Overview

An excellent luxury private tour for couple and family holiday covering all the highlights of Cambodia and Vietnam, combining some days on beach. The tour includes the capital city of Angkor, the capital city of Hanoi, an overnight cruise around Halong or Lan Ha bay on a junk boat, the ancient town of Hoi An, break journey with few nights on beach in Nha Trang ends journey with exploring the largest city in Vietnam – Saigon city.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap (flight to be advised/own tickets)
Welcome to Cambodia/Siem Reap.  
 
Airport ARRIVAL Assistance Service (International terminal): Upon arrival inside the arrival terminal of Siem Reap airport, please look for our Representative who will be holding the signboard with your names on it and hand the visa form, who will assist you with your visa handling through the immigration without standing in queue and heading straight out (Cambodia visa stamping fees of USD30/person is NOT included). Once you have done immigrations and customs formalities, walk through exit gate and look for a tour guide displaying a welcome signboard with your name on it. Embark the comfortable vehicle for transfer to your hotel for check-in and spend the remainder of day at leisure.
 
Welcome dinner (set menu, included food only, drinks at your consumption and pay directly): This evening we recommend you try ‘The Grill Lounge’, a new trendy restaurant that has taken traditional Khmer recipes and given them a modern twist. It is located nearby the night town, which is one minute away from the hustle and bustle Pubstreet. The restaurant has got the classics, but they’ve also gathered the most over-the-top, outrageous, and creative recipes for your grilling pleasure.

Hightlights: Express arrival services and welcome dinner
Dinner
Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang/Terrace villa
Shinta Mani Angkor hotel/Bayon room

In the early morning around 06.00am we wake up early to take a trip to Angkor Temple architectural marvel. In the pond that surrounds it we see reflected mintra see the sunrise. 
***Please check with your guide to see what time you would like to enjoy sunrise at Angkor Wat and your guide will be flexible to you and accommodate as per your request

Then, we walk to the backdoor to visit Angkor Wat Temple at level 1, level 2 and level 3, an architectural marvel, one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple has fine carvings of Apsaras in stone made during the Angkor period. Return to the hotel for your own breakfast. 
 
Afternoon, take a tuk tuk ride to explore the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom. Its 50-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Enter at the Victory Gate before uniquely walking along the 8m high wall through the forest to the less touristy Death Gate. Passing behind the Terraces of Elephants and Leper King walk though the shaded parkland to Phimeanakas and Baphuon temples, learning about the trees and fruits used locally. End our sightseeing this afternoon with a visit to Bayon temple with its iconic carved faces.

Hightlights: Sunrise Angkor and tuk tuk ride
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang/Terrace villa
Shinta Mani Angkor hotel/Bayon room

Remark:  If you don’t want to get up early today, you just tell your guide 1 day prior so that you can enjoy breakfasts at hotel before starting tour today.
Rise early and beat the crowds at the photogenic Ta Prohm temple of “Tomb Raider” fame, the temple that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. Undisturbed by crowds of tourists you can better appreciate the interplay of man and nature at this magical site. Then, walk through the Sra Srong village – just behind Ta Prom temple exploring the villagers making wooden carvings and palm leave weaving. Enjoy a coffee break at one of the villager’ house and opportunity to interact with the local family.  Back to hotel after the visit for late breakfast
 
After breakfast, drive out of Siem Reap and visit Wat Bo Krum village on the banks of Siem Reap River. Wander around this typical Khmer village and enjoy the peaceful scenery. Visit the local children at the village school.  Donations are always welcome and you may want to bring some notebooks, pens, new or used clothes, or rice to hand over to the school or village pagoda.  After the visit, drive back to Siem Reap with a stop en route to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man.
 
The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Hightlights: Angkor temples
Breakfast
Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang/Terrace villa

Private transfer: This morning you will be pick up at your resort by your guide and then be transferred to the airport for the flight to Hanoi.  
 
Welcome to Hanoi/Vietnam! 
Airport ARRIVAL Assistance Service (International terminal): Upon arrival inside the arrival terminal, please look for our Representative who will be holding the signboard with the group name on it and hand the visa form, passport to our Representative, who will assist you with your visa handling through the immigration without standing in queue and heading straight out (Vietnam visa approval letter and visa stamping fees are not INCLUDED). Once you have done immigrations and customs formalities, walk through exit gate and look for a tour guide displaying a welcome signboard with the group name on it. Embark the comfortable vehicle for transfer to your hotel for check-in and balance of the day is free at leisure for your relaxation.
 
Suggested evening Water Puppet show: Water Puppetry is a traditional and unique Vietnamese Art. This highly entertaining form of theatre uses the water surface as stage. Standing waist-deep in the water, the master puppeteers are hidden behind a bamboo screen. The technical virtuosity of the puppeteers is startling and the music enticing. The entire atmosphere is truly enchanting. Many of the brief episodes relate to scenes of the daily life. (The water puppet show is not included in your itinerary but can be arranged by your guide and paid for locally).

Hightlights: Express arrival services
Breakfast
Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel/Premium room (Hotel de L’Opera/Deluxe room)

Guided tour of Hanoi & cyclo tour of the Old Quarter: Start the tour of Hanoi with a visit to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a relic complex associated with the history of Thang Long – Dong Kinh citadel and Hanoi province starting from the pre-Thang Long period (An Nam invaded in 17th century) through Dinh – Tien Le period. thriving under the Ly, Tran, Le dynasties and Hanoi citadel under the Nguyen dynasty.This is a huge architectural work, built by the kings in many historical periods and became the most important monument in the system of Vietnamese monuments. Following we will pass by the Soviet style Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read out the declaration of the nation’s independence in 1945. Afterwards you will visit the ancient Temple of Literature which was built in the 11th century and was the first university established in Vietnam. End the day by enjoying a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter. The best way to explore the picturesque area of the Old Quarter is by “cyclo” (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi). Also known as the “36 Streets District”, it was once the thriving commercial centre of the city. Each of the 36 short lanes used to specialise in a particular trade represented by one of the guilds.  This is still reflected in the names of certain streets:  like Silk Street, Gold Street and Fish Street.  Among the ancient homes and attractive temples there is a multitude of tantalising souvenir shops. 
 
Afternoon at leisure in Hanoi: Afternoon you have time at leisure to explore the Vietnamese capital independently. Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, go shopping in the Old Quarter, and sample some of Hanoi’s many culinary delights.
 
Exploring Hanoi nightlife by Vietnam People’s Army Jeep HJA4 – Private Hanoi Jeep Food Tours (starts at 17.00pm & finish at 21.30pm): This late afternoon, you will be picked up at your hotel to enjoy a fun tour with a local guide on the Legendary Vietnam People’s Army Jeep HJA4. It is a fun way to experience the sights, smells and tastes of Hanoi. It is the best way to see and learn about the REAL HANOI and tasting REAL HANOI FOOD not just the run-off-the-mill tourist sites and restaurants. We would journey you to so many parts of Hanoi that you would not otherwise see and even imagine about, from the maze of zigzagging backstreets, hectic traffic, old French boulevards, and witnessing some special nightly activities of the city as well as tasting the most delicious dishes of the delicious dishes that Hanoi offers you. We will source the best street eats from markets, food carts, street cafes and other hard to find but totally worth the effort secret spots. You will end the trip at around 10.00pm and your Jeep driver will bring you back the hotel for the night.

Hightlights: Hanoi city tour
Breakfast & Dinner
Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel/Premium room
Hotel de L’Opera/Deluxe room

Private transfer to Ha Long: This morning (at approximate 08.30am) you will be picked up from the hotel by your driver & guide. You will then drive to Ha Long via highway, drive takes approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Overnight Lan Ha Bay Cruise on Halong Ginger: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, meet and transfer to the lounge of Heritage Line cruise. Following, you will board the Ginger cruise in time for lunch, and set sail across the bay. The Ginger will be new vessel cruising the Lan Ha Bay, which is a tranquil part of the famous Halong Bay in Vietnam. Ginger has only 12 large suites, all naturally light-flooded and with well-sized balcony. The junk has three decks with Reception Lounge, Library Lounge, Restaurant with Live Cooking and Al Fresco Dining, Indoor Bar, Terrace Deck & Pool and Large Spa facilities including a steam bath. It is designed perfectly in inspiration of Indochinese-Vietnamese style with contemporary accents. All activities arranged by the cruise are on a shared basis. This cruise runs through very less touristy’s areas in Lan Ha Bay so guests will feel very great when seeing the bay, taking photos or relaxing on the sundeck. Enjoy a welcome drink upon boarding while being acquainted with the facilities on board during the welcome briefing. We start our unique journey of exploring one of the new won- ders of nature – Lan Ha Bay. We enjoy lunch in Ginger’s light-flooded dining room offering panoramic views of the passing scenery. We will reach the landing spot of Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island where we hop on bikes (electric car available) for an active tour along small paved roads towards a village nestled in a valley. Meet and greet local inhabitants doing their daily work, see their homes and the village school. Back on board, our chef is ready and prepared for an interactive cooking class in the open kitchen at the restaurant. We arrive at a tranquil anchor spot for the night. A hidden place to reminisce on the day’s adventures and enjoy cocktails under the stars. Dinner is served in the dining room.

Hightlights: Overnight on bay, swimming, kayaking
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sharing Violet junk of 6 Suites/private cabin
Sharing Ginger cruise2 /private Junior Suites with balcony

Morning cruise: Wake up early and join our Tai Chi session on the sun deck to ease mind and muscles with the first rays of the sun touching the water. Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries await you in the dining room to start the new day. Ginger anchors up and we cruise to Tra Bau, a secluded spot which is perfect for our morning excursion. In kayaks or bamboo boats we enjoy a close encounter and discovery of the bay. Paddling through the dreamlike landscape with tree- topped islands, you will feel a sense of freedom and harmony with nature that you have never experiences before. Back on board a hearty breakfast is served in the dining room (or on request served to your room) before we start our journey back to Tuan Chau pier where we arrive around 11 o’clock in the morning. Disembark the Ginger junk late this morning.
 
Seaplane transfer from Halong Bay back to Hanoi: After disembarking, optional your choice to do a short orientation tour of Halong city before transfer back the waiting louge of Hai Au avation for boarding the 12-seater Cessna seaplane for the short flight back to Hanoi departing at 12.30pm, a scenic flight of around 1 hour (including 15 minutes flying over the Halong Bay). Please be aware that the cabin baggage is allowed only 7kg luggage per person on the flight. Your main luggage will be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi by your driver and will be transferred by separate vehicle.
 
Hanoi fly to Da Nang: Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, meet again your guide and collect your main luggage for checking the flight to Da Nang.
 
Private transfer: Upon arrival, you will be met your guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An for the night. 

Hightlights: Fly to Da Nang and moving to Hoi An
Brunch
Anantara Hoian Resort/Junior Suite River view
Anantara Hoian Resort/Deluxe Balcony room

Morning private cooking class and Organic farm village: This morning, meet up with your chef at Red Bridge Restaurant & Cooking School at Hai Café in the old town for a brief introduction and a welcome drink. Travel by minivan (10 minutes) to Tra Que Organic Village and walk through the market gardens where local farmers work their fields using the traditional methods of hundreds of years ago – no electrical machinery here. We pick fresh saw-tooth coriander and Vietnamese mint for our cooking lesson later, before trying a special herbal drink at a local home.  To the local village market and with shopping list in hand we purchase a range of local ingredients, including star anise, cardamom, sesame rice paper, water spinach and banana flower. Arriving at Red Bridge Cooking School we have a chance to freshen up before beginning our class. Working together with our Red Bridge Chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils (still in use today) we cook 4 famous dishes, including the national dish ‘Pho’. After the class we sit down and a chance to savour the dishes we have prepared. Leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River back to central Hoi An.
 
Afternoon Hoi An walking tour: You will enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town center including temples, old houses, pagodas and the Japanese-covered Bridge to introduce an insight of Hoi An architecture/ history as well as the restoration plan being implemented by UNESCO. Free on your own to explore this ancient town and the colorful market with its stalls brimming with tropical specialties. The market is a good place to buy silk, which can be made upon into fine garments, all within a day. The remainder of the day is free at leisure for your own time of shopping or hanging around.
 
Evening attending Hoi An Memories Show: Hoi An Memories Show is the most authentic cultural and historical values for visitors, deeply imprinted for every visitor watching the show thanks to the scale and the extremely elaborate investment in quality. It is an incredible show, spread over 25,000 square metres 500 performers take over the outdoor stage in their traditional ao dai costumes and modern staging techniques. 

Hightlights: Private cooking class
Breakfast & lunch
Anantara Hoian Resort/Junior Suite River view
Anantara Hoian Resort/Deluxe Balcony room

Private transfer: This morning you will be pick up at your resort by your guide and then be transferred to the airport for the flight to Camn Ranh.
 
Hotel transfer: Airport transfer in Cam Ranh is arranged by your hotel.

Hightlights: Fly to Cam Ranh
Breakfast
Amanoi Vinh Hy resort/Lake Pavilion

Six Sense Ninh Van Bay/Beach Front Pool villa

Days at leisure: Your family has 6 days and 5 nights in Vinh Hy/Nha Trang. Free day to relax on beach. Activities can be arranged by your hotel including a water sports, scuba diving, trekking and other recreational activities.

Hightlights: Free day on beach
Breakfast
Amanoi Vinh Hy resort/Lake Pavilion

Six Sense Ninh Van Bay/Beach Front Pool villa

Hotel transfer: This morning, staff of the resort will transfer to the airport for the flight to Saigon.
 
Private transfer: On arrival, your guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. 

Hightlights: Fly to Saigon
Breakfast
Park Hyatt Saigon hotel/Park city view room

Caravelle Saigon hotel/Deluxe room

Morning guided tour to Cu Chi Tunnels by roundtrip speedboat: You will be transferred to Tan Cang jetty and then board on the chartered speedboat boat to the Cu Chi tunnels. This river journey provides a glimpse of the changing faces of Vietnam – from the glittering skyscrapers and busy commercial centres to green paddy fields and pottery villages dotted along the Saigon River. The tunnel complex was initially started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American war. A visit to the underground villages will provide a better understanding of how the tunnels were constructed, the hardship of life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. Then get on back the speedboat to bring you back to Saigon.  
 
Afternoon tour of Saigon city: With over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, Saigon is truly a city that never sleeps. This afternoon visit Saigon’s historic landmark including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (entrance is only permitted when no services are being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. (Please note that some of the displays are very graphic.) Experience Saigon’s famed street coffee culture while your guide provides a brief language lesson as well as insights into daily life of a Saigonese before returning to your hotel. You may want to visit Ben Thanh market or Pagoda of Emperor at the end of trip.

Hightlights: Move to Saigon
Breakfast
Caravelle Saigon hotel/Deluxe room

Full day tour to the Mekong Delta/Ben Tre: This morning you will be met at your hotel and head one and half hours southwest of Saigon and along the way notice lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside the highway. Upon arrival Ben Tre, we board the charming wooden boat sailing across the Mekong Rivers while enjoying coconut juice. Our first stop at a brick making shop, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand. Following, we will visit a local coconut manufacturer to see procedure of coconut processing, such as peeling coconut, coconut crushing, coconut pruning, coconut candy, making activated carbon … We will also visit local handicraft – mat weaving, where we will meet and talk with local people, known for their friendliness, warmth and generosity. Afterward, you have option to get on a rickshaw motorcycle riding on narrow village roads to enjoy the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside or start a bicycle trip around Nhon Thanh village around 4km (or can do longer), traveling through some tranquil villages where vegetables gardens to be able to touch on real life and find out about tropical culture from Peasants. We will enjoy simple lunch at local restaurant offering Mekong Delta specialties. After Lunch, a hand-rowing sampan will take you through narrow canals under a green canopy of water-coconut trees to catch a glimpse of the daily activities of the local people. After the visit, re-embark your boat to ride back to the pier in Ben Tre for disembarkation and drive back to Saigon.
 
Special dinner: this evening, your family will enjoy dinner at The Deck restaurant (http://www.thedecksaigon.com ), situated on the banks of the Saigon River, a short 15-minute journey from the heart of Saigon City. It is also a great place to enjoy sunset and taste fantastic cocktails. Option of your choice to depart from your hotel early to enjoy the sunset before the dinner. Saigon’s only modern restaurant Pan Asian cuisine where friendships, romance and fine food comes together. Once you’ve been greeted by a smile, share the sunset, unwind with a signature cocktail and enjoy the contemporary experience it will be hard for you depart.

Hightlights: Full day tour to Mekong Delta
Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Caravelle Saigon hotel/Deluxe room

Private transfer: Today is at leisure in Saigon to explore independently and hunt for souvenirs. You will have to check out of your room at noon time and then be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home. 
 
Airport DEPARTURE Assistance Service: Representative will collect your tickets and your passport in order to help you to check-in the airline. Following he will also help you with immigration procedure and give you back the boarding pass and passport with immigration stamped ready.

Breakfast
End of services

Start/ Finish

  • Siem Riep (Cambodia)
  • Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam)

Duration

16 days – 15 nights

Traveling dates

Year round and best time from December to September of next year

Price from

US$12,789

included/excluded costs

 Visit places

Siem Riep, Angkor, Ha Noi, Da Nang, Mekong Delta and Saigon, Ben Tre

  Recommended Hotels

Best hotels in Cambodia recommended by TONLE Journeys

Inclusive of:

Accommodation with daily breakfast in the program *Check-in & Check-out time: generally, check-in time is after 02.00pm and Check-out before 12.00pm (noon). Eerly check-in and late checkout are subject to room availability and may generate additional full rate room rate.
Private cruise in Halong/Lan Ha: **cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change upon weather conditions.
Transportations with guide services: all transfers and transportation on tour by private air-conditioned vehicle with driver and stationed English speaking guide in each city.
Air-tickets as mentioned in the itinerary: REP-HAN, HAN-DAD, DAD-CXR & CXR-SGN (Economy class and included airport taxes, 20-23kg checked luggage and 7-12kg hand luggage).
Entrance fees of the scenic spots as per program
Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Not include drinks in the meals
1 bottle of mineral water (500 ml) per pax on airport pick-up and see-off day
2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per pax per tour day

Non-inclusive of:

Visas and visa stamping fees
Early check-in or late check-out at all hotels
Meals where not indicated in the program
All drinks
One-way sharing seaplane flight from Hanoi to Ha Long
Other air-tickets and train tickets not mentioned in the program and in the inclusion column
International airport taxes       Overweight luggage
Gratuities/ Tipping to guides, drivers, boatman, bellboys...etc (*we recommend USD5-8 per traveller per day as tips for your guides and USD3-5 for your driver, however you might pay more or less depending on their services)
Travel insurance (*we strongly recommend you to buy full coverage travel insurance from your country of origin in advance)
Personal expenses (such as room services, laundry, optional activities …etc)
Optional tours and extra activities
Other services not mentioned in the program and in the inclusion column