Essential Vietnam and Cambodia - 17 day Group Tour visiting - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Inspired by the many sights, sounds and flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia. Visit to the sparkling turquoise waters of Halong Bay – UNESCO World Heritage site. In the northern capital Hanoi visit the lively Old Quarter and the impressive Presidential Palace. Discover Hue, once Vietnam Imperial captial, and the delightful ancient town of Hoi An. Explore the colonial architecture of Ho Chi Minh City, and the fascinating water markets and daily life on the Mekong Delta. Cross the border into Cambodia and visit the world famous Angkor Temples in Siem Reap and the colonial charms of capital city Phnom Penh.
Day 1 Fly to Hanoi
You will take a scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Hanoi. Alternatively, we can arrange departures from your local airport.
Day 2 Arrive Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 3 Hanoi city tour (BL)
Experience the rich culture of Hanoi. Spend time at the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. Visit the Vietnam History Museum and the Hanoi Opera House. Take a stroll around the Old Quarter and end the day by watching a performance of a traditional Water Puppet Show.
Day 4 Halong Bay (BLD)
In the morning by shuttle bus, journey through the rich farmlands and see the workers in the rice fields. Arrive in Halong City and board the traditional wooden junk boat for the overnight journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay cruising past beautiful rock formations. Visit the small floating fishing village of Vung Vieng. Optional activities include cookery class, massage, kayaking or swimming.
Day 5 To Hue (BL)
Before breakfast start the day with Tai Chi on the sundeck. Explore the Sung Sot Caves. Enjoy lunch as the boat winds through the limestone rocks. Disembark and take the shuttle bus back to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer you to the airport for the flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local tour guide and transfer to Hotel.
Day 6 Hue (BL)
Hue was once Vietnam’s imperial capital and today you experience its historical significance first hand. Cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, visit the Citadel and ornate tombs of former emperors, and experience a local market.
Day 7 To Hoi An (BL)
A three-hour drive takes you through some stunning rural and coastal scenery, including the dramatic Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. On arrival, check into your hotel. Hoi An is easily explored on foot, and the afternoon, embark on a short walking tour.
Day 8 Hoi An (B)
Day at leisure to enjoy the ancient town of Hoi An. Optional tours include a cooking class or cycle ride to the local beach.
Day 9 To Ho Chi Minh City (BL)
This morning is free until your guide and driver transfers you to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch head to Danang airport. Stop en route to visit Marble Mountain and the Cham Museum. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City tour and Cu Chi (BL)
Today, experience the very best of Ho Chi Minh City on a half-day city tour. Soak up the history of Dong Khoi Street on a walking tour, visit the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum, and the city’s biggest wholesale market in Chinatown. This afternoon, discover the Cu Chi Tunnels on the city’s outskirts.
Day 11 To Mekong Delta (BL)
In the morning your tour guide and driver will transfer you through the beautiful countryside of My Tho and Ben Tre province to take a boat ride. Visit the islands, join the folk music performance and visit a local family producing coconut delicacies. Depart from My Tho and drive to Can Tho, the hub of the Mekong Delta and its largest city.
Day 12 To Ho Chi Minh City (BL)
Transfer to the port and board a sampan for a cruise through the picturesque canals and waterways. Visit Cai Rang Floating Market and witness the local life. In the afternoon afternoon drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Check in to your hotel.
Day 13 To Siem Reap (BL)
Spend the morning at leisure. After lunch, transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, the guide will meet you and take you to the hotel. Have some free time in the afternoon.
Day 14 Angkor temples (BL)
Visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire. Enter the impressive South Gate flanked by stone elephants and giants. In the afternoon visit the famous Angkor Wat – the largest and best preserved temple at the site, enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Day 15 Tonle Sap Lake (BL)
In the morning take a boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake, South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake, see the villages on stilts. Highlights include the villages on stilts. Later, see the monuments representing the Rolous Group. Visit the workshops of Artisan’s d’Angkor where traditional wood and stone carving techniques are taught. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Phnom Penh.
Day 16 Phnom Penh (BL)
Start at the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda where 5,000 silver tiles cover the floor. Continue to the National Museum built in traditional khmer style. In the afternoon tour Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields – a reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime and gives an insight into how the country has developed.
Day 17 Flight back to UK (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
For more information call 01243 779 737
Prices from £3,198.00 per person based on twp persons sharing, single person supplement from £598.00