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Adventure by day, comfort by night. This 22 day tour is designed for people wanting to get the most out of Vietnam and Cambodia.
The itinerary features a number of excursions to seldom visited areas, while also allowing ample time for independent exploration.
This trip also includes the opportunity to enjoy the region’s finest cuisine, some of South East Asia’s most breathtaking scenery and all of Vietnam and Cambodia’s must-see attractions including Hoi An, the remote hill tribes of Sapa, beautiful Halong Bay and the magnificent Temples of Angkor.
Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by its sublime natural beauty. From the mighty Mekong to the patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies. Divine beaches to soaring mountains cloaked in dense misty forests. Tree-lined boulevards to remote hill-tribe villages. Vietnam is a country of diversity beyond imagination.
A visit to Cambodia is a challenging experience. Exploring the beauty of what once was the most prominent empire in South East Asia while trying to come to terms with the country’s tragic recent history. Experience the genuine warmth of the Khmer people and the awe inspiring magnificence of Angkor.
Often referred to as ‘Angkor Wat’, which simply denotes the name of the largest temple in the complex, there is nothing like the temples of Angkor anywhere on this planet. It’s like the Pyramids, Pompeii, the Acropolis and Abu Simbal all in one vast 100 square kilometre jungle site and at its core is the 9 square kilometre Angkor Thom, or Great City.
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to our Hotel ( Thien Thai Hotel ) in the centre of town.
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite exploration on foot, while its many beautiful public spaces, lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments give the city an air of elegance and natural harmony unique among Asian cities.
Tonight we will dine out at a local restaurant and then enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show. This fantastic art form originated in the north of Vietnam and is best experienced in Hanoi.
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Hanoi Street Scene
Day 2: This morning we take to the streets of Hanoi for a walking tour of the fascinating old quarter. It’s a labyrinth of ancient streets all named after the goods that were sold on them. Various fabrics, foods, trades and handcrafts are manufactured and traded in this interesting enclave. Here you can buy anything from grave stones to silk pyjamas. If you are looking for clothes, jewellery, herbal medicines or antiques, you are bound to find a bargain here.
We will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Vietnam’s most famous Statesman. We then continue on to the Presidential Palace before taking a stroll through the park to the Stilt House – a simple two room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days. Preserved in original condition, it may be viewed through the windows.
Hanoi
We visit the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. Dating back to the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place, a museum and other significant memorials.
Another must-see attraction in Hanoi is St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Constructed in Neo Gothic style, this magnificent Cathedral was completed in 1886 and instantly transports the visitor to medieval Europe with its square towers, elaborate altar and stained glass windows. The first Catholic mission in Hanoi was founded in 1679.
Our tour of Hanoi also includes a trip to the infamous Hanoi Hilton. A prison that once held US pilots shot down during the American war in Vietnam.
In the evening we board our overnight 4-berth soft sleeper train bound for Sapa. The train trip is an adventure in itself.
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Local Girls at a Market in Sapa
Day 3: Sapa is a former French retreat located near the China border. It is a beautiful, wild, mountainous region inhabited by some of Vietnam’s most colourful hill tribes.
We will walk through stunning rice terraced valleys, across suspension bridges and through picturesque paddy fields.
We will travel through beautiful mountain scenery down a winding road to the Black Hmong village of Cat Cat. We’ll wander around the village, looking at the traditional houses and observing the rural lifestyle of the local Hmong people.
Afterwards, we continue on to the handicraft village of Ta Phin inhabited by the Red Dzao tribe, known for their distinctive red headscarves.
Overnight at the Holiday Sapa Hotel.
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Sapa Town
Day 4: Today we will trek around beautiful Sapa.
A local guide will meet us at the hotel to escort us down to the local market. After which we will leave the township behind and trek out into the countryside. Past a waterfall, through rice paddy terraces enjoying spectacular scenery walking along a narrow river. We eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of the Black Hmong minority. We’ll rest here and be served lunch next to the river.
After lunch we head to the Muong Hoa valley, passing through Lao Chai village of the Black Hmong and on to Tavan, village of the Giay minority.
We spend the night in a local house of the Giay minority. You will be able to wander around the valley in which the village is nestled and swim in a nearby river.
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Trekking around Sapa
Day 5: This morning we hike up the mountain to the Red Dzao village of Giang Ta Chai. Past a cascading waterfall we continue through rice fields, crossing the Muong Hoa river and trek to the village of Supan. It’s there we meet the jeep and transfer back to Sapa.
Total trekking distance is approximately 10 kms over hilly terrain. Alternative arrangements can be made for anyone who cannot walk this distance or trek off the beaten track.
Transfer to Lao Cai train station to board the overnight train back to Hanoi.
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Trekking in Sapa
Day 6: Arrive in Hanoi and be transferred from the train station to a hotel for breakfast. A bus will then take us from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Unquestionably one of the most beautiful places on earth, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage listed gem. Approximately two thousand limestone caste islands scattered throughout a stunning, sheltered bay.
At Halong Wharf we board our private Junk, ‘Halong Sails’ and check in to a deluxe cabin.
We’ll enjoy a fresh seafood set lunch while our junk sails peacefully past Burning Incense, Dog and Fighting Cock Islands and onto Halong Fishing Village.
We visit the most magical and beautiful Sung Sot Cave, go trekking and swimming at Titov Island and take in spectacular panoramic views of the bay from a high lookout.
There is a fresh seafood set dinner on the bay. After dinner you can enjoy a film or try some squid fishing.
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Halong Bay
Day 7: Sunrise breakfast and cruise on the still water to another part of Halong Bay with close up views of the stunning limestone peaks. We visit Luon Cave in a smaller boat and then pass by Man Head Island and Tortoise Island.
We return to the Halong Wharf and check out of our cabins. Lunch will either be in the nearby town of Cua Vang or be served on board before leaving Halong.
Transfer by vehicle back to Hanoi where we check back into the Thien Thai Hotel.
Halong Bay
Day 8: Transfer to Hanoi Airport for our flight to Hue
Established during the 17th century, Hue served as the Capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices.
We will visit the famous Dong Ba market before exploring the Imperial Citadel. The Citadel is a vast complex built during the 19th century and modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a moat. Many of the buildings were destroyed during the American War but what remains provides a fascinating insight into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Entrance to the Imperial City, the Ngo Mon Gate, houses the striking Flag Tower with a giant Vietnamese flag waving proudly overhead.
Ngo Mon Gate, Hue
Inside the Citadel there are spacious courtyards and a serene lotus pond. We visit the Dien Tho Palace where the Queen Mother lived, the Thai Hoa Palace. There is also a magnificently decorated reception hall, Hall of the Mandarins and the original Nine Dynastic Urns.
From the Imperial City we will take an excursion to the Thien Mu Pagoda. This includes a local boat cruise on the Perfume River to reach the Pagoda. An elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower, Thien Mu Pagoda has become Hue’s most widely recognised monument. During the early 1960s, this area became a centre for anti-government protest and the site of the famous self-immolation of the monk Thich Quang Duc.
Our day exploring Hue continues with a visit to the nearby countryside and a rice paddy field at Xuan Hoa Village. We can talk with local farmers about rice growing and farming techniques. It is a great opportunity to observe the daily life of the rural Vietnamese. We will enjoy tea with the local people in a peaceful village atmosphere.
Overnight at the Festival Hue Hotel.
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Dong Ba Market
Day 9: Another day sight-seeing in Hue begins by venturing out into the countryside to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc.
Tu Duc was the longest reigning Vietnam Emperor and he designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime. He used it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theatrical performances.
Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering amid the classically proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds.
Afterwards we visit the Imperial Tomb of Khai Dinh, dramatically located on a hillside. The last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, it was completed in 1931 and incorporates distinct European elements into the traditional Vietnamese architecture.
On our return we will also visit the Ho Quyen Arena and the Bao Vinh Market.
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The Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc
Day 10: Today is a free day to enjoy the sleepy city of Hue.
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Day 11: This morning we leave Hue and journey by private bus over the mountainous divide between North and South Vietnam. The scenery is spectacular and from the dramatic Hai Van Pass we will take in breath-taking views of the coastline and the rural plains below.
Continue southward passing Lang Co, a magnificent stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea.
After arriving in Danang we will tour the Cham Museum, an elegant Colonial building now housing the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. We’ll also stop at Non Nuoc Beach a famous R and R spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam-American War.
Before arriving in Hoi An, we will stop at the Marble Mountains, five stone hillocks, once islands, that now rise sharply from the surrounding rice paddies. Riddled with caves and shrines, they are said to each represent one of the 5 elements of the universe.
Check into the Ancient House Garden Resort.
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Lang Co Beach
Day 12: Hoi An is a picturesque river-side town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, Hoi An was one of SE Asia’s major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Now this beautifully restored historic city is best explored on foot.
Our walk this morning will include the Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda. It was built in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese enclave across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from the sun and rain.
Beautiful Hoi An
The Sa Huynh Museum, located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. From there we walk to the Tran Family Chapel which was built over 200 years ago with donations from family members. The Tran family traces its origins back to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of both the Chinese and Japanese and the Chapel is used for worshipping ancestors.
We visit the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall. Built around 1690, it’s a classical pagoda typical of the Chinese clans who established themselves in the Hoi An area.
The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, Goddess of the sea and protector of sailors and fisherman.
The morning rounds out with a visit to one of Hoi An’s famous Lantern-making shops.
The afternoon starts with a drink at Hai Scout Cafe before strolling through a busy local market to experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this unique area. You will have the opportunity to interact with local traders by purchasing some of the ingredients required to be used in a cooking class later.
Hoi An River
We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise along the Hoi An River before arriving at the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life and no doubt take lots of photos.
We’ll explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden and then learn about some of Hoi An and Vietnam’s well known dishes.
The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is demonstrated by the Red Bridge Chefs before we set about preparing the same dish ourselves. Included in the demonstration is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving ( plate decoration ). After the lesson we will sit down and enjoy the food we have cooked ourselves.
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Streets of Hoi An
Day 13: Today is free to wander around the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage listed old town of Hoi An.
Hoi An is laden with art galleries, historic buildings and fine restaurants. Another one of the town’s highlights is its abundance of first-class tailors who can design, copy and make for you virtually any item of clothing within a few hours.
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Relaxing in Hoi An
Day 14: Transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon ( Ho Chi Minh City ).
Excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, all dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapon factories. Today you can walk through the area and learn about the day to day life of the VC. You’ll see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps. You may also like to venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate well-fed tourists.
Cu Chi Tunnels
After the tunnels we’ll make our way to Saigon’s Chinatown to explore the alleys and side streets of Cholon by Cyclo ( Trishaw ). Beginning at the Thien Hau Pagoda, then continue along the Chinese herbal medicine streets, the clothing streets and the cigarette street. We visit some Chinese temples and Cha Tam Church before ending at Binh Tay Market.
Next it’s the War Remnants Museum to view a collection of weapons and photographs from two Indochina wars. The exhibition includes an original French Guillotine brought here during the early 20th century.
We visit the Ben Thanh Market. Located in the centre of Saigon, the market, together with surrounding streets, make up one of the city’s liveliest areas. Everything commonly eaten, worn or used by the average resident of Saigon is available here.
We stay overnight at the Elios Hotel.
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Saigon Street
Day 15: Travel by vehicle from Saigon down to Cai Be on the Mekong Delta.
We cruise along the Mekong River to visit Cai Be Floating Market - the original style of commerce on the Mekong Delta. Your head will be made dizzy trying to take in the shear number of boats, colours, sounds and smells of such an extraordinary market.
Visit the local pop rice factory and rice paper bakery before cruising through the islands and canals to visit the ancient house of Mr Cai Cuong. Here you can see a farming tool display and experience rice growing methods. We’ll enjoy tea and fruit while listening to a traditional music performance. Lunch will be at one of the local ancient houses after which you can stroll along the village paths, try cycling or rowing a sampan and watch the daily activities of the local inhabitants. We then cruise further into the Delta to our overnight Homestay and dinner.
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Cai Be Floating Market, Mekong Delta
Day 16: After breakfast we visit the rural market before spending time with some local people to experience gardening methods on the Mekong. We will help them prepare a meal before joining our hosts for lunch.
We board our boat to visit a brick and a pottery factory located on the river banks. We see how they use the local clay to fashion their products. Stop at the Van Thanh Mieu Temple en route to Vinh Long and its interesting market.
Travel by vehicle back to Saigon and dinner at a local restaurant.
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Mekong Homestay
Day 17: Today we farewell Vietnam and fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia - site of one of the most magnificent ancient temple complexes on earth.
Visit Pre Rup Temple:
Built by Rajendravarman II (ruled 944 to 968), it consists of a pyramid shaped temple with the upper-most of the three tiers carrying five square shrines arranged as a quincunx. The name means turning the body and refers to the traditional method of cremation.
Visit Angkor Wat:
The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, ANGKOR WAT is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As you enter the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.
Overnight at the Angkor Holiday Hotel.
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Angkor Wat
Day 18: Continue sight-seeing in Angkor.
Visit Banteay Srei Temple:
Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Because of its small size, fairy-like atmosphere and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often a favourite with visitors.
Visit Preah Kan:
Preah Khan: a temple built by King Jayavarman VII with towering enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors in a jungle setting. Preah Khan covers a very large area but the temple itself is enclosed within a rectangular wall of around 700 by 800 metres.
Angkor Wat
Visit Ta Prohm:
Ta Prohm is one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.
Visit Angkor Thom:
The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, formerly spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle.
Tonight we will enjoy dinner and show at The Smile of Angkor.
Experience a revival of the great history of the Angkor Dynasty including a Buffet dinner.
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Angkor Thom
Day 19: Continue sight-seeing in Angkor.
Visit Prasat Kravan:
Prasat Kravan is five brick towers built for Hindu worship in 921 and are notable for the bas-relief cut into the bricks on the interior walls.
Visit Banteay Kdel Temple:
A massive Buddhist temple dating back to the second half of the 12th century. Banteay Kdel is surrounded by four concentric walls, the outer walls measuring 500 – 700 metres in length.
Visit Sras Srang:
Sras Srang is a basin opposite from Banteay Kdei measuring 800 x 400 metres with a tiny island in the middle where only a stone base remains of what was once a wooden temple.
Visit Ta Keo:
Built by Jayavarman V who ruled from 968 to 1001, Ta Keo was the first Angkorian monument built entirely of sandstone and was dedicated to Shiva. The summit of the central tower is 50 metres high and is surrounded by four lower towers.
Siem Reap
Visit Thommannon and Chau Say Tevoda:
These magnificent temples built during the second quarter of the 12th century are both dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.
Excursion to Kampong Kleang with a boat trip:
Kampong Kleang is located about 50 km from Siem Reap town. The place is situated on the north-east shore of Tonle Sap Lake. The road to the site is good but rather narrow.
We will explore the floating fishing villages by boat, passing submerged forests and fishing farms.
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Kampong Kleang
Day 20: Travel by bus from Siem Reap to Cambodia’s vibrant capital city, Phnom Penh.
We will explore Phnom Penh, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are a reminder of a bygone era. Today they teem with life as motorcycles weave in and out of traffic, vendors hawk their wares and pedestrians go about their daily business.
The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda stand on the site of the former Citadel, Bantey Kev, built in 1813. The Palace is the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni. The Silver Pagoda, also known as the Emerald Buddha, was built by the King in 1892 and it’s floor comprises some 5,000 silver tiles weighing in excess of 6 tons.
We move on to the Russian Market, a sprawling labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, antiques, foodstuffs etc. An ideal place for browsing and bargain hunting.
Russian Market
We then learn about a chapter of Cambodia’s recent tragic past, at the Tuol Sleng Museum. Formerly the Tuol Svay Prey High School, in 1975 this became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime.
Known as Security Prison 21 or simply, S-21. Kept largely unchanged, the prison now showcases photographs and exhibits relating to the thousands of victims who passed through these doors. Only 7 people ever escaped alive.
Just out Phnom Penh, in a peaceful rural setting, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek provide a stark reminder of the atrocities carried out by the Pol Pot regime. Thousands of people were killed here between 1975 and 1978 and buried in mass graves.
Over night at the Pacific Hotel.
Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
Day 21: After breakfast we’ll tour the elegant National Museum. Designed by George Groslier in the 1920s, it contains a vast collection of Khmer sculpture and art.
Then it’s on to the Central Market ( Psah Thmay ). Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, it is a covered market distinguished by its central dome ( built in 1937 ). The market is full of shops selling jewellery, fabrics and all kinds of artefacts and souvenirs. It’s a great place for browsing.
Afternoon is free to explore the fascinating streets and riverfront of Cambodia’s capital.
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Day 22: Free time exploring the city of Phnom Penh before transferring to the airport for our flight back to Australia.
TOUR COST - will depend on tour dates.
2013 tour cost was AUD3,290 land content ( per person twin share ). Single supplement $580.
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