Best of Vietnam & Cambodia

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D)

You will be met on arrival by your guide who'll accompany you to your hotel. After some time to relax enjoy dinner and a traditional Water Puppet Performance.
Meal: Dinner

Day 2: Hanoi (B/L/D)

A full day tour of this historic city begins with the Ho Chi Minh Complex where the father of modern day Vietnam declared the nation's independence in 1945. Visit sites including the Presidential Palace built by the French colonialists in the early 20th century, Ho Chi Minh's House of Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. After lunch, you will learn about Vietnam's ethnic groups in the Museum of Ethnology. Later return to the lively Old Quarter to explore this bustling commercial centre on cyclo, a two person cycle carriage.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay (B/L/D

This memorable day marks the start of your two-night cruise around the awe-inspiring Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a vision of ethereal beauty. You'll explore these marvellous islands, intricate limestone rock formations and hidden wave-eroded grottoes on a luxury cruise boat. Begin with a visit to Vung Vieng Fishing village by rowing boat, a floating settlement dating back hundreds of years. After lunch, there'll be some time to swim and relax on Ban Chan sandy beach before continuing your journey to Cong Do where the boat will anchor overnight. Finish your day with a local cookery demonstration before enjoying a delicious set dinner.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Begin your day with some calming Tai Chi on the boat's deck or watch the sun rise from your cabin before setting off for a more active day on the water. Cruise to some of the bay's more untouched areas, making stops for swimming and sightseeing. Spend the evening relaxing on board with a spa treatment (at a fee).
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Halong Bay to Hue by night train (B/D)

Rise early for your final water excursion - a trip to explore the well-hidden and prehistoric Thien Canh Son cave before a farewell brunch and arrival on the mainland. Enjoy an early dinner back in Hanoi before boarding a sleeper train for an overnight journey to Hue.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Hue (B/L/D)

Enjoy the morning view from your window as the train approaches its final destination. The first visit of the day is to the Citadel of Hue, a large fortress built in the 18th century whose architectural style takes inspiration from both the Forbidden City in Beijing and the military principles of the French army. Then continue to the partially ruined Dien Tho Residence before visiting Thai Hoa Palace and finally to Thien Mu pagoda and the Imperial tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Hue to Hoi An by train (B/D)

After breakfast, you'll board the train for a trip along the Reunification Railway to Danang that links Hanoi to Saigon. The train glides through the world class scenic route that runs along the South China Sea, snaking between jungle-covered cliffs and past white beaches, finally heading through lush green mountains to reach Danang. Take some time to relax at your hotel or explore the area before reconvening for dinner.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Hoi An (B/L)

Your morning in Hoi An will begin with a walking tour of the town, taking you past traditional Japanese merchant houses, ancient Chinese tea warehouses and finishes at the Pagoda Bridge, an early 17th-century Japanese temple that spans across the waterway. After lunch, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the myriad of silk and tailor shops or simply take in the views over a coffee at one of the many waterside cafes
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Hoi An to Nha Trang by train (B)

Following breakfast at your hotel, it's time to board the train for the day-long journey south to the coastal city of Nha Trang, widely considered to be home to one of the most beautiful bays in the word. Arrive in the late evening and check into your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast

Day 10: Nha Trang – Join full day boat trip on Emperor cruise - Saigon by night train (B/L/D)

At 8:00 am, our driver and representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Nha Trang Port to board the Emperor Cruises Junk. On arrival at the port our Experiences Manager will welcome you with a cold drink. There will be an introduction to Nha Trang Bay, the locals, the food, the culture, the emperor, safety precautions, and the Emperor Cruises Junk. Start cruising through the spectacular landscape of Nha Trang Bay. Continue to cruise past the Tam, Mot, and Mun islands in Nha Trang Bay. Your destination is Bai Cau in Dam Bay Lagoon, near the famous diving Mun Island site where you can opt for some scuba diving. Your destination is Bai Cau in Dam Bay Lagoon, near the famous diving Mun Island site where you can opt for some scuba diving. You arrive at our Emperor Cruises’ Secret Beach in Bai Cauwhere you can either go snorkeling, swimming, fishing, walking, kayaking in either a normal or glass-bottomed kayak, or try a basket boat. Alternatively, just relax at our Mango Bar under the big tree, enjoying the stunning views of the Emperor Cruises’ sails against the clear blue waters of the bay. After so much activity, you will surely be hungry. You will be served a sumptuous set lunch on board with local beers, fine wine, or premium spirits as the boat anchors near Hon Tam Island with its tranquil lagoon and fish farms. After lunch you cruise back to Nha Trang Harbor passing Vung Ngan floating village and Vinpearl Island and Tri Nguyen Aquarium, catching a glimpse of the inhabited Mieu Island. The next destination of this afternoon is Mieu Island for a walking tour to visit the local fishing villages. Learn about the way of life away from the mainland and interact with the friendly locals while learning a little about the daily lives of the villagers. Spend a few minutes exploring the beautiful landscape by basket boat as you head over to fish farms. You then transfer back to the mother by speedboat. Welcome back to the boat and enjoy a refreshing coconut milk, which is the specialty of the region. At the port your Emperor Cruises Van will be waiting to take you back to your hotel to refresh, have dinner, then board the overnight train to Saigon.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Note: You will have late check out today so you have room for refresh after cruise

Day 11: Saigon (B/L/D)

The train arrives into Saigon in the early hours so you'll be transferred straight to your hotel with time to enjoy breakfast (check in time is 02.00PM).

Spend the afternoon touring Saigon's highlights with a visit to the Reunification Palace as well as nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. Next travel to the French-style Saigon Post Office then finishes at the Ben Thanh Market, a symbol of the bustling city where colourful stalls are packed to the rafters with fresh fruit and tourist kitsch.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Saigon (B/L)

After breakfast travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. This immense labyrinth of 75 miles in length once housed hospitals, weapon factories and living quarters. Return to Saigon for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Saigon to Mekong Cruise (Thursday) B/L/D)

Leaving Saigon behind, embark on a three-night cruise along the fascinating network of rivers in the Mekong Delta that will journey all the way up to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. First visit Can Tho, the largest town on the Delta, cruising gently through picturesque canals and waterways, taking in the sultry scenery and daily activities of the Mekong people. Continue to Cai Be where there'll be a guided walk to a rural village, passing lush green orchards and the chance to meet the locals.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Mekong Cruise (Friday) (B/L/D)

Depart early in the morning with an excursion on long rowing sampan boats allowing you to meander through the small canals of Tan Phong islet. This afternoon the boats will moor at the charming colonial town of Sa Dec. Famous for its beautiful flower gardens, the small, sleepy town is truly a hidden gem on the Mekong Delta. Return to the vessel for a sunset cruise and dinner on board.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Mekong Cruise (Saturday) (B/L/D)

Arrive at Cao Lanh in the morning and after breakfast disembark for a morning excursion to Tan Thuan Dong islet where you can enjoy a gentle cycle around the winding roads or simply explore the area by foot. Cooking class on board or leisure time on top deck.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Mekong to Phnom Penh by speed boat (Sunday) (B/L/D)

After an early breakfast you will be transferred to Phnom Penh by speedboat where you'll be met with the coach to begin your tour of the capital of Cambodia. Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, and marvel at the ornately gilded Khmer roofs, beguiling throne hall, solid gold-encrusted Buddha and Silver Pagoda. Next visit the National Museum that houses a collection of Khmer art, notably sculptures, throughout the ages. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (B/D) By Shuttle coach (Mekong Express or Giant bus bus)

This morning includes a guided tour of Toul Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, both grim reminders of Cambodia's bloody past. These excursions may prove distressing for some but are important pieces of Cambodia's historical and cultural puzzle. Later this afternoon continue by coach to Siem Reap.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18: Siem Reap (B/L/D)

Watch the sunrise over the 12th century Angkor Wat temple complex, the best-preserved temple boasting fascinating decorative flourishes that took 30 years to build and represents Khmer civilisation at its grandest. Next visit Angkor Thom, a group of buildings that surpass Angkor Watt in splendour and grandiosity. Start at the Southern Gate, flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side, followed by the Bayon and its beautifully crafted central towers. From here you visit Baphoun, Phimeanakas and the Elephant Terrace, once used as a giant viewing stand for public ceremonies. Lastly see Ta Prohm, undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor. That has been left to be swallowed by the jungle and is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Conclude the day with dinner and an Apsara dance performance.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19: Siem Reap departure (B)

Free until transfer to airport for flight back home.

Selection of Hotels

• Siem Reap : Central Boutique hotel - Boutique room
• Mekong cruise 4 Days 3 nights: Mekong Eye cruise - Superior cabin
• Hochiminh: Signature Saigon hotel - Deluxe room
• Nha Trang: Meriton hotel - Deluxe city view
• Hoi An : Lotus Boutique hotel - Superior room
• Hue: Emm hotel Hue - Deluxe room
• Hanoi: Hanoi Boutique hotel - Deluxe room
• Halong cruise 3 Days 2 nights :V’Spirit junk - Superior cabin