Hanoi is a green city with its stylish French villas; it still exudes that old French charm and style. Its tree-lined boulevards, romantic lakes and French architecture allow us to step back in time to a quieter, more relaxed Vietnam. We visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and Ho’s simple, yet impressive house on stilts, set in beautiful gardens. Then we view the One Pillar Pagoda and the ancient Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. In the afternoon we visit the Ethnological Museum, one of the most interesting in Hanoi and then take an hour cyclo tour to discover the heart of Hanoi – the bustling Old Quarter – where the narrow streets buzz and bustle with the life of city. It is a shopper’s delight, with beautiful silks, linen, and Vietnamese artifacts. To finish off the day, we attend the performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppetry.

Overnight in Hanoi.

This morning, we leave Hanoi by road for Ha Long Bay by shuttle bus from the cruise, enjoying the timeless scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and daily life of the countryside. On arrival in Ha Long, we board a beautifully appointed wooden junk. A seafood lunch will be served as we cruise among the hundreds of islets in the Bay. Our cruise takes us to Sung Sot cave to witness a splendid sunset.

Overnight on boat.

Early morning coffee and tea will be served on the sundeck followed by a Tai Chi class. We continue exploring magnificent Ha Long Bay. Change to a small motor or rowing boat to see the floating village. When we return to the junk, a sumptuous meal, combining Vietnamese and Western cuisine will be served. On leaving the cruise, we depart back to Hanoi by shuttle bus from the cruise.

Transfer Hanoi airport for our flight to the Saigon. Upon arrival at Saigon airport, meet our driver (no guide) and transfer to hotel for check in.

Overnight at Hotel in Saigon.

8.00 am: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and then start drive to Cu Chi which located 60km from Saigon city, Cu Chi is now considered a heroic district for its role in the anti-American war in Vietnam. It is legendary for the original tunnels system of over 220km and is a popular spot for both Vietnamese and foreign visitors. The peacefully rural rice paddy scenery contains ducks and water buffalos swimming in the rivers alongside the road. Visitors will find it hard to imagine the destruction, damage, and defoliation all over the area, caused by bombing and mines When Cu Chi was” A Free Target Zone “. The remnants visitors will see show Cu Chi still has her evidence to prove the fierce battleground that took place there and visitors will see the remnants.

We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale.

Overnight at Hotel in Saigon.

Meet our guide and driver then transfer to Ben Tre, a small town, hidden within the Mekong Delta, has recently stepped out to be a destination in its own right. This peaceful retreat offers many charming surprises besides the lush vegetation, snaking canals, and enchanting smiles.

A day to Ben Tre is a day when you are no longer a tourist but a true resident embarking on a sensory voyage of discovery. Enjoy observing how bricks and grass mats are made with age-old traditional techniques as well as how products are extracted from coconuts. Admire stunning panoramic countryside pictures made of green coconut palms, yellow river streams and colorful local products. Feel the warmth of the tropical breeze and the coolness of water currents whilst exploring the earthy trails. Taste and smell local exotic fruits, “garden-made” cuisine or stop to observe and satisfy your palate with just-made wet rice paper or coco candies married with green tea.

Transfer to Saigon for departure to Siem Reap flight. Upon arrival at Siem Reap Int’s Airport, process immigration procedure (visa on arrival is available or obtain in advance via www.evisa.gov.kh), Cambodia E-Arrival Card - https://arrival.gov.kh, clients can apply online or on arrival), then get your luggage and walk straight to the Exit Gate where our guide is waiting. After self-introduced, you’ll transfer to hotel for check in.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

We start very early in the morning so we can capture the iconic picture of the pre-dawn facing Angkor Wat temple. Sunrise at Angkor Wat can be a busy venue especially during the months of December, January, February, and March.

After sunrise, we will explore the vast and rich of Angkor Wat temple, taking pictures at different angles, playing with light and shadows, and capturing the most beautiful devatas carved in sandstone.

Next destination will be the Ta Prohm Temple, famous for its giant trees where the most impressive scenes of the Tomb Raider movie were filmed. We will continue by veering you away from the crowd to a remote temple in the jungle. We will also visit places out of the beaten path where you will capture unique pictures.

Next, at the Golden Hour, will be the impressive Bayon temple with its 54 towers and 216 faces overlooking the defunct city of Angkor Thom. The final stop will be at one of gate of Angkor Thom to capture sunset over the moat.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, travel by road from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by private vehicle with English guide. On route you will witness the everyday lives of Cambodians as you pass through interesting provincial towns, bucolic villages, and delightful scenery. This is no ‘freeway dash’ as you will often slow down to let cows and water buffalo wander across the road, pass horse drawn carriages, and school kids walking and cycling to/from school.

Visit a floating village on the Tonle Sap lake where we can experience a unique lifestyle. The lake is the largest fresh water in Southeast Asia. The size of the water body changes dramatically during the year. It is very rich in fish, snakes, crocodiles, turtles, turtles and otters. About 700 fishing families live on the lake. We visit a floating restaurant where we can have lunch based on daily fishing. So back to Siem Reap and the rest of the day is free, so you can buy souvenirs.

On route you may wish to stop off in Kampong Kdei, to look at Spean Pratos – an ancient Angkorian bridge.
Not far from Phnom Penh you may choose to stop at Skoun, also known as ‘Spiderville’ due to the deep-fried tarantula that is the local delicacy, are you adventurous enough to try one?

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will check-in to your hotel after which you are free at leisure for the rest of the evening.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital city, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and architectural marvels. A Phnom Penh city tour allows you to delve into the city's heart, exploring its iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and vibrant local life.

Morning Delights:

• Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Be mesmerized by the grandeur of the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Cambodian King. Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about Cambodian royalty. Next door, explore the Silver Pagoda, adorned with a gleaming silver floor and housing priceless Buddha statues.
• National Museum: Immerse yourself in Cambodian history and art at the National Museum. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing artifacts from the Angkor era and other periods, providing insights into the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia.

Afternoon Exploration:

• Central Market (Phsar Thmey): Indulge in your senses at the bustling Central Market, a shopper's paradise. Wander through the labyrinthine alleys filled with stalls overflowing with local crafts, souvenirs, clothing, and Cambodian delicacies. Be sure to try your bargaining skills!
• Wat Phnom: Ascend the scenic Phnom Penh Hill, where Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple with a long history, sits atop. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and experience the tranquillity of the temple grounds.
• We will enjoy a cruise for view sunset on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River (1 hour). Situated at the “Four Arms” where the Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into two branches, Phnom Penh offers the ideal location to discover the mighty Mekong.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Pick up by driver and transfer to Phnom Penh airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.