Highlights of Vietnam & Cambodia

Hanoi has served as a capital city and the seat of government in Vietnam for over a thousand years. While this stimulating city is quickly transforming with modern skyscrapers rising up and beeping horns from its frenzied traffic, you can peel back its layers of history and discover a bubbling cauldron of French and Chinese influence. Explore exotic ancient monuments and remnants of colonial imperialism . In the passages of its Old Quarter, there are affable merchants to be found in night markets and at bustling street food stalls. Surrounded by lush green countryside, there is also a tranquil side to Hanoi, seen when city dwellers practice the ancient martial art of tai chi or as families sit on the pavement to slowly enjoy steaming bowls of pho (noodle soup). Located on the banks of Red River, you can enjoy a cooler climate than in the south.

Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square. Vietnam's beloved leader, affectionately known as 'Bac Ho', rests here in a glass case. Drop by the One Pillar Pagoda next door. Originally from 1049, this unique wooden structure resembles a lotus blossom. Continue on to Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, nestled amid the tranquil gardens of the Presidential Palace nearby. This modest house offers a glimpse into the life of Vietnam's founding father. Next, head to the 11th century Temple of Literature complex, and admire its well-preserved Vietnamese architecture. Here, five courtyards with manicured lawns are dotted with wells, bells, pavilions and Confucius altars. Later, at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, browse an extensive collection of traditional artefacts that showcase the rich diversity of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities. Later, in downtown Hanoi, take a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. Learn about the history of its streets and trades, while exploring its back alleys highlighted by 'tube houses'! End the day with a North Vietnamese water puppet performance, a unique art form said to have originated from the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta. Utilizing vibrant wooden puppets, the show depicts scenes from rural life, and episodes of national history set to music. (Duration: 8hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals Not included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be from outside as they are every Monday & Fridays .Between September until December the Mausoleum remains opened only in the morning ; The Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays)

Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkins is a dazzling world. The name’s literal translation is the Bay of Descending Dragons, which perfectly encompasses the mysterious and mythical nature of its waters. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can witness the dense cluster of over 3,000 limestone islands as they rise spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands have grottos and caves, which boast spectacular stalactites and stalagmites and lead to secret freshwater lakes. Some islands, often named due to the interpretation of their unusual shapes, support floating villages that house local fishermen. With calm, crystal clear waters, coral reefs and beaches, you will understand why this is considered a most magnificent natural splendor. Geologically an extension of Halong but set in another province, Lan Ha Bay is just as beautiful as Halong Bay but far more isolated. Numerous aquatic animals inhabit these pristine waters and in addition, the bay offers several pristine white-sand beaches where you can soak up the sun. The ideal way to explore these magical destinations? Aboard a traditional junk!

Hoi An plays testament to its remarkable history as a major port town, booming with grand architecture of old Japanese merchant houses, pale yellow houses draped in bougainvillea, shopfronts lit with glowing silk lanterns, and ageing tea warehouses. Set alongside a charming river and to the backdrop of fisherwomen in conical hats, Hoi An is the epitome of a picture postcard, and unique in that it has no congestion or hullabaloo. This is in part due to Thu Bon River becoming silted in the 19th century, which prevented passage to trading ships, but also because cars are forbidden on its main roads. Motorcyclists rarely use their horns, unlike in the rest of Vietnam. With noteworthy culinary excellence you can expect the finest Vietnamese food. To top it off, the city also boasts its own pleasant beach.

Accompany your local expert through the narrow lanes of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, which served as a prosperous trading port from the 15th century to the 19th century. Stroll through the pedestrian-only streets of this well-preserved architectural heritage passing by various buildings, temples, merchant houses, and pagodas showcasing French, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Walk across the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge over the stream as your guide narrates its history. Head on to the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation for a closer look at the intricate wood carvings on the walls and beams. Explore the vibrant local market, past stalls displaying colorful wares, spices, and exotic fruits, that is particularly famous for its locally produced silk and tailors who even have a section of the market dedicated to them. (Fixed Time: Yes; Time of Day: 0900/1400; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. The Hoi An entrance ticket is valid for entry to 5 sightseeing spots in Hoi An including merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, museums, pagodas and assembly halls for 24 hours. Please keep the entrance ticket with you at all times should you independently visit Hoi An later in the evening or on another day)

The ancient Imperial Capital of Hue, lies at the mouth of the Perfume River and is considered the fulcrum of Vietnam's two rice baskets - the Red river delta and the Mekong delta. The city is bisected by the Song Huong, or Perfume River, named after a scented shrub that grows there. Hue makes a good base for exploring the Demilitarized Zone and is an important literary and cultural center.

Venture on cycles through Thuy Bieu village, one of the oldest, most unique villages near the famous Perfume river. See this interesting village and surrounding area, pass family temples, orchard gardens and paddy/corn fields, visit a local home where family members have made incense sticks for generations, glimpse their everyday lives and efforts to keep the craft alive. Cycle on to Voi Re Temple and Tiger arena, to learn how the Emperors in Nguyen dynasty were entertained. (Best Time to Visit: Oct - Mar;Avoid: Apr - Sep (Summer + Rainy Season) ;Total Duration: 4 hrs;Timings: 09:00 hrs or 16:00 hrs (Suggested best in the evening); Private Activity)

Ho Chi Minh City or HCMC, as it is affectionately called by citizens and travelers alike, is a city on the move. The dynamic energy of this pulsating Vietnamese capital has long since shot ahead of the tumultuous years of its former avatar – Saigon. Today, it’s the epicenter of Vietnam’s culture as well as its commerce and industry, offering a happy balance of tradition and modernity. Beautiful French colonial buildings and other historic landmarks lounge comfortably in the shadows of towering skyscrapers and glitzy malls. The intermingling of Saigon’s yesterday and today are reflected in its cosmopolitan citizens as well. Local women in traditional Vietnamese tunics stroll past trendy boutiques, while street stalls and high-end eateries dish out equally delicious food. Dive into the city’s electric nightlife and discover modern shopping paradises beautifully juxtaposed against traditional floating markets.

Can Tho, or nine dragons as it literally translates, is the largest town in the Mekong Delta. Dominated by the mighty Mekong River and its many tributaries, its myriad drainage channels wind around a vast patchwork of tiny islands that are bordered by dense mangrove swamps, silt islets and palms.The Mekong Delta is one of the world’s most productive rice-growing regions, so the culture revolves around the grain, from the lush green paddy fields, to the local liquor and papercraft industry. Can Tho buzzes with life, but moves at a leisurely pace in both the human and the natural world. The colorful burst of large floating markets and riverside hamlets with sculpted gardens are a unique sight to witness.

Embark on a half day motorboat trip to Cai Rung, the most renowned and biggest floating market in Can Tho, where you can witness boats laden with fruits and vegetables and freshly caught fish. The way the busy market sellers advertise their goods in their own time-tested manner, shouting across the waters and tying their goods on tall poles that rise out of their boats and can be seen on the horizon. After this exuberant visit, head to Can Tho Museum, that holds over 5,000 Mekong relics, and venture into the countryside where you can see how ethnic Vietnamese, Chinese and Khmer live together. Finish your tour with a drive to Binh Thuy Ancient House, a feat of French influenced architecture that houses many valuable antiques. (Half Day;Travel Time to Activity: 20 Mins; Timings: 6:00 hrs -11:00 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; We recommend that you depart from your hotel around 5.30 am since Cai Rang market is busy very early in the morning but slows down after 7:30 am for your Floating Market visit.)

Chau Doc is a border town in the Mekong delta between Vietnam and Cambodia. The town itself is situated on the west bank of the Bassac River and is a border crossing for river borne traffic; while the small Sam Mountain has an excellent view of the flat plain on the other side. Its midland/low mountain location affords it is a little cooler climate than many other areas of Vietnam at certain times of the year. The local minority groups are easily identified by their darker skins and a chequered scarf instead of Vietnam's ubiquitous conical hat! They add color and variety to this region and this is most apparent in the traditional fabrics and clothes worn, as well as the local architecture which merges the Chinese, Khmer and Hindu influences that crossed these areas at different times in history.

Phnom Penh offers a heady mix of bustling city life and a sincere cultural experience. Once revered as the Pearl of Asia, this lovely French colonial city suffered significantly at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. Yet, you can still find relics from the city’s golden era around every corner, from the sparkling spires of the Royal Palace and friendly saffron-clad monks, to the picturesque waterfront and architectural gems of a bygone era. Phnom Penh has risen from its ashes like the proverbial phoenix in the last few decades has become a harmonious blend of the past and present, tempered with delicious Khmer and French cuisine.

Explore two landmarks in Phnom Penh on this leisurely tour. Be picked up from your hotel and travel in a private vehicle to the hillside Buddhist shrine of Wat Phnom. Rebuilt many times, since it was first constructed in 1372, the temple is home to a large bronze Buddha statue. Next, head to the Royal Palace, a complex of buildings where the Thai royal family resides to this day. Take in the elegant Khmer-style roofs, the ornate gilding and the beautifully laid out gardens. Nearby, is the iconic Silver Pagoda, with its silver-covered floor and emerald Buddha statue. Here, you will also see a gold life-size statue of the Buddha that is embedded with over 2,000 diamonds. Your next stop is the National Museum, which is housed in a beautiful terracotta building, an excellent example of traditional Khmer architecture. Don’t miss seeing the huge bronze sculpture of the Hindu god Vishnu in a reclining position, and the 10th-century statue of a pair of wrestling monkeys. View as much of the extensive displays as possible, before the tour wraps up. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy; Royal Palace visiting hours: 0800 – 1030 hrs; Silver Pagoda visiting hours: 1400 – 1700 hrs; Best time to travel: Oct – Apr)

Siem Reap is a most marvellous window to the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Temple complex, with its fascinating Khmer architecture in varying states of preservation. The city’s name literally translates to Defeat of Siam, referring to a century-old bloodbath that has been remembered in its thousands of bas relief stone carvings. Siem Reap was a mere village until the French discovered the temple in the 19th century, but today its center is incredibly modern, with riverside contemporary boutiques and spas, delicious eateries along French colonial cobbled streets, and the famous party goers’ Pub Street. Not far away is also Tonle Sap (the Great Lake).