The Treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia
Day1 Arrival in Hanoi
Paradissa Travel tour guide will welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day2 Hanoi City Tour. Night Train for Lao Cai
Hanoi was chosen to be the capital city of Vietnam from the 1010 A.D. The ruling king Ly Cong Uan that time knew that choosing the capital site would be vital to the kingdom’s prosperity. After coming into power he patrolled the kingdom looking for a suitable site for building the capital city. It’s said that he arrived at the bank of the Red River a five-colored dragon appeared soaring into the sky. He researched the whole area and found out that it was perfect in terms of Feng Shui. The construction of the capital city was started right after that. That time it was called Thang Long which in Vietnamese means the “City of Ascending Dragons”. With the arrival of the French in the 19th century, new colonial styled architecture was added to the charming traditional architecture of Hanoi.
Nowadays the travelers to Hanoi know the city as 3 main areas: The Former Citadel Area, the Old Quarter and the French Quarter. Of course the city has more areas to the north, to the south and to the west of central Hanoi now where high-rise buildings are found to accommodate the growing economy. With much development going on in the fast growing economy of Vietnam, the old areas of Hanoi are specially protected by the authority and still Hanoi retains the charm like no others.
We check out of our hotel in the morning and start the city tour with Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace. The whole recalls some of the most remembered moments of the Vietnamese modern history. Then we’ll tour the legendary One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature (The Temple of Knowledge) – The First University of Vietnam. The king ordered the construction of the Temple since we wanted the people to appreciate knowledge and encouraged the study of Confucianism. After that the First University was built just to the back of the Temple of Literature to educate the talented students of the kingdom. The kings of Vietnam that time would choose the bests that passed the royal exams to serve the kingdom. Those passed the royal exams would be called PhD. This noble title was not awarded easily: conscientious study combined with talents was required. Visiting the Temple of Literature you’ll adore the learning tradition of the Vietnamese started by their visionary kings thousands of years ago.
The Old Quarter of Hanoi shaped up from around the 11th – 13th century. This was the business quarter of ancient Hanoi. Nowadays the Old Quarter of Hanoi still offers traffic, hustling and bustling atmosphere like no others. We’ll weave the Old Quarter of the city by push-rickshaw.
After lunch we’ll visit Ngoc Son Temple and the West Lake area. In late afternoon, we’ll sample the unique water puppetry which dated back to the 11th century in Vietnam.
In the evening, we’ll take the night train bound for Lao Cai. Overnight on board the train. (Local train, 4 sleeper/air-con compartment. Private cabin is upon request and availability)
Day3 Arrival at Lao Cai. Transfer to Sapa. Cat Cat Village and Waterfall
The journey by train stops at Lao Cai train station early in the morning. Lao Cai border town is where you can gaze across the Red River to China which is just on the other side. From Lao Cai the road winds up the terraced hillsides to Sapa, which offers the stunning mountain views of the North West of Vietnam. We arrive in Sapa and enjoy the rest of the morning free at leisure. Alternatively we can have a walking tour of Sapa colorful market.
Sapa is a town in cloud. This hill station is 1500 m above the sea. Sapa is home to 7 groups of ethnic peoples including The Kinh (Viet), The Black H’Mong, The Red Zao, The Giay, The Tay, The Xa Pho. Sapa offers the travelers relaxing holidays, adventure tours with home staying or mountain trekking and hiking. For the travelers who love conquering challenges, there’s the Fan Si Pan Peak which is over 3000 m elevation. This is the summit of Indochina and it can easily be adored from Sapa Town.
In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy the walking tour to the breathtaking valley of Sapa to visit Cat Cat village (of the Black H’Mong people) and Cat Cat waterfall. We’ll enjoy a soft adventure trekking our way on the terraces in the Muong Hoa Valley. Overnight in Sapa.
Day4 Sapa - Ta Phin (Red Zao People) - Tram Ton Pass – Sapa
We head out for our morning tour to Ta Phin village visiting the Red Zao people. In Ta Phin we’ll enjoy the stunning nature settings and learn how the Zao live their life. After the tour, we’ll travel past the town to Tram Ton Pass which is nick-named the Gate Way to Heaven and the Silver Waterfall. On Tram Ton Pass, we’ll feel small by the 360 degrees view of the fresh surrounding nature: the ranges of high mountains above, the green valleys with terraces below, dotted in the nature are hill tribe villages and the hill tribe colorful costumes. On a clear day with the sun shining across, we are quite sure that it’s no different from heaven. We cherish the nature beauty for a moment and tour back to town. You have free time at leisure for the rest of the day.
Day5 Sapa - Ham Rong Mountain - Lao Chai Village - Ta Van Village- Lao Cai. Night Train for Hanoi
We enjoy our morning free at leisure. Please be kindly informed that the check-out time of the hotel is 11 A.M – 12 A.M (depending on each hotel policy).
In the afternoon, we’ll start our tour to the wild orchid of Ham Rong Mountain. The mountain is just close to Sapa Town. Climbing the mountain is not a real adventure, but it requires a bit of effort. Once here we’ll be rewarded with the beautiful orchid flowers, the panoramic view of Sapa surroundings and the traditional ethnic minority music performed by the local boys and girls.
Descending the mountain, we’ll travel by jeep further into the Sapa Valley and have a walking tour of Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages which are home to the Black H’Mong and the Giay People. We’ll engage ourselves into the real life of the local hill tribes by visiting their houses and walking through their villages. We travel back to Sapa town and have some moments free at leisure. In late afternoon, we’ll transfer back to Lao Cai Train Station for the overnight train bound for Hanoi. Overnight on board the train.
Note: The train provides 4-soft sleeper air-con compartments. Private cabins are upon request with additional costs.
Day6 Arrival in Hanoi. Transfer to Hai Phong
Arriving at Hanoi early in the morning, we’ll tour the Thong Nhat Park and Hoan Kiem Lake where you can see people of Hanoi playing the magical Taichi moves. Then our journey goes on with the scenic drive to Hai Phong Colonial Town. We’ll have coffee break at mid way before reaching the city.
Arriving at Hai Phong, we’ll tour the Du Hang Buhhist Pagoda and learn about Buddhism philosophy. Then we’ll have an oriented walking tour of Hai Phong through the flower market, the Municipal theatre and Hai Phong Market. Then we’ll reach our hotel and enjoy free time at leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight in Hai Phong.
Hai Phong is a trading port city of Vietnam. The city port was started in the 11th century by the royal court and expanded in the 19th century by the French. Nowadays the visitor can still see the charming colonial architecture in many corners of the city. Hai Phong is nicknamed the city of flame flowers as all the tree-lined boulevards are covered by the red colors of flame flowers in summer time. With the perfect combination of the weathered colonial structures, the street side cafes, the tree lined boulevards, the unique flower stands…Hai Phong retains the charm like no others.
Day7 Hai Phong - Cat Ba – Ha Long Bay - Hanoi
In the morning, we’ll drive to Hai Phong wharf where we embark a speed boat for 1 hour journey to Cat Ba Island. Upon arrival, we’ll be transferred to the wharf for a 5-hour boat cruise amid towering mountain islands, floating villages… on the emerald water of Ha Long Bay. We’ll visit a limestone cave and have fresh local seafood for lunch before docking on the shore at Ha Long City where we rejoins our car for the trip back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Ha Long Bay is part of the Ton Kin Gulf bordered to the north by China, to the south by Cat Ba Island. The bay has over 3000 islands towering on the emerald water with many lagoons, limestone caves and amazing system of flora and fauna, of which many are unknown and some are listed as endangered species such as the oyster-like creatures, the white-headed black monkeys…Ha Long Bay was first listed as the World Heritage Site twice by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization), the first time was in 1994 for the natural beauty and settings, the second time in 1999 for the limestone rock formations of the bay. Ha Long Bay offers boat cruise trips, overnight luxury junk cruise trips, kayaking tours, trekking adventure tours.
Cat Ba is the biggest island in the south of Ha Long Bay, 41km from Hai Phong. The island is 354 square km, half of which and 90 square km of surrounding water was declared as a national park in 1986. The national park is a system of forest, mountains, islands, lagoons and caves which is home to some rare floras and faunas such as Kim Giao trees, oyster-like creatures(Tu Hai)… Near Cat Ba Town there are some fine white sand beaches. Cat Ba National Park offers trekking and hiking tours, adventure tours, boat cruise tours…
Day8 Hanoi - Hue (VN 245: 1240 - 1350)
You have free time until we transfer you back to the airport for your flight to Hue, the capital city of Vietnam from 1802 – 1945.
Hue is a charming imperial city with combination of the new and the old. The Perfume River bisects the city into the northern and southern parts. To the north is the ancient citadel surrounded by moats which were home to the royal court of Vietnam in the 19th century. Visiting the ancient citadel you can visit the Palace where the king lived, the quarter for the royal family and concubines, the royal library….Lots of damages during the war are still found here though. To the south is where hotels and fine dining restaurants are located.
Arriving in Hue, we’ll visit the Imperial Citadel – A World Heritage Site and the Dong Ba exotic market on the Perfume River Bank. Overnight in Hue.
Day9 Hue
Hue is no doubt the city of harmony with the encircling green mountains, the meandering rivers; the architecture nestled in trees….Everything of Hue seems to be just in the right place and in perfect combination. To the western side is where the royal tombs are found. The Vietnamese kings thought that the west is the direction of sunset and permanent rest. That was why they built different royal tombs in the western part of Hue city. Here the kings would rest permanently in complete peace and tranquility.
Each of the royal tombs was designed by the king himself and the architecture of each tomb shows a lot about the king and the context of Vietnam at the time. Many tombs were constructed, completed and used by the king when they were still in reign. The royal tombs of Hue are for sure the fine pieces of arts.
We start with a cruise on the pristine Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda and King Tu Duc’s Tomb. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our tour to King Khai Dinh’s Tomb and King Minh Mang’s Tomb. Overnight in Hue.
Day10 Hue - Hoi An
Our journey today brings us through the scenic country side of the Central Region with white sand on one side and green mountains on the other. We’ll stop at the top of Hai Van (Sea Cloud) Pass to get the panoramic view of the mountains and the sea. Our destination is Hoi An Ancient Port Town.
Hoi An was a famous trading port back to the 16 – 19th centuries. Hoi An was visited by merchants from China, Japan, Persia, Europe….at the times. Hoi An residents are composed of Vietnamese, Chinese. Hoi An’s architecture is the perfect combination of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese styles. Hoi An nowadays still retains the ambience of the old town dated back to the heyday which never fails to charm the visitors.
Apart from the cozy ancient town, Hoi An also offers the pristine white sand Cua Dai Beach which claimed one of the most charming beaches in the world. Hoi An has always been unforgettable memory for our dear travelers.
Arriving in Hoi An, we’ll have an oriented walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town. We can recall the times when the narrow streets were busy with merchants from around the world who exchanged in different languages; push-cart carrying loads of cargo traveling back and forth…. This evening we’ll be on our own. Overnight in HoiAn Ancient Town.
Day11 Hoi An
You have full day free at leisure for exploring the old town yourselves or for relaxing on the pristine Cua Dai Beach. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day12 Hoi An - Da Nang - Nha Trang (VN 337: 1410 – 1530)
You have free time at leisure until we transfer you back to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Nha Trang Beach City. Meet our local tour guide at Nha Trang – Cam Ranh Airport, we’ll enjoy a trip to Nha Trang city by the coast of the blue ocean and white sand. Arriving at the hotel, you’ll enjoy free time at leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Nha Trang has been claimed one of the 29th most beautiful bays in the World. Possessing fine white sand beaches, turquoise almost transparent water, many clean offshore islands and superb corals, Nha Trang is certainly excellent for relaxing, snorkeling and scuba diving tours.
Day13 Nha Trang Boat Cruise (with snorkeling gears)
At 9.00 we embark our private boat for a cruise to explore the untouched off-shore islands of Nha Trang. We’ll visit a fishing village and enjoy our discovery of the white sand and colorful coral reefs which ring the Tam and Mun Islands. Lunch will be served on board with fresh local sea food. After the boat cruise, our vehicle will be ready to transfer you back to the hotel. Overnight in NhaTrang.
Day14 Nha Trang - Da Lat
We continue our journey along the blue ocean through the arid south central area of Vietnam. Drive 4 hours (205 km) from Nha Trang to Da Lat. We’ll visit Po Klong Giarai Cham tower, Chicken village and Prenn waterfall on the way. We’ll also stop the take a 360 degree view of the stunning natural beauty around Ngoan Muc Pass. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and go out for the tour of this romantic “Honeymoon” city. We’ll visit the Valley of Love and the central market, the famous Crazy house and former king Bao Dai’s summer villa. Overnight in Dalat.
Da Lat is a temperate climate city, famous for its scenic nature settings, the French Colonial Architecture, the pine hill forests dotted with lakes and waterfall, the flowers and the green vegetables. Da Lat is the destination for Vietnamese artists and honeymooners.
Day15 Da Lat
We’ll start our today tour with a sightseeing and soft adventure trip to Lang Biang Mountain from where we’ll adore the panoramic view of chaste beauty around Da Lat which is the perfect combination of pine hill forest, waterfall, lakes, flower fields and colonial architecture.
Travelling down the Lang Biang Mountain, we’ll continue our tour to the Old Da Lat Train Station, Trai Mat, Lam Ti Ni, Linh Phuoc Pagoda and Tuyen Lam Lake. We enjoy our evening free at leisure. Overnight in Da Lat.
Day16 Da Lat - Ho Chi Minh City
Our trip today brings us down the Central Highland through myriad rubber, coffee and tea plantations to Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon. Upon arrival, we’ll have a city tour of Saigon. We’ll visit the Cathedral, the General Post Office, the Re-unification Palace (from outside), the former US Embassy, the Municipal Theater and the Ben Thanh Market. Then we check into our hotel and enjoy free time at leisure. Overnight in Saigon.
Day17 Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Ben Tre - Ho Chi Minh City
Today we’ll travel into the verdant Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a boat ride through the Bao Dinh natural canal with the stilt houses and the fruit plantation along the river sides. We’ll experience the My Tho wholesale fruit market, then proceed our journey to the Tortoise Island. Lunch is served in the canopy an orchard. After that our boat trip brings us on the Tan Thach natural canal in Ben Tre, under the shadow of the water coconut trees. We’ll visit a family where you can learn about the agricultural lifestyle; we’ll travel through the fruit plantation in Thoi Son Island and enjoy a rowing boat trip on the creeks before cruising back to My Tho where we rejoin our car and travel back to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.
Day18 Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap (VN 827: 1140 – 1240)
You have free time at leisure until our car transfers you back to the Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, The Kingdom of Cambodia. Arriving in Siem Reap, meet our Cambodia tour guide and we’ll drive to Rolous Town. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned from A.D 877-89), are among the earliest permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art.
In Rolous, we’ll tour the temples of Preah Ko (erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century and dedicated by the King to his ancestors), Bakong (the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, it has an active Buddhist monastery) and Lolei (built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir by Yasovarman I, the founder of the first city at Angkor).
In late afternoon, we’ll climb the Phnom Bakheng Hill to the hilltop temple and adore the stunning sunset view over the countryside and the fabled Angkor Wat. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day19 Siem Reap
Our morning tour starts with Angkor Thom the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple(unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Return to Siem Reap for refreshment.
In the afternoon, we’ll enter the legendary world of Angkor Wat. We’ll have 2 to 3 hours for a guided tour which we’ll learn about the magical works of the Khmer to build these unrivalled structures. Then we’ll have some brief moments for self-exploring the upper levels of Angkor Wat. Since the top levels are vertically steep, it’s necessary we clamber them with good care.
Angkor Wat complex covers 81 hectares. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer arts and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond.
Day20 Siem Reap
In the morning, we’ll travel through the countryside to visit Banteay Srei with some of the most impressive sculptures found in the region. Banteay Srei temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Arts. Then we’ll move onto Banteay Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the southernmost of which is remarkably well preserved. Two concentric walls enclose the ensemble. On the way back we will also see Ta Prohm temple embraced by gigantic trees and creepers.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a trip to visit the terrace of Sras Srang, Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei and Takeo.
Day21 Departure
You have free time until we transfer you back to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight. Time to bid farewell to the fabled temples of Angkor.
