DAY1: HANOI ARRIVED
Arrive in Hanoi and take a guided transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay in Hanoi.
DAY2: HANOI-HALONG BAY
In the morning, take the cruise company’s group transfer (a journey of up to 4 hours), without a guide, to Halong. On arrival in Halong, board your cruise for a cruise among the rocky limestone islands in the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Stay overnight in Halong Bay.
DAY3: HALONG BAY-HANOI
They are further cruising around Halong Bay this morning. Disembark and return to Hanoi and your hotel by the cruise company’s group transfer, without a guide. Two nights stay in Hanoi.
DAY4: HANOI TOUR
Morning Hanoi sightseeing includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Compound viewed from the outside, the Hanoi Hilton prison, and the Temple of Literature. Afternoon at leisure.
DAY5: HANOI-MAI CHAU
Morning private guided drive on narrow roads to Mai Chau through lush rice paddies and spectacular scenery. In the afternoon, visit nearby villages located in the beautiful valley of Mai Chau. Stay overnight in Mai Chau.
DAY6: MAI CHAU-HANOI
After a morning valley walk exploring further the beautiful surroundings, return to Hanoi and your hotel by private vehicle, with the guide. Stay overnight in Hanoi.
DAY7: HANOI-HUE BY NIGHT TRAIN
A free day to explore Hanoi at your own pace. Late afternoon private guided transfer to Hanoi station for your overnight journey on either the Livitran or Reunification train, to Hue, in four-share soft sleeper cabins.
DAY8: ARRIVE HUE
Arrived at Hue station early this morning. You will be met by your local guide and transferred by private vehicle, with the guide, to the hotel for one night. Your hotel room may not be available until early afternoon. Afternoon guided tour of Hue, visiting the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc Emperor and the royal Citadel with its Forbidden Purple City.
DAY9: HUE-HOI AN
Morning private guided drive to Hoi An past the scenic Cloud Pass, stopping at China Beach and Marble Mountain en route. Take a short guided walking tour of Hoi An, and then the balance of the day is at leisure. Stay two nights in downtown Hoi An.
DAY10: HOI AN’S RED BRIDGE COOKING CLASS
Make your arrangements (walk) to nearby Hai Café (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, downtown Hoi An, Tel 3863210), Red Bridge Cooking School’s meeting point, and be at the Café no later than 08:15 am this morning to join a group cooking class. Enjoy a welcome drink at Hai Café, followed by a visit to Hoi An’s colorful market to experience the amazing sights, sounds, and aromas of this busy market. You will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients that will be used in the cooking lessons. Board the Red Bridge boat for a 25-minute cruise along the Thu Bon River to the Red Bridge Cooking School past local villages along the banks of the river. On arrival at the school, explore the school’s herb garden before having your hands-on cooking experience. Lunch is at the school with the food you have cooked! Return to downtown Hoi An by the school’s minivan and make your arrangements back to your hotel—balance of the day at leisure.
DAY11: HOI AN-DANNANG-SAIGON-CU CHI
In the morning take a private without-guide transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon. On arrival in Saigon, there is a direct private guided transfer to Cu Chi to explore the amazing underground tunnel system built by Vietnamese guerilla fighters during the war. Return to Saigon and your hotel in the afternoon. Stay two nights in downtown Saigon.
DAY12: SAIGON
Morning guided exploration of bustling Saigon with visits to the Presidential Palace, the War Museum, the Old Post Office, and the Notre Dame Cathedral viewed from the outside—balance of the day at leisure.
DAY13: SAIGON-CAI BE-CAN THO
In the morning take a three-hour private guided and drive to Cai Be. By motor boat, visit the colorful floating market, and stop to see some cottage industries producing rice paper and popcorn cakes. Cruise along by boat towards Vinh Long province, winding through the small shady canals. Step ashore to see a musical show depicting Mekong cultural life, and visit some local farm gardens. Travel to Can Tho by private vehicle, with your guide. Stay overnight in downtown Can Tho.
DAY14: CAN THO-CHAU DOC
Another early start, this time to cruise to the large floating market at Cai Rang with traders busily bargaining and exchanging goods on their colorful boats. Visit a noodle factory. Leave the boat at Cai Rang and travel by private vehicle, with your guide, to Chau Doc on the Cambodian Border. Stay overnight in downtown Chau Doc.
DAY15: CHAU DOC-PHNOM PENH BY SPEED BOAT
Early in the morning proceed to the Victoria Chau Doc Hotel’s private jetty for your Victoria speed boat’s upriver journey to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. On arrival in Phnom Penh meet with your local guide and take a private guided transfer to the hotel. Stay two nights in downtown Phnom Penh.
DAY16: PHNOM PENH
A tour of the city includes visits to the Central Market, the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda, the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, the Toung Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Killing Fields.
DAY17: PHNOM PENH-KAMPONG THOM
Morning private guided drive to Kampong Thom. Witness traditional rural scenes, visit a local silk farm and Sambour Prei Kuk. Stay overnight in Kampong Thom.
DAY18: KAMPONG THOM-TONLE SAP-SIEM REAP
Morning private guided drive to Siem Reap. En route, take a boat ride on Ton Le Sap Lake. This evening’s dinner is at a local restaurant with a Khmer Apsara dance performance. Stay three nights in Siem Reap.
DAY19: SIEM REAP TEMPLE TOUR
Begin your exploration of the amazing Angkor temple complex with visits to the South Gate of Angkor Thom and Bayon, Terrace of the Elephant and Leper King. Continue to magnificent Angkor Wat and the Rolous Group, including Preah Ko Bakong and Lolei.
DAY20: SIEM REAP TEMPLE TOUR
In the morning visit Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre, the birthplace of Khmer classical-style architecture. Visit the Landmine Museum and mystical Ta Prohm, unique for the overgrown roots of giant fig trees. Return to the city and visit the central market for last-minute shopping. The day ends with a climb to the summit of Phnom Bakheng for a sunset view over the surrounding landscape.
DAY21: DEPART SIEM REAP
Free until private guided transfer to your exit flight.
END TOUR
