14-Day Siem Reap and Vietnam Highlights

Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway to the enigmatic jungle temples of Angkor. Upon arrival, a friendly local guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the quaint yet bustling town of Siem Reap, a hidden gem of world-class wining and dining, kind locals, and charming markets.

After breakfast at your hotel, your awe-inspiring tour of Angkor begins. Entering through the grand South Gate, you’ll explore Angkor Thom, the last capital of the once great Khmer Empire, with the 216 enigmatic faces of The Bayon at its centre. Still within the ancient city walls, you’ll marvel at the view from the summit of Baphuon, the enormous temple mountain, affording unspoiled views over the surrounding ruins. You’ll round off the morning poring over the intricate bas-relief of the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, before having lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you’ll venture deeper into the jungle to the crumbling ruins of Ta Prohm. Here you’ll witness the monstrous jungle vines and sprawling tree roots that seem intent on claiming the ruins as their own. We cap off our day of adventuring with a welcome dinner and unique performance at Phare Cambodian Circus, a non-profit show enriching the lives of disadvantaged youth in the Siem Reap area.

After breakfast, you’ll drive out to Cambodia’s most sacred of sites, Kulen Mountain, symbolic to Cambodians as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. Witness the magnificent waterfall cascading over a riverbed etched with linga carvings, then take a dip in the refreshing rock pools rumoured to have special healing powers. In the afternoon you’ll be driven back to your hotel with the remainder of the day your own.

After breakfast, you will witness the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, in all its glory. This incredible twelfth century monument stands testament to the dedication and skill of the ancient Khmer people and is truly a wonder of the world.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll savour the remote peace of Banteay Srei, or the ‘Citadel of Beauty,’ some 20 km away. This less-frequented woodland temple is beautifully preserved and is incomparable with any other in Angkor. En route to your hotel, we stop at a rural Khmer village to give you insight into the everyday lives of the friendly local people. The evening is yours to explore Siem Reap some more.

After breakfast you’ll head for the Tonlé Sap, dominating the map of Cambodia as the largest freshwater lake in southeast asia. While here, you’ll observe life on the lake for the fishermen and their families who make their homes on the stilt-housing in the water. Once back on dry land, you’ll have the chance to stroll through Psar Chas, a bustling old market, where you’ll find your pick of souvenirs to treat loved-ones back at home.

Now it’s time to go the airport for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), your friendly local guide will greet you at airport and then take you to your hotel for check-in. Experience Ho Chi Minh City with its pulsating energy and fascinating culture! This dazzling city boasts French colonial charm from its architecture to its food. A chaotic whirlwind of traffic and disarray, visitors cannot help but be captivated from this region from moment they arrive.The rest of the day is yours to relax, settle in and do a little exploring on your own.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will start your day with a fascinating tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of tunnels made by the Viet Cong during the war. These mysterious tunnels functioned as underground cities, complete with living quarters, hospitals, schools, meeting rooms, kitchens and supply routes. On the way back to the city, you will join a traditional Vietnamese cooking class, including a charming trip to a local market where you can pick your own ingredients. At the end of the lesson, you may sit down to enjoy your delicious meal!

After lunch, drive back to Ho Chi Minh and enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing, which will include admiring the architecture of the Central Post Office, a taste of a local marketplace at the Binh Tay Market, learning more about the wars of Vietnam and their effects on the country at the War Remnants Museum and finally visiting the impressive French colonial-style City Hall.The evening is yours to explore the city and sample some of the world's favourite food.

Today, you will be picked up from your hotel in the early morning and your guide will transfer you to Ben Tre. You will meet your guide at Ham Luong River where you will board your Mango Cruise. Settle into your cabin and prepare for a breathtaking 2-day journey along the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail as we set sail to Mo Cay. Our first stop will be the Mo Cay local wet market where you will see many food stalls full of local produce and fresh meats, including strange exotic delicacies such as rat and snake. As we continue to cruise through the canals, we will make another stop to see the local coconut pressing where coconut oils and fibers are made.

Upon your return to the ship, you will be given free time to relax and have a cold drink and delicious lunch on deck. We will then head down the Vung Liem Canal to visit the traditional brickworks in the lively town of Vung Liem. Next, you will be given a bicycle tour around town, visiting the fascinating Cao Dai and Khmer temples.We will now set sail to Tra On, where we will stop for the night. You will be given some free time to lounge and freshen up before a cooking demonstration and mouth-watering 5-course dinner on board. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and enjoy the sounds of the surrounding nature. Overnight on board.

Arise early to explore the Tra On floating market as we make our way towards Can Tho. Next, visit the spectacular Cai Rang floating market, where we will transfer to a smaller boat and mingle amongst the thousands of trading vessels. Wander through the local boats and enjoy tasting the various fruits and drinks from the stands.After our visit to the floating markets, you will return to your cruise and enjoy the dazzling scenery before being dropped off at Ninh Kieu Quay in Can Tho where you will again be greeted by your private guide.

In the afternoon, you will be taken back to Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll have your last chance to wander around the city and soak up the thriving atmosphere.When the time comes, your guide will take you to the airport to continue your onward journey to Hoi An, a delightful and atmospheric seaside village in Central Vietnam. Once you arrive at the airport in Hoi An, your lovely local guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore this delightful town.

After breakfast, you'll start your day with a wander around Hoi An Ancient Town, where you will see the beautiful 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, one of the city’s most iconic attractions. This city is a picture postcard gem, with its unique brightly coloured buildings and historic atmosphere. Your tour will continue with a visit to the Quan Cong Temple and handicraft village.

In the afternoon, join an eco sunset cruise where the river meets the Cua Dai Sea. On this tour, you will witness two special daily rituals: the passing parade of the local fishing fleet setting out to sea and the magic of the sun slowly sinking in the sky. You will also have the opportunity to experience paddling the strange and unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat. Join the local fisherman on the river and enjoy a hands-on experience of round net and cast net fishing.Tonight is yours to wander around this delightful town. Have some clothing made at one of Hoi An’s many tailoring shops or visit An Hoi’s beautiful lantern night market!

Today, you will discover UNESCO World Heritage site and hidden treasure of Vietnam, My Son Holy Land. These crumbling ruins are a holy city for the Cham, a minority tribe. Built in the 4th century, this site was the former capital and religious centre of the Champa Kingdom. After a stroll around this dramatic complex, we will head out for some lunch before returning to your hotel in Hoi An.

Tonight, your guide will take you back to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, your friendly local guide will greet you at airport and then take you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax, settle in and, if jet lag permits, do a little exploring on your own. An irresistible balance of big city and cultural charm, this lively city is the heart and soul of Vietnam.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a lovely morning touring around Hanoi city. You will begin with a visit to The Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Stilt House, Presidential Palace and Museum. Then, you will discover the One Pillar Pagoda, a temple which rises from the centre of one pillar and is said to be have been built in the shape of a lotus. Finish your day with a stroll around the Fine Arts Museum; showcasing pieces from a range of historical periods.

Following a delicious local lunch, your afternoon will be spent at the fascinating Ethnologic Museum, where you can learn a bit about the many different ethnic minorities in Vietnam. After this, you'll be taken to visit the ancient Hoan Kiem Lake, where you will learn about the interesting mythology that surrounds it. Today’s tour ends with a special tour where you may discover the picturesque Old Quarter by cyclo or rickshaw.Return to your hotel to freshen up and relax. This evening, enjoy a cultural treat! You will be attending a famous Water Puppet Show at the theatre.

Today, you will be whisked away early in the morning to Halong Bay where you will board your Bhaya Cruise!  Settle into your cabin and prepare for a breathtaking day-long journey. After a brief check-in and orientation, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as we set sail into the mystical Halong Bay.You will be given a buffet lunch as the boat cruises southeast, passing by Trong Mai Islet and Titov Island. You will then transfer to a small local sampan boat to discover the floating village of Vung Vieng. Once returning to the ship, if weather permits, you will be given kayaks to further explore the surrounding area.

Next, you will enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck. The bar opens at 17:30 with a “buy one get one free” happy hour. A set menu dinner will be served in the restaurant. The rest of the evening is yours to relax, watch a movie in the restaurant, or enjoy a 30% discount at the bar.Overnight on cruise at Halong Bay.

Today, you will begin your early morning with some spiritual and relaxing Tai Chi on the sundeck. Complimentary tea and coffee will be served as your ship cruises through the mysterious and majestic caves of Trong, Trinh Nu, Me Cung, and Sung Sot, along with the islet of Coc Ngoi.A buffet brunch will be served on board as the ship cruises back towards the harbour. You will disembark at Tuan Chau Marina where you will be transferred back to Hanoi by your private guide. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Hanoi on your own.

This morning is your last chance to wander around the city and soak up the thriving atmosphere.When the time comes, your guide will take you to the airport to continue your onward journey. Vietnam is a unique cultural experience and hopefully you will have a newfound appreciation for this incredible country and it's people.

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