11 Days Essence of Vietnam and Cambodia Tour

Day 1 Welcome to Saigon!

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! This bustling metropolis, commonly referred to as Saigon, is jam-packed with historic landmarks, busy markets, and enticing street stalls making it an excellent city break destination.

Upon arrival, your guide and driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to hotel for check-in. The rest of today is at leisure for your own.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 2 Saigon Day Tour

Meals: B

Today, you will explore some of the most important sights in Saigon. First, visit Cu Chi Tunnels that were developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You can see the various weapons used in the war and learn about the innovative ways that the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war.

Then head to Notre Dame Cathedral, constructed by French colonists during their settlement. It is the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia. Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architecture considered one of the main attractions in the city.

After that, visit the Reunification Palace, home of South Vietnam's President during the war. The next stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the thickly settled district that is rife with tea-houses and pagodas. It's the home to the famous Binh Tay Market.

Finish today's trip with a visit to the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise Pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be one of the finest places to see in Saigon.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 3 Mekong Delta Discovery in My Tho, Flight to Hoi An via Danang

Meals: B

This morning, drive to remote My Tho. This burgeoning city rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside which is known as the "rice basket of Vietnam".

Firstly, head to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it sets amongst lovely gardens overflowing with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools, and ornate gates that provide entry. Continue on a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages.

After lunch, visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island or explore the island on foot (the island is flat and relatively small).

In the end, return back to Saigon for your flight this evening to Danang. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to Hoi An for hotel check-in.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 4 My Son Holy Land, Hoi An Ancient Port Town

Meals: B

This morning, you will travel to the 4th century My Son Holy Land that is tucked in the mountains. The winding roads up to the sight has serene views to offer. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden for living or development. So the ruins lie in the beautiful mountains are well-protected. You can enter the temples to hear the histories and stories of this holy site and the Cham people.

In the afternoon, continue your trip to the ancient capital of Hoi An, which features the 16th-century port town in its preserved state. The town is a perfect mixture of ancient architecture, houses, and temples as well as modern western restaurants and cafes. Take your time to visit the Japanese Bridge, a renowned Chinese Temple, and former Vietnamese merchants' houses.

Later, take a boat trip along the Huai River to Thanh Ha Pottery Village and see how local people work on their crafts. In the evening, the town will become quite romantic when the lights come on, and you can see colorful lanterns everywhere, some flower lanterns floating on the river.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 5 Full Day Hoi An Beach Relax

Meals: B

Hoi An is also famous for its beautiful sandy beaches. Today, you have a full day at leisure to enjoy the beaches of Hoi An, you can relax in the sunshine and sunbathe on the beach.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6 Hoi An to Hanoi, Half Day Hanoi City Tour

Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

Enjoy some free time in the morning then transfer to the airport for a flight to Hanoi.

In the afternoon, you need to choose one of Hanoi's museums (History Museum or Ethnology Museum) to visit. After that, drive to admire Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

Then take a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets. The bustling narrow streets are home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7 Half Day Halong Bay Cruise, Flight to Siem Reap

Flight: Internal flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B / L

This morning you will be transferred to Halong Bay for a four-hour cruise in the stunning bay, stopping along the way to tour one of the limestone caves. As you are cruising, the boat crew will serve you a sumptuous local seafood lunch.

After 4 hours' cruise, you will sail back to the harbor, rejoin the car, and head back to Hanoi airport onward flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. On arrival, the local guide will greet you and escort you to hotel for check in.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 8 Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat

Meals: B

Today, begin your exploration of the remains of Khmer Empire that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Angkor served as the seat of the empire.

In the morning, tour the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Huge silk-cotton trees and strangler figs grow over, around, and through the ancient stone blocks. The temple would make you feel as if you are in an adventure movie set.

Then, visit Banteay Kdei, a kind of smaller version of Ta Prohm. Continue to Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King, Royal Palace, Baphuon Temple and Bayon Temple. Bayon sets itself apart with its 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcomed. With winding tunnels, chambers, and climbs, Bayon offers many exciting moments to keep your camera busy.

In the afternoon, head to visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Angkor Wat possesses some of the longest and most intricate stone carvings. Spend the afternoon fully exploring the passages, levels, and chambers that once housed many treasures of the flourishing kingdom.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9 Koh Ker Temples, Prasat Beng Mealea

Meals: B

Today, drive to the northern area of Siem Reap to visit the group of Koh Ker temples. Koh Ker was the capital of the Angkorian Empire from 928 to 944 CE. The main attractions you can expect here include Prasat Thom, a seven-tiered pyramid structure, Prasat Krahom, Prasat Bram, etc.

In the afternoon, visit Prasat Beng Mealea built in the 12th century. Although invaded by jungle, you can see the traces of Khmer Empire.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 10 Banteay Srei, Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Phluk

Meals: B

In the morning, head towards the deep jungle to visit Banteay Srei. The temple is carved from red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to elaborate wall carvings, which are well preserved to this day.

After lunch, take a half day excursion to the biggest Southeast Asia’s largest fresh water lake - Tonle Sap Lake. You’ll take a boat trip to enjoy the beautiful lake views and mangrove forests. Then, tour Kompong Phluk, the largest village on the lake, to discover the fascinating daily lifestyle of the local people who live on the water.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 11 Siem Reap Departure

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Meals: B

Today, the guide will transfer you to the airport. Hope you have a nice trip home and look forward to traveling with you again!

End of service.