From Cambodia to Vietnam 13 Days

Today is the day for us to explore the biggest and most incredible temple of Angkor Archaeological Zone - Angkor Wat. It was built in the 12th century (from 1112 to 1152) to worship Vishnu during the ruling time of the King Suryavarman II. Now, it is a national landmark of Cambodia, which also appears on the flag of the country. The area is also declared as UNESCO world heritage that needs protecting.

Angkor Wat tells us the stories about Hindu deities and eternal life through a lot of intricate bas - relief. Via the splendid structure of the complex, you can imagine how great the kingdom was during the Angkor period. Despite being abandoned since the 15th century, it still remains a vital Buddhist site and home to many Buddha images.

Next, we head to the old monastery of Ta Prohm. The structure was built to dedicate the mother of King Jayavarman VII in 1186. However, this temple turned out to be a temporary home for 12,500 people including 18 priests and 80,000 Khmer people. After the fallen of Khmer Kingdom, the temple was sadly surrounded by lush forests. 

In the afternoon, we will visit the most magnificent structure of the 12th and the last capital of Khmer Kingdom - Angkor Thom a.k.a “Great City". It has a scale of 9 square kilometers and includes many temples built in the time of King Jayavarman II and his following generations.

You can also find the National Temple of Jayavarman, called the Bayon Temple and many prominent vestiges around the Victory Plaza, along with a number of old sculptures.

Don’t miss a chance to admire the outstanding carvings of the temple as well as enjoy it peaceful ambience here. Afterwards, back to the hotel

Meals are on your own. Stay overnight at the hotel.

• Transport:

  N/A

• Meals:

  Breakfast

Feel free to explore the city. Meals on your expense and overnight is spent in the hotel.

• Transport:

  N/A

• Meals:

  Breakfast

Enjoy your free time. Then, a 6-hour bus ride from Siem Reap will arrive at Phnom Penh in the afternoon. Meals at your own expense. Overnight staying at the hotel. 

• Transport:

  , Shuttle Bus

• Meals:

  Breakfast

Our sightseeing tour begins with an attractive landmark called Royal Palace which contains some impressive structures built by King Norodom. The site also displays a remarkable collection of Khmer art. We move next to the beautiful Silver Pagoda near by which is home to a gilded Buddha decorated with 9584 diamonds. 

Afterwards, we will explore darkest chapter of Cambodian history - the Khmer Rouge. The first location is Tuol Sleng aka the genocide museum, used to be a secondary school but was transformed into a detention center by Khmer Rouge, however, the prison gate still bears the initial school name, S21. Thousands of prisoners were kept here, tortured and killed. Then, head to the Killing Fields, Choeng Ek, 15km away from Phnom Penh where the victims of Toul Sleng were buried. 

If time allows, we will visit the Russian Markets or Tuol Tumpoung, where you can find various interesting items like handicrafts, fabrics, jewelleries, etc., and try some tips of bargaining. 

You pay for your meals. Stay overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh. 

Note:
The Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields may not suitable for young children to visit due to the distressing scenes.
The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda have their own on-site guide.
The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are sometimes closed without prior notice. Thus, the schedule can be changed to other sites.
The Russian Market will be closed on the public holiday.
 

• Transport:

  Car

• Meals:

  Breakfast

Feel free to explore the city in the morning. Lunch at your own expense. Then, hop on a boat trip to Chau Doc - Vietnam.

We will check in our hotel in Chau Doc in late afternoon.

You pay for your dinner. Overnight staying at the hotel.

Note: The speedboat leaves Phnom Penh International Port (Sisowath Street) on Tonle Sap River to Khoorm Som Nor & Vinh Xuong border gate. Remember to prepare your Vietnam visa beforehand for border crossing. Then, follow Hau River to Chau Doc.
 

• Transport:

  Car, Cruise

• Meals:

  Breakfast

When finishing your breakfast, you will be escorted to Sam mountain to observe a number of gorgeous architecture of worshipping places, which make it turn into a popular destination for pilgrims. Those are: Ba Chua Xu Temple, Tay An pagoda and the Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb. 

After that, go back to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, we take a 2.5 hour drive to Can Tho.

Dinner on your own account. Overnight stay at the hotel in Can Tho
 

• Transport:

  Car

• Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch

After 2 hours of driving we arrive in Ben Tre - a coconut sanctuary in the Mekong Delta. For a cruise on a tributary of Mekong river, Chet Say river, we embark the boat at Phong Nam wharf. During the trip, feast your eyes with the vibrant local life and the people’s traditional handicrafts such as coconut activated charcoal making, coconut processing for production, as well as mat weaving.

A nearby peaceful village can be explored as you choose to get in on “xe loi" (a special motorized tricycle) or hiring a bike to move around the village through the luxuriant trees and magnificent paddy fields. We will have lunch at a local house where tasty Vietnamese cuisine is served.

Before heading back to the wharf for transfering next to Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy a wonderful boat trip along a narrow canal. Dinner will be served at a cozy restaurant, and your staying will be at the hotel.
 

• Transport:

  Car

• Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, transfer by car to Chu Chi Tunnels - the magnificent network of 250 km in length tunnels. This is the most important shelter for the Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War with living areas, communication routes and even hospitals and bunkers that have weapons and food inside. Visitors can also try to get into the tunnels to experience the harsh life that the people of the past have to face during the hard time. Then, you will be driven to Ho Chi Minh city center for lunch. 

In the afternoon, our driver will take you to the airport for a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be welcomed by our guide and driver who will escort you to the hotel for check - in. Dinner at your expense. Overnight stay in Hanoi
 

• Transport:

  Car, Fly

• Meals:

  Breakfast

Be ready as this day is for you to get to know the most genuine spots in Hanoi. Our first stop is the important architect in the heart of Vietnamese people - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. You will hear great stories about President Ho Chi Minh’s former life as well as his legacies at the Stilt House and the Presidential Palace from our tour guide. Up next, we will be heading to the Temple of Literature, which is known as the first university to be found in Vietnam.

In the afternoon, spend some time to visit Hanoi on your own. You pay for your meals. Overnight staying at the hotel.

• Transport:

  Car

• Meals:

  Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel before traveling to another wonderful location today. The UNESCO-nominated Ha Long Bay is famous for its magnificent beauty with breathtaking natural scenes. 

En - route, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the vast rice paddies and great mountain ranges of Red River Delta. Then, you will get on board the Junk boat for an unforgettable cruise on the bay. Lunch will be served on board.

Afternoon is the time to visit some of the most interesting caves in Halong as they feature stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The ship will stop along the way for you to take a swim. Also you can choose kayaking to enjoy the view of this tropical paradise.

Our ship will dock on the Bay. Dinner will be served on board followed by many interesting activities.

• Transport:

  Shuttle Bus, Cruise

• Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early risers can enjoy the tranquility of the morning and gentle sun beam lighting up the Bay. Savor your breakfast on board as the ship continues to sail to other lesser - known areas. After having your lunch served, you will be transferred to a shuttle bus on your way back to Hanoi.

Dinner is served at a local restaurant. Stay overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

• Transport:

  Shuttle Bus

• Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the rest of your time seeking for some cool souvenirs for your loved ones before transferred without guided to Noi Bai Airport for your upcoming flight
 

• Transport:

  Car

• Meals:

  Breakfast