VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA DISCOVERY 17 DAYS 16 NIGHTS

Welcome to Vietnam’s capital: Hanoi. 

Meet our driver at the airport and transfer to hotel. Check-in hotel and stay overnight in Hanoi. 

Please note: Standard check-in time is at 14.00. Early check-in is not included and subject to hotel’s availability.

Pick-up time: 08:30 AM.

Our Tour guide picks you up at your hotel.

The first destination, we pay a visit to Ho Chi Minh Complex, which is a cluster of Ho Chi Minh’s relics, to learn more about the beloved Father of Vietnamese as well as his humble lifestyle and his military activities. We’ll discover all attractions including: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Still House, Presidential Palace and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda.

Then, we set foot in Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam constructed in the 11th century.

11:30 – 12:00 Have lunch at the restaurant. (Lunch at your own expense)

In the afternoon, you can choose to visit one of the most famous museums in Hanoi: Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, History Museum… 

After that, you will have a chance to visit Hanoi Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market…

Return to hotel and stay overnight in Hanoi.

8:30 AM: Meet our tour guide and driver at hotel lobby and transfer to Ninh Binh.

10:30 AM: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital will be our first stop. This small town was the seat of power during the 10th century for 44 years. Two kings ruled during this time and their dynasties have been immortalized in two temples and one big festival around April.

12:00 PM: Enjoy some local Ninh Binh specialties as we have a leisurely lunch.

13:00 PM: After lunch, we will drive over to Trang An where we have the opportunity to revel in Ninh Binh’s amazing nature on a boat ride through the grottoes. Trang An has over 30 valleys and 50 caves along its river with great limestone peaks rising up in the background. The boat trip is a 2.5-hour excursion down the peaceful river.

Cycle to visit the villages

16:30 PM: Our private car will take you back to your hotel in Hanoi where you will arrive at about 18:30 PM. 

Have dinner on your own and at 21:30, we will take a night train to Sapa. Stay overnight on a 4-berth sharing cabin.

Arrival Lao Cai Station. Local guide & driver will waiting you at the exit gate of Lao cai train with a sign board written your name then transfer you go up hill to Sapa town, where we arranged breakfast and shower places for you before start your trekking tour.

Then depart from Sapa town by car to Lao Chai village, following the road down the hill. Views of the Muong Hoa valley and magnificent surroundings of mountains and rice terrace fields can be seen from this road. Along the road, people from many ethnic groups (H’mong, Zay, and Red Dao) are likely to be met, and there are stalls along the way that serve tea, fruits and sweets. Soon after turning off the main road and taking a local path, we will arrive in the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai, where you will experience the daily life of the villagers. After that, we walk from Lao Chai to Ta Van village, where the Zay hill tribes live. Here you take a rest and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your local guide in a local house. After lunch you trek up and downhill. Specially you will trek through bamboo forest then relax beside the waterfall. Explore the Red Dao village of Giang Ta Chai where you will also have the chance to see their daily activities.

Back to Sapa Town. Check in hotel and stay overnight in Sapa.

At night, you can explore the night market in Sapa.

In the morning, travel by car to Ta Phin where you can meet Red Dao people (the most colorfull people in Sapa). You will walk around Ta Phin village where 2 ethnic groups, Black Hmong and Red Dao minorities, live their own way with no cultural mixture. Experience how different they are in many ways by visiting their house and interact with the locals. In the afternoon, take your time for a herbal bath. Red Dao people will boil a collection of fresh and dried plants and bark in a water filled giant wok, over a charcoal fire. Then this water will be transferred to a wooden barrel tub and ready for you to come and soak your bones in the Dao traditional bath and wash away your aches, pains, worries and woes all at once in the privacy of a separate bathhouse.

Have lunch and return to hotel and check out.

At around 14:00, our Limousine Bus will pick you up at hotel and drive to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi at around 20:00 – 20:30. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

8:30 – 8:50: A limousine bus picks the guests.

12:00: The crew members of Peony Cruises will welcome you at No.34, Tuan Chau Marina, Quang Ninh. 

12:30: You will be taken aboard our support vessel and travel from the wharf via the bay to board our luxurious craft, Peony Cruises. Itinerary briefing is announced during this time.

13.00: Welcome fresh drinks, wet towels and a special lunch of fresh food and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served. You will be enchanted when decadently dining on our luxury junk. Life just doesn't get better than this! We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay - A member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

Enjoy the delicious luncheon of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing delicacies while cruising along Lan Ha Bay with the breathtaking scenery.

15:30: Visiting Tra Bau area where has known as an area famous for its unspoiled, poetic natural beauty and attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. This is the best time for kayaking to discover the truest beauty of the limestone islands.

Immerse yourself in the emerald green water of the bay or enjoy the Jacuzzi pool on the Peony Cruises.

17:30 - 18:30: Joining us for Cooking demonstration to learn how to make one of the most famous Vietnamese cuisines, the spring rolls. Or reach the top deck of cruise where the guests can admire the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.

Enjoy a Happy Hour time – BUY ONE GET ONE FREE at the bar. It is an

ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the greatest moment of sunset over Lan Ha Bay.

19.30: Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served by our skillful chef.

This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting.

21:00 – 22.00: Relax and sip the exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (with surcharge). Indulge yourself with spa service (optional) or simply relax on the top deck just under the cover of a brightly illuminated sky.

Or try to get your luck at the squid fishing on the main deck.

6:00: Begin the day full of energy with the Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun just rising up beyond the horizon.

6:45 - 7:15: Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty. (Breakfast time maybe adjust and follow the real itinerary)

7:30 - 9:00: You will join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere by transshipment. It takes 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba island, Vietnam. The limestone cave has thousands of talactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem.

9:30: Return to the main boat from the cave and the guests will do the cabin check out. Luggage is placed outside of the cabin.

Lunch is served at the restaurant. Settle the bar bill by the desk at the restaurant (if any)

10:30 - 11:00 Disembark the Peony Cruises and transferred back to Block #34, Big Bay group terminal, Tuan Chau Marina. Relax and wait for the luggage.

11:30 - 12:00 The guests are ready at Tuan Chau Marina. Our driver will bring you to Hanoi. Then meet our airport transfer driver and take your flight to Da Nang.

On your arrival in Da Nang, our tour guide and driver will meet you at the airport. Transfer to hotel in Hoian for check-in and stay overnight there. Dinner on your own account.

08.30 am: Meet our tour guide at hotel.

Today, we will explore local villages in Hoian. Drive to Van Lang fisherman village and Bay Mau coconut water forest - about 7 hectares, surrounded by mangrove forests, canals, houses covered by coconut water leaf. This place had ever been the refuge for people and local soldiers during the Vietnam War. Nowadays, it is famous for providing the most seafood products.

You will be warmly welcomed at Mr. Han – a 3 generations family, taste of green tea and stroll through the village. You will row a basket boat within the hands of skillful locals and discover their techniques of traditional fishery in water coconut forest. Back Mr. Han’ family for enjoy a foot bath with medicinal herbs, traditional therapeutic practice before getting ready to prepare lunch with a local family. Lunch will feature many local delicacies, such as Tam Huu spring rolls, Banh Xeo local pancakes, grilled fish in banana leaf and others. Drive back to Hoian.

In the afternoon, exploring Hoi An on foot is one of the best ways to absorb the beauty of this city. While walking around Hoi An, exploring the small yet beautiful town, which tourists (even frequent visitors) find to be a place of quiet and peace. The unique atmosphere combines elements of Vietnam, China and Japan. The most remarkable views are from the ancient houses, reminding visitors of a long gone past and providing a momentary glimpse of a more subdued and simple time. The tour includes visits to Hoi An Museum, many of the town’s renowned Ancient Houses which boast remarkable architecture, Assembly Halls of Chinese influence and of course the must-see Japanese Covered Bridge. Mostly the houses here were designed with the Chinese, Japanese architecture. Because in accordance with the history, the Chinese, Japanese used to come here for settling down and doing business. Besides, you can recognize the Eastern and Western architectures through these ancient houses.

7:30 am: The car and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hoi An leaving for Hue City.

On the way, we will stop to visit some beautiful attraction such as: Hai Van pass – is an approximately 21km long mountain pass on National Route 1A in Vietnam. It is the natural border of Thua Thien Hue Province and Da Nang City, one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam.

And sightseeing Lap An Lagoon - Lang Co beach – With more than 10km long white sand beach and blue sea water, Lang Co beach is an ideal place for relaxing, swimming and taking photos.

10:45 am: You will visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, the tomb had elements of Eastern art mixed with Western designs.

12:00 pm: Lunch at your own expenses on request.

1:00 pm: You will continue visiting Hue imperial city – the palace of 13 Nguyen Kings with Ngo Mon Gate, Library, Thai Hoa Palace, Nine Dynastic Urns, etc.

3:00 pm: Visiting Thien Mu pagoda associated with culture and history of Hue.

04:00 pm: Return to Hoi An

7:00 pm: We will drop you off at hotel in Hoi An.

08:30 am: Our car and a tour guide pick you up at hotel lobby. Reach Ba Na Hills via Cable Car

Spend your time on the most modern Cable Car in Southeast Asia, visit the Golden Bridge, then take the Climbing Train to visit the top of the mountain& further explore Le Jardin D’Amour (consists of 9 gardens) & Ling Ung Pagoda 

Continue the 2nd Cable Car to visit the French Village (enjoy Street Music, watch Art’s statue), Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, Linh Phong Monastery, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple & Tru Vu Tea Shop

Watch Carnival Performance Show, Square Du Dome...

Challenge the most popular adventure ride - Slide of Tube Car (free ride).

Join in Fantasy Park with Walking in Fairy Forest, discover Dinosaur Park, play 5D wild west, enjoy 4D death race ride, watch 3D mega 360 degree, ride on Journey into the underground, enter Jurassic Park, challenge Freefall Tower and participate in adventure in Horror House and over 90 free games.

15:30: Return the Cable Car for leaving Ba Na Hills.

We will continue our trip to visit Marble Mountain, a group of limestone and marble hills filled with caves. Travel to the top and gaze upon the city, seeing new high-rise buildings standing alongside traditional wooden houses. Then explore the mountain’s main cave to see a beautiful Buddha statue built in the Cham style.

Return to hotel. Free evening.

Breakfast at hotel. 2.5 hours before your flight, our driver will transfer you to Danang Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Meet our driver in Ho Chi Minh City and head to hotel for check-in. 

Stay overnight in Hanoi.

08.30 am: Pick up at your hotel and depart to Cu Chi will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. 

Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, 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 purpose during the war. 

Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. 

In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City where we will set out to visit the former French colonial capital – Ho Chi Minh City or also called as Saigon by many locals. Main historical sites include The Independence Palace, Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House, famous Ben Thanh market where you can look at something for souvenirs. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

08.15 AM: We will pick you up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and begin our Ben Tre Boat Tour. 

We arrive at Ham Luong dock and begin our cruise across the Luong River, a run-off of the Mekong River, with its tropical scenery of palm trees flanking the waterway.

We dock in several places and discover some of the local crafts and food of Ben Tre Province. Naturally, a lot of these involve inventive uses for coconuts, such as desiccated coconut, coconut candies, brooms made of coconut shells and artisans who use coir (coconut fibre) to create practical house objects as well as stunning art. We take the local vehicle, the Xe Lôi, along beautiful village roads before climbing into our kayaks and paddling out through the verdant tropical canal. Lunch at local restaurant.

Take some free time to soak up the beauty of the countryside in any way you like. Just relax amid the tall coconut trees or opt to cycle around the village.

Our last stop of Ben Tre Boat Tour will be a trip to a local fruit plantation where we have the opportunity to enjoy all the fruity delights of Ben Tre. Our local sampan boat will return to Ham Luong dock and we will board the bus back to Ho Chi Minh City.

You will arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at about 17.30.

Breakfast at hotel. 3.5 hours before your flight, our driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the flight to Siem Reap.

Meet our driver in Siem Reap and head to hotel in Siem Reap. 

Please note: Standard check-in time is at 14.00. Early check-in is not included and subject to hotel’s availability.

Start with Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire with its centerpiece; the Bayon temple. As you approach, you will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking in every direction. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passageway that leads to the Baphuon complex. 

Lunch at your own expenses.

Afternoon, visit with Ta Prohm temple. This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. Finally, we will proceed to Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world. You will then explore the site and be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries, around the time when Angkor Wat was built. Stroll through the intricately carved hallways that show hundreds of fine carvings and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. 

In the late afternoon, take leisurely walk up to the top of Bakheng hill through a nicely paved road for stunning views over the Angkor Wat and surrounding while waiting to watch sun gradually disappear. 

After enjoying Breakfast at the hotel. drive about 30 minutes to the countryside, stopping en route to visit a local village. Arrive at the quay and board a local boat for a 2-hour ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Find out how communities live and work on the lake; see the floating schools, markets, and police stations, among others; observe their daily lives. Then driver back to city. Lunch at your own expenses.

In the afternoon, leave Siem Reap without guide drive through Phnom Penh about 6 hours

Arrival in Phnom Penh we will indirect you to the hotel for check-in. Free and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, opt to take a journey through Cambodia’s more turbulent past and to chronologically understand the stories better, you will start your visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide museum which was a high school before 1975 when it was transformed to an interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era. Walking through the narrow corridors and former classrooms of the buildings will give you an eerie feeling of being part of Cambodia’s turbulent past. The stories of the victims are documented and some torture devices are on display for visitors to learn about the suffering the people endured. Photographs were taken of each prisoner passing through the prison and hundreds of the haunting black and white photos are now on display in the museum. Next, we will move to Cheung Ek was made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”. Nowadays, a large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. The remnants inside the memorial and the mass graves that dot the area remind you of the suffering of the victims. Besides the tragic past, you will also start to appreciate the tremendous courage of the Cambodian people to move on and rebuild their nation. 

Lunch at your own expenses.

Set out on a city tour to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most striking buildings in the capital and considered as some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. They were initially constructed in 1866 by the French. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. The floor consists of 5,329 solid silver tiles to which the building owes its name. then Visit the National Museum, which is dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th century, but some date from as early as the 4th century.

Depending on your flight time, our driver will drop you off at the airport on time. Take your flight home. End of services! Thank you so much for joining us!