Vietnam & Cambodia Heritage Journey – 22 Days

Today is dedicated to exploring Hanoi's rich historical tapestry. Begin at the Vietnam Military History Museum, opposite Lenin Park. Continue to Hoa Lo Prison, a poignant site with stories from various wartime periods. Conclude the morning at Huu Tiep Lake (B-52 Lake), witnessing wreckage from the war. After lunch, visit the exterior of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his final resting place, and see his traditional stilt-house. Explore the serene One Pillar Pagoda, with its history dating back to the Ly Dynasty in 1049, a golden era for Buddhism in Vietnam. Your historical exploration continues at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, originally built as a temple to Confucius. Remarks:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays & Fridays.
• Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays.
• Museum visits can be tailored to your preferences.

Overnight in Hanoi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart at 8 AM for Ninh Binh province. Experience a serene boat trip on the Hoang Long River through the Trang An Eco-Tourism complex, a UNESCO site famed for its stunning karst landscapes, numerous caves, and rich biodiversity. Explore 3 to 6 of the 48 cross-water caves, enjoying the fresh air and clear waters. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, dating from the 10th-11th centuries, nestled amidst rice paddies and limestone mountains, featuring monuments like King Dinh and King Le Temples. Then, conquer Hang Mua (Dancing Cave) by climbing approximately 500 stone steps to Ngoa Long mountain's peak for breathtaking panoramic views of Tam Coc and Ninh Binh. Enjoy an early dinner before transferring to Hanoi Station for the overnight train to Lao Cai, Sapa. Overnight on Livitrans Train (2-berth cabin) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Note: Bac Ha Market is typically open on Sundays. If your Day 4 is not a Sunday, this will be adjusted or an alternative market/activity will be offered). Upon arrival at Lao Cai station, meet your local guide and driver, then enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant before driving to Bac Ha. The Bac Ha Market is the largest in the region, a vibrant weekly gathering where various colorful ethnic minorities (Hmong, Phu La, Black Dzao, Tay, Nung) trade homemade goods. This is a unique cultural immersion. In the afternoon, walk to Trung Do village (Tay people) for a glimpse into their traditional life and enjoy tea in a local stilt house. Conclude with a scenic boat cruise upstream on the Chay River before transferring to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Trek along the picturesque Muong Hoa River, surrounded by vast rice terraces. Learn about rice cultivation as you pass through Cat Cat village (with a stop at a waterfall and hydroelectric station) and Y Linh Ho village (Black Hmong minority), where lunch is served by the river. Continue to Lao Chai village (Black Hmong) and then to Tavan village (Giay minority), a popular trekking route. Enjoy the valley views and perhaps a swim in the nearby river. Experience an authentic overnight stay in a local Giay homestay. Approx: 5 hours walking / 1-hour lunch. Overnight in homestay (shared bathroom) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, trek to Giang Ta Chai village (Red Dao minority) through a bamboo forest in Hoang Lien National Park, passing a waterfall. After lunch, continue to Su Pan village. Transfer by car back to Sapa, then to Lao Cai station for the overnight train back to Hanoi. Approx: 1-hour driving / 3 hours walking / 1-hour lunch. Overnight on Livitrans Train (2-berth cabin) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Arrive in Hanoi early morning (approx. 5:30 AM). Your guide will pick you up for a traditional Phở breakfast and coffee. Later, a shuttle bus will take you from your Hanoi hotel to Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay. Check in at Paradise Suites Hotel and transfer to the Paradise Cruise. After a welcome briefing, enjoy lunch while cruising through Ha Long Bay's stunning islets. In the afternoon, visit Tung Sau Pearl Farm to learn about pearl cultivation or opt for kayaking. Next, explore Titop Island, named after Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov, where you can hike for panoramic bay views or swim. Return to the cruise for sunset views during "Happy Hour," and perhaps join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. After a Western set dinner, enjoy night activities like squid fishing. Overnight on cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast. Your excursion leads to Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), the largest and most magnificent in the bay. Enjoy a full breakfast as the cruise passes Thien Cung, Dau Go Cave, and the Fighting Cock Islet. Check out and relax on the sundeck. At 10:15 AM, disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and transfer back to Hanoi. Proceed to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Hue Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Explore the historic Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at the 17th parallel. Journey north from Hue, stopping at sites like the Highway of Horror, Quang Tri Citadel, and Ai Tu Airfield. In Dong Ha, head west along Route 9 to visit The Rockpile (a former U.S. Marine lookout) and meet Van Kieu ethnic minorities. Continue to Khe Sanh Combat Base. After lunch in Dong Ha, visit Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River (the former demarcation line) and the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a refuge during bombing operations. Transfer back to Hue. Overnight in Hue Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled (1802-1945), and the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum. Board a dragon boat on the Perfume River to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda (Charming Lady Pagoda). Continue by van to King Khai Dinh's Tomb. Explore Thuy Xuan Incense Village, a traditional craft village with a 700-year history. Afterwards, travel by scenic Highway 1A to Hoi An, stopping for views at Lang Co Beach and Da Nang. Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon, with free time to explore. Overnight in Hoi An Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning transfer (approx. 2.5 hours) to Son My Memorial (My Lai Massacre Village). Watch an introductory video, visit the museum, and see vestiges of the event, gaining unique insights into Vietnam's history. Return to Hoi An Ancient Town for a calming walking tour, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, Pottery Museum, Tan Ky’s old house, Cantonese congregation, silk street, and Chinese-influenced temples and pagodas. Overnight in Hoi An Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy free time in Hoi An until your driver takes you to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet your guide and driver for a 3.5-hour transfer to Can Tho in the Mekong Delta. Overnight in Can Tho Meals: Breakfast

Early morning boat trip to the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest in the Mekong Delta. Visit Ninh Kieu Quay before crossing the Lower River to Binh Minh and My Hoa village (soya bean products). Stop at Duong Chua Bridge for a 1-hour biking tour of Phuoc Hau village (vegetable plantations). Continue by boat to Vinh Long, visit the bustling market, and then a handicraft village in Cai Ca canal to see bamboo basket weaving. Transfer back to HCMC. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive to Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages. Tour cow, buffalo, rice, fish, and herb/vegetable areas. Become a Vietnamese farmer, pick ingredients, and enjoy a hands-on cooking class (3 dishes, 1 dessert). Visit a Cow Milk farm to learn about milk production and enjoy fresh milk coffee. Continue to the Cu Chi Tunnels (Iron Triangle). Watch an introductory video, then explore the tunnel maze, mantraps, and war remnants. Return to HCMC in the late afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Explore HCMC's highlights: the Reunification Palace (former Presidential Palace) and the War Remnants Museum. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Old Post Office. After lunch, venture to District 5 for Cho Lon (Chinatown) and the FITO Museum (Vietnam traditional medicine). Conclude with shopping at the famous Ben Thanh Market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy free time until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, a brief introductory tour or free time will be arranged. Overnight in Siem Reap Meals: Breakfast

Full-day exploration of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Begin at Angkor Thom: the South Gate, Bayon Temple (smiling faces), Phimeanakas, Royal Enclosure, Elephants Terrace, and Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the enchanting, jungle-clad Ta Prohm Temple, followed by the magnificent Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of Khmer art. Witness a breathtaking sunset from Phnom Ba Kheng Mountain. Overnight in Siem Reap Meals: Breakfast

Morning boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to visit Kampong Phluk floating village, experiencing the unique stilted-house lifestyle. On return, visit the intricately carved Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women/Pink Temple) and Banteay Samre Temples. Afterwards, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure. Meals: Breakfast (End of Tour Services for the 18-Day Itinerary Version)

Day 19: Siem Reap – Transfer to Battambang – Enigmatic Bat Caves (B) Enjoy breakfast at your Siem Reap hotel before a scenic drive to Battambang, a charming town recognized as the first Cambodian city to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. After settling in, the late afternoon offers a truly unique spectacle. You will be taken to the famous Battambang Bat Caves at Phnom Sampeau. As sunset approaches (around 4:00-5:00 PM), witness millions of bats emerging from the cave network in a mesmerizing stream, filling the twilight sky as they embark on their nightly hunt across the countryside. This natural phenomenon is a memorable experience. Overnight in Battambang Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, experience the iconic Bamboo Train, an ingenious local creation. Enjoy a ride on this open bamboo platform as it glides along old train tracks, offering unique views of Khmer paddy fields and rural villages. Afterwards, delve into history at Battambang’s popular Killing Caves, a somber site located within an Angkor-era temple complex on a hill near the Sanker River. You'll also have the chance to climb the 365 steps to marvel at the beautiful Wat Banan, an 11th-century temple offering panoramic views. In the afternoon, embark on a 5-hour drive to Phnom Penh. En route, take a fascinating detour to Kampong Chhnang to visit Andong Russey village, where you can witness the traditional art of pottery-making, a craft passed down through generations. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, check into your hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh Meals: Breakfast

Today, a guided tour will unveil the poignant history and vibrant culture of Cambodia's capital. Start with a reflective visit to the Choeung Ek Memorial (Killing Fields), where a haunting stupa made of 8,000 human skulls stands as a stark reminder of past atrocities. Continue to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a school turned into the notorious S-21 Khmer Rouge torture center, where over 20,000 people were held captive. In the afternoon, explore Phnom Penh’s highlights. Visit Wat Phnom, a serene hillside pagoda that marks the legendary founding place of the city, showcasing beautiful Khmer architecture. Continue along the riverfront to the dazzling Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, home to Cambodian royalty and myriad treasures. Conclude your tour at the National Museum, Cambodia's leading historical and archaeological museum, housing an extensive collection of ancient Khmer artifacts dating back centuries. Overnight in Phnom Penh Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a final breakfast in Phnom Penh. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a final stroll. Afterwards, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure, filled with lasting memories of your historical journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. See you again on your next Indochina adventure! Meals: Breakfast