Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap - Arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival in Siem Reap, secure your Cambodia visa, and proceed through Immigration and Customs. After collecting your luggage, exit the airport to meet your local guide, who will be holding a sign with your names.

You will be privately transferred from the airport to your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide for a three-night stay at the Shinta Mani Shack, conveniently located near the renowned archaeological site of Angkor. Siem Reap serves as the gateway to exploring the legendary temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire.

Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

The Wonders of Angkor

Angkor Thom South Gate - Begin your early morning with a visit to the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). This vast walled complex was the center of the world’s largest city in 1200. Following the Chams’ occupation of Angkor from 1177 to 1181, King Jayavarman VII constructed an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. The scale is truly impressive, and visitors are immediately struck by Jayavarman’s audacity upon arrival at the city’s gates. The causeway is adorned with an intricate bridge depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk from Hindu mythology, where the devas (gods) and asuras (devils) engage in a tug of war with a naga (seven-headed serpent) to obtain the elixir of immortality. Its vast walls, approximately 6m wide, 8m high, and 13km in length, contain numerous monuments.

Bayon Temple - Next, visit Bayon Temple, surrounded by faces on all sides. Visitors never forget the enigmatic and captivating Bayon Temple. Located at the exact center of Angkor Thom, it is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 towers are each topped with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear a striking resemblance to the king himself. These colossal heads gaze down from every side, exuding power and control with a hint of compassion, just the mix required to maintain a vast empire.

Unlike his predecessors who worshipped the Hindu deities of Shiva and Vishnu, Jayavarman VII embraced Mahayana Buddhism as the source of royal divinity. This sets the Bayon apart from many other Angkorian monuments. The bas-reliefs here depict intricate scenes of ancient battles against the Chams and offer a wonderful snapshot of daily life during the Angkor period.

Baphuon Temple - Continue your visit to Baphuon, located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain constructed as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

Terrace of the Elephants - Stroll to the Terrace of the Elephants, part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. The terrace was used by Angkor’s king Jayavarman VII as a platform to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas, of which only a few ruins remain.

Terrace of the Leper King - Visit the Terrace of the Leper King, located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. Built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, its modern name derives from a 15th-century sculpture discovered at the site. The statue depicts the Hindu god Yama, the god of death.

Phimeanakas - Next, visit Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas, a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century during the reign of Rajendravarman, and completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three-tier pyramid as a Hindu temple.

Ta Prohm - Continue to Ta Prohm, perhaps the most atmospheric of all Angkor’s treasures. The temple was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been left to the power of nature by archaeologists to demonstrate nature’s awesome power.

It has been largely consumed by the jungle, and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures, you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. At every turn, you expect to see Indiana Jones or Lara Croft step out from behind a fallen pillar. It is one of the most frequently visited temples, with visitors often arriving during the middle of the day to take advantage of the protective forest canopy above the ruined temple. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them. This was one of the settings for Lara Croft’s adventures in “Tomb Raider.”

Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delightful local restaurant.

Angkor Wat - Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, and afterwards, be dazzled by the vast, 12th-century Angkor Wat temple. The bas-reliefs and many devatas (guardian spirits) that cover its walls inspire awe and admiration. This example of classical Khmer architecture has been a significant religious center for Hindus and then Buddhists through the ages.

Khmer Temples & a Tonle Sap Lake Cruise and Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam

Banteay Srei - This morning, journey north to visit Banteay Srei. This jewel of Angkor was built by a Brahman in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of exquisite sculptures, lintels, and friezes. These, it is said, must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives the origin of the Khmer name, Fortress of the Women. While it may be a small temple complex, the beauty of Banteay Srei is found not in the scale, but the detail. Many believe the intricate carving is the best example of Khmer classical art in existence. Stop at a local village to visit families who are producing palm sugar.

Preah Khan - Next, continue to visit Preah Khan, built in the same style as Ta Prohm, Preah Khan is in a much better state of preservation. Meaning The Sacred Sword, this temple was also built by Jayavarman VII and is famous for its immensely long cruciform corridors and delicate carvings, including the spectacular hall of dancers. Look out for the curious two-storey structure that is almost Grecian in inspiration. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to both Buddhism and Hinduism. The original eastern entrance was for Mahayana Buddhists, while the other cardinal points represented the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.

Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delightful local restaurant in town.

Kampong Phluk Floating Village - After lunch, continue for a tour of the surrounding countryside and take an ox-cart ride through the villages and rice fields. At the end of your ride, enjoy a fresh coconut drink with the family and feel free to chat with the local people to learn more about their lives. Later, you may wish to join us for a drive to the fishing village of Kompong Pluk near Siem Reap and board a private boat. Visit Kompong Pluk village with its houses standing on stilts and board a pirogue to discover the seasonally flooded forest. Visit the floating village and discover the centuries-old lifestyle of the inhabitants of the lake.

You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Siem Reap Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

Later this afternoon, board a flight from Siem Reap with direct service to Hanoi. Approximate flight time is one hour and 50 minutes.

Hanoi - Fly from Siem Reap to Hanoi, departing at 18:05 and arriving at 19:55

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi, obtain your Vietnam visa, and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your luggage, exit the airport to meet your local guide, who will be holding a sign with your names.

You will be privately transferred from the airport to your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, originally named Thang Long or “City of the Ascending Dragon,” was the first capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010. Situated in the Centre North of Vietnam, the city is known as one of the most attractive and interesting places for visitors.

Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Full Day Private Tour History in Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - This morning, head out with your guide and begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, an important point of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese. The area surrounding the complex is a traffic-free zone filled with botanical gardens, monuments, memorials, and pagodas, and includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside), Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Travel back in time to the nearby simple cottage on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his humble beginnings as a revolutionary. Walk a few blocks out of the Ho Chi Minh Complex to the 11th-century Buddhist One Pillar Pagoda, an elegant construction rising from the center of a square-shaped lotus pond on a solitary pillar.

Temple of Literature & National University - Next, visit the Temple of Literature, a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. The temple also hosts the Imperial Academy, Vietnam’s first national university. The temple was built in 1070 during the time of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. It is one of several temples in Vietnam dedicated to Confucius, sages, and scholars.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - Continue to visit the Museum of Ethnology. The museum provides an insightful glimpse into the country’s lengthy history, with more than 15,000 photos and 10,000 objects and artifacts depicting a historical perspective of the lives, activities, customs, and habits of the 54 recognized ethnic groups of Vietnam.

Hanoi Opera House - After lunch at a favorite local restaurant, drive through Colonial Hanoi, seeing the Hanoi Opera House, or the Grand Opera House, an opera house in central Hanoi, Vietnam. It was erected by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911.

Hoa Lo Prison - Next, visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”), where Senator John McCain and Douglas “Pete” Wilson were once imprisoned.

Hanoi Old Quarter Culture Exchange Center - Take a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to observe local life and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. The best way to enjoy the charming colonial architecture is to wander with your guide at a leisurely pace and be sure to stop for a cup of Vietnamese coffee or a local snack from one of the many tantalizing street vendors.

Thang Long Water Puppet - Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance, a uniquely North Vietnamese art form celebrating rural life and folklore for over 1,000 years, this evening.

Cruising on Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay - After breakfast, depart on a journey northeast of Hanoi to the famous and magnificent Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. Cruise on Ha Long Bay aboard the Dragon Legend Cruise (A junk is an ancient-style sailboat, with a design still in use today).

Welcome to Dragon Legend Cruise. The cruise begins with a safety briefing.

13:15: Enjoy lunch while cruising to the magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay, admiring the fascinating formations along the way.
14:30: Explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.
15:00: Enjoy kayaking to discover the limestone islands in the bay before returning to the cruise ship.
16:15: Return to the junk for refreshing and watch the sunset on board.
17:15: Return to the junk for refreshing before having dinner on board.
17:15: Join a Vietnamese cuisine cooking class.
19:00: Relax and enjoy dinner in a peaceful and romantic atmosphere on the bay.
20:00: Leisure time, guests can experience squid fishing, and have a good night on Dragon Legend Cruise.

From the Bay to Hoi An via Da Nang

Halong Bay - 06:00: Start a new day with a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck.
07:00 – 07:15: Breakfast is served on the cruise.
07:45: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village on a rustic rowboat, meet the local people, and pass through the floating school and fish farms.
08:45: Return to the cruise for relaxation and leisure.
09:45 – 10:00: Check out and enjoy some free time to relax, capturing memorable photos as the cruise passes through a stunning limestone island area.
10:15: Enjoy a buffet brunch while the cruise continues its journey on the bay.
11:30 – 12:00: The cruise returns to the International Port of Ha Long.
The crew will bid you farewell as you disembark.

Your guide will meet you as you disembark and will transfer you back to Hanoi to catch your flight to the city of Da Nang on the South China Sea.

Later this afternoon, board a flight from Hanoi with direct service to Da Nang. Approximate flight time is one hour and 15 minutes.

Hoi An Ancient Town - Fly from Hanoi to Danang, departing at 17:05 and arriving at 18:20

From there, you’ll travel a short distance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Hoi An, known to early Western merchants, was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a distinctive Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets is still virtually intact. Many of the houses were constructed of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs.

Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

The Past Preserved in Centuries-Old Hoi An

Japanese Covered Bridge - Today, discover how the traditions of the past are treasured in the present in Hoi An on the Thu Bon River, a key international trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved, centuries-old streets, dwellings, temples, and pagodas, touring Hoi An’s historic highlights via cyclo with your guide. Highlights of your walking tour through its charming streets include the 17th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, construction on this covered bridge began in the Year of the Monkey (1593) and was finished in the Year of the Dog (1595), hence the monkey and dog sculptures at either end.

The Old House of Phun Hung - Next, your cyclo will ride to Phung Hung old house, built over 100 years ago during the development of the city of Hoi An. The owner named the house Phung Hung, which means prosperity.

Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) - Continue to visit the Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien), established in 1697. It is a great example of Chinese architecture. The Chinese merchants of the Fukian Province are believed to have built this huge assembly hall. However, some changes have been made to this Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) over time.

Old House of Tan Ky - Visit the Tan Ky House, a small unrestored five-generation family home in the old quarters. It was built in the late 1890s and is laid out to show you what living was like.

Hoi An Riverside - Then climb aboard a riverboat along the Thu Bon River to see the city from a different vantage point and visit a quaint boat-building village.

World Heritage Site of Hué

Tomb of Tu Duc - No Vietnam travel experience would be complete without a visit to Hué, Vietnam’s most beautiful city, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This morning, enjoy the scenery along the Vietnamese coast and Hai Van Mountain during a drive to Hue via Da Nang and the 18-mile-long “China Beach” – made famous by the 1980s TV show of the same name and now a popular Vietnam travel destination. Upon arrival, visit the tomb of 19th-century emperor Tu Duc, surrounded by vast, well-tended botanical gardens and beautiful open-air pavilions. Some emperors were so concerned about their graves being violated that, upon completion of the tomb, all of the thousands of workers who built them were put to death so as not to divulge the exact location of the body.

Tomb of Khai Dinh - Next, continue to the Tomb of Khai Dinh, hidden in Chau Chu Mountain. Built for the Nguyen emperor Khai Dinh between 1920-31, it is an impressive structure combining western and eastern architecture, guarded by statues of soldiers and animals.

Hue Imperial City (The Citadel) - After lunch, ride your private, pedal-powered cyclo to explore Hué’s Citadel – which housed the Imperial City for the emperor’s official functions, and the Forbidden Purple City for his personal time – then settle into your riverfront accommodations along the Perfume River.

Hue to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Thien Mu Pagoda - This morning, explore Hué’s tranquil setting as you admire Thien Mu Pagoda (“Heavenly Lady”) Pagoda, a seven-story octagonal tower built in 1844, and cruise along the Perfume River; view the boats that continue to serve as complete family homes for many residents of Hué.

Tomb of Minh Mang - Next, visit Minh Mang Royal tomb, set amidst a lush pine hill by the river and considered to be one of the most beautiful mausoleums. Each ruler of the Imperial City built his own tomb during his reign.

Later this afternoon, you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Board a flight from Hue with direct service to Ho Chi Minh City. Approximate flight time is one hour and 30 minutes.

Ho Chi Minh City - Fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, departing at 13:45 and arriving at 15:15

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Upon arrival at the airport, after collecting your luggage, exit the airport to meet your local guide, who will be holding a sign with your names.

From the airport, you will be privately transferred to your hotel. Formerly known as Saigon, today’s Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and vibrant economic center of the South. Over the past few centuries, Saigon was called the “Pearl of the Far East” and was an important trading center for Chinese, Japanese, and Western merchants who traveled along the Saigon River.

Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Discover Saigon & Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels - Today’s Ho Chi Minh City – once known as Saigon – bustles with forward-looking energy in glittering skyscapes, street vendors, and open-air cafés. After breakfast, head to the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ben Duoc for a close-up look at the Vietnam War. Stretching out in a 120-mile underground network of meeting rooms, triage centers, and kitchens, this vast complex allowed North Vietnamese combatants to evade discovery as they moved freely throughout the area, offering a unique look at life in wartime Vietnam.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - After lunch at a favorite local restaurant, continue to discover Saigon’s historic landmarks with a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral, where the French colonial presence is immediately felt. The Neo-Romanesque Catholic Basilica was constructed from 1877 to 1883 entirely of imported French building materials.

Central Post Office - Next, head across the street to the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural marvel with rich Gothic, Renaissance, and French influences.

The Independence Palace - Next, visit the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace, which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975 during the Fall of Saigon. It was here that the Vietnam War ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates, leading to the formal reunification of the two sides.

War Remnants Museum - Continue to the War Remnants Museum, intended as a call for peace with the hopes that the horrors of that war will never be repeated. The museum features a comprehensive collection of the machinery, weapons, and photos of the Vietnamese side of the war, and includes a moving tribute to the journalists, civilians, and soldiers lost during the war.

Ben Thanh Market - Afterwards, stop for shopping at the French-built Ben Thanh Market, a great place to shop for souvenirs, bustling with midday activity.

Riverside Life in the Mekong Delta

Vinh Long - The mighty Mekong River is the lifeblood of Vietnam and its neighbors. Originating high up in the Tibetan plateau in China, it winds across Southeast Asia for over 2700 miles and reaches its Delta on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong Delta is a veritable biological treasure trove of unique species found nowhere else, and the area is also integral to agricultural production in southern Vietnam.

Cai Be - This morning, meet your guide and transfer to the Cai Be jetty together. Your crew welcomes you as the Cai Be Princess sampan sets off for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways. On the river, boat traffic is endless and the activity never ceases. From the comfort of your sampan, observe life as it plays out on the riverbanks - the people, the stunning landscapes – while your attentive crew serves you tea and seasonal fruit. We’ll make stops along the way to provide glimpses of local micro-industries: coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), products that provide a living for the river people. Your cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of life during Indochinese times. After lunch, take a short walk along the nearby canal system towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City - Tour ends: Ho Chi Minh City. A transfer from Hotel des Arts Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Stay 2 nights at the Golden Temple Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar
• Stay 2 nights at the Hanoi La Siesta Hotel (Deluxe Room)
• Included admission fee to visit the temples in Angkor Archaeological Park three-day ticket $62.00
• Private professional Licensed English Speaking guide
• On-Tour Air included (3 flights)
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
• Private transportation by modern air-conditioned vehicle
• Stay 1 night onboard the Dragon’s Legend Cruise (Deluxe Cabin)
• Sightseeing as specified including entrance fees
• Stay 2 nights at the Hoi An La Siesta Resort & Spa (Veranda Pool View Room)
• Stay 3 nights at the Hotel des Arts Saigon Mgallery (Deluxe Room)
• 15 meals; service charges, taxes and porterage
• Stay 1 night at the Azerai La Residence Hue (Superior River View Room)

• Personal, travel and health insurance

This exclusive luxury tour showcases the historic, cultural, and notable attractions of Cambodia and Vietnam.

Start your journey in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to discover the remarkable Angkor, the awe-inspiring remnants of the ancient Khmer empire, with a personal guide. Also, enjoy a cruise on Lake Tonle Sap.

Then, fly to Hanoi, the captivating capital and intellectual hub of Vietnam. During private tours, explore the city’s key historical sites.

Proceed to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise on a traditional junk-style boat, sailing among stunning limestone islands.

Continue to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

Next, visit Hoi An, a charming port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the vibrant backstreets and tour the well-preserved historic homes.

Conclude your tour in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s most vibrant city. With a private guide and driver, embark on an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Spend a day visiting the Mekong Delta, cruising by private sampan through the canals.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.