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…”. Amidst a bustling and modern city lies the ancient Hanoi’s Old Quarter, embodying the timeless spirit of the city. 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”), a significant historical site and tourist 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 role in Vietnamese history, as well as gain insights into Vietnam’s history through the complex’s various elements.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology highlights Vietnam’s multi-ethnic nature and promotes socio-cultural diversity. Although it is located further from other Hanoi museums, it 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, features 1,600 limestone islands and islets spread over 1,500 sqkm. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Halong Bay is a popular tourist destination known for its biodiversity and surreal scenery, often featured in movies. The best way to reach Halong City is by car, minibus, or bus from Hanoi, 170km away. For those with a higher budget, an hour-long helicopter transfer is also available.

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

Da Nang Cathedral - Da Nang, located midway between Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south, is Vietnam’s fourth-largest city. While it offers shopping and historical sights, most travelers stay here for its proximity to My Khe Beach, Lang Co Beach, Hoi An, and My Son. Lang Co Beach features palm trees, clear waters, and white sand, while My Khe Beach, popular during the Vietnam-US War, offers numerous water sports and can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Da Nang’s 30-kilometer coastline is known for its calm waters, fishing, water-skiing, and diving.

HOIAN - FREE DAY

Hoi An Ancient Town - Hoi An, a major Southeast Asian trading post in the 16th and 17th centuries, is a living museum with old-town architecture, including Chinese temples, a Japanese-designed bridge, pagodas, wooden shop-houses, French-colonial houses, and old canals. Despite the decline in large-scale trading, Hoi An has preserved its charm and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 1999. Hoi An Riverside is beautifully lit by lanterns at night, creating a picturesque atmosphere. The town also offers two lovely beaches five kilometers from the center, making it a perfect holiday destination. Hoi An is known for its excellent food, fun shopping, skilled tailors, friendly people, and cozy atmosphere.

HOIAN - MY SON TOWERS TOUR (B,L)

My Son Sanctuary - My Son was a political center and royal burial ground, with over 70 structures dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses, particularly Shiva, the protector of the Champa kings. The red brick and sandstone structures are remarkable. Despite damage from time and wars, the French rediscovered and renovated the site in 1898. Although the area was bombed during the Vietnam War, the central complex survived, and parts have been rebuilt. My Son is reminiscent of other Southeast Asian sites like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

HOIAN - TRANSFER TO HUE (B)

Hue - Huế is a city rich in stories. The Nguyễn Dynasty kings built their feudal capital along Huế’s fertile riverbanks and forested hills, but their imperial legacy is just one reason 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 follows.

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

Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam’s business and financial hub with a 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. During the Vietnam War, the city had 4.5 million inhabitants, who were evacuated when Saigon fell to North Vietnam in 1975. The city has since recovered, with a current population of over 7 million. Renamed Ho Chi Minh City, the city center is still commonly called Saigon.

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

Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh City is known for its modernity and bustling atmosphere, but it also has significant historical sites related to the wars against the French and American armies. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels offers a deep dive into Vietnamese history and is a rewarding activity for both locals and tourists, making it 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 through village paths to see 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 - After 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 Khmer Empire capitals from the ninth to the 15th centuries. The ruins, known as the Angkor Archaeological Park, are located about four miles north of the city center. The 150-square-mile complex, including the famous Angkor Wat Temple, is Siem Reap’s main tourist attraction. In recent years, this ancient yet dynamic destination has been attracting travelers to stay longer and explore its other facets. A few days in Siem Reap reveal a city that balances a glorious past with 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, Dinner)

Banteay Srei - Travel through rural countryside to the small but beautiful temple of Banteay Srei, built largely of pink sandstone, which can be more elaborately carved and better withstands time. Stop at a local village to visit 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. Trained by the United Nations to detonate landmines, his work earned him a nomination for CNN Hero of the year in 2010.

Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat (Meal: Breakfast)

Angkor Wat - Angkor Wat, an enormous Buddhist temple complex in northern Cambodia, was originally built in the first half of the 12th century as a Hindu temple. Spanning over 400 acres, it is considered the largest religious monument in the world. Its name, meaning “temple city” in Khmer, reflects its construction by Emperor Suryavarman II, who ruled 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 became prominent as the capital of the first Lao kingdom (Lan Xang - land of the million elephants) from 1353 onwards. The city is named after the Pha Bang, a revered Buddha image brought to the city by King Visoun during Lan Xang’s golden age in the early 1500s. After the Lao kingdom fragmented in the late 16th century, Luang Prabang became a weak independent city-state paying tribute to surrounding kingdoms. The 1887 sacking by the Chinese Haw led the Luang Prabang monarchy to accept French protection, resulting in the construction of colonial villas alongside traditional Lao architecture. The city declined in the latter half of the 20th century following the French withdrawal and the 1975 revolution, which ended the Luang Prabang monarchy.

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

Pak Ou Caves - Located on the Mekong River north of Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Caves consist of two caves: Tam Ting and Tam Pum. Tam Ting, meaning the cave of a thousand Buddha statues, contains thousands of Buddha statues of various sizes. Research shows about 4,000 statues in the two caves, with 1,500 in Tam Pum and 2,500 in Tam Ting. Most statues are made of wood, painted with red or black lacquer, and covered with gold leaves, with some 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

• 3-star hotels and cruise
• All entrance fees included
• Domestic flights within Vietnam
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• English-speaking tour guides

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

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.