Classic option from US$3950* PP
Trip code: VCS-C-26 |
Group size: Max 16, Avg 12
START Hanoi, Sapa, Hanoi, Mai Chau, Halong Bay Overnight Cruise, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Thom, Temples of Angkor, Siem Reap FINISH
This journey delves deeper into both Vietnam and Cambodia for those wanting to scratch beneath the surface. Beyond the cities of Hanoi and Saigon, and popular World Heritage listed Halong Bay and Hoi An, stay with a hilltribe family in the upland valley of Mai Chau and an ecolodge near Sapa. Take a romantic boat journey up the Mekong passing through the charming Mekong Delta and into Cambodia for a magical experience of sunrise at the little-visited eastern gate of Angkor Wat. This is a journey of a lifetime.
Availability
800 342 1957
2013
DAYS 1-5: HANOI & SAPA
Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a peaceful morning walk around Hoan Kiem Lake followed by an interactive cooking class, and then in the evening board an overnight train. After racing through the countryside in darkness, wake up to the majestic mountains of Northern Vietnam. Visit a delightful local market before arriving at your destination, Sapa. Tour the Ta Van valley, with sweeping views across stepped rice fields, and soak up the regional lifestyle of the mountain dwelling locals, before transferring to Topas Ecolodge, with incredible views on all sides of the valley below. Get amongst the minority villages to further comprehend this unique way of life. Return to Hanoi on the overnight train.
Hotels: Tirant Hotel, Overnight train, Bamboo Sapa Hotel, Topas Ecolodge
DAYS 6-9: HANOI & MAI CHAU
Learn about ‘Uncle Ho’ at his former home and mausoleum and visit the infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton’ prison then explore the ancient Temple of Literature. Uncover Vietnam’s hilltribes at the intriguing Ethnology Museum, before traveling to the beautiful upland valley of Mai Chau. An overnight home-stay in a Tai family house offers an insight into of daily life in the region.
Hotels: Sunway Hotel, Home-stay
DAYS 10-11: HALONG BAY
A beautiful drive takes you to World Heritage listed Halong Bay. On your overnight cruise, enjoy the stunning scenery from our private boat. Return to Hanoi to board an overnight train for your journey south to Hue.
Hotels: Overnight Boat, Overnight Train
DAYS 12-14: HUE & HOI AN
Disembark in another era in historic Hue. Uncover Vietnam’s enchanting past at the Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda. Visit the Spiral Foundation where the deaf and mute workers will show you how to make your own souvenir. A marvellous drive along the coast brings you to charming Hoi An. Walking the enchanting streets of Hoi An reveals traditional houses and temples and the iconic Japanese Bridge. Enjoy the Hoi An fishing tour as you try your hand at local fishing techniques and ride a basket boat. Learn about the work being done with disadvantaged youth by the Streets Foundation on a morning tour of a local market with some of the staff, before a visit to the Cham museum and the short flight to Saigon.
Hotels: Huong Giang Hotel Resort & Spa, Ancient House Resort
DAYS 16-17: SAIGON
In Saigon, stroll along Dong Khoi Street, the former Rue Catinat. Uncover the historic Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. The Cu Chi tunnels highlight the resilience of the Vietnamese people.
Hotel: Palace Hotel Saigon
DAYS 18-19: MEKONG DELTA & CHAU DOC
Cruise the canals of the Mekong Delta and visit local farmhouses and fruit orchards, then rise early for a cruise to the floating markets, before the drive to the border town of Chau Doc. Opt to see the bustling local market or challenge yourself to climb Sam Mountain and be rewarded with the unforgettable view of the sun setting over Cambodia.
Hotels: Golf Can Tho Hotel, Victoria Chau Doc
DAYS 20-21: PHNOM PENH
Arrive into Phnom Penh by boat and explore the Cambodian capital on a fun cyclo ride followed by a visit to the central market. Reflect on Khmer history with visits to Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields, and the informative National Museum, before discovering the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
Hotel: Juliana Hotel
DAYS 22-26: KAMPONG THOM & SIEM REAP
Travel north to exotic Kampong Thom. Stop at a silver village and then the local markets, followed by a visit to the pre-Angkorian ruins of Sambour Prei Kuk. Float through a remote section of Tonle Sap Lake on a splendid boat trip. From your base in Siem Reap, discover the incredible temples of Angkor. Creep through the jungle by torchlight to witness the sun’s first rays fall on the majestic Angkor Wat. Venture off the tourist trail to remote Boeng Mealea, and tree-covered Ta Prohm then marvel at the intricate Banteay Srei. On your last day, enjoy free time until your departure transfer.
Hotels: Sambor Village Hotel, Somadevi Angkor Hotel & Spa
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