Day 1: Welcome to Phnom Penh!
Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request
Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to Hotel for check in. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 2: Phnom Penh City Tour
Start the day with a Tuk-tuk ride to visit the Silver Pagoda which is decorated with about 5000 silver tiles on the floor and the Royal Palace where the Khmer royal family lives. After that, tour the National Museum where you can see a large collection of Khmer history, arts and architecture.
In the afternoon, head straight to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to delve into the sad past of Khmer people. Accompanied by the knowledgeable guide, you will see the exhibitions in the museum and then pay a visit to Choueng Ek Memorial, a pagoda constructed out of over 8000 human skulls excavated from the Killing Fields.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 3: Flight to Siem Reap
Flight: International flight will be on INT's arrangement and include in Quotation
Today, you will take the flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at airport and escort to hotel for check in.
The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat
Today, begin your exploration of the remains of Khmer Empire that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Angkor served as the seat of the empire.
In the morning, tour the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Huge silk-cotton trees and strangler figs grow over, around, and through the ancient stone blocks. The temple would make you feel as if you are in an adventure movie set.
Then, visit Banteay Kdei, a kind of smaller version of Ta Prohm. Continue to Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King, Royal Palace, Baphuon Temple and Bayon Temple. Bayon sets itself apart with its 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcomed. With winding tunnels, chambers, and climbs, Bayon offers many exciting moments to keep your camera busy.
In the afternoon, head to visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Angkor Wat possesses some of the longest and most intricate stone carvings. Spend the afternoon fully exploring the passages, levels, and chambers that once housed many treasures of the flourishing kingdom.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 5: Day Trip to Phnom Kulen Mountain
Today, go to visit the Phnom Kulen Mountain. Along the way you will see beautiful scenery including rice paddies and rural Cambodian villages where you can observe the locals in their daily lives.On arrival at Kulen Mountain you will begin to climb up the path through jungle. Your guide will stop along the way to point out the many points of interest, including the ancient ruins of temples including the famous Linga river carvings, or a Pagoda on the mountain, before getting to chill in the waterfall and swim in the pools, while contemplating the crucial moment in history that this place is connected to.
Phnom Kulen is considered a holy mountain in Cambodia, of special religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists who come to the mountain in pilgrimage. It also has a major symbolic importance for Cambodians as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, for it was at Phnom Kulen that King Jayavarman II proclaimed independence from Java in 804 CE. He initiated the Devaraja cult of the king, a linga cult, in what is dated as 804 CE and declaring his independence from Java of whom the Khmer had been a vassalage state (whether this is actually "Java", the Khmer chvea used to describe Champa, or "Lava" (a Lao kingdom) is debated, as well as the legend that he was earlier held as a ransom of the kingdom in Java.
During the Angkorian era the relief was known as Mahendraparvata (the mountain of Great Indra). The Khmer Rouge used the location as a final stronghold as their regime came to an end in 1979. After you have experienced the historical beauty of Kulen you will stop for lunch and drinks before returning to Siem Reap.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 6: Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Phluk | Flight to Luang Prabang
In the morning, take a half day excursion to the biggest Southeast Asia’s largest fresh water lake - Tonle Sap Lake. You’ll take a boat trip to enjoy the beautiful lake views and mangrove forests. Then, tour Kompong Phluk, the largest village on the lake, to discover the fascinating daily lifestyle of the local people who live on the water.
After lunch, transfer to the airport for flight to Luang Prabang. upon arrival your guide will meet you and escort you to check in.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 7: Boat Trip to Pak Ou Caves | Kuang Si Waterfall
Your memorable trip will start from partaking in an alms ritual in the morning, you will accept the blessing by monks who you give the alms. Have breakfast in the hotel and then, visit the Royal Palace Museum to learn some history of Laos. Continue to you will embark on a private boat for a 2 hours boat trip along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Cave. During the boat trip, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River and see the daily fishing life of local people in the riverside.
Then, go to visit the Pak Ou Cave which locates by the Mekong River. Here, you will discover a number of gold lacquered Buddha statues in the cave.
After that, you can have an excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you will enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, have fun in waterfalls and relax.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 8: Luang Prabang City Tour | Flight to Hanoi
Your full day city tour begins after breakfast, you will visit the Royal Palace Museum (closed on Tuesday), which hosts a range of interesting artifacts; See the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground and representing classical Laotian architecture; Visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.
In the afternoon, head to visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before heading out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. Later, return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai. Finally climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and a sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.
After the tour, you will be transfered to the airport for the flight to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 9: Hanoi City Tour
In the morning, your guide and driver will pick up at your hotel, start the tour to beautiful Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the shores of West Lake. This Pagoda is full of amazing Buddhist symbolism that visitors can learn more about.
Then, head to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnamese great father, President Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, where he lived on and off from 1958 to 1969.
The next destination is One Pillar Pagoda, a group of structures consisting of a pagoda and a tower built in the middle of a square lake. Leave the pagoda for the Temple of Literature, which is the first college of Vietnam.
In the afternoon, you need to choose one of the city’s museums (History Museum or Ethnology Museum) to visit. After that, drive back to admire Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple before taking cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore in Hanoi.
Optional:
Later afternoon, you can watch a Water puppet show for one hour. It is a unique traditional performance of Vietnam.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 10: Full Day Halong Bay Cruise
After breakfast, drive about 3 hours to Halong Bay, one of the Wonders of the Orient. Around noon, your Halong Bay Cruise starts from Tuan Chau Island, the gateway of Halong Bay.
In the afternoon, explore the treasures spread across the Halong Bay, covering some stunning caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, and fantastic rock formations rising up out of the emerald water.
While onboard, you can enjoy the services of Spa and Massage. Another highlight of the cruise is the innovative and varied cuisine offered in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages. You can watch the chef's cooking demonstration and try to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese cooking.
Overnight in Halong Bay Cruise.
Day 11: Return to Hanoi; Flight to Hue
Wake up to experience Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and then continue cruising the beautiful Halong Bay. The breakfast buffet will be served in the dining room. After a visit to a limestone grotto, you will then disembark the cruise in Halong City around noon.
Later, your guide will transfer you to the airport for the flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to Hoi An for hotel check-in.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 12: Hue Imperial Citadel and Purple Forbidden City
Today's tour starts with a visit to the Perfume River, renowned for its natural scenery and numerous flowers which envelop its shores. Along the river, you'll view Vietnamese daily life up close. Take a boat ride along the river to the Tomb of Minh Mang, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations.
Move on to visit Tu Doc, a complex with the private royal residence and a tomb that also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Legend has it that his body is buried with vast treasures in an inconspicuous place, which archaeologists have tried but failed to find. Visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern ornately decorated tomb.
Next, you are able to explore the Imperial City of Hue. With an area of 500ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, namely from outside to inside: Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel) and Khai Dinh Tomb, Hue Citadel is the result of the intermingling of many architectural trends: European and Asian, as well as ancient and modern.
After that, visit Tu Duc Tomb and Dong Ba market for shopping.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 13: Mountain Coastal Road to Hoi An
Your guide will assist with check out. Then take a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam (6 hours).you will have amazing landscape on the way. Eucalyptus Oil village: First stop 05 minutes to take pictures and how to make eucalyptus oil. Fishing village: Visit a lot of fishing boat on the lagoon where local live and move around for fishing. Lang Co beach – a famous beach of Vietnam next to Haivan pass, it is a popular stop for tourists on the Hue-Danang route. Hai Van Pass –the most beautiful road pass – the stunning view from the top; enjoy the best coffee in Vietnam with great view.
Museum of Cham Sculpture – Learn more about Champa ancient people. My Khe beach or R&R beach – where the US marines landing firstly 1965 and stay until 1973. Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village – located at the foot of Marble Mountains – visit local village to learn how to make statues Marble Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son) – have a hiking tour on the moutains – visit some caves and Buddihist temples. Arrival Hoi An hotel for check in and then rest on your own leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 14: Full Day My Son Heritage, Hoi An Ancient Town
In the morning, travel to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lies the 4th century My Son Holy Land ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden for living or development. The ruins lie in a beautiful mountainous landscape. Enter the temples to hear all about the history and stories of the Cham people and this holy site.
In the afternoon, continue on to the Ancient Capital of Hoi An, which features the 16th-century port town in its preserved state. The town is a perfect mixture of ancient architecture, houses, and temples as well as modern western restaurants and cafes. The historic sites you will visit are the Japanese Bridge, a renowned Chinese Temple, and former Vietnamese merchants' houses.
Later, take a boat trip along the Huai River to Thanh Ha Pottery Village and see how local people work on their crafts. In the evening, the town became so romantic when the lights come on and you see colorful lanterns everywhere especially the flower lanterns floating on the river.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 15: Relaxing on the Beach at Hoi An
Today, you'll have a day at leisure to enjoy Hoi An Beach, you can relax in the sunshine and sunbathe on the beach.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 16: Flight to Saigon
This morning you will transfer to airport for flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and escort to your hotel for check in.
The rest of the day you can free explore the city or rest at the hotel.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 17: Saigon Day Tour
Today, you will be escorted to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You'll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then learn about the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. The impressive underground system they built remains to tell the story of the Vietnam War.
In the afternoon, see the highlights of Saigon and learn the history of these iconic landmarks.
Start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed by French colonists during their settlement, discover its significance as the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia.
Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building considered one of the main attractions in the city. Visit the Reunification Palace, home of South Vietnam’s President during the war.
The next stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market.
Finish today's journey with a visit to the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise Pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon's finest.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 18: Mekong Delta Discovery: My Tho
This morning, transfer to remote My Tho. This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the "rice basket of Vietnam".
Firstly, head to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens overflowing with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools, and tombs, and ornate gates that provide entry.
Continue on a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages.
After lunch, visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island or explore the island on foot (the island is flat and relatively small).
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 19: Farewell from Saigon
Today, you can enjoy your free time to explore this city until transfer to the airport. Hope you have a nice trip home and look forward to traveling with you again!
Service End.
