Vietnam and Cambodia – a trip through magical Indochina

DEPARTURE

Passport and baggage check. Departure to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

ARRIVAL TO HANOI

After the arrival to Hanoi, transfer to the hotel. If time allows an attraction – surprise in the afternoon hours.  Accommodation in the hotel. Free time to discover the city at night.

HANOI

After breakfast, we will begin the all-day sightseeing of the capital of Vietnam. We will visit the most important places such as the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, the One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most known temples in Vietnam, the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh and his humble house on stilts, as well as the Imperial Citadel.

The Temple of Literature is recognized as the most beautiful in Hanoi. It was founded in XI century by a king Ly Thai Tong for teachings of philosopher Confucius. Within its walls, the first University of Vietnam was created.

The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. In the glass sarcophagus protected by the guard of honor, rests the founder of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The inspiration for the construction was Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow, but in the building you can also find elements of Vietnamese architecture.

One-Pillar Pagoda. Historical Buddhist temple, built by Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who reigned in the years 1028-1054. The form of the pagoda refers to the lotus flower, which is a symbol of purity. Destroyed by the French in 1954, it was rebuilt by the new government.

The Imperial Citadel known as Thang Long, which is exactly the same name as the capitol of Vietnam, was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. It was the headquarters of the most important heads of the state from 1010 to 1810. There are many different interesting nooks here, important from the point of view of history.

During the day, will make a stop, to have a delicious lunch in a traditional Vietnamese restaurant. After an intense day full of excitement, return to the hotel for the night.

HA LONG BAY

After breakfast, we will go to the port to embark on a cruise around Ha Long Bay, considered one of the seven wonders of nature. We will be welcomed on board by the staff and briefed.

During the cruise, not only unforgettable views await us, but also delicious, regional dishes served by the crew, in which there will be no shortage of fish and seafood.

During the cruise, additional attractions await us, such as: kayaking, visiting caves, and for those seeking relaxation and beautiful views, free time.

Overnight stay on board of the ship.

HA LONG – HUE BAY

Another day which we will spend on the cruise around Ha Long Bay. For those willing, a short Tai Chi session in the morning. As on the previous day, we will contemplate beautiful views and enjoy delicious regional dishes served on board of the ship.

After lunch, served on the ship, we will say goodbye to the crew and go directly to the airport, from where we will fly to Hue.

The city of Hue is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. Located in the middle of the country, on the banks of Perfume River, a dozen or so kilometers from its mouth to the South China Sea, it impresses above all with its unique architecture.

Accommodation and overnight stay at a hotel in the center of Hue.

HUE

Since the morning, we are going to visit the Imperial City of Hue built by Emperor Gia Long. We will see the 7-story Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most beautiful ancient temples in modern Vietnam and most visited by tourists.

Visiting the Imperial Citadel and the Museum of Royal Antiques, which has an extensive collection of decorations and ornaments. Hue Royal Antiques Museum has a long and rich history. The main building served once as the palace of Nguyen Dynasty.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, a drive to Tu Duc Tomb and Khai Dink, where we will deepen our knowledge of the life of the royal family. Visiting the villages of Incense and Conical Hat, where incense and traditional conical hats are produced.

We will spend the night in Hoi An, one of the most atmospheric and charming towns in Vietnam, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, famous for hundreds of lanterns illuminated on the river in the evening hours.

HOI AN

Today we will spend the day exploring the rural life around Hoi An. Natural landscapes, beautiful beaches, Chinese Vietnamese Japanese cultural melting pot and culinary specialties attract people from all over the world.

We will start the day with a short bike ride to Cam Thanh Village – a famous place on the outskirts of the city. There we will be welcomed by a local host who will show us around his farm and introduce us to the secrets of rice cultivation. We will experience the traditional ways of farming, which are still used by many Vietnamese. For the brave, a ride on the buffalo’s back. After the farming lesson, we will go to a local fishing village, to try fishing with professionals.

We will finish the day on round basket boats, traversing through the water jungle.

During the day, we will have a traditional farm lunch.

In the evening, a walk along the river, and for those interested, a boat trip with lanterns. Overnight stay in Hoi An.

AMUZEMENT PARK BA NA HILLS

Transfer from the hotel to the huge Ba Na Hills amusement park, where one of the biggest attractions of Vietnam, the Golden Bridge – The Hands of the Gods, is located. The Golden Bridge supported by giant sized divine hands, was put into use in 2018, has a height of 1414 meters above sea level, and a length of 150 meters. The view from it is impressive, because the mountain landscape is combined with one of the sea.

Sequentially, we will stop at the romantic Flower Garden of Love, which is made up of several gardens kept in different architectural styles, and then visit the Pagoda and Debay Wine Cellar, a wine cellar with a 100-meter-long cellar, surrounded by a grape garden.

In the meantime, lunch at a Vietnamese Buffet style restaurant. Free time to stay as Fantasy Park.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport in Danang, and a flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation and an overnight stay.

ANGKOR WAT TEMPLE

Full day tour of the Angkor Wat Temple complex.

After breakfast, visiting the Ta Prohm Temple in Siem Reap province. The temple was built at the turn of the 12^th and 18^th centuries, and unlike other temples in Angkor, it was left in the state in which it was discovered. Its view with trees growing from ruins surrounded by a jungle is breathtaking.

The Ta Prohm Temple was featured in the “Tomb Raider” movie. Although inspiration was also drawn from other objects, the scenes shot here were very realistic.

We will see the South Gate and the unique Bayon Temple, which once was the official temple of the state with 54 towers decorated with famous stone faces looking with a mysterious smile to the four corners of the world.

Next Phimeanakas, a three-level pyramid shaped temple, Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King with a mysterious statue. The entire complex of temples stretches over 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Forbidden City in Beijing.

On the five main towers, flies the Cambodian flag, and the entire complex is considered by art historians to be the finest example of Khmer art and architecture. In these beautiful natural surroundings combined with the wonders of ancient architecture, we will watch the sunset. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

LAKE TONLE

After breakfast, a drive to Tonle Sap Lake, where we will watch the life of the inhabitants in floating villages.

Tonle Sap Lake is one of nature’s most amazing lakes. It is the largest freshwater body of water in South Asia connected to the Mekong River.

During the rainy season, thanks to the changing direction of the river, the lake significantly expands, flooding the surrounding areas. The receding river carrying fertile sediments makes the lake one of the most fish-rich freshwater reservoirs in the world. It is also famous for its settlements on stilts and floating fishing villages.

After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to Phnom Penh. Accommodation and rest.

PHNOM PENH

After breakfast, a drive to the Independence Monument referring to an important historical event and commemorating the liberation of Cambodia from the hands of the colonists.

A drive to the Royal Palace. The palace complex, built in the late 1860’s, consists of several extremely richly decorated, lavish pavilions, of which the one located in the very center of the palace complex, is the largest gold-plated temple in Cambodia. The roofs o the buildings resemble golden snakeskin.

Next the Silver Pagoda, whose floor is paved with 5,000 silver tiles weighing 6 tons. The Pagoda is home to the Emerald Buddha and another one, a life-size Buddha statue covered with over 2,000 diamonds.

A transfer to Wat Phnom, the largest and most important temple in the region, located on a hill, accessed by numerous stone stairs. Around noon, a ride by speedboat to Chau Doc.

Transfer to the hotel, accommodation and rest.

CHAU DOC - CAN THO

Today we will be exploring the Chau Doc area. Must-see places are undoubtedly Nui Sam and Tra Su Sanctuary.

On the peak, known in Vietnamese as Nui Sam, is home to several notable religious sites. The first is the Tay An Pagoda, which was built in 1847 and has been renovated many times ever since, with a mix of Vietnamese and Indian styles. Ba Chua Xu (Mrs. Xu Pagoda) stands a little further behind the Tay An Pagoda, dedicated to a deity whose origins are lost in the mists of time and tradition. Next is the Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau, an official of the Nguyen dynasty. At the top of the 400 steps, the Hang Pagoda (Cave Pagoda) offers breathtaking views of the countryside, flat rice terraces and flood plains.

The Tra Su Sanctuary is a unique place in terms of biodiversity. The huge area is home to unusual species of wild animals. From the deck of the boat, surrounded by mangrove forests, we will admire various species of waterfowl while sailing along cans covered with lilies and duckweed.

After visiting, a drive to the city of Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta. Night stay in Can Tho.

HO CHI MINH CITY

Breakfast at the hotel. Among the channels of one of largest deltas in the world, the Mekong Delta, we will see a floating market where all kinds and in various quantities of exotic vegetables and fruits, are sold.

Sailing through the canals amongst the lush water vegetation, we will try local specialties. You will be amazed at how the local people transport passengers and goods – and they do it by a waterway, and vendors advertise their products by hanging them on poles.

Next, we will go to the island of Tan Phong, famous for its fruit orchards and bonsai gardens.

We will return to Cai Be, to arrive in Saigon in the late afternoon.

Optional exclusive dinner on the river in Saigon (the willingness to participate should be reported to the office in advance. Cost approx. USD 65).

HO CHI MINH - DEPARTURE

We are finishing our Asian adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia. After breakfast, free time until transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport. Departure to Chicago.