12 DAYS /11 NIGHTS VIETNAM & CAMBODIA TOUR

This morning meet your guide and driver early in the morning and head for Hoan Kiem Lake to join groups of local people practicing tai chi and aerobics – a regular morning routine! After visiting Ngoc Son temple in the middle of the lake, you head to a traditional café where you can try Vietnam’s local iced coffee, caphe sua da, and if you’re feeling adventurous – the ‘egg coffee’. You then continue to a street food stall for a delicious banh mi – a typical baguette sandwich filled in with a variety of ingredients. Afterwards head to Hanoi’s Old Quarter where you will see some of the French colonial architecture of former times, including St. Joseph’s Cathedral – a French gothic building constructed in 1886. Next, walk to the Hoa Lo Prison, where Vietnamese as well as American and French prisoners of war were once held. Then it’s on to the Huu Tiep Lake, better known as ‘B-52 lake’, where the wreckage of a US B-5 bomber can still be seen. At noon, you stop to enjoy Hanoi’s traditional bun cha noodle dish, made with grilled pork and rice noodles. In the afternoon, you go to the Temple of Literature built in 1076, where Vietnam’s first university was established to educate Vietnam royalty, mandarins and members of the elite – a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past. Last but not least, head to a street where the tracks of Hanoi’s railway pass only meters from the entrance to homes. Together with your guide, you can walk along the tracks and take some beautiful photos of the city. The day finishes with a refreshing glass of draught beer at a local bia hoi spot – a chance to mingle with the locals.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel De L’Opera Hotel, Deluxe room

We will pick you up at your hotel after breakfast and drive to Halong. Enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta country side. Stop in Hai Duong province for refreshment about 30 minutes.
11.30 – 12.00 Upon arrival at Emperor Cruises, located at No.28B of Tuan Chau International Marina, our team will welcome you in our lounge before boarding.
12.00 – 12.15 Our Cruise Director will assist you with boarding to start cruising in Halong Bay.
13.15 – 14.00 A set lunch menu will be served at our Panorama Restaurant on the 03rd deck. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese food while admiring the grace of the bay.
14.45 – 15.30 The cruise approaches Nha Lat Area. This is time for guests to visit Me Cung Cave (Cave of Maze) – a spectacular destination with plenty of historical and archaeological values about Ha Long Culture from 10,000 years ago. Guests will be charmed by the magnificent complex structure with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and the most diverse ecological system in Halong Bay.
14.45 – 15.30 The cruise approaches Nha Lat Area. This is time for guests to visit Me Cung Cave
(Cave of Maze) – a spectacular destination with plenty of historical and archaeological values
about Ha Long Culture from 10,000 years ago. Guests will be charmed by the magnificent
complex structure with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and the most diverse
ecological system in Halong Bay.
15.45 – 16.30 And then, the tender takes the guests to Tung Sau Area, free time for guests to paddle on colorful kayaks to explore the stunning landscape of Halong Bay.
17.00 – 18.30 Attend the Afternoon tea with music and Canapes on Sundeck and join in the cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking in a truly stunning setting.
19.30 – 21.00 Enjoy our A La Carte course menu for dinner at Royal Palace Restaurant on board as you experience the charm of Halong Bay at night.
21.00 – 22.00 Try your luck with interesting activity at night – Squid fishing.

Overnight on Emperor cruise, Signature cabin – FULL BOARD PACKAGE

06.00 – 06.30 Enjoy Vovinam exercise in the sunshine morning on sundeck.
06.45 – 07.15 Enjoy light breakfast including tea, coffee, pastries, cookies, fresh juices... at our luxury restaurant.
07.15 – 08.30 Visit Luon Cave. Sitting on a bamboo boat rowed by a local, you can see a variety of plants such as ferns, cycads, Benjamin’s fig trees, and many beautiful orchids.
08.30 – 09.15 Finish packing all the luggage and check out.
09.30 – 10.30 Enjoy brunch A La Carte in CAN CHANH restaurant on the 1st floor while cruising back to the mainland.
11.00 – 11.15 Arrive in Tuan Chau International Marina and Emperor Cruises lounge for disembarkation your onward journey.
Meet your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport to take the flight to Da Nang:Arrival at Da Nang airport, meet your driver and guide and head towards your hotel in Hoi An. Check-in and enjoy the evening free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight at Boutique Hoi An,Deluxe room

Free in the morning.
Hoi An walking tour with foodie experience: Meet our guide at your hotel in the afternoon for a walking tour through Hoi An’s Old Town with its hundreds of historic houses, congregation halls, pagodas and other notable structures. A key trading port from the 15th to 19th century, Old Town’s wide range of architectural styles reflect its indigenous and foreign influences, leading to the city becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. There is plenty to see, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant local market. You will visit all of these places on this walking tour, so be prepared! You will also have the opportunity to paint your own traditional mask – a memorable souvenir to take home with you. While you are walking, you can try some of the local street food, including, Vietnamese coffee; the best banh my in Vietnam; banh bot lọc, clear shrimp and pork dumplings; banh it, sticky rice dumplings; bánh khọt, savory coconut pancake; balut egg; cao lau noodles; and sliced pork wrapped with rice paper, among others.

Meals: Breakfast & food on tour

Full day at leisure at the beach.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight at Boutique Hoi An, Deluxe room

After early breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Danang airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh City:
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat airport, your driver and guide will meet you and they will transfer you to hotel (check in time at hotel: 2 pm).
Ho Chi Minh Half-day Sightseeing
Meet with our guide at your hotel after breakfast and get ready to explore Saigon. Your first stop will be the Reunification Palace, the residence of South Vietnam’s former president before 1975. Next, you will visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office. Saigon is the country’s most dynamic city – a vital economic hub bustling with life. The city could be described as a reconciliation of Chinese and American influences, while retaining its distinct Vietnamese charm and character. Modern office skyscrapers, next to Chinese pagodas, street markets, food vendors and imposing colonial buildings – they all create a fascinating dynamic urban landscape. Later you head to the War Museum, one of Vietnam’s most popular museums, which focuses primarily on the American side of the Vietnam War. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & food on tour
Overnight at Hotel Des Arts, Deluxe room

Exploring the tributaries of the Mekong Delta
This morning depart for your journey, around 2.5 hours, to Ben Tre in the heart of the Mekong Delta. On arrival stop at the vibrant My Long market where you will witness the daily activities of locals as they sort and sell a myriad of fresh fish and local produce and see the specialty rice paper cake being made. Board your boat as you cruise the waterways, through coconut jungles with a canopy of palm trees and along small canals. Stop at a local farmers house to observe how coconut jam is skillfully crafted. Here, you will enjoy the flavors of tea and jam while enjoying the charming ambiance. Next a tuktuk ride will take you through local villages where you will stop to see the art of coconut processing in a local workshop. You"ll also have the privilege of connecting with local villagers who will regale you with tales of the community's way of life. Enjoy a journey on a wooden rowboat as you gently glide along the shaded waters of some small canals. The picturesque scenery will provide ample opportunities to capture truly mesmerizing photographs. Lunchtime beckons, and you"ll be treated to a feast of local specialtiesat a charming riverside restaurant. Here, you can unwind and savor the culinary delights in
a serene setting. Following your meal, your boat journey will lead you back towards Ben Tre where you & make a stop at a traditional brick kiln. Here you will gain an insight into the intricate art of handcrafting bricks and experience more of the local industry. After another short cruise you will be met by your driver for the trip back to Ho Chi Minh city.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel Des Arts, Deluxe room

Today, you will be transferred to airport for flight to Siem Reap.
Welcome to Cambodia. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, our guide and driver will transfer you to hotel.
Check in time: 2 pm

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight at Shinta Mani Angkor, Angkor Superior room

Gazing sunrise with majestic beauty of Angkor Wat temple.
This morning at 5:00am you will depart your hotel for Angkor Wat, the largest and most breathtaking monument at Angkor. Built as the funeral temple for Suryavarman II who ruled from 1112 to 1152, Angkor never fails to reward the first time or repeat visitor with its grand scale, surreal bas reliefs and unbelievable attention to detail. We enter the temple complex from the quite east side of Angkor Wat to avoid the crowds and will spend the
morning exploring one of man's most magnificent creations before returning to the hotel for a late breakfast. After breakfast you will start your full day visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom and the temples of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimean Akas, The Royal Enclosure, the terraces of Elephants, the Leper King and Preah Khan.
Next we’ll explore Ta Prohm. This jungle-clad temple with overgrown trees exudes a haunting and exotic atmosphere. The magnificent tree roots push between the temple & huge stone blocks in a strange embrace. Ta Phrom is particularly amazing in the late afternoon light after most of the crowds have left. Today you will finish the tour with an unforgettable sunset at Srah Sarong before returning to your hotel.

Meals Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Shinta Mani Angkor, Angkor Superior room

This morning, your private driver and guide will pick you up at hotel & lobby for drive to visit Beng Mealea. Beng Mealea is a spectacular jungle temple, located about 40 km north of Siem Reap.
Beng Mealea (meaning lotus pond in Khmer) is a sizable temple, orientated towards the east. Ithas been largely
reclaimed by nature with trees and moss covering the ruins. It gives a shady and quiet atmosphere and the lack of other visitors makes this temple really special.  There is extensive carving of scenes from Hindu mythology, including the Churning of the Sea of Milk and Vishnu being born by the bird god Garuda. Causeways have long balustrades formed by bodies of the seven-headed Naga serpent. Constructed during the reign of king Suryavarman II, the layout is similar to that of Angkor Wat. Its scale is huge; being well over 1 square kilometre.
The moat has no perimeter wall unlike Angkor Wat. If you approach via a causeway Beng Mealea appears to be a huge pile of rubble partially hidden in the trees. Once you get closer the high walls and the ancient Khmer Architecture reveals itself.
After lunch you will drive to Kampong Kleang village. Imagine wooden houses on 10 meter tall stilts, surrounded by water in the wet season and on the flood plains of the lake in the dry season.  In the late afternoon, we will catch a wooden boat from Kampong Khleang to the Tonle Sap Lake.
Both sides of the river are lined by floating houses that look amazing nestled on the great lake. From here you have a picturesque view of the floating house and local people’s way of life and take as many photos as you want. We include a few soft drinks and local beers on the boat so you can enjoy some sundowners before heading back to Siem Reap.

Overnight at Shinta Mani Angkor, Angkor Superior room with breakfast

Enjoy your last morning in Siem Reap before checking out of your hotel. Hotel check out time at 12:00.
Your private driver and guide will pick you up at hotel’s lobby for transferring to Airport for your departure flight to next destination!