Day 01: Arrive Phnom Penh (CAMBODIA)

SVAKOM (Welcome in Khmer language). Upon arrival at Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) we are cordially welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation with landscape that spans the low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains and the otherwise pristine coastline of Gulf of Thailand. If you are arriving in good time to embark on a city tour of Phnom Penh this will commence at 1330hrs*, please see our “Notes” section for details. Otherwise, balance of the day is free.

Overnight: Anik Palace Hotel, Phnom Penh (Deluxe Urban Rooms) (1 night)

Day 02: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap (City Tour & Flight)

Time permitting, (based on our PM flight to Siem Reap, we explore Cambodia became more known to the world during the reign of Pol Pot who from 1975-1979 led the infamous communist Khmer Rouge government. During this period, the Khmer Rouge forced residents from the cities to work on communal farms in the countryside. To get the real feel, we visit the Cheung Ek, a large memorial commemorating the over 17,000 victims who were murdered and dumped in mass graves – hence “The Killing Fields”. The remnants inside the memorial and the mass graves that dot the area remind you of the suffering of the victims. After our visit we drive to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap – physically close to PNH and yet so different

At Siem Reap Airport we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel which has been specifically chosen because of its prime location next to Angkor, one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. The Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, dating back from the 9th to the 15th Century. This legendary megacity offers a series of impressive monuments, including more than a thousand temples, several different ancient urban plans and an elaborate water network that researchers say may have supported up to a million people. We have a 2-night stay.

Overnight: Lotus Blanc Hotel, Siem Reap (Deluxe Rooms) (2 nights) (B)

Day 03: Siem Reap

Savour a spectacular sunrise tour of the famous Angkor Wat Temple. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. It also features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. After breakfast at our hotel, we head to Angkor Thom and visit the Bayon, known for the 216 gigantic stone faces that decorate its 54 towers. Next stop on our exploration is Ta Prohm, famously used in the movie Lara Croft, Tomb Raider. The giant trees taking over the crumbling ruins make this temple complex especially photogenic. In the afternoon, we head to Banteay Srei. Known also as the jewel of Khmer art for its highly regarded and incredibly elaborate wall carvings, this complex was made from red sandstone in the 10th Century. The complex’s miniature buildings make it unique among Angkor’s other massive monuments. (B)

Day 04: Siem Reap/Hanoi (VIETNAM) (Flight)

A fascinating day ahead as we explore Tonle Sap Lake. Throughout history, the lake has been the backbone of Cambodia’s food production. As one of the world’s most varied and productive ecosystems, the region proved capable of supporting the ancient Khmer civilization, the largest pre-industrial settlement complex in world history. We board a traditional boat to discover the floating villages and fish farms. Later we “enjoy” an ox cart ride through the Cambodian countryside and experience traditional life in the local villages. We also explore the local market and meet the friendly Khmer people, selling a variety of local foods, fruits, clothes and crafts. Some Cambodian snack favorites include fried grasshoppers, spiders, cockroaches, crickets and baby frogs.

Late afternoon, we take a short flight to Hanoi. The capital of Vietnam, it is known for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. At its heart is the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade. There are many little temples, including Bach Ma, honoring a legendary horse, plus Đồng Xuân Market, selling household goods and street food. We have a 2-night stay in Hanoi.

Overnight: Tirant Hanoi Hotel (Deluxe Room), Hanoi (2 nights) (B)

Day 05: Hanoi

Today, we explore Hanoi, starting with a visit to the mausoleum of Vietnam’s revolutionary communist leader Ho Chi Minh and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long*, center of Vietnam’s military power for over a millennium. Here we explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university constructed in the 11th Century. Walking through Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter, we experience street foods and venture through local shops, small eateries, and roadside markets selling fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables. We visit a local coffee shop, where we get a demonstration and tasting of the delicious Hanoi specialty, egg coffee. Visiting the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake for some fantastic photographic opportunities, we end our day after seeing a traditional Water Puppet show, a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national legends. Enjoy the rest of the day free to explore Hanoi on your own. Some optional activities that one can indulge include getting a massage, participate in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration or shopping for the beautiful arts and craft souvenirs. (B)

Day 06: Hanoi/Ha Long Bay (Drive) (163Kms/101Miles)

After breakfast, we spend our morning driving to Ha Long Bay*, located in the Gulf of Tonkin. The bay’s stunning limestone pillars and caves make it Vietnam’s must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay features over 1600 islands and islets, which form a spectacular seascape of natural scenery. Upon arrival at the pier, we enjoy a welcome drink before we board our cruise ship. Lunch with fresh seafood will be served while our boat cruises through the many stone islets, floating villages and small beaches. We also visit a floating fishing village and meet the local villagers. Then its free time for swimming or lounging on the sundeck. Dinner is served once the boat anchors off at a quiet designated overnight area.

Overnight: La Regina Grand Cruise (ROH with 27 Cabin), Ha Long Bay (1 night) (B, L, D)

Note: Cruise itinerary is subject to weather.

Day 07: Ha Long Bay/Da Nang (Flight) Drive to Hoi An (Drive 30Kms/19Miles)

Breakfast is served as our boat cruises around Ha Long Bay, passing by many islets named from their shapes, such as Dog, Incense Urn, Fighting Cock, Finger, etc. We also explore Surprise Cave, one of the most spectacular caves in the area. Once we have cruised our way back to the wharf, we disembark in the mid-morning and are transferred to the Da Nang Airport for our flight to the exciting city of Hoi An where we have a 3 night’s stay. Remainder of the day is free.

Overnight: Bel Marina Resort Hoian (Deluxe City View Balcony), Hoi An (3 nights) (B)

Day 08: Hoi An

Enjoy a guided walking tour through one of Vietnam’s major highlights, the charming Ancient town of Hoi An*. A bustling trading centre since the 15th Century. Hoi An’s centre is exceptionally well-preserved. More than 1,000 timber frame buildings ranging from temples to trade shops to family residences line the town’s scenic streets. Be transported back in time while walking Hoi An’s historic alleys taking in the captivating riverside atmosphere of this traditional port. We visit the Japanese covered bridge, a Chinese Assembly Hall, a typical Vietnamese merchant’s house and the local market. Next, we explore the home of a craftsman and learn about the history, shape and color of the town’s legendary paper lanterns, as well as have the opportunity to make one of our own to keep as a memento! Evening, we take a short walk around the night market area of this tiny town. A wonderful opportunity to order personally tailored clothes at a tailor’s shop and exploring the numerous art galleries in town. (B)

Day 09: Hoi An

Today, we do what most locals do on a daily basis. We take a short cycle trip to the local pier and embark on a boat trip exploring the Cua Dai estuary. Here, we can experience the daily activities of the local fishermen and can even try casting our own net with their help! Cruise on a local bat to Cam Thanh Village, where we will embark on an exciting bamboo basket rowing boat ride and learn how to catch coconut crabs. Afterwards, we are taken to Tra Que village. Here we take a short stroll around the organic vegetable gardens and join a cooking demonstration, on how to make some local delicacies, including ‘tam huu’ spring rolls, and Banh Xeo, a local pancake specialty of Central Viet Nam. Enjoy our simple, but a traditional and delicious lunch. After returning to our hotel, we have free time to explore Hoi An on our own, perhaps collecting the made to fit clothes ordered the previous day and/or relax with a traditional massage. (B, L)

Day 10: Hoi An/Hue (Drive) (120Kms/74Miles)

Travel to Hue via Da Nang city and Hai Van Pass (literally meaning Passing above the Ocean Clouds), featuring spectacular scenery. Hue was the capital of the old Nguyen dynasty and traditionally one of Vietnam's cultural, religious and educational centers. Upon arrival in Hue, we check in to our hotel. In the afternoon, we explore structures of the Complex of Hue Monuments*, visiting the Imperial Citadel of Hue, where the kings of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945. Admire the Flag Tower, the Nine Holy Cannons, the Ngo Mon Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace, the Nine Dynastic Urns and the Forbidden Purple City. We have a 2-night stay at Hue.

Overnight: Moonlight Hotel, Hue (2 nights) (B)

Day 11: Hue

This morning, we board a traditional dragon boat upstream on the peaceful Perfume River (Huong River) to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an important Buddhist learning centre. Explore the Mausoleum of King Khai Dinh, a magnificent monument featuring a mix or Rococo and Vietnamese architectures. It is located on the slopes of Chau Chu Mountain. Next, head to a local pagoda in a tranquil village. We meet and talk with the nuns, join Buddhist chanting and praying, and enjoy a vegetarian meal, just like one served to the local monks at this pagoda. Later in the afternoon, we explore Hue by riding a cyclo (Vietnam's Cyclos is a three-wheel bicycle taxi that appeared in Vietnam during the French colonial period after a failed attempt to introduce rickshaws. Balance of the day is free. (B, L)

Day 12: Hue/Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) (Flight)

We are transferred to the airport for our short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, we visit the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the Indochina Governor General and later the President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. We pass by the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, before enjoying a quick stop at the bustling Ben Thanh market. Next visit the War Remnants Museum which presents moving displays of the American War, as the War is known in Vietnam. After our check-in at the hotel, remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight: Muong Thanh Grand Saigon Centre Hotel (Deluxe Room), Saigon (3 nights) (B)

Day 13: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Drive to My Tho, known as the gateway to the Mekong Delta. At the waterfront pier we hop on an enjoyable motor boat excursion, taking us into the Delta scenery. We will see houses built on stilts, and local fish farms along the way. Trade boat for bicycle and enjoy a relaxing ride over easy, level terrain as you travel through narrow village lanes lined with fruit orchards and customary cottages observing the rural life that remains in many ways similar to how it was lived far back in history. Notice that the local friendly children keep saying “Xin Chao” (hello) to their new friends along your cycling journey. See family-run business where coconut candies are made at the pier. Taste local tea with honey, sample fruits while having a chat with local people and get a glimpse of the lifestyle and traditional customs in Mekong Delta. Here you can also choose to ride on a horse-drawn cart through the lush surroundings of the fruit farms. Cap off the excursion with a memorable cruise by a rowing sampan that will take you along the narrow canals past lush orchards and sleepy villages. Taste some local delicacies before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in late afternoon. (B, L)

Note: Cycling distance: 5-7 km, depending on your physical ability and length you desire. The exploration can be done on foot (500-700 meters) or by horse cart in case you don't want to ride a bike.

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh/Mekong Delta excursion Day in Saigon

Originally dug as a base to organize guerrilla-style actions against the French, the Cu Chi tunnels were expanded during the Indochina War to become an ingenious and incredible underground network to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. There are some 200 Km of subterraneous complexes containing storage rooms, kitchens, hospitals, sleeping quarters and even schools, once occupied by more than 10,000 people. A 1.5 hrs. drive gets us to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Tour the vast network of underground passageways to gain an insight into the tunnels' history, life in the tunnels as well as the tenacity and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese during combat.

Our last nights in this fascinating part of the world and we will end this experience of traditional cuisines and an opportunity to taste the exotic fruit, Durian. Durians get sent from all over the country to Ho Chi Minh City, which is the wealthiest city in Vietnam and has a population of over 9 million people! (B, D)

Note: Cu Chi Tunnels have been widened to facilitate visitors from darkness, heat and claustrophobia. For those who choose to stay on the ground, there are plenty of easily accessible activities that can be arranged as optional.

Tour duration: Full day (7:30-17.30)
Cycling distance: 5-7 km, depending on your physical ability. This exploration can also be done on foot (500-700 meters) or by horse cart in case you don't want to ride a bike

Day 15: Depart Ho Chi Minh city

After breakfast at our hotel, we bid Tạm biệt (good byes) to Vietnam as we are driven to the airport for our flight. Hotel checkout is at 1000AM. Ideal opportunity to join another Bestway’s tours in the region. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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