Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 3	Hanoi	Colonial Buildings, Water Puppet Show, Cyclo Ride, Hanoian Culture, Ancient Architecture	Movenpick Hotel, Sofitel Legend Metropole
3 - 4	Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay	UNESCO World Heritage Site, Limestone Formations, Kayak Paddling	Dragon's Pearl, Ginger Cruise Halong Bay - 1N
4 - 6	Hue	Perfume River, UNESCO World Heritage Site Imperial Citadel, Tombs and Pagodas, Incense Stick-Making House	Pilgrimage Village, Azerai - La Residence Hue
6 - 9	Hoi An	UNESCO World Heritage Site, Beach, Relaxation, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese Architecture	Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
9 - 11	Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon	French Colonial Buildings, Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Thien Hau Temple	Villa Song, Saigon Park Hyatt
11 - 13	Phnom Penh	Cambodia’s Capital, Royal Palace, Riverside Promenade, Colonial Architecture	Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Rosewood Phnom Penh
13 - 16	Siem Reap	Angkor Wat Temple Complex, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tonle Sap Lake, Khmer Architecture, Rice Fields	Raffles Grand Hotel dAngkor, Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 3

International Arrival

Transfer from Hanoi Airport to your Hotel

Hanoi

2 Nights

Hanoi has served as an erstwhile capital city and the seat of government for over a thousand years. Explore exotic ancient monuments and remnants of colonial imperialism as well as affable merchants at Hanoi’s night markets and at bustling street food stalls.

Included Activities

Half Day Highlights Tour of Hanoi
Soak in some old-world charm! Tree-lined pathways, glittering lakes and charming colonial buildings make Hanoi a visual treat! Your half day tour of this historic city starts at the impressive Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where Ho’s preserved body rests, except on Mondays and Fridays, when visitors are not allowed. At Ho’s beautiful house behind the mausoleum, you can view his belongings which are on display. Follow this up with a cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter, where almost everything in the world is on sale! The fascinating maze of back alleys offers great insight into Vietnamese culture.
(Half Day; Time of day: Morning; Duration: 4 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: Easy. Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every afternoon on weekdays except Monday and Friday when it is closed all day; between September to December, it is closed everyday.)

Hanoi Street Eats after Dark
Taste your way through the vibrant Vietnamese street food scene in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Enjoy a leisurely walk from your hotel through the city’s hidden alleyways and bustling markets, listening to your guide’s comments on Hanoian street eats and culinary habits. The Old Quarter is known for its family-owned restaurants and stalls dishing out traditional recipes in complex flavors. Sip local brew at a coffee shop striking a conversation with some of the local people. Amble along the streets indulging in typical Hanoian snacks such as pillow cake and fried sweet cakes, and the most popular Pho Ga (noodle soup with chicken). Hop over to Banh My Lan Ong to savor another Vietnamese favorite – the Banh Mi (baguette with a stuffing like pate, fried egg, barbecued pork, herbs and vegetables), which is reminiscent of the country’s colonial period. Head to the ancient night market of Dong Xuan to try more street food, while bargain shopping for souvenirs and local handicrafts, and watching a local dance or two. Try Vietnamese staples such as bun cha, bun thang, La Vong fried fish, and Thanh Tri rolls. The perfect way to wind down the night would be with a few chilled Bia Hois (fresh draft beer) at Beer Corner. (Duration: 3.5 hrs; Time of Day: 1800 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Meal included: Street food; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please note that this activity is closed on Tet holiday )

Hotel Options

Movenpick Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Superior Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Sofitel Legend Metropole – Opt 2

Room	Premium Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 3 - 4

Drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay via New Highway Road (160 kms, 2.5 hrs)

Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay

1 Night

Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkins is a dazzling world. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can witness the dense cluster of over 3,000 limestone islands as they rise spectacularly from the ocean. Geologically an extension, Lan Ha Bay is just as beautiful as Halong Bay but a lot more isolated.

Destination Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam

Included Activities

Dragon Pearl Cruise in Halong Bay (One Night/Two Days)
Enjoy a marvelous one night cruise aboard the Dragon Pearl! From your hotel you will be taken to the harbor where you can check-in, meet your crew, and receive a safety briefing. Then you can set sail for the magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay and Cap La, where the astonishing formations of Halong Bay await you. Enjoy a delicious lunch en route. If you wish, you can disembark and visit the local fishing village or go kayaking. Back on board, relax and unwind or have a swim before dinner. The following day you can cruise through an incredible panorama of grottos and explore Thien Canh Son cave. Enjoy a swim and another delicious lunch aboard the junk before a smooth cruise back to the harbor at Hanoi. (2 Days/1 Night; Shared Activity; Private Transfers; Meals included; Fitness level: Easy)

Hidden World Cruise on Halong Bay: 2D/1N
The Ginger Cruise offers an intimate sailing experience on the idyllic La Han Bay, Vietnam.
Day 01: Set sail around noon with a welcome drink in hand, soaking in the sight of the bay around you. Gather for lunch, and watch the beautiful scenery pass by. Enjoy various facilities available onboard – swim in the rooftop pool as you pass by towering limestone karsts or check into the spa for a unique massage out at sea! Bask on the sundeck that offers panoramic views of limestone pillars and lush islets around. Stop by at Cat Ba Island, the largest in this archipelago, and explore the island on bikes or electric cars, absorbing the lifestyle of the islanders. Learn about local cuisine during an interactive cooking class onboard. As night falls, enjoy a fine selection of drinks under a starlit sky. After a hearty dinner, watch a cinema with aperitifs by your side, or join the staff to fish for squids before retiring to your suite!
Day 02: Wake up early for Tai Chi sessions on the sundeck, followed by morning beverages and pastries. Cruise to Tra Bau and discover the scenic emerald-green bay on kayaks and bamboo rafts. Enjoy the magnificent setting of tree-topped islands amid shimmering waters. After breakfast onboard, reminisce about your experience as you head to shore and bid farewell!
(2D/1N; Private Transfer; Meals included: Full board; Fitness level: Moderate. Please note that this ship cruises only in Lan Ha Bay and does not include visits to Halong Bay or any caves.)

Hotel Options

Dragon's Pearl – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Cabin
Meals	Full Board plus Activities
Style	Cruise

Ginger Cruise Halong Bay - 1N – Opt 2

Room	Junior Suite
Meals	Full Board
Style	Cruise

Day 4 - 6

Drive from Halong Bay to Hanoi via New Highway Road (160 kms, 2.5 hrs)

Board your flight from Hanoi to Hue (Duration: 1.5 hrs)

Transfer from Hue Airport to your Hotel

Hue

2 Nights

The ancient Imperial Capital of Hue, lies at the mouth of the Perfume River and is considered the fulcrum of Vietnam’s two rice baskets – the Red River Delta and the Mekong River Delta.

Included Activities

Imperial Vietnam by the Banks of the Perfume River
Immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich imperial heritage on this tour of historic Hué. The town is dotted with ancient pagodas, royal tombs, and the remains of an imperial stronghold. Set off after breakfast to visit Hué’s iconic, 17th century monument of Thien Mu Pagoda, whose narrow, seven-storied structure stands atop a hill by the Perfume River. Afterwards, you could either explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Hué Monuments centered on the Imperial Citadel, or the royal tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. At the Imperial Citadel, be dazzled by the regal architecture and royal gardens. Set amid a forested area, the Royal Tomb is equally spectacular. In the afternoon, drive down to the charming little village of Duong No, which was home to the young Ho Chi Minh. Walk over to the ornate Thanh Toan Covered Bridge spanning the Perfume River, featuring traditional Asian design and a timber arch dotted with ceramic elements and elaborate calligraphy. (Best Time to Travel : Oct – Mar;Times : 9 AM – 3 PM;Duration – 5 hours;Private Activity;Fitness level: Easy).

Hotel Options

Pilgrimage Village – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Resort

Azerai - La Residence Hue – Opt 2

Room	Superior Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 6 - 9

Drive from Hue to Hoi An - En route via Hai Van Tunnel (130 kms, 3 hrs)

Hoi An

3 Nights

Hoi An pays testament to its remarkable history as a major port town, booming with grand architecture of old Japanese merchant houses, pale yellow houses draped in bougainvillea, shopfronts lit with glowing silk lanterns, and ageing tea warehouses.

Included Activities

Eat your way through Hoi An on a Vespa
Hop onto a vintage Vespa scooter to experience the vibrant nightlife as well as the rich street food culture of Hoi An. First make your way to Café Zoom Hoi An for some Banh Can – a fried snack stuffed with quail egg – with chilled beer or cocktails. After this, enjoy the ride on the Vespa that takes you through Hoi An’s busy lanes. Stop by for some shrimp dumpling, known locally as ‘white rose’. While you’re at it, you could taste some fried wontons too. Then it’s time to head to An Hoi islet, from where you go on a boat cruise to Cam Nam Island. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy delectable seafood starter and drinks. Once done, return to the Vespa for a ride along River Thu Bon which takes you to a local restaurant. You could sample some of the steaming Hot Pot and also discover the art of Vietnamese ‘Wrap n Roll’. Resume your ride and end your food tour with DIY barbeques accompanied by a dessert called Banh Flan – this time at a tranquil restaurant surrounded by lush paddy fields. (Time of the Day: Evening, 1730 hrs; Duration: 4 hrs; Shared activity; Fitness level: Moderate).

Walking Tour of Hoi An
Accompany your local expert through the narrow lanes of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, which served as a prosperous trading port from the 15th century to the 19th century. Stroll through the pedestrian-only streets of this well-preserved architectural heritage passing by various buildings, temples, merchant houses, and pagodas showcasing French, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Walk across the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge over the stream as your guide narrates its history. Head on to the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation for a closer look at the intricate wood carvings on the walls and beams. Explore the vibrant local market, past stalls displaying colorful wares, spices, and exotic fruits, that is particularly famous for its locally produced silk and tailors who even have a section of the market dedicated to them. (Half Day; Fixed Time: Yes; Time of Day: 0900/1400; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.

Hotel Options

Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort – Opt 1

Room	Resort Classic Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Beach Resort

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An – Opt 2

Room	Villa 1 Bedroom
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Beach Resort

Day 9 - 11

Drive from Hoi An to Danang (30 kms, 1 hr)

Board your flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon (Duration: 1.5 hrs)

Transfer from Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon Airport to Hotel

Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon

2 Nights

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), still often referred to as Saigon, was a Khmer seaport in the 17th century before becoming a French colony. Rapid and thrilling and, even with the maddening traffic as cyclo drivers speed under vast neon billboards, you can immerse yourselves in variety at HCMC.

Destination Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon in Vietnam

Included Activities

Personalized Walking Tour of Saigon
Explore Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam’s largest and busiest city, as you walk past boulevards lined by colonial French buildings. Discover fine examples of French architecture such as the iconic Saigon Opera House, CIA building, and the Central Post Office designed by architect Gustav Eiffel of the Eiffel Tower fame. Admire the neo-Romanesque features of Notre Dame Cathedral nearby before you stroll through lush gardens and secret rooms of the Independence Palace. Hop over to Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street and pass by the regal Supreme Court building. Walk through the colorful Ben Thanh market, stopping for coffee at a small cafe. Admire the boat-shaped Nguyen Van Hao’s building built by a rich businessman in 1933 pausing to click pictures. Stop by the Maison Marou for a little history lesson and a tasting session of the best Vietnamese chocolate. Stroll through Le Thi Hong Gam Street, the Fine Arts Museum, and Le Cong Kieu Street browsing through antique shops. After the walk, unwind with a craft beer at the Pasteur Street Brewing Company, or with traditional tea at Villa Downtown Royal Antique, or local lunch at a hidden restaurant. (4 hours from 0830 hrs or 1330hrs, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Notre Dame Cathedral permits outside visits only due to renovation until 2023; Chocolate tasting at Maison Marou only on Saturday on own account; Fine Arts Museum is closed on Monday)

Saigon Street Eats After Dark
After sunset, watch Saigon come to life before your eyes! Start your evening with a stroll through its bustling streets and try some of its renowned street food. Meet up with your guide at a local coffee shop for a tour briefing before heading to some authentic local establishments dishing out delicious street food. Line up at the local “banh mi” stall for some freshly baked bread, and then set out for the “banh cuon” eatery. Savor the Northern Vietnamese dish – a steamed rice flour crepe filled pork that has now gained favor all over the country. Next, try out “banh trang nuong”, a snack from Dalat that’ll remind you of pizza, and is loaded with delicious toppings. Make your way to a nearby dessert stall for some mouthwatering “chuoi nep nuong”, or grilled banana with coconut milk. End your tour at a restaurant where fresh grilled seafood is a specialty, to be topped off with a chilled local beer. Sated and happy, head back to your hotel in the late evening. (Half Day; Time of Day: Evening, Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meal Included; Fitness Level: Easy)

Hotel Options

Villa Song – Opt 1

Room	Writers Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Saigon Park Hyatt – Opt 2

Room	Park Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 11 - 13

Transfer from Hotel to Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon Airport

Board your flight from Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon to Phnom Penh (Duration: 1 hr)

Transfer from Phnom Penh Airport to your Hotel

Phnom Penh

2 Nights

Phnom Penh offers a heady mix of bustling city life and a sincere cultural experience. It’s a harmonious blend of the past and present, tempered with delicious Khmer and French cuisine.

Included Activities

Highlights of Phnom Penh
Explore the finest examples of Khmer architecture with this marvellous city tour. The Royal Palace is a grand building overlooking a tranquil plaza and still houses Cambodia’s royalty, King Sihamoni. On the south side of the palace lies the Silver Pagoda, which is aptly named as it has been crafted out of 5,329 solid silver tiles. Wander along to Wat Preah Keo Morakot, the Buddhist temple where Royal ceremonies are performed, or Wat Phnom, the namesake of the city. You can also visit The National Museum, which houses many fascinating and historical relics, and King Ang Duong Stupa, the burial site of King Norodom Sihanouk, the 20th century monarch. To respect local customs, please dress conservatively.

Hotel Options

Raffles Hotel Le Royal – Opt 1

Room	Landmark
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Rosewood Phnom Penh – Opt 2

Room	Executive Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Resort

Day 13 - 16

Transfer from your Hotel to Phnom Penh Airport

Board your flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (Flight duration: 1 hr)

Transfer from Siem Reap Airport to your Hotel

Siem Reap

3 Nights

Siem Reap is a most marvellous window to the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Temple complex, with its fascinating Khmer architecture in varying states of preservation.

Included Activities

Private Tour of Angkor’s Temples
Discover the important temples within the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park on this fascinating tour. Soak in the gorgeous views of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the temple complex that comprises five spectacular towers and a vast gallery. Stroll to the imposing Angkor Wat temple, a fine example of Khmer architecture, built in the 12th century. At sunrise and sunset, you can see a surreal reflection of this temple in the nearby pool of water! After exploring this gorgeous temple, make your way to the walled city of Angkor Thom where you can find the splendid Bayon temple and other monuments. Saunter on to the Ta Phrom temple that sits tucked within huge fig and silk cotton trees and is known as the jungle temple. Capture stunning images of the ancient ruins with trees growing out, the most distinctive feature of this site. (Full Day; Time: 0700 hrs; Private Activity and Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. Please dress appropriately for temple visits.)

Khmer Bites After Dark
Discover Siem Reap’s famed Khmer food on a tuk tuk! Early in the evening, your guide will pick you up in a tuk tuk from your hotel and take you to several establishments around town for some delicious local fare. Take a walk through the narrow alleys and streets surrounding the old market area stopping by to sample dishes as you pass. You can even wash down all the delicious food with a local beer or two. Return to your tuk tuk and make your way to Angkor Kyung Yu road, or Road 60, which is always busy with street food stalls, set apart from the tourist bars. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere alongside tourists and local families who step out to dine early in the evening. Savor a range of exotic fruits, grilled meats, and, if you’re feeling really adventurous, fried insects! End your evening with a traditional Cambodia tipple with a twist, and then return to your hotel. (Half Day; Time of Day: Evening, 1700 hrs; Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meal Included; Fitness Level: Easy)

Hotel Options

Raffles Grand Hotel dAngkor – Opt 1

Room	Landmark
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang – Opt 2

Room	Terrace Villa
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Resort

Transfer to the Airport

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 6,290 /person
Option 2 From $ 8,390 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation in one double room for 16 days / 15 nights.
Meals as indicated
Economy flights for all sectors :
- Hanoi – Hue
- Danang – Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon
- Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon – Phnom Penh
- Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
All activities as listed :
- Hanoi: Half Day Highlights Tour of Hanoi
- Hanoi: Hanoi Street Eats after Dark
- Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay: Dragon Pearl Cruise in Halong Bay (One Night/Two Days)
- Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay: Hidden World Cruise on Halong Bay: 2D/1N
- Hue: Imperial Vietnam by the Banks of the Perfume River
- Hoi An: Eat your way through Hoi An on a Vespa
- Hoi An: Walking Tour of Hoi An
- Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon: Personalized Walking Tour of Saigon
- Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon: Saigon Street Eats After Dark
- Phnom Penh: Highlights of Phnom Penh
- Siem Reap: Private Tour of Angkor’s Temples
- Siem Reap: Khmer Bites After Dark
All activities specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees, accompanied by your tour guide
A high-quality air-conditioned vehicle with chauffeur for the activities specified in the itinerary
All airport and hotel transfers as indicated above
All transfers as indicated above
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
Fees and taxes

Not Included

Tips, additional meals and personal expenses
Camera fees
Visa fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare (from your home country to your destination and return), unless specified under the trip inclusions above

Vietnam and Cambodia: Tales of the Past

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Hanoi

Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay

Hue

Hoi An

Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included