Day 1: Siem Reap - Arrival (L)
Upon arrival at Siem Reap, you are welcomed by Viet Bamboo Travel’s guide to transfer to the hotel. This morning, we start our tour to Rolous Group temples including the 9th-century-erected Preah Ko temple, Bakheng, the largest and most complex temple of the Rolous group temples, and the four-brick-tower temple of Lo Lei.
After the lunch break, we will head to Small Circuit to witness the Prasat Kravan (Cardamon sanctuary), where we will experience the stunning image of the eight-armed Vishnu in the largest central tower. Then we get going to Banteay Kdei, a massive Buddist temple with four concentric walls; Srah Srang (Royal Bath); especially to Ta Prohm, which is best known for its originally charming look, with trees and roots intertwined with the carvings and chambers of the buildings. Next, we move to just east of Ankor Thom where stand the Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda that seem to be known as the twin temple, and to Takeo, the only temple never completed and yet one among the finest. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 2: Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom (B, L)
After breakfast, transfer to start the tour to South Gate of Angkor Thom, then go to Angkor Thom (the temple) which was built by Angkor’s greatest king, Jayavarman VII. Then we go to Baphoun, which is one of the most spectacular of Angkor’s temples in its heyday; to Terrace of the Elephants that was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall; to Terrace of the Leper King, another of Angkor’s mysteries. In the afternoon, we visit the World Seventh Wonder -better known as Angkor Wat - that stands as the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. In the evening we view the sunset at Phnom Bakheng Hill before the dinner with Khmer Traditional Dance Show. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh (B, L) - by flight
Hotel breakfast. Free till transfer for the flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, we will be welcome to the hotel. Wasting no time, during the half-day city tour, we will witness the National Museum of Khmer Arts, with its warm red terracotta and its gracefully curved roof topped by dozens of guardian nagas. Then we continue to the nearby Royal Palace, one of the most beautiful samples of Khmer palace, which allows us to visit the precious Throne Hall, Prasat Khemarin, Prasat Samrn Phirum, Hor Preah Khan, Chan Chhaya, and Silver Pagoda where the king regularly does the warship. We pass through the River Front Park whose scenery is much worth shooting, and continue to the only one hill in town with sacred sites called Wat Phnom before getting on a boat cruise along Mekong River bank to see the lovely Phnom Penh city at night with breathtaking view along the river. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 4: Phnom Penh - Chau Doc (B) - by boat
Morning free for your own explore till the speedboat to Chau Doc. Welcome upon arrival and transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Chau Doc.
Day 5: Chau Doc - Can Tho (B, L)
Breakfast at the hotel. A boat trip to visit the floating fish breeding farms reveals the amazing highlight of Chau Doc, a Cham minority village, whom still again employment from traditional weaving. The last stop in Chau Doc is to a local Islamic Mosque. Have lunch and transfer to Can Tho. Hotel check in. Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 6: Can Tho - Saigon (B, L)
After breakfast, board a sampan to visit Cai Rang floating market, a family run noodle - making factory and witness the rural life and the beautiful vegetation along the riverbanks. Discover Can Tho’s market, then drive back to Saigon. Lunch at local restaurant. Back to Saigon in the late afternoon. Overnight in Saigon.
Day 7: Saigon City Tour - Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)
Breakfast at the hotel, drive to Cu Chi district, en route you will have the opportunity to visit local homes producing rice paper and rice wine. Visit the amazing complex of underground tunnels at Cu Chi. There are more than 200 km of underground tunnels, comprising a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters and other tunnels. Drive back to Saigon and have lunch at local restaurant before back hotel.
In the afternoon, discover bustling Saigon: Enjoy a tour in the Old Colonial Residential Quarter and discover the old Hotel de Ville, the Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the dazzling French-style post office, War museum, the Reunification Palace. Back your hotel and overnight in Saigon.
Day 8: Saigon - Da Nang - Hoi An (B, L) - by flight
Free at leisure till the flight to Da Nang. On arrival, pick up and transfer to Hoi An, on the way stop to visit the Cham Museum and Marble Mountain then continue to the riverside town of Hoi An, which was an important trading port during the 17th & 18th centuries and which, nowadays, is officially listed as a World Heritage site. The rest day is free at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 9: Hoi An (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel then walk with your tour guide to visit around Hoi An- the old Tan Ky House, Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Shop for tailored made silk products or spend your time at the wonderful beach. Free at leisure at night in Hoi An.
Day 10: Hoi An - Da Nang - Hanoi (B, L) - by flight
Breakfast at the hotel, free at leisure till the flight to Hanoi. Pick up upon arrival and transfer to hotel for check in. In the afternoon, transfer to visit: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, its former residence, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and enjoy a rickshaw tour the Old Quarter with its antique shops. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 11: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
08:00 Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Halong Bay. Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we travel through the countryside, farmlands and Red River delta.
10:30 Stopover on the way for short break
12:30 Arrive at Hon Gai wharf - Meet the captain, crews and join us for a welcome drink, cruise briefing, safety instructions and check-in cabins.
13:00 Lunch with fresh seafood is served while cruising towards Vong Vieng floating village, passing through extraordinary shaped-islands.
15:30 Drop anchor at Vong Vieng: visit local houses, fish farm, schools and have a chat with the friendly fish men. (You also swim here if you like) The other option is to travel by kayak (passenger row kayaks for themselves). The kayaking option is $10.00 per person unless pre-booked.
17:00 Back on board, enjoy the sunset and continue cruising to Luom Bo for anchoring.
19:00 Dinner is served.
21:00 Enjoy the comfort in your cabin or night fishing…
Overnight on junk.
Day 12: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B)
06:30 Enjoy the bay’s morning landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.
07:30 Lightly breakfast is served.
08:30 Explore the mystery of Sung Sot cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.
09:30 Back on board, continue cruising, enjoy the stunning views of the Bay and relax.
10:30 Lunch is served on board while cruising back through Halong Bay to the pier.
11:30 Check-out
12:00 Arrive Hon Gai wharf. Farewell.
12:30 Return from Halong to Hanoi.
14:30 Stop-over in Dong Trieu town to visit a ceramics workshop.
16:30 Arrive in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 13: Hanoi - Departure (B)
Free at leisure till the transfer for your onward flight Viet Bamboo Travel can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations. End of service!