Day 01: Arrive Hanoi (VIETNAM)

Chào bạn! (Welcome in Vietnamese). Upon arriving in Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, we’ll receive a warm welcome and transfer to our hotel. Check-in is available from 2:00 PM, with the remainder of the day free to explore at your leisure. Known for its centuries-old architecture that reflects a blend of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences, Hanoi’s charm centers around its bustling Old Quarter, where narrow, trade-focused streets capture the city’s authentic spirit.

Overnight: Tirant Hotel (4-star - Deluxe Room), Hanoi (1 night)

Day 02: Hanoi/Ha Long Bay/Lan Ha Bay (Drive)

Located south of Ha Long Bay and east of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay spans over 7,000 hectares, with around 400 islets scattered throughout the area. Known for its majestic limestone mountains, each with its own lively folk legend, Lan Ha Bay is gaining popularity among travelers seeking a pristine and less-crowded destination.

This morning, we depart on a 2.5-hour journey to Tuan Chau Marina, where we'll embark on a relaxing cruise to the magnificent Lan Ha Bay. While just as beautiful as its famous neighbor, Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha remains relatively undeveloped. Take some time to explore the vessel or simply watch the magical landscape pass by. A special lunch featuring fresh seafood will be served as the cruise continues its entry into Lan Ha Bay, surrounded by extraordinary limestone karsts. You’ll have the option to kayak in the crystal-clear waters or enjoy a refreshing swim. Later, return to the main boat to cruise toward our overnight docking spot. Enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration—a great opportunity to learn how to prepare tasty appetizers—followed by a special dinner in the restaurant, and then relax at your leisure for the evening.

Notes:
★ There is no tour guide escort on the bus, and English-speaking staff will be available on the cruise.
★ The itinerary varies depending on the cruise and is subject to weather conditions.

Overnight: La Casta Cruise (5-star – Junior Suite), Ha Long Bay (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 03: Lan Ha Bay/Ha Long Bay/Hanoi (Drive)

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the bay with a cup of tea or coffee in hand on the sundeck. Afterward, there will be an early and gentle Tai Chi demonstration. Enjoy breakfast in the fresh air of Lan Ha Bay while the boat continues cruising through the most beautiful and peaceful areas. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room, taking in the bay scenery as we approach the wharf. Our vehicle will be ready for disembarkation at approximately 10:30 AM for the drive back to Hanoi. We arrive in Hanoi with the balance of the day free to enjoy Hanoi on our own.

Overnight: Tirant Hotel (4-star – Deluxe Room), Hanoi (1 night) (B, Brunch)

Day 04: Hanoi/Hue (Flight)

Enjoy a tour of Hanoi, where we visit the Ethnology Museum, followed by the vibrant downtown area. We’ll stop to see the Hanoi Opera House and take a walk to Hoan Kiem Lake. Historical landmarks like the Hanoi Post Office, City Hall, Flower Garden, Ly Thai To Statue, and St. Joseph Cathedral all contribute to the rich mosaic that Hanoi offers. We’ll then embark on a fun, one-hour pedicab ride through the Old Quarter, visiting Bach Ma Temple and Ma May Ancient House. Our day ends at the bustling Hang Da Market before we take a late evening flight to Hue.

Upon arrival at Hue Airport, we are met and transferred to our hotel for check in.

Overnight: Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel (4-star - Boutique Deluxe Room), Hue (2 nights) (B)

Day 05: Hue

Our day begins with a visit to Tu Duc Tomb, once the Royal Palace of Tu Duc. Constructed between 1864 and 1867, its pavilions are set amidst tranquil forested hills and lakes. Next, we visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, the final monument of the Nguyen dynasty, majestically perched on the slopes of Chau E Mountain in Chau Chau Village. Its long staircase, flanked by dragons, leads to stunning ceiling murals and ceramic frescoes. After enjoying a hot lunch, we head to the banks of the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, a key site of anti-government protests in the early 1960s. We then explore the Emperor Minh Mang Tomb complex, built in 1840, renowned for its magnificent architecture, military statuaries, and intricate decorations. It is perhaps the most beautiful of Hue's pagodas and tombs, a perfect end to a spectacular day. (B, L)

Day 06: Hue/Danang/Hoi An (Drive)

En route to Hoi An, we visit the Cham Museum, founded in 1915 by the École Française d'Extrême-Orient. It houses the finest open-air collection of Cham sculptures in the world. We then continue on to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five stone hillocks, each representing one of the five elements of the universe. The largest and most famous, Thuy Son, features several natural caves where Buddhist sanctuaries have been built over the centuries. We then continue to Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of Southeast Asia's major international ports from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Overnight: Mulberry Collection Silk Village (4-star), Hoi An (2 night) (B)

Day 07: Hoi An/Tra Que/Hoi An (Drive)

An exciting day lies ahead. One of the secrets to the flavour of Cao Lau—Hoi An's famous specialty dish—is the fresh vegetables grown at Tra Que village, located along a lagoon. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to become local farmers, joining the villagers in the Tra Que vegetable garden and learning how they grow and prepare vegetables. Afterward, we visit a local home for a cooking demonstration, where we’ll learn to prepare some of Hoi An's specialty dishes, such as Bánh Xèo (a crepe filled with shrimp, meat, and bean sprouts), Cao Lầu (a signature noodle soup), and Tam Hửu (rice rolls filled with steamed shrimp and pork). Best of all, we’ll savor the dishes we’ve made!

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and distinctive local cuisine. As we explore, we’ll observe historic merchant houses, ancient pagodas, and places of worship, with influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. Stop by the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, over 400 years old, first built by the Japanese community in the 1590s to connect to the Chinese quarter. We’ll also visit the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, admiring its intricate wood carvings and learning untold stories about the Chinese community in Hoi An. Continue strolling through Hoi An's backstreets, where the soft clatter of sewing machines fills the air. This charming town is home to hundreds of tailor shops and nobody can explain exactly when, how, or why it became sewing central. Visit a tailor shop where you can get some express made-to-order clothes. (B, L)

Notes:
★ Walking distance: 2-3 km, easy on flat terrain.
★ Capacity for calligraphy experience: 10 pax.
★ The Hoi An entrance ticket grants entry to 5 sightseeing spots, including merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, museums, pagodas, and assembly halls for 24 hours. It also provides access to Hoi An Ancient Town as long as you’re in the city. Please keep the entrance ticket with you at all times, especially if you plan to visit independently in the evening or on another day.

Day 08: Hoi An/Danang (Drive)/Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (Flight)

Driving back to Danang, we take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City—Vietnam's largest and most well-known city. Formerly known as Saigon until 1975, Ho Chi Minh City is now Vietnam’s bustling commercial center that never sleeps. While the city is a dynamic metropolis undergoing rapid change, remnants of its past remain visible in its historic landmarks and beautiful French colonial buildings.

Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh City airport, we are met and begin our half-day excursion. We first visit the War Remnants Museum, offering a partial yet vivid perspective on the Vietnam war through a Vietnamese lens. Please note that some exhibits are graphic and sensitive.

Next, we’ll visit one of the city’s most important historical sites, the Reunification Palace, formerly the residence of the Indochina Governor-General and later the President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until its fall on April 30, 1975. We’ll stroll around the palace, admire its architecture, and hear untold stories that marked great changes in Ho Chi Minh City's history.

Just a short walk or drive away is the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red-brick building with twin spires modeled after its namesake in Paris. Nearby is the Central Post Office, designed by the famous French architect Gustav Eiffel before he created the Eiffel Tower.

We’ll also explore the tempting shops along Dong Khoi Street, once known as Rue Catinat, a boulevard where high society shopped in colonial times. Our visit concludes at the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you can practice your bargaining skills and take home unique souvenirs.

Overnight: Mai House (5-star – Premium Room), Saigon (1 night) (B)

Day 09: Saigon/Cai Be/Vinh Long/Can Tho (Drive)

Our exploration today takes us to the famous Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Pagoda, a 19th-century Buddhist temple. At Can Be, we’ll embark on a boat ride along the Mekong River to Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet, where we’ll have the chance to mingle with local farmers, discover the secrets of their bonsai gardening, and visit local homes where families produce tiles and ceramics. We’ll also stop by a rice-paper kiln, a coconut-candy kiln, and observe daily life in the countryside. A typical Vietnamese lunch will be arranged at a local home.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit a 130-year-old house, the Binh Thuy Communal House in Binh Thuy Ward, just 5 kilometers from downtown Can Tho.

Overnight: Victoria Can Tho Resort (4-star – Superior Room), Can Tho (1 night) (B, L)

Day 10: Can Tho/Chau Doc (Drive)

In the morning, we take a boat ride to the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest wholesale market for fruits and vegetables in the Mekong Delta. The photo opportunities are endless as we witness the daily activities of locals—selling, buying, bargaining, and even serving breakfast on boats. On the way back to the car, we’ll stop at a local farmer's house to visit his orchard, followed by a 30-minute break to enjoy tea and fresh fruit.

After a hot lunch at a local restaurant, we head to Chau Doc, and if time permits, we’ll visit Thoai Ngoc Hau Temple and Tay An Pagoda.

Overnight: Victoria Chau Doc Hotel (5-star – Superior Room), Chau Doc (1 night) (B, L)

Day 11: Chau Doc/Phnom Penh (Boat) (CAMBODIA)

A speedboat ride along the Mekong River takes us from Chau Doc in Vietnam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Sohm swaakohm (Welcome in Khmer)! Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is situated at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap rivers. Often regarded as the most charming of the French-built cities in Southeast Asia, Phnom Penh was founded in 1372 as a small monastery by a wealthy Khmer woman named Penh, after she discovered four Buddha statues inside a tree trunk on the banks of the Mekong. She established a monastery on a nearby hill, or "Phnom." We’ll enjoy a 2-night stay here.

Overnight: Duong Chan Hotel (4-star – Deluxe Double Room with Balcony), Phnom Penh (2 nights) (B)

Day 12: Phnom Penh

Today, we explore two of Phnom Penh's most famous temples: Wat Ounalom Temple and Wat Phnom Temple. Established in 1443 and comprising 44 structures, Wat Ounalom Temple serves as the headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism. Although it sustained serious damage during the Pol Pot era, it has since been restored. We then continue to the hillside temple of Wat Phnom.

We next visit the National Museum, designed in Khmer style by a French archaeologist and painter in 1917, which is dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. Here, we gain insight into Cambodia's history from the "Golden Age" of Angkor, with a superb collection of Khmer art and sculptures from archaeological sites across the country. Our next stop is The Tuol Sleng Museum (Museum of Genocide), which became the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation center, known as Security Prison 21. We conclude the day with a visit to the Central Market, recognized by its central dome, filled with shops offering jewelry, fabrics, and a variety of souvenirs—an excellent place for shopping and meeting locals. (B, L)

Notes:
★ All visitors must wear shorts that reach the knees, and a T-shirt or blouse that covers the elbows; otherwise, an appropriate sarong must be purchased as a covering at the entrance.
★ At the temples, women should cover their shoulders, and both men and women should ensure their knees are covered.

Day 13: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap (Flight)

A short flight and we are in Siem Reap the most famous of all cities in the region! Begin our exploration with a visit to the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, the grand capital of the Khmer Empire from the late 12th century until its decline in the 15th century. Step inside the compound to uncover some of the most mysterious and intricate structures of the Angkor complex. View the Terrace of the Elephants, constructed by King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th century as his platform to observe his victorious returning army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, an intricately carved terrace wall featuring nagas and other mythological figures along a narrow passage leading to the Baphuon complex.

Continue our visit to Angkor Wat, originally built in the first half of the 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a spiritual home for the Hindu god Vishnu. Wander through the intricate and stunning bas-reliefs, showcasing hundreds of finely carved Apsara, Hindu mythology, and key events in its narrative traditions. Be amazed by the immense scale of the temple and discover how the Khmer Empire flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries, during which Angkor Wat was constructed.

Overnight: Anjali by Syphon (4-star – Deluxe Room), Siem Reap (2 nights) (B)

Day 14: Siem Reap

We spend another day in Siem Reap visiting more captivating sites. Banteay Srei, a square Hindu temple built in the late 10th century, features entrances on the east and west. We explore its three central towers adorned with male and female divinities, along with beautiful filigree relief work. We also visit Banteay Samre, Ta Keo, and Ta Prohm, one of Angkor's most famous attractions. Ta Prohm remains as it likely appeared when European explorers first discovered the site. The day wraps up with visits to Pre Rup and Eastern Mebon, concluding an extraordinary day of sightseeing. (B, D)

Day 15: Depart Siem Reap

As our journey comes to an end, it's time to bid farewell. After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Please note that hotel check-out is by 11:00 AM. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 08 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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