Brief Itinerary
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Activity
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What is included / not included
Includes
- Accommodation with breakfast included, based on double/twin occupancy.
- Enjoy a night onboard a deluxe cabin with a traditional design during your Halong Bay cruise.
- All transfers and ground transportation will be provided by private, modern, and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with a dedicated driver.
- Shared vehicles for the Hanoi – Sapa and Hanoi – Halong Bay round trip.
- The itinerary mentions that breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) are included.
- Entry fees for all mentioned sites and attractions are covered.
- Boat trips, as mentioned in the program, are included.
- Qualified local tour guides accompany you throughout the trip, except during designated break times or activities mentioned explicitly as “WITHOUT GUIDE.”
- One flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is included in the package.
Excludes
- International flights from your countries
- Tipping gratuity for guides, drivers, hotel & restaurant staff, boat riders, etc.
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.
- All other services are not specified in the itinerary.
- Surcharges are charged for peak season, New Year holidays, and compulsory dinners on Christmas and New Year’s Eve as per the regulations of the hotels and cruises.
Tour Details
Day 01: Phnom Penh Arrival
- Welcome and transfer to your hotel in Phnom Penh.
- Depending on your arrival time, you might consider exploring the city a bit on your own. Consider visiting the lively riverside or grabbing some street food for dinner.
Day 02: Phnom Penh City Tour
- This day is packed with fascinating historical and cultural sights:
- Victory Monument: Commemorates Cambodia’s independence.
- National Museum: Houses a vast collection of Khmer art and artifacts.
- Royal Palace: The official residence of the Cambodian king.
- Silver Pagoda: Renowned for its gleaming silver floor tiles.
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21): A former prison used by the Khmer Rouge. It’s a harrowing experience, but learning about Cambodia’s dark history is important.
- Choeung Ek Killing Fields: A mass grave site where victims of the Khmer Rouge regime were killed.
- Local Dessert Tasting: A delightful way to end the day by trying some sweet treats from the Central Market.
Day 03: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Kampong Phluk
- Transfer to Siem Reap by car (driver only).
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and meet your guide in Siem Reap.
- In the afternoon, take a boat trip to Kampong Phluk, a unique floating village on Tonle Sap Lake.
- Overnight stay in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Exploring Angkor & Relaxation
- Start your day early to avoid crowds at the magnificent Angkor Thom, the “Great City.” Explore the South Gate, the iconic Bayon temple with its enigmatic faces, and other architectural wonders like Baphuon and Phimean Akas.
- In the afternoon, visit the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. Be prepared to be amazed by its intricate carvings and expansive grounds.
- After exploring the Angkor complex, unwind and pamper yourself at one of Cambodia’s finest spas – Bodia Spa. A massage is a perfect way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.
- Enjoy the sunset views from the top of Pre Rup Hill Temple.
Day 5: Unveiling More Temples & Cultural Experience
- This day focuses on some of the beautiful temples outside of Angkor Wat.
- Start with Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women), known for its pink sandstone and intricate carvings.
- Continue to Banteay Samre, a well-preserved Hindu temple with architectural similarities to Angkor Wat.
- Pre Rup is considered the most beautiful temple in the Grand Circuit group and offers stunning views from its upper levels.
- Enjoy a romantic dinner with a traditional Apsara dance performance in the evening. Apsara dancers are known for their graceful movements and elaborate costumes, offering a glimpse into Cambodian culture.
Day 6: Farewell Cambodia, Hello Vietnam!
- Enjoy some free time in Siem Reap before transferring to the airport for your Ho Chi Minh City (Ho Chi Minh City) flight.
- You’ll be transferred to your hotel upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City. Then, you can start exploring the vibrant city at your own pace.
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City City Exploration & Cu Chi Tunnels
- Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office – Two French colonial landmarks in the city’s heart.
- Take a stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House – Enjoy the European-style architecture along this famous street and admire the Opera House.
- Stop at the Reunification Palace (formerly the Presidential Palace). Learn about the Vietnam War at this historic site, which was the residence of the South Vietnamese president until 1975.
- Explore Ben Thanh Market. At this bustling market, you can Browse through a wide variety of souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts.
- Lunch at a local restaurant – Enjoy some delicious Vietnamese cuisine
- Cu Chi Tunnels – Venture underground to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels used by the Viet Minh during the Vietnam War. Learn about the fascinating history of this site and how the tunnels played a crucial role in the war.
Day 8: Exploring the Mekong Delta – Ben Tre
- Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Ham Luong Pier – Start your journey with a scenic boat ride along the Ben Tre River.
- Boat trip on Ben Tre River with scenic mangrove views – Enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the Mekong Delta as you cruise along the river.
- Visit a traditional brickwork factory – Learn about the conventional brickmaking process in Vietnam.
- Explore a coconut workshop and try coconut candy. Learn how coconuts are processed and treated, and enjoy some tasty coconut candy.
- Lunch at a local restaurant – Savor some local flavors at a restaurant along the river.
- Relaxing boat ride on a palm tree canal – Take a leisurely boat ride on a palm tree-lined canal.
- Visit a farmer who makes sleeping mats – Learn about a traditional handicraft and see how sleeping mats are made.
- Take a tuk-tuk ride through a coconut grove – Enjoy a fun ride through a scenic coconut grove.
- Free time for shopping at the local market or An Thanh Pier – Browse through the shops and stalls at the market or pier.
- Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the airport for a flight to Hanoi – As you head back to Ho Chi Minh City, you can relax and reflect on your day trip to the Mekong Delta.
Day 9: Sapa Arrival – Silver Waterfall & Heaven Gate
- Morning drive from Hanoi to Sapa (approximately 6 hours) – Enjoy the scenic journey through the Vietnamese countryside as you travel to Sapa.
- Check in to the hotel in Sapa (lunch by your own arrangement). Leave your luggage at your hotel and get ready for your afternoon exploration.
- Afternoon exploration with local guide and driver – Join your guide and driver for a tour of the surrounding area.
- Optional stop at a farm for tea and local interaction – Learn about local life and customs as you enjoy a cup of tea with a Vietnamese family.
- Visit the Silver Waterfall – Take in the beauty of this cascading waterfall.
- Scenic drive uphill to Heaven Gate (highest point on the road) – Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below.
Day 10: Exploring Sapa’s Villages
- After breakfast, you’ll embark on a visit to the surrounding villages:
- Y Linh Ho: A town inhabited by the Black Hmong people.
- Lao Chai: Another Black Hmong village known for its stunning rice terraces.
- Ta Van: A town where the Dzay (Giay) ethnic group resides.
- As you travel through these villages, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Muong Hoa Valley, terraced rice fields, and winding streams.
- Overnight homestay in Ta Van village: This is a unique opportunity to experience the local way of life firsthand. You’ll get to stay in a traditional homestay, a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.
Day 11: Conquering Fanxipan Peak & Hanoi Departure
- After breakfast, you’ll take a short walk to the Sun Station, where you’ll board a cable car to conquer Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Vietnam.
- The cable car ride offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from the peak, which is considered one of Vietnam’s most beautiful landscapes. After conquering the peak, you’ll drive back to Hanoi, marking the end of your Sapa adventure.
- Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 12: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Caves – A Historical & Scenic Day Trip
- In the morning, your guide and car will pick you up for a journey to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, which is approximately a two-hour drive from Hanoi.
- Upon arrival, you’ll visit two temples dedicated to emperors and explore the remains of the Old Palace, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
- After lunch, you’ll head to Tam Coc (meaning “three caves”), a scenic valley known for its limestone karst formations.
- Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a gentle river, passing through rice paddies and three caves.
- Next, you’ll drive to Hang Mua Cave, where you can cycle along scenic roads through the Vietnamese countryside.
- The cycling route will take you past lotus ponds, temples, and traditional Vietnamese cottages.
- Finally, you’ll visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a beautiful pagoda situated on a hillside.
- In the evening, you’ll return to Hanoi for your overnight stay.
Day 13: Halong Bay Cruise – sounds like a great way to experience the beauty of Halong Bay
- Depart for Halong Bay at 8:00 AM.
- Board your cruise ship, the Victory, at 12:30 PM.
- Enjoy lunch while visiting Bai Tu Long Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations.
- Explore the hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.
- Relax on the sundeck or take a swim in the emerald waters.
- Pre-dinner cocktail party with complimentary snacks and drinks.
- Participate in a cooking class and learn how to prepare Vietnamese dishes.
- Savor a delicious set dinner on board.
- Enjoy night-time squid fishing, a fun activity for all ages.
- Alternatively, relax and soak in the fresh night air.
- Overnight stay in the Cong Do area.
Day 14: Exploring Vung Vieng Fishing Village & Departure to Hanoi
- Wake up early to witness a beautiful sunrise over the bay.
- Participate in a Tai Chi session on the sundeck (optional).
- Enjoy breakfast pastries, tea, and coffee.
- Transfer to a traditional bamboo sampan boat to visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village.
- Interact with the locals and learn about their way of life.
- Check out of your cabin and start cruising back to the port.
- Savor a delightful international buffet brunch on board.
- Disembark from the cruise ship and transfer back to Hanoi.
- Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 15: Exploring Hanoi with a Half-Day Minsk Motorbike Tour & City Tour
- Take a unique city tour on a vintage Minsk motorbike, venturing off the beaten path.
- Explore Hanoi’s backstreets and famous sites, experiencing the local life.
- Sample some special local treats along the way.
- Visit the Temple of Literature, a historical site dedicated to Confucius and education.
- Embark on a walking tour through the bustling Old Quarter for a deeper insight into the locals’ daily lives.
- Explore Ngoc Son Temple, a beautiful temple in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 16: Hanoi Departure
- Enjoy your free time in Hanoi before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
