Vietnam and Cambodia Uncovered
Private - Independent Tour
Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise - Ho Chi Minh City - 7 night Mekong Cruise Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Uncover the depths of Vietnam and Cambodia as local guides take you behind the scenes and show you the authenticity of the cities and way of life. Not one but two cruises are included with contrasting scenery of limestone of Ha Long Bay to the banks of Mekong River, home to villagers and crafts that have been passed through family generations. With 7 nights on board Mekong Princess set sail, sit back and watch the world pass by. Differing modes of transport will pay a big part in your journey from bicycles to sampans and an exciting Jeep tour.
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 16
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Day 17
Day 1 : Hanoi
Arrive at Hanoi airport where your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Hanoi is a window to a world from long ago that has been dragged into the present. Prepare to be amazed by this frantic, yet incredibly charming slice of real Asia.
Day 2 : Hanoi
This morning is at leisure before you join a guided city tour by Jeep. Travel with your senses heightened as aromas from spices fill the air and the noise of locals heckling from motorbike traders bring this city to life. This tour is about visiting hidden gems and taking you off the beaten track which pass some visitors by. Savour authentic Vietnamese dishes and Hanoi delicacies before returning to your hotel.
Day 3 : Cruise Ha Long Bay
Take time today to perhaps revisit some of the sites passed yesterday before your late afternoon cyclo tour begins. Following this you’ll join a street food tour that can be tailored to your own tastes. Visit the best spots for authentic dishes and see how they are prepared.
Day 4 : Cruise Ha Long Bay
This morning pastries and hot drinks awaken you before you are taken by speedboat to visit Viet Hai Village. Choose whether to take a bicycle or electric car through a rainforest tunnel to rice fields and visit a traditional house. Rejoin the cruise and explore the Cat Ba Archipelago.
Day 5 : Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy a light breakfast on board before heading off on a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Cave to see sparkling stalactites. Enjoy brunch whilst cruising back to the mainland. Your shared transfer will take you to Hanoi before your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. You will be met and taken to your hotel.
Day 6 : Ho Chi Minh City
Your guide will meet you to escort you to see the amazing network of the communist guerrilla tunnels at Cu Chi. Observe the ingenuous traps, watch a demonstration on how their weapons and bombs were made, underground kitchens and a brief propaganda video produced in 1969.
Day 7 : Mekong Cruise
This morning you will be transferred to the Mekong Princess embarkation point. Lunch will be served soon as you cruise along the Saigon River. Late in the day, in the heart of the Mekong Delta, enjoy crafted cocktails and watch the sun set.
Day 8 : Mekong Cruise
This morning, sampans, a traditional wooden boat will take you through a channel lined with mangroves. Ride a 'xe lam' (three-wheeler) to visit a local coconut candy maker. This afternoon, the ship sails through an area of the Mekong Delta barely touched by tourism to Au Island. On arrival, you will be taken by sampan to Can Tho City a short city tour where teenagers perform and dance.
Day 9 : Mekong Cruise
Early this morning, the sampan takes guests for a cruise through the fascinating Cai Rang floating market. You will then return to the ship for a well-deserved breakfast. Continue by sampan to untouched Hoa An village, well-known for flower growing and handmade crafts.
Day 10 : Mekong Cruise
After breakfast, board sampans to Gieng Island. Visit a local sampan village and explore the mango gardens along the riverbanks. Try a popular local mode of transport 'xe loi' (motor trishaw), driving as you visit a Phanxico Monastery. Visit the local island village of Hong Ngu which produces many traditional Khmer scarves exported to Cambodia.
Day 11 : Mekong Cruise
This morning, local cyclo drivers meet you for an exciting city tour of Phnom Penh. Explore the Royal Palace, famous silver Pagoda and the National Museum.
Day 12 : Mekong Cruise
Today is a memorable and moving visit to the Choeung Ek, the Killing Fields. Visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa and Tuol Sleng (infamously known as S-21), converted by the Khmer Rouge from a large school to a prison and torture headquarters. The ship docks in Phnom Penh overnight.
Day 13 : Mekong Cruise
Sail to Angkor Ban. Visit the charming and authentic town of Angkor Ban, witness daily life of the local people and visit the pagoda with a special blessing ceremony by local monks. Visit a local family home and local school where you will join the children in their classroom.
Day 14 : Siem Reap
After breakfast, disembark the Mekong Princess in Kampong Cham and transfer by coach to your hotel in Siem Reap. Afternoon is free at your leisure.
Day 15 : Siem Reap
Start your private tour to the UNESCO world heritage complex inside the stunning walled city of Angkor Thom with Gates. Take in the enigmatic Bayon the mighty Baphoun Temple, Phimeanakas, and the Royal Palace Enclosure. Next stop is Ta Prohm, a highlight for anyone visiting Angkor. As you enter the main causeway of Angkor Wat and start the long walk to the main temple, feast your eyes on the sight of this imposing structure. (The temple tour itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted by your local guide after consultation with you. Please bring your Angkor Entry Pass.)
Day 16 : Siem Reap
Today is a free day. Tonight, your driver will take you to the Big Top in Siem Reap to see a performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus. (Please note there are no animals in the performance).
Day 17 : Depart Siem Reap
Your driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.
