12-Day Cultural Tour of Vietnam and Cambodia

Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Hanoi. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Start your Hanoi adventure at the impressive Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monumental tribute to the revered Vietnamese leader. The mausoleum is where Ho Chi Minh's preserved body rests. The Vietnamese affectionately call him "Uncle Ho."

One Pillar Pagoda: Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple dating back to 1049. It's constructed in the shape of a lotus blossom and rests on a single stone pillar. Nearby is Ho Chi Minh's House, a serene wooden residence where he lived and worked. You can view some of his personal items and even visit his bedroom.

Temple of Literature: Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, built in the late 11th century. This picturesque temple showcases well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.

Museum of Ethnology: In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays) to discover a vast collection of traditional costumes and artifacts from Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups.

Old Quarter Cyclos Ride: Return to central Hanoi for a unique experience – a one-hour cyclo tour through the famed Old Quarter. This historic district, with its '36 streets of 36 wares,' dates back to the 13th century. Wander through a maze of back streets, where you'll find narrow tunnel-tube houses that were cleverly built to minimize taxes.

Old Quarter Cyclos Ride

Water Puppet Performance: End your day with a captivating water puppet performance. This distinct northern Vietnamese art form depicts scenes of rural life and national history using colorful wooden puppets set to traditional music. It's a delightful cultural experience.

Experience the Orchid Trendy Cruise, commencing your adventure at Tuan Chau Marina. Upon arrival, handle check-in at the waiting lounge and then board a tender boat to reach Orchid Cruises. A warm welcome with drinks awaits, along with a cruise briefing and safety instructions.

orchid cruise

We embark on a delightful journey, indulging in a sumptuous lunch while exploring Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. These natural wonders are among the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Explore the remarkable Dark Cave and Bright Cave, accessible by bamboo boat or kayak.

We continue to the tranquil Tra Bau area in Lan Ha Bay, inviting you for a refreshing swim in its emerald waters. As the day draws to a close, join us for a cooking demonstration and Happy Hour at the bar, where you can witness a captivating sunset over the bay.

For added relaxation, consider our optional massage service, bookable directly with our Cruise Manager. As evening falls, relish a deluxe dinner amid an ambiance blending French neoclassical style with traditional oriental touches.

The night unveils the bay's beauty, with opportunities to enjoy it from the sundeck, restaurant, or engage in activities like squid fishing, movie-watching, chess, and cards. Retreat to your comfortable overnight accommodations, rejuvenating for the adventures that await on Orchid Trendy Cruise.

Begin your day with tranquility as you partake in a revitalizing tai chi session on the sundeck at 6:30 am. If you're an early riser eager to witness the dawn (usually between 5:30 to 6:00, depending on the season), feel free to consult our knowledgeable sailors.

At 7:00 am, savor a hearty breakfast at the restaurant as our cruise continues its journey. Following breakfast, you'll have the opportunity for kayaking in the captivating Ao Ech area, revealing the hidden charms of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay.

Returning to Orchid Cruises at 8:30 am, it's time to complete the check-out process. Enjoy a delightful brunch in our restaurant while cruising back.

At 11:30 am, we bid farewell as we disembark from Orchid Premium at Tuan Chau Marina, marking the conclusion of your memorable cruise with us.

Embark on a captivating journey to a local fishing village and immerse yourself in the authentic lifestyle of Vietnamese fishermen.

Hop aboard a boat and set sail down the picturesque Cua Dai River, making a stop along the serene riverbank. Here, you'll have the chance to try your hand at casting traditional Vietnamese fishing nets, a time-honored technique that continues to be a vital part of their livelihood. Friendly fishermen will be your guides, sharing their extensive knowledge gained through years of experience.

Vietnamese round basket boat

Delve into the art of navigating the distinctive Vietnamese round basket boats, allowing you to navigate the tranquil waterways lined with swaying coconut palms. As you explore, you'll discover the historical significance of the area during the American War.

Wrap up your adventure by returning to the riverboat and indulging in a delightful light meal featuring freshly grilled seafood, all while taking in the scenic beauty of the surroundings.

As you arrive in Can Tho, your local guide will be there to extend a warm welcome and assist you with the transfer to your hotel. After checking in, if your arrival is in the morning or midday and you're eager to explore, we can arrange a leisurely cycling tour in the afternoon, taking you through the scenic countryside surrounding Can Tho. Enjoy an overnight stay in Can Tho, ready for the adventures that await.

Begin your day with an early morning motorboat journey to the vibrant Cai Rang floating market, a bustling spectacle where boats laden with an array of fruits, vegetables, and fish from all across the Delta converge for lively trade. As you navigate the market, take note of the long poles adorned with samples of products for sale, designed to be visible from afar. You'll also find smaller boats offering delicious local meals and refreshments, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Cai Rang Floating Market

Following your market exploration, it's time to check out from your hotel. Next, you'll be transferred to Cai Be, where you'll embark on a local boat adventure. The Mekong Delta, with its fertile landscapes, warm hospitality, and serene gardens, eagerly awaits every visitor.

Relax on the charming Mekong Queen wooden boat and savor tropical fresh fruits, creating an unforgettable experience. You'll briefly disembark to visit a local business, providing a chance to interact with residents and gain insights into their daily lives. Enjoy a leisurely sampan ride through picturesque canals before boarding the boat for a short cruise to visit a local family known for crafting products from water hyacinth. Here, you'll relish a home-hosted lunch featuring Mekong Delta specialties.

After this enriching experience, you'll head back to Saigon, rounding off your day's adventures.

Saigon, a vibrant metropolis with over eight million residents and an astonishing four million motorbikes, is a city that never rests.

Despite its modernity, Saigon preserves its deep historical ties, and our city tour is a journey through some of its most iconic landmarks. Our first stop is the Notre Dame Cathedral, a magnificent red brick structure featuring twin spires, built from materials imported from France. Please note that due to ongoing renovations until late 2023, we'll enjoy an exterior view of this historic cathedral.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Next, we'll stroll across the square to the Central Post Office, a remarkable building completed in 1891. A short drive away, we'll visit the former Presidential Palace, once the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War.

Our tour continues to the War Remnants Museum, offering a poignant and vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Please be aware that some exhibits within the museum contain graphic content.

To conclude our adventure, you'll experience Saigon's renowned street coffee culture, complete with a brief language lesson and insights into the daily life of a Saigonese, before returning to your hotel.

Embark on a captivating journey from Saigon, driving approximately 2 hours northwest to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast network of interconnected underground tunnels, initiated in 1948, was strategically designed to shield Viet Cong guerrillas from both French aerial and ground offensives.

Cu Chi Tunnels

These tunnels served multifaceted purposes, including providing shelter, communication and supply routes, hospitals, and storage facilities for food and weapons. By venturing into these subterranean complexes, you'll gain a profound insight into the tunnels' historical significance, the harsh conditions faced by those who lived within them, and the unwavering Vietnamese spirit during times of conflict.

After this eye-opening experience, return to Saigon, leaving with a deeper appreciation of Vietnam's complex history.

Experience the wonders of Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples in a single day:

Angkor Thom: Encircled by a moat, Angkor Thom stands as a formidable stronghold. You'll explore its five entrances, each a historical passage, with the south gate retaining its water feature.

Angkor Thom

Ta Prohm: Discover the captivating blend of human architecture and nature's embrace. Ta Prohm, known for its role in "Tomb Raider," offers a mysterious atmosphere best enjoyed in the afternoon shade.

Angkor Wat: This colossal religious complex, regarded as one of the Eight Wonders of the World, features a myriad of temples, statues, and palaces. Although a full exploration takes several days, Angkor Wat is your primary gateway to Khmer heritage.

Bayon Temple: Built during King Jayavarman VII's reign, Bayon Temple is famed for its intricate stone faces, resembling a mountain from afar. As you approach, these faces reveal their mesmerizing details.

Embark on a captivating journey with a visit to Banteay Srei, often referred to as the "Citadel of Women." This treasure, discovered last century, astounds with its intricate red sandstone architecture and remarkable wall carvings. Known for its detailed carvings, Banteay Srei stands out as a precious gem of Khmer art, boasting miniature-scale structures.

Banteay Srei

Next, explore the Land Mine Museum, where you'll gain insights into Cambodia's history with land mines and the courageous efforts to locate and defuse them. Your adventure continues with a visit to a nearby village, offering you a taste of palm candies and rice wine.

Experience the beauty of the Cambodian countryside on an ox cart ride, passing through lush rice fields, palm groves, and quaint villages. As the journey unfolds, you'll head south to the vast Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. A boat ride to Kampong Phlukk, or the "Harbor of the Tusks," reveals the lake's history as an elephant trade hub centuries ago. Discover the surrounding mangrove forests, and as the day draws to a close, relish a serene sunset cocktail on the lake before returning to your hotel for leisure.

Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Hanoi Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.