16 Days Vietnam and Cambodia Heritage Tour

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi | Arrive in Hanoi

International Flight: Excluded
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

After check-in, enjoy a stroll on your own around Hoan Kiem Lake outside your hotel. Feel free to also pick up a souvenir at the night markets or at one of the many trinket shops in the alleys and small roads of this historic part of town.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi | Best of Hanoi and Historical Citadel

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, you’ll be escorted 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. Next, you’ll take a stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake where you can see the Tortoise Tower sitting on the water. Then you’ll enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist escorts you while you sit in a seat affixed to the front with a canopy over top.

Next, you’ll visit the One Pillar Pagoda – a pagoda situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the middle of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th-century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as a divine inspiration to recreate the structure in the vision.

You’ll 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 through 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.
Explore the Citadel in the historic center of Hanoi.

Thang Long Royal Citadel

After lunch, continue to see the Thang Long Royal Citadel, the place which has more than ten centuries of history and several dynasties used to live in. It was also welcoming ritual ceremonies. Take a picture of the Flag Tower, the Dragon Steps, and enjoy the ancient architecture.

After your Citadel Tour, you’ll to your hotel and then it’s a time to stretch your legs.

The evening will start with a 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. Enjoy fine Vietnamese cuisine. Once you finish your dinner, you’ll be escorted to your hotel.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay | Voyage Halong Bay with Cruise by Orchid

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, your guide and driver will transfer you to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, enjoy refreshments at Private Lounge until boarding. Then board Orchid Cruise.

Receive a safety briefing and check in your cabins. The boat sets adrift for Da Chong islet, home to an old French lighthouse. Enjoy a sumptuous feast in the panoramic dining hall while en route to the isles of Con Vit and Gia Luan. The bay opens up to you with stunning green karsts towering above the water. This area receives very few cruise ships as it has just been newly opened up. Continue to Ba Trai Dao beach of Lan Ha Bay. A paradise with perfect beaches and natural beauty. Stop at one of the beaches for swimming or kayaking during the afternoon.

As dusk approaches, welcome the sunset with a local specialty – “Ba Kich”(a liquor made from Noni fruit). Back on board, you’ll join a cooking demonstration to learn a few Vietnamese culinary secrets. Enjoy your creation! Then time for supper in the dining hall. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine and seafood in a romantic setting. After dinner, you may enjoy watching the stars from the sundeck, watching a movie in the restaurant, or give night squid fishing a try with the staff(subject to seasonal availability).

Accommodation: Orchid Cruise

Day 4: Halong Bay – Ninh Binh | Halong Bay Sunrise | Bai Dinh Temple

Meals: Breakfast
Rise early for one of the top best sunrises in the world. Then head to the sundeck for an invigorating Tai Chi session amongst a picture-perfect backdrop of karsts, sea, and nature. Enjoy a breakfast in the dining hall before taking a journey to explore the area around Sang Tai sea cave via canoes.

Sunrise at Halong Bay

Return back to the pier for check out and then transfer to Ninh Binh.

Check in at the resort with stunning views all around.

Time to stretch your legs! Go with our guide to visit Bai Dinh Temple, the largest temple in Vietnam. This Buddhist temple was built into the mountain with 3 terraces and faces the river. Explore the many halls, rooms, carvings, and statues during the late afternoon. Our guide will then take you to the best place for watching the sunset over this untouched part of Vietnam. Shortly afterward, you’ll witness the 13-tier pagoda – Chau Bai Dinh – be lit up for the evening: a true spectacle to behold! Return to the resort for overnight and leisure.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Day 5: Hanoi – Hue | Wonders of Ninh Binh | Flight to Hue

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, enjoy some time at the resort to relax and take in the stunning views. Check out late morning and then you’ll go to visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital. 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 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. The visit offers a chance to learn more about the feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.

Next, 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 is a peaceful trip of serenity. The highland air is a respite from modern living and the sounds are only that of birds and the oars stirring the clear water. Towering overhead is magnificent forested mountains upon which you might catch a glimpse of grazing white-bearded goats.

Then continue to Hanoi. Board an evening flight to Hue. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 6: Hue | Hue Imperial Citadel and Purple Forbidden City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, you’ll start with a visit to the Perfume River, a river famed for its natural scenery and numerous flowers that cover it’s shores. Along the river, you’ll see Vietnamese daily life up close. Your boat will take you to the Tomb of Minh Mang, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations.

Then you’ll visit Tu Doc, a compound with the private royal residence and a tomb which also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Archaeologists have attempted to find his body and the vast treasures, legends have held, that are contained with it. However, these attempts have failed as the body was buried in an inconspicuous place in the large compound unknown to this day. You’ll then continue on to see the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern tomb with ornate decorations inside.

Your 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.

Hue Royal Citadel

In the afternoon, you’ll press onward to see the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. You’ll be able to view it’s vast gardens and structure relics. Then you’ll breach the outer perimeter of the Hue Imperial City. 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. This city was off limits to the commoners and only could be entered by the highest officials in Vietnamese government and royalty. 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.

Hue Royal Citadel

In the evening your tour guide and driver will escort you to a Royal Residence near the Imperial Citadel. First, you’ll be given royal garments to wear for this gala event. Then you’ll be escorted to your own room with “servants” ready to serve you. Live music with ethnic instruments local to Hue will commence a colorful entourage of eight courses. These foods highlight the royal cuisine native to Hue. You’ll be joining dinner with a member of the royal family. The moments that ensue will make for a great addition to your photo album.

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 7: Hue | Phong Nha Cave

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, you’ll transfer 200km 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. They are still being mapped by a team of British and Vietnamese scientists. You’ll 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, return to Dong Hoi for lunch before driving back to Hue.

Phong Nha Cave -16 Days Vietnam Cambodia Heritage Tour

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 8: Hue – Hoi An | Mountain Coastal Road Trip to Hoi An | Leisure

Meals: Breakfast
Your tour guide will assist with checking you out of your hotel and then you’ll be escorted by vehicle for a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam. Start by riding through the mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines where you’ll find numerous breath-taking scenes. Feel free to request your driver to stop for photos along the way. Then you’ll continue to a summit where the clouds will meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. After you cross the summit, you’ll approach a steep and narrow descent 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.

As reach the base, you’ll travel 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.

Then you’ll approach Hoi An with beautiful countryside, hills, river views, and seaside coasts. Your tour guide and driver will escort you to your hotel for check-in.

At the end of a long lane of sandy beaches, palms and the blue sea turns the Thu Bon River. Take a step back in time 300 years to cobblestone alleys and aged wooden and stone homes. Time stands still in this quiet part of the world where ornate doorways and bridges could keep the curious passerby entranced in amusement. The setting – a Far Eastern port that was forgotten in time. Japanese, French, Chinese and Vietnamese designs and styles melt together along every street.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 9: Hoi An | 4th Century Cham Ruins and Hoi An Ancient Port Town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll transfer to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lay the 4th century My Son Holy Land Ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden from living or development. The ruins lay in a beautiful surrounding mountainous landscape. You’ll enter the temples while your tour guide gives you the history and stories of the Cham and the site.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue to visit Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th-century Hoi An port town in it’s preserved state. You’ll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s.

Hoi An Ancient Port Town – 16 Days Vietnam Cambodia Heritage Tour

Then you’ll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China’s influence in the region. You’ll 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. 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. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town. After you’ve finished the tour, you will return back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 10: Danang – Siem Reap | Leisure | Flight to Siem Reap

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning is at your leisure to relax or explore the rest in town on your own.

In the afternoon, take a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Siem Reap is a quaint town in Cambodia and the gateway to the vast remains of the Angkor empire. Discover the Royal Gardens on your own with ancient trees home to a colony of giant fruit bats. Take a stroll along the scenic riverside and visit the night markets to find unique souvenirs. You may also want to spend the evening with a visit to Pub Street with several restaurants and bars that stay open late into the night. Many restaurants have live entertainment in the evening.

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 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 Wonders.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 11: Siem Reap – Sra Em | Jungle Temple and Koh Ker Pyramid

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you’ll wake early to visit Beng Melea while the morning dew and fog still cover this Indiana Jones-esque temple. Wind through maze-like tunnels, swing on ancient tree vines and chart your own adventure while you climb through this amazing complex hidden in the jungle.

Then you’ll travel to what was once the great city of Koh Ker, which was the capital before Angkor Thom. You’ll visit many temples, ancient pools, and ruins in the vast area. Then you’ll finish with a visit to the pyramid temple of Koh Ker. After this, you’ll continue to Sa Em in Preah Vihear Province for overnight. Check in the boutique and relax.

Koh Ker Pyramid – 16 Days Vietnam Cambodia Heritage Tour

Accommodation: Preah Vihear Boutique Hotel

Day 12: Siem Reap | Preah Vihear Lonely Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
You’ll get an early start driving by private car up to the northern mountain range where Cambodia borders Thailand. There, your car will stop at the bottom of the mountain where special custom motor-bikes await to take you up the mountainside to a gem that has just recently become safe to visit. As you climb the mountain, take a deep breath of the clean mountain air before the stunning view takes your breath away again. Perched atop the mountain is the magnificent Preah Vihear Temple, which is among one of the largest complexes in Cambodia. On a clear day, you can see more than 50km of Cambodia on one side and Thailand on the other.

After you’ve finished exploring this mountaintop wonder, you’ll return to Srah Emm for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Siem Reap by private car.

The evening will be at your own leisure.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 13: Siem Reap | Angkor Thom Ancient Capital

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll begin your explorations of the remains of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Today, you’ll be visiting the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. On your way to Angkor Thom, you’ll catch a glimpse of the front of Angkor Wat as you pass by, which will leave you with a tingling feeling on the back of your neck as you take your first glance of the enormity and wonder of the largest religious complex to ever exist.

However, we’ll be saving the best for last as you go on today to see some other equally impressive structures of Ta Prohm Temple, Bayon Temple, Banteay Kdei, Baphoun, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace. First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Worn by time, rain, and overpowered by the jungle, this immaculate structure is hidden under canopy will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into the movie set of a treasure hunt adventure. Your private tour guide will give you the history and stories passed through oral tradition.

After you’ve had lunch, your exploits will continue as you visit Banteay Kdei (“Citadel of Chambers”). You’ll also visit Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, Baphuon and Bayon. Bayon sets itself apart with its almost 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcome on your second day to the Kingdom of Wonders. With its winding tunnels, chambers, and daring climbs, Bayon will give you many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy.

As the sun approaches the horizon, you’ll enjoy a sunset from the top of the pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup. After sunset, you’ll be taken back to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 14: Siem Reap | Kompong Phukk Floating Village | At Leisure

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, start with an ox-cart ride through Cambodia’s green countryside where you’ll see many coconut trees, rice fields, and water buffalo. After that, continue the trip to the largest lake in Southeast Asia, the Tonle Sap. You’ll take a boat ride to Kampong Phlukk which means, Harbor of the Tusks due to it’s history in the elephant trade several centuries ago. You’ll also see the mangrove forests nearby. After the tour, you’ll return to your hotel to relax for rest of the day.

In the evening, you’ll go to visit Phare Cambodian Circus. Be amazed by stunts and choreography unique to Cambodia’s performing arts. You’ll watch as a story written by locals is acted out with an impressive stage show. Be prepared for laughter and wonder as you enjoy the performance. After the hour-long spectacle, you’ll return to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 15: Siem Reap | Crowning Gem of Southeast Asia: Angkor Wat Temple Sunrise

Meals: Breakfast
Before the light of day, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the front of Angkor Wat Temple. From here, you’ll watch one of the most revered sunrises in the world. Our guide will arrange a light picnic breakfast for you to enjoy in front of the world’s #1 Heritage Site. Then in the early hours, you’ll explore the vast temple with your guide bringing to life the stories of Angkor. In the morning, the rays of the light play through the chambers as the morning haze settles and giving the temple a mystical ambiance while there are few tourists who visit during this time of day. After your explorations, you’ll return to your hotel for some rest and leisure time.

Angkor Wat Sunrise – 16 Days Vietnam Cambodia Heritage Tour

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 16: Siem Reap | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
Today our guide will transfer you to the airport before your homeward flight and will bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

GET FREE QUOTE