Special Vietnam & Cambodia

Upon arrival, when you leave the airport terminal please look for a tour guide displaying a welcome signboard with your name. Please refer to the Pre-departure document which will be sent upon confirmation for specific details and a photo of the welcome signboard. Transfer to your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:  /-

Early this morning, begin the day with a 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay with a quick rest stop at Dai Viet Center - the best place to stop and stretch your legs en route. Upon arrival we board our boat for a cruise around the 3,000 islets that rise from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Bizarre rock sculptures jutting dramatically from the sea and numerous grottoes have created an enchanted, timeless world. Enjoy a seafood lunch onboard our junk boat before returning to the wharf. Travel back to Hanoi arriving later this evening.

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:  Breakfast & Lunch

With ochre-colored colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Hanoi is full of charm. Commence the tour at the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every Monday and Friday, all afternoons). Behind the Mausoleum, you can see Ho Chi Minh's House where he lived and worked. It is made of wood and enjoys a tranquil setting, with a view of a lotus pond. Ho Chi Minh’s belongings are on display and you can walk up the steps of his house to see his bedroom. Wind your way afterwards to the Temple of Literature, the first University for the sons of mandarins, for an overview about Hanoian culture and appreciation for ancient Vietnamese architecture. Spend some time at your leisure at Hanoi until transfer to the airport. Board the flight for Saigon. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Check into the hotel & spend the day at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, enjoy a 2-hour drive northwest of Saigon to the famous Cu Chi tunnels.

The tunnel complex was initially started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American war. A visit to the underground villages will provide a better understanding of the tunnels’ history, the hardship of life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese resilience during combat.

In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh and admire it’s historic landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris (it is only possible to visit inside when no service is being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustave Eiffel. Continue your visit with the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war, revealing the history of Saigon during its turbulent recent past. Further, drive to visit the War Remnants Museum for a vivid insight of the American war through the local’s eyes (Please note that some of the photos are very graphic). Then sit down at The House of Saigon coffee shop for a break and a little personal interaction with your guide over a cup of coffee. Your guide will give you some interesting tips such as how to cross the road without breaking a sweat or to say a few simple words in Vietnamese as well as offer an insight of the local’s daily lives.

Overnight at the Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning; enjoy the Mekong Delta River tour.

The Mekong Delta covers an area of approximately 15,000 square miles (40,000 square kilometers) to the west of Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong Delta is where the mighty Mekong river completes its 2,700 mile (4,300 km) journey from the Tibetan plateau and empties its riches into the South China Sea.

This is an area of lush, tropical and fertile lands. It is often referred to as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam due its huge production of rice crop. Vegetables, exotic fruits (coconuts, mangoes, rambutan) and fishing also feature prominently here. Life in the delta revolves around the river, and as such this is the only real way to view and understand it. See its many waterways, communities and cottage industries that are so vital to the way of living here including the thriving local floating markets. .

Overnight at Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the Ho Chi Minh airport for the Siem Reap flight. On arrival, transfer to hotel for check in.

Today you will start with a short drive to the Roulous temple group.

The ruins of Roulous are among the oldest Khmer monuments in the area, dating back to the 9th century reign of King Indravarman I. Witness the evolution of these magnificent temples from the early days of the Khmer empire up to its peak with the Angkor temples in the 13th century. There are three key Hindu structures that remain at Roulous; Lolei, Bakong and PreahKo, which were all part of the ancient city of Hariharalaya.

Transfer back to Siem Reap town. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure.

Overnight at Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Start with a visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is one of Angkor’s most impressive structures and is overgrown with the magnificent roots of thousands of jungle trees, giving a haunting and exotic, "lost-city" atmosphere. Continue with a visit to the ancient city capital Angkor Thom, starting at the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army. Attached is the Terrace of the Leper King which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the huge PhimeanakasandBaphuon temples which we admire from the ground.

Start again this afternoon at 3pm and head to the Old Market area. Explore the maze of undercover stalls selling produce, household goods, clothing… and of course, lots of items to appeal to the tourist. Next head across the pedestrian bridge pausing to admire the picturesque Siem Reap River. Step into one of the loveliest Wats (temples) in Siem Reap -WatDamnak. This is a living temple with monks praying, a vibrant school and a colorful “forest of stupas”. Walk back over the river and visit the 15th century Wat Prom Rath, the largest Wat in Siem Reap, before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Start the day with a transfer to BanteaySrei. This red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. It was built in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva. Visit BanteaySamre afterwards, a structure often compared to a mini Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, the temple served as a Hindu temple.  In early afternoon, be ready for your transfer to ChhongKneas, trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Embark on a private local boat, and set out on a Tonle Sap Lake adventure to discover the floating villages and some unique wildlife along the way. Later, head back to Siem Reap later in the afternoon.

Overnight at hotel

Meals: Breakfast