The capital of the kingdom is rich of culture and has the most bustling markets in the country. The temple complex of Angkor is one of South East Asia’s historical highlights and shouldn’t be missed by tourists traveling in Cambodia. The temples represent the national pride of the Khmers and were listed in 1992 as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO. Built between the 9th and 14th centuries with extraordinary creativity, the temples belong doubtless to one of the world’s architectural wonders. Followed is a fantastic boat cruise on magical Halong Bay to discover the hallowed artistic and cultural traditions of old Hanoi capital at last.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive Phnom Penh (by air)
Arrive at Phnom Penh International airport, meet and transfer to downtown for hotel check-in. This afternoon, visit Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, Wat Ounalom and National Museum. Dinner at the Chau Praya restaurant and overnight in Phnom Penh (-/-/D).
Day 02: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (by air & road)
Transfer to the airport for morning flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to downtown for hotel check-in. The same morning, vvisit to the Rolous Group including Preah Ko Bakong, Lo Lei and Angkor Wat. The day concludes with a climb to the mountain temple of Phnom Bakheng for a view of the spectacular panoramic sunset over Angkor Thom. Overnight in Siem Reap (B/-/D).
Day 03: Angkor Ruins (road)
Early morning sunrise view at Angkor Wat. Continue Angkor tour visiting the South Gate of Angkor Thom and Bayon, Baphoun, Elephant Terraces, Leper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace area. Afternoon tour to Sra Srang, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, Ta Keo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thammanon. Afternoon tour to Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, Ta Keo, Thommanon, Chao Say Tevoda and sunset view at Phnom Bakheng. Overnight in Siem Reap (B/L/D).
Day 04: Siem Reap – Hanoi (road & by air)
After breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to Hanoi, capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Noi Bai international airport, meet and transfer to downtown for hotel check-in. After refreshment, take a charming cyclo ride to visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter (for an hour) where people make and sell their crafts in every street. Hanoi capital, located at the confluence of the Red and Duong Rivers, has come a long way from the stilt houses of the stone and bronze age dwellers of four and five thousand years ago. Between Chinese power struggles, peasant rebellions, invasions from the Mongols, the French occupation, and American bombing attacks, the city has undergone and continues to undergo tremendous growth and change. Today’s Hanoi, “the city inside a bend of the Red River,” is a blend of thousand-year-old temples, tube houses, neo-Parisian buildings, modern hotels and office buildings. After ride, welcome dinner at the local restaurant with a traditional music show. After dinner enjoy water puppet show (B/L/D).
Day 05: Hanoi – Halong Bay (road & boat)
After breakfast at hotel, pick-up and transfer directly to Halong Bay, the World’s Natural Heritage (~ 180 km/ 3 ½ hour driver), enjoy the rural scenery along the road, stopover en-route for photos as you wish. On arrival at Halong city, embark the private junk for check-in. Welcome local wine will be severed while registration. A fantastic cruise on Ha Long Bay will lead you to enjoy the whole picture of Halong Bay, among the approximately 1500 square km of water. Halong Bay has more than 2,000 limestone islets rising from the clear emerald water, many of them containing beautiful grottoes. Seafood lunch on board with welcome wine will be severed while cruise. After lunch visit Dinh Huong Island, Fighting Cocks, Dog stone, Sail island. Visit Surprised Cave and swim at Titov Beach. Enjoy dinner on board while watching sunset. Fishing with seine, drinking Vietnamese wine, and spending a night on the overnight’s junk (B/L/D).
Day 06: Halong Bay – Hanoi (boat & road)
Rising up early we see the sunrise on Halong Bay and have breakfast. A morning cruise to visit Man’s head island, Tortoise island, Luon Cave, Bai Tu Long bay, Toad island, Bai Tho mountain. Then return to Halong city by farewell lunch on board. Disembarkation and road back to Hanoi, stopover at Hai Duong town for special taste of Green Bean cake. Rest of the day is free at leisure for shopping and exploring Hanoi “past and present”. Dinner at local restaurant accompanied the live music and overnight in Hanoi (B/L/D).
Day 07: Departure (by air)
Half-day city tour to discover Hanoi city includes Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, House on stilts, One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of literature, Fine Arts Museum. After lunch transfer to Noibai International airport for onward flight (B/L/-).
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