Compare Crown Jewels of Indochina by Hidden Places Travel vs Vietnam and Cambodia Signature by Odynovo
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 13 days | 14 days |
Price From | $ 4,480 | $ 2,236 |
Price Per Day | $ 345 | $ 160 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A |
13 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 1 Dinner |
Description |
Experience the best of Indochina with this fabulous exploration of three unsurpassable UNESCO World Heritage sites: the otherworldly landscapes of Vietnam’s Halong Bay, the gleaming Buddhist temples and evocative French colonial architecture of Luang Prabang, Laos and Cambodia’s mystical Angkor temples. An ever-unfolding wonder, this journey is steeped in history, culture, stunning landscapes, fine class cuisine and more than a few delightful surprises! We stay at hotels specially chosen for their comfort, service, ambiance and location. Our local guides share a wealth of knowledge, experience and fascinating stories about each of the three destinations. We have personally overseen every aspect of the itinerary, setting the stage for Indochina to capture your heart! |
The best of Vietnam and Cambodia tour is one of the best sellers. Embark on this 14-day journey to explore the essence of these two countries. You will ride on a rickshaw waving around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, take in the stunning natural wonder of Halong Bay, soak up the relaxed atmosphere of ancient Hoi An, explore Vietnamese history in Hue, and observe locals' daily life of the Mekong Delta. While in Siem Reap, Cambodia, you will explore the vast religious complex of Angkor temples. |
Day 1: Hanoi
Arrive in the bustling heart of Hanoi – the Old Quarter – and our stylish boutique hotel. In the evening, a welcome dinner in one of the city’s best restaurants awaits you.
Day 2: Hanoi
Visit the city’s famous sites, including Ho Chi Min's Mausoleum and the Confucian Temple of Literature, take in a Water Puppet Show and experience a truly unique local restaurant.
Day 3: Halong Bay
Embark our luxurious mothership, cruise through jade-coloured waters past fantastically shaped islets to the far reaches of Halong Bay. Swim, kayak, toast the sunset with fine wine and feast on a sumptuous dinner of fresh seafood.
Day 4: Halong Bay
Paddle far into sea caves with the sound of water gurgling and booming in their dark depths. Relax on a white sand beach below a towering cliff and explore colourful Ba Men Temple tucked into the greenery close by.
Day 5: Halong Bay/Hanoi
Drift through a magical misty dawn back towards port. On your return to Hanoi, head for a tiny traditional restaurant where locals have been enjoying the same house-special for over a hundred years.
Day 6: Luang Prabang
Take in the atmosphere of this historic city as we sip an afternoon espresso and savour a delicate pastry at our favourite French colonial café.
Day 7: Luang Prabang
Rise early to see lines of saffron clad, barefoot monks streaming out of ancient temples of the the royal quarter. After breakfast jump aboard a traditional, long riverboat heading up the mighty, swirling Mekong River to Pak Ou cave, and light joss sticks to appease the river gods.
Day 8: Luang Prabang
Walk with an elephant through bamboo forests to a beautiful waterfall for lunch.
Day 9: Siem Reap
Put your feet up or indulge in the spa at Siem Reap’s exquisite Hotel La Residence. The afternoon visit to the Angkor treasures in the National Museum sets the scene for our adventures ahead.
Day 10: Siem Reap
Start your exploration of the ancient Khmer temples at first light to watch the sun creep up above the spires of Angkor Wat and reflect off the lotus lake. Follow our top local guide as he coordinates our visits of Angkor’s highlights to make sure we miss the crowds.
Day 11: Siem Reap
Hike through fragrant, tropical jungle to the banks of Kbal Spean where clear, cool water rushes over sacred sculptures carved into the riverbed. Explore Banthey Sre Temple when the afternoon light brings out the details on its fine stone carvings.
Day 12: Siem Reap
Run your hands over huge tree roots that engulf Bayon temple and contemplate the passage of time and civilizations. Take in the sunset from the top of a remote and hardly visited temple.
Day 13: Siem Reap
Say farewell to your fellow travelers and embark on your flight home or onward journey.
Day 1: Arrival - Hanoi
Overnight: Hanoi
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you will be greeted by a local guide then driven to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or go out and explore the city.
Day 2: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
This morning will commence with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, followed by a visit to Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House. Later, continue your tour to some significant sites, including One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison, and Temple of Literature.
In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Ethnology and then experience a rickshaw trip around the Old Quarter. The last stop is Hoan Kiem Lake. Passing through the wooden red-painted bridge, you will reach Ngoc Son Temple. After the tour, feast your eyes on a local water puppet show.
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: On Board
Today you will head to Halong Bay for a 2-day cruise trip. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is famous for its original limestone karst geomorphology features. You will sail through some islets and a fishing village, and then anchor the vessels at the Frog Pond area. The ship offers a variety of optional activities like kayaking, swimming, diving to explore this beautiful area.
Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Da Nang - Hoi An
Meals: Light Breakfast, Brunch
Overnight: Hoi An
If you wake up early, why not try an organized Tai Chi class among the peaceful surroundings. Before disembarking, you may have a chance to visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the most spectacular and biggest caves. Walking around 600 steps up to the cave, you will reach it and be amazed by the beauty inside.
After the cruise, meet your guide and driver who will accompany you to Hanoi airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 5: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
In the morning, visit the Japanese Bridge, the famous Chinese Temple, and the former Vietnamese Merchant's House. Later, head to the home of an artisan in the old street, where you will have a chance to make a traditional lantern by hand and keep it as a souvenir.
Day 6: Hoi An - Da Nang - Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hue
Move on to Hue by land, via Da Nang. Along the way, stop to visit Cham Museum, Non-Nuoc Beach, Marble Mountain, and take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Da Nang at Hai Van Pass. Arrive in Hue late afternoon, check into your hotel and relax.
Day 7: Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hue
This morning you will visit the majestic Tomb of King Minh Mang, the final resting place of one of the Nguyen Dynasty's staunchest Confucians. Then, ride a royal dragon boat along the Perfume River to the sacred Thien Mu Pagoda - the symbol of Hue. Continue to the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City for their historic monuments. At the end of the tour, you will have a chance to take a stroll down the traditional Dong Ba Market to experience the local lifestyle.
Day 8: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide and escorted to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Go for exploration at the underground Cu Chi Tunnels and then return to the downtown to visit the Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace. Step into the Old Saigon Post Office, which is one of Vietnam's most beautiful examples of French colonial architecture. Lastly, have a stroll at Dong Khoi Street.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
A 2-hour drive will take you to Ben Tre, one of the popular Mekong Delta hubs. Here, you will navigate a maze of narrow canals to witness life around the water, walk in the village to see local houses, and enjoy a homemade lunch in the home of the residents.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City for the night after the tour.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight: Siem Reap
Say goodbye to Vietnam and fly onward to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Upon arrival, take a private transfer to your downtown hotel for a rest.
Day 12: Siem Reap
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Siem Reap
Today, you will be delighted by the time-honored Angkor temples. Passing through the bridge guarded by two rows of mythical statues, you will enter the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire built in the 13th century with multiple temples. See the most notable Bayon Temple and Elephant Terrace in the center of Angkor Thom.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat. This well-preserved temple complex is the largest religious monument in the world, spanning 402 acres. Before returning to the hotel, climb up to Bakheng Hill or the less-crowded Pre Rup Temple for the stunning sunset.
Day 13: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Siem Reap
Aside from Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, there are many other temples worth visiting. You will pass through some local villages to visit red-sandstone Banteay Srei. Listen to your guide telling fairy stories in relief above each lintel while looking for beautiful angles to
practice your photography skills.
In the afternoon, go back to explore Ta Prohm Temple, where crumbling temples and majestic trees are intertwined, like scenes from the film Tomb Raider. Not far away is Ta Keo Temple, possibly the first to be built entirely out of sandstone by the Khmer Empire.
Day 14: Siem Reap - Departure
Meal: Breakfast
Your vacation to Vietnam and Cambodia comes to an end today. At the appointed time, a private transfer takes you to the airport. Bid farewell to your guide and board your homebound flight with wonderful memories.