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The Best of Vietnam and Cambodia
Ha Noi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay - Hoi An - Siem Reap
- Explore the cultural diversity and stunning scenery of the North of Vietnam and discovery the mysterious Angkor temples in Siem.
- Visit the most famous sites: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong, Siem Reap and the Angkor Temples.
- Interact with the Minority people and learn about their culture.
- Enjoy an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay.
Introduction
Vietnam and Cambodia are two countries that have so much in common yet each shines with their own unique charm. The Best of Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary takes you to see unforgettable history, indigenous culture, compelling cities and places of amazing natural beauty.
While 11 days isn’t enough time to take in all there is to see in these two countries, it is a perfect fit for travellers without the luxury of a lot of time, who are looking to see the very best of what Vietnam and Cambodia have to offer in terms of nature and especially, native culture.
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Highlights Of Ha Noi (B,L)
Day 3: Ninh Binh Countryside (B,L)
Day 4: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay (B,L,D)
Day 5: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Flight To Hoi An via Da Nang Airport (B,L)
Day 6: Hoi An Day Excursion (B,L)
Day 7: Hoi An Free Day (B)
Day 8: Hoi An -Travel to Da Nang – Flight to Siem Reap (B)
Day 9: Siem Reap – Outlying Temples Exploring (B,L)
Day 10: Siem Reap – Angkor Highlighted Temples (B,L)
Day 11: Siem Reap Departure (B)
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Hanoi is filled with modern, energetic neighborhoods while still maintaining a connection to its traditions. It's streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns, and all around layers of history reveal periods of French and Chinese occupation – offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians.
Dine on the wild and wonderful at every corner, sample market wares, uncover an evolving arts scene, then sleep soundly in luxury for very little cost. Meet the people, delve into the past and witness the awakening of a Hanoi on the move.
Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide who will escort you to a waiting vehicle for your transfer to downtown with a brief introduction en route. Your guide will be holding a welcome signboard with the Vietnam Exploration Booking Tours and your name.
Check in to your hotel and relax.
Day 2: Highlights Of Hanoi (B,L)
The capital of Vietnam, a city that celebrated 1,000 years in 2010 has countless fascinating cultural and historic sites and our tour today will visit the highlights.
See the grand and solemn Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and Oct-Nov), the ‘Icon of Hanoi’ – The One Pillar Pagoda, the beautiful Temple of Literature, West Lake’s Tran Quoc temple and Quan Thanh Pagoda as well as the bustling Old Quarter and at the end of the day – a Water Puppet performance. Your evening is free at leisure.
Day 3: Ninh Binh Countryside (B,L)
Ninh Binh is a good base for exploring the quintessentially Vietnamese limestone scenery. For centuries, the province has undergone thousands of changes in terms of nature and society, yet the ancient historical relics, the natural painting of miraculous caves, grottos covered with karst, shiny stalactites, and stalagmites and beautiful rivers, still remain pristine and captivating!
Breakfast at your hotel, ready for the ride to Ninh Binh for visiting Hoa Lu – the Ancient Royal capital of Viet Nam. This will include Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, (10th century), learning the heroic histories of these two Kings in Chinese wars. After that, take a boat trip to visit Trang An or Tam Coc or the Van Long tourist attraction before heading to your hotel for check in.
Day 4: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay (B,L,D)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is scattered with more than 2,000 floating islands of karstic rock. Legend has it that these floating islands were created by a family of dragons who were invoked by the Emperor to protect Vietnam against invaders. The dragons flew across the bay, spitting out jewels and jade, which magically turned into scattered islands. Together, these islands linked to create a protective barrier, which can still be admired to this day.
We pick you up at your hotel around 9:00 am and drive through the verdant Red River Delta making our way to the famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay. You’ll board a luxury junk ship for an overnight cruise. While you relax onboard you can marvel at the incredible limestone karsts that jut out of the sea and the thousands of jungle covered islands that seem to float on the waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin swirl around hidden grottoes and ancient caves to create an enchanting, timeless world.
You will be served a fresh seafood lunch while you sit back, relax and enjoy the incredible view with a drink in your hand. We’ll take you to a traditional fishing village where the locals have created an entire town on the decks of their boats, then you can explore Tien Ong Cave before returning to the cruise for cocktails, canapés, and a spectacular sunset.
End your day with a romantic, candlelit dinner.
Day 5: Ha Long Bay – Ha Noi – Flight To Hoi An via Da Nang Airport (B,L)
The morning stretches over the bay and the karsts glint in the light. In the early morning, you can enjoy the view of the Bay from the ship’s deck or participate in a Tai Chi demonstration. Each movement is slow and controlled to help soothe the body and the mind.
The boat will cruise around the Bay until you disembark at the end of the morning. Your driver will meet you and transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Da Nang. On arrival there, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An downtown.
Day 6: Hoi An Day Excursion (B,L)
The ancient town of Hoi An, 30 km south of Da Nang, lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River. The face of the Old Town has preserved its incredible legacy of tottering Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples and ancient tea warehouses – though, of course, residences and rice fields have been gradually replaced by tourism businesses. Lounge bars, boutique hotels, travel agents and many tailor shops are very much part of the scene here.
Today, you choose between the following three options for your favourite way to explore and learn about Hoi An:
Option 1: Cooking Class
Your cooking class today will begin with a visit to a colourful local market, buying all the necessary ingredients before heading back to start preparing. Your chef will first demonstrate how to cook some typical Vietnam cuisine, and you will cook it and enjoy what you have created.
In the afternoon, explore the enchanting time-capsule town of Old Hoi An on a Walking Tour with your guide. Hoi An was a major sea port in Asia and these days, is a fusion of style and culture that has been perfectly preserved. Wander the traditional Chinese shops, the luxurious French homes, and the ancient Japanese Bridge. The town is home to silk markets, Vietnamese food stalls, and talented street performers – all of which are sure to charm you.
Option 2: Tra Que Village Discovery
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then it’s time for a little bit of exercise with a bike ride to Tra Que Village and a visit to a local farm. This is a very special opportunity of involvement in true Vietnamese rural life. You will learn about the history of the village and then be shown the daily practices of growing vegetables.
You will also learn how the vegetables are used in traditional Vietnamese medicine. You will join in the activities of the farmers – collecting seaweed fertilizer, sowing, raking, watering and picking. Your cultural immersion continues as you join the family to prepare and eat the lunch you have helped grow. You will also taste other local specialities such a Tam huu (spring roll) and Bahn xeo (pancake). Of course, you must also join in the after lunch nap before returning to the field to learn how to harvest and wrap the produce. Mid afternoon, we wave goodbye to your new friends and go back to Hoi An for a visit to HoiAn Old Quarter. Return to your hotel and relax.
Option 3: Cycle Or Motor Bike To The Countryside
Your guide will collect you at the hotel by motor bike, riding to Tra Que Village and then ride back to the river to board a local ferry to Kim Bong Village. This village is not only famous for wood carving, but also for weaving sleeping mats, so we will stop in on a family to see how they weave the mats which were in every day use until the arrival of the popular mattresses of today. Visit another family who make the famous local noodle – Mi Quang. Both opportunities to learn about local life.
You also get to make and eat the perfect banh dap (rice cracker). Riding into a small village, we gear up for an adrenalin pumping 300 metre bamboo bridge river crossing to the opposite side of the island making our way to Duy Hai Market and Harbour.
Here, a local ferry crossing takes guests to the water coconut palm fringed Cam Thanh Village where you have lunch at Cam Thanh homestay before returning to your hotel by motor bike. (If you would prefer cycling to a scooter tour, we have the flexibility to modify the route, matching with your ability.)
Day 7: Hoi An Free Day (B)
The day is spent at your leisure. You can simply stroll the laneways, popping into old buildings or cycling along riverbanks and enjoying the ambience of it all. Have you heard about Hoi An's world renowned tailors? This town thrives on tailoring– every other shop offers you the opportunity to have custom clothes made, be it a copy of a favorite dress or a flashy one-of-a-kind zoot suit.
Did your ears perk up at the word “beach”? Just an easy bike ride from town is one very fine beach called An Bang. You will find it’s tough to drag yourself away from this pretty stretch of sand, water and delicious seafood.
Day 8: Hoi An - Travel to Da Nang – Flight to Siem Reap (B)
Siem Reap has always been destined for great things. You come here to see the temples, of course, but there is plenty to do in and around the city when you’re templed out. Siem Reap has reinvented itself as the epicentre of chic Cambodia, with everything from party pads, world-class wining and dining across a range of cuisines, sumptuous spas, great shopping, local tours to suit both foodies and adventurers, and a creative cultural scene that includes Cambodia’s leading contemporary circus.
You’ll have the morning for a leisurely breakfast or to collect those tailored items before we take you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap/ Cambodia. On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred directly to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 9: Siem Reap – Outlying Temples Exploring (B,L)
The temples of Angkor are a source of inspiration and national pride to all Khmers as they struggle to rebuild their lives after the years of terror and trauma. Today, the temples are a point of pilgrimage for all Cambodians, and no traveller to the region will want to miss their exotic beauty.
Angkor is one of the world’s foremost ancient sites, with the epic proportions of the Great Wall of China, the detail and intricacy of the Taj Mahal, and the symbolism and symmetry of the Pyramids, all rolled into one.
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your guide and taken to visit the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to as the Rolous group (Lo Lei, Preah Koh, and Bakhong Temples). Have lunch with a local family and then we continue to drive to the rural outskirts, 35km from Angkor area to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei, built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva.
The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man.
On the way back to Siem Reap we will visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes of Vishnu as well as Krishna legends.
Day 10: Siem Reap – Angkor Highlighted Temples (B,L)
Have an early breakfast at your hotel before departing the hotel at 07:30 for a visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm which had nearly disappeared into the jungle and to this day, remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. We continue to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat – one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.
We explore the mysterious Royal Angkor Thom city And Bayon. Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lipper King Terrace and Royal Palace Enclosure area and visit the ruin in Angkor Area of Preah Khan Temple, built in 12th century by King Jayavarman VII in the same style as Ta Prom Temple.
Day 11: Siem Reap Departure (B)
Your time will be your own until your private car and driver arrives to take you to the airport for the flight to your next destination.
Finish your unforgettable Best of Vietnam and Cambodia Tour with Vietnam Exploration Booking Tours. Goodbye and see you next time!
Vietnam Exploration Booking Tours can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations.
Remarks:
1. All of our itineraries can be tailor-made to suit your requirements, allowing us to create the perfect holiday just for you. Please click on the “Tailor this trip" button and complete the requested information for us. Upon receipt, our travel consultant will customize the best value vacation for your kind consideration. Please note: Changes CAN be made to the itinerary after our initial quote, but may result in a price change also!
2. We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Indochina in particular (Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos) hotel prices make up the major expense of your holiday. Therefore, we would like to clarify how we define these charges:
· Boutique & character hotels: from $50-$80 USD per room/ per night
· Comfort = 3 star hotels from US$ 40 - US$ 60 per room/ per night
· Superior = 4 star hotels from US$ 80 - US$ 110 per room/ per night
· Deluxe = 5 star hotels from US$120 - US$ 190++ per room/ per night
· High-end = Best of the best hotels fr om US$ 250++ per room/ per night
Included
- Hotel accommodation in shared twin or shared double room with daily breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles.
- English speaking local guide
- All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary.
- Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary
- 03 Domestic flights: Ha Noi – Da Nang; Da Nang Siem Reap
- Cruise in Ha Long Bay
- Cold water and towel during tours
Excluded
- Visa stamp fee
- International air ticket:
- International airport tax:
- Other meal, drink, tip to guide and driver, personal expenses
- Supplement for French, Italian and German speaking guide
- Peak season surcharge on Christmas, New Year Festival
Cancellation by Customer
- Cancellation received before 60 days: No charge
- Cancellation received from 30 days to 59 days prior arrival date: 10% of total rate
- Cancellation received from 15 days to 29 days prior arrival date: 30% of total rate
- Cancellation received from 7 days to 14 days prior arrival date: 50% of total rate
- Cancellation received less than 7 days prior arrival date or No show: 100% of total rate
Children Policy
- The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults
- For infant (<04 years old): FOC except domestic ticket cost
- 04 - 11 years old without bed: 50% adult rate
- 04 - 11 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate
- 04 - 11 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate
Service Details During Your Trip
We’ll immerse you in the diverse cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia by showcasing the unique local flavors. By balancing included sightseeing and free time, we can customize your dream vacation with the things you have always wanted to do.
- Private Local Tour Guide: You will have a fully licensed local tour guide from 'welcome' until you are farewelled at the airport. Your tour guide will help, assist, guide and take care of you in order to make your tour worry-free. Vietnam Exploration Booking Tours offer the best tour guides based on the features of your itinerary and the make up of the group, to maximize your tour while travelling. Having the right guide means you have the best experience.
- Private Drivers and Vehicle: Safety is the first priority for transportation. All vehicles are in good condition and are well maintained with fully licensed and experienced drivers ensuring you are in safe hands. To maximize your comfort and enjoyable experience, cold drinking water and refreshing towels are provided in the car.
- Local Flavor Meals: You don’t worry about meals; we select both restaurants and menus for you. Vietnam Exploration Booking Tours only chooses clean restaurants with pleasant environments for our guests. The menu is also carefully selected to ensure you can try different food at every meal. We will recommend and arrange local cuisine since it is part of the cultural experience while travelling. We can also recommend where to eat so you can enjoy your favourite food when not eating with the group.
- Well-Selected Hotels: Comfort and good value are our priorities when choosing hotels for our guests. We do our best to ensure good rest by the comfort of the mattress and bedding and offering rooms with a pleasant decorative style, user friendly facilities, good service and a great breakfast!
Things to bring:
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for activities such as walking, cycling and for long drives. Prepare for hot weather. Bring a hat/cap, sun screen, sun glasses, a swimsuit and insect repellent. The weather is normally hot from May to October particularly in Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Halong Bay and in Cambodia is hot the whole year round.
You should bring cash with you, preferably in Vietnamese Dong because the banking system doesn’t always function well. US Dollars and Euro are accepted in many places too. You should bring your medications with you although there are pharmacies in both Vietnam and Cambodia, if you do get sick.
Did we hit all the items on your travel bucket list for your holiday?
If not, don’t worry. We specialize in tailor-made tours and can customize this program to create your dream trip. Get in touch with your personal Travel Consultant to create your personalized program.
Don't want the fun to end?
Why not combine this tour with a Laos tours, Myanmar tours or spend a few days in the tropical paradise that is the Viet Nam coast? We take care of everything from flights to transfers and accommodation so that you can relax and enjoy your holiday. Explore our other destinations or speak with your personal Travel Consultant for some expert advice on suitable combinations.