Budget-Friendly Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery 7 days

Upon arrival in Hanoi, our tour guide will be waiting to welcome you. After a warm greeting, you will be transferred to your accommodation, where you can rest up a bit for an exciting evening ahead.

Evening

You will kick off your first day in Hanoi with a street food tour. It is a great way to start the walk-and-eat group trip.

At around 17:30, our guide will meet you at the meeting point, and lead you on a delicious journey via the historic district of the Old Quarter.

Throughout the evening, you will get to taste a variety of famous Vietnamese dishes, depending on seasonal availability. Some of the must-try specialties include Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodles), Bun Thang (Rice Vermicelli with Chicken and Egg), or Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodles).

You will also have the chance to try Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls) and the iconic Banh Mi, a crispy baguette filled with flavorful ingredients.

For those who enjoy street snacks, the tour may include Nom Bo Kho (Dried Beef Salad) and Nem Chua Ran (Fried Fermented Pork Roll), bringing out a taste of local flavors. To round off the evening on a sweet note, you will sample the well-known Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee), a rich and creamy Hanoi specialty.

NOTE: 

• If you have any dietary preferences or food allergies (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.), please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.
• The food options may vary depending on the season.

Morning/ Afternoon

You will start this morning by assembling in the hotel lobby at 08:00 (or 13:00) to meet our tour guide. After a brief introduction, you will head out to get to know the capital by day. 

Our first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you will learn about the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. Nearby, you will explore his house-on-stilts and the elegant Presidential Palace, both reflecting his simple yet visionary lifestyle.

Next, you will pay a visit to the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure erected on a single wooden pole. This pinnacle architectural masterpiece embodies the national cultural quintessence through the arts of design, sculpture, woodcarving, and painting.

Continuing your journey, you will arrive at Vietnam’s First University, also known as the Temple of Literature. Built during the Ly dynasty, this site was dedicated to Confucius and has nurtured generations of scholars. It is a good idea to walk around courtyards, admire stone steles, and take many pictures there. 

Afternoon/ Evening

Following an insightful exploration, you will relax and enjoy a mouthwatering meal at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Vietnamese cuisine for lunch (or dinner) before returning to the hotel.

Morning

At 07:30 - 08:00, you will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and set off on a transfer to Ninh Binh. When you traverse the countryside, you can enjoy the peaceful scenery of endless rice fields and small villages along the way.

10:30: Arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, the former capital of Vietnam and a UNESCO-recognized heritage site. Explore its rich history tied to Vietnam's early dynasties and national defense. Visit Dinh King Temple, a 17th-century structure adorned with intricate wood and stone carvings.

After that, take some time to relax and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Embark on a peaceful boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, rowed by locals. Admire the scenic rice paddies and explore the stunning Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba caves, known for their impressive stalactites.

16:00: Arrive at Mua Cave and hike up to the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain for a breathtaking panoramic view of Tam Coc. Along the way, admire traditional Vietnamese stone sculptures that reflect the country's spiritual heritage.

Around 17:30, you will get back to Hanoi Old Quarter, where the trip concludes. We hope you had an amazing experience.

Morning

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, our driver will pick you up at roughly 08:00 for a drive to Halong Bay. Sit back and relax as you pass peaceful roads and limestone mountains. On arrival at the cruise port, the friendly staff will assist you with the check-in process before you get on your beautiful cruise ship.

At noon, you will be greeted on board with a refreshing drink. A short briefing will provide important cruise information and safety instructions. When the ship starts to run, you can eat your lunch while admiring breathtaking views.

Afternoon

There are many exciting activities for you to begin your afternoon adventure. Take swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and paddle into hidden caves and lagoons by kayak as an example.

Afterward, you will return to the cruise to join a Vietnamese cooking class and learn how to make traditional spring rolls. Alternatively, you can take it easy with a cocktail on the sundeck and take advantage of the Happy Hour “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” offer while watching the sunset over the bay.

Evening 

As night falls, it is time to enjoy a tasty dinner at the cruise’s restaurant, featuring a selection of Vietnamese and international dishes. The evening is yours to decide, with plenty of entertainment options available. Try your luck at squid fishing, watch a night movie, play board games, or relax at the bar and karaoke lounge for a fun-filled night onboard. 

NOTE:

• The tour guide will not accompany you on the cruise; however, the English-speaking crew will be available to help you whenever you need them.
• You may be transferred to a smaller boat (tender) for excursions to remote areas.
• The exact itinerary may vary depending on your specific Halong Bay cruise.

Morning

Today, you will wake up early in the morning and take up Tai Chi on the sundeck in the gorgeous background. This gentle exercise will help you feel refreshed and energized for the upcoming day. If you prefer a slower morning, you can sleep in and eat breakfast later. 

Following that, the cruise will take you to explore another famous tourist attraction in Halong Bay, giving you one last chance to see amazing rocks, pillars, and arches. 

You will be back to the ship to pack your belongings and check out. While the vehicle makes its way to the port, you will have a brunch served on board. 

Around 12:00, our driver will be ready to take you back to Hanoi.

Afternoon

Arriving at your hotel in the Old Quarter, you will have some free time to chill out and recharge your battery. Then, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. 

After landing, you will receive a warm welcome from our local driver, who will take you to your hotel. For the rest of the evening, you can get acquainted with the vibe of the city.

Morning

Having picked up directly from your hotel, you will venture out to Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Your first destination for today is the South Gate, where you will be surprised by stone faces that have stood for centuries. 

From there, you will move to explore the enchanting Bayon Temple, famous for intricate carvings. It reveals the profound cultural legacy of the Khmer civilization.

The journey goes on at the Elephant Terrace, a grand platform once used for royal ceremonies and public events, followed by the nearby Terrace of the Leper King, adorned with some interesting carvings that depict deities and mythical figures. 

The final destination you will see before lunch is the captivating Ta Prohm, a temple left in a natural state. It is where giant tree roots intertwine with old stone structures, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Afternoon

This time, you will get to visit the world-famous Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of Khmer architecture from the 12th century. Recognized as the largest religious monument in the world, this temple is home to bas-reliefs that tell fascinating stories from mythology and history. By walking corridors and courtyards, you will spot the harmony between art and spirituality. 

Finishing all of that exploration and awe-inspiring sights, you will be sent back to your hotel to rest and reflect on the wonders.

This is your final day in Siem Reap, so make the most of your time here before going home. If time allows, you may come to local markets for some last-minute souvenirs.

At the scheduled time, our driver will be present to transfer you to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and look forward to welcoming you on another trip soon!