Cambodia & Vietnam Highlight 12 days / 11 nights

TYPOLOGIES

Classic & Culture Tour

DIFFICULTY

MIN. AGE

Tour Overview:

Do you want a unique holiday to discover the cultural and historical heritage of South East Asian civilizations? With our Cambodia & Vietnam Highlight tours takes you to explore the heartland through the lush green landscape, stunning architecture, incredible scenery & culture and always in contact with the local people.

Itinerary

Fly into Phnom Penh, the city that retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the ‘pearl’ of Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have triggered an economic boom, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up across the city. Upon arrival at airport, we meet our representative and transfer to hotel for check in.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Visit to the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver, continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument, which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony. We will learn about the dark side of Cambodia – Its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially you visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture center. Next is Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple located in center of Phnom Penh City. It was built in 1373, and stands 27 meters above the ground. It is the tallest religious structure in the city. We will stop at Central Market is located in the heart of the Phnom Penh. The Khmer name of the market is Phsar Thmei, which translates to “new market”. The Central Market was built in 1937 during the French colonial period, in Art Deco style, and is painted bright ochre. We enjoy our cyclo ride along the riverside. This laid back tour gives us a different perspective of the streets and sights of the city. We will enjoy a cruise for view sunset on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River (1 hour). Situated at the “Four Arms” where the Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into tow branches, Phnom Penh offers the ideal location to discover the mighty Mekong.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Transfer Phnom Penh airport for our flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at airport, we meet our guide and transfer to city. We will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South East Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a fisherman's `floating village` with floating schools, floating police station, etc. It is same as a big village floating on the lake, and the `village` move from place to place following water levels and current.

Dinner with Apsara Dance show at local restaurant. For those travelers thirsting for cultural highlights of Cambodia, No visit to Cambodia is complete without attending at least one traditional Khmer dance performance, often referred to as 'Apsara Dance' after one of the most popular Classical dance pieces. Traditional Khmer dance better described as 'dance-drama' in that the dances are not merely dance but also meant to convey a story or message.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

We drive to Angkor Thom that was the masterpiece of King Jayavarman VII. Following the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181, the new king decided to build an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. We begin to visit Bayon Temple. At the exact center of Angkor Thom, this is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. From there, we walk to Baphuon Temple, once of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating from the reign of Uditayavarman 1 in the 11th century. We continue to visit Terrace of the Leper King. Along the Terrace of Elephants, originally used as a viewing gallery for the king to preside over parades, performances and traditional sports. We continue to Ta Prohm `Tomb Raider` fame. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history.

We journey out to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world's largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

We head further out through rural countryside to the small but beautiful temple of Banteay Srei. This temple is largely built of pink sandstone, a harder rock that can be more elaborately carved and better survives the rigors of time. This is an opportunity to capture some good photographs of the clear and detailed carvings. Not be missed is Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.

Transfer Siem Reap airport for our flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Saigon airport, we meet our guide and transfer to hotel for check in.

Overnight at Hotel in Saigon.

In the morning, take 2hrs drive to the Mekong Delta which is known as the rice bowl of Vietnam. Upon arrival, take a boat cruise around islets and tropical orchards through the Vam Xep canal to reach a small islet, followed by a relaxing walk along shady and palm fringed trails passing by local villages where you can see their peaceful daily life. Stop en route to visit a bee farm, interact with a local family. Visit coconut workshop to understand a typical family run business in this area. Enjoy horse-drawn cart ride to visit handicraft village, a coconut candy factory, enjoy tropical fruit, traditional music and the take a rowing boat through the narrow tree-lined canals before returning to My Tho by motorized boat. Have lunch before heading back Saigon.

Overnight at Hotel in Saigon.

After breakfast, we visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale.

Transfer Saigon airport for our flight to Danang. Upon arrival at airport, we meet our driver and transfer to Hoi An and hotel for check in.

Overnight at Hotel in Hoi An.

This morning, at 09:00 we will start our Hoi An Discovery tour. Hoi An seems to appeal to everyone. This charming town still retains a variety of heritage houses making a stroll around the streets a fabulous option. Guided tour of Hoi An sites includes the Quan Cong Temple, the Quang Dong Pagoda, The Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Tran Family Chapel, Sa Huynh Museum, and Phung Hung House. Walk along the bank of the lively Thu Bon River, once prosperous and famous as a trading port. Back to the hotel and free at your leisure in afternoon.

Overnight at Hotel in Hoi An.

This morning, head to Da Nang airport for flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and start the tour, including Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda. Later, explore the Old Quarter by rickshaw. Last stop is the serene Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy a traditional water puppet show.

Overnight at Hotel in Hanoi.

This morning, we leave Hanoi for Ha Long Bay by shuttle bus from the cruise, enjoying the timeless scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and daily life of the countryside. On arrival in Ha Long, we board a beautifully appointed wooden junk. A seafood lunch will be served as we cruise among the hundreds of islets in the Bay. Our cruise takes us to Sung Sot cave to witness a splendid sunset.

Overnight on boat.

Early morning coffee and tea will be served on the sundeck followed by a Tai Chi class. We continue exploring magnificent Ha Long Bay. Change to a small motor or rowing boat to see the floating village. When we return to the junk, a sumptuous meal, combining Vietnamese and Western cuisine will be served. On leaving the cruise, we depart back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Transfer to Hanoi airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.

Services

What’s include :

TOUR COST INCLUDES:

TOUR COST NOT INCLUDES:

Accommodation with daily breakfast in double / twin shared room

Meal: as mention in program (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner)

Airport transfers & Transport by air con. vehicles as per program

Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified

Local English speaking guide as per program

All boat trip as mentioned in program

Complementary local Sim Card

24hours supporting hotline

Flight ticket: Siem Reap – Saigon

Flight ticket: Saigon – Danang – Hanoi

Visa Approval Letter – single entry Vietnam

Cold water and towel during tours

Cambodia Visa stamp fee: 30$ (Passport valid more then 6 months, enough space for visa stamp (1 free space), 1 passport photo (4X6), cash 30$)

Vietnam Visa stamp fee (25 USD / pax for Single entry)

All International air ticket

Other meal, drink, personal expenses, tip, Travel insurance, all bank fees

Other thing not mentioned in included

Hotel

Hotel 3* star

PHNOM PENH
Double Leaf Hotel (3*) – Superior room
http://www.doubleleafhotel.com/

SIEM REAP
'GZ Urban Hotel (3*) – Superior room
https://www.gzurbanhotel.com/

SAIGON
The Coconut Villas (3*) – Deluxe Room
http://www.thecoconuthousevilla.com/

HOI AN
Ancient House Resort (3*) – Superior room
http://www.ancienthouseresort.com

HANOI
Medallion Hanoi Hotel (3*) – Superior room
www.medallionhanoi.com

HALONG
Flamingo Cruise (3*) – Deluxe cabin
http://www.flamingocruisehalong.com/

Hotel 4* star

PHNOM PENH
Frangipani Royal Palace (4*) – Balcony Suite
https://www.frangipanipalacehotel.com/

SIEM REAP
Hillocks Hotel (4*) – Deluxe Suite room
http://hillockshotel.com/

SAIGON
Harmony Hotel (4*) – Junior Premier Room
https://www.harmonysaigonhotel.com/en/

HOI AN
The little Hoi An beach (4*) – Little Deluxe
https://littlehoiangroup.com/little-beach-hoi-an

HALONG
Victory Stars (4*) – Deluxe room
http://www.victoryhalong.com/vn/

HANOI
Golden Silk boutique (4*) – Luxury room
http://halongvictorystarcruise.com

Hotel 5* star

PHNOM PENH
Palace Gate Hotel (5*) – Deluxe room
https://palacegatepp.com/

SIEM REAP
Victoria Angkor Hotel (5*) – Superior room
https://www.victoriaangkorhotel.com/

SAIGON
Harmony Hotel (4*) – Junior Premier Room https://www.harmonysaigonhotel.com/en/

HOI AN
The little Hoi An beach (4*) – Little Deluxe
https://littlehoiangroup.com/little-beach-hoi-an

HALONG
Victory Stars (4*) – Deluxe room
http://www.victoryhalong.com/vn/

HANOI
Golden Silk boutique (4*) – Luxury room
http://halongvictorystarcruise.com

    ” Possiamo dire che è stata la luna di miele perfetta. Abbiamo avuto la possibilità di entrare a stretto contatto con la gente locale, di vivere diverse esperienze molto interessanti e di visitare dei posti fantastici. Tutto era organizzato in maniera perfetta grazie anche al validissimo supporto del nostro corrispondente Roberto, che non ci ha mai lasciati soli. Da dietro le quinte ci ha assistito per tutta la durata del nostro magnifico viaggio di nozze, dandoci un valido supporto per qualsiasi cosa. Le guide e i drivers erano sempre puntuali, cordiali, molto disponibili e molto preparati. Difficile dire in una sola frase cosa ci sia piaciuto. In una sola parola: TUTTO. L’organizzazione pre e durante il nostro viaggio è stata ineccepibile. Non possiamo che ringraziare Roberto ed Eurasie per questa meravigliosa esperienza.”

    Erika e Andrea

    Tour Vietnam & Cambogia