The capital of Vietnam, a city that celebrated 1.000 years in 2010, has countless fascinating cultural and historic sites, and today you will visit the highlights. Starting with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to explore the architectural and historical aspects of Ho Chi Minh’s final resting-place.  Next, we pay a visit to the Thang Long Citadel – a UNESCO World Heritage Site (which is closed between 11:30 – 13:30 daily) and experience an underground war bunker in the same compound, that played a very important role in the American war. After lunch, the tours move onto Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature, established in the grounds of a temple in 1076 and was in use for an incredible 700 years. Next, you will visit Hỏa Lò Prison, a site used by French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War.

This morning your guide will meet you at the hotel’s lobby and depart for the UNESCO listed Halong Bay. Upon arrival, you will embark a wooden junk for a cruise through magnificent karst scenery. You will visit splendid caverns, go swimming and in the evening, enjoy a marvellous seafood dinner before staying overnight on board in Halong Bay.

Today you get to explore Hoi An at your own leisure.

After having breakfast we head to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the very few remaining monuments from the Vietnam War. Somewhat 200 km of tunnels dug by hand and inhabited by the forces of the Vietnamese guerrillas during the conflicts lies beneath the ground in Cu Chi. Today, it remains one of the most impressive examples of how fierce the war was. During the afternoon, you will experience the Reunification Palace – a blend of traditional ritual and modern architecture which served as the presidential palace of South Vietnam until reunification in 1975. Next, you will visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post Office, and stroll along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) to see colonial architecture such as the Continental Hotel and the Opera House.

Take an internal flight to Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by a local English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel. Siem Reap will act as the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor and the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. After a short break, you will be driven to visit the famous Angkor Wat by car or coach. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, it is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing the Mount Meru, home of the gods.  Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia’s national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. After the visit your guide will return to your hotel and you can enjoy the evening at your own leisure. Recommended flight details: Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap with Vietnam Airlines 12:00 pm (flight number VN3825). If the client prefers to book their own domestic flight, we advise that clients arrange their own flight tickets based on our suggestions. Otherwise, if preferred, we can assist with the flight bookings at prices quoted below.

Early today you travel to the gem of the Angkor area, the stunning temple of Banteay Srei which is best viewed in the early morning light. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” remains the best-preserved temple in Cambodia. 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. Lunch will be at the iconic Viroths restaurant before embarking on an interesting boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Board a local boat and visit Kampong Phluck, a village where you will see houses on stilts that are submerged when Tonlé Sap Lake extends. On the way, you will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water. (Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from June to March. However, an alternative floating village at Chong Kneas can be arranged instead).