DAY1: ARRIVAL – HANOI – CITY TOUR – WELCOME DINNER
Arrival to The Capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is known for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. At its heart is the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade. There are many little temples, including Bach Ma, honoring a legendary horse, plus Äồng Xuân Market, selling household goods and street food.
Arrival at Noi Bai Intl’ Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour guide and driver and transferred to the city center for hotel check in.
Welcome Dinner at a finest Vietnamese restaurant tonight.
DAY2: HANOI – CITY TOUR – STREET FOOD TOUR
Head out to Ba Dinh Square, the political heart of modern Vietnam, this complex features the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, the founder of modern Vietnam. You can also see the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts in the park-like complex and nearby One Pillar Pagoda was first built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong. Then, visit the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius was built in the 11th century. It was the first university in Vietnam and students still come here to burn incense.
Enjoy a walk around the Old Quarter in the afternoon and appreciate the local lifestyles as you wind through Hanoi’s streets. You will have a taste of Northern Vietnamese delicacies such as: stuffed pancake, banh my, stuffed sticky rice balls, the unique egg coffee and many more.
Then, enjoy drinks and music at Hanoi Jazz club.
DAY3: HANOI – HALONG BAY OVERNIGHT
Breakfast at hotel before heading out to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Halong you will board your luxury boat for an overnight cruise amongst the more than 3,000 limestone islands rising majestically out of the turquoise bay. You pass grand rock formations and quaint fishing towns, and sample a delicious lunch of freshly caught fish and seafood. In the evening enjoy a fresh seafood dinner and some interesting activities on board cruise.
DAY4: HALONG BAY– FLY TO HUE
Simply watch the sunrise over the magnificent bay. Watch for beautiful islands and have brunch before disembarkation for the transfer to Noi Bai Airport for flight to Hue, former capital of Vietnam.
Upon arrival, our guide & driver will pick you up at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
DAY5: HUE CITY TOUR- HOI AN
Today we will visit the former imperial city of Hue. Hue was Vietnam’s last feudal capital, and today is your insider day trip to the Hue Imperial Citadel. What you will see is all that remains of a vast citadel and royal quarters that once existed on this site. From here, take a boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda, a 7-storey octagonal tower on a bluff overlooking the river which serves as a symbol of Hue. Keep driving to Tu Duc Tomb, a sprawling compound centered around a lake and several waterways, and including numerous separate memorials connected by pleasant walkways.
After tour, take 3 hours transfer to Hoi An Old Town, check-in hotel & relax.
DAY6: MY SON – HOI AN
Morning visit to My Son Holy Land of the Cham, one of the most important examples of Hindu influence in Southeast Asia. Although largely in a state of ruin today, My Son is often compared with other historical temple complexes in Southeast Asia, such as Angkor Wat of Cambodia or Ayutthaya of Thailand.
In afternoon we will visit Hoi An town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Sites include the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and Phung Hung Chinese-trading house.
DAY7: DANANG – SIEM REAP BY K6841@18:15-20:25
Enjoy your breakfast; Check out & Transfer to Da Nang International Airport, 45min, by visiting the largest Marble Mountain with its scenery.
Transfer to Da Nang Int. airport for departing to Siem Reap by flight.
Welcome to The capital of Siem Reap Province, Siem Reap serves as Cambodia‘s hip epicenter, Filled with an impressive array of colonial and Chinese- style architecture, not to mention a gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor. Siem Reap town features notable boutiques, multicultural dining, enriching museums and relaxation-ready spas, though it’s most revered site is iconic Angkor Wat situated in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A symbol of Khmer genius, its imposing grandeur gives way to breathtaking bas reliefs depicting historical mythology. A city just waiting to be explored, culturally rich Siem Reap brims with treasures for history buffs and modern- minded traveler alike.
Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport, you are met and greeted by your experienced guide and transfer to hotel check in.
DAY8: SIEM REAP- TEMPLES OF TREASURES
Visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Royal Palace, Terrace of Elephant and Terrace of Leper King. Discover Angkor Thom a heavily fortified city built in the 12th century by the greatest of the Khmer rulers King Jayavarman VII (1181-1201). With a population in excess of one million inhabitants Angkor Thom was larger than any city in Europe at the time.
Proceed to the Bayon Temple also constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII This Temple complex marks the exact center of Angkor Thom Making it the most venerated of the city’s temple the structure is considered by most Angkor specialists to be one of the finest examples of classical Khmer architecture situated on front of the east entry tower of the enclosing wall at the Royal palace is the Terrace of the Elephants It’s has three platforms and shows sing of having been rebuilt and added to The Terrace of the leper king is supported by a base 80 feet long The sides are faced in sandstone and decorated with bas-reliefs which are divided into several registers The original statue of the leper King can be found in the courtyard of the National Museum in Phnom Penh.
Leaving the Bayon temple, stop at the Royal Enclosure to see the Elephant terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. The last Royal balance at Angkor Thom, a little to the north of Bayon and Baphoun. It was constructed in light materials- wood and tiles and these have long since rotted away leaving only the terraces that face out onto a plaza Which were originally the platform for the palace buildings the east-facing wall is taken up with a near-life-size frieze of elephant with their mahouts behind are the remains of the courtyards and pond A little north of the main terrace is another Known as the Terrace of the Leper King after a statue found above it.
Late afternoon, begins at the world heritage temple so called ANGKOR WAT, an unforgettable and quintessential Southeast Asia experience. Then walk up at the intricately carved tower tops or climb the steep narrow temple steps that lead to wide courtyards contemplate the temple’s spiritual power while you walk in the cool shade of its hallways, stopping to take in the perfume of burning incense Once the seat of the mighty Angkor Empire it was from here that kings ruled over a vast territory that extended from the tip of what is now southern Vietnam northward to Yunnan in china and westward to the bay of Bengal.
SUNSET ON GONDOLA BOAT
Your day will be remarkable for your holiday in Siem Reap to enjoy the unique atmosphere “Sunset Over Angkor Thom” where you will be strongly impressed with its magic old doors and artifacts. Time for photo and listen to the guide interesting stories. Then, embark on an Angkor Gondola, a replica of a traditional Khmer boat, which is propelled with a wooden paddle by an experienced oarsman. Glide gently along the Southern Angkor Thom’s moat while admiring the sunset over Angkor Archaeological Park. Once you reach the southwest corner of the Ancient City, disembark near one of the four temples called Prasat Chrung and hike with your guide to the ruined building, constructed in the late 12th century. Walk under the shade of trees to the top of the gate, where a sunset viewpoint awaits. During your visit, you will be served Canape, free flow drinks (solfdrink, beer, red and white wine) and learn about the four small sandstone temples, which were dedicated to a bodhisattva and designed in the style of Prasat Bayon, the magnificent temple at the center of Angkor Thom. Stay late and then transfer back to the hotel where you will spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
DAY9: SIM REAP-TONLE SAP- FLY TO PHNOM PENH
Enjoy you breakfast, excursion to Tonle Sap Lake, Embark on the exclusive traditional wooden boat and depart from Chong Kneas to visit floating village on the great lake of Tonle Sap. You will go through the floating houses with small private boats. The natural wonder of Tonle Sap offers an insight into the old tradition of riparian life and the natural splendors of the countryside.
Check Out and transfer to the airport for departure to Phnom Penh.
Arrive & transfer to hotel check –in.
DAY10: PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR - EMBARKATION
This morning, we will learn more about the darkest days of Khmer history, an important key to understanding the Cambodian culture. After a scenic 45-minute drive, we will arrive at the Choeung Ek killing fields. Here we will walk through the complex, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa and learn more about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Before returning to the ship, guests will also tour Tuol Sleng (also known as S-21), the former school, which was converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge.
In the afternoon, you will be picked up to visit Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum.
The Royal Palace, located between 184th and 240th street, built in 1866. The entry is at the Samdech Sothearos Boulevard, formerly Lenin Boulevard, not far from banks of the Tonle Sap River. Among various buildings within the walls the Throne Hall ranks as most important. This Khmer-style building was erected only in 1917. It is used only on special occasions. Attached to the Throne Hall is a tower 59 meters high.
Silver Pagoda or Temple of Emerald Buddha formerly a wooden building rebuilt in 1962 in concrete ad marble. The pagoda is floored with over 5000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilo. It is famous for its 90 kg solid gold Buddha made in 1907 and an emerald Buddha said to be made of baccarats crystal.
Transfer to check-in the Cruise.
DAY11: PHNOM PENH- BORDER CROSSING
Relax and enjoy a morning of leisure on the sundeck, in the lounge, library or wonderful La Vie spa as the ship sails downstream towards the border. Guests observe a fascinating transformation in the riverfront architecture and landscape. Exciting cultural activities will take place on board.
DAY12: LONG KHANH ISLAND (HONG NGU) / CU LAO GIENG
In the morning you are taken by traditional sampans to the local island village of Hong Ngu in the Mekong Delta, close to the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Here, a large number of traditional Khmer scarves are woven in many village homes and exported to Cambodia. Guests have the opportunity to observe the weaving process passed down many generations. Some villagers are also embroidery artists and display their art for visitors to enjoy. The inhabitants of this rural area have only recently become familiar with western travellers and always offer a friendly welcome. Before returning to the sampans, guests can enjoy a walk around the beautiful evergreen island, stopping for a visit at the home of a local war veteran.
After lunch on board, guests make the short journey from ship to shore by sampan, landing on the charming island of Cu Lao Gieng to visit a local village where hundreds of sampans and rowing boats are made daily. An enchanting sampan cruise circumnavigating the island ends with a visit to the Cu Lao Gieng Cathedral which was built in 1879, shortly after the Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon in 1863. There may be an opportunity to interact with a local priest at the Cathedral (subject to his availability). The peaceful villages are surrounded by flourishing orchards and verdant green lawns, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.
DAY13: SA DEC / CAI BE / MYTHO
On arrival at Sa Dec port the traditional sampan is again used to navigate the tapestry of Mekong canals, giving guests the opportunity to observe traditional village life before arriving at the historic town of Sa Dec. If water levels allow, a stop is planned at Cao Dai Temple. A visit to Sa Dec would not be complete without a visit to the former home of Mr. Hyunh Thuy Le, who was the inspiration for Marguerite Duras’ famous novel, L’Amant (The Lover), as well as the Chinese Temple called Kien An Cung, built in honor of the Huynh Thuy Le Family, where you will be warmly welcomed by traditional Chinese Lion Dances. Guests return to the ship on foot through the town's market which is a bustling, extraordinary and colourful experience, providing many wonderful photo opportunities of the fresh and unusual produce of meat, live fish and seafood for sale.
After a short sail to Cai Be, the English-speaking guide will accompany you on the tapestry of waterways by sampan, passing a colourful collection of local boats from the delta provinces, larger boats selling their goods and the characterful stilted houses of Cai Be. Continuing into the narrower canals of Cai Be, a stop is made to visit Ba Duc House, a traditional Vietnamese home and garden. Back onboard the sampans, it’s a short paddle through the canals to reach a traditional rice factory where industrious artisans produce rice paper, rice wine and popped rice. There’s a selection of postcards, souvenirs, and beautiful oil paintings on sale.
Before dinner guests gather on the Sun Deck as the ship sets sail for My Tho to enjoy a farewell reception with all the crew, followed by a Vietnamese Farewell Dinner in Le Marche Dining Room.
DAY14: MY THO / DISEMBARKATION
Following breakfast the crew bid farewell as guests are invited to disembark for transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Arrival you will be picked up and transferred to hotel check in.
SAIGON STREET FOOD BY SIDECAR
A different feeling when you are on the street at night , more motorbike, more people , more street food shop, more and more things haven’t had on the day light .
On our sidecar, you will have a VIP feeling, everybody will look at you. We will take you to the busiest place in Saigon at night – China town, where you can see the light, the traffic… like little Hong Kong.
Pick Up @ 6 pm: The first thing we to taste is “ Banh Mi “ the most famous local street food in Vietnam and delicious as well .Then we will take you to explore the alley and stop at the local seafood restaurant to enjoy these local dishes like Shrimp barbecue , muscle BBQ , shell BBQ ,,,,, Wholesale flower market is the next stop ,to see how busy of local right there. Banh cuon is something similar to fresh spring roll but there is something mix in the middle ….“ Banh xeo “ Co Ba Vung Tau is the place you can have a change to try the real “ Vietnamese pancake “ , fresh spring roll , or “ banh khot ( mini pancake ) and try local beer “ 333 “ .. What’s a life!
After that follow the newest boulevard VõVăn Kiệt along the Tau hu canal driving back to the center , another place you can’t miss –Now we think about our entertainment after filling up our stomach. At 9:30 pm: A local bar “Carmen “with live music (country, flamenco, French ….) will serve you with all the satisfy. And so much more is waiting for you to explore with us. Come to enjoy by yourself. Hope the Saigon by night will bring the sweet dream to you tonight.
DAY15: HO CHI MINH – CITY TOUR
After breakfast, journey 1.5 hours north of Ho Chi Minh City to experience one of the most powerful symbols of the city and its recent history, the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels were built during the Vietnam–American war by North Vietnamese troops to combat better-supplied American and South Vietnamese forces.
After lunch, the afternoon will be spent visiting the War Remnants Museum with a quick stop at the former Presidential Palace, which can be viewed from the outside only. End the day by visiting colonial Saigon with stops at the photogenic Old Saigon Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, Dong Khoi Street (formerly known as Rue Catinat), the Continental House, City Hall, and of course, the Opera House.
DAY16: HO CHI MINH – DEPARTURE
Breakfast at hotel, free at your own leisure. Transfer to airport for departure to other destinations.
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