Vietnam - Cambodia Explorer Tour 20 Days / 19 Nights

Tour Name     :     VIETNAM - CAMBODIA EXPLORER TOUR with 09 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Highlights       :     Ha Noi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong - Ninh Binh – Halong – Phong Nha - Hue – Hoi An – Saigon – Mekong Delta – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

Duration         :     20 Days – 19 Nights

Day 1 : Arrival – Ha Noi  

Welcome at the airport on arrival in Ha Noi (flight time to be advised) and transfer for hotel check in (early check in subject to availability)

Overnight in Ha Noi

Day 2 : Hanoi

Breakfast at hotel

Full day city tour to visit the historic Ba Dinh Square with Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (if open), Ho Chi Minh Stilt House and One Pillar Pagoda, then visit Hoa Lo Prison

Afternoon continue to visit the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (built in the 11th century and was recognized as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site) (closed on Mondays) and Temple of Literature (founded in early 11th century and considered as Vietnam’s first university)

Enjoy one-hour cyclo ride in the Old Quarters of Ha Noi with over one thousand years of history, follow by an spectacular Water Puppet Show in the evening.

Overnight in Ha Noi

Day 3 : Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong

Breakfast at hotel

Morning drive to Mai Chau which is situated in the valley surrounded by high mountains. This mountainous area in the north-western region of Vietnam is also a home of many ethnic minority people such as Thai, H’Mong, Muong.

Cycling around the village paths upon arrival in Mai Chau to visit ethnic villages of White Thai and Muong people as well as the spectacular scenery of Mai Chau.After that, proceed to Pu Luong about 2 hours and check in on arrival and relax.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

Day 4 : Pu Luong – Ninh Binh

Breakfast at hotel.

Walk around tumbling rice terraces and small villages to see the daily life and culture of local ethnic people.

After that, drive to Ninh Binh (137km / 3 hours) to enjoy the hand-rowed sampan ride to visit Trang An Caves in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex - the World’s Natural Heritage recognized by UNESCO.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Day 5: Ninh Binh – Halong

Breakfast at hotel.

Drive to the wonderful Lan Ha Bay (205km / 3 hours), the UNESCO World Heritage Site, via northern provinces such as Nam Dinh, Thai Binh etc and express way Lan Ha Bay, a southern part of Ha Long Bay, still maintains the natural beauty and less crowded than Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. The beauty of Lan Ha Bay is as beautiful as Halong Bay which is a great choice for those who want to explore the limestone landscape yet immerse in the tranquil area of the Bay.

Upon arrival in Tuan Chau, check in Peony Cruise and enjoy the cruise program on the beautiful Lan Ha Bay.As the vessel sets sails, you will be greeted by Peony Cruise Crew and Cruise Manager who will aim throughout your stay at providing you with the highest standards of service and facilities

After the lunch onboard, you will visit Dar and Bright Cave by bamboo boat and enjoy swimming in the clear emerald water.Return to the cruise and enjoy sunset on the top deck or relax in the mini pool with Jacuzzi .An elegant Gala set dinner will be served in the restaurant where you can enjoy the Lan Ha Bay charm at night.

Overnight on board in Lan Ha Bay

 Day 6: Halong – Hanoi

Start the day with Taichi session on the sundeck at the break of dawn on Lan Ha Bay, later enjoy light breakfast with cookies, tea and coffee at the restaurant

After that, you will visit Frog Pond area where you can kayak and relax in the natural mini pool in Lan Ha Bay

Return to the cruise afterwards and enjoy the brunch in Peony Cruise while departing to Tuan Chau

Pick up at the dock and transfer back to Hanoi afterwards

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi – Dong Hoi – Phong Nha

Breakfast at hotel

Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Dong Hoi (flight time to be advised)

Pick up at the airport in Dong Hoi and proceed for excursion to Phong Nha - Ke Bang (60km away) which is recognized as UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The famous world’s biggest cave, Son Doong Cave, is also located in the area.

Excursion to Phong Nha Cave and visit the famous cavern by boat, then continue to visit Paradise Cave exploring its magnificent stalagmites and stalactites with various shapes.

Return to hotel in Phong Nha and relax.

Overnight in Phong Nha

Day 8: Phong Nha – Hue

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning transfer to Hue and on the way visit Vinh Moc Tunnel as well as the historic Hien Luong Bridge spanning Ben Hai River passing by the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during wartime with Quang Tri Citadel.

Hotel check in on arrival in Hue and relax.

Overnight in Hue

Day 9:  Hue

Breakfast at hotel.

Full day sightseeing around the city and visit the former Imperial Citadel of Nguyen dynasty from 1805 to 1945 – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit majestic tomb of Khai Dinh and Tu Duc King, then visit Thien Mu Pagoda built in 1601 which is one of the oldest religious temples in Vietnam enjoying boat ride on Perfume River back to the pier.

Pick up at the pier and transfer to hotel for relax.

Overnight in Hue

Day 10: Hue – Hoi An

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning drive to Hoi An (140 km/ 3 hours) - also known as Faifo and a former important seaport in the South-east Asia during 17th to 19th centuries - via Hai Van Tunnel.Hotel check-in on arrival in Hoi An.

Afternoon stroll around the nice and peaceful Hoi An ancient town – another UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vietnam – to visit old houses, local market, Chinese assembly halls and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 11: Hoi An

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning cycle to Tra Que Vegetable village which is famous for the organic, fresh vegetables provided to Hoi An and Quang Nam Province for a long time enjoying the peaceful vibe of the countryside of Hoi An along the village paths and rice fields.

Upon arrival at local house in Tra Que Village, traditional welcome drink and cold towels will be served before heading to the farm to practice growing, planting and watering vegetable, help the local farmers with their vegetables as well as learn more about the local vegetables. After that, relax with herbal foot massage followed by a cooking class, cozy local lunch and ride back to the hotel afterwards.

Afternoon excursion to visit My Son Holy land of the former Champa Kingdom which is newly recognized as the World’s Cultural Heritage – this place was once the religious and intellectual centre of Champa Kingdom during its flourishing period from the 4th to 13th centuries. Visit the remaining temples to enjoy the skill of Cham people in building these structures and the carving decorations on them

Back to hotel and free time afterwards for own leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 12: Hoi An

Breakfast at hotel.

Free day in Hoi An for own leisure .

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 13:  Hoi An – Saigon

Breakfast at hotel

Hotel check out then transfer to Danang airport for domestic flight to Saigon (flight time to be advised)

Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel for check in (early check in subject to availability) and relax

Afternoon city tour to visit War Remnants Hall, Reunification Hall. Photo stops at Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office and City Hall.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 14: Saigon – Ben Tre – Can Tho (Mekong Delta)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning drive to the fertile Mekong Delta from which most of Vietnam’s rice is produced, thus this region is called the “rice basket” of Vietnam.

Arrive in Ben Tre city and get on the boat along the Ham Luong river visiting the coconut shell charcoal workshop, coconut processing workshop. Then, take the local tuk tuk to visit broom making workshop and enjoy the hand-rowed sampan along the small canal to visit local house with fruit tasting before having lunch with typical food in the Mekong region at local homestay

After lunch, take your time to walk around for more local life exploration before cruising back to the pier to drive to Can Tho

Overnight in Can Tho

Day 15: Can Tho – Chau Doc

Breakfast at hotel

Early morning take the boat trip on Mekong River to visit Cai Rang daily floating market then back at hotel and relax

Hotel check out afterwards, then visit Binh Thuy ancient house and proceed to Tra Su Mangrove Forest, natural home of  diverse eco system with different kinds of birds, species, flora and fauna, enjoying a hand-row boat along the small canals in the forest

After that, transfer to Chau Doc for overnight stay and relax

Overnight in Chau Doc

Day 16: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

Breakfast at hotel

Morning transfer to the boat quay, then take a high speed boat trip on Mekong river to Phnom Penh (about 5-6 hours), via Vinh Xuong (Vietnam - Cambodia border)

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, pick up at the harbor and transfer to the hotel for check in

Afternoon visit Royal Palace built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Then explore the National Museum dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture dated as early as the 4th century to the 15th century. Continue to visit Wat Ounalom and Wat Phnom temple which recites the history of Phnom Penh’s name.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 17: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel

Drive to Siem Reap for about 6 hours and on the way visit the local carving village, ancient bridge as well as the new UNESCO World Heritage Site Sambor Prei Kuk temples of pre-Angkor period in Kampong Thom Province.

Hotel check in on arrival in Siem Reap and relax

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 18: Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel

Start your full day sightseeing tour of Angkor area with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm

Afternoon visit the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat with many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple.

Dinner at local restaurant with Apsara dance

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 19: Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel

Morning visit the floating village of Kampong Kleang village on Tonle Sap Lake, where you will take the boat to visit the way of life Cambodian poor people along with schools, restaurants, hospitals and much more floating on the great lake of Tonle sap.

Return to the hotel and free time afterwards

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 20: Siem Reap - Departure

Breakfast at hotel

Transfer to the airport for international flight back home (flight time to be advised)