You could spend an entire week in both Cambodia & Vietnam, sunup to sundown, and still not see it all. This short vacation itself is slow-paced and relaxing, with reasonable restaurants and lots of countryside. It’s a good place to sit on the front porch, swap tales with other travelers, and watch the geckos climb the walls.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival Siem Reap (by air, road)
Arrive Siem Reap airport, meet and transfer to downtown for hotel check-in. In the afternoon, visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and Angkor Wat until sunset. Welcome dinner at local restaurant and overnight in Siem Riep (-/-/D).
Day 02: Siem Reap (road)
After breakfast, visit Kravan, Pre Rup, Mebon Oriental, Ta Som, Neak Pean and Preah Khan temples. In the afternoon, out journey will be continuing with a visit to Srah Srang village, Ta Prohm, Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples and view the sunset from Phnom Bakheng. Dinner at the Borei Sovann restaurant and overnight in Siem Riep (B/L/D).
Day 03: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh (by air & road)
Early breakfast, transfer to the airport for short flight to Phnom Penh. Arrive Phnom Penh, transfer to the downtown, visit Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before lunch at the hotel. This afternoon, visit Wat Phnom, Wat Ounalom and National Museum. Dinner at the Chau Praya restaurant and overnight in Phnom Penh (B/L/D).
Day 04: Phnom Penh – Saigon (by air & road)
Last minute shopping until time transfer to the airport for short flight to Ho Chi Minh city, formerly known as Saigon. On arrival at Tan Son Nhat international airport, pick up & transfer to downtown for hotel check-in. Rest of the day is free at your own leisure. Dinner and overnight in Ho Chi Minh city (B/-/D).
Day 05: Saigon – My Tho – Mekong Delta (road & boat)
Today is a full-day excursion to My Tho in the Mekong Delta just only 2 hours drive from Saigon. Upon arriving in My Tho, boarding our private sampan for a river cruise on the upper part of the Mekong River visiting the floating fish market, visit the bonsai, fruit garden to taste diverse types of fruit, tea mixed with bee honey, a wine factory and local homes. We end the trip by taking a small sampan ride through the winding and tiny canals (subject to the water level) offering a close-up view of daily river life. Returning to Saigon and shopping at “Phuong Nam” Lacquer Work Shop. Dinner and self discover Saigon (B/L/D).
Day 06: Saigon – Hanoi – Halong Bay (by air & road)
Morning flight to Hanoi capital. On arrival, pick up and transfer directly to Ha Long Bay, the World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO. Enjoy rural scenery on the way with stopover en-route for photos as you wish. Upon arrival Halong Bay, check-in hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Self paid dinner and overnight in Halong (B/L/-).
Day 07: Halong – Hanoi (boat & road)
Discover Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage of outstanding natural beauty. The picturesque Halong Bay has more than 2,000 limestone islets rising from the clear emerald water, many of them containing beautiful grottoes. A 5-hours boat trip will visit one grotto, and then continue to explore more of these wonders of creation. Seafood lunch on boat. Return to Hanoi, stopover at Hai Duong for traditional taste of Green bean cake, rest of the day free at leisure for shopping and exploring Hanoi. Dinner at the Grill Fried Fish Restaurant – which has brought much fame to Doan family and overnight in Hanoi (B/L/D).
Day 08: Hanoi (road)
Full day visit to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum & Museum, the House on Stilt, Temple of Literature & West lake. After lunch, continue visiting Ethnology museum, Hoan Kiem lake, and take an hour Cyclo tour for visiting the old quarters. This evening we will attend a traditional water puppet show. Self paid dinner & overnight in Hanoi (B/L/-).
Day 09: Departure (by air)
After breakfast, free for shopping until transfer to the airport for onward flight (B/-/-).
End of services.
