Best Cambodia and Vietnam Tour 13 Nights / 14 Days
Explore the incredible Siem Reap of various ancient Angkor temples - a world UNESCO heritage site in Cambodia. Followed the holly Kulen waterfalls, we observe the impressive Tonle Sap Lake admired by local life making a living in a floating community before heading to Vietnam where we visit the vibrant Ho Chi Minh with its thrilling historical site of Cu Chi Tunnels, walk to challenge the famous Hoi An street food, enjoy the spectacular view from the golden bridge of Da Nang, explore Hue Imperial City along with Royal Tombs then capture the picturesque Tam Coc of Ninh Binh and its the significant Bich Dong Pagoda. By a guided Hanoi city tour, we will spend a pleasant stay in Halong Cruise to indulgently emerge in the beautiful Halong Bay and the fascinating surrounding.
Destinations
Siem Reap → Ho Chi Minh → Hoi An → Da Nang → Hue → Ninh Binh → Hanoi → Halong Bay
Or Vice Versa
Program Detail
Day 1: Siem Reap – Arrival
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Our friendly team (guide and driver) will welcome you at the arrival gate upon your arrival at Siem Reap International Airport then transfers to a reserved hotel for check in and simply enjoy yourselves free time at hotel or explore central city by your own.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: None
You may opt to visit Siem Reap’s most unique, authentic, top-rated entertainment! – Phare Cambodian Circus that won the Guinness World Record and it is the only unique Phare Circus performance (no animals) which is unlike any other circus in the world: theater, story, dance, high-energy music and circus arts, and impressively inspires Cambodia culture and arts etc.
Day 2: Full Day Guided Angkor Temples & Apsara Performance
Breakfast is served at hotel. We leave for the tour at 8.30am to witness the marvelous Angkor Wat – the world’s heritage listed by UNESCO in 1992 and the largest unrivaled monument in the world. Built by Suryavarman II in 12th Century, Angkor Wat is considered as one of the top destinations in Asia and is a must-see in your lifetime. Learning from your tour guide the amazing history, its ancestral incredible, architectural masterpieces and the finest carvings dates back to the Khmer Empire when it dominated the largest parts of Southeast Asia. Continue to visit Ta Prohm temple adorned with the stunning, amazing tree roots where Lara Croft Tomb Raider was filmed.
Afternoon, we resume our discovery day for guided tour around Bayon temple consisting of more than 200 smiling faces in stone, admired by interesting temples including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, terrace of leper king and terrace of elephant.
Finally, we stop at the South Gate of Angkor Thom atop 4 giant faces that religiously represent compassion, sympathy, equanimity and charity, and take as many photos as you want before heading back to the hotel.
Note: Visiting beautiful sunset (free of charge) is available at Phnom Bakheng, please speak to our tour guide to manage this for you. This is a hiking up (Approx. 25 minutes/way) to the hill and it’s always touristy or skip it if you feel tired.
Evening, transfer to have yummy buffet dinner followed by traditional Apsara dance performance at a selected local restaurant.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Angkor Sunrise, Phnom Kulen Waterfalls & Beautiful Banteay Srei
Breakfast is served at hotel. We start the tour at 5.00am then drive within Angkor jungle toward the magnificent Angkor Wat where we wait to watch the spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat towers and capture its beautiful sunrise reflection at the lotus pond.
Return to the hotel for breakfast then we leave again to visit one of Cambodia’s national parks – popularly known as “Phnom Kulen” where you meet famous, beautiful waterfalls. Phnom Kulen (Mountain of Lychee) situates about 57km with approx. 1 hour drive, Phnom Kulen is regarded as the holy mountain for religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists and was the significant home of the ancient Khmer Empire when King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 804 CE. The journey provides nice views of rice paddies, countryside dotting with palm trees and cattle.
Enjoy the walking tour to see the giant reclining Buddha statue on the hilltop along with breathtaking, spectacular views and learn from your tour guide about historical site. Resume walking within the jungle to witness religious Hindu of the riverbed of 1000 linga carvings, next we move to observe the sacred ground-pool before we head to relax near the waterfall. From then, it is your own free time for cooling down and swimming.
Enjoy Khmer set lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we head to unlock the intricately carved, beautiful red-pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei – considered to be a Jewel of Khmer art which features elaborate decorations and its finest details. These factors have made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as a “precious gem”. On the way back to Siem Reap, we stop for a visit at palm sugar village and other various local handicraft souvenirs, and we will stroll at Preah Dak village to observe local people making the famous steaming-rice cake which hides coconut milk inside.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Tonle Sap Lake and Flight to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off for the tour at 8.00am for countryside sightseeing along with a visit at local market to see interesting trades before resuming our journey to Kompong Phluk village of Tonle Sap Lake. We process to take a boat trip along canal toward the centre of Kompong Phluk then the boat slows down to let you enjoy the surrounding admired by amazing houses atop high poles, come across the highlight of fishing activities as well as see people selling fruits/vegetable/meats on their boats, you sometimes see kids in their student uniforms coming back from their classes. Witness how life works on the water and how people make the lake as home then we embark on a canoe to explore the pleasant mangroves, enjoy the serenity while taking picturesque photos and you may see a few waterbirds. Continue by our main boat to see the great lake of Tonle Sap, learn from your tour guide about Tonle Sap ecosystem and its rich biosphere reserve.
If we still have time, we continue for guided orientation at the finest Artisan Angkor wood/stone carving center which displays various defined handicrafts and silk products, continue to stroll around old market to see interesting daily trade as well as bargaining for local handmade products, paintings, lacquers, carvings, clothes, traditional crafts and so on, and resume going to Royal Residence Garden where we enjoy the walking for breathtaking and take nice photos as well as observing the sacred shrine of Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm where you will probably also see hundreds of bats flying around.
Next, our team transfers you to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be greeted by our friendly experienced guide and driver then transfer directly to a booked hotel for check-in and have your own free time.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 5: Cu Chi tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Breakfast is served at the hotel. Today we begin our adventure trip at 8.00am, pass countryside to explore the famous attraction of Cu Chi tunnels which are known as the deadly dangerous trap tunnel networks and was used by Viet Cong army as the facility base to supply food, accommodation, storage, escape rooms as well as strong holes to fight against their enemies during French and American war from 1948 until 1975. Learn from your tour guide about this interesting and sad history of Vietnam, and personally experience the real feeling when crawl into the tunnels to reveal some remnants left after the war ended.
Enjoy Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, we return for guided Saigon City along with War Remnants Museum that you can witness Indochina war history while browsing various items relating Vietnam War, visit the fascinating architecture of Reunification Palace which was the former workplace and residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam, admired by French colonial buildings of Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, we then stroll at Jade Emperor Pagoda before go shopping at the famous Ben Thanh market where you observe trading exchanges and you can’t absolutely ignore to purchase some souvenirs.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Free Morning and Flight to Da Nang, Drive to Hoi An (Hoi An Street Food)
Breakfast is served at hotel. The full morning is reserved as free that you can do your own strolling around and try the tasty Pho which is the signature noodle soup of Vietnam.
Our team transfers you to the airport for a domestic flight to Da Nang City. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our experienced driver (no guide) then transfer to a booked hotel in Hoi An for check-in.
Evening at 5.00pm, our guide welcomes you at the hotel then we process to the old town of Hoi An where we excitingly enjoy the walking street food tour to discover famous Vietnamese dishes including delicate Vietnamese sandwich called “Banh Mi”, Barbecue pork rolled in rice paper and other yummy snacks (Banh Beo and Banh Khot). Continuing to observe marketplace area with various local food stalls admired by interesting activities, we go zic and zac through small alley to Hoi An Riverfront to catch the night street highlight of cultural Hoi An town and cheerfully end up at a local restaurant for delicious dinner followed by a local beer
Overnight in Hoi An
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Heritage of Hoi An, Marble Mountains and Drive to Da Nang
Breakfast is served at hotel. We start at 8.00am discover the well-preserved old town of Hoi An which is known as a UNESCO world cultural heritage site because of its unique architecture that reflects both indigenous and foreign cultures. Start with the most remarkable Japanese Covered Bridge dates back to the 16th century, traditional Fujian Assembly Hall which gives a worth visit, continue to observe the exotic architecture of Tan Ky Old House, have an exciting walking in the colorful lantern street and take beautiful photos before visiting Hoi An central market where you can go shopping around.
Enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, drive to Da Nang with spending a great sight to Marble Mountains which represent to five elements: water, fire, earth, wood and metal, also a home to religious pagodas, shrines and hidden caves. Enjoy climbing up with 108 steps to the top and tranquilly take a wonderful breathtaking with the spectacular views of Da Nang City, and we will go to explore a few hidden caves (or skip caves) and Tam Thai pagoda. If you’re font of handicraft works, Tien Hieu Marble Handicraft Sculptures is an ideal for observation then we drive straight to a booked hotel in Da Nang.
Overnight in Da Nang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Da Nang - Ba Na Hills, Golden Bridge and Drive to Hue
Breakfast is served at hotel. We leave at 8.00am for Ba Na Hills where we discover the fascinating beauty of Da Nang City from the summit of popular Ba Na Hills. Once we arrived, we process to take cable car to observe variety of exciting places included Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden, the impressive Linh Ung Pagoda, Buddhist statue and walk inside the tunnel to visit wine cellar with a chance to taste a glass of wine. Continue to stroll at the must-see Golden Bridge where you capture the beauty of the sky, nature and enjoy the breathtaking while Golden Bridge is extremely considered as one of the most pleasant places to take romantic photos.
Lunch is served at a selected local restaurant.
Next, we drive (no guide) from Da Nang via Hai Van Pass to Hue, en-route at beautiful Hai Van Pass admired by natural beauty of mountain range and the blue coast where it’s a good morning to take a wonderful breathtaking and capture picturesque photos. Arrive, check in and have free time.
Overnight in Hue
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Hue Imperial Citadel, Royal Tombs and Flight to Hanoi, Drive to Ninh Binh
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re heading out at 8.00am to Dong Ba market where we stroll to observe citizen daily life with interesting local trades then continue to visit the world heritage site “Hue Imperial Citadel” which is considered as the most famous attraction along with unique architectures, detailed arts and works on walls, and a rich history which dates back to hundreds of years ago. The impressive structures, cultural decorates, Purple Forbidden City and the history definitely give your day a pretty worth visit. Next, we drive along The Perfume River to the attractive, religious Thien Mu Pagoda where you will have a pleasant walking to see beautiful surrounding and learn from your guide about its mystery legend.
Next, we set off to explore the three significant mausoleum emperors of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, those tombs have unique blend French & Royal architectures along with interesting history that you can learn from your tour guide about Nguyen Dynast dates back to 12th century. We continue our adventure to Kim Long Village to observe local people making conical hats and colorful joss sticks.
Our team transfers you to the airport for a domestic flight to Hanoi Capital. Upon your arrival, our experienced driver (no guide) will greet you at the arrival gate then transfer to a booked hotel for check-in in Ninh Binh.
Overnight in Ninh Binh
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 10: Ninh Binh - Tam Coc and Bich Dong Pagoda, Drive to Hanoi
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re departing for the tour at 8.30am for our day adventure to explore the best of Ninh Binh. Arrived at Tam Coc, we process to take 2 hours of wonderful sightseeing on Sampan rowing boat through the fascinating rice fields that features the stunning karst formations and surrounding natural beauty as well as peddling through mysterious limestone caves while enjoying the tranquil calm. Next, we conquer Mua Caves where we climb 500 steps for a breathtaking panoramic view of Vietnam’s stunning limestone mountains and rice fields.
Enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, continue to the significant Bich Dong Pagoda where we will hike up and down to observe religious and interesting places at low, middle and upper pagodas built aside at rocky mountain, learn from your tour guide about local religion, pagoda architectures and history while taking a deep breathtaking to enjoy beautiful landscapes from the highest pagoda. Our last stop will be at Hoa Lu – the ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam dates back to 10th century before it was moved to and established the capital in Hanoi. From there, we will only have a quick visit from the outside at the bridge of the front gate of Hao Lu (depending on time) and unlock its great effort in history in terms of its unique art works and architectures. Finally, our driver (no guide) takes you back to Hanoi, check in at a booked hotel and have free time.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Fully Guided Hanoi City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off at 8.00am for a fully guided tour within Ba Dinh Square, visit the main attractions included the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda with most interesting architecture and 10th century Temple of Literature – the first national university of Vietnam along with rich history. Enjoy delicious lunch at Hoang Cuisine restaurant (or similar).
Afternoon, we observe Hoa Lo Prison which tells you an interesting war from French colonial time to Vietnam and American War. Continue to visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – the significant place to witness the best collection, documentation, exhibition and preserving the cultural and historic patrimony of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Next, we take rickshaw (cyclo) explore the popular Old Quarter admired by attractive daily life and bustling local activities. Ending the cyclo ride at Thang Long Opera Theatre, we then enjoy a traditional, unique water puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
Breakfast is served at hotel. Prepare yourselves with light packing ready to be picked up by shuttle bus between 8.00-8.30am at your hotel and start your trip to explore the most amazing Halong Bay in the North of Vietnam.
Note: Private car/minivan round trip transfers Halong Bay is available upon request.
On the way, we will have a quick stop in the middle of the way to rest. We will reach Halong cruise port around 12.30pm then process the registration and get transferred by tender to Swan Cruise. After safety brief, a welcome drink and checking in, delicious Vietnamese set menu will be served while leisurely cruising further into Bai Tu Long Bay, enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing before getting back to the cruise for sunset party.
Evening, have sumptuous set dinner on board and it’s your free time to challenge yourself in Vietnamese puzzle games, or gathers your group/family for a board game; try your luck with squid fishing or simply have a cocktail and enjoy the quiet night on the bay.
Overnight in Cruise Halong Bay
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note:
There are many cruise companies operate from standard to luxury cruises to Halong Bay and every cruise companies have their similar cruise itineraries. The above cruise itinerary is detailed according to Swan Cruise’s standard itinerary. If you chose to stay at another cruise, cruise itinerary will then be provided at the time you confirmed. If you really love Halong Bay and want to stay a night longer, 2nights/3days cruise is available, so feel free to speak about this with our sale team.
Day 13: Halong Bay Cruise, Back to Hanoi
Rise a bit early in the morning for Sunrise Tai-chi section on sundeck or catch a morning view of the stunning bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.
Breakfast will be served in Western style, familiar to you to fulfill your strength and ready for another exploring day to the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave for an hour then return to the boat you will have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.
Around 10.00, attend a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. You can quickly learn a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish or challenge yourself in fruit and vegetable carving. Next, we enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat while the cruise is heading back to the harbor and disembark at Halong cruise port. At 12.30pm: our shuttle bus will take you back to Hanoi and arrive in the evening around 16.00-17.00pm.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: Hanoi - Departure
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Vietnam then our team will pick you up from hotel’s lobby and transfers to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to the next destination.
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Thank You
Goodbye Beautiful Southeast Asia
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