Private transfer: Upon arrival at Phnom Penh you will be welcomed to Cambodia by your guide and transferred you to your hotel.
Afternoon Sunset Cyclo Tour: We take to the streets of Phnom Penh with a cyclo tour of the city riverfront area in late afternoon, as the sun begins to set and the city comes alive with locals exercising to popular music, families out for a stroll or taking advantage of the food vendors to eat their snacks on the lawns in front of the King's residence. We begin at the corner of Koh Pich Island where the recent addition of a funfair has brought the area alive with parents and children as we then head past the Hotel Cambodiana and Chaktomuk Theatre and take a break on the riverbank, looking west towards the glittering Royal Palace with the last rays of the sun lighting up the sky behind it. We continue along bustling Sisowath Quay, in front of myriad restaurants, bars and cafes and venture into the side streets before ending our journey with the exercising work-out groups and colourful fountain lights at the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Park.
Full Day Phnom Penh City Tour: Start your tour of Cambodia’s capital at the stunning Royal Palace complex, home to the Cambodian royal family and a symbol of the nation. Here you will see beautiful gardens landscaped with tropical plants and the Throne Hall where the royal receptions are held and the Cambodian king's coronation took place. Continue to the Silver Pagoda, named after the 5000 silver tiles covering the floor, each weighing 1kg. Inside are some of the country's most cherished treasures, including a life-size gold Buddha studded with 9584 diamonds, the largest weighing 25 carats. Leave the Royal Palace and continue to the nearby National Museum, home to the world's finest collection of sculpture from the Angkor period. The exquisite building was completed between 1917 and 1920 and features a lush courtyard garden surrounded by collections from the pre-Angkor, Angkor and post-Angkor periods. You will then have the option to learn of the Khmer Rouge’s horrific crimes at Tuol Sleng, a former high school that the Khmer Rouge turned into a centre for interrogation, torture and death. 17,000 people passed through the gates of this prison and only seven lived to tell the tale. The Khmer Rouge were meticulous in their record keeping, photographing all the prisoners and many of these haunting black and white images are on display in the cells. Tuol Sleng is a profoundly moving experience and not everyone will want to visit. However, it is key to understanding the hell into which Cambodia descended and how far it has come in the years since. Finish your tour at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. An old Chinese cemetery, Choeung Ek was turned into an extermination camp for political prisoners. The remains of 8985 people were exhumed from mass graves and are kept in a memorial stupa here. Despite the horrors of the past, it is a peaceful place to go and a tranquil spot to reflect on the tragic events that engulfed Cambodia and its people.
Evening CLA On Stage Shows at National Museum: It is a series of 3 rotating shows at the National Museum of Phnom Penh, featuring a wide range of traditional performing arts. With more than Apsara dances, we offer you the chance to discover the diversity of Cambodian culture and traditional arts through original and enjoyable pieces, set in the splendid gardens of the National Museum. In addition to giving a unique opportunity to experience Cambodian culture and arts, CLA (Cambodian Living Art) aims at creating regular, well-paid work for emerging arts professionals in the arts sector.
Time: 7-8pm, doors open at 6.30pm.
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Private Transfer: you will be met by your guide and driver transfer from airport to hotel for check-in
Afternoon Preah Khan, Neak Poan and Sunset at Pre Rup: This afternoon, we travel to the mighty temple of Preah Khan or 'Sacred Sword', built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. Sister temple to Ta Prohm, the cruciform corridors here are impressive and there are some wonderful carvings adorning the walls, including the spectacular hall of dancers. Look out for the curious two-storey structure that is almost Grecian in inspiration. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to Buddhism and Hinduism. The original eastern entrance was for Mahayana Buddhists, while the other cardinal points represented the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. We then continue on to the elegant curves of Neak Poan. This petite temple is the ultimate ornamental fountain, its series of elaborate spouts including the heads of lions and elephants. Originally Neak Poan was on an island at the centre of vast baray (reservoir), known as Jayatataka or reservoir of Jaya. We finish by experiencing sunset over the rice fields from the royal crematorium of Pre Rup, a classic view of the Cambodian countryside.
Evening Visit Phare Modern Circus Shows: In the evening we head out to the home of the innovative circus performers from Phare Ponleu Selpak. Their regular modern circus show under the Big Top is proving very popular in Siem Reap and in each show they display a variety of disciplines including acrobatics, choreography, juggling, clowning, live music and much more. A pre-show dinner can also be arranged.
Early Morning Visit Ta Prohm (07:00am) and Walking Tour from Ta Nei to Preah Khan:: We rise early morning to travel to Ta Prohm temple. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhot in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones, man first conquering nature to create, nature later conquering man to destroy. We contiunue our walk tour to visit a little temple of Ta Nei to one of Angkor’s most impressive sights and offers a real insight into the size and scale of Angkor. We begin our walk at Ta Nei, a beautiful and very atmospheric temple set in the forest. After Ta Nei, we continue our tour to the mighty temple of Preah Khan or 'Sacred Sword', built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. Sister temple to Ta Prohm, the cruciform corridors here are impressive and there are some wonderful carvings adorning the walls, including the spectacular hall of dancers. Look out for the curious two-storey structure that is almost Grecian in inspiration. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to Buddhism and Hinduism. The original eastern entrance was for Mahayana Buddhists, while the other cardinal points represented the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.
Lunch at Sala Kdei : Enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch menu at Sala Kdei, an intimate location to eat and rest in the middle of the day while exploring the temples. Breakfast, sunset cocktails or a Khmer cooking class are also available at this gorgeous traditional wooden home on the banks of the Royal bathing pool at Sra Srang.
Afternoon visit Angkor Thom & The Bayon: Angkor Thom (Big Angkor) is a walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the badly damaged Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. He began with existing structures such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas and built a grand enclosed city around them, adding the outer wall and some of Angkor's greatest temples including his state-temple, Bayon, set at the centre of the city. There are five entrances (gates) to the city, one for each cardinal point, and the victory gate leading to the Royal Palace area. Each gate, as well as much of Jayavarman VII's architecture is crowned with four giant faces. The giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. There are 37 standing towers, most sporting four carved faces oriented toward the cardinal points.
Evening Visit Phare Modern Circus Shows: In the evening we head out to the home of the innovative circus performers from Phare Ponleu Selpak. Their regular modern circus show under the Big Top is proving very popular in Siem Reap and in each show they display a variety of disciplines including acrobatics, choreography, juggling, clowning, live music and much more. A pre-show dinner can also be arranged.
Guided tour to Angkor Wat sunrise, Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre and Landmine Museum,: Rising at the crack of dawn, we journey out to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world's largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this is most famous temple at Angkor. We stay at Angkor Wat to enjoy a picnic breakfast. As the crowds return to their hotels, we venture into Angkor Wat to enjoy its magnificence in peace and quiet. We begin by unraveling the mysteries of the bas-reliefs that tell of tales from Hindu mythology and of the glories of the Khmer empire. Stretching for almost one kilometre, these intricate carvings are a candidate for the world’s longest unbroken piece of art. After Angkor Wat we head to Banteay Srei, Angkor’s ultimate art gallery. This petite pink temple is the jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. The elaborate carvings here are the finest found in Cambodia and the name translates as ‘Fortress of the Women’, thanks to the intricate detail here, considered too fine for the hands of a man. Originally believed to date from the latter part of the Angkor period, inscriptions at the site suggest it was built by a Brahman in 967. However, some architectural historians have suggested that the inscriptions may date from an earlier structure on this site and the temple is in fact later, marking a high-water mark in Khmer sculpture. Later we visit the 12th century temple of Banteay Samre. Built by King Suryavarman II, the genius behind Angkor Wat, this temple has been extensively restored. The temple is unique in that over-quarrying of sandstone led to the use of laterite for the roofed corridors. The pediments above the inner doors here include some of the most accomplished carving from the Angkor period.
Landmine Museum: On the way back to Siem Reap, we visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum to learn more about the scourge of landmines and the shadow they cast over rural communities in Cambodia with a visit to this flagship museum promoting mine awareness and education.
Fly north to land in the lush green hills of Northern Laos, where World Heritage Luang Prabang provides a comfortable base to complete an adventurous tour. Check in to your hotel before lunch with a traditional Lao menu served in the city's finest restaurant. Then wander at leisure. Royal palaces rise with a subtle grace; the Watermelon Stupa stands mystically along pedestrianized streets; barefooted monks find their way into most vistas, and local women blend fresh fruit juice beneath temple mosaics. Luang Prabang is quiet and mostly devoid of traffic, a place of spirituality that quickly encourages you to slow your step and indulge your senses.
It's worth an early rise for Luang Prabang's most iconic sight as a long line of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot through the streets to collect offerings of food from the local residents. After the Alms Giving ceremony, head out along the Mekong River to take in the villages that line the banks. Children wave, women cast flamboyant shoals into the water, and fishermen cast nets from wooden longboats. Cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha statues fill eery caverns. Some are barely bigger than your fingernail while others are immense to dominate a cave with an otherworldly presence. Return to Luang Prabang and the afternoon is at your leisure.
Three days into Luang Prabang and your pace will have slowed. Walk at a languid rhythm, linger long over coffee, and take your time over simple pleasures. The city has this wonderful magnetism that entices you into throwing away your watch. A spa day elevates this tranquility with four hours of opulent treatments provided along with views of the Mekong River. Lunch is included, and you dine on the fresh flavors of the hills. Your afternoon and evening will run with their gentle rhythms, more time for you to explore at leisure and follow the monks to exquisite World Heritage temples.
Flight to Hanoi and warm welcome by your Vietnamese guide and transfer to the city 1hr.
With ochre-colored colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Ha Noi is full of charms. Visit some of Ha Noi’s heritage sites such as Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam (temple of literature), the first Imperial school in Vietnam, built in 1070 during the dynasty of King Ly. We will also visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple (jade mountain temple), But Tower (pen shaped tower), Dai Nghien (ink stand) and The Huc Bridge (wooden bridge painted in red). Then, we will take a cyclo (pedicab) ride around “the 36 meandering streets” of Ha Noi’s historic Old Quarter to enjoy the bustling local life.
The history of Ha Noi dated back for over one thousand years, and Ha Noi has different cultural characteristics compared to the areas in Vietnam. The lifestyle, cuisine, fashion… of Ha Noi folks bear special features and through this journey, we can perceive these. It is very interesting to discover Ha Noi in the morning, when the life has just started and we can enjoy the busy atmosphere in all streets. Hanoians are very friendly and hospitable. Hopefully, this is the most remarkable memory in our destination to Vietnam.
This morning visit national hero Ho Chi Minh's house and learn about his life and achievements.
Continue to Temple of Literature a focal point of Vietnamese education during the time of emperors. Rest of the day is dedicated to more leisurely activities.
Spend a relaxing, therapeutic time at the Spa center. Massage is the treatment and practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical, functional and in some cases psychological goals. At the Spa center, therapists will offer you a therapeutic, restorative, hot stone massage. The ancient and magical powers of the stones will be transferred through your body. The stone’s hardness makes for a fantastic deep tissue massage and allows the therapists to address any specific problem areas with more detailed work or deeper pressure. Hot stone massage is a perfect way to recover from fatigue and stress and will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.
After a wonderful spa treatment, we will begin our “Foodie tour”. First, we will go to Ha Noi’s historic old quarter to enjoy Cha Ca La Vong (“fried fish La Vong”) a renowned specialty of Ha Noi. This dish is fish marinated and grilled over charcoal then fried in a pan served with an unforgettable mix of herbs. Next, we go to Trang Tien Street to enjoy locally made, gourmet ice cream. This local delicacy is known for its distinctive flavors, including milk, coconut, cereal, green beans and chocolate. Before heading back to the hotel, we will take a stroll around beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake.
Today you will make your way outside of the city to the treasured shores of Ha Long Bay. The magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site covers over 1,000 square miles filled with emerald waters and innumerable islands. Limestone karsts slope down into the water and are dotted with lush greenery. Beaches stretch back into the tree line where dense forests begin. Hanh Cave stretches over half a mile through Hanh Mountain. When you enter the grotto you find Three Girls Temple.
The beauty of the cave speaks to the legend of the grotto’s namesake. Stalactites catch the light and beam a rainbow of colors along the stone. The water current drifts slowly. The interior looks like a palace made of natural stone and has been polished by time. The only sound you hear is the trickle of the water. The only sight you see is the endless shining shapes of the mountain’s interior. In the evening you will return to Hanoi and can delight in the variety of flavors that the city offers.
Enjoy a massage, learn Vietnamese cuisine or admire the beautiful sunset from the deck.
Wake up to the surrounding beauty of the bay. The emerald water continues to shimmer in the early light while the aroma of morning coffee offers up its luscious, enjoyable flavor. The karsts sit in the distance as you come to the shores of Daugo Island. 125 feet above sea level you will find the Thien ung Grotto within Dau Go Cave, one of the largest grottoes in the bay, and filled with a variety of chambers that are adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Among the rocks that look as though they melted from the ceiling or froze along the floor you will find the dynamic stories that have shaped the surrounding culture, brought from the legend of King Dragon that who formed the sensational enclosure. The rock is smooth and cool and the colors of the cave shift in the natural light that filters through. In the afternoon the ship will dock once more along the main shore where you will be transferred to airport for a flight to Danang and short drive away from Hoi An where you will settle in to comfortable haven.
The streets are lined with Chinese paper lanterns that light up the dim early mornings and dark nights. Hoi An is a collection of cultures from around Asia that were collected from the 15th to the 19th century during the town’s heyday as a trading hub. The architecture and the culture are harmonious and quaint. The Thu Bon River flows gently alongside the city. The Fujian Assembly Hall contains the elements of a classic Chinese Assembly Hall. The courtyard is gold and colorful. The fountains are unique and ornate. One fountain replicates a winding and flying dragon placed over the serene water.
The hall is filled with a number of statues and bronze drums that are decorated with Chinese characters. Though the hall once served as a place to gather and celebrate, it now serves mostly as the city’s largest and most decorative temple. In the nearby city of Danang you will visit the Cham Museum which houses over 300 sandstone sculptures dating back to the 4th century. The museum is located inside of a building embellished with traditional Cham elements. The intricately sculpted statues and reliefs are remnants of a devout and powerful kingdom once found in central Vietnam. You can even find the powerful image of an ancient bronze Buddha displayed inside the museum.
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest, busiest and most exciting city in Vietnam. It is also filled with intrigue and culture. Ho Chi Minh City is considered as a “blending mixture of culture” in Viet Nam. Here, you can discover a lot of interesting things through human daily life. Founded and developed over 300 years, today Ho Chi Minh city is a fascinating tourist spot with various cultural and historical features. On this tour we will visit some of the most interesting sights that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer, such as The War Remnants Museum: This is a lively display of the futility of the war; The Reunification Palace: This beautifully preserved palace was the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam during the 1960-1970s; Notre Dame Cathedral was built in 1880 and the Old Post Office was built between 1886 – 1891. It is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture.
Thien Hau Pagoda in Cho Lon: This is a Chinese style temple located on Nguyen Trai Street in Cho Lon (China Town) - District 5. It is dedicated to Thien Hau, the Lady of the Sea, also known as “Mazu” (“Tian Hou” in Chinese).
Our last stop would be at the lacquer-ware factory where you can observe the process of making these traditional Vietnamese products.
Travel to Cu Chi as a VIP on one of our modern speedboats arriving hours before the large tour groups. Your English-speaking tour guide will share with you all about life along the banks of the Sai Gon River as your boat gracefully slaloms through the water hyacinths. The boat will pass the famous spots such as Thanh Da – Binh Quoi, Binh Duong pottery village. You can see many special things: buildings have been erected side by side, canals, trees, green garden houses… on the river banks on the way to come Cu Chi underground. A journey is picturesque and rustic. After the scenic one-hour boat trip, our guide will take you through the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. This system of tunnels consists of hospitals, rooms, kitchen, store area, working room underground. This tunnel was excavated on the area with clay mixing with laterite. So this tunnel is rather durable and stable. The air is put into the tunnel through ventilation holes.
A light breakfast will be served on the way to Cu Chi and a traditional Vietnamese lunch will be served after visiting the tunnels. This tour is all-inclusive and hassle-free.
It is time bid farewells to Vietnam and Indochina. Free time until your airport transfer to SGN airport.
