Secrets of Indochina
Cultural highlights of 2 Countries
Highlights
Itinerary
Hanoi Arrival
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Known for its centuries old architecture and delectable cuisine, Hanoi is not only rich in history and culture, but also a buzzing city and a connecting hub to other parts of the country and region. Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport (Noi Bai), you will be transferred to your hotel. Relax to recover from your flight and enjoy your first day strolling the Old Quarter at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in the heart of Hanoi, near the Hoan Kiem Lake. You will then spend the first night in Hanoi.
(D)
Hanoi: Capital of Culture
After breakfast in the hotel, you will go on a city tour today. Starting with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum where lies the national hero, President Ho Chi Minh. Next stop is the one thousand year old One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most iconic temples in Vietnam, known for its unique lotus blossom shape sitting on top of a wooden pillar erected from a lotus pond. Continue on to West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi with beautiful scenery. Then you will explore the Temple of Literature - the first university in Vietnam. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Vietnamese Ethnology Museum before returning to the Old Quarter to enjoy a unique performance at Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre. You then spend the night in Hanoi.
(B)
Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Bay of 1,600 islands
Today, leave the bustling city behind and take a scenic drive to Ha Long Bay, where you will embark on a two-day roundtrip cruise journey. After boarding the boat, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch and enjoy the panorama view of the bay. In the afternoon, you can do a cave excursion, visit the Ti Top island with its beautiful beach, or explore the bay by kayak. Return to the cruise boat to have an amazing sunset dinner on board. In the evening, relax on the deck or watch a movie. Spend the night on board the cruise.
(B, L, D)
Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An
Start your day early with a Tai Chi session and watch the sun rise over the karst cliffs. After breakfast, transfer to a small bamboo paddle boat to visit some caves. Return to the cruise where you enjoy your lunch while passing by islands and fishing villages. Back to the harbor where we pick you up and take you to Hanoi airport for your short flight to Danang. Once there, your local driver will meet you at Danang airport and take you to the Old District of Hoi An. Enjoy the evening at your leisure and spend the night at your hotel in Hoi An.
(B, L)
Hoi An Old Town
Today you will explore Hoi An Old Town with a local guide. You will visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Chinese Assembly Hall, trading houses and some beautiful pagodas. Then stroll through the Hoi An Market by the Thu Bon River and taste the local street food. The afternoon is free for you to explore the town with its cafes, restaurants and old style houses. Stay overnight in Hoi An.
(B)
Hoi An Leisure
After a hearty breakfast, spend the day at your leisure. You can stroll through the old town or spend the day on the beach. A cooking class can be arranged for you upon request. In the evening, don't forget to take a walk along the river which is magically lighted up with floating lanterns. Spend the night in Hoi An.
(B)
Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to Danang Airport for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Our local driver will meet you at Ho Chi Minh City airport and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy some sightseeing with your local guide. You will visit the former Presidential Palace, the War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the French-style Central Post Office. You will also explore Chinatown where you visit the huge Binh Tay Wholesale Market and the beautiful Thien Hau pagoda. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
(B)
Cu Chi Tunnels
Today you will take a day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels - an extensive network of underground tunnels used in the Vietnam War. You will learn about the history of the tunnels and will have a chance to actually traverse and navigate through them. Afterwards, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the afternoon exploring the city at your leisure. In the evening, we recommend you to visit one of the roof top bars in the city before spending the night in Ho Chi Minh City.
(B)
Discover the Mekong Delta
Today you take a trip to the Mekong Delta where you will explore by boat. You will visit floating market, local houses and enjoy your lunch with a local folk songs performance. In the afternoon, stop at a coconut mill and then at the Vinh Trang Pagoda before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. In the evening, spend your time at your leisure. A Vespa night tour can be arranged upon request. You spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.
(B)
Ho Chi Minh - Siem Reap
Today is your last day in Vietnam. After breakfast, transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport to fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and the heart and soul of Cambodia. Then enjoy the amazing view of the sunset over Angkor from the Phnom Bakheng hill. You will spend the night in Siem Reap.
(B)
Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple
Today you will continue exploring the Angkor Archeological Park. Start early with a mini tour to see the spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat. Back to the hotel to have breakfast before heading out again on an Angkor temple discovery tour. Start with Angkor Thom (meaning Big City) to see the Bayon temple with over two hundred giant stone smiling faces peering at you. Next stop will be Tah Prom temple whose towers and walls are being mesmerizingly swallowed by the surrounding jungle's vast root system. Finally, visit one of Angkor’s tallest monuments, Ta Keo temple, a pyramid of five levels with a total height of 45 meters or 147 feet. Climbing the steep staircase is quite a work out but you will be rewarded with a great view at the top. At the end of the day, enjoy a typical Khmer dinner at a local restaurant. You spend the night in Siem Reap.
(B, D)
Siem Reap Departure
Enjoy your free time in Siem Reap before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.
(B)
Route
This trip starts from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, then to Hoi An before going to Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, and finally to Siem Reap.
Destination
Cambodia, VietnamDeparture
Hanoi / Siem ReapDeparture Time
dailyIncluded
Accommodation as described in programBoat trips as described in programDaily breakfast in accommodationDomestic flightsEnglish speaking private tour guideEntrance fees & excursions as per tour programHandmade giftsMeals as specified in tour program (B,L,D)Mineral water during excursionsprivate transfer in air conditioned carTravel insuranceNot Included
Intl. flightsVisa feesOptional
Additional tours & activitiesprivate tour guide in other languages on requestPrivate tour with daily start on request