Itinerary
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.
Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a local tour guide and transferred to downtown. After checking in at your hotel, your afternoon begins with a visit to Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Hanoi, known for hosting the city's most significant cultural and political events, including demonstrations. Our tour will start at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you can see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (from the outside only, as it closes in the afternoon), Ho Chi Minh’s house-on-stilts, his fish pond, and the One-Pillar Pagoda. Next, we’ll visit the Temple of Literature, regarded as Vietnam's first university.
Later, you’ll get a comprehensive view of the capital with a one-hour cyclo ride through the Old Quarter of Hanoi and around Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the “Sword Lake.” This ride will give you the chance to explore the narrow streets of the Old Quarter and observe the daily life of the local people. Afterward, you'll be transferred back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Hanoi.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart at 9 AM for a three-hour drive east to Halong Bay, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin and a UNESCO-designated Natural World Heritage site in 1994 and 2006. The journey takes you through the Red River Delta, passing lush green paddy fields and rural villages, where hardworking farmers can be seen tending to their fields, plowing with buffaloes, or planting seedlings.
Upon arrival in Halong, you’ll check in for an overnight cruise to explore the breathtaking beauty of this "Descending Dragon" bay, characterized by its thousands of uniquely shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After enjoying lunch on board, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the grottoes, swim, or kayak, passing by floating houses and getting close to the stunning islets.
In the evening, return to the cruise to enjoy a cooking demonstration before dinner. Afterward, you can participate in onboard activities or relax at your leisure. You'll spend the night on the cruise.
Wake up early to experience the breathtaking dawn over the sea. In Vietnam, the "East Sea" is often referred to as the "Eastern Sea," emphasizing the wonder of watching the sunrise over the islets of the bay. After breakfast, our boat will continue cruising through the stunning areas, where nearly every islet has a name inspired by its shape or resemblance, such as Sail Island, Fisherman’s Head Rock, Butterfly Rock, or Turtle Islet.
Afterward, check out of your room and enjoy brunch on board as the cruise makes its way back to the pier. Once you disembark, you'll be transferred back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy your leisure time. Overnight in Hanoi.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer (without a guide) to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, the most dynamic city in Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a local tour guide and transferred to downtown. Check-in at your hotel (standard check-in time is 2 PM).
Begin your city tour with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, one of Saigon's most renowned historical sites. Here, you'll gain insight into the Vietnamese struggle for independence, freedom, and peace, as well as the local perspective on the Vietnam War. The museum's exhibits, including weapons, documents, and photographs, serve as powerful evidence of the war's impact and highlight the heroic actions of the Vietnamese people.
Next, we'll visit the Reunification Palace, a significant historical site where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975. Today, this grand building serves as a museum and venue for official receptions. Nearby, we'll stop by the Notre Dame Cathedral (viewed from the outside only), which was built between 1877 and 1883, and the colonial-style Central Post Office, one of the city's major landmarks.
In the late afternoon, we'll visit Ben Thanh Market, a symbol of Saigon, where you'll have some time for shopping. Overnight in Saigon.
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of over 200 kilometers of tunnels that became legendary for their crucial role during the Vietnam War. These tunnels once functioned as underground cities, complete with numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. After watching a short introductory video on how the tunnels were constructed, you'll have the opportunity to crawl through a short section of the tunnels to experience the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. After lunch (at your own expense), return to Saigon.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure, whether for sightseeing or shopping around town. Overnight in Saigon.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport with a driver (no guide) for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a local tour guide and transferred to downtown. Check-in at your hotel (standard check-in time is 2 PM).
In the afternoon, we will visit Angkor Wat, Cambodia's ancient temple and one of the wonders of the oriental world. Renowned for its intricate decorative details and architectural grandeur, the awe-inspiring ruins stand as a testament to the remarkable achievements of Southeast Asia's greatest civilization.
Angkor Wat is designed as a replica of the universe according to Hindu mythology, with Mount Meru at its center, surrounded by continents and oceans. The temple’s extraordinary bas-reliefs depict various Khmer epics and myths. Angkor Wat's five iconic towers rise majestically into the sky, surrounded by a geometric arrangement of numerous galleries, adorned with bas-reliefs and stone images of celestial Apsara dancers, as well as portals, chambers, and courtyards.
We will then enjoy the sunset at Phnom Bakheng, which rises nearly 70 meters above the plain, offering magnificent views of Angkor.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
After breakfast, we will begin our exploration of Angkor Thom through its South Gate, often referred to as Big Angkor. This expansive royal city, covering 3 square kilometers and surrounded by walls and moats, was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. Our first stop is the renowned Bayon Temple, an architectural masterpiece known for its intricate construction that evolved over more than a century.
Next, we'll visit the Terrace of the Elephants, an impressive wall approximately two and a half meters high and 300 meters long, adorned with carved elephants and other intricate designs. This terrace stretches through the heart of Angkor Thom, situated in front of the majestic Baphuon temple mountain, and includes the Royal Palace Area and the Phimeanakas—a striking sandstone pyramid.
At the northern end of the Terrace of the Elephants, we'll explore the Terrace of the Leper King, a double terrace featuring deeply carved nagas, demons, and other mythological figures. Our final morning visit will be to Ta Prohm Temple, a stunning blend of human ingenuity and natural beauty, where giant trees have intertwined with the ancient structures for centuries.
In the afternoon, we'll travel overland to visit the highlights of the Grand Circuit, including:
- Preah Khan: Meaning "The Sacred Sword," this temple was also built by Jayavarman VII and is famous for its extensive cruciform corridors and delicate carvings.
- Neak Pean: A beautiful example of Khmer art, this temple was constructed by Jayavarman VII and symbolizes heaven on earth.
- Ta Som: A small, classic Bayon-style monastic complex with a relatively flat enclosure.
- East Mebon: Built in the 10th century by Rajendravarman, this temple is located on a small island in the middle of the Eastern Baray reservoir.
- Pre Rup: Another 10th-century temple constructed by Rajendravarman.
After a day rich with cultural and historical discoveries, we will return to Siem Reap for an overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel. Time at leisure until check out time and transfer to the airport with driver only (no guide) for the departure flight back to your sweet home.