Compare Highlights of Indochina Escapade Experience Air-Inclusive by Pacific Delight Tours vs 14 Days Authentic Vietnam and Cambodia by S Vietnam Adventures

Day 1: Depart USA

Depart USA cross the international dateline.

Day 2: Arrive Hanoi

Arrive at your Deluxe accommodations.

Day 3: Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

Begin your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Continue on to Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, the simple two-room dwelling, where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days (1969). Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows only. Stop by the Temple of Literature founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. This was also the site of Vietnam’s first university.  Finally, discover the Old Quarter of Hanoi by foot. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses is also known as “The 36 Streets,” each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics, crafts, medicines and even tombstones.

Day 4: Hanoi / Halong

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Board a charming, traditional wooden junk for cruising through the Bay. The cruise passes by rock formations with such names as Stone Dog, Incense Burner (Dinh Huong), and Fighting Cock (Ga Choi). At the core of the islets, there is a wonderful cave to visit called Thien Cung (Heavenly Residence Grotto). Disembark at Halong Pier.

Day 5: Halong / Hanoi / Danang /  Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer by vehicle back to Hanoi airport and fly to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer from Danang airport to Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

The beautifully preserved historic city of Hoi An is best seen on foot.  The walking tour includes the Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda (the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream), Sa Huynh Museum containing exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history,  Tran Family Chapel (the  architecture of this 200-year-old house built for worshipping ancestors reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles), Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall with a temple dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen), and a lantern-making workshop, where you can observe locals adorning silk cloth over the lanterns’ frame.

Day 7: Hoi An / Danang / Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer back to Danang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City also known as Saigon. Begin the trip into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly, the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s-style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975, signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.  Afterwards, drive to the historic centre to visit Emperor of Jade Pagoda. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville) and the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside). Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Meals: Breakfast

Today is at leisure to explore on our own.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) / Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today, fly to Siem Reap. The crown jewel of Khmer architecture Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. Upon entering the main structure, ascend through a series of galleries and a courtyard, before reaching the central sanctuary. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface of the temple, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted onto the walls. Along the outer gallery walls, run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones. Later, experience a revival of the great history of the Angkor dynasty, which includes a buffet dinner and show at The Smile of Angkor.

Day 10: Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

Today is at leisure to explore on our own.

Day 11: Siem Reap / Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok.

Day 12: Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, your sightseeing highlight is a visit to the lavish Royal Grand Palace, official home of the Thai royal family. Wat Phra Keow, in contrast, awes guests with the sight and aura of the priceless Emerald Buddha.

Day 13: Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

The following day is at leisure to enjoy on your own.

Day 14: Journey Home

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, bid farewell to Southeast Asia.

Day 1: Hanoi arrival- Airport transfer- Check in hotel in the center (No meal)

You will be welcomed by a warm driver at Noi Bai International Airport and transferred to hotel in Old Quarter. The rest of the day is free on your own and relax at the hotel.
Please note:
– Check in time is 14.00
– Can be arranged early check in with additional cost.

Meals: No
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi\

Day 2: Hanoi- Ha Long Bay - Overnight on cruise (B, L, D)

07.45 – 08.30: You will be picked up from your hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter. Then we will head to Ha Long Bay. You may enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta along the way

11.30: Upon arriving in our lobby in Tuan Chau Marina, you may take a short stretch while our staff arranges all registration with the local government.

12.00 – 12.30: The cruise captain and staff will welcome you onboard after a short tender transfer. While enjoying a refreshing welcome drink, a short cruise briefing and safety instructions will be given.

12.30 – 13.00: The voyages to Ha Long Bay – one of the New Seven Nature Wonders of the World. Lunch is served on board while the cruise passes via amazing limestone karst formations that rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner.

14.00 – 14.30: You will leave the cruise to explore Sung Sot Cave (also known as Surprise/ Amazing Cave), one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay.

15.00: Returning to cruise, the trip will continue to Ti Top Island. Here, you can watch the magnificent view over either the Gulf of Tonkin or swim in the emerald green and cool water.

17.00: After a long day, this is the ideal time to enjoy energizing drinks and snacks by joining ‘Happy Hour’ or Cooking Class on the sundeck

19.30: Sumptuous Dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff.

20.30: After dinner, various activities including karaoke, and squid fishing are organized. Or you can just laze around with exhilarating drinks from our bar. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure.

Distance Hanoi – Ha Long: 180 kilometers (~3 hours)

Note: Itinerary/ activities may be changed due to the weather or other reasons.

Please be advised: This is an overnight cruise, so kindly check out of your hotel room. You may leave your large luggage at the hotel lobby or bring it along with you. Additionally, it's recommended to have some Vietnamese Dong cash on hand for potential use during stopovers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on board

Day 3: Ha Long Bay- Hanoi- Recheck in hotel (B, L)

06.15 – 07.00: Breakfast is served. It can be a great idea to enjoy the meal with the magnificent view of the sunrise in Ha Long Bay.

8.00 -9.30: The cruise gets closer to the center of the Natural Preservation Area. Join our guide on a short trip to Luon Cave. This magic work of nature shows you the formation of karst mountains. You can discover this time masterpiece by kayaking on your own. If you are lucky, you can catch great photos with mischievous monkeys jigging up and down around the cliffs.

9.30: Crew welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out.

10.00: Whilst cruising back, delightful lunch will be served.

11.35: We return to the quayside in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark in Tuan Chau Marina. And leave for Ha Noi on our shuttle.

15.30 – 16.00: You will get back to your hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter

*Due to cruising conditions, slight program modifications may occur due to specific weather or tide conditions without prior notice to guests. While Wi-Fi is available, please note that internet connectivity may be limited due to the geographic characteristics of the bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi

Day 4: 12.00pm check out- Night Train to Da Nang - Overnight on train (B)

12:00pm: check out then free time for your own activities
You will have free time till 19.00PM, the driver will take you to the train station and you will take the night train to Ha Noi. Stay overnight on the train.
The train is about 14 hours journey and it is Vietnamese Government Train which has local/ tourist. 4 berths share 1 cabin, shared toilet.
Please note: You should have Dinner period or take away Dinner, Additionally, consider bringing snacks, water, and fruits with you for the train journey. It's worth noting that shared train toilets can be uncomfortable, so please prepare accordingly for this aspect of the journey.

If you prefer not to opt for the overnight train, you have the option to select a flight instead. Kindly inform us of your preference, and we will assess any additional charges and provide you with the details accordingly.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight on train

Day 5: Da Nang arrival- Train station pick up- Check in hotel in Da Nang (No meal)

The train is scheduled to arrive at approximately 1:00 PM. Upon arrival, we'll be there to pick you up and transfer you to the enchanting a livable Da Nang city. You'll check into a hotel in the heart of the ancient town, where you can unwind and immerse yourself in its unique charm.

Meals: No
Accommodation: Overnight in Da Nang

Day 6: Check out - Amazing Sunset My Son Holyland - Drop off at Hoi An (B)

13:00 –13:30: Our guide picks you up at your hotel and departs to My Son Sanctuary – The World Cultural Heritage.
15:00: Arrive at My Son and we’ll have 2 hours to discover the site by walking through the landscape, exploring Champa cultures and the remaining structures with our local English– speaking guide, and enjoying the Champa’s traditional performances.
17:15: Get back to minivan then transfer to the wharf for taking a boat trip to Hoi An with a nice and cool breeze on boarding, beautiful sunset river scenery on the biggest river in Vietnam Central named Thu Bon River. Get your camera ready for the amazing moment of local people’s activities along the river
18:30: Arrive at Hoi An and we will drop you at your hotel. Tour ends!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 7: Free and easy (B)

Free and easy to enjoy the ancient town on your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8: Airport transfer- Fly to Ho Chi Minh city- Check in hotel (B)

Today, you'll have leisure time before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Please remain at the hotel, and our driver will transport you to the airport when it's time. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll be transferred to your hotel, where you'll have the rest of the day free to relax and explore at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnel Half day (B)

Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze–like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.
Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.
Return to Saigon. End trip.

Please be advised that lunch is not included in the itinerary. You will return to the hotel around 3:00 PM, so it is recommended that you have a substantial breakfast to sustain you until your return.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh- Bus to Phnom Penh- Check in hotel (B)

You will be transferred to Phnom Penh by bus, which takes approximately 7-8 hours. Flight upgrades are possible at an extra charge. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, check in at the hotel and enjoy leisure time at your own pace. Kindly note that arranging a visa to enter Cambodia is your responsibility and can be done upon arrival. Please have a photo and $45 USD in cash per person prepared for this purpose.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 11: Phnom Penh city tour (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - from the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th-century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Then drive to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). This prison was a high school, and used as a prison by Pol Pot's security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Then visit Killing Fields " Choeung Ek"15km southwest of Phnom Penh. This one is the site of brutal executions of more than 17,000 individuals, most of whom first suffered through interrogations, torture, and deprivation in Toul Sleng Prison during the Pol Pot regime (from 1975–1979). The last site is Russian Markets where you can shop for souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, and silver products. Transfer back to the hotel.

Day 12: Phnom Penh- Bus to Siem Reap (B)

You'll have breakfast at the hotel before departing by bus at 8:30 AM. Today's journey takes you to Siem Reap, where upon arrival at the bus station, our driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Distance: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap: 320km – 5.5–6 hours

If you prefer, you can upgrade to a private car for $140 USD per group (up to 4 seats). The driver will make stops at Spider Market and Naga Bridge for sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 13: Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat (B, L)

The sightseeing tour of Angkor area we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with Colums, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple and the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 14: Airport transfer- Siem Reap departure- Trip ends (B)

Today, you will take the flight back home as per your schedule. Please provide us with your departure time from Siem Reap International Airport, we will arrange a car to the airport for you.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: No