Siem Reap

Fly to Siem Reap, CAMBODIA Welcome to Cambodia. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, obtain your Cambodia visa, and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside your local Guide. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it. You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide for a three-night stay at the Shinta Mani Shack, the closest hotel to the treasures of the fabled archaeological site at Angkor. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Angkor Thom South Gate

Spend the early morning visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). This huge walled complex was the centre of the world’s largest city in 1200. Following the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181, the King Jayavarman VII decided to build an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. The scale is simply staggering and we are immediately overwhelmed by the audacity of Jayavarman on arrival at the city’s gates. The causeway is lined by an intricate bridge depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk from Hindu mythology in which the devas (gods) and asuras (devils) play tug of war with a naga (seven-headed serpent) to obtain the elixir of immortality. Its vast walls, some 6m wide, 8m high and 13km in length contain many monuments.

Bayon Temple

Next, visit Bayon temple surrounded by faces on all sides, visitors never forget the enigmatic and enchanting temple of the Bayon. At the exact centre of Angkor Thom, this is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 towers are each topped off with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear more than a passing resemblance to the king himself. These colossal heads stare down from every side, exuding power and control with a hint of compassion, just the mix required to keep a hold on such a vast empire. Unlike his predecessors who had worshipped the Hindu deities of Shiva and Vishnu, Jayavarman VII adopted Mahayana Buddhism as the fount of royal divinity. This sets the Bayon apart from many other Angkorian monuments. The bas-reliefs here depict intricate scenes of ancient battles against the Chams and offer a wonderful snapshot of daily life during the Angkor period.

Baphuon Temple

You’ll then continue to visit Baphuon. It is located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

Terrace of the Elephants

Stroll to the Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. The terrace was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas, of which only a few ruins remain.

Terrace of the Leper King

We also visit, Terrace of the Leper King is located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, though its modern name derives from a 15th-century sculpture discovered at the site. The statue depicts the Hindu god Yama, the god of death.

Phimeanakas

Next, visit Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas, is a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman, and then completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three tier pyramid as a Hindu temple.

Ta Prohm

Next, you’ll continue to Ta Phrom this temple is perhaps the most atmospheric of all Angkor’s treasures. The temple was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been left to the destructive power of nature by archaeologists to demonstrate the awesome power of nature. It has been largely consumed by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. At every turn you expect to see Indiana Jones or Lara Croft step out from behind a fallen pillar. It is one of the most regularly visited temples, with visitors often arriving during the middle of the day to take advantage of the protective forest canopy above the ruined temple. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them. This was one of the settings for Lara Croft’s adventures in “Tomb Raider”. Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delicious local restaurant.

Angkor Wat

Take a break for lunch at local restaurant and afterwards, you’ll be dazzled by what you see this afternoon at the vast, 12th-century Angkor Wat temple; the bas-reliefs and many devatas (guardian spirits) that cover its walls inspire awe and admiration. This example of classical Khmer architecture has been a significant religious center for Hindus and then Buddhists through the ages.

Banteay Srei

This morning, journey north to visit Banteay Srei. This jewel of Angkor was built by a Brahman in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of exquisite sculptures, lintels and friezes. These, it is said, must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives the origin of the Khmer name, Fortress of the Women. While it may be a small temple complex, the beauty of Banteay Srei is found not in the scale, but the detail. Many believe the intricate carving is the best example of Khmer classical art in existence. Stop at a local village to visit families who are producing palm sugar.

Preah Khan

Next, continue to visit Preah Khan, built in the same style as Ta Prohm, Preah Khan is a much better state of preservation. Meaning The Sacred Sword, this temple was also built by Jayavarman VII and is famous for its immensely long cruciform corridors and delicate carvings, including the spectacular hall of dancers. Look out for the curious two-storey structure that is almost Grecian in inspiration. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to both Buddhism and Hinduism. The original eastern entrance was for Mahayana Buddhists, while the other cardinal points represented the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delicious local restaurant in town.

Kampong Phluk Floating Village

After lunch, you’ll continue for a tour of the surrounding countryside and take an ox-cart ride through the villages and the rice fields. At the end of your ride, have a fresh coconut drink with the family and do not hesitate to talk with the local people to get to know more about their lives. Later, you may wish to join us for drive to the fishing village of Kompong Pluk near Siem Reap and board a private boat. Visit Kompong Pluk village with its houses standing on stilts and board a pirogue to discover the seasonally flooded forest. Visit the floating village and discover the centuries-old lifestyle of the inhabitants of the lake. You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Siem Reap Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. Later this afternoon board a flight from Siem Reap with direct service to Hanoi. Approximate flight time is one hour and 50 minutes.

Hanoi

Fly Siem Reap to Hanoi, departing 18:05, arriving 19:55 Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival in Hanoi, obtain your Vietnam visa, and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local Guide. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it. You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. Vietnam’s capital city. Hanoi, originally named Thang Long or “City of the Ascending Dragon” was the first capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010. Situated in the Centre North of Vietnam, the city is known as one of the most attractive and interesting places for visitors. Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

This morning you'll head out with your guide and begins with a visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, an important point of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese. The area surrounding the complex is a traffic-free zone filled with botanical gardens, monuments, memorials and pagodas, and includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside), Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum and the One Pillar Pagoda. Travel back in time to the nearby simple cottage on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his humble beginnings as a revolutionary. Walk a few blocks out of the Ho Chi Minh Complex to the 11th century Buddhist One Pillar Pagoda, an elegant construction rising from the center of a square-shaped lotus pond on a solitary pillar.

Temple of Literature & National University

Next, visit Temple of Literature is a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. The temple also hosts the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university. The temple was built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. It is one of several temples in Vietnam which is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

You’ll continue to Visit the Museum of Ethnology. The museum provides an insightful glimpse into the country’s lengthy history, with more than 15,000 photos and 10,000 objects and artifacts depicting a historical perspective of the lives, activities, customs, and habits of the 54 recognized ethnic groups of Vietnam.

Hanoi Opera House

After lunch at a favorite local restaurant, drive through Colonial Hanoi, seeing the Hanoi Opera House, or the Grand Opera House is an opera house in central Hanoi, Vietnam. It was erected by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911.

Hoa Lo Prison

Next, you’ll go inside infamous Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”), where Senator John McCain and Douglas “Pete” Wilson were once imprisoned.

Hanoi Old Quarter Culture Exchange Center

Take a cyclo ride through the Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch the local life, and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. The best way to enjoy the charming colonial architecture is to wander with your guide at a leisurely pace and be sure to stop for a cup of Vietnamese coffee or a local snack from one of the many tantalizing street vendors.

Thang Long Water Puppet

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance, a uniquely North Vietnamese art form celebrating rural life and folklore for over 1,000 years, this evening.

Hạ Long Bay

After breakfast, depart on a journey northeast of Hanoi to the famous and magnificent Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. Cruise on Ha Long Bay aboard the Dragon Legend Cruise (A junk is an ancient-style sailboat, with a design still in use today). Welcome to Dragon Legend Cruise. Cruise begins with safety briefing. 13:15: Have lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay, admire the fascinating formations on the way. 14:30: Explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son Cave. 15:00: Enjoy kayaking to discover the limestone islands in the bay before returning to the cruise ship. 16:15: Back to junk for refreshing and watch sunset on board. 17:15: Back to junk for refreshing before having dinner on board. 17:15: Join a Vietnamese cuisine cooking class. 19:00: Take a rest and enjoy dinner in a peaceful and romantic atmosphere on the bay. 20:00: Leisure time, guests can experience squid fishing, and have a good night on Dragon Legend Cruise.

Hạ Long Bay

06:00: Start a new day with a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck. 07:00 – 07:15: Breakfast is served on the cruise. 07:45: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village a rustic rowboat, meet the local people and pass through the floating school and fish farms. 08:45: Return to the cruise for relaxation and leisure. 09:45 – 10:00: Check out and enjoy some free time to relax, capture memorable photos as the cruise passes through a stunning limestone island area. 10:15: Enjoy a buffet brunch while the cruise continues its journey on the bay. 11:30 – 12:00: The cruise returns to the International Port of Ha Long. The crew will bid you farewell and you disembark. Your guide will meet you as you disembark and will transfer you back to return to Hanoi to catch your flight to the city of Da Nang on the South China Sea. Later this afternoon board a flight from Hanoi with direct service to Da Nang. Approximate flight time is one hour and 15 minutes.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Fly Hanoi to Danang, departing 17:05, arriving 18:20 From there, you'll travel a short distance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, where you'll spend the next two nights. Hoi An, known to early Western merchants, was one of the major trading centre of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a distinctive Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets is still virtually intact. Many of the houses were constructed of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs. Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Japanese Covered Bridge

Today, discover how the traditions of the past are treasured in the present in Hoi An on the Thu Bon River, a key international trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved, centuries-old streets, dwellings, temples and pagodas, touring Hoi An's historic highlights via cyclo with your guide. Highlights of your walking tour through its charming streets, visit 17th century Japanese Covered Bridge, construction on this covered bridge began in the Year of the Monkey (1593) and was finished in the Year of the Dog (1595), hence the monkey and dog sculptures at either end.

The Old House of Phun Hung

Next, your cyclo will ride to Phung Hung old house was built over 100 years ago during the development of the city of Hoi An. the owner named the house Phung Hung which means.

Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien)

You’ll, continue to visit the Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien), Hoi An was established in the year 1697. It is a great example of the Chinese architecture. The Chinese merchants of the Fukian Province are believed to build this huge assembly hall. However, some changes have been made to this Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) in the course of time.

Old House of Tan Ky

We also visit the Tan Ky House is a small unrestored five generation family home in the old quarters. It was built in the late 1890's and is laid out to show you what living.

Hoi An Riverside

Then climb aboard a riverboat along the Thu Bon River to see the city from a different vantage point and visit a quaint boat-building village.

Tomb of Tu Duc

No Vietnam travel experience would be complete without a visit to Hué, Vietnam’s most beautiful city, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This morning drive in the scenery along the Vietnamese coast and Hai Van Mountain during a drive to Hue via Da Nang and the 18-mile-long "China Beach" – made famous by the 1980s TV show of the same name and now a popular Vietnam travel destination. Upon arrival, visit the tomb of 19th-century emperor Tu Duc, surrounded by vast, well-tended botanical gardens and beautiful open-air pavilions. Some emperors were so concerned about their graves being violated that, upon completion of the tomb, all of the thousands of workers who built them were put to death so as not to divulge the exact location of the body.

Tomb of Khai Dinh

Next, continue to the Tomb of Khai Dinh, hidden in Chau Chu Mountain. Built for the Nguyen emperor Khai Dinh between 1920-31, it is an impressive structure combining western and eastern architecture, guarded by statues of soldiers and animals.

Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)

After lunch, ride your private, pedal-powered cyclo to explore Hué's Citadel – which housed the Imperial City for the emperor’s official functions, and the Forbidden Purple City for his personal time – then settle in to your riverfront accommodations along the Perfume River.

Thien Mu Pagoda

This morning explore Hué’s tranquil setting as you admire Thien Mu Pagoda (“Heavenly Lady”) Pagoda, a seven-story octagonal tower built in 1844, and cruise along the Perfume River; view the boats that continue to serve as complete family homes for many residents of Hué.

Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang

Next, you’ll visit Minh Mang Royal tomb, set amidst a lush pine hill by the river and considered to be one of the most beautiful mausoleums. Each ruler of the Imperial City built his own tomb during his reign. Later this afternoon, you'll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Board a flight from Hue with direct service to Ho Chi Minh City. Approximate flight time is one hour and 30 minutes.

Ho Chi Minh City

Fly Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, departing 13:45, arriving 15:15 Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at the Airport. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local Guide. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it. From the airport, you will be privately transferred to your hotel. Formerly known as Saigon, today’s Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and vibrating economic centre of the South. Over the past few centuries, Saigon was called the “Pearl of the Far East” and was an important trading centre for Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants who travelled along the Saigon River. Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Today's Ho Chi Minh City – once known as Saigon – bustles with forward-looking energy in glittering skyscapes, street vendors and open-air cafés. After breakfast, head to the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ben Duoc for a close-up look at the Vietnam War. Stretching out in a 120-mile underground network of meeting rooms, triage centers and kitchens, this vast complex allowed North Vietnamese combatants to evade discovery as they moved freely throughout the area, and offers a unique look at life in wartime Vietnam.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

After lunch at a favorite local restaurant, continue to discover Saigon's historic landmarks visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral, where French colonial presence is immediately felt. The Neo-Romanesque Catholic Basilica was constructed from 1877 to 1833 entirely of imported French building materials.

Central Post Office

Next, head across the street to the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural marvel with rich Gothic, Renaissance and French influences as well.

The Independence Palace

Next, visit the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace, which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975 during the Fall of Saigon. It was here that the Vietnam War ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates and led to the formal reunification of the two sides.

War Remnants Museum

Continue to the War Remnants Museum, intended as a call for peace with the hopes that the horrors of that war will never be repeated. The museum features a comprehensive collection of the machinery, weapons and photos of the Vietnamese side of the war, and includes a moving tribute to the journalists, civilians and soldiers lost during the war.

Ben Thanh Market

Afterward, stop for shopping at the French-built Ben Thanh Market, a great place to shop for souvenirs, and bustling with midday activity.

Vinh Long

The mighty Mekong River is the lifeblood of Vietnam and its neighbors. Originating high up in the Tibetan plateau in China, it winds across Southeast Asia for over 2700 miles and reaches its Delta on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong Delta is a veritable biological treasure trove of unique species found nowhere else, the area is also integral to agricultural production in southern Vietnam.

Cai Be

This morning, meet your guide and transfer to the Cai Be jetty together. Your crew welcomes Cai Be Princess sampan sets off for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways. On the river, boat traffic is endless and the activity never ceases. From the comfort of your sampan observe life as it plays out on the riverbanks - the people, the stunning landscapes – while your attentive crew serves you tea and seasonal fruit. We’ll make stops along the way to provide glimpses of local microidustries: coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), products that provide a living for the river people. Your cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of life during Indochinese times. After lunch, take a short walk along the nearby canal system towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City

Tour ends: Ho Chi Minh City. A transfer from Hotel des Arts Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.