Vietnam and Cambodia Grand Discovery 22 days

Arriving in Hanoi in the morning, you will be warmly welcomed by our tour guide and transferred straight to your hotel for checking in.

Check-in service in hotels will be available at 2.00 pm and can be offered to you earlier with an extra charge. 

For the rest of the arrival day, you will have free time to relax or sleep. If you are eager to explore the city, take a walk around your hotel or join in one of our following OPTIONAL activities: 

• Water Puppet Show: A puppet show taking place on the water surface, telling audiences Vietnamese folk tales, history, and local lives’ stories in a lively and unique way, also known as one of the Vietnamese traditional performing arts. 
• Vietnamese Cooking Class or Foodie Tours: Vietnamese cuisine, particularly Hanoi is always excellent and can mesmerize any visitors coming here to try it. On the Hanoi Foodie tour, you can try appetizing dishes in the city and as well, get to corners of Hanoi where the vibe and atmosphere are so peaceful that you could never find elsewhere, while the Vietnamese cooking class gives you the chance to cook the food, have fun. Both could be a good start to your trip.  

If you are interested in one of the two activities, please contact our travel consultant so that we can arrange for you to join in. Service is available 24/7. 

Note: Please be advised that both international and domestic might be crowded at times during the day, so in case that you arrive and cannot find our representatives, please be present at Pole No.10 (Outside the Terminal Gate) and contact us, so we could easily search for you.

Take a Half-day Hanoi tour in the afternoon of day 2. Routes and destinations can change subject to the client’s interest.

Typically, the tour starts from the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in 1076. The temple was established to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins, and members of the elite. 

Continue to visit the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Nearby is the Mausoleum of the historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and his modest house on stilts. (Sites are viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Jun - Aug)

Visit the picturesque West Lake and its sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with a history of more than 1,500 years.

After visiting places, you will have a meal at an authentic Vietnamese Restaurant. Take a bath and relax at the hotel while waiting for the train.

At around 21.00, you will meet our tour guide and head to Hanoi train station. Overnight train trip to Lao Cai in shared sleeping compartments (sharing with other passengers in 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment). 

The train departs at approximately 21:35.

Notes:

- Our tour guide will not accompany you during the train trip

- Train schedules are subject to change.

- Private compartments on request at a surcharge.

- Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless a private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.

Upon your arrival at Lao Cai Train Station at 5.30 - 6.00 am, you will get picked up and transferred to Sapa on a tourist shared bus. The bus journey can last for 1 hour and is followed by room occupancy check-in at Sapa’s hotel (early check-in is available with an additional charge). Then, get relaxed and recharge your body for a full-day tour.

At 9.30, the tour starts. You will meet your local guide and first, go trekking.

The trekking path will lead to Y Linh Ho village along the Muong Hoa River and the Black H'mong Lao Chai Village. Black H’mong is one of the biggest minority groups in Sapa. They have their language, tradition, and clothes significant with the indigo cloth. Coming to Lao Chai Village, you will be offered many traces of the locals' past time to explore: rudimentary houses, stone walls around homes… Finally, stop by Ta Van Village to visit Zay people, a fairly small minority group living mainly in the mountains in Northwest Vietnam and featuring.

At the end of the tour, you will be taken back to your hotel by car and have some free time to take a rest. Overnight in Sapa

In the morning, have breakfast at the hotel and then check out. Take a walk down to the South-west of Sapa (around 3 km) to visit Cat Cat Village.

Relax at the foot of the stunning waterfall and the vestige of a hydroelectric power station that was constructed by the French during the colonial time in Vietnam. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the side of the river, and then continue trekking for 3 km to Sin Chai Village, located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain - “the Roof of Indochina”, where you enjoy the stunning landscapes of the mountain. Then come back to the main road to be transferred to Sapa town on a jeep for 3km.

Around 15:00 - 15:30: Transfer back to Hanoi by shuttle bus. Arrive in Hanoi in the evening

Get picked up at your hotel in Hanoi at 07.15 - 07.45 and head to Ninh Binh by car. Have a short break at a stopping spot in Dong Van - Ha Nam province. There, you can enjoy the fresh air of the giant fields. 

Upon your arrival in Tam Coc, start your full-day excursion on a small boat rowed by a local. Tam Coc, also known as Halong Bay on land, is a magnificent compilation of a thousand karst mountains of different shapes. Cruising through the Ngo Dong River, you can take many beautiful photos of the peaceful scenery of mountains, rice fields, and temples all along the way. If you go in the harvest season (late May-early July), the mesmerizing golden rice carpet will be waiting for you. 

After such a wonderful adventure, you will be taken back to the mainland and served a Vietnamese lunch. The truly Vietnamese traditional lunch will be then followed by free time for you to take part in optional activities such as fishing, visiting local people. 

Besides, cycling around beautiful villages to enjoy the fresh air of the rural area and discover huge limestone mountains will be offered according to the itinerary on that day. 

Arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – The ancient capital city of Vietnam one thousand years ago. With the guide’s description, you will understand more about Vietnamese history which is not popular in the world but still very interesting and worth knowing. Leave Ninh Binh and go back to Hanoi. 

• Ninh Binh

After breakfast at the Hotel in Hanoi, get picked up by our driver and head to Halong Bay, the World Heritage that features the outstanding natural beauty of karst islands, grottos, caves, and emerald water.

On your arrival, welcome on board! You will be taken to several magnificent sightseeing spots of the bay by cruise. Tuan Chau, Titop Islands and Dau Go, Luon caves,... are there to be admired.

After sightseeing, lunch with fresh seafood is served on board and followed by free time to rest and discover activities like kayaking, swimming, or visiting caves,... (available according to each cruise’s itinerary).

Activities are done, get back to your cruise to enjoy onboard dinner and stay overnight.

Start your new fresh day in Halong Bay by taking part in the early-morning Tai-chi class and having breakfast on board. The cruise will take you to several stunning caves in the bay for the last exploration. 

On the way back to the main dock, lunch is served. Afterward, the shuttle bus will be available to transfer you to the airport for the Danang flight. 

Upon arrival, the tour guide picks up and take you to the hotel in Hoi An for checking in and relax for the rest of the day

Hoi An is an old port town, where the mixture of different cultures from Vietnam to Japan, China, and Europe is found

Fortunately, most of the ancient constructions in this town have been conserved in unspoiled condition (although some of the buildings are now used for commercial purposes), so travelers will have a complete understanding of the history and diversity in culture of this historic place.

Our half-day excursion is simply walking. We will wander along old streets, cross several old houses; see how the daily lives of local people are, and witness how historical elements of the town merge with modernity. We will also visit some of the ancient monuments from other nations, like the Japanese Covered Bridge or Fujian Assembly Hall of the Chinese. And after some walking, a cold glass of traditional herbal drink from a street-side shop is the best way to refresh and enjoy the true taste of Hoi An on your tongue.

If we have enough time, we will also pass by a handicraft store, at which you could directly see the creation of the most notable souvenirs in town, and take some of them back to your hometown.

On day 9, You will have free time to explore the town on your own. You can spend time walking along the streets, stop by random sightseeing spots that you come across and try random food, or you can join in one of our following optional activities: 

Option 1: Discover My Son Holly Land Half day: My Son Sanctuary - a collection of Champa ruins nestled amongst the mountains in a geological basin of the Quang Nam province. 

Price from $ US50/ person

Option 2: Life as a Farmer in Cam Thanh village: Join the farmers in preparing and fertilizing the land and get to know their daily working routines, like raking the ground, sowing, watering, and picking greens, and many more gardening activities. 

Price from $ US70/ person

Option 3: Hoi An Vespa Tour 

Price from $ US85/ person

Get picked up at your hotel in Hoi An and head to Hue via Cloudy Pass by shuttle bus or private car. You can stop at some spots on the way for sightseeing and photoshoot (admission fee excluded).

The peaceful city of Hue, also known as the royal city and the old capital of Vietnam, has now become the famous destination of history, tradition, culture, and spirit. 

Start your tour with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda to seek inner peace and happiness. The pagoda itself is a Buddhist place; yet, it still welcomes people of all religions to come and visit, attracting thousands of tourists every year with its fascinating ancient design in architecture and the tranquility of the Perfume River by which it stands. 

Following Thien Mu Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel is the next destination. As the “house” of the Nguyen Royal Family, the last dynasty of Vietnam, the citadel reflects luxurious and prosperous royal life, allowing visitors to partly explore the Vietnam pre-modern history. Though some buildings of it were damaged during wars, crucial constructions remained and are currently being conserved in good condition. The front gate, the Flag Tower, The King’s Palace, and the Museums of Royal Antiquities are those you will visit. 

When it comes to Hue, people and tradition are the most outstanding factors. In Dong Ba Market, you can find both of them. It is the largest traditional trading place of Hue City, where the daily business and life of the locals is fully reflected. You can explore and purchase some interesting souvenirs before we drive you back to your hotel. 

Transfer to Hue airport to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, our driver will wait and transfer you to the hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.

In the afternoon: Enjoy the attractions of Ho Chi Minh City. Sightseeing examples of French colonial architecture and exploring Vietnam's turbulence in the past at the War Remnants Museum. Our guide will show you the most interesting sights that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer. Depart from your hotel to the Reunification Palace; this beautifully preserved palace was the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. On April 30th, 1975 the American War officially came to an end here. Afterward, we visits Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, which was built in 1880, and the Old Post Office, which was built sometime between 1886 and 1891. It is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Our last stop would be at a local market where you can practice your bargaining skills while shopping for souvenirs. Discover local life and culture. You’ll find some of the friendliest, liveliest, most convivial people in the city here. Return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Free time for the rest of the day

Get away from the vibrant city to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Mekong Delta. As an incredibly fertile region, the Mekong Delta's prime industry is food production, producing approximately half of Vietnam's total agricultural output. Local life for villages in the area revolves around the rivers and canals that make up the delta, so much so that people are more likely to transport by river than road. Enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside, still untouched by tourism. Board and experience the diversity of the Mekong waterways first hand as you explore fish farms and exotic fruit farms. Touring the orchards, paddy fields, and swamplands of the Mekong Delta, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into the pages of a geography textbook.

You will be transferred to Can Tho for staying overnight

After breakfast at the hotel, take a motorboat to visit Cai Rang – the most fascinating floating market where we can see all trading activities on the Mekong river.

Remember to try a bowl of Hu Tieu - traditional rice noodle of Mekong delta people and some pieces of durian which is the most addictive fruit to local people?

Then, shortstop to visit the rice husking mill and walk around the village. See the beautiful scenery and daily activities of the locals. Disembark at Ninh Kieu and transfer back to HCMC after lunch in Can Tho.

Have breakfast at the hotel and relax until flight time. Our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport to catch a flight to Phnom Penh.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our tour guide then transferred to a hotel in the City Centre for checking in. Free for leisure the rest of the day.

• Phnom Penh 5

After breakfast at the hotel, you will start your tour at the Royal Palace, in which stands the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. Continue to the National Museum, dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period (9th to 15th century), but some date from as early as the 4th century. Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). This prison was a high school, and used as a prison by Pol Pot's security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge.  

If there is enough time, visit the Central Market (Psar Thmei), a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. The four wings of this gigantic yellow dome are teeming with stalls that sell goods ranging from gold and silver, antique coins, money exchange, books, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, seafood, and countless other products.

The last stop for today, visit Wat Phnom, an ancient pagoda on a hill, which marks the legendary founding place of the city. Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh

After enjoying breakfast, you will get picked up and taken by bus to Battambang. The journey takes about 5 hours.

Upon your arrival at the bus station, our guide will meet and take you to your booked hotel for check-in. Meals are on your expenses and you will stay overnight in Battambang.

• Battambang

At 8.00 in the morning, meet our local guide at the hotel lobby and join in Nary’s Cambodian Food Cooking Class. 

The class is due to last from 9.00 to 12.00, start with a guided trip to the local market and end with the lesson on making a 4-course meal. Participants will also receive a recipe leaflet with all the instructions necessary to reproduce their dishes at home. And of course, you can get to eat what you cook for lunch.

In the afternoon, try out for a ride on the Bamboo Train, a fun experience and also a great opportunity to see the sunset view in the countryside. It’s like a childhood dream come true!

Early dusk, go to Phnom Sampov to see millions of bats flying out of the cave

• Phnom Banan Temple

After breakfast, pay a short visit to the archeological provincial museum before departure to visit Ek Phnom temple and the colonial-style houses along the Sangke River. 

On the way back, you can visit the traditional Cambodian houses and the artisan factory of rice flaky cake. Free for lunch.

Following break time, depart by bus for Siem Reap (3 hours by shuttle bus). 

Upon arrival at Siem Reap, our driver (no guide) will take you to the hotel to check-in 

• Wat Tahm Rai Saw

At 8:30 am, the tour guide will wait for you at the hotel lobby. Go out to visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom: the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon, visit Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat has been a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology, visit Bakheng Temple and enjoy a spectacular sunset view of Bakheng Hills.

Buffet dinner with Apsara Dance Show at Koulen Restaurant.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Ta Prohm Temple, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. The temple of Ta Prohm was once used as a location in the famous Hollywood film Tomb Raider. Visit this masterpiece then continue to visit some nearby temples including Banteay Kdei, Srah Srang, and Chau Say Tevoda temple. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon, continue to board the boat to Tonle Sap (BoeungTonle Sap), Cambodia's great lake. Here, enjoy a brief cruise past floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, churches, and hospitals. If time permits, on the way back stop and visit Artisan D’Angkor, an insight into the amazing skilled craftsmanship of Cambodian traditional handicrafts.

You will see the work of the trainees who learn the art of stone carving, wood ornamental sculpture, the making of small furniture, the art of lacquer and polychronic. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel, free until time to transfer to Siem Reap Airport for departure to the next destination.

• Siem Reap City