Best Of Vietnam & Cambodia

Route: Hanoi - Halong - Hoian - Siem Reap

Highlights

Immerse yourself in the most wonderful World Heritage Sites of Vietnam and Cambodia as you take an unforgettable adventure through two of the most colourful yet contrasting cultures in South East Asia. Starting off in Vietnam, experience the old world charm of Hanoi, cruise through dramatic karst scenery of Halong Bay, then navigate the various fusions of east and west in Hoi An. In Cambodia, discover the country’s fascinating history and culture in the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor. This is a journey that will immerse you in history, culture and nature. Best of Vietnam and Cambodia Tour can be operated in reverse upon your request.

Best Of Vietnam & Cambodia

Route: Hanoi - Halong - Hoian - Siem Reap

Highlights

Details

Brief itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Day 2: Full Day Hanoi City

Day 3: Cooking Class - Bat Trang Pottery Village

Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Overnight Cruise

Day 5: Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay

Day 6: Halong Bay - Danang - Hoi An

Day 7: Hoian Ancient Town

Day 8: Hoi An Rural Life

Day 9: Fly to Siem Reap

Day 10: Temple of Angkor

Day 11: Temple of Angkor

Day 12: Tonle Sap Lake - Departure

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Xin Chào! Welcome to Hanoi, the charming capital city of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, meet with your guide at the airport and head to your hotel to refresh yourself.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi Old Quarter (B/L)

Depart for a full day tour of Hanoi. Begin with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Monday). The museum offers an insight into the 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam in an effort to preserve cultural heritage and promote socio-cultural diversity. Continue to the famed Temple of Literature. Become fascinated with the stories of the building and get a glimpse of the past when it served as the Vietnam’s first university, dating back to 1076.

Have lunch at KOTO Van Mieu Restaurant, close by Temple of Literature. KOTO is a not-for-profit social enterprise that empowers at-risk and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam through its holistic hospitality-training program.

Spend this afternoon a wander through some of the Old Quarter’s 36 streets named for the products historically sold there. Let the guide lead the way through a labyrinthine of back alleys into the city’s authentic heart; pass by time-worn temples and traditional houses to encounter people who call this fascinating city home. Stop for some traditional deserts (chè), before heading to your final stop at Ngoc Son Temple on a tiny island on the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Culture Experience (B/L)

This morning drive to the ancient village of Bat Trang, a traditional porcelain and pottery community since the 14^th century on the outskirt of Hanoi. Start exploring the old charms of the pottery village by walking through ancient and narrow alleys while admiring the unique architecture. Visit a local workshop and learn how to make your own pottery under the instruction of skillful craftsmen.

Back to Hanoi Old Quarter, join a cooking class for making Banh Cuon or rice pancakes, a traditional dish of Northern Vietnam. Learn the art of creating this specialty with a local master chef. After this fun and rewarding experience, sit down and enjoy a tasty self-made lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel.

This evening enjoy a world-renowned cultural show of My Village (Làng Tôi) at the Hanoi Opera House or Vietnam Tuong Theater (subject to availability). Experience an awe-inspiring performance of art that highlights the poetic beauty of Northern Vietnam villages’ life, presented through story-telling circus, unique folk live music and creative use of bamboo.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)

This morning depart Hanoi for a two hours scenic drive to Halong Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City or Hai Phong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself.

In the afternoon, enjoy group excursions, activities or just spend some time relaxing on board. Activities are subject to change due to cruise selection and weather conditions. Sightseeing usually includes visiting floating villages or caves on the islands. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Overnight on board in Halong Bay.

Day 5: Lan Ha Bay (B/L/D)

Spend this full day exploring the Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. A great day out of many exciting activities, usually includes: swiming on the beach, kayaking to discover cave, cycling or trekking on Cat Ba Island. Full board meals are served on board.

Overnight on board in Halong Bay.

Day 6: Halong Bay - Hoian (B)

Enjoy the morning in the middle of Halong Bay. Breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessel cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards the port. Mid-morning the boat will return to shore. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport or Hai Phong International Airport, board a short flight to Danang.

Flight recommended: VN1673 (HPH 14:00 – DAD 15:15) or VN181 (HAN 16:00 – DAD 17:20) by Vietnam Airlines. Airfare is not included in tour cost.

Upon arrival at Danang airport, you will be welcomed by your local guide, and transferred to your hotel in Hoian ancient town. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 7: Hoian Ancient Town (B/L)

Explore one of Vietnam’s most charming coastal towns, Hoian. Begin the walking tour through the charming streets lined with honey-yellow buildings until reaching Chua Ong Pagoda. This ancient, Chinese-inspired structure dates back to 1653, and within its walls, visitors can smell the sweet aroma of incense. Walk onward to nearby Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.

After taking in the fascinating 200-year-old Tan Ky House, visit one of Hoi An’s most iconic structures, the beautiful and intricately decorated Japanese Covered Bridge. Enjoy lunch with traditional Hoian delicacies. The rest of the day is your free time at leisure.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 8: Hoian Rural Life (B/L)

Start the day with a short drive or a scenic bicycle ride passing rice paddies to the village of Tra Que on the outskirts of Hoian. This charming village is well known for its luscious fields where local farmers grow organic vegetables and herbs. Discover the many types of the fresh and fragrant greens and lend a hand working the fields. Learn about organic planting and harvesting techniques and even get the unique chance to ride a buffalo! Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

This afternoon take a boat trip to the village of Cam Thanh on the bank of Thu Bon River. Explore a seven-hectare mangrove forest filled with water coconut trees while on bamboo basket boats. Meet the local fishermen for a hands-on fishing net experience. Learn how to paddle the boats, watch in awe as some villagers put on an amazing basket boat performance and go boat racing!

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 9: Hoian - Siem Reap (B)

After breakfast you are at leisure, then transfer to Danang Airport for a short flight to Siem Reap. Flight recommended: K6841 (DAD 18:40 – REP 20:00) by Cambodia Angkor Air. Airfare is not included in tour cost.

Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by our local English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel for check in.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 10: Temples of Angkor (B/L)

Breakfast in hotel. Spend full day exploring the most fabled temples in the Small Circuit of Angkor Archaeological Park.

This morning explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII in late 12^th century. Angkor Thom is an almost square city surrounded by a stonewall, 8m high and 12 kilometers long, with five entrance gates (two in the east wall). Each gate is carved with three giant faces and is flanked by 54 gods on the left and 54 demons on the right of its causeway.

Continue to the Bayon Temple, the centerpiece of Angkor Thom complex. The structure encompasses 54 towers that are decorated with 216 smiling stone faces. Next proceed to the Baphuon Temple nearby. The 11^th century pyramid–style temple was probably among the most impressive of the Angkor temples in its day. Climb steep stairs to the upper terrace of the temple and enjoy great views from there. Follow by a visit to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

After lunch, have a short break before heading to the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. The architectural masterpiece was built in the 12^th century, took 30 years to complete and represents the Khmer civilization at it grandest. Crowned by five towers, with elaborate bas-reliefs and a profusion of statues, Angkor Wat is enthralling. The temple is the national symbol of Cambodia and proudly appears on the country’s flag.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 11: Temple of Angkor (B/L0

Breakfast in hotel. Spend full day of adventure to the most beautiful temples in Grand Circuit of Angkor Archaeological Park.

Visit to one of the most picturesque Angkor temples, Ta Prohm. Built in the mid 12^th to early 13^th centuries during the reign of Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm is unique in that it remains largely overgrown by jungle. Continue to another temple built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan. While Ta Prohm was built to honour the king’s mother, Preah Khan was built for his father. Preah Khan is less visited and more unrestored, and therefore offers more of a “Tomb Raider” experience.

If time permits, visit the temples of Banteay Kdei and Takeo nearby. Both are peaceful and quite in contrast to other famous temples. Built by King Jayavarman VII, Banteay Kdei means “A Citadel of Chambers”. This photogenic temple is actually made up of a fascinating maze of chambers. Takeo is the first temple built entirely in sandstone during the reign of King Jayavarman V (968 - 1001). As one of the tallest monuments of Angkor, its five sanctuaries are placed on top of a 22-meter high stepped pyramid, offering good views of the surrounding area.

This afternoon travel to the countryside to see the hidden gem of the Angkor Archaeological Park, the beautiful temple of Banteay Srey. Banteay Srey is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in the park. This small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs. Because of its remote location, the temple is often passed over by visitors but is probably the best-preserved monument of the entire Angkor complex.

On the way back to Siem Reap, visit the charming temple of Ta Som (if time permits). It was built in the Bayon style and has been well restored. One of the most prominent features of this temple is the huge strangler fig tree, which has engulfed the eastern gate, providing excellent photo opportunities.

Our last stop today is Pre Rup temple. Climb up to the top level of this ancient temple and enjoy sunset over the temples and the jungle.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 12: Tonlé Sap Lake - Departure (B/L)

After breakfast, drive past expansive rice fields and through local villages to the Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Take a relaxing boat trip along a canal that lead to lake, visit a floating fishing village and observe the vibrant daily life of the locals.

The last visit of our journey is the Angkor Silk Farm, where you can witness the entire process of silk creation from the breeding process and life cycle of the silkworm to the spinning of the silk, the dying process and the creation of beautiful silk weavings on wooden hand looms.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Free at your own leisure untill transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Special Rates

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Terms & Conditions

PAYMENT

Booking is made more than 30 days prior to arrival date: a 50% deposit of total value is required upon confirmation. The balance must be paid at least 30 days prior to arrival date.

Booking is made less than 30 days prior to arrival date: 100% of total value is required upon confirmation.

Payment method: by bank transfer or by credit card. Client/remitting party must cover their own bank charges. Credit card payment incurs a merchant service fee of 2% for Visa, Mastercard and 3% for American Express, in addition to the total amount payable.

Booking will be cancelled if payments are not received on due date(s).

CANCELLATION/AMENDEMENT

Cancellations or amendments must be informed in writing. E-mail cancellation or booking amendments are only effective once re-confirmed by FantaSea Travel. We strongly recommend you to purchase travel insurance to cover cancellation cost if any. We do not cover any costs related to your travelling risk. Should you have to cancel or amend, the following terms will apply:

Normal Season:

More than 30 days: 10% of total value

From 15 to 30 days: 25% of total value

From 8 to 14 days: 50% of total value

Within 7 days or no show: 100% of total value

Peak Season (20 DEC - 10 JAN):

More than 45 days: 10% of total value

From 31 to 45 days: 25% of total value

From 15 to 30 days: 50% of total value

Within 14 days or no show: 100% of total value

Certain special offers may be non-refundable/non-amendable. These will be advised to you at the time of booking. Refund can take up to 45 days after cancellation date.

COVID-19 POLICY

For all new bookings made from 1 January 2021, we grant free cancellation up to 7 days prior to arrival (thereafter 100% charge) if the reason for cancellation is related to COVID-19 such as the following:

+ Guests suspected or confirmed to carry the virus

+ Guests being denied to board an airplane

+ Border closures in Vietnam, in a neighboring country for tour bookings or in the guests’ country of residence

+ Quarantine obligation

+ New lockdown

In such circumstances, FantaSea Travel will allow you to change the dates of your tour or offer you a credit for another tour. This policy is only valid if the ability to travel is beyond the control of the guest. Guests are required to provide reasonable documentation confirming that their inability to travel is due to COVID-19 related matters. The final decision to waive cancellation charges lies entirely with FantaSea Travel at all times.

For cancellations or booking modifications due to reasons not related to COVID-19 our standard policies as stipulated in this offer apply.

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