Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh - Danang - Hanoi - Halong 12 Days

Itinerary

1. Day 01

   Siem Reap arrival – City tourWelcome to Siem Reap! - a gat...
   Siem Reap arrival – City tourWelcome to Siem Reap! - a gateway to the ancient Khmer civilization, with its famous Angkor Wat temple complex. You will be picked up from the airport for the tour around Siem Reap city.  This afternoon, we visit Senteurs D'Angkor New Workshop (open from Monday to Friday, close on Saturday and Sunday). Discover how the local artisans make by hand: soap with coconut oil, natural cosmetics, subtly scented balms, aromatic candles. You will also observe the different steps to treat and prepare the local spices (Kampot pepper, lemongrass, chili…), and how people blend them to make the traditional curry or amok. During your visit, you will also be able to taste several of local creations: flavored coffee, flavored tea, exotic jams… and identify various exotic plants and flowers as lemongrass, chili, pepper plant, coffee tree, frangipani, jasmine… We then visit Wat Bo, a highly respected pagoda founded in the 18th century, contains very unique wall paintings of the Reamker (Ramayana) that are said to be from late 19th century. End our visits at one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight in Siem Reap. Please note:  -    Normal check-in time at hotel is 14:00/15:00. Early check-in is not included.  -    Normal check-out time at hotel is 11:00/12:00. Late check-in is not included.  
2. Day 02

   Siem Reap – Full day Angkor Complex tour (B)
   After breakfast, we explore South Gate of Angkor Thom known as Big Angkor, 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire, The famous Bayon Temple was an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century. Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two and a half meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and gradual that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon - huge temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas - impressive rite and sandstone pyramid. Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants, a double terrace wall with deeply carved nag as, demons and other mythological beings. Last visit Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty. Giant trees have grown here for centuries. This afternoon we visit Angkor Wat temple, the Cambodia's ancient temple is one of the wonders of the oriental world. Masterpieces of decorative details as well as of architectural style, its awe-inspiring ruins survive as testament to the spectacular achievements of Southeast Asia's greatest civilization. It is a replica of the universe according to the Hindu mythology. It is composed by the Mount Meru, surrounded by the continents and the oceans. Its extraordinary bas-reliefs, describe some Khmer epics and myths. Angkor Wat's five famous towers rise into the sky, a geometrical arrangement of numerous galleries, adorned with beliefs and the stone images of celestial Apsara dancers, as well as portals, chambers and courtyards. Overnight in Siem Reap.  
3. Day 03

   Siem Reap – Chong Kneas floating village (B)
   After breakfast, we visit Chong Kneas Floating Villages, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a ride in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia and the largest in Asia. Here we will see plenty of examples of the Khmer way of life on the Tonle Sap. Rest time of the day at leisure or free for shopping. Overnight in Siem Reap.  
4. Day 04

   Siem Reap – Morning flight to Ho Chi Minh city – City tour (B)
   Have breakfast at the hotel. Time at leisure until check-out and transfer to the airport (without tour guide) for midday flight from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh city (air tickets excluded).  Upon arrival, welcomed by the local tour guide and transfer to visit the city.  We start with a visit to the Reunification Palace, which was formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president. The palace was stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Today, the palace has been preserved in its original state, and it's a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era. We end our day with a walk through the city center, where we'll see some of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic landmarks, such as City Hall, the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral (view from outside only), built between 1877 and 1883, and the colonial-styled Central Post Office. We'll also visit Ben Thanh Market, a bustling marketplace where you can find souvenirs, handicrafts, and local delicacies. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.  
5. Day 05

   Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh (B, L)
   – SIC TourBreakfast at hotel. You will be picked up from pick-up point in District 1  at 07:30-08:00 am. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and start your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century. Then  boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.  Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around country lane and seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation. Riding a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop. Have lunch at local restaurant. Time for relaxing. In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammock relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those can’t join the cycling trip. Return to Ho Chi Minh City late in the afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city. Please note: The guest will self-transfer to the pick-up point in District 1, address is provided upon booking confirmation.   
6. Day 06

   Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi tunnels – Flight after 17:00 to Danang (B)
   – SIC TourBreakfast and check-out from the hotel. You will be picked up around 07:30-08:00 am. Morning drive to Cu Chi Tunnels: the network of over 200 km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the war. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities, including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. Experience the thrill of firing an M15, AK-47, and carbine rifle at the National Defense Sports Shooting Range (at guests own extra cost). This is your chance to get a taste of what it's like to be a soldier in a war zone. With the help of experienced instructors, you'll learn how to handle these powerful weapons and how to shoot them safely. Return to Saigon arround 15:00 pm.  Your driver picked you up and transfer to the airport (without tour guide) for your domestic flight to Danang (air tickets excluded). We will pick you up at Danang Airport and transfer you to your hotel for checking-in (without tour guide). Overnight in Danang. Please note: The guest will self-transfer to the pick-up point in District 1, address is provided upon booking confirmation.   
7. Day 07

   Danang – Cam Thanh coconut village – Hoian Ancient town (B)
   After breakfast, we transfer to visit Cam Thanh village and Bay Mau coconut forest. Here you have chance to experience the traditional way of life. Take a bamboo basket boat tour through the coconut groves, learn how to paddle a traditional boat and try your hand at catching fish and shrimp using traditional techniques. Relax in the peaceful countryside by simply sit back and enjoy the views. Learn about traditional handicrafts by watching local artisans weave baskets and mats using coconut leaves and other natural materials. You can even try your hand at making your own. In the afternoon, after our transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town, we will be immersed in a magical world of Oriental feel. We will walk over the Japanese Bridge, visit Chinese Assembly halls, and explore ancient houses. We can also listen to folk music at old club-houses or stroll into the market by Thu Bon river. Here, we may feel the same inspiration as artists who have found the rooftops of Hoi An to be a source of inspiration. The rest of the time is free for shopping. Hoi An is legendary for its affordable yet quality tailoring services. The streets of the ancient town are also lined with shop houses and makeshift stalls selling handicrafts, jewelry, traditional apparel, and shoes. The central marketplace is filled with locals bargaining for fresh produce and foodstuffs. Hoi An town in the evening is a magical place, where is bathed in warm yellow light from the lanterns that hang from the shop houses, and the streets are filled with the sound of music and laughter.    
8. Day 08

   Danang – Ba Na Hills – Danang (B)
   – SIC TourAfter breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Danang at 07:00-08:00. We'll transfer to Ba Na Hills, a French-inspired hilltop resort. We'll take the iconic cable car, which has been awarded 5 world records, to the Ba Na Hills station. From the iconic Golden Bridge, we can admire the lush vegetation and rich terrain of the Truong Son Mountains, which stretch to the East Sea. Just a few steps away from the village is the Linh Ung Pagoda, home to a 27-meter-high Buddha statue. The pagoda's impressive facade is a testament to traditional Vietnamese architecture. Next, we'll head to Loc Uyen Garden and Quan Am Pavilion for a walk through well-manicured landscapes that are perfect for photoshoots. The tour guide will take guests to visit Fantasy Park, join in adventurous, fun, and modern games such as Love Swing, Skiver Pilot, Fire Racing Track, Bumper Car, Ghost House... Have buffet lunch at the restaurant.  Later in the afternoon, cconquer the Peak of Chua mountain at the height of 1,487m – Visit Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple. Enjoy the panorama view of the Da Nang City and Da Nang Bay. Go downhill by cable car and return to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beach feeling. Overnight in Danang. Please note: Wax Museum (USD 5/pax), Debay Wine Cellar (~USD 5/pax) entrance fees and coin games at Fantasy Park are not included, joining them will be at your own account.   
9. Day 09

   Danang – Morning flight to Hanoi – City tour (B)
   Have breakfast at the hotel. Check out and transfer to Danang airport (without tour guide) for your domestic flight to Hanoi (air tickets excluded).  We will pick you up at Noi Bai Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center for checking-in.  This afternoon, we take a memorable city tour around Hanoi. Our first stop will be Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Hanoi. This is where all of the city's biggest cultural and political events take place. We will take some photos of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside. Next, we will visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. The temple was built in 1070, and the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past. After visiting the temple, we will walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque lake in the heart of Hanoi. The lake is home to a number of temples and pagodas, and it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. We will then take a leisurely walk around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses. The Old Quarter is also known as "The 36 Streets," as each street is named after the merchandise that was traditionally sold there. Overnight in Hanoi.  
10. Day 10

    Hanoi – Halong bay – Overnight on cruise (B, L, D)
    – Shuttle BusBreakfast at the hotel, then check out. At around 8:00 am, you will be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarters and transferred to Ha Long Bay, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin, a Natural World Heritage as recognized by UNESCO in 1994 and 2006.  Upon arrival at the Cruise Port, you will enjoy a warm welcome from cruise staff and complete the check-in procedure for the overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this "Descending Dragon" bay, created by thousands of odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch on board, we can visit the Grottos, stop for swimming or kayaking, pass floating houses, and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close proximity. Later in the afternoon, go back to the cruise and enjoy the cooking demonstration before having dinner. In the evening, attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Overnight on the cruise. Please note: The guest will self-transfer to the pick-up point if your hotel is outside the Old Quarters. The program may be a little varied depending on the cruise you choose. You will have stationed English speaking guide on board.   
11. Day 11

    Halong – Hanoi (Br)
    – Shuttle BusYou should wake up early to enjoy the dawn on the sea in the early morning. The Vietnamese call the "East Sea" by a point-oriented name "Eastern Sea", so you may guess how miraculous seeing the sunrise over the islets of the Bay. After breakfast our boat will continue to cruise in marvelous areas, where almost each islet has its own name, adopting its shape or reminiscent like Sail Island, Fisherman’s head rock, Butterfly rock or Turtle islet etc. Check out your room and have brunch on board while the cruise coming back the pier.  Disembark from the cruise, transfer back to Hanoi. Check in hotel. Your time at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.  
12. Day 12

    Hanoi – Departure (B)
    Breakfast at the hotel. Time at leisure or shopping until check out time and transfer to the airport with driver only (no guide) for the departure flight back to your sweet home.

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