Arrive Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative. You will then be transferred in a private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel for check-in.

Meals: No meals included
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh – City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnel

Full-Day Tour in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning Activities:

1. Breakfast at Hotel:

   • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.

2. Cu Chi Tunnels:

   • Transfer to Cu Chi, the northernmost suburban district of Ho Chi Minh City.
   • Explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a major underground hideout and resistance base for Viet Cong forces during the wars against the French and Americans. The tunnels stretch over 120 km and include meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches, and emergency exits.

Activities at Cu Chi Tunnels:

• Watch a documentary film introducing the Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Crawl short distances through the tunnels used by guerrilla fighters during the Vietnam War.
• Learn about different types of booby traps, a symbol of guerrilla warfare.
• Visit the weapons room to see how Viet Cong soldiers made their weapons.
• Optionally, go to the shooting range to fire a real AK-47 (bullets not included).

Lunch:

• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon Activities:

3. War Remnants Museum:

   • Delve into Vietnam’s war history with the French and Americans. The museum features machinery, weapons, and photos from the Vietnamese perspective, including tributes to journalists, civilians, and soldiers, and looks at biological warfare, weaponry, and global peace movements.

4. Reunification Palace (Independence Palace):

   • Visit the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of the Vietnam War in April 1975, where the war ended with a North Vietnamese Army tank crashing through the gates.

5. Drive By Former American Embassy:

   • Pass by the former American Embassy and visit the site where Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc self-immolated in 1963, leading to significant political change.

6. Ben Thanh Market:

   • Visit this centrally located covered market for souvenirs or to relax with a cup of Vietnamese coffee.

7. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica:

   • Visit the neo-Roman cathedral built over 130 years ago by the colonial French, with materials imported from Marseilles.

8. Saigon Central Post Office:

   • Explore the fine colonial building designed and built in the early 20th Century by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel.

9. Cho Lon (Chinatown):

   • Visit the Jade Emperor Temple (Phuoc Hai), a rare Taoist structure in Vietnam built in 1909 in dedication to the Lord of Heaven.

Evening:

10. Return to Hotel:
    • After a day full of exploration, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

This itinerary provides a comprehensive look at the historical and cultural highlights of Ho Chi Minh City, combining both educational and leisure activities for a fulfilling day.

Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta (Home Stay)

Morning Activities:

1. Breakfast at Hotel:

   • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before starting the day’s activities.

2. Visit Vinhlong Market:

   • Begin your tour with a visit to Vinhlong market in town. This vibrant market is ideal for taking photos of fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, vegetables, and more.

Midday Activities:

3. Boat Ride and Optional Lunch:

   • Take a boat ride to a local house where you have the option to enjoy lunch. Experience authentic local cuisine in a traditional setting.

4. Brick Kilns Visit:

   • After lunch, visit the brick kilns to see how local people create beautiful pottery from clay. Learn about the traditional methods used in this craft.

5. Local Workshop:

   • Visit a local workshop to see how rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice are made. Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea as you learn about these traditional crafts.

Afternoon Activities:

6. Homestay Check-In:

   • Walk to Út Trinh, Út Quỳnh, or Út Bình homestay and check in. Freshen up with a shower before the evening activities.

7. Cooking Class:

   • Join the local family in cooking some special dishes. This hands-on experience allows you to learn about local culinary traditions and enjoy a meal you helped prepare.

Evening Activities:

8. Traditional Music:

   • If your group consists of 1-9 people, enjoy traditional music before check-in. For groups of 10 or more, the traditional music performance will take place after dinner.

9. Dinner and Overnight:

   • Enjoy a delicious dinner with the local family and spend the night at the homestay, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of a local family in the Mekong Delta.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight Stay: Homestay

This itinerary offers a rich cultural experience, combining visits to local markets, traditional crafts, and a unique homestay experience in the Mekong Delta.

Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh (Drive) & Ho Chi Minh – Danang (By Flight) & Danang – Hoi An (Drive)

Hanoi

Start your day with a relaxing Cyclo ride through the French Quarter in the heart of Hanoi. This area, shaped during the French colonial era, exudes an old-world charm that perfectly captures Vietnam’s timelessness and nostalgia. The French Old Quarter, designed with a chessboard layout, features colonial-style buildings crafted by French architects to suit the local climate. This ride is a perfect introduction to Hanoi’s rich history, showcasing everything from grand structures along tree-lined boulevards to modest buildings tucked away in small alleys. Even after decades, these architectural gems remain an important part of the city’s distinct charm.

Next, pay your respects to Vietnam’s founder at the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, a significant pilgrimage site for many Vietnamese. Explore the simple stilt cottage where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked, then visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which offers a fascinating tribute to his life. Learn about Vietnam’s prewar history at the Governor’s Residence, also known as the Presidential Palace. This classical French building exemplifies Hanoi’s architectural heritage, but Ho Chi Minh chose to live in a traditional Vietnamese stilt house on the grounds instead. Don’t miss the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure resembling a lotus blossom rising from a pond, and listen to the legend of its construction. Afterward, return to your hotel for some leisure time.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius.

Then, our guide and driver will take you to Chợ Hôm market, renowned for its fabric selection. Here, you can buy fabric by the meter to create your own dresses and other items. The market is also bustling with produce, meats, seafood, and traditional Vietnamese foods. Experience the local market atmosphere and see how Hanoians shop for their daily needs.

After your city tour, visit a unique café hidden in a small alley in the Old Quarter. With about 95% of its furniture and decorations made from recycled materials, the café’s owner aims to protect the environment and raise community awareness about nature conservation. Using the principles of “reduce, reuse, recycle,” the café creatively transforms scraps into tables, chairs, lights, and drinking cups.

In the evening, enjoy a Water Puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form. Originating from rural festivals, this theater style, known as “Roi Nuoc,” features artists standing waist-deep in water to manipulate puppets. These puppets perform charming scenes, such as farmers working in the paddy fields, water buffalo bathing, courtship rituals, and martial arts displays, much to the audience’s delight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Hanoi

Hanoi – Halong Bay Overnight on Boat

Start your morning with a departure from Hanoi at 08:30, embarking on a scenic 3.5-hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay City. Along the way, enjoy a refreshing stop for snacks or coffee. Upon arrival in Ha Long City, board a tender and transfer to your traditional junk boat, where lunch will be served as you begin your cruise through this mesmerizing bay.

As you sail, marvel at the sight of thousands of limestone islands dotting the emerald waters, creating a landscape that resembles dragons’ teeth rising from the sea. In the afternoon, visit a fishing village where you can interact with locals who have lived in the bay for generations. Back on board, relax with cocktails or join a cooking class against the backdrop of a stunning sunset. Later, indulge in a sumptuous dinner at the boat’s restaurant.

After dinner, unwind with evening activities such as a movie night, board games, or even a soothing beauty treatment. Spend the night on the junk boat, surrounded by the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Cruise

Halong – Hanoi (Drive) & Hanoi – Vientiane (By Flight)

Awaken to the soothing sounds of the ocean as life begins anew around you. After a delightful breakfast, you have the option to participate in a Tai Chi class on deck and witness the breathtaking sunrise over Ha Long Bay, a moment not to be missed.

Later, explore a stunning limestone grotto, marveling at its natural beauty and unique formations. Return to the junk boat for a final leisurely cruise back to the dock, soaking in the last views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Disembark at the Cruise Café Lounge and transfer by private car to the airport for your onward journey to Vientiane. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure, exploring Vientiane at your own pace.

Meals: Brunch
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Vientiane

Vientiane

Vientiane – Vang Vieng (Drive)

Early morning, depart from Vientiane and embark on a northbound journey through breathtaking countryside landscapes, heading towards the mountainous region. Along the way, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of KM52 market, where various hill tribes gather to trade goods amidst a colorful setting. Capture the picturesque views at Hin Heup bridge and visit the bustling fish market in Ban Tha Heua for a glimpse into local life.

Continue your journey until you arrive at Vang Vieng, nestled along the serene bend of the Nam Song River. Despite recent tourism developments, the town retains its stunning scenery with limestone outcrops that remain unspoiled.

In the afternoon, venture into the countryside surrounded by verdant paddy fields on your way to Tham Phoukham caves. Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of this famous limestone cavern nestled amidst natural forests. Along the way, interact with local villagers and gain insights into their daily lifestyles and traditions. At the caves, cool off in the small natural pool or explore the surrounding area.

As the day winds down, return to town and unwind.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang (Drive)

Begin your morning with a leisurely stroll through the town, exploring the local market to glimpse everyday life in a typical Lao rural area. After breakfast, we proceed to visit Tham Jang Cave, historically used for defense against Chinese invaders in the early 19th century.

Following this, we embark on a scenic journey towards Luang Prabang, renowned as one of Southeast Asia’s best-preserved traditional cities. The well-paved roads ensure a comfortable ride as we pass through stunning landscapes adorned with steep terraced fields and picturesque hill villages. Pause for photo opportunities at charming hill tribe villages along the way, each offering its own unique atmosphere and vibrancy.

At an altitude exceeding 2000 meters, marvel at a panoramic view of the surrounding area before a brief stop at Ban Huay Sala to visit the local school, gaining insight into community life.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang – Siem Reap (By Flight)

Following breakfast, embark on a serene cruise upstream along the Mekong River, offering breathtaking views of the tranquil countryside. En route, we arrive at the mystical Pak Ou Caves, where two interconnected caves house thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues, left over centuries by devoted pilgrims.

On our journey, we pause at Ban Muang Keo, renowned for its traditional Lao rice whisky distillation, providing insight into local customs and craftsmanship.

Returning to town, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel, where you can enjoy leisure time exploring Siem Reap at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Siem Reap

Siem Reap

Begin your morning with a visit to the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, built in the 12th century. Marvel at the South Gate adorned with towering statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk. Explore the Bayon Temple, renowned for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Continue to Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King, each offering insights into the grandeur of the Khmer empire.

After a satisfying lunch, visit the iconic Angkor Wat, the most famous temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Covering 81 hectares, Angkor Wat is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Admire its distinctive five towers, which are featured on Cambodia’s flag. Built in the 12th century, this masterpiece of classical Khmer art and architecture symbolizes Mount Meru’s five peaks and is surrounded by a moat representing the cosmic ocean.

After a day immersed in history and art, return to your hotel to relax and reflect on the wonders of Angkor.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Siem Reap

Siem Reap- Half Day Chongkness Floating Village

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a half-day tour to Chong Kneas, a fascinating floating village located at the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, just 30 minutes from Siem Reap. As you journey towards the village, pass by expansive paddy fields, stilted houses, and a hill crowned with an ancient temple.

Chong Kneas is home to three main communities: Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Cham. Explore the village and witness daily life activities such as fishing, crocodile farms, floating houses, schools, and restaurants, all set against the unique backdrop of a village floating on water.

In the afternoon, your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to continue the exploration of Chong Kneas. Board a traditional wooden boat for a scenic ride on Tonle Sap Lake, known as the “Great Lake” of Cambodia and one of the largest in Asia. Experience the tranquility of the lake and observe ordinary Cambodians going about their daily routines in this floating community.

Your boat will venture briefly into the vastness of the Great Lake before docking at Tara, the largest boat on Tonle Sap Lake. Here, you’ll witness the unique lifestyle of a floating village, complete with floating schools and even a floating police station, reflecting the adaptability of its residents to the water’s ebb and flow.

Before returning to your hotel, visit “Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles” in Siem Reap, where traditional Cambodian craftsmanship is preserved and practiced.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Siem Reap

Leave Siem Reap

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Later, you will be transferred to Siem Reap Airport for your flight back home.

Wishing you safe travels and fond memories of your journey through Cambodia!

Meal: Breakfast