Arrive in Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam with a rich history spanning over 1,000 years. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your friendly local tour guide at the airport. After a brief introduction to your exciting journey ahead, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi.

Take the afternoon to unwind and refresh after your travels. Consider venturing into the charming Old Quarter, where you can stroll through narrow streets lined with traditional shops and cafes. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local life as you observe the hustle and bustle of the city. Then, a cozy welcome dinner for the first day in Hanoi – Vietnam

Do You Know? Hanoi’s street food scene is world-famous, but it comes with a hidden sport known as "the sidewalk dash". Because many small vendors operate on public pavements, you might occasionally see a sudden, synchronized flurry of activity where chairs are folded and bowls are whisked away in seconds as a police patrol rounds the corner. Don't be alarmed, it's a lighthearted game of cat-and-mouse that has existed for decades. Once the patrol passes, the tiny plastic stools reappear just as quickly, and your meal continues as if nothing happened. It is all part of the "street rhythm" that makes dining in the Old Quarter a truly adventurous and unforgettable experience!

Stay: 4 star-Boutique Hotel.

Hanoi offers a wealth of fascinating sites to explore, ranging from cultural landmarks like the Temple of Literature, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, the Old Quarter, and the Fine Arts Museum, to the Ethnology Museum and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. For those interested in history and wartime legacy, you can visit the National Museum of History, the B-52 Victory Museum, the infamous Hoa Lo Prison (the "Hanoi Hilton"), or Huu Tiep Lake, where the wreckage of a B-52 bomber still rests.

Please let your guide know your specific interests, and they will tailor the perfect route for you. Within a half-day tour, you can typically visit three different locations comfortably. Your guide will handle all the logistics to ensure you make the most of your time in the capital.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a unique experience with a cyclo ride, a traditional human-powered vehicle. This leisurely ride allows you to soak in the sights and sounds of the city at a relaxed pace. End your day with a mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, a traditional Vietnamese art form depicting rural life.

Stay: 4 star-Boutique Hotel.

After breakfast, set off for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning seascape of limestone islands. Upon arrival, check in for your overnight cruise. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board as you begin your journey through the emerald waters.

In the afternoon, partake in various activities, such as swimming, kayaking (available at an additional cost), or exploring one of the many caves. You may also join a cooking class to learn how to prepare a traditional Vietnamese dish. As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner aboard your cruise, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Do You Know? While "Halong Bay" is the name known worldwide, it is actually part of a much larger, breathtaking trio of bays in the Gulf of Tonkin, including Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Together, they form a vast labyrinth of over 3,000 limestone islands. Bai Tu Long to the northeast offers a pristine, "off-the-beaten-path" atmosphere with fewer crowds, while Lan Ha to the south is famous for its hidden white-sand beaches and floating villages. No matter which corner you sail into, you are exploring one of the most concentrated collections of limestone karsts on the planet, a geological masterpiece that stretches as far as the eye can see!

Stay: 4 star-Cruise

Awake to a beautiful sunrise over Halong Bay. After a light breakfast, continue your cruise back to shore while admiring the stunning rock formations. Disembark and meet your driver for a transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Danang.

Upon arrival in Danang, a local guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Hoi An. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, relaxing or exploring this charming town.

Stay: 4 star-Riverside Resort

Today, delve into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine with a cooking class. Start with a guided tour of Hoi An’s colorful central market, where you will learn about fresh ingredients used in traditional dishes.

Enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Hoi An River to the cooking site, where you’ll participate in a hands-on cooking class. After preparing your meal, savor the delicious flavors of your creations during lunch.

In the afternoon, join your guide for a walking tour of Hoi An’s ancient town. Visit key historical sites such as Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year-old Tan Ky ancestral house, and the iconic Japanese Bridge. Enjoy some free time in the evening to explore the town further, try local delicacies, or visit a tailor for custom clothing.

Do You Know? The secret "soul" of Hoi An’s world-famous cuisine lies in a tiny patch of land called Tra Que Herb Village. For centuries, farmers here have used nutrient-rich seaweed from the local lagoon as fertilizer, creating herbs with a fragrance and flavor found nowhere else in Vietnam. From the pungent laksa leaf to the delicate sweet basil, these greens are not just a garnish; they are the essential heartbeat of dishes like Cao Lau and Hoi An Chicken Rice. In fact, locals say that if the herbs aren't from Tra Que, it’s simply not an authentic Hoi An meal!

Stay: 4 star-Riverside Resort

Embark on an exciting biking adventure this morning, cycling through the picturesque countryside surrounding Hoi An. Visit local vegetable farms and interact with farmers as they go about their daily tasks. Continue to the tranquil Tra Que Village, where you can learn about traditional farming methods. Enjoy a fun experience on a round bamboo basket boat at the nearby coconut farm.

Afterward, take a leisurely river cruise, savoring fresh fruit while soaking in the beautiful scenery. The afternoon is yours to relax; consider biking to a nearby beach or wandering the ancient streets for shopping.

Stay: 4 star-Riverside Resort

Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver for a transfer to your hotel in the city center.

In the afternoon, set out on a walking tour to discover Saigon’s most impressive landmarks. Visit the War Remnants Museum for a glimpse into Vietnam’s turbulent history, and then explore the Reunification Palace, formerly the headquarters of the South Vietnamese government. Stroll through the French Quarter to see the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office, both excellent examples of French colonial architecture.

Conclude your day at Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Do You Know? Saigon is the ultimate "Melting Pot" of Vietnam—a city built by dreamers and doers from every single province in the country. People are drawn here by the legendary "Saigon Openness", a belief that this is a land of endless opportunity where anyone, regardless of their background, can find success and a fresh start. This diversity is what makes the city so electric; you can hear every Vietnamese dialect, taste every regional dish, and experience a unique blend of traditions all on one street corner. It is a city that never judges and always welcomes, where the generous "easy-come, easy-go" lifestyle means that whether you want to work hard or play hard, Saigon always has a place for you!

Stay: 4 star-Hotel

This morning, we journey away from the neon lights of Saigon toward the historic district of Cu Chi. Here, you will explore the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense 250-kilometer underground labyrinth that served as a strategic stronghold during the Vietnam War. Your guide will lead you through the hidden trapdoors and secret bunkers, sharing evocative stories of the resilience and ingenuity of the people who lived and fought within this subterranean world. It is a profound lesson in history that offers deep insight into the Vietnamese spirit.

For lunch, we transition to a peaceful, rural atmosphere at a local Vegetable Farm. This "farm-to-table" experience allows you to see how the delta’s fertile soil produces a bounty of organic greens. You will enjoy a fresh, healthy meal prepared with ingredients harvested right from the surrounding fields—a perfect, cooling contrast to the morning’s historical exploration.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure back in Saigon. Whether you choose to indulge in some boutique shopping on Dong Khoi Street, relax by the hotel pool, or find a quiet rooftop bar to watch the city's famous sunset, this time allows you to soak in the energy of the southern capital at your own pace.

Do You Know? During the war, one of the greatest challenges for those living in the Cu Chi Tunnels was cooking without giving away their position. To solve this, they used the legendary "Hoang Cam Stove", a brilliant invention featuring a series of underground chimneys. These long, buried flutes were designed to cool and disperse smoke over a wide area, releasing it just a few inches above the ground in a faint mist that looked like natural morning fog. This allowed the soldiers to cook hot meals in the middle of the jungle without ever showing a single plume of smoke to the spotter planes circling above!

Stay: 4 star-Hotel

Meet your guide after breakfast for a transfer to the Mekong Delta, where you’ll experience the rural charm of Vietnam. Begin your day with a visit to the Cai Be floating market, a bustling hub of local trade on the water.

Continue your journey deeper into the countryside by rowing boat, navigating the smaller canals to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Cross the Mekong River to An Bình Island, where you’ll visit a local home for lunch, sampling delicious regional dishes.

After lunch, explore the local village and take part in a workshop to see how traditional Vietnamese products are made, such as rice paper and coconut candy. Enjoy some sweet treats with a cup of hot tea before returning to Vinh Long city, where your driver will take you to your hotel in Can Tho for the night.

Do You Know? If you visit a home in the Mekong Delta, you will likely be greeted by a woman wearing "Đồ Bộ"—colorful, floral-patterned pajamas that are the unofficial "uniform" of Southern comfort and practicality. These women are the silent anchors of the family; traditionally, after marriage, they dedicate themselves entirely to the home, children, and kitchen. But their most legendary trait is their patience during Nhậu (drinking) sessions. When the husband brings friends home, the wife doesn't complain; instead, she skillfully whips up delicious rustic snacks for the group. In the Mekong culture, a wife’s hospitality is a point of pride for the husband—she might grumble tomorrow, but while the guests are there, her "open-heart" spirit ensures everyone is well-fed and happy!

Stay: 4 star-Ecolodge

Rise early to visit the famous Cai Rang floating market, where you’ll witness the vibrant trade of fruits and vegetables on the river. Continue your boat ride to explore the Mekong Delta’s renowned fruit orchards and sample fresh, exotic produce.

After your market tour, transfer directly to Chau Doc. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax or take a guided walking tour of the local market and neighboring areas.

Stay: 4 star-Hotel

This morning, embark on a speedboat journey up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. The trip takes approximately four and a half hours, including visa formalities at the border (visa fees are approximately $34).

Upon arrival, a local guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. After settling in, set out on a city tour in a traditional cyclo. Visit Wat Phnom, the city’s iconic hilltop temple, and soak in the atmosphere of the bustling streets filled with stunning colonial architecture. Explore significant landmarks, including the Independence Monument and the Royal Palace, which showcases the grandeur of Cambodia’s royal heritage.

Do You Know? In Phnom Penh, there is a running joke among locals: "In this city, the ladies are always in charge!" While most world capitals are named after kings, generals, or male saints, Phnom Penh is named after a legendary woman—Lady Penh (Daun Penh). Because she is the "Mother" and founder of the city, locals jokingly claim that the women of Phnom Penh inherited her "boss" energy.

You’ll often hear Cambodian men jokingly say that they don't fear anything except their wives, because they are living on Lady Penh’s territory! It’s a lighthearted way to acknowledge the high respect and central role that women play in Khmer families and society. If you visit Wat Phnom (Lady Penh’s Hill), look closely—you’ll see many locals, especially men, showing great "dedication" to make sure the Lady of the city is happy!

Stay: 4 star-Hotel

After breakfast, prepare for an emotional and educational experience as you visit the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a haunting site of Cambodia’s tragic history during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Next, visit Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison), where you will learn about the dark history of this infamous detention center. The morning’s visits may be somber, but they are essential for understanding Cambodia's resilience and recovery.

Afterward, return to your hotel to freshen up before your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, a local guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for a relaxing evening at leisure.

Stay: 4 star-Hotel

Rise early to witness the breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat, a truly magical experience. This is the ideal time to capture stunning reflections of the temple in the water. After this serene moment, return to your hotel for breakfast before continuing your temple explorations.

Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, a majestic entrance adorned with impressive stone carvings. Explore the Bayon Temple, known for its enigmatic faces and intricate bas-reliefs. Afterward, visit Baphoun, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King, each offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.

In the afternoon, explore Ta Prohm Temple, famous for its entwining tree roots and mystical atmosphere, often referred to as the "Tomb Raider Temple."

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before concluding your day at Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of the Angkor complex, stretching over 400 square kilometers.

Do You Know? Angkor Wat is the undisputed heavyweight champion of religious architecture. To give you an idea of its scale, scientists estimate that the entire complex used over 05 million tons of sandstone. That is more stone than was used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza!

Every single block of that 5 million tons was quarried from Mount Kulen, 30 miles away, and floated down the river on rafts. But the most incredible part? Each stone is intricately carved with celestial dancers and epic battles, yet they are fitted together so perfectly without mortar that even today, you can’t fit a single blade of grass between the joints. It is a massive, 5-million-ton jigsaw puzzle that has stood the test of time for nearly 900 years!

Stay: 4 star-Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely morning before meeting your guide for an afternoon boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, known for its rich biodiversity and unique floating villages. Explore the local way of life as you visit homes, schools, and markets on the water.

Learn about the fishing industry and the ecosystem of the lake, which is vital to the livelihoods of many Cambodians. If the weather permits, enjoy a stunning sunset over the lake and the surrounding countryside.

Do You Know? The Tonle Sap is a literal "geological lung" that breathes water in and out once a year. During the dry season, the lake is relatively shallow, covering about 2,500 square kilometers. However, when the monsoon rains arrive and the Mekong River reverses its flow, the lake’s surface area explodes to over 16,000 square kilometers—becoming more than 6 times larger!

In terms of volume, the change is even more staggering: the lake goes from holding roughly 1 cubic kilometer of water in the dry season to a massive 80 cubic kilometers at its peak. That is enough water to fill 32 million Olympic-sized swimming pools! This massive surge raises the water level by up to 10 meters (33 feet), which is why you will see houses on stilts that look like they are standing on "wooden legs" in the clouds during the dry months!

Stay: 4 star-Hotel

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, enjoy your final morning in Siem Reap at leisure. Take some time to reflect on your incredible journey through Vietnam and Cambodia before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.

Thank you for choosing Asia Vietnam Travel. We trust you have had a memorable holiday in Vietnam and Cambodia, and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure!

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