Cambodia Vietnam and Halong Bay 13 Nights / 14 Days
Uniquely experience the insightful Siem Reap from the incredible Angkor complex to the stunning giant tree roots over Ta Prohm temple, spend half day with lovely elephants at Kulen forest, watching unique Phare Cambodian Circus and soak in rural village to get involved with some countryside activities followed by Cambodian ritual water blessing before having a boat excursion to visit the largest freshwater lake “Tonle Sap” whose daily life animated by fishing activities in the stilt-house community and by canoe through the tranquil mangroves. Connecting to Vietnam, see the vibrant Saigon city, the historical war site of Cu Chi Tunnels and the must-see Mekong Delta, not only go for Hanoi sightseeing but also included a wonderful trip to the fascinating countryside to catch the best karst scenery of Ninh Binh. End with the pleasant time relaxing in a cruise on Halong Bay where it emerges spectacular natural beauty and limestone formation.
Destinations
Siem Reap → Saigon → Mekong Delta → Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Halong Bay
Or Vice Versa
Program Detail
Day 1: Siem Reap – Arrival & Welcome Dinner
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.
Around 6.30pm, our team picks you up then transfer to a booked nice wooden house restaurant for delicate Khmer family set dinner.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Main Angkor Temple Complex
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re journeying out of hotel at 9.00am (or 9.30am) to the South Gate of Angkor Thom atop 4 giant faces that religiously represents compassion, sympathy, equanimity and charity. Stroll around Bayon temple consisting of more than 200 smiling faces in stone, admired. Resume the journey to visit Ta Prohm temple adorned with the stunning, amazing tree roots where Lara Croft Tomb Raider was filmed.
Enjoy Khmer set lunch followed by a soft drink or fresh coconut juice at a selected local restaurant.
Note: There are a lot of interesting ancient temples dotting in Angkor Thom wall included Baphuon, Phimeanakas, terrace of leper king and terrace of elephant for you to see around if you wish to. Please feel free to speak about this with our experience tour guide to manage those for you.
Afternoon, continue 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.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Kulen Elephant Forest (share tour) & Phare Cambodian Circus
Breakfast is served at hotel. Our driver will pick you up at 7.30am at hotel’s lobby then transfers to Kulen Elephant Forest office in Siem Reap town where you’ll then transferred by shuttle minivan at 8.00am with an hour drive to the Kulen Elephant sanctuary which locates at the base of Kulen Mountain range.
Once at the reserve, you will spend time to learn from the local tour guide to get understanding the way of elephants live, play and roam as well as knowing how they are being well taken care mostly through their natural habitat, observing their relationships and behaviors. At noon, retire to base camp and enjoy a traditional meal before heading back to Siem Reap with the arrival around 2.00pm.
Evening around 6.00pm, transfer to enjoy delicate family set dinner at nice garden Chanrey Tree restaurant by Siem Reap Riverside. Next, go 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.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Unique Village Experience & Ritual Water Blessing
Breakfast is served at hotel. The tour begins at 8.00am then we head of out the bustling Siem Reap city, the journey passes interesting city highlight and huge beautiful rice paddies dotting with palm trees and cattle in the fields before we arrive in the village, next have some fun on the oxcart ride through the village to get interaction along with “Hello” from friendly kids. Disembark the cart, you’ll be greeted by a host family with welcome fresh coconut juice before we get involved with rural activities such as rice planting or harvesting or growing vegetables or making roof of palm leaves depending on the season of the year. These rural village activities are most unique, memorable experience in your journey to the land of Angkor, Cambodia. Return to the family’s house, stroll round to see the surrounding which admired by routine, lifestyle, culture, customs and superstitions before enjoying lunch cooked by the host family, along with exotic fruit tasting.
Afternoon, we say Goodbye to the host family then set off toward to Buddhist pagoda in the village, you’re welcomed to meet saffron monks and witness how they practice their lives to Buddhist religion. By the following time, you will prepare to receive special water blessing which is ritually practiced from the ancient time and it is religiously believed to bring good fortune to life as well as getting rid out of bad evil. Return hotel for your own free time in the evening.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Kampong Phluk Village & Apsara Dance Performance
Breakfast is served at hotel. We head out of hotel at 9.00am then heading to Kompong Phluk village of Tonle Sap Lake. We stroll around Rolous market to see trading activities before taking a boat trip along canal toward the centre of Kampong Phluk. Once we arrive, the boat begins to slow 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 student uniforms coming back from their classes. Witness how life works on the water and how people make the lake as home then we resume take canoe to explore the pleasant mangroves, enjoy the serenity while taking picturesque photos and you may see a few waterbirds. Continue by our boat to see the great lake of Tonle Sap, learn from your tour guide about ecosystem and its rich biosphere reserve.
Enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant with countryside view.
Return Siem Reap town and go 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 you can also go to Royal Residence Garden for walking and breathtaking.
Evening, transfer to have delicate Khmer set dinner followed by traditional Apsara dance performance at a selected local restaurant.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show
Day 6: Angkor Sunrise Balloon & Flight to Saigon, Vietnam
Rise at the dawn then we leave at 5.00am for Angkor balloon for the spectacular sunrise over the stunning scenery of countryside, rice paddies, the water reservoir of the west Baray, you can also see magnificent view of Angkor Wat while the sun is rising with the background of Angkor Wat’s towers and lush forest. The balloon generally takes 10 minutes for the sightseeing soaring over the sky about 200 meter high and descent slowly down to the ground.
Return hotel for breakfast and simply have free time until our team transfers you airport for flight to Saigon, Vietnam.
Upon arrival, you will be friendly greeted by our escort guide and driver then transfer to a booked hotel in Saigon and simply have free time after check in.
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 7: My Tho – Mekong Delta Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off 8.00am out of the bustling Saigon straight to My Tho boat pier where we process to embark a local motorboat which slides on Mekong Delta overlooking islets, fish farms and floating houses admired by fishing and trading activities on boats. In Unicorn Island, we will be pampered by Vietnamese traditional music depicting a folk art rooted from South Vietnam and get refreshed by tropical fruit tasting. Continue by canoe, we explore the natural beauty of Mekong canals with lush beautiful coconut trees stretching at both sides until we enjoy the walking tour to observe bee keeping farm and sample honey tea before having lunch. After lunch break, we catch our regular boat to coconut candy workshop to learn the processing of how coconut candies are made, along with a chance to taste and chew sweet candies or purchase a few packs before we get in our awaiting car/minivan and drive back to Saigon City in the evening.
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we begin our adventure trip at 8.00am out of bustling Saigon City, 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 Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Free time in Saigon & Flight to Hanoi Capital
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Saigon before transferring to airport for flight to Hanoi Capital.
Upon arrival, you will be friendly greeted by our escort guide and driver then transfer to a booked hotel in Hanoi and simply have free time after check in.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 10: Ninh Binh - Tam Coc & Bich Dong Pagoda
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re heading out bustling Hanoi at 7.30am and drive with 2 ½ hours through Red River Delta dotting with beautiful scenery to Ninh Binh Province southern Hanoi. 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. Enjoy lunch at a 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 (depends on time) and unlock its great effort in the history in term of unique art works and architectures. Finally, we make our way back to Hanoi.
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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