Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
On arrival at Hanoi International Airport, you will be greeted by your private driver and guide, and transferred to your hotel. You will have some time free to rest and relax after your flight.
Overnight in Hanoi
Start/Finish
Hanoi / Siem Reap
Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Private
Customized Tour
Discover Vietnam and the Angkor Temples with this 15-day tour. Experience the beauty of Hanoi, from its famous sites to delectable dishes which will certainly satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy the wonderful scenery of Ninh Binh, where everything is covered by a blanket of green. Head for a spectacular cruise ride in Halong Bay and hop on the traditional boat to glide along the Perfume River in Hue. Stretch your legs with a walking tour in Hoi An through its beautiful narrow streets. Learn about the history of Ho Chi Minh City, where life seems to never sleep and admire the amazing system of Cu Chi tunnels. For a nice change of scenery, enjoy the peaceful life in the Mekong Delta region on a boat trip. Travel to Siem Reap for a real adventure in the ancient Angkor-era temples of Roluos Group and the world-famous Angkor Complex.
Full Itinerary
- This itinerary is designed for your kind reference, and it can totally be personalized to match your time, budget and interests. Feel free to let us know your expectations for the trip and we take care of them for you.
- Trips are personally tailor-made, with basic standards of daily JOIN-GROUP TOURS where-ever possible, while accommodations and your time of leisure are at your own choice. If your budget allows, we recommend you upgrade to PRIVATE TOURS, when you are personally taken care of and be able to enjoy more private time on your own. Certainly, your trip can be a good mix of PRIVATE DAY TOURS and JOIN-GROUP DAY TOURS as you wish, just simply let us know!
Day 2: Hanoi – Fullday City Tour
After breakfast, dive into the sights, sounds, and aromas of Hanoi. Start with Ho Chi Minh Complex including his Mausoleum (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed all afternoon, every Monday & Friday, and from late September until December), the Presidential Palace, the historic Stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda.
Continuing on your journey through Hanoi, you head to Tran Quoc Pagoda (which means “Stabilizing the Nation”), the oldest pagoda constructed in the sixth century in the Westlake and also a famous attraction for pilgrims.
From there, you will proceed to the Temple of Literature. Originally built in honor of Confucius by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong in 1070, a university was added to the grounds six years later. The university provided education to the royal family and children of the aristocracy or “mandarins”.
Around 12.30: you will have lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch is aa short drive to the Museum of Ethnology, a museum of the 54 officially recognized Ethnic Groups in Vietnam (Ethnology Museum is closed every Monday).
Return to the City center to visit Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart and soul of Hanoi.
End up your day with a fun cyclo/ rickshaw ride through the French Quarter and then enjoy a Water Puppet show, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.
Around 18.00 – 18.30, return to your hotel where the rest of the day will be free at your leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hanoi
| Optional Experience: Hanoi Street food tour Start your walking tour of Hanoi’s largest covered market, Dong Xuan. Along the perimeter of the market, dozens of street hawkers sell a staggering variety of produce from live seafood to exotic fruits and spices. Your expert English-speaking local guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we’ll tempt our taste buds with the famed Hanoi dish Banh Cuon at a local eatery. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate for you how this tasty dish is put together. Continuing into the atmospheric heart of the Old Quarter, you will wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe local life that has changed little since Hanoi was founded over 1000 years ago. Your next stop will be a food stall for you to try our Bread, a little food stall with a few typical tiny Vietnamese chairs on the sidewalk where we enjoy the delicious and fresh baguettes while observing the neighborhood. The next one will be another famous dish – Bun Cha. Bun Cha consisting of vermicelli, herbs and grilled pork. At this Hanoi’s best-kept secrets, a hidden café we will watch the demonstration and then try some egg coffee, a scrumptious local delicacy. Continue to other food stalls near Hoan Kiem lake where we try some dishes such as Che “Vietnamese style pudding” and Nom “papaya salad with beef”. It’s then time for dessert as you will venture down a small alley to join in the local tradition of feasting on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced – this specialty is one not to be missed! Price: Upon request |
Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu – Tam Coc)
Depart Hanoi for a two-hour drive to the province of Ninh Binh, approximately 100 kilometers away. Your first destination is Hoa Lu, the location of the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and early Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient citadel once covered 300 hectares of land, however, the passage of time has left few remains of this once glorious capital of Vietnam.
On arrival, dive into history at the Dinh & Le Temples. Restored in the 17th century, the temples are dedicated to the Dinh and Le emperors and believed to be built on the original foundations of the old palaces from the 11th and 12th centuries.
After visiting the Ancient Capital, you will be transferred to Tam Coc, stop en-route to take photographs of the local villages and stunning landscape. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant (serving local specialties with vegetarian meals upon request).
After lunch and a short rest, board a sampan to visit Tam Coc (Three Caves), rowing down the river among the villages, mountains and lush green rice fields. Known as “Halong Bay on land”, Tam Coc are three limestone caves stretching along the splendid Ngo Dong River. During the boat trip, you will enjoy the impressive natural landscape, reflexing the spectacular Limestone Mountains, rice paddies, and temples. Pass through 3 caves to get a unique feeling of the mesmerizing underground system. Your boat will return to the dock and you will be taken back to Hanoi.
The evening will be yours at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay
After breakfast you will leave the busy streets of Hanoi behind, bound for the serenity of Halong Bay where you will discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters provide an ethereal backdrop for your leisurely cruise.
Once there, you’ll be welcomed aboard your traditional-style Vietnamese Junk boat, each with its own individual route, to begin your cruise around the bay’s rocky islands and hidden caves.
After lunch on board, you will take a small boat transfer to the Tien Ong Cave and Cua Van Fishing Village, whose residents still live in traditional floating houses.
Return to your Junk boat for a cooking demonstration with the chef or enjoy a mesmerising sunset on the top deck before enjoying a scrumptious dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in this UNESCO-listed natural wonder.
Note: If your time permits, we would highly recommend an additional night on board which gives you a lot more time to relax and take in the amazing landscape. You’ll get to cruise deeper into the Bay where it’s more beautiful and less crowded.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight on board in Halong Bay
Day 5: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue
The graceful practice of Tai Chi eases you into your day as is the local custom. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ on the deck of the Junk boat for a morning class in exquisite natural surrounds. You’ll have time for an early morning swim at one of Halong Bay’s quiet beaches and, if you’re feeling energetic, a brisk walk to catch one last view of scenic Halong Bay before your drive to Hanoi Airport for a short flight to Hue.
Upon arrival at Hue airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city centre for check-in.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight in Hue
Day 6: Hue – Fullday City tour
After breakfast, transfer to the wharf where you will embark on a traditional dragon boat trip on the Perfume River. A short distance upriver is perhaps Hue’s best-known religious site, the Thien Mu Pagoda with its distinctive seven-storey octagonal tower. This pagoda is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the city, overlooking the River. You will also see the Austin car which took Monk Thich Quang Duc to Ho Chi Minh City where he famously set himself on fire in 1963 as a dramatic protest against the unfair treatment of Buddhists by the Diem regime. The photo of his self-immolation is one of the most well-known images of the war.
Continue to visit the Royal Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled the country from 1802 till 1945. You will explore the ancient and atmospheric walled Citadel which contains the former Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City. You will have a chance to visit Hue Royal Antiques Museum – A collection of ornaments from the Nguyen dynasty. After that, you will proceed to visit Dong Ba Market – the famous market in Hue to discover daily life and get more experience with local people here.
Head out of town to a Buddhist Nunnery for lunch. Experience a fantastic traditional meal at this peaceful retreat and have the chance to interact with the nuns to learn more about Buddhism and gain a unique insight into their daily lives.
You will spend the afternoon exploring Hue’s famous royal tombs, illustrious examples of the Grand Dynasty’s past, and garden houses. First, we will visit Minh Mang’s tomb that is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds. The next stop will be the Emperor Khai Dinh Tomb, considered as one of the most beautiful and picturesque works of architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty.
On the way back to town, you will visit a local workshop where you can see how incense sticks and traditional conical hats are made. Interact with the local people and try your hand at making some incense sticks.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hue
| Optional Experience: Hue street food tour Hue is popular not only for its attractive historical monuments of the Nguyen Dynasty but also for its richness in culture and cuisine. 17:30 We’ll start walking to foodie street to enjoy special cakes such as Banh Beo, Nam, Loc…( water fern cake, steamed rice pancake with shrimp and rice dumpling cake ) that are made with rice flour. Continue to Han Mac Tu street along the Perfume River. Here you will enjoy clam dishes such as Com hen or Bun Hen (mussel rice, mussel noodle), you can also enjoy the atmosphere of a beautiful and peaceful river. Wander on Le Loi street then over Trang Tien Bridge and visit the colorful Dong Ba market to try Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled pork Bocelli ) or Bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup) you can see a lot of ingredients for food, and explore the local life. After that walk on to Thuong Tu southeast gate of the Imperial Citadel for Banh Khoai (Hue pancake). Continue walking to the night market, where you can purchase souvenirs such as sesame candies, conical hats, Ao Dai (traditional outfit). On the way back, you can drink some beer, and share your opinions of the evening! Price: Upon request |
Day 7: Hue – Danang – Hoi An
After breakfast, you will depart Hue heading south along the coastline to Da Nang and Hoi An. En-route you will stop to visit Lang Co Beach and Hai Van Pass (Cloudy Pass). Reaching Da Nang, you will stop to climb up the Marble Mountain, a cluster of five hills made from limestone and marble in Da Nang. It’s also a well-known pilgrimage site with peaks, caves, tunnels, and temples all just waiting to be discovered. Reaching the summit, you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Da Nang city below.
Continue to drive to the nearby town of Hoi An. From the 16th to the 18th century, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port. Today it is a quaint riverside town popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailor shops, and cafes.
After checking into your hotel you will head out for lunch and embark on a walking tour winding through the winding narrow streets of the Ancient Quarter. You will visit the town’s major top attractions including Chua Ong Pagoda, the Assembly Hall, the 200-year-old Tam Ky house and the Japanese Covered Bridge. You will also attend a traditional music show and explore the Lantern making factories, a traditional hand-made product of Hoi An.
The rest of the day will be free at your leisure. You can visit the tailor shops to have some clothes made to measure within 24 hours. Or just relax and enjoy the comforts of the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An – Day at leisure
A charming town, Hoi An is perfect for you to spend a day wandering around, exploring things by yourself. You can take a relaxing bike ride through beautiful local villages or relax at An Bang beach, 5 km away from the Old town. The optional experience below can be your choice.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An
| Optional Experience: Hoi An Biking to the rural villages After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to visit a local fishing village by cycling on level ground to the Thu Bon River. For safety purposes, you will be given a short bicycle competency test. For those uncomfortable with riding a bicycle, a private car can be arranged. Ride along country lanes at a peaceful pace viewing local life and pause to see farmers toiling in their rice paddies using centuries of farming practices. Peddle your way through palm forests, across bridges, fields of water buffalos, etc. Take a short break with a local family at Cam Thanh Village before enjoying 1.5 hours ride on Traditional Basket Boat (round boat) in the Water Coconut Palm Forest. Learn how to sail the basket boat and catch fish and “purple crabs” in the Canal. Continue to ride your bikes to Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village where a large variety of vegetables is produced for the local community. At the village, you will be shown the environmentally sustainable practices which the local villagers have used for centuries and is still being used extensively today. After some farming practices, you will head a local family to enjoy a foot massage and the traditional herbal foot dip. You will then ride back to the hotel to rest during the day. Price: Upon request |
Day 9: Hoi An – Danang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast and check out you will be driven to the airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon).
Upon arrival in HCM City, you will be picked up by our driver and driven in a private vehicle to your hotel to check-in. The rest of the day will be free at your leisure. Perhaps you will join our recommended optional experience below.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in HCM City
| *** Optional Experience: “Saigon nightlife” Walking Foodie tour You will meet your tour guide in the late afternoon for a walking tour of “Saigon Night Life”. This tour gives you a completely different experience than the day tours. You will visit popular places in Saigon that most tourists don’t get to see. Besides the scenery, you can learn more about local life and culture. It is cool at night time in Saigon, so you may wish to bring a light jacket or cardigan. Don’t forget your camera/phone to take some pictures of Saigon at night. Your trip begins with discovering some bustling streets, you will visit Chinatown, the most vibrant area in Saigon. Discover Luong Nhu Hoc which is a beautiful street with lots of lanterns and explore many decorative items on Hai Thuong Lang Ong street. Following a light dinner with some of Vietnam’s traditional food, you will visit Ho Thi Ky flower market, this is the biggest flower market in Saigon with many beautiful flowers. You will also have a chance to discover another part of this big city, Saigon river by night. Price: Upon Request |
Day 10: HCM City – Cu Chi Tunnels & City Sightseeing
After breakfast, we will travel over 70 kilometers to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, which was built by the Viet Cong in the war battles for the South of Vietnam. The tunnels are a sobering insight into the dedication of the Viet Cong who lived almost entirely underground in the narrow and claustrophobic tunnels, for up to 10 years!
Upon arrival, you will have a chance to watch a brief video that will introduce you to the Cu Chi tunnels, followed by a walk through the reserve. In this walk, you can see the Secret Entrance to the tunnels, workshops for the handmade weapons, the clinic bunker, the commander bunker, the meeting bunker and the kitchen bunkers, which are all open and above ground. Nearby is a chilling exhibition of the traps and weapons used during the war. You can also experience the Cu Chi tunnels by crawling inside to see how difficult life must have been, and discover the 3 levels underground. Additionally, the small replica displayed outside will give you a perfect example of what the interior looked like.
For those who do not like the claustrophobic atmosphere, you will not have to crawl into these tunnels! The small replica displayed outside will give you a perfect example of what the interior looked like.
Leaving Cu Chi tunnels you will return to HCM City around midday for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, your guide will show you the most interesting sights that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer. Depart from your hotel to the Reunification Palace; this beautifully preserved palace was the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. On April 30th, 1975 the American War officially came to an end here. Proceed to the War Remnants Museum, where you can see countless artifacts, photographs, and pictures documenting the second Indochina war.
Continue to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, built in 1880, and the Old Post Office, which was built sometime between 1886 and 1891. It is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Next will be Jade Emperor Pagoda, nestled in a quiet enclave in downtown HCM City, the Pagoda offers a calming sanctuary from the bustle of the busy streets outside
The final stop will be Ben Thanh Market where you can practice your bargaining skills while shopping for souvenirs. You’ll find some of the friendliest, liveliest, most convivial people in the city here.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in HCM City
Day 11: HCM City – Mekong Delta (Ben Tre)
After breakfast, you will depart for a two-hour drive to Ben Tre Town, in the Mekong Delta, popularly known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, and is famous for its vast rice fields, orchard farms, coconut trees, numerous waterways, and beautiful landscapes.
Upon arrival you will embark on a motorized boat trip around the scenic Ben Tre River, viewing various local industries along the way. During the boat ride, you will stop to visit the small local factories where bricks and sleeping mats are made. Take a leisure walk along the village lanes visiting the local homes to try dry fruits, taste honey tea while enjoying a local Tai Tu music show. Continue to visit a coconut mill workshop where the local delicacy of coconut candy is produced and a range of coconut husk and fiber products are skillfully handcrafted.
You next take a small sampan boat through palm-fringed back canals, gliding peacefully along the hidden waterways surrounded by an immense variety of tropical plants. The quiet, rural setting is a welcome and restorative retreat to the frenetic buzz of Ho Chi Minh City which seems far, far away.
Enjoy sitting in the back a Motor Cart (xe lôi) passing rice and vegetable orchard farms while meeting with local people. Then head to a local restaurant for a simple lunch, after which you will be driven back to the city.
The rest of the day will be free at your leisure or you can consider joining our recommended optional experience below.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in HCM City
| Optional Experience: Explore “Saigon after Dark” on Vespa scooters where you are the passengers! Time: 06.30pm – 10.30pm A foodie night out on the town. This night tour is part night excursion, part street food adventure. Experience Saigon nightlife the way locals do, all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. To start off this Saigon night tour, enjoy drinks at our Vespa-themed café, Café Zoom, to watch “as the world goes by” (as said in the Lonely Planet guidebook). Throughout the night, try a variety of food and drinks at 2 local restaurants and samplings of Saigon’s best authentic local food. Zoom past the famous must-see sights of Ho Chi Minh City while in the bustling traffic. You will also go to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop with special live music, and then wrap up the evening at an exciting music bar where the new generation of Vietnamese unwind and flaunt their unique styles. Guests ride pillion behind your drivers to enjoy and experience the Vietnamese nightlife with friends. This tour includes free-flowing drinks and all you can eat, so come with an appetite! Price: Upon Request |
Day 12: HCM City – Flight to Siemreap
At late morning check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Siemreap, Cambodia. You’ll meet your guide on arrival and drive straight to your hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon you will meet your guide and driver and then head out of the city to the early Angkor-era temples of the Roluos Group, about 15km away from Siem Reap. Roluos is the site of the first town built by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th century and consists of three main temples: Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. The beautiful surrounding countryside with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typical for Cambodia.
Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Explore Angkor Night market and the pub street.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Siemreap
Day 13: Siemreap – Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm Temple
After breakfast, start your day by a guided tour to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path – a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake.
Continue on to the incredible Ta Prohm temple, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground.
In the afternoon, you will visit the legendary Angkor Wat. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple.
End the day with a beautiful sunset view from the top of Phnom Bakheng hill. Once the sun has set, you will head back to town.
Time is on your own in the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Siemreap
Day 14: Siemreap – Tonle Sap Lake – Local Village Walk & Talk
In the morning, you will embark on an interesting boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake (Kampong Phluk area), where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Tonle Sap is South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake with its size varying greatly depending on the season, as it swells to about four times its size during the wet season. Continue your boat trip to visit Kampong Phluck, a village where you will see houses on stilts that are submerged when Tonlé Sap Lake swells. On the way, you will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water.
In the afternoon, you will be taken on a drive through the countryside to a local village, a beautiful small farming village where life revolves around the seasons and family, located approximately 15 minutes outside of Siem Reap. Here you will be taken on an incredible walking tour through the village and the local community, learning about their simple way of life, meet local people and you will probably want to chat with them or help them with gardening works or help grow vegetables in the gardens. The village tour guide will explain to you about Cambodian daily lifestyle, customers, cultures, and superstitions. You will also stop at a local pagoda for an intimate monk blessing (water blessing), wishing you good health and a safe journey – a very special experience!
This is a wonderful village tour that provides a lot of photo opportunities and local experiences. End of the trip, you will enjoy seasonal fruits & fresh coconut juice at a host family’s house before transferring back to the hotel. The rest of the day will be on your own.
*** Note: Today we recommend you to have proper clothes if you want to join the monk blessing at the local temple.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Siemreap
| Optional Experience: Phare Circus show https://pharecircus.org/ Set up by refugees of the Khmer Rouge era, Phare promotes performing arts as a way to cope with trauma. Over the years they have not only helped hundreds of Cambodians but also helped to promote traditional Khmer culture. Price: Upon Request |
| Optional Experience: Balloon Ride over Siemreap Standard Balloon for Sunset (10 mins, up then down only), Premier Balloon (30-45 mins) Price: Upon Request. |
Day 15: Siemreap – Departure
Your private transfer greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Siem Reap International Airport where you board your flight home or travel on to more adventures, we will help you with the planning.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
The price of this trip varies according to selected airlines, the number of people in your party, dates of departure, hotel standard, and availability of ground services. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we would be more than happy to assist you with your arrangements.
Contact us for the best ratesUseful Information
For more information about tour types and accommodations, please click here
What’s Included?
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour of Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh city with highlights
- Halong Bay Cruise 2 days/1night
- Ninh Binh and Tam Coc “Halong Bay on land”.
- Spectacular maze of Cu Chi tunnels
- Mekong Delta discovery
- Angkor Temple Complex discovery
- Boat trip on Great Tonle Sap Lake
- Walk & Talk in the local village, interact with local people
Travel Services
- Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
- All Excursions
- Transportation in AC vehicles
- English speaking guide(s)
- Domestic flights
- Local boats
- Admission fee
- Meals as stated in the program
Travel Highlights
- Complimentary Vietnam Visa Approval Letter
- An open choice for join-group tour or private tour with maximum flexibility
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
- Transfer in good and high qualified transportation vehicles
- Hand-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Accompanied by Experienced and friendly local guides
- Optional Experiences and free time
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of the tour
