Highlights of vietnam and cambodia 17 days 16 nights

Fly into Phnom Penh, upon arrival, meet with our guide and transfer to a hotel.

We enjoy our cyclo ride along the riverside. This laidback tour gives us a different perspective of the streets and sights of the city. Next, we head to visit Wat Phnom “Mountain Pagoda” is a Buddhist temple that symbolizes the name of Phnom Penh, located on the hill. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1372 to house four statues of Buddha deposited here by the waters of the Mekong River and discovered by Lady Penh. Wat Phnom is the most popular place for local people to come to play healthy sport or pray for their good luck as well as admire the sundown.

We will enjoy a cruise to view the sunset on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River (1 hour). Situated at the “Four Arms” where the Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into two branches, Phnom Penh offers the ideal location to discover the mighty Mekong. Board a nicely restored wooden boat and enjoy the unspoiled landscapes along each bank.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Note: Meals are on your own account.

Breakfast at hotel.

Visit to the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold, and silver. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony; continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was built since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood, and others.

This afternoon, we will learn about the dark side of Cambodia – Its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially you visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture Centre. Once you have gained an initial insight of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime you will be driven 15km from Phnom Penh to visit the 'Killing Fields'. This is where Toul Sleng prisoners were forcibly marched and then executed; it is now a memorial site located in a beautiful tranquil setting. Dinner at local Khmer restaurant.

Overnight in Phnom Penh. 

Note: Lunch is on your own account.

Today you travel by road from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap with a English guide (distance: 314km – about 6h drive). On route, you will witness the everyday lives of Cambodians as you pass through interesting provincial towns, bucolic villages, and delightful scenery. This is no ‘freeway dash’ as you will often slow down to let cows and water buffalo wander across the road, pass horse-drawn carriages, and school kids walking and cycling to/from school. Closer to Phnom Penh you may choose to stop at Skoun, also known as ‘Spider vile’ due to the deep-fried tarantula that is the local delicacy, are you adventurous enough to try one?

Then you may wish to stop off in Kompong Kdei, to look at Spean Pratos – an ancient Angkorian bridge.

On route, we visit Kampong Khleang, the largest floating village near Siem Reap but only a few tourists go there. Depending on the season, the experience will never be the same. During the dry season, from January till July you can walk between the stilts on which the houses are built, rising up to 10 meters in the air. In wet season, when the lake is at peak level, the water rises within one or two meters of the building floors. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will check-in to your hotel after which you are free at leisure for the rest of the evening.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Note: Meals are on your own account.

This morning we embark on an amazing journey to the unexplored, and beauty of the lush mountain region of the north. Phnom Kulen is the holiest mountain in Cambodia. Kulen is no doubt the mount the most sacred of Cambodia, a very active pilgrimage place and a picnic destination for Khmer families. Few foreigners visit this magnificent place making this destination unique. A 1½ hour drive from Siem Reap, we pass through local villages, farmland, rice fields, and temples taking us to a trail through dense jungle leading to the top of the mountain. Here stands Preah Ang Thom, a 16th century Buddhist monastery notable for the giant reclining
Buddha carved into the top of a 20-m boulder. We climb the wooden staircase to a landing that surrounds the 17m-long Buddha, where monks and believers bow, burn incense, and leave fruit. We continue downstream to the magnificent series of tiered waterfalls. The waters hold special religious significance for Hindus, thanks to the hundreds of phallic images carved into the sandstone floors along the shady brook area. Enjoy foot massage for 1 hour & walking at busy pub street where you can find many bars for cool drinks or shopping at Angkor Night Market. 

Dinner with Apsara dance show at a local restaurant

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Note: Lunch is on your own account.

Early morning, we journey out to the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world's largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this is the most famous temple at Angkor. We stay at Angkor Wat to enjoy a picnic breakfast. As the crowds return to their hotels, we venture into Angkor Wat to enjoy its magnificence in peace and quiet. We begin by unraveling the mysteries of the bas-reliefs that tell of tales from Hindu mythology and of the glories of the Khmer empire. Stretching for almost one km, these intricate carvings are a candidate for the world’s longest unbroken piece of art. We continue to Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhout in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones, man first conquering nature to create, nature later conquering man to destroy.

In the afternoon, continue to visit Angkor Thom, which was the masterpiece of King Jayavarman VII. Following the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181, the new king decided to build an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. The scale is simply staggering, and we are immediately overwhelmed by the audacity of Jayavarman on arrival at the city’s gates. We begin to visit Bayon Temple. At the exact center of Angkor Thom, this is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 towers are each topped off with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear more than a passing resemblance to the king himself. These colossal heads stare down from every side, exuding power, and control with a hint of compassion, just the mix required to keep a hold on such a vast empire.

We continue to visit the Terrace of the Leper King. This intricately carved platform was the royal crematorium and the statue that was originally thought to be the leper king is now believed to be Yama, the god of death. We continue along the Terrace of Elephants, originally used as a viewing gallery for the king to preside over parades, performances, and traditional sports. At the southern end lies the Baphuon, one of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating from the reign of Uditayavarman 1 in the 11^th century. It has undergone a massive renovation by the French and is now once again open for viewing.

Overnight in Siem Reap. 

Note: Meals are on your own account.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport for the departure flight to Sai Gon. It’s time to say goodbye Cambodia.

Upon arrival Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon. Welcome by our Tour Guide and driver then we drive 70 kilometers Northwest to explore the underground tunnels in Cu Chi which system had been created long time back, from 1948 to assist Viet Minh in the combat with French. It was continuing built over 25 years later. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers. In places, it was housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years… getting married, giving birth. During the American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated a free-fire zone and was heavily bombarded. Since 1988, two sections of tunnels have been open for visitors. You may even have a chance to crawl through the tunnels yourself. We return to Saigon in the late afternoon.

A special dinner “Ding in the Dark” will be served at - https://www.noirdininginthedark.com/

Overnight in Sai Gon.

Note: Lunch is on your own account.

8.30 we start the trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Vietnam's rice basket, the Mekong Delta. We will pass through idyllic, rural scenes until we arrive at My Tho, a peaceful town on the bank of the Mekong River, where we will visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda. Next, we will have a boat ride on the Mekong, visit local homes and orchards, a coconut candy workshop, a honeybee farm, take a sampan ride on palm-shaded creeks, try a taste of seasonal fruit and honey tea, and enjoy a performance of traditional Southern singing. We return to Sai Gon.

18:00: Get picked up by our tour guide then start our street food tour by motobikes.

After a fun ride on the back of the scooter, eat a variety of delicious dishes and drinks at 7 local food places and sample over 10 Saigon's best authentic street foods and local beer/ optional drinks. During the time, we will chat and share the local and food stories to you to help you understand more about life of people as well as local cuisine not only in Saigon but also the whole Vietnam. Finishing the tour and driving back to your hotel or at a live music cafe.

We would like to bring to the local acoustic music Cafe to have some dessert of drink, to enjoy some music performed by Vietnamese singers. Our guide will end the tour here for your free time to enjoy the rest of the night (you will go back by taxi or grab cars) or finish at your hotel. The rest of the time is free at your leisure. Overnight in Sai Gon.

Note: Dinner is on your own account.

Breakfast at the hotel then free for shopping at Ben Thanh market.  

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Hue.

Upon arrival at Hue airport, meet our guide and driver then transfer to the hotel.

In the evening, free time to explore Hue at night.

Overnight in Hue.

Note: Meals are on your own account.

This morning, we take a tour to the Hue Royal Complex, former home to the Nguyen Dynasty, the last royal dynasty of Vietnamese history, from 1802 to 1945. This site was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam in 1993. You will explore the ancient and atmospheric walled Citadel which contains the former Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City.

Later, visit the Thanh Toan Village where we can see the lively morning market. This is where the locals come to buy their daily food. Nearby is the 300-year-old Thanh Toan bridge and a Cultural Museum where you can visit and talk to the locals.

And visit Khai Dinh tomb then explore Dong Ba market runs along the north bank of Huong (Perfume) River before driving to Hoi An.

Dinner and Overnight in Hoi An.

Note: Lunch is on your own account.

Met up at Hai Scout Café at 98, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, we enjoy a drink for a short time then we visit Hoi An colorful market to experience the amazing sights, sounds, and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.

We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy.

On arrival, explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chefs, before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration).

After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked (Vegetarian foods are available).

This afternoon, we have a walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, the temples and pagodas of Chinese appearance…

Note: Dinner is on your own account.

Today, our guide will take you by bicycle through the tiny village lanes to the river where you can learn about the daily life of the local people. Keep cycling through the corn fields, rice fields, water coconut forest, lakes of shrimp and crab farm. On the way, we will visit houses for worshipping ancestors and houses of handicraftsmen such as: blacksmiths, carpenters, and masons where you can learn many unusual things about life in Hoi An. Ride back to your hotel.

In the evening, enjoy Hoi An memories show - https://hoianmemoriesland.com/

Overnight in Hoi An.

Note: Meals are on your own account.

After breakfast, we drive to BaNa Hill.

At the height of 1,487 m from the sea level, Ba Na Hills is coined the “heaven on earth” owing to its spectacular climate and otherworldly natural landscape. Just travel to Ba Na Hills and revel yourselves in the typical rotation of four seasons in a single day and numerous festivities, recreations, relaxation, and cuisine.

• Experience the world record-breaking cable car system.
• Visit French Village, which reenacts an old-fashioned and tranquil France lined with recognizable classical landmarks such as the square, church, town, old village, and inns.
• Visit the Golden Bridge, which was also voted by TIME magazine as one of the “Top 10 best destinations of the world 2018” and admired by The Guardian as “The world’s most impressive pedestrians’ bridge”, walking on the bridge amid the foggy hills of the mountain, enjoy the gorgeous view of Da Nang City.
• Visit Vong Nguyet hills, Linh Ung pagoda.

Continue, we transfer to the airport for a flight to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Note: Meals are on your own account.

This morning, you will learn more about the historical and cultural events at the peaceful Temple of Literature, known as Vietnam’s first university since the 11th century.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Ethnology Museum, a museum that focuses on the 54 officially recognized. Back to the city central, you continue walking around Hoan Kiem Lake and visiting Ngoc Son Temple which is the heart of Vietnam then take an hour Cyclo - tour viewing the charming French colonial architecture to the bustling Old Quarter then attend the performance of the unique water puppetry.

In the evening, start our street food tour in Ta Hien – Luong Ngoc Quyen – Hang Giay – Dao Duy Tu streets, where show many kinds of local and traditional dishes. Here, you will have a chance to try Bun Cha (a type of noodle soup with pork BBQ).  All the preparation and content are explained by the guide. The guide also tells the daily life of the common Vietnamese, experiencing something that the Vietnamese used a lot in cooking, dried foods, spices, and fresh herbs. You also have a chance to taste the Hanoi's specialties Banh Cuon – the dish that made from a thin, wide sheet of steamed rice. This is one of the most famous dishes in Ha Noi and has been along with Hanoian for years. The tour ends with a cup of Egg Coffee at Nguyen Huu Huan Street.

Note:  Lunch is on your own account.

After breakfast, we transfer to Ninh Binh province. Visit Hoa Lu - transfer to Hoa Lu, one of the oldest capitals in Vietnam dated to 968 – 1009. The remaining vestiges include two temples dedicated to Dinh and Le Kings. These temples are surrounded by beautiful hibiscus gardens, ponds with lotus blossoms, and frangipani spreading a delicate perfume. Take time to relax in its airy and reflective atmosphere. Additionally, one thing that makes this tour the most exciting is the boat trip through winding stream to visit Trang An. Forested limestone mounts contrasting in emerald water, caves, lowlands, and rivers create a mysterious fairytale-like scene. We then visit a network of 11 caves with beautiful stalactites of all shapes and colors. Disembark and then have lunch at the local restaurant.

Continue, visiting Mua cave (Dancing Cave). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Moutain, have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Note: Dinner is your own account.

We depart for Ha Long Bay, listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. “Dragon descending to the sea“ as it is known in Vietnamese, picturesque Ha Long Bay has more than 1.000 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes.

Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay we embark on a boat trip to cruise discovering this magnificent UNESCO World Wonder. This is a great journey among surreal islands rising from a tranquil emerald sea. You will visit several key locations.

Visits:

– One of the most stunning caves of Halong Bay

– Stop at a beautiful beach and take a refreshing swim or sunbathe on the sundeck; take a short trek to the nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay.

Back onboard the junk, you will watch the sunset and be served a sumptuous dinner, with cocktails available for purchase from the bar. You will spend the night onboard the junk, in a cabin with an ensuite bathroom.

Notes: The program may differ slightly based on the junk cruise’s itinerary.

Note: Meals are on the boat

Early morning coffee and tea will be served on the sundeck followed by a Tai Chi class. After the breakfast, we take a Sampan boat to explore Luon Cave. We may have a chance to see the wild monkeys that gather around waiting for food from the tourists. After that, we continue to cruise around the bay. Lunch is served on the boat on our way back to the docks then we transfer back to Hanoi.

Stop on the wat to visit Bat Trang ceramic village.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Note: Dinner is on your own account.

Free at the leisure until transfer to the airport for your flight home.