Indochina Charm Expedition From Vietnam To Cambodia

Enjoy a full breakfast and meet your guide starting to uncover the history and spirit of Hanoi.

Begin with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of Vietnam's beloved national leader. You will have a chance to view the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh, then walk down to the peaceful garden and visit the stilt house and the Presidential Palace, where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969

Pause at the One Pillar Pagoda, a lotus-shaped sanctuary that has stood as a symbol of purity for centuries, before moving on to the Museum of Ethnology that you will admire interactive exhibits reveal the vibrant traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

Break for a delightful lunch at the local restaurant, featuring authentic Vietnamese flavors

This afternoon, you will head to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, beautifully reflected in the waters of West Lake, blending ancient architecture with a serene lakeside setting. At the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, stroll shaded courtyards and ancient pavilions that offering a glimpse into the depth of the Vietnamese people's studious spirit that stretches back nearly a thousand years.

Conclude at the thought-provoking Hoa Lo Prison, once used by French colonists and later by North Vietnam, where exhibits bring to life powerful stories of endurance and resilience.

By late afternoon, return to your hotel to unwind and reflect on the day’s journey. Overnight in Hanoi.

NOTE:

• The Ho Chi Minh Complex is closed on Mondays to Fridays, and from June to August. Only exterior photography is allowed during these periods
• The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is an alternative to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, which is closed on Mondays

Fully charge your energy, you will set off for serenity Ninh Binh, taking around a 2-hour drive, offering a place as “Halong Bay on land” for its striking limestone peaks rising above emerald rice paddies and winding waterways.

Arrival at the Vietnamese restaurant and start cycling 20 minutes to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s capital during the 10th and 11th centuries. Then park the cycle outside and wander through ancient courtyards, visit the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, surrounded by a dramatic backdrop of forested mountains. Hear stories from the nation’s early dynasties and take in the calm beauty of the rural setting.

NOTE: For those who do not like cycling, you will be taken by bus to Hoa Lu, where your local guide will meet and guide you to the temples for sightseeing, and return to the restaurant by bus

After visiting Hoa Lu, for those who choose to cycle, you will continue cycling for about 30 minutes around the village to learn more about local life before returning to the restaurant for lunch.

Savor local cuisine while having lunch at a 5-star restaurant amidst the poetic landscape of Ninh Binh's mountains and rivers.

NOTE: Vegetarian foods are always available on both the Deluxe Set Menu and Buffet.

In the afternoon, make your way to Tam Coc, one of the area’s most enchanting landscapes. Step into a 2-hour sampan boat ride rowed by local villagers and drift along the Ngo Dong River. Enjoy sightseeing as you pass through three natural caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba, each revealing breathtaking views of towering cliffs, shimmering rice fields, and peaceful countryside.

Get on the bus back to Hanoi and you'll be dropped off at your hotel to wrap up an unforgettable journey.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and depart for another stunning land of Halong Bay – the UNESCO Heritage Site which is famous for thousands of islands scattered over the Gulf of Tonkin. Visiting the bay, you will immerse yourself in the endless charm of different types of scenery.

Once at the pier, embark on a beautiful boat for an overnight cruise on the magical bay. Staying on board, you are also offered a great chance to savor a special menu of fresh seafood in the natural beauty of limestone formations. Lunch, dinner and overnight on board.

Wake early to the gentle light of dawn and enjoy light breakfast on board as Ha Long Bay’s limestone pillars emerge from the morning mist.

Continue your cruise through iconic formations, passing secluded coves and unique islets that define this UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Following check-out, savor a leisurely brunch before returning to the harbor. From here, travel back to Hanoi, arriving mid-afternoon. Enjoy some free time at your own pace before transferring to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in Hoi An for check-in. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and settle into tranquil ancient trading center in Vietnam. Dinner is not included.

Your adventure begins at 8:30, meet your local guide and kick off your countryside journey with the experience of a colorful Ba Le market. Let's gain some tips on how to deal with local sellers and choose ingredients for the meals.

Following your friendly local guide to the charming Cam Thanh Coconut Village, a tranquil spot also known as Hoi An Coconut Village, nestled among emerald palms and winding waterways. Here, you'll meet residents and hear fascinating stories about their lives and traditions, an intimate window into rural Vietnam.

Then, take to the water for a hands-on experience with nature and community. Try your hand at traditional round net and cast net fishing and “Purple Crabs” in the canal, glide through coconut canals in a bamboo basket boat, and even join in a friendly basket boat race, which is a highlight for many visitors!

Since you have a fun-filled morning, visit a local family’s home where a warm welcome drink awaits. Roll up your sleeves for a lively Vietnamese cooking class, where you’ll prepare authentic dishes alongside four delicious side plates. Savor your creations over a relaxing lunch and take home recipes that are sure to impress family and friends.

Around 12:30 PM, return to your hotel for a well-earned rest, with wonderful memories and new culinary skills in hand.

Menu: (vegetarian menu available upon request)

1. Appetizer: Papaya Salad
2. Starter: Deep-Fried Spring Roll
3. Main Course: Vietnamese Pancake
4. Main Course: Braised Chicken in Clay Pot
5. Side Dishes: Morning Glory, Steamed Rice, Dessert

NOTE: We accommodate vegetarian and other dietary requirements upon request

At around 7:30 – 8:00 AM, your guide and minivan will pick you up from your hotel for a scenic drive to Ba Na Hills. Upon arrival, you’ll board the renowned cable car system, one of Southeast Asia’s longest and most modern, offering panoramic views of Da Nang’s coastline.

Begin at the Golden Bridge, a surreal walkway cradled by giant stone hands, then wander through the romantic Jardin D’Amour Gardens and pause at Linh Ung Pagoda, marveling at the serene Goddess of Mercy statue that watches peacefully over the hills.

As the cable car takes you higher, the charming French Village comes into view. This whimsical setting offers not only lively street performances but also quiet corners like the Nine-Floor Goddess Shrine. After enjoying a buffet lunch, you will board the Lava Train for a fun ride to new highlights such as Helios Waterfall and the Moon Kingdom. In the afternoon, thrill-seekers can play over 90 exciting games at Fantasy Park before returning to the city by cable car.

• Includes: A two-way hotel pickup and drop off, English-speaking tourguide, return cable cars, buffet lunch Golden Bridge, Le Jardin D’amour, Fantasy Park, Moon Caste, French Village,...A bottle of water
• Trip excludes: Special services in Fantasy Park: Wax Statue Museum, France Wine Cellar entrance & wine, Roller Coaster game, climbing game, or some games with prizes, 10D movie, personal expenses and services not mentioned above

Spend the day at your own pace, soaking in the charm of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. You might wander through lantern-lit streets lined with heritage buildings, browse bustling local markets, or relax at a riverside café and watch the world drift by. For a touch of the sea, cycle or take a short drive to An Bang Beach for sun and sand. The day is yours to indulge in shopping, photography, or simply enjoying the laid-back rhythm of this historic port town.

Spend your final hours in Hoi An at leisure before being transferred to Da Nang airport for your flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, your local representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel, with check-in available from 14:00. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind or begin discovering the vibrant charm of Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and join an unforgettable full-day discovery of Angkor’s most iconic wonders.

Your adventure begins at Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, surrounded by towering walls and ancient gates. Inside, the mystical Bayon Temple will captivate you with its giant smiling stone faces and intricate bas-reliefs depicting everyday life centuries ago. Continue to Ta Prohm, a temple left in much of its original state, where massive tree roots embrace crumbling stone walls, creating a scene so magical it became famous in Tomb Raider.

Lunch at a local restaurant at your own expense.

In the afternoon, prepare to be awed by Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, with its soaring towers, exquisite carvings, and vast courtyards that tell epic tales from Hindu mythology. As the day draws to a close, head to Phnom Bakheng, a hilltop temple offering sweeping views of the surrounding jungle and Angkor Wat bathed in the golden glow of sunset, creating an unforgettable finale to your temple journey.

Return to town in the early evening, your heart full and your camera brimming with memories. Meals are on your arrangement. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Set out on a journey into the sacred grounds of Phnom Kulen, where lush greenery, hidden shrines, and timeless carvings await. The drive up the mountain offers sweeping views before arriving at the famed Kulen Waterfall. Here, pause to soak in the cool forest air, watch local families picnic by the cascades, snap photos of the jungle scenery, or if you wish, take a refreshing dip in the natural pools beneath the falls.

Follow the path to the mystical River of a Thousand Lingas, its stone riverbed etched with sacred carvings dedicated to Shiva. Here, you may receive a traditional blessing with holy water before hiking up to the mountain’s summit. At the top, marvel at the sacred pagoda and Cambodia’s largest reclining Buddha, peacefully resting on a giant sandstone boulder.

By mid-afternoon, relax in the comfort of your air-conditioned vehicle for the return drive to Siem Reap. Drop off at your hotel. Lunch and dinner are in your own arrangement.

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before bidding farewell to the timeless wonders of Siem Reap. Depending on your flight schedule, a private driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey or flight home. Please note that hotel check-out time is at noon. End of services. vietnamtour.co.za wishes you safe travels and hope to welcome you again on another adventure.