Vietnam - Cambodia Highlight 16 days 15 nights

Day 1: Siem Reap (D)

 

Upon arrival we are met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel

Day 2: Siem Reap (B, L, D)

 

After breakfast drive to the fortified city of Angkor Thom. Start at the Southern Gate, continue on to ‘The Bayon’ and its beautifully crafted central towers. From here visit the Elephant Terrace, which was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall and then continue to the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon visit the magnificent Angkor Wat.

Day 3: Siem Reap (B, L, D)

 

Today visit Banteay Srei, Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei, Kravan, Ta Keo and Ta Prohm Temples

Fly to Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Day 4:  Phnom Penh (B, L, D)

 

This morning, visit the Majestic Silver Pagoda, the Emerald Buddha, the National Museum and the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes.

Day 5: Phnom Penh to Saigon (B)

 

This morning we bid farewell to Cambodia and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known by its former name, Saigon. This afternoon visit Saigon’s main market, Ben Thanh Market, for an introduction to Vietnamese shopping.

Day 6: Saigon (B, L)

 

Begin our sightseeing by visiting the former Presidential Palace, War Remnants Museum, the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral and the French style central Post Office. Also visit Cholon, the Chinatown of Saigon where we see the huge Binh Tay wholesale market and the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda.

Day 7: Saigon - Mekong Delta (My Tho) (B, L)

 

Explore the Mekong Delta, the heart of South Vietnam, dotted with rice paddies and fruit plantations. Take various boat trips amongst the smaller tributaries to visit local floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations.

Day 8: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L, D)

 

Today we have an in depth look at the determination and ingenuity of the Vietnamese when we explore the famous Cu Chi tunnels. Continue to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion practiced mainly in the Mekong Delta.

Day 9: Saigon to Hoi An via Danang (B, L, D)

 

This morning fly to Danang and visit the Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and China Beach before continuing on to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An.

Day 10: Hoi An (B, L, D)

 

Enjoy a walking tour of the old centre of Hoi An today. Visit an old merchant home, still lived in by descendents of the original merchant, the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An market and a local Chinese pagoda. This afternoon we have time to visit the tailors for which this town is known and soak up the charming atmosphere of Hoi An at one of the many riverside cafes along the Thu Bon River.

Day 11: Hoi An to Hue (B, L, )

 

Leaving Hoi An drive over Hai Van Pass to the ancient capital of Hue. This afternoon we take a leisurely cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel, continue by coach to visit to the Tu Duc.

Day 12: Hue to Hanoi (B, L)

 

Start the day with a boat trip on the Perfume River.and visit Thien Mu Pagoda . We then fly to Hanoi. The afternoon is at leisure before this evening's performance of the famous Water Puppets.

Days 13-14: Overnight Halong Bay (B, L, D)

 

Travel to the area that is regarded as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Vietnam - Halong Bay and commence our cruise on a junk boat. Spend the night onboard relaxing and watching the sunset over Halong Bay. The following day continue our cruise around the islands. After lunch drive back to Hanoi.

Day 15: Hanoi (B, L, D)

 

Today visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec) followed by Hoan Kiem Lake, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Stilt House and wander through the Temple of Literature. Overnight in Hanoi.

Days 16: Depart Hanoi (B)

 

Transfer to the airport for your flight back.

 

Accommodation as below or similar: double/twin shared room:

 

OPTION	CITY	HOTEL NAME & ROOM TYPE
Option 1 – Hotel 3*	PHNOM PENH	Okay Boutique Hotel (3*) – Superior room   www.okay-boutiquehotel.com/
SIEM REAP	Steung Siem Reap Hotel (3*) – Superior room www.steungsiemreaphotel.com
Option 2 – Hotel 4*	PHNOM PENH	Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel (4*) – Superior room   https://frangipaniroyalpalace.com/
SIEM REAP	Hillocks Hotel (4*) – Deluxe Suite room https://hillockshotel.com/
Option 3 – Hotel 5*	PHNOM PENH	Himawari Hotel (5*) – Himawari Suite http://www.himawarihotel.com/
SIEM REAP	Angkor Miracle Hotel (5*) – Deluxe pool room https://angkormiracle.com/