Our itinerary starts in Hanoi city- the heart of Vietnam, with a visit to the Temple of Literature- built in 1070, which was the first university in Vietnam to bear the names and achievements of who received doctorates. Visit some of the interesting sites recognized as World Cultural Heritage sites by UNESCO. Halong Bay with 3000 islets and islands rising from the clear, emerald waters in strange shapes and forms. The Imperial Citadel in Hue, Cham Holysee of My Son, comparable with Angkor in Cambodia. Hoi An - the ancient town to visit some old houses made of wood showing architectural influences of the Chinese and Japanese.
Our trip then continues to Ho Chi Minh City to discover the former Sai Gon - known as the ‘Pearl of the Far East’ by local people, where we visit the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Thien Hau temple and Binh Tay market in noisy Chinatown.
We leave Ho Chi Minh on board our international flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia to visit the amazing antiquities at Angkor - the South gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple complex and Angkor Wat. Visit the Royal Place, Silver Pagoda, Toul Sleng Museum of Genocide and killing Field Museum in Phnom Penh.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi. Arrival.
Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam. Our guide will be at the airport to welcome you and transfer to your hotel. After lunch at a local restaurant we visit Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century as Vietnam’s first university, Fine Art Museum, Quan Thanh. Evening to see the world famous Vietnamese Water Puppet show in the theatre. Accommodation in Hanoi.
(L)
Day 2: Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi.
Breakfast. Enjoy the 100km journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Halong. A morning cruise in a private junk on the emerald green waters of Halong Bay, among the 3,000 spectacular limestone islands. The cruise ends with a fresh seafood lunch on board. Return to Hanoi by road in the afternoon. Accommodation in Hanoi.
(B), (L)
Day 3: Hanoi - Hue.
Breakfast. Transfer to airport for your flight to Hue. Arriving in Hue, pick up and transfer to your hotel. Today our city tour includes the mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. In the afternoon visit the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh and the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Accommodation in Hue.
(B), (L)
Day 4: Hue - Hoi An.
This morning's tour starts with a boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River to visit Hue's best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda. Afterwards drive to Hoi An via Danang. The scenic route climbs over the Pass of Ocean Clouds before dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co. On the road from Danang to Hoi An visit five sacred hills known as the Marble Mountains containing dozens of Buddhist shrines. On arrival in Hoi An in late afternoon, transfer to hotel and accommodation in HoiAn.
(B), (L)
Day 5: Hoi An.
Hoi An was a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and its picturesque architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. Take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit former merchants' houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful market.UonEvening dinner cruise along the famous Saigon River.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 6: Hochiminh - Cu Chi - Hochiminh.
Breakfast. Half day city tour includes The Reunification Palace (former Presidential Palace), Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Lam Son Square, Ben Thanh Market, Thien Hau pagoda and Binh Tay market in the bustling China town. In the afternoon visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. Return to HCMC & accommodation.
(B), (L)
Day 7: Hochiminh - Mekong Delta.
Breakfast. A full day trip to the watery world of the Mekong Delta, just a couple of hours by road from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City's streets. Depart for Vinh Long, 150km southwest Ho Chi Minh City. A motor-boat takes you along the Mekong River and follows small canals flowing sluggishly between banks of luxuriant vegetation to Cai Be floating market, one of the most typical floating markets of the Mekong Delta. Experience the exotic sights, sounds and smells. Lunch at a bonsai garden with speciality food - "Elephant's Ear" fish. Visit a ceramic tile factory, a tofu and fish sauce factory, a blacksmith's, a roof thatcher's and a rice husking factory. Return to HCMC & accommodation.
(B), (L)
Day 8: HoChiMinh - Siem Reap.
Upon your arrival at Siem Reap Airport, you will be met by your Tour Guide and transferred to your hotel. At midday, you will be taken to Tonlesap restaurant for lunch. After lunch; you will visit Angkor Thom, Bayon, Phimeanakas temples and the Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King. In the early evening enjoy a walk to the top of Phnom Bakheng to view the sunset over Angkor Wat. In the evening enjoy dinner at local restaurant and some time to enjoy the nightlife of Siem Reap town.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 9: Bantey Srei - Angkor Wat.
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Bantey Srei, the beautiful ‘Women’s Citadel’. Located 32 km from Siem Reap town, this was Cambodia's last major Khmer temple to be re-discovered, and then move to Bantey Samre. Lunch at Angkor Cafe' restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees then an extensive tour of the world heritage magnificence of Angkor Wat. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Tonle Mekong restaurant.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 10: Siem Reap. Departure.
After breakfast at the hotel, Visit Roluos Group. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravaraman I (reigned 877-89), are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmer classical art. Preah Ko, erected by Indavaraman I in the late 9th century and dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880 - Bakhong, the largest and the most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance Lolei, the four brick towers are replicas of the ones at Preah Kho, built on an islet in the center of large reservoir by Yasovarman I the founder of the first city of Angkor. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, you can enjoy some free time to shop or just take a last look around town before transferring. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
(B), (L)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Your private package tour includes:
- Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast;
- Private transfer and tours with A/C vehicle;
- English speaking tour guide;
- All entrance fees;
- Boat trip in Halong, Hue and Mekong Delta;
- Water puppet show ticket;
- Domestic airfares (Hanoi - Hue, Danang - HoChiMinh) and domestic airport tax;
- International flight from Saigon to Siem Reap with Vietnam Airlines;
- Meals as stated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) at local restaurants;
- Service charges, room tax and handing fees.
Tour price does not include:
- Visa and airport tax;
- Personal expenses (tel, fax, laundry, drinks, tips);
- Other services which are not mentioned in itinerary.
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