Vietnam Cambodia Tour 11 days: Passion to explore

We welcome you at the airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The rest of the day is at your leisure and yours to explore on your own.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi

Meals : Breakfast

We then enjoy a city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh.

The next destination is the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city.

We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, several of which we will see on our forthcoming trekking

In the evening, we transfer to railway station to board a soft sleep & AC train to Lao Cai/Sapa (22:00-05:55)

Accommodation : On train (Sharing soft sleeper & AC, carriage cabin of 4 berths on train)

Meals : Breakfast

Arrive in Lao Cai station around 6 Am, picked up for a warm breakfast and a short transfer to Cat Cat village. After a couple of minutes, you follow steps going downhill to Cat Cat village. You will stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before continuing the trek on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraces. You also will enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority, where you can take a rest while you are served lunch nearby the river.

After lunch, you head toward Muong Hoa valley. You will pass through Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority and then Tavan village of Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route. You will return Sapa from Tavan by car.

Approx: 0,5 hour driving / 5 hours walking / 1 hour lunch.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Sapa

Meals : Breakfast, Lunc

After breakfast, we drive past the beautiful scenery of the tranquil town of Lao Cai Sapa, home of the Flower Hmong and amazing markets.

Visit markets opening every morning. Here you will have a chance to witness thousands of local minority people in their traditional ethnic dress, drink alcohol and trade goods.

• Can Cau Market (Saturday only)
• Bac Ha Market (Sunday only)
• Cao Son Market (Wednesday only)
• Muong Hum Market (Sunday only)
• Coc Ly Market (Tuesday only)
• Muong Khuong Market (Sunday only)
• Lung Khau Nhin Market (Thursday only)
• Can Cau and Bac Ha Markets (Saturday and Sunday only)

Then back to Sapa to take a night train to Hanoi.

Accommodation : On train (Sharing soft sleeper & AC, carriage cabin of 4 berths on train)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Upon arrival at the railway station, pick up and transfer you to a mini hotel for breakfast and fresh up and then transfer you to Ha Long Bay.

We then transfer you to a wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island. Dinner on board. Overnight on Junk

Accommodation : On Ha Long Bay cruise

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Saigon, transfer to your hotel for your overnight

Note: 

- Due to operation or weather conditions, itineraries and food may change without prior notice.

- Itinerary in Halong Bay is difference between cruises

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals : Breakfast, Brunch

Morning after having breakfast, depart for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war. 

Afternoon, we take a half day of city tour to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, followed by some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral. Apart from the religious meaning, the even more special captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Next, it is on to the Old Saigon Post Office. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offer guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here. 

Overnight at the hotel in HCM city.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals : Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel then you are free at hotel until transfer to the airport to take a flight to Siem Reap. 

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, meet and transfer by the local guide to the hotel for check-in (Early check-in is NOT included and is subject to the hotel’s availability).

Accommodation : At the hotel in Siem Reap

Meals : Breakfast

Beat the crowd early morning by 7am, visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. And continue to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat - one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. Lunch is own account.

Afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom. City & Bayon Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further, visit to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lepper King Terrace and Royal Place area.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Siem Reap

Meals : Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning, we drive to Kbal Spean (60 minutes), which translates to “Bridge Head”. From the entrance, it is an easy 3km hike up to the hill passing through a nice forest offering beautiful views over the surrounding plains. On top, you will find a river with many rocks under the surface holding inscriptions and Hindu statues referred to as the Lingas which date back to the 11th century. There is also a waterfall on top that drops significant amounts of water during the wet season but dries up entirely during the height of the dry season (March/April). In the rainy season the route may be slippery and good footwear is advised.

Hike down the hill back to the car and drive to have lunch at the local restaurant, after lunch, we will visit Banteay Srei Temple. This red sandstone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. They provide an excellent into the Angkor civilization and their beliefs. It was built in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva. Drive back to your hotel in Siem Reap to relax. Dinner is on your own.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Siem Reap

Meals : Breakfast

Drive about 45 minutes to the countryside, stopping en route to visit a local village. Arrive at the quay and board a local boat for a 1.5-hour ride on the Tonle Sap Lake (Chong Kneas Floating Village), also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Find out how communities live and work on the lake; see the floating schools, markets, and police stations, among others; observe their daily lives.

Drive back to Siem Reap for check-out and lunch at the local restaurant, if time permits, visit the old market and artisans in Dángkor before transferring to the airport for departure. Thank you for choosing out Vietnam Cambodia Tour 11 days!

Accommodation : N.A

Meals : Breakfast