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Vietnam Hanoi > Phnom Penh - 14 Days

From $9820pp

Embark on an enchanting voyage through Vietnam and Cambodia, where each destination unveils a tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. Begin your odyssey in the bustling streets of Hanoi, where ancient pagodas stand tall amidst the buzz of modern life. Dive into the timeless charm of Hoi An, where lantern-lit alleys and riverside markets evoke a sense of bygone eras. Glide through the mystical waters of Ha Long Bay, where towering limestone karsts create a breathtaking seascape that's nothing short of magical. Journey onwards to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Angkor, where the temples of Angkor Wat and Bayon whisper tales of a glorious past. Conclude your expedition in Sihanoukville, a coastal gem with pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From the bustling cities to the serene landscapes, this voyage promises an unforgettable experience that will linger in your memory long after you've returned home.

Itinerary

Day 1 - HANOI ARRIVAL

Upon arrival in Hanoi, be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel then you will have a welcome dinner at the hotel. Please note: * Estimated distance from hotels in the Old Quarter to the airport or v.v: ~25-30km Estimated driving time: ~30mins - 40mins. * International arrivals: Please proceed through immigration and customs, and make your way to the exterior arrivals area, using the exit indicated for your flight on the arrival’s marquee (either exit A1 or A2). Our representative will be waiting here for you holding a Pick-up sign. He will then escort you to your vehicle to take you to your hotel. Meals: Dinner Hotel: Hotel De L'Opera Hanoi Hotel - Deluxe

Day 2 - HANOI CITY TOUR

Today you’ll experience the very best Hanoi has to offer with this full-day tour of the city. Your morning begins with a to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum where you’ll hear everything about the man whose name adorns the museum and his leadership of Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Ho Chi Minh dedicated his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule before passing away in 1969. His body has been preserved for later generations. Each year the mausoleum closes its doors in October for upkeep. Next, visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius. This afternoon you will experience lunch like no other at the Koto Restaurant, a social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged and street children. KOTO has trained over 700 students in Hanoi and Saigon, with 200 of them currently enrolled. Come on a culinary journey and enjoy the aroma and the flavors of Vietnamese and South-East Asian specialties, before sitting down to enjoy a three-course meal where you can try a selection of traditional dishes. Next, you’ll head over to the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, named for the products that were sold from their shops, where you’ll tour the streets on Cyclo - Vietnam’s famous Cyclo’s are three wheeled cycle taxis and make for a great way to get around! Through the streets you’ll see the vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still sell the same wares the street names suggest. Finally, you’ll head over to Ngoc Son temple, famed for being set on a tiny island on the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Discover how the island got its name from the legend of an emperor, a magic sword, and a giant turtle. End your day with the quintessential Vietnam experience - the water puppet show, a traditional art that is still being performed today. Please note: * Estimated pick-up time: 8.00AM - Estimated duration: 8hrs * A long waiting time in line is required to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum especially in high season (March and April) and on rainy days. You can’t visit other places in the complex without visiting the Mausoleum. * The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every afternoon as well as on Mondays and Fridays. During closure, the Ho Chi Minh Residence and other places in the complex can be visited as normal. * From 15th June to 14th August, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum will be closed for the annual renovation. Presidential Palace and the Resident of the complex remain opened at normal schedule for your visit. Egg coffee has been woven into the fabric of Hanoian culture since its inception at the famous Hotel Metropole. More than just sampling a cup we will come to understand the significance of this drink through the eyes of our Local legend: Mr Khoa Heading down a narrow corridor and up an ancient stone staircase you will soon come into what was Mr Khoa's home and what is now the setting for his cafe. Take a moment away from the hectic street life below and enjoy a cup of Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng) whilst Mr Khoa regales you with stories of times gone by. It is through these stories of hardship and devotion that your egg coffee experience will truly take on a unique quality. NOTE: Our Local legend Mr Khoa is not always available early mornings and on weekends' Black out date: 23 Jan 2023 to 27 Jan 2023 Optional Tour HANOIAN HOME DINING EXPERIENCE This evening enjoy a truly unique dining experience as you are welcomed into a local Hanoian’s home and share dinner with them trying local and authentic home cooking straight from the hearts of a Vietnamese family. This evening you will be transferred to a typical Hanoian house nestled down a maze of winding alleyways. Here we will meet our local Hanoian family who will warmly welcome you into their home. Here you can learn about traditional family life in Hanoi. Why the houses are the way they are, what it is like having three or even four generations under one roof, the roles and responsibilities of members of the household and the effect of modernisation in the city on the lives of the locals. We will then sit down to a delicious dinner and enjoy a very authentic local meal with all the homely touches. The menu will vary as it will depend on what the family gather at the market that morning but you can expect the best of Hanoian-style cooking with fresh ingredients! A dining experience unlike that of any restaurant. During the dining experience please ask questions of your hosts who will be happy to answer! After our dinner experience that allows us to connect with the real locals, we will bid a fond farewell and return you to your accommodation. Please Note: Vegetarian options are available but please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. During public holidays and family celebrations, this tour will be unavailable. E.g. Tet Holiday Pick-Up at around 5:30 PM > Return 7:30/8 PM Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Hotel De L'Opera Hanoi Hotel - Deluxe

Day 3 - HANOI - HALONG - 1 NIGHT CRUISE

We travel on to the mysterious. Halong Bay, which literally means 'where the dragon descends into the sea'. Optional Tour SCENIC FLIGHT OVER HALONG BAY Upon arrival, enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over Halong bay. Taking off and landing on the water at Tuan Chau Marina, our 25-minute scenic flight showcases the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, offering a completely different perspective than from a cruise ship. From the air, the many islands appear like mountain ranges, the embodiment of "Ha Long", meaning "descending dragon". Board your Halong bay overnight cruise, sit in your cabin and follow cruise's itinerary. In the afternoon take a boat trip through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful nature reserve is the result of centuries of erosion and is unique in the world. The bay contains no less than 1969 beautiful and photogenic islands, often consisting exclusively of mysterious rocks, even more mysterious caves, and beautiful tropical beaches. It is not surprising that many poets, painters, and writers found their inspiration here for their works. The lunch and dinner will be on the ship. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Indochina Sails cruise - Superior

Day 4 - HALONG - HANOI - HUE

Wake with the sun and enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies on board as the horizon brightens. This morning if the weather permits, in the summer, visit a pearl farm to see how these precious 'stones' are farmed or in winter you can visit Ti Top Island. Back en route to the port, pass by Halong Bay and its stunning islets before disembarking and then heading back to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue. Please note: * Itinerary subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions. * Set menu applies for cruises with 14 persons and below. * Estimated disembark time: 10.30AM On arrival in Hue, meet your guide and transfer by vehicle to your hotel for check in. The rest of your day is at leisure. Please note: Estimated distance from the airport to hotels in city center or vice versa: around 15km - 20 km - Estimated driving time: 30 - 45 minutes Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Pilgrimage Village Hue - Superior

Day 5 - HUE - CITY TOUR

Today explore Hue’s dynastical past on a full-day tour. Begin with a visit to the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty at the Imperial City, modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. The Imperial City is home to a number of palaces and temples which, although a number had been destroyed during war and conflict, have been restored to their former glory. After your visit to the Citadel, take a short boat ride on the Perfume River to see the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda. Lunch included today. * Estimated pick-up time: 08.00AM - Estimated duration: 8hrs Take a moment to yourself and relax as a Tea Master introduces you to the art of making an ancient White Lotus royal tea. You will stop by a charming hidden teahouse which honours the craft of brewing the perfect cup. Upon arrival you will be greeted by the owner, of Chinese descent, her ancestors were granted land for their services to the emperor to grow tea, and their family has honoured this tradition ever since. Your host will treat you to a history of tea in Vietnam and you will come to learn more about these leaves. After which you will learn the stories of some of the tea practices and preferences of the royal court in Hue. Your host will then show you how to brew and compose the perfect cup of White Lotus tea. The leaves infused in the centre of a Lotus provide you with a taste of a bygone era. After witnessing how it is made you will try and brew the perfect cup yourself. After your Tea making class take a moment to enjoy the tranquil teahouse and enjoy your cup of tradition. Black Out Dates: Tet Holiday This tour is best enjoyed in the morning from 09 AM to 11 AM and the tea-making lasts around 60-90 minutes. Optional Tour SALT RICE ROYAL DINING EXPERIENCE Embark on a truly unique culinary experience as we take you back in time to sample the cuisine of the Nguyen Dynasty. Today we will try 'Salt rice' a special dish straight from the royal table this 'Salt Rice' takes one week to prepare. Your host this evening, of noble lineage, will welcome you to her garden retreat with a welcome tea. A lush green garden surrounds the retreat, and the interior is bedecked with ancient crockery and silverware, each with a story to tell. Your host will introduce herself and share her own story of a life entwined with food and preserving ancient dining traditions, a project of well over ten years of research dedicated to it. You will then embark on a dining experience fit for Kings and Queens as you sample at least 9 different main dishes with one or two other supplementary starter dishes as well. But the undoubted star of the show is Salt Rice. A recipe passed down through the family and a dish that was only ever allowed to grace the table of the royal family. As we dine our host will introduce the dishes and take care to explain the significance and ingredients placed before us in the traditional crockery of the royal court. After a truly unique dinner imagining yourself as the dynasties of old we will return you to central Hue. Please Note - For any dietary requirements please notify us in advance. Blackout Date: The first two days of the Tet holiday. Not bookable within one week due to the time required to prepare the dishes. Tour runs from 6 > 10 PM Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Pilgrimage Village Hue - Superior

Day 6 - HUE – LAGOON LOCAL LEGEND - HOI AN

In the morning, you will visit Minh Mang Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb then Today you will be meeting with one of our Vivu Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts, or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide. Today's Local legend is a family of fisherfolk who own an Oyster farm on a tranquil Lagoon. Heading down an unassuming path we will stop by the banks of the shore and be taken out into the clear waters and head to the shelter on stilts where our gregarious hosts will meet and greet us, telling us about their lives. We will then explore the lagoon itself as our hosts demonstrate local fishing techniques and how they grow and harvest Oysters. Learn what it takes to grow Oysters naturally and, more importantly, what they taste like. Freshly shucked, Oysters don't get much fresher! After our exploration, we will then get to indulge in a seafood lunch with our hosts. Please Note: As the tour is based on a Lagoon if there are adverse weather conditions we may have to cancel the programme. You may wish to bring a raincoat just in case. Weather can be more unpredictable from September > November. Lunch is included but drinks are an additional charge. Please notify us of any dietary requirements and we will try to accommodate them if possible. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery Collection - Deluxe

Day 7 - HOI AN - SAILORS, TAILORS AND TEA

Hoi An Ancient Town’s impeccable preservation has earned it recognition as a UNESCO heritage site. On today’s walking tour we will gain an insight into the kaleidoscope of cultures that have shaped this former port city and what keeps it thriving today. Your guide will start by taking you to the iconic 16th Century Japanese covered bridge with pagoda (Chùa Cầu). If you are experiencing déjà vu, this bridge is an important symbol of Vietnam’s history and is featured on the 20,000VND note. We will then come to learn the history behind the bridge's origin and how it still functions as a place of worship today. Meandering through the Ancient town towards our next stop your guide will help you to recognise all the cultures that have influenced the designs of the building, both indigenous and foreign. We will then get the opportunity to go into one of Hoi An’s ancient homes where we will meet the 14th generation still living in this house. From vibrant past to bright future, we will finish our tour by visiting Quynh’s shop. At one of her stores, we will come to learn how she set about starting a tailor shop, the mistakes she made along the way and the school she set up to help support those wanting to start a career in the industry. More than just meeting the owner we will get to see where the magic happens and meet the faces behind the incredible clothing. We will then enjoy a delicious local lunch. Traditional Vietnamese theatre is often accompanied by a series of decorative and elaborate masks. But the number of people dedicating their lives to preserving the art of mask making is few and far between. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to meet one of these individuals who has dedicated over thirty years to perfecting their craft. You will get to understand the origin of the masks and the passion of the people responsible for keeping the art alive. Afterwards, take part in a workshop and get to paint your very own mask based on traditional designs or something more contemporary. This mask will then become a unique souvenir to take home. Then we will finish today's tour by going to a local teahouse which supports people with disabilities to learn skills and gain meaningful employment. Here the teahouse is a silent haven from the hustle and bustle of Hoi An. Enjoy your local tea in this restorative setting before we head back to our hotel. BOD: Tet, 4th November. Only runs on Monday & Thursday. Optional Tour HOI AN MEMORIES SHOW Take a 400-year journey through the history of Hoi An at this beautifully orchestrated show. We will pick you up from your accommodation and transport you to the setting for tonight’s performance in one of Central Hoi An’s islets. Here you will witness the Hoi An Memories production. Delivered in five acts by a cast of around 100, this 1-hour performance will be a beautifully choreographed story. At first, we are treated to the story of the birth of Hoi An, followed by its life under the Champa people through a famous Champa wedding. We will then embark on a different love story and into the tales of the sea-faring people of Hoi An and the subsequent busy trading port it became. The finale will focus on the mix of old and new with the traditional Ao Dai (Ow Zai) clothing that the women of Vietnam still wear, and which is synonymous with Vietnam. Awe struck by the impressive performers, stories, and choreography this is sure to be a lasting memory in Vietnam. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery Collection - Deluxe

Day 8 - HOI AN - TAM THANH VILLAGE AND KY ANH TUNNEL

In the morning, set off for a 1-hour drive from Hoi An to Ky Anh Tunnels and followed in the footsteps of Mr Ta, one of the witnesses during wartime to discover the tunnel networks. This incredible Ky Anh Tunnel network sits underneath the village of Thach Tan and while there are numerous entrances to the network of tunnels scattered throughout local villages, the main access is found here. In the past, there were as many as 32 kilometers of tunnels stretching through the area, although now the restored sections are much shorter, totalling a few hundred meters. There are a couple of entrances to the tunnel network in Thach Tan, one at the local communal house or Dinh, and another in the backyard of a local house. Afterwards we will travel to the beautiful and remote village of Loc Yen. An ancient village lying in a beautiful valley in the Tien Canh commune, surrounded by rivers, streams, and mountains and where you will enjoy a wonderful cycling experience. En route to Loc Yen, you will cycle along winding roads and through vibrant rice fields. Upon arrival, you will find many ancient houses in typical traditional Vietnamese architecture surrounded by beautiful, lush gardens. This pretty village of Loc Yen is unique with its stone alleyways, canals and terraces and the residents of the village are truly Vietnamese, friendly, welcoming, and hospitable. Lunch will be prepared and served by a member of a local family residing in one of the ancient houses. Enjoy your delicious lunch and wonderful local experience before continuing to Tam Ky City. The total distance of cycling required on this tour is approximately 8km. Following lunch, we will begin our journey back to Hoi An via the Heroic Mother Thu statue. She stands 18.6m high and 120m wide and was designed to resemble Mrs Nguyen Thi Thu, who sadly lost 12 children and grandchildren during the Vietnam War. Our final stop will then be by Tam Thanh village, where the mural project in the village has transformed this remote fishing village into a fascinating artwork gallery, where more than 100 houses have been painted to reflect the local culture, people, and nature. Experience dinner in a truly unique setting at the Distillerie d'Indochine. This picturesque beachfront distillery located in South Hoi An is the humble home of world-renowned Sampan Rum and tonight, after our tour of the rum distillery, we shall enjoy a BBQ in this idyllic setting. On this evening's tour, we shall start with an array of welcome cocktails before going behind the scenes to discover how the facility uses centuries-old distillation techniques to transform local, freshly pressed sugarcane into award-winning white rhums and dark rhums. After our tour, we will then indulge in a White Rhum tasting with our gregarious hosts. Then we shall indulge in a 2 course BBQ dinner and soak up the ambience of the Distillerie d'Indochine. Running time: Pick up at 4:30 PM for 5 PM arrival. Closed on Mondays Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery Collection - Deluxe

Day 9 - HOI AN- SIEM REAP

Arrival Siem Reap, after fast-tracking process your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Optional Tour TRA QUE COOKING CLASS (RO;L;RO) Today's tour will see you enjoying a cooking class in unforgettable surroundings in the vegetable village of Hoi An and witnessing age-old farming techniques. Make your way to a local café where you'll meet your guide and enjoy a Vietnamese iced coffee, we'll then swing by a local market and watch the hustle and bustle of local life gaining insight into the herbs, spices and flavours we may use today. We will then head to our cooking class centre in the heart of Tra Que 'Vegetable village'. Here you be able to admire the scenic views as you walk or ride around the organic herb and vegetable gardens. It's difficult to remember what year you are in as you watch local farmers carry water and tend the gardens in the same way their ancestors have done for centuries. Try your hand at farming or fishing yourself or relax with a head and herbal foot massage. We'll then embark on our cooking class putting together multiple dishes and coming to understand more about the ingredients and famous dishes of Vietnamese cuisine. At the end of the class, you will sit down and try the fruits of your labour. Black Out Dates - Tet Holiday. Please Note: Start time 08:00 AM at a local cafe. Finish 12:30 PM Coffee shop location: Dao Tien River Restaurant at 21/5 Phan Boi Chau street Optional Tour DINNER WITH TRADITIONAL DANCE SHOW Enjoy an evening filled with traditional Aspara dance. The show brings ancient Khmer culture to life while you enjoy a dinner of traditional Cambodian cuisine. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor - State Room

Day 10 - SIEM REAP - ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR OF THE TEMPLES

Today, explore the Angkor Archaeological Park (Including, Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm) with a local archaeology and Khmer history expert. Meet your guide, Mr. Seng Kompheak, a knowledgeable archaeologist who graduated from the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh, in 2002 and obtained higher education in Archaeology at the University of Hawaii. Mr Kompheak also has over 17 years of experience working as an archaeologist, taking part in excavations, restorations, and conservation projects. In his previous guiding roles, Mr Kompheak was selected by the US embassy in Phnom Penh to escort the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi including the state delegation on a historical and archaeological guided visit to Angkor. Additionally, he has taken celebrities such as Beyonce and Jay-Z on a private guided tour of Angkor. During your visit, you will enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. End your day with a relaxing sunset cruise along the moat of Angkor Thom. Glide quietly along in your gondola to the small temple of Prasat Chrung in the southwest corner of Angkor Thom that is difficult to reach by walking. Take along with glass of champagne and canape, kick back, and enjoy as the sun sets on the majestic temples of Angkor. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor - State Room

Day 11 - SIEM REAP - KOK SANGKE COMMUNITY VILLAGE - TONLE SAP LAKE AT KAMPONG KHLEANG FULL DAY & PHARE CIRCUS SHOW

Today you will immerse in traditional Cambodian culture and take home some great memories. This morning, depart from your hotel and head to the Kok Sangke Community. Begin your tour with a visit to a local family home who will make bamboo sticky rice and traditional Khmer desserts. Next, heading out to see the local farms. And have a delicious Khmer lunch, cooked by the local community before visiting Wat Luam Proleung, an ancient pagoda, where you will see locals perform a traditional dance called Chhayam. Explore the pagoda and receive a water monk blessing, said to bring you good luck. Next, head through beautiful rural countryside and picturesque small villages to Kampong Khleang, a village built on high stilts on Tonle Sap Lake. Home to approximately 10,000 people, Kampong Khleang’s residence’s main income comes mainly from fishing. Depending on the time and season you visit Kampong Khleang, you will see a very different landscape, as the lake is tidal. Dinner at SPOON restaurant, a social enterprise who support underprivileged Cambodian young adults to become self-supporting through education, training, and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry. Evening show, get a taste of both contemporary and historic Cambodia with an evening under the big top in downtown Siem Reap. Phare Cambodian Circus, an NGO that supports disadvantaged Khmer youth with art and performance training, is a show without animals that showcases a talented cast accomplished in acrobatics, contortion, aerial ballet, tightrope walking, juggling, mime, drama, and comedy. Cambodia has a long history of circus tradition, dating back as far as the 6th century from temple carvings depicting circus performances for ceremonies and festivals. While the show is fully modern, it draws on Cambodian tradition, folk stories, and folk music. NOTE: Spoon Restaurant is closed every Monday and public holiday. Local restaurant will be replaced if Spoon is closed. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor - State Room

Day 12 - SIEM REAP - SIHANOUKVILLE

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Sihanouk Ville. Arrive in Sihanouk Ville, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the pier and continue by speedboat to the beautiful island of Cambodia. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Song Saa Private Island - Standard

Day 13 - SIHANOUKVILLE – ISLAND FREE DAY

Free day at the beach! Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Song Saa Private Island - Standard

Day 13 - SIHANOUKVILLE – PHNOM PENH DEPARTURE

Pick up from pier and transfer to Phnom Penh Airport 190Km distance (3hours). Meals: Breakfast