15 Days Exploring Vietnam and Cambodia with Sapa Terraced Rice Fields

ITINERARY

Day 1: Saigon | Welcome to Vietnam!

International Flight: Excluded

Our guide will meet you in the late evening at the airport and welcome you to Vietnam. You will then arrive at your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Majestic Saigon Hotel

Day 2: Saigon | Mekong Delta Discovery: My Tho

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mekong Delta River – 15 Days Exploring Vietnam Cambodia Sapa Terraced Rice Fields

Discover the Mekong River, essential to Vietnamese life.

You’ll begin the day by transferring to the remote My Tho. This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, known as the “rice basket of Vietnam.” First, you’ll visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, which is decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens packed with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools, tombs, and ornate gates, which provide entry.

Next, you’ll take a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages.

After lunch, you’ll visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island.

Then, you’ll enjoy seasonal fruit, honey tea, and delicious coconut candies, all to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music,” performed by locals.

After the tour is finished, you’ll return to Saigon.

Saigon Dinner Cruise

Afterward, as dusk is setting, you’ll take a cyclo tour for around 45 minutes to the Dang Pier on Saigon River, where you’ll enter a replica of the emperor’s Saigon Boat Cruise for a magnificent as well as memorable dining and entertainment spectacle along the Saigon River. The dinner cruise features soft traditional ethnic music, while you enjoy the passing lights of the city. The captain will then welcome you aboard and introduce you to the specialties which have made this boat a culinary experience in Ho Chi Minh City. While onboard, you’ll be able to relax on the upper deck and enjoy a panoramic view of Saigon lighting up the evening sky.

Accommodation: Majestic Saigon HotelOvernight in Saigon

Day 3: Saigon – Siem Reap | Saigon Highlights and Cu Chi Tunnels | Flight to Siem Reap

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll visit the Reunification Palace, which was the home to the President of South Vietnam during the War, and the place of the end of the war during the fall of Saigon.

Then, you’ll go on to see the Notre Dame Cathedral, constructed by French colonists during their settlement. Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building, which many consider being one of the main tourist attractions in the city.

Your next stop is the War Remnants Museum, which houses many of the Vietnam War artifacts, including several fighter jets, an M48 Patton tank, and a UH-1 Huey helicopter. After that, you will have lunch at a local restaurant of your choice.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels used during the war; you’ll explore the complex and see the ingenious traps, bomb holes, and narrow tunnels between underground bunkers.

You’ll then transfer to the airport and fly to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Angkor

Day 4: Siem Reap | Angkor Ancient Civilization & Killing Fields

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, our guide will meet you. You will then go to Angkor Archaeological Park, where bicycles will await you, near the South Gate. You can then start by exploring the ancient city of Angkor Thom, which was the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire; it is surrounded by huge walls and a moat. You may then enjoy biking through the trails to see the ancient city and monkeys that live there. The tour in Angkor Thom will start from the South Gate and then continue on to the Bayon Temple, where 216 gigantic stone faces, famed as the smile of Angkor, will greet you. You will also visit the Terrace of the Elephants, the Royal Palace, and the Terrace of the Leper King(vehicle will be on standby).

Next, you’ll stop at a nearby Buddhist monastery to meet local monks and exchange some culture. You may even learn some things about Buddhism, and, perhaps, they may learn some things from you as well!

Angkor Wat Temple

Then, you’ll travel, by vehicle, to discover the world’s wonder site of Angkor Wat. The magnificent temple was built in the 12th century and is the largest religious monument in the world.

In the afternoon, you’ll have lunch at a restaurant near the Srah Srang ancient pool, with a great view. Then, you’ll continue the tour to an ancient Buddhist monastery and university called Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm features trees growing out of the ruins, with the jungle surrounding making it known as the Jungle Temple. After the tour, you’ll stop at Wat Thmei Killing Fields, on the way back. You will then be able to learn, from the guide, what happened during the Khmer Rouge. Afterward, you’ll return to your hotel, by vehicle, for the evening to relax at your leisure.

Be prepared to enjoy a beautiful, traditional dance performed by a team trained in the Dance of Apsara.

This unique cultural experience highlights the mysterious civilization and heritage of the Khmer, spoken through choreography and music. Colorful costumes and playful activities will give you insights into the Khmer daily life and wedding traditions, while you enjoy a delicious meal to welcome you to the Kingdom of Wonder.

Afterward, the rest of the evening is to be enjoyed at your leisure.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Angkor

Day 5: Siem Reap | Kulen Mountain Discovery | Land Mine Museum

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you’ll wake early to visit Kulen Mountain National Park (Mountain of Lychees). Next, you’ll explore the jungles brimming with wildlife and tropical fruit. Afterward, you’ll discover stone carvings, under the streams, that predates Angkor Wat. You’ll then trek to the 16th-century temple, on the mountain, where Buddhists and Hindus pilgrimage frequently. You’ll also visit Kulen Waterfall, highlighted in the film “Tomb Raider,” starring Angelina Jolie. You may then take a swim, if you like, before we continue to the rice fields and countryside, below the mountain.

Kulen Watrerfall

Next, for lunch, you’ll stop at the Bong Thom Homestay, which is a traditional Khmer architecture restaurant surrounded by surreal gardens and dragon fruit orchards.

After lunch, you will return to Siem Reap. On the way, you’ll stop at the Land Mine Museum. There, you’ll learn about the landmines that the country is still dealing with, as well as their removal process. All of the staff at the museum are landmine survivors. You will then return to the hotel to relax, at your own leisure, or stop at a local souvenir market on the way back.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Angkor

Day 6: Siem Reap – Hoi An | Floating Village | Flight to Hoi An

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, you’ll start with an ox cart ride through Cambodia’s green countryside, where you’ll see many coconut trees, rice fields, and water buffalos. After that, you’ll continue the trip to the largest lake in Southeast Asia – the Tonle Sap. Next, you’ll explore Kampong Phluk, which means Harbor of the Tusks, due to its history in the elephant trade several centuries ago. You’ll also see the mangrove forests nearby. After the tour, you’ll return back to Siem Reap. (Note that Tonle Sap Lake water levels are low during June.)

Then, in the evening, you’ll fly to Danang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you, at the airport, and escort you to your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Le Pavillon Hoi An Luxury Resort & Spa

Day 7: Hoi An – Hue | Hoi An Ancient Town | Mountain Coastal Road Trip to Hue

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, you’ll visit Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th-century Hoi An port town, in its preserved state. You’ll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1500s to the 1700s.

Afterward, you’ll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China’s influence in the region. You’ll then continue through the Ancient Town, as the streets take on a magic of their own, with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately-carved wooden doors, and more. Next, you’ll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals, on bicycles, passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. Interestingly, the old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

After the tour, you’ll check out from the hotel.

Mountain Coastal Road Trip to Hue

In the afternoon, your tour guide will assist you with checking out of your hotel, and then you’ll be escorted by vehicle for a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam. You’ll then start by riding alongside the beaches of Danang, where you’ll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats, scattered out along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon. After that, you’ll approach a steep and narrow ascent, where you’ll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook portrait.

You’ll then continue your climb to a summit, where the clouds will meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean.” You will then continue onward, through mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines, where you’ll find numerous breath-taking scenes. You may also feel free to request that your driver stops for photos, along the way. Then, as you enter Hue, you’ll see many imperial signs and impressive houses and buildings which are only a deluge of what’s to come. Afterward, the evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 8: Hue | Phong Nha Caves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you’ll transfer 200 km north of Hue to visit the remote Phong Nha Caves. These caves were recently discovered and comprise some of the largest caverns in the world. To this day, they are still being mapped by a team of British and Vietnamese scientists. You’ll then take a boat trip to visit some of the more easily accessible caverns. The caves are famous for their rock formations, which have been given names such as the Lion, the Fairy Caves, the Royal Court, and the Buddha. Afterward, you’ll return to Dong Hoi, for lunch, before driving back to Hue. 

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 9: Hue – Hanoi | Hue Imperial Citadel | Flight to Hanoi

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you’ll visit the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. Once there, you’ll be able to view its vast gardens and structural relics. Then, you’ll breach the outer perimeter of the Hue Imperial City. Once inside, you’ll see many of the national treasures and structures which have survived the Vietnam War. Venture further inside, and you’ll enter the Purple Forbidden City. In the past, this city was off-limits to the commoners and only could be entered by the highest officials in the Vietnamese government and royalty. After that, your driver will meet you, on the other side of the city, where you’ll then be escorted to a stop, at the Dong Ba Market, where you can see local fruits and produce for sale.

Then, your next ventures will take you to lunch at a royal residence. These imperial styled houses near the Royal Citadel feature beautiful gardens, intricate furnishings, and detailed ornaments at every turn. Each dish highlights different aspects of Hue traditional food enjoyed by the royalty. The brilliant food presentation will be sure to leave a fond memory with you of this family-owned garden and restaurant. Finally, you’ll transfer by flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 10: Hanoi – Sapa | Road Trip to Sapa | Silver Waterfall and Heaven’s Gate

Meals: Breakfast

Heaven’s Gate – 15 Days Exploring Vietnam Cambodia Sapa Terraced Rice Fields

Early in the morning, you’ll be driven to Sapa, by our guide (which will take five hours). Then, you can enjoy the beautiful mountain views on the way, and feel free to stop for pictures. Once you reach Sapa, you’ll check into the hotel.

During the afternoon, you’ll transfer to Silver Waterfall. There, you will take a short walk around the perimeter of the waterfall to see great views of the contiguous mountains and lush forests of Hoang Lien National Park. Many tree species are grown here, such as plum and peach trees. After that, you’ll go on to go up to Heaven’s Gate. From here, you will see the Fansipan mountain, which is well known as “the roof of Indochina,” with an altitude of 3143 meters. Afterward, you’ll make your way back to the hotel, and the evening will be for you to pass, at your leisure.

Accommodation: Topas Ecolodge

Day 11: Sapa – Train | Remote Hill Tribe Market: Lung Khau Nhin | Train to Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You’ll start the day by waking early and driving from Sapa to Lung Khau Nhin Market (open on Thursdays). There, you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery with pine forests and villages surrounding the market. The Flower H’mong, Tu Di, Tay, and Giay ethnic minorities go there to exchange local products, such as food, fabric, and agricultural materials.

After exploring the market, you’ll then go to a minority village to discover the simple life of the hill tribes, observing traditional practices, such as distilling wine from corn and making bacon. You will then have the opportunity to try a special corn cake, unique to the region when visiting the local houses.

After the tour, you will continue to the train station for check-in on the Fansipan Train with Private Deluxe Cabin (Note that most cabins are 4 berths shared with other travelers).

Accommodation: Overnight Aboard a Train

Day 12: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Morning Flower Market | Isles of Lan Ha Bay with Jasmine Cruise

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Visit the morning Flower Market, one of the most beautiful markets in Vietnam.

After you’ve finished your breakfast, at the hotel, your private guide will greet you with a car to explore the Quang Ba flower market, where you will find a multitude of colors and varieties, and it’s certain that you can capture an amazing picture, there. Next, you’ll stop for breakfast and a shower, before entering the Jasmine cruise shuttle. The Jasmine Cruise shuttle will then transport you to Lan Ha Bay (which will take around four hours).

Afterward, a delectable lunch will be served, shortly after boarding. A first visit will take our guests, by tender, to the Tien Ong Cave. After that, the voyage continues with the arrival to the Cua Van Fishing Village. The village is explored via a pleasant boat ride (with a maximum of four persons per boat). Then, you’ll take a cooking class, in the late afternoon. At 7:30 PM, another delicious meal – dinner is served. After dinner, the night is yours; kick back on a comfy pillowed chair, or watch the stars from the sun deck and inhale the surreal beauty. (Please note that the exact itinerary may vary depending on weather and other conditions.)

Accommodation: Orchid Cruise

Day 13: Hanoi | Lan Ha Bay Sunrise | Water Puppet Show and Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

For early risers, complimentary tea, coffee, and pastries will be served in the restaurant, followed by – if you so desire – a Tai Chi Class on the sun deck (at 7:00 AM). Then, it is time for an early-morning swim – in the Bay. We will then bring the guests to a natural white sandy stretch, by tender boat. If desired, sporty ones can also climb up to a hilltop to have a last view from above over Halong Bay, before we return to the boat and cruise slowly back to Halong City, passing picturesque areas like the Tam Cung Cave and Poem Mountain. You will then be served breakfast, during our trundle, prior to arriving at the shore at around 11:00 AM. Once at the shore, the crew will bid you farewell and you will then disembark with our tender boat to Tuan Chau Marina.

Return to Hanoi.

In the evening, see the Water Puppet Show performed by the world-renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You’ll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam, while live ethnic music sets the mood. After the show, you’ll enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Home Restaurant – a historic French colonial residence restored in between the Old Quarter and the serene West Lake. Once you finish your dinner, you’ll be escorted to your hotel.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 14: Hanoi | Wonders of Ninh Binh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (which is a two-hour transfer). In 968, Dinh Bo Linh declared himself as the King. Since then, Hoa Lu existed as the capital for only 41 years. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long – present-day Hanoi. Hoa Lu then became the old citadel. In Hoa Lu, there are now two temples, dedicated to two Vietnamese kings, which have been built on the grounds of the old royal palace. Nowadays, the visit offers a chance to learn more about the feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history. You’ll then go on to visit the Bai Dinh Temple – the largest temple in Vietnam. This Buddhist temple was built into the mountain with three terraces, and it faces the river.

Ninh Binh’s Grottoes – 15 Days Exploring Vietnam Cambodia Sapa Terraced Rice Fields

In the afternoon, you’ll take an amazing boat trip through Trang An Grottoes. A gathering of 31 valleys and 50 cross-water caves are home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna, many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. Rowing through the Trang An Grottoes makes for a peaceful trip of serenity. The highland air is also a respite from modern-day living, and the sounds are only that of birds and the oars stirring the clear water. Magnificent forested mountains also tower overhead, upon which you might catch a glimpse of grazing white-bearded goats. In the valleys, you’ll see cultivated rice fields.

After the tour is finished, you will transfer to your hotel, in Hanoi. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 15: Hanoi | Highlights of Hanoi | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, our guides will escort you to see the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400-year-old temple features ten tiers, surrounded by gardens, and which also hosts a Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. You’ll then pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, before visiting the highlight of this tour – The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars throughout Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees, where the best and brightest of Vietnam studied under the guidance of Confucius’ teachings.

Then, you’ll return to the hotel for check out, and our guide will bring you to the airport, for your flight home, and bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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