Day 1: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)

Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will meet your guide and driver who will then escort you to the city centre. After making sure of a successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you for some to relax after your long flight.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi Day Life walking tour morning (B/L/-)

This tour is a prism for your closer look at Hanoi’s life, no museum, no temple.

After breakfast at hotel, our tour guide will welcome you at your hotel then start the walking tour to discover Hanoi’s Old Quarter which is famous with “36 guild streets” in the past time. The first destination is Hang Be market - Nestled smack in the heart of the Old Quater of Hanoi, 5 minute walk from the Hoan Kiem Lake, this market offers all kinds of goods that might be of need by shoppers: raw meat, cooked meat, tropical fruits, dried food, items for worshiping, etc. Then we will walk to some streets in the Old Quarter such as “Lo Ren, Hang Thiec, Thuoc Bac” streets to witness busy life the local people lifestyle. Following this, we continue our easy walking to Phung Hung mural street which reflects the beauty of Hanoi in the past, you then will see the train pass – this has cafes, homestay and shops along the tracks. You will have a chance to get the best photo. Stretching your legs and have a traditional Vietnamese lunch to have an introduction of local cuisine.

In the afternoon, and then we get on the car to visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site compromises Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (that can be missed if the museum doesn’t interest you), his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace. Capture the most stunning sunset view on Long Bien Bridge by passing the beautiful ceramic road. This is the first steel bridge crossing the Red River which was built by French in the period of 1898 – 1902. It was called Doumer Bridge (named after Paul Doumer, the French governor in Indochina at that time).

End your city tour by a delicious egg coffee at a hidden cafe with Vietnamese traditional setting and the stunning view of Hoan Kiem Lake from the rooftop of the shop.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay overnight on boat (B/L/D)

Hanoi - Halong: 180km, ~3h30min drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we commence a three and a half hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. We stop en route for photos and coffee before arriving at our destination. We then transfer to a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Revel in the fantastic views of this UNESCO Heritage listed site. While on board, we will be served a fresh seafood lunch followed by swimming and explore some of the limestone caves in the area. Witness the sunset onboard followed by dinner.  The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  In the evening, there is the option for some night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars. We promise that this is a truly unforgettable experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Junk

Day 4: Halong Boat Trip - Hanoi - Flight to Danang - Hoi An (Br/-/-)

Hanoi - Danang: 768km, 1h15min flight

After waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip. Then it’s time for breakfast whilst you watch the sun rise over Halong bay. The cruise continues to move around the bay for in order for us to discover more secluded areas; we then go kayaking and continue sailing around the bay. The boat will be near us at all times for those who prefer to relax on board. Around midday, we will return to the main harbour before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for the three-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for the flight Danang. Upon arrival Danang airport, our driver will meet and transfer you to hotel in Hoi An.

Meals Included: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town (B/-/-)

Upon arrival in Hoi An, we take a walking tour to Hoi An Ancient Town - an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th century. We start our day with one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions, the Japanese Covered Bridge. The bridge was created by the Japanese living in Hoi An in the 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water and is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. However, no visit to Hoi An is complete without a visit to Tan Ky House - one of the many ancient houses that make up Hoi An Ancient Town. Built two centuries ago with both Japanese and Chinese influences on architecture, this house has been preserved through several generations.

We will continue our walking tour and encounter many other quintessential Hoi An houses from wealthy Chinese merchants. Another ‘must-see’ if the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall; built in 1690, this hall is, in fact, a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau. It is widely considered an outstanding work of architecture and was a uniting presence to the many cultures that influenced Hoi An.

There will be visits to colourful riverside markets and workshops where artisans make Hoi An's famous lanterns. Here, you can learn how the lanterns are skilfully made and then you will have a chance to create your own lantern.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a comfortable ride to Thu Bon River to board a river cruise. Sailing down the river, you will experience the local life, such as fishing, farming, and catching clams. We then visit Thanh Ha ceramic village to admire its intricate pottery and see old men who produce jars and vases. Getting back to the boat, we cruise down to the Cua Dai estuary for a spectacular view of the sun setting over Thu Bon River and the sea before returning back to the harbour where our driver is awaiting to take you back to the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 6: Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Saigon (B/-/-)

Danang - Saigon: ~850km, 2h flight

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet your new guide and driver who escort you to the hotel in the city center for an easy check-in. You will then have time to get some lunch on your own and relax. In the afternoon, we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the Reunification Palace (outside visit) which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 when North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates thus bringing the Vietnam War to a dramatic end. This will be followed by some French colonial structures including , the Notre Dame Cathedral & the Old Saigon Post Office. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883, and the stones used to create it were exported entirely from France. Apart from the religious meaning, the most captivating point of this Cathedral is its neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office (still in operation !). After visiting the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is a fantastic place for bargains of every kind! There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many delicious dishes. You also can find many goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local crafts and souvenirs.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 7: Saigon - Ben Tre - Saigon (B/L/-)

Saigon - Ben Tre: 107 km, ~2h drive

08.00a.m, our tour guide and driver will pick you up and we head to My Tho province. 10:00a.m Arrive at the Nam Bo branch in My Tho town. Take a boat trip on Tiền river, get over  Tiền river to The other side (Bến tre land). Sight-seeing fish farms, floating fish market along the Dragon island on the way. Through Xếp canal in Bến Tre (land of coconuts) to See coconut collection set and how the locals make handicrafts from coconut trunk and shell. Enjoy seasonal fruits and listening to traditional music. Take the horse-cart on village path and stop at Mr Nam Ngô orchard, taste honey with tea or wine. See bees-breeding in wooden boxes under longans tree.

Take rowing-boat along water palm creek. Lunch on islets (included). Boat to see local people make coconut candy, taste candy (special products of Bến Tre  province). After tour, we will get on the car and head back Saigon for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 8: Saigon - Flight to Siem Riep - Rolous Group (B/-/-)

Saigon - Siem Riep: 668km, 1h flight

Time is free until your driver meets you for a drive to the airport in Saigon for your flight to Siem Riep. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will meet and transfer you to your hotel in the city centre and assist with check in.

After lunch (at your own cost), we will visit the Roluos Group which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89). These are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko  was erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century & dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, is an active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei is in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) and built by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor. Bit confusing !  Don’t worry, your guide will be able to assist with all queries.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 9: Siem Riep - Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom (B/-/-)

After breakfast, we visit the most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolise Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. 

After lunch at a local restaurant (at your own cost), we visit the South Gate , the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and finally, the Terrace of the Leper King. We end the day with a sunset at Angkor Wat. This is absolutely phenomenal.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 10: Siem Riep - Tonle Sap Lake - Apsara Dinner (B/-/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive south to visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10km from Siem Reap. Upon arrival, we will take an excursion in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia.

After lunch (at your own cost) at a local restaurant, we visit "Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap. You then have free time to check out a local market before heading back to the hotel for your last night in Cambodia.

In the evening, we enjoy Dinner with Apsara Dance Show. No visit to Cambodia is complete without at least a quick glimpse of women performing the ancient art of Apsara dancing, as depicted on the walls of Angkor’s temples. Wearing glittering silk tunics, sequinned tops (into which they are sewn into before each performance to achieve the requisite tight fit) and elaborate golden headdresses, they execute their movements with great deftness and deliberation, knees bent in plié, heels touching the floor. Every position has its own particular symbolism – a finger pointing to the sky, for instance, indicates “today”, while standing sideways to the audience with the sole of the foot facing upwards represents flying. We hope you enjoy it and we’ll see you in the morning.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 11: Siem Riep - Flight to Phnom Penh (B/-/-)

Siem Riep - Phnom Penh: 320km, 45min flight

After breakfast at the hotel, time is free until your driver meets and transfers you to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh by Angkor Airs. On arrival, you will be escorted by your local guide to the hotel for check-in.

We then enjoy the sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh starting with the National Museum, which is dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th century, but some date from as early as the 4th century. We continue to our driving to the Mekong Islands to visit the weaving villages. We then return to Phnom Penh by a local boat which will cruise along just in time for us to witness a sensational sunset.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 12: Phnom Penh - Flight to Vientiane (B/-/-)

Phnom Penh - Vientiane: 977km, 1h25min flight

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the private quarters of the Royal Palace which are now home to the royal family. At the northern area of the palace grounds is the Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. We continue to one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Toul Tom Pong. Funnily enough, this is also known as the “Russian Market”, where anything and everything is for sale.  Time is then free until we head to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, your new driver will meet and transfer you to a hotel in the city centre for check-in.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Day 13: Vientiane (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we start to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. From there, we visit the Central Market called ‘Morning Market’. Here you can find antique items for collection, handmade textiles and gifts. Central Market is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs to bring back home. The rest of the day is yours free to relax!

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Day 14: Vientiane - Flight to Luang Prabang (B/-/-)

Vientiane - LuangPrabang: 340km, 50min flight

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. After a short rest at your new hotel, we start our city tour at Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa.  Notice how the rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao. Our next destination is Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomises the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. We then visit Wat Xieng Thong further emphasising the uniqueness of Luang Prabang. We also see the impressive "tree of life" mosaic here. One might notice that the gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana. We will climb up Phou Sii hill standing right in the centre of this small city to enjoy panoramic views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Sii sits on amountain, alongside the skeletons of Indochina guns! In the evening, you will have the chance to shop at the night market, where hundreds of Hmong vendors display their handmade crafts. Ask your guide for some authentic recommendations for dinner. 

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 15: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves (B/-/-)

After breakfast, we visit the National Museum - once the palace of a king. Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artefacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries.

We then board a boat embarking upstream on the mighty Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make a local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving. As it is your last night, enjoy walking around the town and ask your guide for some personal recommendations.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 16: Luang Prabang - Departure (B/-/-)

After breakfast, time is free until your driver meets and transfers you to the airport for your flight home. Thank you for choosing Tonkin Voyage Travel!

Meals Included: Breakfast