Vietnam – Campodia Journey 17 Days

DAY 1: HANOI – ARRIVAL (D)
Accommodation: Hanoi Medallion Hotel - 3 star hotel in the city central
Upon arrival at Noi Bai Aiport, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the late afternoon, we will take an hour Cyclo around Hanoi Old Quarter, exploring bustling streets and local life. Then, attend the performance of the unique water puppet show before enjoying welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 02: HANOI – OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO LAO CAI (B, L)
Accommodation: King Express Train
We begin a full-day city tour around the city by visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex, including the One Pillar Pagoda, his house on stilts and Mausoleum. Then, take a short driver to Temple of Literature - the first university of Vietnam.
Lunch will be served at a local Vietnamese restaurant.
In the afternoon, transfer to Ethnologic museum to learn about 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. Back to the city central, visit Ngoc Son temple and Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, you have free time until transfering to Hanoi railway station for overnight train to Lao Cai.

DAY 03: LAO CAI – MARKET - SAPA (B, L)
Accommodation: Sapa Unique Hotel
Arrival at Lao Cai in early morning. You have time for relaxation and breakfast at a local Vietnamese restaurant before driving to a market of the hill tribles. Depending on the day of the week, we will visit Bac Ha market which is home to the flower H’mong hill tribe minority people and is open on Sunday; Can Cau on Saturday or Coc Ly on Tuesday.
Join the market, you can meet people of Flower Hmong, Black Hmong, Dzay, Dzao and other ethnic groups coming to the market not for purchasing goods, but for meeting and chatting. Markets hold once per week, here likes a real cultural center. After lunchtime, we drive to Sapa. Check in to the hotel and free at the leisure.
Overnight in Sapa.

DAY 04: SAPA –Y LINH HO – LAO CHAI – TA VAN – OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO HANOI (B, L)
Accommodation: King Express Train Sapa
Today, you have a trekking to hill tribles in Muong Hoa village. Trek on trails to Y Linh Ho village at first and enjoy the spectacular views of the beautiful valley with colorful rice terrace en route. You have chance to talk and see local people weaving and embroidering their clothes. Then, walk towards Lao Chai village, experiencing Black H’mong people’s daily life and traditional culture before heading to Ta Van village inhabited by Zay minorities.
Back to Sapa and transfer to Lao Cai train station for the night train back to Hanoi.

DAY 05: HANOI – HALONG (B, L, D)
Accommodation: V’spirit Cruise
Arrival at Hanoi railway station in the early morning, take a shower and enjoy breakfast at a mini hotel nearby before departure for Halong Bay, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage.
08h00 – 08h30: After breakfast, car pick you up at your hotel and start the scenic 3.5 hour drive to Halong Bay - listed as a World Heritage Site of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta countryside and have a short break on the way.
12h00 – 12h30: Embark on Cruise, followed by a short cruise briefing
13h00 – 15h30: Have a delectable lunch in Cruises while crusing among the limestone islands. Enjoy the incredible view of limestone karsts out of the sea and the thousands of jungle-covered islands floating on the water.
15h30 – 16h30: Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Luon Cave area and explore the bay in your own.
16h30: Back to the Cruise.
16h30 – 17h30: Cruise to Soi Sim island for swimming among turquoise water and relaxing at the beach or climping up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay.
17h30: Return to the main boat for a shower. Relax or snap photos of sunset.
19h00: Dinner is served. After that, you are free to socialize with other guests, fish for squid, or just laze around. Overnight on board.
Overnight on a junk boat in Halong Bay.

DAY 06: HALONG – HANOI – FLIGHT TO HUE (B, L)
Accommodation: Asia Hotel – in the city centralHalong Bay
06h30 – 07h00: Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt
07h30 – 08h30: Have breakfast at sunrise.
08h30 – 09h30: Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the nicest cave in Halong Bay.
09h30: Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
09h30 – 10h30: Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village to see life of fishmen; Dog Islet and more…
10h30 – 11h30: While heading back to the habor, watch the cooking demonstration before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
12h00: Disembark Cruise
12h30: Transfer back to Hanoi.
16h30 – 17h00: Come to Hanoi and prepare for transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue. Arrival Hue, welcome then transfer to the hotel, check in and free time at the leisure.
Overnight on Hue.

DAY 07: HUE – HOI AN (B, L)
Accommodation: Vinh Hung Riverside Resort.
Morning, you visit the Hue Imperal Citadel where used to be ruled by Nguyen Dynasty to learn about its architecture and history. Then, spend time in crowded market of Dong Ba where you may be interested in bargaining for some souvenirs. After lunch, you process to Hoi An via the most beautiful pass of Vietnam- Hai Van Pass. You will stop on the way to visit Cham Museum, My Khe Beach, Marble Mountain. Arrival Hoi An, check in to the hotel then free time at the leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 08: HOI AN (B, L)
Accommodation: Vinh Hung Riverside Resort.
This morning we take a walking tour of the old town Hoi An, nestled on the banks of theThuBonRiver. The city was one of the most important trading ports inSoutheast Asia, and a center for East-West exchange and trade. Over the years, ancient architecture in the town reflects a fascinating mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese. Thanks to well preserved, the rooftops and houses of Hoi An still retain old world oriental features. The walking tour around the city with stops at Japanese covered bridge, Phuc Kien assemble hall, Phung Hung old house, Hoi An museum and Quan Cong temple. The rest of time is fee to walk in the old town, feel the atmosphere of its original culture, enjoy shopping for tailor clothing, lanterns, shoes and food.
Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 09: HOI AN – DA NANG – FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L)
Accommodation: The White I Hotel
After breakfast, you are free at your leisure until transfer to the airport for onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon. Arrive at the airport, you are welcomed by our tour guide and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

DAY 10: HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L)
Accommodation: The White I Hotel
This day, you visit the Reunification Palace which was palace of President Thieu and his predecessors and now it is a museum where you can visit the private rooms of the president and many other architures. Next, we visit the War Remnants Museum, including 8 specific exhibitions and various collections of the truth of history, crime evidences, kinds of weapon and tools serving for the wars, prison house system.
We also stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, reflecting classic French colonial architecture before spend time in Ben Thanh market for shopping.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

DAY 11: HO CHI MINH – VINH LONG - CAN THO (B, L)
Accommodation: TTC Hotel – 3 star hotel in city central
After breakfast, it takes around 3 hours through the beautiful fields and farms to the southernmost region of Vietnam - the Mekong Delta, referred to as the rice basket of Vietnam. Then, you take a boat trip to visit Cai Be floating market before visiting Dong Hoa Hiep village that makes rice paper – a Vietnamese cuisine
We will also visit one of many local orchards where we can enjoy some of the tropical fruits before transferring to Can Tho.
Overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 12: CAN THO – CHAU DOC (B, L)
Accommodation: Chau Pho Hotel
After breakfast, continue boating to witnessVietnam’s largest floating market – Cai Rang, seeing local people exchanging their products on the water as they have done for centuries. Continue on to a fruit orchard where you can try the tropical fruits grown in this region and try some local tea before driving to Chau Doc. Arrive in Chau Doc, boat to cruise through Islamic Champa village and fishing breeding house on Mekong River to experience life of local people. Continue to Tri Ton where is known for Khmer sanctuaries.
Overnight in Chau Doc.

DAY 13: CHAU DOC – PHNOM PENH, CAMPODIA (B)
Accommodation: King Grand Boutique Hotel
Today, you take speed boat trip along Mekong River to Cambodia. Upon arrival Phnom Penh port, you are transferred to hotel for check in.
In the afternoon, visit to the Royal Palace built in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom. It excellently features impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Then, we visit Silver Pagoda, nearby Royal Palace, where you are amazed at a lot of Buddha Statues decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver. Another next stop is Independence Monument which was built in 1954 after Cambodian wining their independence from French and dedicated to the Cambodian's patriot who died for the country. You continue visiting National Museum built since 1917 with unique Khmer architecture. Visit Tuol Sleng prison where was the security office of the Khmer Rouge regime. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

DAY 14: PHNOM PENH – FLIGHT TO SIEM REAP (B)
Accommodation: Steung Siem Reap
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will check-in to your hotel and have free at leisure for the rest of the evening.
Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 15: SIEM REAP (B)
Accommodation: Steung Siem Reap
We have a ride among the jungle passing local villages and shops to explore Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit the West Gate and South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple with 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. The, continue to Baphuon temple, a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru. We step to see old palace as Phimeankas temple in huge complex that was used for king in the past time. Then, Elephant terrace is platform for king and officer viewing shows and meeting. Nearby is Preah Palilay which is older than Angkor Thom, deeply in forest and on path back. You can see monks sprinkling water to people.
We continue to visit the famous temple - Angkor Wat which is the World Heritage Site, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along gallery walls and tells stories from Hindu mythology.
Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 16: SIEM REAP (B)
Accommodation: Steung Siem Reap
Rise early to beat the crowds at the photogenic of 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. We visit Ta Prohm to admire the unique incredible temple.
We head to the small but beautiful temple of Banteay Srey. This temple is largely built of pink sandstones that are elaborately carved and better survives over time. You can capture some good photographs of the clear and detailed carvings. Then, visit Banteay Samre with rose-colored sandstone walls decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs. We finish by experiencing sunset over the rice fields from the royal crematorium of Pre Rup, a classic view of the Cambodian countryside.
Overnight in Siem Reap

DAY 17: SIEM REAP - DEPARTURE (B)
This morning, we enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake which is one of the largest lakes in South East Asia, flowing into Tonle Sap River and joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a fishermen'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.
Transfer to Siem Reap International airport for your flight home.

What's included?
All accommodation on twin share basis at hotels
All transfer & transports by private A/C coaches or cars
Meals as listed in the itinerary: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner
A Ha Noi – Lao Cai – Ha Noi train ticket (base on 4 soft berth sleepers)
English speaking guide (Other languages upon request) 1
Entrance fees to all scenic spots listed in the itinerary
Boat trip and Junk Cruise as dedicated in the itineraryBoat ticket: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

What's excluded?
Visa to Cambodia and Vietnam(Get in advance)
Meals and drinks, except those mentioned
Other International flights
Domestic flights: Hanoi - Hue , Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City
Insurance, Tipping and other personal expenses
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Early check-in and late check-out
Other services not mentioned in the itinerary