Welcome to Hanoi

Hanoi - Fly to Hanoi, VIETNAM

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arriving in Hanoi, secure your Vietnam visa, and proceed through Immigration and Customs. After retrieving your luggage, exit the airport to meet a local Guide from Global Travel & Tours Asia, who will be holding a sign with your names.

Private transfer: Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel with a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, was originally named Thang Long or “City of the Ascending Dragon” and became the first capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010. Located in the North-Central region of Vietnam, the city is renowned as one of the most captivating and intriguing destinations for visitors.

Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Full Day Private Tour History in Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - This morning, embark on a tour with your guide, starting with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, a significant pilgrimage site for many Vietnamese. The area around the complex is a traffic-free zone filled with botanical gardens, monuments, memorials, and pagodas, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (exterior), Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Travel back in time to the nearby simple cottage on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his early days as a revolutionary. Walk a few blocks from the Ho Chi Minh Complex to the 11th-century Buddhist One Pillar Pagoda, an elegant structure rising from the center of a square-shaped lotus pond on a solitary pillar.

Temple of Literature & National University - Next, visit the Temple of Literature, a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. The temple also hosts the Imperial Academy, Vietnam’s first national university. Built in 1070 during the reign of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, it is one of several temples in Vietnam dedicated to Confucius, sages, and scholars.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - Continue to the Museum of Ethnology, where you’ll learn about the fascinating cultural diversity of this ancient land.

Hanoi Opera House - After lunch at a favorite local restaurant, drive through Colonial Hanoi, seeing the Hanoi Opera House, or the Grand Opera House, an opera house in central Hanoi, Vietnam. It was constructed by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911.

Hoa Lo Prison - Visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”), where Senator John McCain and Douglas “Pete” Wilson were once imprisoned.

Hanoi Old Quarter Culture Exchange Center - Take a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to observe local life and browse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines.

Thang Long Water Puppet - Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance, a uniquely North Vietnamese art form celebrating rural life and folklore for over 1,000 years, this evening.

Hanoi - Cruising on Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay - Witness rural Vietnamese daily life as you pass water buffalo, ancient temples, and local farmers working in the rice paddies en route to Ha Long Bay. Known as the “Bay of the Descending Dragons,” legend has it that dragons sent by the gods to help defend the land against ancient invaders spat out jewels and jade that became the many emerald-green islands and islets that dot the bay today. Board the Dragon Legend Cruise, combining traditional oriental design and modern amenities, for an overnight cruise among the thousands of limestone islands. After lunch onboard, enjoy more sightseeing on the bay. Cruise to Cong Do area to explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave, enjoy some free time to go swimming or kayaking, and have dinner onboard this evening.

From the bay to Hoi An via Da Nang

Halong Bay - After spending part of the morning cruising on Ha Long Bay, disembark the Dragon Legend Cruise and return to Hanoi to catch your flight to the city of Da Nang on the South China Sea.

Later this afternoon, board a flight from Hanoi with direct service to Danang. Approximate flight time is one hour and 15 minutes.

Hoi An Ancient Town - Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang, departing at 17:05 and arriving at 18:20.

From there, travel a short distance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Hoi An, known to early Western merchants, was a major trading center of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a distinctive Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets is still virtually intact. Many of the houses were constructed of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs.

Settle in and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

The past preserved in centuries-old Hoi An

Japanese Covered Bridge - Today, discover how the traditions of the past are treasured in the present in Hoi An on the Thu Bon River, a key international trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved, centuries-old streets, dwellings, temples, and pagodas. Tour Hoi An’s historic highlights via cyclo with your guide. Highlights of your walking tour through its charming streets include the 17th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, construction of which began in the Year of the Monkey (1593) and was completed in the Year of the Dog (1595), hence the monkey and dog sculptures at either end.

The Old House of Phun Hung - Next, your cyclo will take you to Phung Hung old house, built over 100 years ago during the development of the city of Hoi An. The owner named the house Phung Hung, which means prosperity.

Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) - Continue to visit the Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien), established in 1697. It is a great example of Chinese architecture. The Chinese merchants of the Fukian Province are believed to have built this huge assembly hall. However, some changes have been made to this Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) over time.

Old House of Tan Ky - The Tan Ky House is a small, unrestored five-generation family home in the old quarters. It was built in the late 1890s and is laid out to show you what living was like.

Hoi An Riverside - Then, climb aboard a riverboat along the Thu Bon River to see the city from a different vantage point and visit a quaint boat-building village.

World Heritage Site of Hué

Tomb of Tu Duc - No Vietnam travel experience would be complete without a visit to Hué, Vietnam’s most beautiful city, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This morning, enjoy the scenery along the Vietnamese coast and Hai Van Mountain during a drive to Hue via Da Nang and the 18-mile-long “China Beach” – made famous by the 1980s TV show of the same name and now a popular Vietnam travel destination. Upon arrival, visit the tomb of 19th-century emperor Tu Duc, surrounded by vast, well-tended botanical gardens and beautiful open-air pavilions. Some emperors were so concerned about their graves being violated that, upon completion of the tomb, all of the thousands of workers who built them were put to death to keep the exact location of the body a secret.

Tomb of Khai Dinh - Next, continue to the Tomb of Khai Dinh, hidden in Chau Chu Mountain. Built for the Nguyen emperor Khai Dinh between 1920-31, it is an impressive structure combining western and eastern architecture, guarded by statues of soldiers and animals.

Hue Imperial City (The Citadel) - After lunch, ride your private, pedal-powered cyclo to explore Hué’s Citadel – which housed the Imperial City for the emperor’s official functions, and the Forbidden Purple City for his personal time – then settle into your riverfront accommodations along the Perfume River.

Hue to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Thien Mu Pagoda - This morning, explore Hué’s tranquil setting as you admire Thien Mu Pagoda (“Heavenly Lady”) Pagoda, a seven-story octagonal tower built in 1844, and cruise along the Perfume River; view the boats that continue to serve as complete family homes for many residents of Hué.

Tomb of Minh Mang - Next, visit Minh Mang Royal tomb, set amidst a lush pine hill by the river and considered to be one of the most beautiful mausoleums. Each ruler of the Imperial City built his own tomb during his reign.

Ho Chi Minh City - Later this afternoon, you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Board a flight from Hue with direct service to Ho Chi Minh City. Approximate flight time is one hour and 30 minutes.

Fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, departing at 13:45 and arriving at 15:15.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Upon arrival at the airport, after collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet a local Guide. He/she will be holding a sign with your names.

From the airport, you will be privately transferred to your hotel. Formerly known as Saigon, today’s Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and vibrant economic center of the South. Over the past few centuries, Saigon was called the “Pearl of the Far East” and was an important trading center for Chinese, Japanese, and Western merchants who traveled along the Saigon River.

Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Discover Saigon & Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels - Today’s Ho Chi Minh City – once known as Saigon – bustles with forward-looking energy in glittering skyscapes, street vendors, and open-air cafés. After breakfast, head to the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ben Duoc for a close-up look at the Vietnam War. Stretching out in a 120-mile underground network of meeting rooms, triage centers, and kitchens, this vast complex allowed North Vietnamese combatants to evade discovery as they moved freely throughout the area, offering a unique look at life in wartime Vietnam.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - After lunch at a favorite local restaurant, continue to discover Saigon’s historic landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral.

Central Post Office - Next, visit Saigon Central Post Office, a post office in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, near Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, the city’s cathedral. The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century.

The Independence Palace - Next, continue to visit Reunification Hall, historically known as Independence Palace, the former nerve center of the war for South Vietnam. Still largely maintaining its 1970s décor, the palace rooms are surprisingly spartan. The dank, reinforced basement has large-scale maps, communications equipment, and tunnels.

War Remnants Museum - Lastly, explore the touching War Remnants Museum, containing poignant reminders of the war.

Ben Thanh Market - End the day with a visit to the colorful Ben Thanh Market.

Saigon - Mekong Delta – Siem Reap, CAMBODIA

Cai Be - This morning, meet your guide and transfer to the Cai Be jetty together. Your crew welcomes you as the Cai Be Princess sampan sets off for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways. On the river, boat traffic is endless, and the activity never ceases. From the comfort of your sampan, observe life as it unfolds on the riverbanks - the people, the stunning landscapes – while your attentive crew serves you tea and seasonal fruit. We’ll make stops along the way to provide glimpses of local micro-industries: coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), products that provide a living for the river people. Your cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of life during Indochinese times. After lunch, take a short walk along the nearby canal system towards the Ba Bon Bridge, where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Siem Reap - Your journey continues to Cambodia as you fly to Siem Reap. You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide for a three-night stay at the Shinta Mani Shack, the closest hotel to the treasures of the fabled archaeological site at Angkor.

Settle in and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

The wonders of Angkor

Angkor Thom South Gate - Spend the early morning visiting the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). This huge walled complex was the center of the world’s largest city in 1200. Following the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181, King Jayavarman VII decided to build an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. The scale is simply staggering, and visitors are immediately overwhelmed by the audacity of Jayavarman upon arrival at the city’s gates. The causeway is lined by an intricate bridge depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk from Hindu mythology, in which the devas (gods) and asuras (devils) play tug of war with a naga (seven-headed serpent) to obtain the elixir of immortality. Its vast walls, some 6m wide, 8m high, and 13km in length, contain many monuments.

Bayon Temple - Next, visit Bayon temple, surrounded by faces on all sides. Visitors never forget the enigmatic and enchanting temple of the Bayon. 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. Its 54 towers are each topped off with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear more than a passing resemblance to the king himself. These colossal heads stare down from every side, exuding power and control with a hint of compassion, just the mix required to keep a hold on such a vast empire.

Unlike his predecessors who had worshipped the Hindu deities of Shiva and Vishnu, Jayavarman VII adopted Mahayana Buddhism as the fount of royal divinity. This sets the Bayon apart from many other Angkorian monuments. The bas-reliefs here depict intricate scenes of ancient battles against the Chams and offer a wonderful snapshot of daily life during the Angkor period.

Baphuon Temple - Continue to visit Baphuon, located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

Terrace of the Elephants - Stroll to the Terrace of the Elephants, part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. The terrace was used by Angkor’s king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas, of which only a few ruins remain.

Terrace of the Leper King - Also visit the Terrace of the Leper King, located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, though its modern name derives from a 15th-century sculpture discovered at the site. The statue depicts the Hindu god Yama, the god of death.

Phimeanakas - Visit Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas, a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman, then completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three-tier pyramid as a Hindu temple.

Ta Prohm - Next, continue to Ta Prohm, perhaps the most atmospheric of all Angkor’s treasures. The temple was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been left to the destructive power of nature by archaeologists to demonstrate the awesome power of nature.

It has been largely consumed by the jungle, and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures, you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. At every turn, you expect to see Indiana Jones or Lara Croft step out from behind a fallen pillar. It is one of the most regularly visited temples, with visitors often arriving during the middle of the day to take advantage of the protective forest canopy above the ruined temple. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them. This was one of the settings for Lara Croft’s adventures in “Tomb Raider.”

Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delicious local restaurant.

Angkor Wat - Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, and afterwards, you’ll be dazzled by what you see this afternoon at the vast, 12th-century Angkor Wat temple; the bas-reliefs and many devatas (guardian spirits) that cover its walls inspire awe and admiration. This example of classical Khmer architecture has been a significant religious center for Hindus and then Buddhists through the ages.

Khmer temples & a Tonle Sap Lake cruise

Banteay Srei - This morning, journey north to visit Banteay Srei. This jewel of Angkor was built by a Brahman in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of exquisite sculptures, lintels, and friezes. These, it is said, must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives the origin of the Khmer name, Fortress of the Women. While it may be a small temple complex, the beauty of Banteay Srei is found not in the scale, but the detail. Many believe the intricate carving is the best example of Khmer classical art in existence. Stop at a local village to visit families who are producing palm sugar.

Preah Khan - Next, continue to visit Preah Khan, built in the same style as Ta Prohm, Preah Khan is in a much better state of preservation. Meaning The Sacred Sword, this temple was also built by Jayavarman VII and is famous for its immensely long cruciform corridors and delicate carvings, including the spectacular hall of dancers. Look out for the curious two-storey structure that is almost Grecian in inspiration. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to both Buddhism and Hinduism. The original eastern entrance was for Mahayana Buddhists, while the other cardinal points represented the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.

Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delicious local restaurant in town.

Kampong Phluk Floating Village - After lunch, continue for a tour of the surrounding countryside and take an ox-cart ride through the villages and the rice fields. At the end of your ride, have a fresh coconut drink with the family and do not hesitate to talk with the local people to get to know more about their lives. Later, you may wish to join us for a drive to the fishing village of Kompong Pluk near Siem Reap and board a private boat. Visit Kompong Pluk village with its houses standing on stilts and board a pirogue to discover the seasonally flooded forest. Visit the floating village and discover the centuries-old lifestyle of the inhabitants of the lake.

Homeward bound

Siem Reap - Tour ends: Siem Reap. A transfer from Golden Temple Hotel to Siem Reap International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

• Domestic Flight Tickets Hue to Ho Chi Minh City
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Domestic Flight Tickets Hanoi to Danang
• Breakfast
• Stay 2 nights at the Hoi An La Siesta Resort & Spa (Deluxe Balcony Room)
• Stay 2 nights at the Hanoi La Siesta Hotel (Deluxe Room)
• Included admission fee to visit the temples in Angkor Archaeological Park three-day ticket $62.00
• Private professional Licensed English Speaking guide
• On-Tour Air included (3 flights)
• Private transportation by modern air-conditioned vehicle
• Stay 1 night onboard the Dragon’s Legend Cruise (Deluxe Cabin)
• Sightseeing as specified including entrance fees
• International Flight Tickets Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Stay 3 nights at the Golden Temple Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar
• Stay 2 nights at the Hotel des Arts Saigon Mgallery (Deluxe Room)
• Stay 1 night at the Azerai La Residence Hue (Superior River View Room)

• Personal, travel and health insurance

Embark on a private luxury journey featuring the histories, cultures and culinary delights of Vietnam and Cambodia. Begin your adventure in Hanoi, the intellectual heart and captivating capital of Vietnam. With private tours, discover the city’s notable historic sites. Continue to Halong Bay, indulge in an exquisite, overnight yacht cruise, amidst majestic limestone islands. Make your way to Hue, Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital. Then, explore Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and charming port town known for its vibrant backalleys and well-maintained historic residences. Next, venture into Ho Chi Minh City, the dynamic pulse of Vietnam. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels with your dedicated guide and driver. One day, experience the Mekong Delta, with a private, traditional excursion tour through its waterways. Culminate your journey in Siem Reap, Cambodia, uncovering the awe-inspiring ruins of Angkor, the glorious remnants of the Khmer empire, guided privately throughout your exploration.

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.