VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA DISCOVERY 17 DAYS 16 NIGHTS

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam!

Once you land at the airport, you’ll meet our driver who’ll take you to your hotel. After you check in, you can relax and spend the night in Hanoi.

Pick-up time is at 8:30 AM, and our tour guide will swing by your hotel to grab you. First up, we’re hitting the Ho Chi Minh Complex, a cool spot full of Ho Chi Minh’s history, where you can learn about this beloved figure and check out his simple lifestyle and military background.

You’ll get to see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda that’s nearby. Next, we’ll head over to the Temple of Literature, which was the first university in Vietnam built way back in the 11th century.

From 11:30 to 12:00, it’s lunchtime at a restaurant. Just a heads-up, lunch is on you! In the afternoon, you can pick one of Hanoi’s famous museums to visit, like the Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, or the History Museum. After that, we’ll take a stroll around Hanoi's Old Quarter and check out Dong Xuan Market. Finally, we’ll head back to the hotel for the night in Hanoi.

Meet up with our tour guide and driver in the hotel lobby at 8:30 AM, and then we'll head over to Ninh Binh. At 10:30 AM, we’ll check out Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. This little town was actually the power hub back in the 10th century, hanging onto that title for 44 years. Two kings ruled during that time, and you can see their legacies in a couple of temples and a big festival that happens around April.

Around noon, it's time to dig into some delicious local dishes for lunch. By 1 PM, after we're done eating, we'll drive to Trang An. There, we’ll hop on a boat and soak in the amazing scenery. You'll glide through grottoes, checking out over 30 valleys and 50 caves, all set against some stunning limestone peaks. The boat trip lasts about 2.5 hours down the calm river.

After that, we’ll cycle through the villages. Then at 4:30 PM, our private ride will take you back to your hotel in Hanoi, where you should arrive around 6:30 PM. Dinner is on your own tonight, and later at 9:30 PM, we’ll catch a night train to Sapa. You’ll be staying overnight in a shared 4-berth cabin.

Arrival Lao Cai Station. Local guide & driver will waiting you at the exit gate of Lao Cai train with a sign board written your name then transfer you go up hill to Sapa town, where we arranged breakfast and shower places for you before start your trekking tour.

Then depart from Sapa town by car to Lao Chai village, following the road down the hill. Views of the Muong Hoa valley and magnificent surroundings of mountains and rice terrace fields can be seen from this road.

Along the road, people from many ethnic groups (H’mong, Zay, and Red Dao) are likely to be met, and there are stalls along the way that serve tea, fruits and sweets.

Soon after turning off the main road and taking a local path, we will arrive in the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai, where you will experience the daily life of the villagers.

After that, we walk from Lao Chai to Ta Van village, where the Zay hill tribes live. Here you take a rest and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your local guide in a local house. After lunch you trek up and downhill. Specially you will trek through bamboo forest then relax beside the waterfall. Explore the Red Dao village of Giang Ta Chai where you will also have the chance to see their daily activities.

Back to Sapa Town. Check in hotel and stay overnight in Sapa.

At night, you can explore the night market in Sapa.

In the morning, you'll hop in a car and head to Ta Phin to meet the Red Dao people, who are known for their vibrant culture in Sapa. While you're there, you can stroll around the Ta Phin village where the Black Hmong and Red Dao communities live separately, each with their own unique traditions. Check out their homes and chat with the locals to see just how different their lifestyles are.

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a herbal bath. The Red Dao folks will prepare a mix of fresh and dried plants and bark, boiling it up in a giant wok over a charcoal fire. They’ll then pour that magic concoction into a wooden barrel tub for you to soak in. It’s a great way to relax and wash away all those aches and worries in the comfort of your own private bathhouse.

After lunch, you'll head back to your hotel to check out. Around 2 PM, our Limousine Bus will swing by to pick you up and take you to Hanoi. You should arrive there by around 8 to 8:30 PM. You'll stay overnight in Hanoi.

8:30 – 8:50: A limousine bus picks the guests.

12:00: The crew members of Peony Cruises will welcome you at No.34, Tuan Chau Marina, Quang Ninh. 

12:30: You will be taken aboard our support vessel and travel from the wharf via the bay to board our luxurious craft, Peony Cruises. Itinerary briefing is announced during this time.

13.00: Welcome fresh drinks, wet towels and a special lunch of fresh food and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served. You will be enchanted when decadently dining on our luxury junk.

Enjoy the delicious lunch on of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing delicacies while cruising along Lan Ha Bay with the breathtaking scenery.

15:30: Visiting Tra Bau area where has known as an area famous for its unspoiled, poetic natural beauty and attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. This is the best time for kayaking to discover the truest beauty of the limestone islands.

Immerse yourself in the emerald green water of the bay or enjoy the Jacuzzi pool on the Peony Cruises.

17:30 - 18:30: Joining us for Cooking demonstration to learn how to make one of the most famous Vietnamese cuisines, the spring rolls. Or reach the top deck of cruise where the guests can admire the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.

Enjoy a Happy Hour time – BUY ONE GET ONE FREE at the bar. It is an

ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the greatest moment of sunset over Lan Ha Bay.

19.30: Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served by our skillful chef.

This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting.

21:00 – 22.00: Relax and sip the exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (with surcharge). Indulge yourself with spa service (optional) or simply relax on the top deck just under the cover of a brightly illuminated sky.

Or try to get your luck at the squid fishing on the main deck.

6:00: Begin the day full of energy with the Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun just rising up beyond the horizon.

6:45 - 7:15: Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty. (Breakfast time maybe adjust and follow the real itinerary)

7:30 - 9:00: You will join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere by transshipment. It takes 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba island, Vietnam. The limestone cave has thousands of talactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem.

9:30: Return to the main boat from the cave and the guests will do the cabin check out. Luggage is placed outside of the cabin.

Lunch is served at the restaurant. Settle the bar bill by the desk at the restaurant (if any)

10:30 - 11:00 Disembark the Peony Cruises and transferred back to Block #34, Big Bay group terminal, Tuan Chau Marina. Relax and wait for the luggage.

11:30 - 12:00 The guests are ready at Tuan Chau Marina. Our driver will bring you to Hanoi. Then meet our airport transfer driver and take your flight to Da Nang.

On your arrival in Da Nang, our tour guide and driver will meet you at the airport. Transfer to hotel in Hoian for check-in and stay overnight there. Dinner on your own account.

8:30 am: Meet the tour guide at the hotel. Today, we’ll check out some local villages in Hoi An. We’ll drive to Van Lang fishing village and the Bay Mau coconut water forest, which is about 7 hectares of greenery surrounded by mangroves, canals, and houses made from coconut leaves. This area used to be a refuge for people and local soldiers during the Vietnam War, and now it’s popular for its fresh seafood.

You’ll get a warm welcome at Mr. Han’s place, a family that’s been around for three generations, where you can sip on some green tea and take a stroll through the village. You’ll even get to row a traditional basket boat with the help of some skilled locals and learn about their fishing techniques in the coconut forest.

Afterward, head back to Mr. Han’s family for a foot bath with some herbal medicine, a traditional treat, before getting ready to cook lunch together. The meal will include delicious local dishes like Tam Huu spring rolls, Banh Xeo pancakes, and grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves, among others.

After lunch, we’ll drive back to Hoi An.

In the afternoon, exploring Hoi An on foot is a great way to soak in the charm of the city. As you wander around, you’ll find this small yet beautiful town to be a peaceful escape. The vibe here mixes influences from Vietnam, China, and Japan. You’ll see stunning ancient houses that remind you of the past and offer a glimpse into a simpler time.

The tour will take you to the Hoi An Museum, several famous ancient houses with impressive architecture, Chinese Assembly Halls, and, of course, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

Many of these houses showcase a blend of Chinese and Japanese design, reflecting the history of trade and settlement in the area. You’ll also spot elements of both Eastern and Western styles in these historic buildings.

7:30 am: The car and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hoi An leaving for Hue City.

On the way, we will stop to visit some beautiful attractions such as: Hai Van Pass – is an approximately 21km long mountain pass on National Route 1A in Vietnam. It is the natural border of Thua Thien Hue Province and Da Nang City, one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam.

And sightseeing Lap An Lagoon - Lang Co beach – With more than 10km long white sand beach and blue sea water, Lang Co beach is an ideal place for relaxing, swimming and taking photos.

10:45 am: You will visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, the tomb had elements of Eastern art mixed with Western designs.

12:00 pm: Lunch at your own expenses on request.

1:00 pm: You will continue visiting Hue Imperial City – the palace of 13 Nguyen Kings with Ngo Mon Gate, Library, Thai Hoa Palace, Nine Dynastic Urns, etc.

3:00 pm: Visiting Thien Mu Pagoda associated with culture and history of Hue.

04:00 pm: Return to Hoi An

7:00 pm: We will drop you off at hotel in Hoi An.

Our car and a tour guide will pick you up from the hotel lobby, and then we’ll head to Ba Na Hills using the Cable Car. You’ll get to enjoy a ride on the coolest Cable Car in Southeast Asia, check out the Golden Bridge, and then take the Climbing Train to the mountain’s peak. Explore Le Jardin D’Amour with its nine unique gardens and the Ling Ung Pagoda.

After that, hop on the 2nd Cable Car to visit the French Village. You can enjoy some street music, admire the Art’s statue, and check out various sites like the Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, Linh Phong Monastery, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple, and Tru Vu Tea Shop. Don’t miss the Carnival Performance Show at Square Du Dome!

If you’re feeling adventurous, take on the Slide of Tube Car – it’s free! You’ll also get to experience Fantasy Park, wandering through the Fairy Forest, discovering the Dinosaur Park, enjoying a 5D wild west adventure, riding the 4D death race, watching the 3D mega 360-degree show, going on a Journey into the Underground, and even entering Jurassic Park.

For more thrills, check out the Freefall Tower and take on the challenges in the Horror House, along with over 90 free games. At around 15:30, we’ll take the Cable Car back and leave Ba Na Hills.

Next up, we’ll visit Marble Mountain, a stunning group of limestone and marble hills full of caves. Travel to the top for amazing views of the city, blending modern high-rises with traditional wooden houses. Don’t forget to explore the main cave where you’ll find a beautiful Buddha statue in the Cham style.

Afterward, we’ll head back to the hotel, leaving your evening free to relax.

Breakfast at hotel. 2.5 hours before your flight, our driver will transfer you to Da Nang Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Meet our driver in Ho Chi Minh City and head to hotel for check-in. 

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Start your day at 8:30 am when you'll be picked up from your hotel for a bus ride to Cu Chi, which takes about an hour and a half. Once you get there, you'll kick things off with a quick intro and watch a short video about how the tunnels were built and how people managed to survive during those tough wartime conditions.

After that, it’s time to wander around and check out the tunnel systems and the various living spaces, like kitchens and bedrooms, all alongside places like storage, weapon factories, field hospitals, and command centers that helped folks meet their basic needs underground. You’ll also find hidden trap doors and some pretty tricky traps used for security back in the day. Take a breather or give shooting a real gun a try if you're up for it. In the afternoon, you’ll head back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you can explore the old French colonial capital, often called Saigon by the locals. You’ll visit historical spots like The Independence Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, and the famous Ben Thanh Market, perfect for picking up some souvenirs. After a full day, you’ll spend the night at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

08:15 AM: We'll pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and kick off our Ben Tre Boat Tour. First, we’ll head to Ham Luong dock and start cruising along the Luong River, which branches off from the Mekong River. You'll be surrounded by awesome tropical views with palm trees lining the water. We’ll make a few stops to check out some local crafts and tasty bites from Ben Tre Province. You’ll see some cool coconut creations like coconut candies, brooms made from coconut shells, and handmade stuff using coconut fiber. We’ll hop on a Xe Lôi, a fun local ride, and glide down pretty village roads before grabbing kayaks to paddle through lush tropical canals. Lunch will be at a local spot. After that, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the countryside however you like. Chill out under the tall coconut trees or take a bike ride around the village. To wrap up our Ben Tre Boat Tour, we’ll visit a local fruit plantation where you can munch on all the delicious fruits Ben Tre has to offer. Then, we’ll catch our local boat back to Ham Luong dock and head back to Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll be back in Ho Chi Minh City around 5:30 PM.

Breakfast at hotel. 3.5 hours before your flight, our driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the flight to Siem Reap.

Meet our driver in Siem Reap and head to hotel in Siem Reap. 

Kick things off at Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire, where the Bayon temple steals the show.

As you get closer, you can’t miss the amazing faces of former King Jayavarman VII gazing in all directions. Your guide will show you the Terrace of the Elephants, where the King greeted his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which features detailed carvings that wind through a narrow passageway leading to the Baphuon complex. Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon, it's off to Ta Prohm temple. This stunning spot is wrapped in fig trees, giving it a haunting yet enchanting vibe. The massive roots of these trees have intertwined with the giant stone blocks over the centuries, creating a ‘forgotten city’ feel.

Next, you’ll head over to Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world. Explore the site and be blown away by the sheer size of the temple while learning about the Khmer Empire’s glory days between the 9th and 13th centuries, when Angkor Wat was built. Stroll through the intricately carved hallways adorned with hundreds of fine carvings and check out small shrines that locals still use today. As the day winds down, take a leisurely walk up to the top of Bakheng hill on a nice paved path to catch breathtaking views of Angkor Wat and the surrounding area as the sun gradually sets.

After grabbing breakfast at the hotel, you’ll drive for about 30 minutes into the countryside, making a quick stop at a local village along the way. When you reach the quay, hop on a local boat for a 2-hour ride on Tonle Sap Lake, famously known as the Great Lake of Cambodia.

You’ll get to see how communities live and work on the lake, check out floating schools, markets, and even police stations, and just take in their everyday lives. Afterward, it’s back to the city, and lunch is on you. In the afternoon, you’ll leave Siem Reap and drive through Phnom Penh for about 6 hours.

Once you arrive in Phnom Penh, we’ll direct you to your hotel for check-in.

Then you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the night at the hotel.

After breakfast, consider exploring Cambodia’s challenging past. To kick things off, you’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which used to be a high school before 1975. It turned into an interrogation prison called S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era.

Walking through the tight hallways and former classrooms will definitely give you chills and a real sense of the country's history. The stories of the victims are showcased here, and you’ll see some of the torture devices that were used, giving you a glimpse into the suffering they endured. The museum has hundreds of haunting black-and-white photos of the prisoners that went through S-21 on display. After that, you’ll head over to Cheung Ek, which gained fame from the movie “The Killing Fields.” These days, there’s a large memorial honoring the 17,000 victims who lost their lives here under Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot. The remnants inside the memorial and the mass graves around the area serve as powerful reminders of the victims' pain. But amid all this tragedy, you'll also see how incredibly brave the Cambodian people have been in rebuilding their nation. Lunch will be on your own. Then, it’s time for a city tour to check out the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most impressive buildings in the capital and fantastic examples of Khmer architecture.

They were built in 1866 by the French. The Royal Palace is where the current King, Sihamoni, lives. Right next door, the Silver Pagoda stands out with its unique charm, featuring a floor made of 5,329 solid silver tiles, which is how it got its name.

Finally, you’ll also visit the National Museum, dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. Most of the exhibits are from the Angkor period, between the 9th and 15th centuries, but some date back to the 4th century. Depending on your flight, the driver will drop you off at the airport in time. Safe travels home! Thanks a lot for joining us!