Day No. | Day Brief |
Day 1 | Phnom Penh arrival |
Day 2 | Phnom Penh visit – Drive to Siem Reap |
Day 3 | Siem Reap visit |
Day 4 | Siem Reap – Free day |
Day 5 | Siem Reap > Fly to Luang Prabang |
Day 6 | Luang Prabang visit |
Day 7 | Luang Prabang visit |
Day 8 | Luang Prabang > Fly to Hanoi |
Day 9 | Hanoi city visit with cyclo ride |
Day 10 | Hanoi – Halong bay overnight cruise |
Day 11 | Halong bay – Hanoi > Fly to Danang – Hoi An |
Day 12 | Hoi An visit |
Day 13 | Hoi An – Free day |
Day 14 | Hoi An – Danang > Saigon – City highlights visit |
Day 15 | Saigon – Mekong delta excursion |
Day 16 | Saigon departure |
Day 1
PHNOM PENH ARRIVAL
Arrive in Phnom Penh, after clearing formalities you are welcomed by the local guide and drive to city down town.
Phnom Penh was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history it still retains a colonial charm as much of its original architecture remains. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and the Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the charm of the city where Asian traditions meet Western customs in a fascinating way.
On the way passing by Wat Phnom which is situated near the northern boundary of the city. The original temple was built in 1372 by a rich Khmer lady named “Penh” who found a collection of statues of the Buddha washed up on the river bank and decided to house them on a nearby hill (“Phnom”). The site contains some good examples of Khmer architecture and statues. Wat Phnom is frequented by the locals as a place of worship and a favorite weekend picnic spot.
Come to city pier and you will hop into a boat to scull along the Mekong river to see the scenic views of the sunset over the over the Mekong. You will enjoy the cruise watching a spectacular sunset (depends on weather condition). Enjoy included light dinner on the cruise.
Return to hotel early evening and rest of time is free at leisure.
Included meals: Dinner
Accommodation in PHNOM PENH
Day 2
PHNOM PENH VISIT – DRIVE TO SIEM REAP
Breakfast at hotel.
The tour guide will pick you up from hotel.
Start your visit to the Royal Palace. You will walk through to visit the Royal Place, which is also the residence of the King and Queen, is set back from the riverfront, but in clear view of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. Although it is closed to visitors, this beautiful building and its palatial gardens are still visible from the outside and are well worth seeing. The Royal Palace is located between the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum.
Contniue to visit the Silver Pagoda (or the temple of the Emerald Buddha), formerly a wooden building, was rebuilt in 1962 in concrete and marble. The pagoda is floored with over 5000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilogram. It is famous for its 90 kg solid gold Buddha made in 1907 with accompanying Emerald Buddha, said to be made of baccarat crystal. Sharing the pagoda are many other interesting artifacts and jewels. This was one of the few temples to remain intact during the Khmer Rouge regime. Photography is allowed in the outside exhibition areas only. It should be remembered that exposed knees and shoulders may be considered disrespectful.
Then leaving Phnom Penh. Travel by private coach to Siem Reap and escort by your local tour guide (approximately 6 hours drive). Along the way, you’ll make several stops which are great opportunities to see the real Cambodia.
You’ll have the rare chance to sample a deep-fried spider in the town of Skuon. Visit the cottage industry of Santuk Silk Farm a fair-trade organization that provides a valuable source of employment in a poor rural community.
Enjoy simple late lunch at local restaurant (or picnic lunch) on the way.
Siem Reap is the capital city of Siem Reap Province. This small town is the gateway to the Angkor Archeological Park, which is over 40 km2 and is home to more than 100 temples dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries.
On arrival in Siem Reap, check in the hotel and relax.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in SIEM REAP
Day 3
SIEM REAP VISIT
Early in the morning, guide will pick you up to visit the biggest religious temple in the world; enjoy the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple with sunrise view and visit the temple.
Built by Suryavarman II, in early 12th century Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing the Mount Merou, home of the gods. Considered as the masterpiece of the Khmer architecture, this Vishnuite temple is the King’s funerary temple. These are the main reasons to explain the West exposure of the temple. Inside the temple the walls are covered by carvings and bas-reliefs depicting the Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II made during his reign. As well Angkor Wat is well known for the 2000 Apsaras dancers decorating the temple.
Drive back to hotel for included breakfast and have time to relax and enjoy the hotel facility.
Guide pick up from hotel to continue the tour to visit Banteay Srei which is located an hour from Siem Reap. This red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings in an amazing state of preservation.
On the way back, you will have the possibility to stop at local communities along the way and your guide will help you to interact with the local community to learn about the way of life here. Seize the opportunity to taste Palm Wine and Palm Sugar (seasonal) and other popular local produce.
Proceed to visit Ta-Prom Temple, built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. It has been left in much the same condition in which it was found: the photogenic and atmospheric combination massive fig and silk cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors, offering some of the best ‘tree-in temple’.
The Great City of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall; each side of the city is 4 km long. It draws a perfect square you access this town through 5 gates; 4 of them represent the cardinal points and the 5th one the Death Gate was the one used for the dead exiting the city.
After passing through the south gate, you will go down along this shady road to the Bayon temple. This temple lies exactly in the center of the city. The particularity of this monument is the 54 towers representing the 54 provinces of the then Great Khmer Empire. Each tower has 4 faces. This is the only temple in Cambodia depicting scenes of the every day life at the time of the empire.
Back to hotel to refresh.
Transfer to Phare, The Cambodian Circus. The show will be about 19:30-20:30. Phare circus shows more than what its name means, no animals but using acrobatics, contortion, dance and live music, telling an authentic Cambodian story in contemporary ways. The artists connect with the audience by carrying humor and emotions.Grown up in difficult social and economical situation, the artists perform the show to earn their living and support their family. Your ticket purchase supports to pay for their training programs, too.
Here is also a video link that you can peek what the guest experience is like at Phare.
After the show, enjoy the dinner at local restaurant (Café Indochine).
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation in SIEM REAP
Day 4
SIEM REAP – FREE DAY
Breakfast at hotel.
Have your day free at leisure or you can attend some suggest visit.
Have your tour guide and private vehicle available for use with the city.
Charity activities, visit local school/ children center or workshops can be suggested and arranged.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in SIEM REAP
Day 5
SIEM REAP VISIT > FLY TO LUANG PRABANG
Breakfast at hotel.
Start the tour with embarking on an interesting boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Tonle Sap is South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake with its size varying greatly depending on the season. During the dry season it is roughly 2,500 km2, swelling to about four times it size during the wet season: 10,000 km2! We will board a boat and visit the Chong Kneah village where we’ll see floating houses, farms and even a floating hospital.
Continue to Artisans d’Angkor, established in 1992 in order to support Cambodian arts and crafts and to help young people find work in their local villages by continuing the practice of traditional arts. Among the workshops available for visit are wood and stone carving, wood and stone lacquering, gilding, and silk processing.
Return to hotel to refresh and check out.
Then your tour guide will assist you to the airport for your departure flight from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Luang Prabang is a peaceful, provincial city, and is the spiritual capital of Laos. There is little traffic on the Luang Prabang roads and monks in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in LUANG PRABANG
Day 6
LUANG PRABANG VISIT
After breakfast we visit the country’s most historic and enchanting temple Wat Xiengthong, with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style, as well as the unique Wat Sene.
We than board a private boat for a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Our first stop will be at the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River crammed with thousands Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. On the way back, if time permitting, we will visit ban Xang Hay, a village specialized in rice alcohol production.
Light Lunch served on board.
In the afternoon we visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which gives us a great insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos.
Our final stop of the day is a climb Mt Phousi, which offers a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in LUANG PRABANG
Day 7
LUANG PRABANG VISIT
You can discuss with your guide for an optional early morning start (5.30am) to witness and partake in the daily morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’ or giving alms to the monks. This is a unique ritual still followed by the locals in Luang Prabang. We can also visit the local fresh market to see how the locals shop, before returning to your hotel for breakfast.
This morning your city tour minivan begins at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. The Royal Palace was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family, and is now home to exhibits of art and jewels as well as the residence itself. From there, continue on foot to visit Wat Mai, with its unique 5 tiered roof and golden bas-reliefs. During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the small Buddha statue called Pra Bang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple. To end the morning at Wat Aham and Wat Visoun.
Depart to Kuangsi Waterfalls. Our excursion will take us out of the town to the prestigious Kuangsi Waterfalls, where client will enjoy the beauty of the site with several places around to swim and relax while observing the waterfalls. Time allows, it is possible to swim and/or trek for 2 to 3 hours around the waterfall.
After that you will stop to visit Ock Pop Tok to learn more about Buddhist scarves and prayer flags to dowry gifts and long traditional skirts, textiles are deeply embedded in the Lao culture.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in LUANG PRABANG
Day 8
LUANG PRABANG > FLY TO HANOI
After breakfast, morning free at leisure and enjoy hotel facilities.
Check out before noon 12:00. Luggage separates transfer to the airport and pre check in.
Visit to Ban Xang Khong for silk etc. Sa Paper… tour to end and transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival Hanoi, you will be met by your Senses Journeys guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the night is at your leisure to relax, enjoy your hotel’s facilities, and explore the city.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in HANOI
Day 9
HANOI VISIT
With ochre-coloured colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Hanoi is full of charm.
Meet your guide at your hotel and depart on tour to visit Hanoi with the following highlights:
The historic Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every Monday & Friday, all afternoons and from late September until December) as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens.
Visit the Temple Of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Lunch at local restaurant in Hanoi with some specialties.
Then enjoy a one hour tour by cyclo, a chauffeur-pedalled tricycle, through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as “36 streets”. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore, especially by cyclo, with plenty of photo opportunities all around you.
Drive back to central Hanoi, you will be back to hotel or have an opportunity to walk through the Old Quarter to enjoy the bustling local life.
Rest of the time is free at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in HANOI
Day 10
HANOI – HALONG BAY OVERNIGHT CRUISE
Breakfast at hotel.
Your morning departure from your hotel in Hanoi to Halong Bay takes you on a journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta. Observe everyday life of Vietnamese Villages as you see the villagers work the local rice fields, take live pigs to market on bicycles and plough the fields with their large water buffaloes.
Arrive in Halong and board your selected cruise. As the vessel sets sails, you will be greeted by the Crew Team who will aim throughout your stay at providing you with the highest standards of service for a pure pleasure and utmost comfort onboard. Discover some of the treasures disseminated across the Bay of the Descending Dragon during the afternoon: fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, fantastic rock formations rising up out of emerald water. While onboard, you can take advantage at leisure of the cruise services; surrounded by a stunning setting in motion, you could attend our chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking.
Defined to be one of the highlights of your stay, a highly refined, innovative and varied cuisine will be presented for Lunch and Dinner in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages (with extra charge applied) for drink).
In the evening enjoy the entertainment activities as movie night, squid fishing or just enjoying a cocktail surrounded by limestone rocks majestically springing out from silent waters in the night.
NOTE: This tour is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation in HALONG
Day 11
HALONG BAY – HANOI > FLY TO DANANG – HOI AN
Early birds can attend a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck at the break of dawn. Start the day enjoying some delights with a light breakfast and follow by a colorful brunch. Continue exploring Halong Bay sailing across its 2000 islets and visiting some of its major highlights.
Your cruise will come to an end at the pier in Halong late morning (around 11:00-11:30) and drive back to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi airport in time for short flight to Danang.
On arrival Danang, transfer to hotel in Hoi An for hotel check in and overnight.
Included meals: Brunch
Accommodation in HOI AN
Day 12
HOI AN VISIT
Breakfast at hotel
Guide pick up from hotel.
Start your morning walking tour of Ancient Town. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a major and prosperous Asian trading port. Hoi An’s architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Today, this World Heritage-listed ancient town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past.
The narrow lanes are ideal for a guided leisurely walking tour. There is plenty to visit including the old merchant’s houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.
Enjoy included lunch at nice local restaurant.
Then after lunch, have your free time or return to hotel and the rest time in the afternoon is free at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in HOI AN
Day 13
HOI AN – FREE DAY
Breakfast at hotel.
Today is free at leisure for shopping and exploring this charming town, a protected UNESCO site. Hoi An is noted for its hand sewn tailored clothing and beautiful white sand beaches; an ideal day at leisure to simply enjoy the environment, relax by the pool, or people watch to your heart’s content.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in HOI AN
Day 14
HOI AN – DANANG > FLY TO SAIGON & VISIT CU CHI TUNNELS
Breakfast from hotel . Your guide picks you up from hotel and transfer to airport for flight to Saigon.
On arrival Saigon, meet the guide and have lunch at local restaurant.
Drive to visit the landmark Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace – the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war. It was towards this modern building that North Vietnamese resistance fighters tanks (Viet Cong) rolled on the morning of April 30, 1975 as Saigon fell. This fascinating building is filled with history still fresh in the minds of many.
Visit the War Remnants Museum which was formerly known as the Exhibition House of American War Crimes. The museums exhibitions include some disturbing photographs of the Vietnam War, a real guillotine, a simulated “tiger cage” prison and jars of deformed fetuses blamed on Agent Orange.
Continue to visit Dong Khoi street, or Rue Catinat as it was known in the time of the French occupation, to discover some of the beautiful French colonial buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th century. Appreciate the splendidly restored exteriors of the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville which are still two of the finest buildings in Saigon. Wander up to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris. (It is only possible to visit inside when no service is being performed) Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel, before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower.
Have a chance to visit Ben Thanh Market where an incredible display of fresh produce is offered. Simply stroll through the market seeing and enjoying the variety of goods for sale.
Transfer to hotel for check in and overnight.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in SAIGON
Day 15
SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA EXCURSION
Breakfast at hotel.
Depart your hotel this morning for about 02 hours drive heading south Ben Tre where referred locally as one of the biggest coconut tree orchards in Vietnam. Take in the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside the highway as you leave behind the busy city.
Arrive at the waterfront pier and embark on an enjoyable motor boat excursion, take a glimpse at the Delta scenery, houses built on stilts and local fish farms along the way.
Take short Xe Lam (Moto cart) along country roads through the villages, tropical gardens along the way; discovering how Vietnamese farmers work their rice fields and observe daily life of the villagers in the Mekong Delta. Engage in a casual chat with your host and stroll through the garden to get an insight into daily farming life. Have a chance visit some local home factories, get to know lively activities of coconut processing and trading as well as enjoy tropical fruit & coconut juice.
Lunch will be served at local house, taste some local delicacies before returning to Saigon and arrive back to Saigon late in the afternoon.
Depart the hotel. Enjoy farewell dinner at nice local boat restaurant.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation in SAIGON
Day 16
SAIGON DEPARTURE
Breakfast at hotel. Free at leisure.
Your guide and private car will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Included meals: Breakfast
Standard 3*: from US $ To be updated
Superior 4*: from US $ To be updated
Deluxe 5*: from US $ To be updated
* Prices are based on twin/ double share for group of at least 02 passengers travelling together and depend on availability and season.
All our itineraries can be customised. For questions or further information, Enquire Now!
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SENSES JOURNEYS
Direct hand phone Mr. HUE: +84 (0) 933 023 363
Email: info@sensesjourneys.com
Add: 287/2/7A Chu Van An Str., Binh Thanh Dist., HCM City, VIETNAM
Tel: +84 (0) 28 6274 2312
Website: www.sensesjourneys.com