HANOI ARRIVAL - FOODIE TOUR BY NIGHT

Old Quarter - An old Vietnamese saying goes, “Hanoi has thirty-six streets and guilds – Jam Street, Sugar Street, Salt Street…”. Within this modern and vibrant city lies the antique Hanoi’s Old Quarter, embodying the city’s eternal soul. Today, both Vietnamese and Westerners recognize the phrase “Hà Nội – Ba mươi sáu phố phường” (translated as “Ha Noi – 36 districts” or “Hanoi – 36 Old Streets”), or “Phố cổ Hà Nội” (translated as “Hanoi’s Old Quarter”), as a significant historical site and a must-see attraction in the capital, drawing international visitors with its largely preserved state.

HANOI CITY TOUR (B,L)

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a must-visit for first-time travelers to Hanoi due to its immense historical significance. Many make a pilgrimage here to pay their respects to Ho Chi Minh (Uncle Ho – President Ho), the revered leader who led Vietnam to Independence. Visitors can learn about Ho Chi Minh’s life and his pivotal role in Vietnamese history, while also gaining insights into Vietnam’s history through the complex’s various components.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - The Museum of Ethnology acknowledges Vietnam as a multi-ethnic nation and emphasizes the importance of promoting socio-cultural diversity. Although it is located further from other Hanoi museums, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is worth a visit for those interested in Vietnam’s multiculturalism and those who appreciate green spaces.

HANOI - HALONG BAY - NIGHT ON BOARD (B,L,D)

Halong Bay - Halong Bay, a stunning natural wonder in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border, is adorned with 1,600 limestone islands and islets, covering over 1,500 sq km. This remarkable area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. For many tourists, it feels like a scene from a movie. Halong Bay boasts a rich biodiversity, and its surreal scenery has been featured in numerous films. The best way to reach Halong City is by car, minibus, or bus from Hanoi, which is just 170 km away. For those with a flexible budget, an hour-long helicopter transfer is also available.

HALONG BAY - HANOI - FLIGHT TO DANANG (B,L)

Da Nang Cathedral - Da Nang is situated midway between the northern capital, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. It is Vietnam’s fourth-largest city. While it offers shopping and historical attractions, most travelers visit for its proximity to My Khe Beach, Lang Co Beach, Hoi An, and My Son.

Lang Co Beach is lined with palm trees, and the nearby ocean’s crystal-clear waters gently lap onto white sands. It is a peninsula with a sparkling lagoon on one side and the beach on the other. Although the area is relatively undeveloped, recent years have seen the opening of many new hotels. My Khe Beach is more developed, having been a popular spot for American soldiers seeking R&R during the Vietnam-US War. Water sports are abundant here, and it can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Da Nang’s coastline stretches 30 kilometers, known for its calm, cool waters, and is popular for fishing, water-skiing, and diving.

HOIAN - FREE DAY

Hoi An Ancient Town - Hoi An, once a major Southeast Asian trading post in the 16th and 17th centuries, is essentially a living museum showcasing old-town architecture. Notable heritage buildings include Chinese temples, a Japanese-designed bridge, pagodas, wooden shop-houses, French-colonial houses, and old canals. Although large-scale trading has long moved elsewhere, Hoi An has successfully preserved and restored its charming roots and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 1999.

Hoi An Riverside is the best place to be at night, as the area is illuminated by quaint, old-fashioned lanterns, creating an atmospheric and beautiful setting. For those who love the sea, sun, and sand, Hoi An offers two lovely beaches just five kilometers from the town center – a holiday within a holiday.

Hoi An is also renowned for its excellent food, fun shopping, skilled tailors, friendly locals, and cozy atmosphere – all key features that attract visitors to this picturesque town.

HOIAN - MY SON TOWERS TOUR (B,L)

My Son Sanctuary - My Son was a political center and a royal burial ground, with a complex of over 70 structures dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses, most notably Shiva, who was considered the protector of the Champa kings. Their skillful use of red bricks and sandstone is remarkable.

Like many historic sites worldwide, My Son suffered destruction from time and wars. After being neglected for a long time, it was rediscovered and renovated by the French in 1898. Unfortunately, the most recent war caused significant damage to the complex, as the Americans bombed the area, mistakenly believing the Viet Cong would not use a holy site as a hiding place.

However, the majority of the central complex survived the bombings, and parts of the ruins have been rebuilt. Overall, this Hindu sanctuary reminds visitors of other similar sites in Southeast Asia, including the great Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

HOIAN - TRANSFER TO HUE (B)

Hue - Huế is a city rich with stories. The Nguyễn Dynasty kings built their feudal capital along Huế’s fertile riverbanks and atop its forested hills, but their imperial legacy is just one of many reasons to visit. Huế’s refined cuisine is legendary, and its leafy streets are lined with mossy pagodas, art déco mansions, and vibrant markets. The Perfume River flows through the city, setting a relaxed pace that the rest of the city happily follows.

HUE CITY TOUR - FLIGHT TO SAIGON (B,L)

Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam’s business and financial hub, with a rich history spanning hundreds of years. Originally settled by the Khmers, the Vietnamese took over in the 17th century. The French conquered Saigon in 1859, making it the capital of Cochin China in 1862, resulting in elegant architecture and broad boulevards that remain today. At the height of the Vietnam War in 1969, the city had 4.5 million inhabitants, all evacuated when Saigon and the rest of the South fell to North Vietnam in 1975.

The city has recovered over the past 30 years, with a current population exceeding 7 million. It was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the spiritual leader of Vietnamese Communism, but residents were reluctant to adopt the new name, so authorities retained the official name, while the city center is still called Saigon.

SAIGON CITY + CU CHI TUNNELS TOUR (B,L)

Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh City is often associated with being Vietnam’s most modern and bustling city. However, it also holds significant historical value related to the wars against the French and American armies, offering both locals and tourists a glimpse into Vietnam’s history. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is a rewarding activity and one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. It is well worth the short trip from the city center.

Day 1: HCMC – MY THO – BEN TRE – CAN THO (L/D)

Mekong Delta - Board a sampan and cruise down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Stop at Unicorn Island, walk along village paths to admire orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, and listen to Vietnamese folk music performed by locals. Visit the fruit plantation.

CAN THO – CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – HCMC (B/L)

Cai Be Floating Market - Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Take a leisurely boat ride to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River), then visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the most vibrant floating market in the area.

SAIGON - SIEM REAP (B)

Siem Reap - Siem Reap is a welcoming city that embraces travelers like old friends. This region was the site of successive capitals of the Khmer Empire from the ninth to the 15th centuries. The ruins, collectively known as the Angkor Archaeological Park, are located about four miles north of the city center. The 150-square-mile complex, which includes the famous Angkor Wat Temple, is Siem Reap’s biggest tourist draw. In recent years, this ancient yet dynamic destination has been attracting travelers to stay longer and explore its other facets. A few days in this Cambodian city reveal that Siem Reap straddles the best of both worlds—a glorious past and a vibrant present. The best way to get to know it is to explore it slowly, one story at a time.

Banteay Srei & Small Circuit & CNN Hero (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch)

Banteay Srei - Travel further into the rural countryside to visit the small but beautiful temple of Banteay Srei. This temple is primarily constructed of pink sandstone, a harder rock that allows for more elaborate carvings and better withstands the test of time. Stop at a local village to meet families producing palm sugar.

Visit the Landmine Museum, where Mr. Aki Ra, a former child soldier in the Khmer Rouge, has dedicated his life to helping others in need. After spending much of his childhood fighting for the Khmer Rouge and later the Vietnamese army, Mr. Aki Ra was trained by the United Nations to detonate landmines; his incredible work earned him a nomination for CNN Hero of the Year in 2010.

Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat (Meal: Breakfast)

Angkor Wat - Angkor Wat is a vast Buddhist temple complex located in northern Cambodia. Originally built in the first half of the 12th century as a Hindu temple, it spans over 400 acres and is considered the largest religious monument in the world. Its name, which translates to “temple city” in the Khmer language, reflects its construction by Emperor Suryavarman II, who ruled the region from 1113 to 1150, as the state temple and political center of his empire.

Siem Reap – Luang Prabang, Sabaidee “Hello” LAOS (Meal: Breakfast)

Luang Prabang - Luang Prabang rose to prominence as the capital of the first Lao kingdom (Lan Xang - land of the million elephants) from 1353 onwards. The city owes its present name to the Pha Bang, a revered Buddha image (now in the Royal Palace Museum) brought to the city by King Visoun during the golden age of Lan Xang in the early 1500s.

The fragmentation of the Lao kingdom at the end of the 16th century saw Luang Prabang become a militarily weak independent city-state paying tribute to surrounding kingdoms. Ultimately, the 1887 sacking of the city by the Chinese Haw led the Luang Prabang monarchy to accept French protection, whose influence led to the construction of many fine colonial villas that harmoniously coexist with traditional Lao architecture.

The city fell into decline in the latter half of the 20th century following the reluctant withdrawal of the French and the 1975 revolution, which ended the Luang Prabang monarchy.

Pak Ou Buddha Caves & Khouangsi Waterfall (Meal: Breakfast)

Pak Ou Caves - Pak Ou Caves are located on the Mekong River, north of Luang Prabang. “Pak Ou” means the caves at the estuary of the Ou River. The cave system includes two caves: Tam Ting and Tam Pum. Tam Ting caves, known as the cave of a thousand Buddha statues, contain thousands of Buddha statues of various sizes, from small to human height. Recent research indicates there are about 4,000 statues in the two caves, with 1,500 in the upper cave called Tam Pum and 2,500 in the main cave known as Tam Ting. Most statues are made from wood, painted with red or black lacquer, and covered with gold leaves. Some are made from animal horns, bronze, and ceramic.

Luang Prabang – Departure (Meal: Breakfast)

Royal Palace Museum - The Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang, also known as “Haw Kham” or “Golden Hall,” was once Laos’ Royal Palace. It houses numerous fascinating historical items, each telling a story, offering insights into Lao history and the country’s royal past.

Built in 1904, it features a blend of Lao traditional and French styles. It was constructed for King Sisavang Vong and his family during the French colonial era.

After King Sisavang Vong’s death, Crown Prince Savang Vatthana and his family were the last to occupy the palace. Following the 1975 revolution, the building was taken over by the government, converted into a national museum, and opened to the public in 1995.

Located in the city, just across the road from Phousi Mountain, the palace is within walking distance of all main hotels and guest houses.

• 3-star hotels and cruise
• All entrance fees during tours
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• English-speaking tour guides

• Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary
• International Flights to Cambodia and Laos
• Domestic Flights in Vietnam

Embark on a journey from Hanoi to Siem Reap and Luang Prabang, uncovering the highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Our trip weaves together incredible coastal landscapes, towns steeped in colonial history, poignant war memorials, and mysteriously deserted temple cities. Witness the harmonious mix of antiquity and novelty, classic and modern, tradition and innovation. Delve into the area’s culture and splendor as you explore the magnificent ancient temples of Angkor, soak in the captivating scenery of Khoung Si Waterfall in Laos, and plunge into the dynamic streets and distinct characteristics of Vietnam. The trip is made even more memorable with an overnight boat stay in Halong Bay, hospitable residents and an abundance of delectable cuisine. The only decision left is deciding when to embark on this unforgettable adventure.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.