11 Days - Hanoi – Ha Long – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap 

Tour overview:

Discover the enchantment of historical and modern Vietnam crowned by a visit to fascinating Angkor Wat and, if you choose, an extension to mysterious Laos with its charming people and fascinating antiquities. Itinerary includes a cruise of dreamlike Ha Long Bay, the inspiration for the movie “Avatar.”

Day 1 - Arrive Hanoi

Arrive this afternoon in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital for nearly 1000 years. Historical emphasis on the arts and learning stipulates that buildings in Hanoi remain small, simple and in harmony with nature. You are met at the airport and escorted to the hotel. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Evening attend the famous Water Puppet Show followed by welcome dinner at the renowned Le Tonkin Restaurant. (D)

Day 2 - Hanoi Sightseeing

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” may be viewed, his nearby house, the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and a couple of museums. Lunch at Sen restaurant. Evening enjoy a one-hour cyclo ride around the Old Quarter. 

Stop over at a “hidden coffee” shop and join an exciting hands on work shop: you will have the chance to see the making the egg coffee performance. All of the staff at the cafe are extremely professional and skilled. They will guide you through every step to have a cup of egg coffee, from making dripping coffee to whipping egg cream and putting the egg cream into the coffee. After finishing, you can enjoy the egg coffee made by yourself. Such an amazing experience! If you cannot drink coffee, you can also have the choice of “egg cacao”, smoothie, or juice.Etc. (B/L)  

Please note: Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is closed on Monday, Friday every week and from late Sep to early Nov for annual maintenance, during which time it can only be viewed from outside

Day 3 - Hanoi / Ha Long Bay

Depart Hanoi this morning for Halong. Our journey will be broken with refreshment stop at a craft centre run to raise money for handicapped people. Upon arriving in Ha Long City, board a junk for a cruise of Halong Bay, a UNESCO designated World Heritage site. Enjoy a seafood lunch and a swim (if weather permits) before visiting a grotto of gigantic stalactites and stalagmites. Drop anchor in the late evening for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea. (B/L/D)

Day 4 - Ha Long Bay / Hanoi / Hoi An

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the wharf. Return to Hanoi in time to connect to your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. (B/BR)

Day 5 - Hoi An – “Spirit of Reu” Cooking Class (Joining-in) – Ancient town

Visit the hub of Vietnamese village life, a bustling local market where we engage with local sellers and learn about the fresh produce you will prepare in your cooking class. Gain an insight into the scents and flavors of Vietnamese herbs and spices and experience real Vietnamese market culture learning how to bargain and find the freshest ingredients. We then take you on a short drive by xe lam to Rêu’s Wharf and have boat for a short journey on the river to Rêu for cooking class. Soak up the wonderful sights of scenic local life as you make your way to Rêu. At Rêu, you will be welcomed with a refreshing organic herb juice. Here you will settle in, admiring the scenic views as you walk or ride around the organic herb and vegetable gardens. It’s difficult to remember what year you are in as you watch local farmers carry water and tend the gardens in the same way their ancestors have done for centuries.

Try your hand at farming or fishing yourself or relax with a head and herbal foot massage! Then it’s back to the stunning scene of your cooking class. During the ‘Spirit of Rêu’ cooking class you will learn to prepare special local dishes and be given a sound understanding of the ingredients and flavors used in Vietnamese cooking. You will also be introduced to tastings of local specialty dishes that you may be yet to try. At the end of the cooking class, you will sit down with friends and enjoy a delightful lunch prepared by yourselves.In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of this historic town (some of the highlights include the Temples of Phuoc Kien and Quang Dong and the 16th century Japanese Covered Bridge). Continue on the narrow streets of Hoi An, which are lined with buildings representing a mix of architectural styles (some of which are not seen anywhere else today). (B/L)

Optional tour 1: Hoi An Memories Show: In the evernHoi An Memories Showing, we will come to Hoi An Impression Theme Park to experience cultural activities and catch the grand spectacle of Hoi An Memories Show. Travel back 400 years in time and discover the history of this idyllic seaside town in five acts of awe-inspiring storytelling

Included services: Transfer, English speaking guide, Show ticket (High), 01 bottle of water on transfer/person

Excluded services: Tips, Other services not mentioned above.

Day 6 - Hoi An / Danang / Ho Chi Minh City

Drive this morning to Danang. Your first stop is at a stone-carving village at the foot of the Marble Mountains followed by visit the Cham Museum, featuring artifacts from the Kingdom of Champa (a civilization that ruled the area from the 2nd to 14th centuries). Later fly to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. Although it’s the largest and busiest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City retains the beauty of its graceful colonial French-style structures. Enjoy dinner at Viet Village Restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. (B/D)

Day 7 - Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion

Venture into the “Iron Triangle” riddled with an extensive system of tunnels inhabited during the recent war, along with fascinating traps and surprises. After lunch at the well known Viet Heritage Restaurant, your afternoon is free. (B/L)

Optional tour 2: Saigon After Dark (A Foodie Night Out On The Town) Experience the local nightlife and enjoy tasty food and live music as we ride pillion on vintage Vespas along the busy streets of this vibrant city. See Saigon come alive at night on this after dark adventure! Immerse yourself into the cosmopolitan nightlife of this busy city by night. Soak up the energy of this urban metropolis at our central city location while watching the world go by we sip on our first drinks and try out some tasty snacks. Your expert driver will then zoom through the busy streets of Saigon as you check out some of the famous highlights in this bustling city. Feel like a local as we feast on authentic, fresh seafood dishes, eating streetside and then enjoy the local favourite that is the delicious Banh Xeo, a traditional Vietnamese savoury pancake. We then ride off into the night again to experience live music at two very different venues. Firstly, the laid back atmosphere of quieter, softly lit coffee shop before heading to a lively rock bar where a new generation of Vietnamese flaunt their style. Bring a healthy appetite and a sense of adventure as our guides show you their city by night.

Stops include:

• Welcome drink at a highend bar
• Two local restaurants and a live music bar.
• Included services: Vespas Experienced drivers
• English speaking tour guide
• Helmets
• Rain ponchos
• All entry fees, cold water, all food and drinks at designated stops.
• Pick up and drop off from your hotel in Saigon

Excluded services:

• Tips
• Other expenses not mentioned above

Optional tour 3: Saigon Craft Beer Tour (Savour The Flavours) Experience the booming craft beer scene of Saigon riding pillion on our vintage Vespas as we visit an eclectic array of breweries and bars across the city. Our guides will take you on a journey to sample an extensive range of craft beer with locally inspired flavours such as jasmine, passion fruit and vanilla, as well as the more traditional tastes. At each vibrant location, your chosen brews will be perfectly paired with delicious and elaborate gourmet tapas and tasty Vietnamese inspired bites. Learn about the brewing process and challenge your tastebuds, sampling over 15 different brews, ranging from IPA’s, golden ales and blonde beers to stouts and ciders. From original to the unexpected, the master brewers are always experimenting with seasonal specials, so take our night time adventure and explore the city’s new and lively hotspots with free flowing craft beer and inspired food pairings. Stops include: 4 different breweries.

Included services:

• Vespas experienced drivers
• English speaking tour guide
• Helmets
• Rain ponchos
• All entry fees
• 4 craft beers stops and food pairing at designated stops.
• Pick up and drop off from your hotel in Saigon.  

Excluded services:

• Tips
• Other expenses not mentioned above

Day 8 - Ho Chi Minh City / Siem Reap

Your morning tour of Ho Chi Minh includes the former Presidential Palace, the Cathedral (outside), Central Post Office, and China Town with Thien Hau Temple and Binh Tay Market. Later fly to Siem Reap in Northern Cambodia, your base for visiting the fabulous ancient sites of Angkor, one of the wonders of world. The grandeur of this bygone civilization is truly astounding. Overnight at the hotel. (B/D) 

Day 9 - Angkor Wat Excursion

Your exploration of this mysterious region begins with the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat and surrounding sites (one of the world’s most impressive ruins). Strolling through the massive hallways, you will find many small shrines still in use by the local people at this ancient site. Picturesque Ta Prohm remains overgrown, presenting oddly haunting and exotic scenes. Visit various ruin sites of these ancient stone masterpieces—mute testimony to the once mighty Khmer civilization. View Angkor Wat at sunset from Phnom Bakheng. 

Experience a traditional Monk blessing. Once changing into the appropriate Sarong/Kroma, the ceremony will begin… Sitting on the stairs of the little Pagoda, the Monk will pour blessed water over you while chanting Pali prayers. Monk blessings are frequently performed at weddings, birthdays or on Buddha days. It is a refreshing ceremony of spirit cleansing bringing well-being and good luck! Enjoy dinner at the local restaurant. (B/D)

Day 10 - Angkor Thom Excursion

See Angkor Thom or “Great City,” in some ways even more spectacular than colossal Angkor Wat, as it had nearly disappeared into the jungle. Your day includes a boat ride on Tonle Sap. Enjoy dinner at the local restaurant. (B/D)

Optional tour 4 (upgrade from dinner at local restaurant): Cultural Village Night At Borei Angkor Hotel

Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Venue: PAVILION - Performance Village

Program:

• 19:00: Pre-dinner cocktails, gifts, cultural activities
• Welcome gift: Cambodian (Kroma)
• Pre-dinner Cocktails (30 min)
• Canapé Buffet
• Drinks inclusive of: wine, beer, soft drink, chilled juice & water
• Pre-dinner Cultural Activities
• Rice pounding
• Lotus flower folding
• Homemade thread rolling
• Kun Lbokator (The ancient Cambodian martial art) UNESCO
• Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
• 19:30: Guests seated to dinner
• 19:45: Cultural performances
• 21:00: Ending program and photos taken with performers

There are 5 cultural performances thoughtfully selected for this one-of-a-kind dining experience. Enjoy your meal in front of a stage in an outdoor oasis of the Performance House. Marvel as five women dressed in traditional garb replete with gold headpieces, ornate fans, and resplendent dresses perform traditional dances for your viewing pleasure. The show will stay with you as one of the wonderful memories you hold of your time in Cambodia.

Included services:

• Transfer
• English speaking guide
• Welcome gift
• Meals and beverage as mentioned in detailed program
• Cultural performances, 01 bottle of water on transfer/person.

Excluded services:

• Tips
• Other services not mentioned above.

Day 11 - Depart Siem Reap

Depart for home today taking along memories of a most enchanting trip. (B)

Please note: Hotel check-out time is around 12.00. Late check-out is upon availability, guaranteed with surcharge