in the hotel and then begin walking down streets. Visit Hang Be street, witness, how lively a local market is. Continue our journey along different streets and try many kinds of local foods. Visit Dong Xuan Market before getting stunning in a hidden coffee in the Old Quarter.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 22: Hanoi – Ninh Binh Tour (B, L)
Today we’ll explore the most highlights in Ninh Binh province. Our first destination is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, dated back from the 10th and 11th centuries. It is one of the rice fields broken by picturesque limestone mountains. It features a series of monuments, consisting of King Dinh, King Le Temple & Tombs….
After lunch, take a boat rowing in Hoang Long River to visit Trang An Complex. Trang An is surrounded by stunning landscape with more than 100 caves which can be explored by boat. It’s also home to 600 kinds of flora and more than 200 kinds of fauna which listed in the Red Book of Vietnam.
Later on, we will be driven back to Hanoi for overnight accommodation.
Day 23: Hanoi – Fly to Chiangmai (B)
After breakfast, you’re free until the drive to Noi Bai airport for the flight to Chiangmai.
On arrival at Chiang Mai airport, your guide will pick and transfer you to the hotel. Check-in hotel and free time at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Chiang Mai.
Day 24: Chiangmai – Temples (B)
The morning will be devoted to the ancient city with the stops at Wat Chiang Man Monastery. You will witness more majestic temples in Chiang Mai as Wat Prah Singh Temple, Wat Phan Tao temple, Wat Chedi Luang Temple.
Visit Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, houses to the two important & venerated Buddha images: Phra Sila (Marble Buddha) and Phra Satang (Crystal Buddha). Then drive to Tribal Museum outside the city and discover the culture of the 10 major hill tribes in the province as Karen, Yao, Akha, Hmong,…
In the afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most famous pagoda in Chiang Mai. To reach the pagoda, you have to climb a 290-step staircase with ramps represent two giant nagas. From the square, admire the panorama of Chiang Mai valley. Stroll along small streets lined with lots of traditional houses. Then, go to the big central market of Warorot before visit craft villages: silk weaving, lacquer factories, manufacture of umbrellas, goldsmith work and wood carvings.
Enjoy your time at night market on your own
Day 25: Chiangmai – Full Day Elephant Sanctuary – Fly to Bangkok (B, L)
After breakfast, you will be met by your guide at your hotel and take a 50-minute drive to the North of Chiang Mai. When arriving in Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, change our clothes into traditional clothing.
Meet our elephants. Feed, roaming, observing, playing with them. At the Sanctuary, you’re allowed to spend as much time as possible with the elephants.
After lunch, join in the work of preparing and cooking sticky rice mixed with herbal for the elephants. Learn about the health care and behavior of the Elephant. It is concentrated on taking time to meet & observe the elephants to relish in each moment of their freedom, scratching, rubbing, throwing dirt, enjoy the view and take lots of pictures
After that, leave Kanta Elephant Sanctuary and take the 50-minute drive back to Chiang Mai. Transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok and overnight here.
Day 26: Bangkok – Ayutthaya Ancient Town by Grand pearl cruise (B)
Start your new day by a scenic drive to explore Thailand’s ancient capital and the cultural heartlands.
A 90-minute drive, you will get the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Ayutthaya. It’s established as the royal capital in the 14th century and rapidly became the largest city in all of Asia. Visit the main sites, admiring their unique architectural styles and learn about the history of the former city. Next, visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a classic example of Ayutthaya architecture and former home to a 16-meter high, gold-covered Buddha, melted down by the Burmese.
Continue to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, with an impressive collection of seated Buddha Images, and Wat Mahathat. Stroll through Ayutthaya’s local market and take a walk through the town’s Muslim Quarter which offers the opportunity to sample an unusual local delicacy, candy floss roti.
Take the one-hour return boat trip from Ayutthaya to Bangkok. Board an air-conditioned riverboat & cruise down the river, commonly referred to as ‘The River of Kings’. The journey just takes three hours, and it allows for plenty of time to revel in the passing scenery of riverside life.
Arrive in Bangkok for overnight accommodation.
Day 27: Bangkok – City tour & Canal Tour – Street Food Tour (B, L)
Have breakfast at the hotel, then your guide will pick up & transfer to visit the Grand Royal Palace, dedicated to the ceremony of the Thai royal family. It’s the most sacred place, respected and majestic in Bangkok. In the same compound with the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is known as the statue of the Emerald Buddha.
After visiting the complex, we continue to visit Wat Pho, a giant house of the Reclining Buddha.
Wat Pho is one of the oldest & largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok, situated at the eastern shore of Chao Phraya River, south of the Grand Palace. The symbol of the temple is the famous statue named “Reclining Buddha”. This statue represents Buddha on his deathbed. It is 45 meters long and 15 meters high. His feet are inlaid with mother of pearl.
After lunch at the restaurant, a walk-in Chinatown. It’s considered as the busiest area in Bangkok and renowned by many specialties from countries in the region.
After that, board a long-tail boat for a trip along the Chao Phraya River and a lot of lively inner canals of Thonburi bank offering scenic views of the local life nearby. Along the way, we stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. After that, take a visit to the Wat Traimit which is famous as the Golden Buddha. Join in evening Bangkok Best Eats Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk.
Witness the local famous eateries at night consisting of the best Pad Thai and Northeastern Thai Food (Esan Food). Try the kept-secret Guay Tiew Kua Gai and see how it’s made.
Explore the amazing flower market while visiting the magnificent temple for a unique night-time perspective.
Back to hotel free on your own. Overnight at hotel
Day 28: Bangkok – Depart (B)
After breakfast, you will be free until you’re the driver arrives and take you to the airport for your departure flight. Tour ends.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.