DAY 1 ARRIVE HANOI (-)

Welcome to Hanoi – Vietnam!

On arrival at Noi Bai airport, our local tour guide and driver will pick us up and transfer to the centre of Hanoi then check-in at hotel. This afternoon, we visit Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Stop at Ba Dinh Square and take photos of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum from outside. We then visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple then take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Please Note: Standard check in time is 14:00. Early check in is subject to availability of the hotel

Overnight in HANOI

DAY 2HANOI – HALONG – ONBOARD THE CRUISE (B, L, D)

This morning, we journey east by shuttle bus for 4 hour through picturesque rice-farming villages of the Red River Delta, where we see everyday Vietnamese village life to reach to Halong Bay, a Natural World Heritage as designated by UNESCO since 1994 and 2006. Upon arrival in Halong, we take our overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this “Descending-dragon” bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch of fresh seafood on board, we can visit the Surprising Grotto, stop for swimming or kayaking (at your own cost), passing floating villages and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close distance. Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure.

Overnight onboard HALONG BAY CRUISE

DAY 3 HALONG – DEPART HANOI – ARRIVE HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L)

Today, we visit by boat to Luon Cave, a ring-shaped pool inside an island in Halong with absolutely tranquil landscape and emerald water. Back to the Wharf of Halong passing the most densely area with many islands that have been named like the Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense burner rock or Sea Dog Rock. Arrive at Halong Wharf around noon time, we return to Hanoi also by shuttle bus. Arrive in Hanoi after 4 hour driving, we have some leisure time before transferring to the airport for flight to Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City) – the most hectic and business city of Vietnam. Upon arrival, pickup by our local guide from the airport and transfer to the city center to check in hotel. drop off at our hotel for check in. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Please Note: The program may be little varied upon the cruise you choose. Depending on the cruise, kayak will be included or not.

Overnight in HO CHI MINH CITY

DAY 4 HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA – HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L)

After breakfast, we drive to My Tho the homeland of coconut and family factories with local products like coconut candy, rice paper,… Upon arrival, embark on the boat cruising on the mighty Mekong River viewing the life to the local people live along the banks. We stop at one of 4 island in the area for sightseeing. Enjoy the fresh tropical fruits served in the heart of the garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music at the plantation. After that you will embark on the small boats rowed the the local people thru the small cannels with water coconut tree to visit the local factories. There you will taste the honey tea and see the local people produce the coconut candy milk and of course you also can try it or stroll in the garden where the locals feed honeybee. After that enjoy the horse-cart trip through the tranquil road of the village. We continue getting on the big boat to visit the vast area. Enjoy your light lunch at a local restaurant nearby Mekong River with the Elephant Ear fish. This afternoon, we drive back to Saigon with stop to visit Vinh Trang pagoda, a famous pogoda in the area that its architecture is a mix of Chinese, Cambodian, and French culture.

Overnight in HO CHI MINH CITY

DAY 5 HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

Transfer to visit Cu Chi Tunnels. Located 60km from Saigon, Cu Chi is now a popular spot for both Vietnamese & foreign tourists – the network of over 200km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the War. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens. After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. Return to Saigon and your lunch will be mananged by your own.

In the afternoon, enjoy City tour, continue to visit the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notredame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Overnight in HO CHI MINH CITY

DAY 6 HO CHI MINH CITY – ARRIVE SIEM REAP (B)

Check out hotel & transfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, pick up by our local tour guide from the airport and transfer to check in hotel. This afternoon, we visit Wat Thmei (Killing Field) which contains a unique glass-walled stupa containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well while others are the remains of soldiers who died on a nearby battlefield. Continue to visit the “Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers Ecole”, the Finest Authentic Khmer Arts and Crafts. End our visits at one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale.

Overnight in SIEM REAP.

DAY 7 SIEM REAP (B)

Today, enjoy full day Angkor Tour, we explore South Gate of Angkor Thom known as Big Angkor, 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. The famous Bayon Temple was an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century. Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two and a half meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and gradual that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon – huge temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas – impressive rite and sandstone pyramid. Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants, a double terrace wall with deeply carved nag as, demons and other mythological beings. This afternoon we visit Angkor Wat temple, the Cambodia’s ancient temple, one of the wonders of the oriental world. Masterpieces of decorative details as well as of architectural style, its awe-inspiring ruins survive as testament to the spectacular achievements of Southeast Asia’s greatest civilization. It is a replica of the universe according to the Hindu mythology. It is composed by the Mount Meru, surrounded by the continents and the oceans. Its extraordinary bas-reliefs, describe some Khmer epics and myths. Angkor Wat’s five famous towers rise into the sky, a geometrical arrangement of numerous galleries, adorned with beliefs and the stone images of celestial Apsara dancers, as well as portals, chambers and courtyards.

Overnight in SIEM REAP

DAY 8 SIEMREAP  –ARRIVE LUANG PRABANG (-)

Take a flight to  Luang Prabang . On arrival in Luang Prabang, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore on your own. We recommend you to visit the night markets. Overnight in LUANG PRABANG

DAY  9 LUANG PRABANG (B)

This morning enjoy the alms ritual, making offerings to the lines of orange-robed monksas they walk down the streets. Proceed to the to the Kuang Si waterfalls, for swimming

and hiking through the beautiful natural surroundings. Later, visit The Traditional Artsand Ethnology Centre. Continue to take part in the serene Baci ceremony which involves

the tying of white cotton strings around person’s wrists and chanting prayers.

Overnight in LUANG PRABANG

DAY 10 LUANG PRABANG – BANGKOK  (B)

Today , transfer to the Airport for your Flight to Bangkok . In the evening enjoy Siam Niramit show with Dinner .

DAY 11 BANGKOK (B)

This morning, enjoy the city tour of Bangkok. The highlights include panoramic view of Chinatown, Sukhumvit road, government offices of importance and Grand palace which has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782 at the heart of the old business area, the famous Golden Buddha and the Marble temple. Continue to the spiritual and religious sights.

Overnight in Bangkok

DAY 12 BANGKOK (B)

Today , transfer to the Airport for your flight back home .