Angelic Glimpse of Vietnam & Cambodia – 18 Days

On your arrival, our guide and car will wait you in the arrival lobby before we transfer to hotel for check-in. After a short rest, we will start walking around the Old Quarter along different streets, try to taste many kinds of local food such as beef/chicken noodle soup, oil-fried pastry, tofu, rice pancake, pillow cake, sweet soup, stuff pancake with pork, draught beer… and one of our best surprised is a stop at Dong Xuan whole sales market where we know many kinds of ingredients being sold.

Last but not least is our happy ending at a hidden coffee in the Old Quarters enjoy its famous ‘egg coffee’ in the pleasant surrounding overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. It would be a great chance to immerse in the local life of the local at weekend here. After the tour, we return back to the hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi.

These are the famous street foods that you can try in Hanoi:

• Banh Cuon – Steamed rice paper rolls
• Bun Oc – Vietnamese freshwater Snails Noodle
• Bun Rieu Cua – The Hearty Crab Soup Noodle (Not suitable for people allergic to crustacean shells)
• Bun Ca – Noodle soup with fish
• Banh Xeo & Nem Lui – Crispy pancakes and lemongrass pork skewers
• Mien Xao Luon – Glass noodles with eel
• Banh Da Tron – Mixed flat rice noodles
• Banh Tom – Hanoi shrimp cakes
• Cha Ruoi – Fried Worm (Based on season)
• Banh Goi – Crispy ’empanadas’
• My Ga Tan – Chicken noodles in herbal broth
• Che – Colourful Sweet Dessert Soup
• Lau – Vietnamese Hot-pot (Such as Thai Hot Pot, Hearty Crab Hot Pot, Beef Hotpot, Mixed Hot Pot, …)
• Steaky Rices – Corn Sticky Rices, Green Sticky Rice Sticks, sticky rice with caramelized pork and eggs, etc)d
• Egg Coffee or Green Bean Egg Café

Today, at 8:30 am, our guide pick you up at the hotel in Hanoi where we will venture out to explore Hanoi the first stop will be a coffee shop on Phung Hung Street. The train will run through this area while we enjoy our coffee here. After spending around 1 hour here, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature, which was originally built as a temple to Confucius. Let’s continue the tour by visiting Quan Thanh Temple represents the Taoist religion dating from the Ly Dynasty and Tran Quoc Pagoda dedicated to Buddha (the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, especially locates on West Lake where you can capture nice sightseeing). Lunch is inclusive and served after the Tran Quoc pagoda visit.

Then, we go to the Ho Chi Minh Complex as the first attraction. With a fixed route, you will see Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (visit outside) which houses his corpse everlasting so that Vietnamese people and friend countries can come to pay expect to him as the greatest president ever in Vietnam; his stilt-house described as Ho Chi Minh’s final resting accommodation since his death in 1969, and One Pillar pagoda with a long history back to 1049 during Ly dynasty in Vietnam- the period that Buddhist was most magnifically prosperous. The architecture followed special meanings as well. You absolutely find out how special this city means to Vietnamese people.

After the tour here, we will spend time in the infamous Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Hoa Lo is also known as the ‘’Hanoi Hilton’’ and was where former US presidential candidate John McCain was incarcerated for over 5 years. Later this afternoon, we enjoy 1-hour cyclo tour of the French-inspired “Old Quarter”. We will be free to shop in the old Quarter ranges from markets through to designer boutique stores to amazing contemporary art galleries. Then, we sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets and return back to the hotel in Hanoi.

Pick up at your hotel at 8 AM, we will drive Southward of Hanoi to Ninh Binh province. We will take a pleasant boat rowing in Hoang Long River to visit Trang An Eco-Tourism complex. The complex is surrounded by picturesque landscapes with thousands of hectares with more than 100 caves which can be explored by boat. It is also home of 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna that many of them in the Red book of Vietnam. It is also a gathering of 31 valleys, 48 cross-water caves and we will visit 3 to 6 of them. On the rowing boat, we can enjoy the fresh air, clean and clear water with under water grass. Experience the feeling and emotion when we are on the water caves… After the tour, we will eat lunch in the local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital dated back from 10th and 11th centuries. The area is one of rice fields broken by picturesque limestone mountains. It features se Departuveral dozen monuments, including King Dinh and King Le Temple & Tombs… Then, we will spend time to visit Hang Mua – Dancing Cave is where you can get an impressive panoramic view of Tam Coc and Ninh Binh city when you reach the top point of Ngoa Long mountain (about 500 stone steps). In the late afternoon, we will be driven back to Hanoi for the night train to Lao Cai, Sapa.

After the train arrives at 6 am, our guide will pick you up at Lao Cai Station and we will transfer to Sapa in around 1 hour. When you arrive in Sapa, we will eat breakfast here before starting our trip.

Highlights: Experience the daily life of Vietnamese people in the suburb of Sapa town and enjoy the beautiful landscape, fantastic view from Heaven Gate.

Itinerary: Meet your guide and driver for a leisure trip. The drive uphill offers most spectacular scenery of Fansipan Mount. Just a kilometer out of the town, rose flower farms and later chayote grows on bamboo frames covered a vast area. We’ll stop at the magnificent Silver Waterfall before continue the road trip for some kilometers further to Heaven Gate and Tram Ton Pass. At 2047m above sea level, the Heaven Gate & Tram Ton Pass is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. From here enjoy walking around for half an hour for the beautiful scenery of both two side of Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The wind blows stronger to force the clouds moving constantly. It is the best point here to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the two side of Fansipan Mountain Range. Amazingly that the weather is very different by the side: In many days It is foggy and cloudy on Sa Pa side and sunny brightly the other side. Leaving the Heaven Gate for the way back downhill 7 km, where you may stop to taking pictures of  some lush farm in O Quy Ho where different kind of vegetable, flower, fruit trees and even medicinal plants are grown for years which makes this part of Sapa evergreen. Transfer back to Sapa and trip ends with drop off at hotel or any place at request.

After breakfast, we transfer to Cat Cat Village. After a couple of minutes, you follow the steps going downhill to Cat Cat village. You will stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before continuing the trek on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraces. You also will enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of the Black Hmong minority, where you can take a rest while you are served lunch nearby the river.

After lunch, you head toward Muong Hoa Valley. You will pass through the Lao Chai village of the Black Hmong minority and then the Tavan village of the Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route. You will return to Sapa from Tavan by car.

Approx: 0,5-hour driving / 5 hours walking / 1-hour lunch.

This morning, you will be free in Sapa until we check-out hotel at noon and our shared limousine will pick you up from the hotel in Sapa at 2:30 pm. The transfer time to Hanoi will be 6 hours.

After breakfast, we pick you up at the hotel in Hanoi around 7:45 – 8:30 am by shuttle bus to start our journey. When we arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, you will get checked in at La Regina Royal waiting lounge, and enjoy welcome drink and express check-in before boarding. Once arrived, you will be given a short briefing about your cruise itinerary and safety regulations while you enjoy some complimentary welcoming drinks. Shortly after, we start our vacation with a delicious lunch set menu in the restaurant. As the cruise departs towards Halong Bay – a natural wonder of the world, absorb yourself in the gorgeous scenery and famous sights of limestone.

Around 15:00, your first excursion is a visit to Luon Cave. This is considered as one of the most ideal places in Halong for kayaking or rowing boat. After that, you will visit Titov Island, where you can go swimming or hike to the top for another stunning, panoramic view of the Bay. Then, we return back to the cruise and enjoy the Bay sunset while enjoying the “Happy Hour” special. You may also join our chef in the kitchen to learn how to make traditional spring rolls. At 7 pm, we enjoy our special dinner in the restaurant or on the sundeck (if the weather is permit). After dinner, it’s your choice for a fun squid fishing, spa (surcharge) or relaxing before spending the rest of the night on board

11:30 Arrive at Le Regina Royal waiting lounge in Halong International Harbour, enjoy welcome drink and express check-in before boarding.
12:30 Transferred to La Regina Royal Cruise by a tender boat, enjoy a Welcome Drink from crew member while manager introduce the safety briefing and clearing our the itinerary.

Afternoon
13:00 Let your vacation start with a delicious lunch set menu in the restaurant. As the cruise departs towards Halong Bay – a natural wonder of the world, absorb yourself in the gorgeous scenery and famous sights of limestone
15:00 Your first excursion is a visit to Luon Cave. This is considered as one of the most ideal places in Halong for kayaking or rowing boat. After that, you will visit Titov Island, where you can go swimming or hike to the top for another stunning, panoramic view of the Bay.
17:30 Return to the cruise and enjoy the Bay sunset while enjoying the “Happy Hour” special. You may also join our chef in the kitchen to learn how to make traditional spring rolls.
19:00 Enjoy our special dinner in the restaurant or on the sundeck (if the weather is permit). After dinner, it’s your choice for a fun squid fishing, spa (surcharge) or relaxing.

In the early morning, we greet the new day on the sundeck with a tachi session and enjoy the fresh air on the bay while you unwind with a cup of tea or coffee.  Following, we visit to the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you can take in the panoramic views across Halong Bay. After the time in here, we return back to La Regina Royal Cruise and spend time to check-out before having the Vietnamese cuisine buffet is served at the restaurant while the boat heads back to the harbor and get on the shuttle bus to return back to Hanoi in around 2.5 – 3 hours.

Morning
06:00 Greet the new day on the sundeck with Tai Chi Exercise.
06:30 Light breakfast is served at the restaurant.
07:30 After breakfast, Your next excursion is a visit to the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you can take in the panoramic views across Halong Bay.
09:00 Come back to La Regina Royal Cruise. Check out of the cabin.
09:45 Vietnamese cuisine buffet is served at the restaurant while the boat heads back to the harbor.
11:00 Disembark at the harbor. After returning back from Halong Bay, we will spend time relaxing at hotel Sojo near Hanoi Station before embarking the night train to Dong Hoi, Quang Binh via the local train (SE1 | 20:55 – 06:53).

Today, we will be picked up from Dong Hoi Station and we transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast. Located in the center of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, with a length of 7.729m, Phong Nha Cave is one of the world’s longest wet caves. Besides, it also holds several records for the highest and longest cave, the longest underground river, finest beaches inside; the most splendid stalagmites; and stalactites.

Phong Nha is famous for its rock formation that bear intriguing names such as the ‘Lion’, ‘Unicorn’, ‘Kneeling elephant’; and ‘the Buddha’. After flowing about 19 km underground; Son river emerges from the mouth of this cave; draining a huge area of the limestone mountains around Phong Nha.

Chay River is one of the tributaries of Son River, originating from Chay Waterfall. The name is Chay Waterfall is because of the waterfall sounds like pestering rice. Sailing along Chay River, you will have opportunity to feel the flow of calm, romantic with the blue water color as jade, the two sides are the corn fields stretching to create a painting of aquatic animals.

Dark Cave was discovered in 1990. It is often called “The small version of Son Dong Cave”. With a very strange beauty, the cave is home to many lakes, a water temperature of about 18 degrees. Inside the cave there are many great things to see and enjoy! You will also have a great experience with the mud bath and immerse yourself in peaceful nature. After the tour, we will transfer to the pick-up places for a shared limousine to Hue. On your arrival in Hue, you will check-in hotel on your own and spend the rest of day relaxing.

Around 8.00 – 8.30 am, we pick you up at the hotel in Hue to start our journey. The first place of our trip is Thien Mu Pagoda – The oldest pagoda in Hue city. We go there by Dragon boat to have a different look at the fabled Perfume River and also fully admire the beauty of Thien Mu pagoda from afar. After that, we explore the Imperial Citadel – The home of Vietnam & the last royal dynasty – the Nguyen Dynasty. Famously being one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City of Hue has long been a must-see attraction for tourists visiting a hidden charm of Vietnam.

Following, we go to Dong Ba Market to see the daily life of local people. It’s relatively clean, with ample space, and most of what’s sold will fit in your suitcase. This place is designed for locals so you can pick up some cheap and tasty eats. The market ranges from raw foods to t-shirts and the usual stuff you find at tourist markets.

After lunch, we continue to visit Tu Duc & Khai Dinh King’s Tomb – a blend of Western and Eastern architecture. Khai Dinh designed his tomb himself, after exposure to France, and surely Chinese aesthetics, and it is very different from most other temples with nice colors, and beautiful fusion costumes (although he set a trend if you look at newer temples). This place will suitable for someone who likes history. The view is amazing, if try you can get a lot of perfect pictures. You will be impressed by the majesty and symmetry of the architectural constructions.

One more place on this trip is Conical Hat Village, an incense stick-making village. It has been a well-known trademark in Vietnam and around the world. When it comes to Hue’s traditional villages, conical hat village is one of the most well-known brands. It is dedicated to preserving Hue’s distinctive cultural attractiveness. At around 4:00 – 4:30 pm, we go back to your hotel. Tour ends

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel by vehicle to Hoi An along scenic highway 1A. Along the way, we will stop to contemplate the stunning views North of Lang Co Beach, and South of Danang city. Then, we drive to Sun World Ba Na Hills and have full day entertain in Ba Na Hills. We first take the cable car up to the mountains, enjoy the specular of Truong Son Mountains and most specially, the Golden Bridge – the new symbol of Danang thanks to its unique design and magical settings.

Free time to wander through the Le Jardin Garden with hundred kinds of flowers or admire the architecture buildings at French village. Buffet lunch is included. In the afternoon, we take the cable car down and transfer to Hoi An.

Hoi An Ancient town has been recognized as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 1999 thanks to its value. This place is complex of the acculturation. The architecture of the town reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Potuguese, French and British traders. It used to be a trading port in 17th & 18th centuries where the trading cruise ships from Japan, China & the west met and exchanged goods. Hoi An nowaday is one the most attractive places in Vietnam and with a half day walking around, visitors will immediately feel the hospitality and friendship the locals extend to them. And they can see that what is so special about Hoi An is that this little port town is in an incredible state of preservation…Welcome to Hoi An!

 Met up by local tour guide in the morning then we will start our walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky’s old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, and the temples, and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Then we be free to having lunch and return back to hotel for check-out.

13:30 – 14:00: Our tour guide pick you up at your hotel and depart to My Son Sanctuary – The World Cultural Heritage.
15:00: Arrive at My Son and we’ll have 2 hours to discover the site by walking throughout the landscape, learning histories with our local English-speaking guide, and enjoying the Champa’s traditional performances.
15:15: Get back to mini van for transfer to the Cau Lau’s wharf for taking a boat trip to Hoi An with nice and cool breeze on boarding, beautiful sunset river scenery on the biggest river in the Central of Vietnam named as Thu Bon River. Get your camera ready for the amazing moment of local people activities along the river.
18:30 Arrive at Hoi An, we will drop you at your hotel and we then transfer to Danang International Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, welcomed upon arrival by a local tour guide and driver then we transferred to the hotel to check in and relax. After check-in, we will be free to wander around the hustle and bustle city on our own.

Group size: 4 – 12 people

At 7.30 am, we will pick you up at the hotel in HCMC. The first place of the morning trip is Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification palace, which was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. We continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of both the Indochina wars. Lunch will be served in the local restaurant.

Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours of bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime. Then, you can spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the specially constructed living areas with kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served. We have a break time for relaxation or time for those who want to try a real shooting gun. At 7 pm, we return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Notes:

*The Notre Dame Cathedral has been restored, so the guests just visit outside.
*Drop-off time is subject to traffic, weather…so the finished time could be later than expected.

Group size: 4 – 12 people

07:30: Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and start the trip to Cai Be. Upon arrival in Cai Be, have a boat ride to the remaining site of a renowned wholesale floating market on the Tien River many years ago. This site entitles you to learn something about the local trading habit that has changed due to the age of modern society when more terrestrial transportation and high techniques of agriculture have dominated everywhere. There, you can realize how diverse the area is and how rich orchard gardens are, which makes it the basket of fruit in the lower part of the Mekong River.

Ramble in small villages where you will uncover the beauty of an ancient house and learn about the indigenous culture. Make a short visit to a small family business where the locals make coconut fudges and crispy rice popcorn. Savor delicious fresh fruit and feel the slow rhythms of Southern Vietnamese folk music – a kind of music entwined with the life and culture of the Mekong Delta people. Paddle through small canals – an exciting experience since you can look around, unwind, and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. Additionally, after arrival on Tan Phong Island, immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility.

At lunch time, you not only enjoy luscious food but also get closer to the locals as it is a chance to learn how to prepare Vietnamese specialties. The meal is cooked on your own and served in the heart of the local garden. Cycle on the village path through orchards. Meet the local islanders to learn more about the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. Visit Ba Kiet’s ancient house. Take a boat ride back to Cai Be and meet your bus for the trip to Can Tho City. Proceed to Can Tho City and overnight in Can Tho.

Have breakfast at the hotel. You can take a leisurely boat ride to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River), then visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the most vibrant floating market in the area. Walking tour of the local noodle factory. Visit Munir Ansay Pagoda – Khmer temple, famous for its unique structure. Then, move by boat to the Con Son tourist area, visit the fruit plantation, and enjoy seasonal fruits. Have lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

***Please note: Drop-off time is subject to traffic, weather…so the finished time could be later than expecting.

Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, our guide and driver will welcome you and we will transfer to hotel for sleep. Visit to the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang (“The Royal Baths” was once used or ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei(surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake) and Preah Khan temple, Built by the King Jayavarman VII. Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation.

Visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom (12 century): the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Visit to the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Enjoy wonderful sunset from the top of Phnom Ba Kheng Temple.

In the morning, we will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake at KAMPONG PHLUK VILLAGE. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South East Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a fishermen’s “floating village” with floating schools, floating police station, etc. It is same as a big village floating on the lake, and the “village” move from place to place following water levels and current. Transfer to Siem Reap airport for flight to next destination. Thanks for traveling with Vietnam local tour operator!