Exotics Vietnam and Cambodia

DAY 1: SIEM REAP
Arrival in Siem Reap, Cambodia, reception by the local representative and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation for 3 nights, with breakfast.

In the afternoon, visit the group of Roluos Temples consisting of the Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei temples, located in the middle of an old water reserve.

At night, optional activity suggestions (not included):

• Visit to the Angkor craft center;
• Coffee tasting at Pub Street;
• Visit to the night market.

DAY 2: SIEM REAP
Breakfast at the hotel. Tuk-tuk ride (typical vehicle) to the south gate, where you can see the impressive statues depicting the movement of the ocean, the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), the Bayon temple, with its 54 towers decorated with 200 smiling faces from Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas temple, the terraces of the leper king and the elephants, and the royal chambers. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most spectacular temples in the region that remains relatively the same as when it was discovered and still maintains much of its mystery.

Lunch at a local restaurant (without drinks) and visit the most famous of all temples: Angkor Wat, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The temple complex covers 81 hectares, comparable in length to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. The five towers that form part of the Cambodian flag represent the 5 peaks of Meru. The walls that surround them are the mountains and the valley that surrounds them, the ocean. This 12th-century work of art is considered by historians to be the first example of classical Khmer architecture and art.

Optional activity suggestion (not included):

• Dinner with Apsara dance.
  
  
  

DAY 3: SIEM REAP
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to attend a Buddhist ceremony with the monks in a Pagoda, where it will be possible to learn more about Buddhism and how this religion affects Cambodian culture. Then, visit the Bantey Samre and Bantey Srei temples, dedicated to Shiva.

After lunch at a local restaurant (without drinks), visit the D'Angkor Artisans, a center for the protection and conservation of traditional crafts.


DAY 4: Siem Reap/HO CHI MINH
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Transfer to Siem Reap airport to board a flight (not included) to Ho Chi Minh, former Saigon, Vietnam.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast.


DAY 5: HO CHI MINH - MEKONG RIVER DELTA - HO CHI MINH
After breakfast at the hotel, departure to the spectacular Mekong Delta. The delta is about a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh's busy streets. Upon arrival at My Tho/ Ben Tre, board a boat (1h30) that takes you through narrow canals surrounded by dense vegetation to the heart of the delta. It's a completely different world, where life unfolds around the river. Throughout the day it will be possible to sample local products, such as exotic fruits grown in orchards and coconut candies made in family factories.

Then, tour the village of Xe Loi (a local vehicle) to the coast and board a rowboat through the dense canals. Time for lunch at a local restaurant (no drinks) and then return to Ho Chi Minh city.

In the afternoon, a panoramic tour of Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many places, including the Reunification Palace (external visit), the old Central Post Office, Nguyen Hue Street, the Ho Chi Minh statue and the City Hall. At the end of the tour, an opportunity to drink authentic Vietnamese coffee and enjoy the sunset.


DAY 6: HO CHI MINH/DA NANG - HOI AN
After breakfast at the hotel, tour to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive complex of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Return to Ho Chi Minh and lunch at a local restaurant (without drinks).

Transfer to the airport to board a flight (not included) to Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in Hoi An (about 30 minutes). Accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast.

At dusk, embark on a boat ride along the Hoai River. This river has a very special meaning for the inhabitants of Hoi An, as it witnessed the events that have taken place in Vietnam over the years. When night falls, the streets are illuminated with flashlights and colorful lights, and flashlights are also thrown into the water to ask for good omens.

Disembarkation and free time to stroll down the street, return to the hotel on your own.


DAY 7: Hoi an
Breakfast at the hotel. Stroll to the old quarter, where the walk through the city center begins to visit Phung Hung (former merchant house), the Japanese bridge, which is over 400 years old, the Phuc Kien Hall, the old Tan Ky House, with traditional architecture, and the Sa Huynh city history museum.

Lunch at a local restaurant (no drinks). Free afternoon to enjoy the beach, stroll through the market, or shop in the city center.


DAY 8: Hoi an - da nang - hue
After breakfast and check-out, panoramic visit of the city of Da Nang, with its paradisiacal beaches, and the Linh Ung Pagoda, with a beautiful view of the city and the enchanting coastline of the Son Tra Peninsula. Continue on the road to Hue, the former Vietnamese imperial capital, through the Hai Van pass (ocean of clouds) and the picturesque Lang Co beach.

Upon arrival, lunch at a local restaurant (excluding drinks) and transfer to the hotel for accommodation for 1 night, with breakfast.

In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda and tour the Dong Ba market.


DAY 9: Hue/Hanoi
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Hue city tour, starting with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Next, visit the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.

After lunch at a local restaurant (no drinks), visit the tomb of former emperor Khai Dinh, one of the most fascinating tombs in Hue.

Transfer to the airport to board a flight (not included) to Hanoi. Arrival and transfer to the hotel for accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast.


DAY 10: Hanoi
After breakfast, tour of Hanoi. Vietnam's capital is the only Asian city with tree-lined avenues, French colonial architecture, lakes, and oriental temples.

Visit the Temple of Literature, the country's first university and considered the symbol of Hanoi, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square, and the One-Pillar Pagoda, made of wood shaped like a lotus leaf, in honor of Buddha.

Lunch at a local restaurant (no drinks).

In the afternoon, visit an artisanal flower shop to learn about the production of traditional Vietnamese spiritual floral arrangements and offerings. Then, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake with panoramic views of Ngoc Son Temple. Finally, ride a Pousse cycle (bike with cart) through Hanoi's old quarter, also known as the District of 36 Streets.


DAY 11: HANOI - Halong Bay
After breakfast, land transfer to Halong Bay (approximately 2h30 trip), through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta, past rice fields and the region's traditional rural life.

Board the traditional wooden boat “junco” for a cruise for 1 night with full board (drinks not included). The trip passes through numerous islands in the bay, such as the Turtle, the Dog, the Chief of Man, etc. Free time to relax and enjoy the scenery or organize optional activities.

Note: The cruise itinerary is subject to weather conditions.


DAY 12: Halong Bay - HANOI
During the cruise it is possible to take a Tai Chi class on the boat terrace at sunrise. An opportunity for beautiful photos.

Brunch served on board and return to the pier. Ground transfer to Hanoi airport.