13Days Vietnam & Angkor Discovery
Price from: $4129 per person on twin sharing basis + domestic flight from: $1144 per person
Hanoi – Halong – Hue – Hoi An – Saigon – Mekong – Siem Reap
This trip is an ideal combination of two diversified neighbours – Vietnam and Cambodia – each one with its own share of horror and glory. This tour takes you the important places of interest in Vietnam and shows you the best in Cambodia – Angkor Wat. A bustling capital city of Hanoi shows you an interesting combination of modern, French colonial and Vietnamese architecture and the famous Old Quarters. Enjoy a cruise on a traditional Junk to see the nature’s gift to Vietnam – UNESCO Heritage site Halong Bay.
Continue to historical city of Hue to the most popular and charming town in Vietnam – Hoi An. Either in town or on the beach, this town will never cease to excite you with its beautiful beach, art galleries, cooking schools, street bazaars in the town centre and numerous tailoring shops who can make a quality dress as per your imagination overnight. The trip takes you to the hustle-bustle of the ‘bike-city’ Saigon – sights, sounds and smells are bound to mesmerize you. Highlight of South Vietnam is its indigenous people living and earning their livelihood from Mekong River. From Saigon, hop on a short flight to Siem Reap, home to arguably one of the wonders of the world – Angkor Wat and various temple complexes.
Day 1: Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your Hotel.
Day 2: Hanoi (B)
This morning your guide will take you on a brief walking tour of the fascinating Old Quarter of Hanoi, and Hoan Kiem Lake, followed by a visit some of Hanoi’s historical sites, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh’s house, as well as One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the city on your own
This evening, visit perhaps Vietnam’s most famous performing art form, the Water puppet theatre for a one hour show. During a performance the puppets are directed by puppet masters who stand submerged in the water behind a screen and direct the puppets through the use of long sticks. Traditional musical instruments are used to accompany the story.
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)
In the early morning, transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Arriving in Halong, board a sailing Junk to discover this World Heritage site, known as the ‘land of 3000 islands’. Rising from the sea the islands offer a wealth of opportunity for the local people. Your visit includes exploring the beauty of this area up close. A delicious seafood lunch is included on board the boat (options available for those who do not like seafood). Option to enjoy kayaking in the bay and also a swim at one of the beaches there.
Overnight on board the Junk.
Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi (Brunch)
Early morning breakfast on the junk before exploring the caves and lagoon in a small bamboo boat. Return to the boat and sail towards Halong and enjoy lunch before reaching the pier.
On arrival at Halong, drive back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi - Hue (B)
This morning you will be transferred to the airport to connect a short domestic flight to Hue. On arrival in Hue, you will be met and transferred to the Hotel. The afternoon, proceed for a sightseeing of Old Imperial City -Visit Imperial Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and Dong Ba Market.
Day 6: Hue - Hoi An (B)
This morning, you will be taken for an excursion to Thien Mu Pagoda with boat trip on Huong Giang River. After the boat cruise, continue by a private car from Hue to Danang enroute visiting Cham Museum and Marble Mountains. Continue on from Danang to Hoi An to check-in at your Hotel.
Day 7: Hoi An (B)
In the morning, enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An visiting the Japanese Bridge, ancient houses, Phuc Kien Pagoda and the market. Also visit a Chinese Communal House or Hokkien Temple, ancient merchants’ houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colourful local market. Travellers can also see local residents raise silkworms and produce silk for Hoi An’s burgeoning textile industry.
Afternoon at leisure to explore Hoi An – Hoi An is an excellent place to purchase tailor-made clothes, and has many handicraft shops for souvenirs.
Day 8: Hoi An - Danang - Saigon (B)
In the morning, transfer from Hoi An to Danang Airport to take a flight to Saigon. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Hotel.
In the afternoon, proceed on a city tour of Saigon. Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) – a fast paced city with a unique mix of French colonial architecture, Chinese influences, a modern entrepreneurial spirit and numerous temples. On this tour, you will take in the highlights of Ho Chi Minh starting with an exploration of Saigon’s turbulent past with visits to the Reunification Palace and the War Museum.
The tour continues to Ho Chi Minh’s finest examples of French colonial architecture with a visit to the Notre Dame cathedral and Post Office. Your Ho Chi Minh tour continues with a visit to Giac Lam Pagoda, the Cholon Chinese district. Tour concludes at the Ben Thanh market, practice your bargaining skills.
Day 9: Saigon (B)
This morning, proceed for an excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels.
One of the highlights of your Vietnamese holiday is bound to be your visit this morning to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing complex of underground bunkers about 40kms northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and near the Cambodian Border. The tunnel system was commenced in the 1940′s. During the US War, at one time the tunnels spread out for 350kms and were up to 7 metres deep. They served as shelter, storage facilities and a secret means of communication for the guerrilla army. An ingenious system of concealed entrances kept the occupants safe despite air attacks and many efforts to penetrate the tunnel complex.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the city on your own or for shopping.
Day 10: Mekong (B/L)
Today enjoy a full day tour on the Mekong Delta.
Leave after breakfast for Cai Be, 120 km south-west of Saigon in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Arrive at Cai Be and take a boat to the floating market to practice the age-old art of bartering. You will be supplied with sweets, sugar, milk, etc. which they can then barter for different kinds of local fruits. Continue by river to see family-run businesses producing a local version of popcorn and rice paper. Lunch is in a local house on Binh Hoa Phuoc islet set amongst fruit orchards and bonsai trees. Late in the afternoon, drive back to Saigon to your Hotel.
Day 11: Saigon - Siem Reap (B)
This morning you will be transferred to the airport to connect a short flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, proceed to the graceful 11th century Temple of Shiva – Banteay Srei – and the Banteay Samre temple. On the way back, stop at the three-tiered temple hill of Pre Rup. There view the Bantey Kdei with it’s rarely seen sculpted female deities, the Lake of Srah Sran, and the impressive Ta Phrohm Temple which is dramatically enveloped by jungle.
Day 12: Angkor Temples (B)
Today, explore the ancient city of Angkor by entering Angkor Thom via the South Gate. Continue the journey by viewing the ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, the Royal Palace, the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon, visit the epic Angkor Wat, viewing its extraordinary architecture and bas-reliefs. End the day with a spectacular sunset viewed from the mountain temple of Phnom Bakheng.
Day 13: Siem Reap (B)
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Private program - can start any day of the week, can be customised, can operate in reverse
Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes, 24-hours local contact number for emergencies.
Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.
Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2023. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exotic.net.nz for more information.