Vietnam & Cambodia Tour 17 days

Departure: Daily

Start tour: Ha Noi

Finish tour: Siem Reap

Prepare to be awed by the ruins of Angkor in Siem Reap on this sixteen-day journey among the marvels of Southeast Asia. Travel through dense jungle, towering limestone peaks, and emerald rice paddies, as you take in ancient world heritage sights and natural wonders as you enjoy the best that Indochina has to offer. Fly to Saigon, the frenetic economic capital of the country, home to impressive gems of French colonial architectural, tree-lined boulevards and pulsating markets, admire the stunning architecture of the Imperial Citadel in Hue, and unwind among the serene winding lanes of Hoi An. Next we're off to Hanoi, cultured capital of Vietnam. As we travel from north to south through this fascination country, you will view the splendor of the thousands of karst islands at Halong Bay Our last destination is the town of Siem Reap in Cambodia, gateway to the ruins of Angkor. Marvel at how these incredible stone structures have managed to survive centuries of jungle encroachment as you explore one of the most important religious monuments in the world.

Highlights

  • Hanoi: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; water puppets performance; visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Presidential Palace, and Temple of Literature; take a “cyclo” ride through the Old Quarter
  • Hoa Lu & Tam Coc: Hoa Lu is the Ancient Royal capital under Dinh dynasty and pre- Le dynasty which was lasted 41 years (968-1009).In comparison with Hoa Lu, Tam Coc is considered as Ha Long Bay on land because of its beauty and charm.
  • Sapa: More and more travelers are braving the bad roads and flocking here for the climate and to visit the hill tribes (mostly Hmong, Dao and Kinh people) who live in the areaJust 9km from Sapa is Fansipan (3143m), which is Vietnam's highest mountain.
  • Halong Bay: Overnight cruise in a traditional Junk boat, discover caves & fishing villages, explore the lagoon.
  • Danang – Hoi An: See ancient sculpture in the Cham Museum, and tour Buddhist cave temples in the Marble Mountains. A walking tour through the UNESCO listed Old Quarter; Countryside bike ride, visit an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, and a Chinese assembly hall.
  • Hue: See stunning scenery en-route to Hue; Take a dragon boat to visit pagodas; Visit the Imperial Citadel. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.
  • Ho Chi Minh City: City tour including entry to the War Remnants Museum
  • Mekong Delta: Take an excursion to Mekong Delta, with a boat trip on the Mekong River to visit Cat Be floating market.
  • Siem Reap: Witnessing the architectural legacy of the mighty Khmer Empire - once the greatest power in South East Asia. Absorbing the beauty of the temples of Angkor. Feeling welcomed by the smiles and hospitality of the Khmer people

In brief

  • Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
  • Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu & Tam Coc (B/L)
  • Day 3: Hanoi – City tour – Night Train to Lao Cai (B)
  • Day 4: Lao Cai – Hill Tribe market - Sapa (B/L)
  • Day 5: Sapa – Heaven’s Gate (B/L)
  • Day 6: Sapa – Villages – Lao Cai – Hanoi (B/L)
  • Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/L/D)
  • Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B/L)
  • Day 9: Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An (B)
  • Day 10: Hoi An – Sightseeing (B)
  • Day 11: Hoi An – Hue (B)
  • Day 12: Hue – Ho Chi Minh (B)
  • Day 13: Ho Chi Minh – Vinh Long – Can Tho (B/L)
  • Day 14: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh (B/L)
  • Day 15: Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi Tunnels – Fly to Siem Reap (B)
  • Day 16: Siem Reap – Angkor Temple (B)
  • Day 17: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake - Departure (B)

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Hanoi Vietnam

Today you’ll land in Hanoi. Warmly welcome by Tour Guide & Car Driver at airport then transfer to Hanoi Downtown, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks, and the capital of Vietnam. Check into your hotel. Stay overnight in Hanoi. Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu & Tam Coc (B/L)

After breakfast at hotel, we start to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. Arrive in Tam Coc, we will take 2hour-boat trip to visit Tam Coc. Known as “Halong Bay on land”, Tam Coc are three limestone caves stretching along Ngo Dong river. The boat trip is a nice journey along the river with peaceful scenery of limestone mountains, rice paddy and the site of some temples along the way from Hang Ca (first cave) to Hang Hai (second cave) and Hang Ba (third cave). Having lunch in Tam Coc in a local restaurant and enjoy lunch served with goat meat which is famous as the local specialty. Afternoon, we will visit Hoa Lu where there are now 2 temples have been built on the ground of the old royal palace, one is dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang, the other is to King Le Dai Hanh. The visit offers a chance to know more about part of feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history. Then We drive back to Hanoi in the late afternoon and drop you off at your hotel. Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi – City Tour – Night train to Lao Cai (B)

After breakfast, you will have a full day of your own to see the city so good walking shoes are a must. You will visit: Ho Chi Minh’s (HCM) Mausoleum and Presidential Palace, HCM’s Stilt House, O¬ne Pillar Pagoda; Temple of Literature, built in 11th Century and the country’s first University; Ethnology Museum or Hoa Lo prison which is also known as the “Hanoi Hilton”; Opera House; West Lake & Pagoda. Also we will attend a Water Puppet show then have a leisurely dinner while waiting for the 21:00 departure o¬n the deluxe Night train to Lao Cai. Overnight o¬n train in air conditioned cabin. Accommodation: Soft Sleeper Cabin with AC

Day 4: Lao Cai – Hill tribe market – Sapa (B/L)

Early morning arrive at Lao Cai – a small town at the border between Vietnam and China. Have breakfast and drive to the Bac Ha Fair market (o¬n Sunday)/ Coc Ly market (on Tuesday), Can Cau market (on Saturday) which was hold only one a week on. You will chose one of market to visit:
  • Bac Ha market: Every Sunday, Bac Ha hosts the biggest fair near the mountainous highlands and the Chinese border. It is a trading centre and meeting place for couples, friends, and relatives, and it is a typical weekly activity for the H’Mong and other minority groups living in the locality. Local products for sale or barter are carried on horseback.
  • Coc Ly market: Coc Ly Market is a colorful Tuesday market in a mountainous area where ethnic people gather to buy and sell goods, dine and drink, or just wander to enjoy the ambience of the montagnard market by the Chay River. They are busy with buying and selling their homemade products, whatever they can sell to the festive market. Scarves, clothes, decorations and other items made of ethnic fabric on sale also add color to the bazaar by the Chay River.
  • Can Cau market: Can Cau Market is a small, but very colourful market, set in the mountains near the Chinese border. The Flower Hmong minority is the most common here, and their colourful dresses makes is a beautiful sight. Combining the market activities with visiting to some tribal villages set amongst beautiful nature for new culture discovery the trip is really memorable and yields good chance for photo hunters. Drive to Sapa in the afternoon. Check in hotel and relax.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Day 5: Sapa – Heaven’s Gate (B/L)

You will be taken by car to the Silver Waterfall; from there you can see stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lush forests belonging to Hoang Lien National Park. Continue by car or van uphill to Heaven’s Gate, the highest stretch of road in Vietnam as well as the provincial border of Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces. Here you will have a fantastic opportunity to view the magnificent scenery. After the Pass, take off the car to trek down to Fanxipang valley. You follow the paths of the local people in the mountain & reach Sin Chai village. Visit Sin Chai & Cat Cat village of the H’mong people. Then the car wait for you in Catcat & take you back up to Sapa roughly 4:00 PM. Overnight in hotel. Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Day 6: Sapa – Villages – Lao Cai – Night train to Hanoi (B/L)

Get the show on the road in the morning from the hotel to head for the valley where to visit 2 villages of the H’mong and the Dzay. Picnic lunch on the way or in a local family. Go on visiting the Red Dzao in GiangTaChai village, visiting a waterfall and a suspension bridge. Walk up to the road for the car back to Sapa. Transfer to Lao Cai station for night train to Hanoi. Overnight o¬n train in air conditioned cabin. Accommodation: Soft Sleeper Cabin with AC

Day 7: Hanoi – Halong (sharing tour) (B/L/D)

You will be met by your guide early this morning at Hanoi’s railway station. After breakfast at local restaurant, you will have over 3 hours drive along the country side of the Red River Delta to the UNESCO world’s heritage site of Halong Bay. A traditional style Vietnamese Junk Cruise is waiting your arrival and will set sail at noon today. Lunch will be served o¬n board amidst spectacular views of the bay. Today you will visit o¬ne of the largest caves in Halong Bay and included is a beach stop where perhaps you may want to take a swim or dip in the water of the South China Sea. Tonight enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on the Junk. Accommodation: On board

Day 8: Halong – Hanoi (B/L)

Enjoy your morning cup of coffee or juice before setting out to the near- by cave o¬n row boat. Watch for monkeys high o¬n the cliff tops. Return back to the junk, where breakfast is served, while sailing around Bay Tu Long bay where the film “Indochine” was made. Your cruise will end at noon and you will be met by your guide & driver for the trip back to Hanoi. The trip ends in Hanoi at 3PM. Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An (B)

Today, leave Hanoi for Da Nang in the morning. You will take the flight VN1507 at 08:00/09:15. Upon arrival in Da Nang, visit the Cham Museum, which features a fine collection of open air sandstone carvings. Stop at China Beach, made famous in the American TV series of the same name. It stretches for many miles north and south of the Marble Mountains. The Marble Mountains surrounding the area are five stone hillocks – once islands made of marble – and each is said to represent one of the five elements of the universe. There are many natural caves in which Buddhist sanctuaries have been built over the centuries. Arrive in Hoi An Ancient Town. Check in hotel & overnight in Hoi An. Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An - Sightseeing (B)

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a major trading centre, once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and other merchant vessels from the Far East. Visit a temple with partially gilded statues in the centre, a pagoda dedicated to sailors and fishermen and a chapel with origins in the 1700s that reflects the influences of Chinese and Japanese styles. Stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, which contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. Transfer to hotel and relaxing on the beach. Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 11: Hoi An - Hue (B)

Today, journey south past the Hai Van Pass and Land Co, over a spur of the Truong Son Mountain Range that juts into the South China Sea, with spectacular views along the way to Hue. Arrive in Hue, we will start to visit Hue City, Vietnam’s political capital from 1802 to 1945 under the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Traditionally, the city has been one of Vietnam’s cultural, religious and educational centres. Visit the Imperial City, which is located in the Citadel. Modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Imperial City was built in the early 19th century. Explore the Thai Hoa Palace, with its spacious hall and ornate roof of huge timbers supported by 80 carved and lacquered columns. See the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns and the site where the Forbidden Purple City once stood. Also you will visit Dong Ba market. Afternoon, you will take a boat on Perfume river to visit Thien Mu pagoda and the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, built in 1840, which is known for its magnificent architecture and elaborate decorations and is considered one of Hue’s most beautiful pagodas. Overnight in Hue City. Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 12: Hue – Ho Chi Minh (B)

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (VN1371 at 08:50/10:10), Saigon, the largest Vietnamese city. There are street markets, sidewalk cafes and sleek new bars. This teeming metropolis offers 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. To the west of the city is the huge Chinese neighbourhood called Colon, which means "Big Market." Notre Dame Cathedral, in the heart of Saigon's government quarter, is of neo- Romanesque architecture with two high square tower and iron spires. The Central Post Office is French-style and City Hall, known as "Hotel de Ville," is typical of the French architecture that would be seen in any village in France. Visit the War Remnants Museum, featuring collections of weapons and photographs from the two Indochina wars. Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh – Vinh Long – Can Tho (B/L)

After early breakfast at hotel, we will transfer to the town of Cai Be, well-known for it's floating market. Here we will board our private boat for a cruise to The Cai Be market as an other name River Market. Wholesalers on big boats more here, each specializing in one or a few types of fruit or vegetable. Your cruise the market in small boat and can easily find what they're looking for as the larger boats hang samples of their goods from tall wooden poles. One interesting thing you won't see at other markets is the huge Catholic cathedral on the riversides- a popular and fantastic backdrop for photographs. Then on to Binh Hoa Phuoc and An Binh Island where is low-lying-region is as much water as land and houses are generally built on stilts. Please ! Bring plenty of firm or Flash Memory Disk because there are photo opportunities in every direction. Towards the end of the day we transfer to Can Tho. Arrival in Can Tho, check in hotel and relax. Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Day 14: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh (B/L)

Wake up in early morning to take the boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market – one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong Delta with hundreds of small boats barging and jostling for space to sell their goods and to experience the Mekong rural lifestyle. After sampling local fruits, our guide will escort the guests back to the hotel through myriad canals. Lunch at local restaurant before return to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive Ho Chi Minh City at 4:00pm. Free for leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi Tunnels – Fly to Siem Reap (B/L)

This morning, we check out hotel bring all luggage and leave Saigon for CuChi to see the tunnels, you will visit Cu Chi tunnels, which is only 70km from the center of Saigon. This place was called ‘Iron Triangle’ by American during the war and actually it stood as a stronghold of Vietcong (Vietnamese Army) for almost 30 years despite of many American bombs and military actions. A walk underground the tunnels will help you understand how the Vietnamese people had fought and won the war. Afternoon we return to the airport in Saigon and take the flight Saigon – Siem Reap (VN3821 at 15:55/16:55). Arrival Siem Reap Airport, transfer to hotel for relaxing. Overnight in Siem Reap. Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 16: Siem Reap – Angkor Temple (B)

After breakfast at hotel, we will 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. Afternoon, we will continue to visit 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. Overnight in Siem Reap. Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 17: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake – Departure (B)

Breakfast at hotel. We board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia. Here, enjoy a brief cruise past floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals. Free leisure for your own time for rolling at local market for shopping until transfer to Siem Reap International airport departure flight. Finish unforgettable Vietnam trip with Vietnam Tour Advisor. Good bye & see you in the next time!
Number in Group Price per person in US$ - Validity from 1st May to 31st September 2011
1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15 Single Supplementary
Superior (3*) 2779 1649 1338 1195 1152 365
First-class (4*) 3294 1946 1638 1494 1410 580
Deluxe (5*) 4100 2334 2045 1910 1834 1045
Premium (5*+)
Request
Price per person in US$ - Validity from 1st Oct to 30 Apr 2012
Superior (3*) 2900 1715 1405 1261 1178 420
First-class (4*) 3497 2052 1743 1600 1517 680
Deluxe (5*) 4396 2482 2192 2060 1982 1190
Premium (5*+)
Request
Accommodation Superior (3+*) First-class (4*) Deluxe (5*) Premium (5+*)
Hanoi hotels Tirant Hotel, Medallion Hotel or similar Sunway Hotel, Flower Garden Hotel or similar Sofitel Plaza Hotel, Intercontinental Hotel, Horizon Hotel or similar Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Trains King Express Train, Orient Express Train or similar Livitran Express Train, Sapaly Express Train or similar Victoria Express Train Victoria Express Train
Sapa hotels Bamboo Hotel, Holiday Sapa Hotel or similar Chau Long Hotel or similar Victoria Sapa Hotel Victoria Sapa Hotel
Halong Cruise Glory Cruise, Phoenix Cruise or similar Glory Cruise Paloma Cruise, White Dolphin Cruise or similar Paradise Cruise, Indochina Sails or similar Violet Cruise, Paradise Peak Cruise
Hue hotels Asia Hotel, New Star Hotel, Hue Queen Hotel or similar Saigon Morin Hotel, Novotel Hotel, Park View Hotel or similar Imperial Hotel or similar La Residence Resort & Spa
Hoian hotels Glory Hotel, Lotus Hotel or similar Hoi An Trails, Hoi An Beach Resort, Hoi An Hotel or similar Life Resort, Golden Sand or similar The Nam Hai Resort
Saigon Hotels Sapphire Hotel, Northern Hotel Saigon Inn Hotel,  Elios Hotel or similar Liberty Central Hotel, Duxton Hotel, Saigon Palace Hotel, Grand Hotel or similar Caravelle Hotel, Renaissance Riverside Hotel or similar Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel, Sheraton Hotel
Can Tho hotels Kim Tho Hotel or similar Golf Can Tho Hotel Victoria Can Tho Hotel Victoria Can Tho Hotel
Siem Reap City River Hotel, Angkor Holiday Hotel, Angkor Way Hotel or similar Somadevi Angkor Hotel, Tara Angkor Hotel, Prince D’Angkor Hotel, Angkor Century Hotel or similar Sokha Angkor Hotel, Royal Angkor Resort, Angkor Palace Resort, Victoria Angkor Hotel or similar Raffle Grand D’ Angkor Hotel , Sofitel Angkor Phokeethara Resort or similar

Trip inclusive:

  • Hotel accommodation as specific or similar, base on twin or double sharing
  • Air-condition transportation
  • Admission fees and permits where applicable
  • Cruise in Halong Bay
  • Boat trip in Hue & Mekong Delta
  • Cooking class course (sharing group)
  • Returns train tickets in 04 berths cabin, A/C Wooden Soft sleeper
  • Domestic flights: Hanoi – Da Nang/ Hue – Ho Chi Minh by Vietnam Airline
  • English or French speaking guide. Other languages can be arranged upon request
  • All meals as per program: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
  • Mineral water & towel
  • Vietnam visa arrangement

Trip exclusive:

  • Pre/post trip arrangement
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not indicated
  • International flight: Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap by Vietnam Airline
  • Stamp Fee at Airport when your arrival to entry Vietnam and Cambodia
  • Other personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities

Remarks:

  • All rates are quoted in US Dollars per person.
  • Other period of packages tour price, please contact us anytime.
  • Confirmation of room & price are subject to space availability at the time of booking only.
  • All above itinerary is flexible, depending on arrival or departure flights of passengers

 

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