19 Days In-depth Culture of Vietnam and Cambodia

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi | Arrive in Hanoi

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

Accommodation: Apricot Hotel

Day 2: Hanoi | Hanoi Highlights | Water Puppet Show with Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, you’ll transfer to West Lake 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.

One Pillar Pagoda

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 divine inspiration to recreate the structure in the vision.

Trang Quoc Pagoda – 19 Days In-depth Culture Vietnam Cambodia

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’s teachings. Continue in the afternoon to visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum – a tribute to the contributions women have made in Vietnamese history. The museum portrays the role of women in Vietnamese society. Return to the hotel for some leisure time.

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. Once you finish your dinner, you’ll be escorted to your hotel.

Accommodation: Apricot Hotel

Day 3: Hanoi – Sapa | Transfer to Sapa | Trekking to Ta Van Village

Meals: Breakfast
Today, you will travel around 4 hours on the newly built highway northward from Hanoi to Sapa through the lush countryside and beautiful mountainsides. Sapa is a lovely small town located near the top of the Annamite Range and surrounded by the ethnic hill tribes. Then you will check in your hotel.

Time to stretch out your legs! Your tour guide will take you to Muong Hoa valley to see one of the most beautiful valleys in northwest Vietnam. Descending into the valley on foot, you will see the largest terraced paddy of Sapa. A short walk takes you from Lao Chai village of the Black H’mong minority to Ta Van village of the Giay minority. You will have a chance to see the different traditions and costumes of these two ethnic minority groups. After the hike, return to the hotel for some leisure time.

Accommodation: Victoria Sapa

Day 4: Sapa | Hill Tribe Gathering at Lung Khau Nhin

Meals: Breakfast

Drive early from Sapa to Lung Khau Nhin Market (opened on Thursdays). Enjoy beautiful scenery with pine forests and villages surrounding the market.  Flower H’mong, Tu Di, Tay, and Giay ethnic minorities come to exchange local products such as food, fabric and agricultural materials.

After exploring the market, 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 have the opportunity to try a special corn cake unique to the region when visiting the local houses.

Sapa Hill Tribes – 19 Days In-depth Culture Vietnam Cambodia

Accommodation: Victoria Sapa

Day 5: Sapa – Hanoi | Heaven’s Gate and Silver Waterfall | Return to Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, 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 Fansipan mountain which is well known as “the roof of Indochina” with an altitude of 3143 meters. In the afternoon, return to Hanoi for overnight.

Accommodation: Apricot Hotel

Day 6: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Emerald Isles of Lan Ha Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, take a two-hour transfer to the pier at Hai Phong City. Check-in and unwind in Orchid’s lounge until boarding time.

Once onboard, enjoy a welcome drink, crew & captain greet, and safety briefing. Then check into your luxury cabin as the journey begins.

Coast past a 100-year-old lighthouse on Da Chong islet. Enjoy lunch in the panoramic lounge while towering karsts saunter by.

Continue to Ba Trai Dao beach in Lan Ha Bay – and untouched, quiet haven. Here you can enjoy kayaking, relax on the beach, or go swimming. Have a beach toast with a unique Vietnamese liquor tasting – Ba Kich liquor – made from noni fruit.

Back on board, enjoy a stunning sunset over the bay. A culinary demonstration will be provided in the restaurant area to try your hand at something new. Then enjoy a delicious dinner.

The evening is free time. You may relax on the top deck for some stargazing, enjoy some drinks at the bar, or give squid fishing try with the staff.

Accommodation: Orchid Cruise

Day 7: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Cat Ba Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the morning with a gorgeous sunrise over the bay. Then join a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. The dining area will have a spread of pastries and breakfast items.

The cruise gently glides along to Cat Ba Island. You’ll take a day boat to visit the island. Onshore, hop on bicycles and take to jungle trails with the impressive scenery. Your path will take you to Viet Hai village – primitive homes and simple living disconnected from the 21st century.

Return to the boat for lunch on board.

After lunch, explore Dau Be Island by kayaks. You’ll pass through a low ceiling grotto which opens up to Ba Ham Lake – a large lake surrounded on all sides by towering cliffs and jungles. If you have a keen eye, you may spot wild monkeys among the cliffs.

Return to the cruise for a cooking demonstration. Then enjoy dinner.

Accommodation: Orchid Cruise

Day 8: Hanoi – Hue | Sunrise Halong Bay | Flight to Hue

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy the sunrise over the bay followed by a Tai Chi session. Then a light breakfast.

Take to kayaks and venture into Toi Sang cave. The cave is one of the longest grottoes in Lan Ha with hanging formations. In the end it opens up to a beautiful lake.

Return back to the cruise for a brunch and wrap your trip up with a Tea Ceremony with the crew for an intro into Vietnamese tea culture. Bid the crew farewell and then transfer back to Hanoi.
Continue to the airport for your flight to Hue. There our guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa

Day 9: Hue | Hue Imperial Citadel and Purple Forbidden City

Meals: Breakfast
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 its 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 that 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.

Imperial Citadel of Hue

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 the 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.

Accommodation: La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa

Day 10: Hue – Hoi An | Mountain Coastal Road Trip to Hoi An

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.

Road Trip in Hue – 19 Days In-depth Culture Vietnam Cambodia

Accommodation: Boutique Hoi An Resort

Day 11: Hoi An | Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk

Meals: Breakfast
Morning is at your leisure. In the afternoon, transfer with our guide to 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.

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 old colorful lanterns light up the town. After you’ve finished the tour, return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Boutique Hoi An Resort

Day 12: Hoi An | Leisure Day

Meals: Breakfast
Today you’ll be able to relax on the beautiful beaches of Hoi An. Across the sea, you’ll see the Cham islands. Feel free to join or start up a game of volleyball, or just soak up the sun on the sandy beaches.

Accommodation: Boutique Hoi An Resort

Day 13: Danang – Saigon | Saigon Highlights

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, you’ll fly to Saigon. Upon arrival, be greeted by our guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, you’ll see the highlights of Saigon and learn of the history of these iconic landmarks. Go to see some of the most important places in Ho Chi Minh. You’ll start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed by French colonists during their settlement, you’ll learn of its significance as the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia. Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building which is considered as one of the main tourist attractions in the city. Your next stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market. To finish the tour you’ll visit the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise Pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon’s finest. Once the tour is completed, you’ll return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Majestic Saigon Hotel

Day 14: Saigon | Mekong Delta Discovery: Vinh Long

Meals: Breakfast
Discover the Mekong River, essential to life in the heart of Vietnam.

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, your private guide and car will greet you and escort you to Vinh Long where you’ll embark on a boat cruise to the vibrant Cai Be floating market. Be prepared to see fresh spices, mints, and local fruits. If you’re adventurous, you can take off one of the many colorful fruits in season.

The next stop is the Hoa Binh Phuoc islet, full of local homes where the families produce tiles and ceramics. You’ll visit the rice-paper kiln and coconut candy kiln where you can walk around and observe daily country life. You can have the opportunity to taste fresh-made coconut candy which has a soft and chewy consistency.

When the tour is finished, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh.

Accommodation: Majestic Saigon Hotel

Day 15: Saigon | Cu Chi Tunnels

Meals: Breakfast
Take your adventures underground today for an adventure in history you won’t forget.

Wake up early to enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels. Your private tour guide and chauffeur will meet you in the morning and escort you to the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh. Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War.

You’ll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then you’ll be taken to see the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. See how they built an impressive underground system as your tour guide tells of the stories and history of the Vietnam War.

Then you’ll have the chance to see rice paper and coconut candy being made. After, you’ll enjoy jasmine tea and a boiled cassava root snack that was a common food eaten by guerrillas during the war.

You’ll return back to Ho Chi Minh.

Accommodation: Majestic Saigon Hotel

Day 16: Saigon – Siem Reap | Flight to Siem Reap | Apsara Dinner Performance

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, you’ll fly to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, be greeted by our guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

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

Apsara Dancing Show – 19 Days In-depth Culture Vietnam Cambodia

In the evening, you will be picked up from the hotel lobby and transferred to Angkor Village Hotel Theater for a traditional Apsara Dinner Show. where you will have a unique dinner experience which will bring ancient Khmer culture to life in spectacular surroundings while you enjoy the very best in Cambodia cuisine. This one-of-a-kind 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: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 17: Siem Reap | Morning Floating Village | Afternoon Village Filter Donation

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, you’ll take a boat trip on the water of the Tonle Sap Lake to a floating village called Kampong Phluk. Kampong Phluk means, Harbor of the Tusks, due to it’s past trade in elephant ivory many centuries ago. Having 3,000 inhabitants residing in stilted houses, the most common profession is fishing. Wade by boat through the water passages between houses. Then visit the mangrove forests nearby with diverse fauna and flora. Many rare Asian birds make the Tonle Sap Lake their home during the winter months.

Return to land and go to visit a small village to donate a slow sand water filtration system. You’ll have a chance to meet with the village families. The water filtration system will be able to provide potable/drinking water to the whole village. We can also arrange to have your logo or names painted on the filter ahead of time. The installation staff will instruct the villagers on how to maintain the filter.

Optional recommendation: We recommend that if you have any used children’s’ books in your home that you no longer need, you may bring them with to donate to the children in the village. This can impact the village children to focus on their education and provide them English reading materials not available from their school.

More information on the slow sand water filtration system provided can be found on the Center for Disease Control website here: https://www.cdc.gov/safewater/sand-filtration.html

Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 18: Siem Reap | Angkor Wat Vernal Equinox Sunrise | Ancient Angkor Thom Stone City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Before the light of the day, our 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 our guide bringing to life the stories of Angkor. In the morning, the rays of the light shine through the chambers as the morning haze settles giving the temple a mystical ambiance while there are few tourists who visit during this time of day.

Angkor Wat Temple – 19 Days In-depth Culture Vietnam Cambodia

Later in the morning, enjoy a relaxing cycling tour in ancient Angkor Thom – a stone city built around the time of Angkor Wat.

Biking thru the ancient city of Angkor Thom

The biking tour will start at the South Gate – a photogenic bridge at the gateway of the stone city of Angkor Thom which has made its way into many Hollywood movies. Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. Enter the stone city and explore shaded trails and ancient monuments. Visit Bayon Temple where you will be surrounded by 216 gigantic stone faces which fame as Khmer Smile, you will also visit the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Palace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Stop your cycling trip with a visit to the local monastery to chat with monks and see their daily life.

You’ll continue by car to a remote temple deep in the jungle called Banteay Srei: The Citadel of Women. Banteay Srei was carved from red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to elaborate decorative wall carvings, which are still well preserved to this day. The building as a precious gem, or the jewel of Khmer art.

On the way back, stop to see the Killing Fields of Wat Thmei. Our guide will relay to you about the history of the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot and the war. Cambodia is still healing from these atrocities. Return to the hotel to freshen up.

Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 19: Siem Reap | Farewell!

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

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