From Halong to Angkor: 13 Days Through the Heart of Vietnam & Cambodia

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Embark on an extraordinary 13-day adventure that weaves together the rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking natural beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia. This meticulously crafted itinerary offers a perfect blend of historical exploration, vibrant city life, serene natural escapes, and profound cultural immersion.

Your journey begins in the charming capital of Hanoi, leading you to the mystical waters of Ha Long Bay. You'll then discover the ancient allure of Hoi An, before delving into the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta. The grand finale transports you to the ancient heart of Cambodia, Siem Reap, home to the magnificent temples of Angkor. From the moment you arrive until your reluctant departure, every detail is expertly managed, promising a seamless and truly unforgettable discovery of Indochina's essential wonders.

OVERVIEW ITINERARY

Here is overview itinerary. Please contact for more details and better offers. 

Day 1: Hanoi (Arrival) – Embrace the Capital's Timeless Charm

Day 2: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay – Emerald Majesty Awaits

Day 3: Ha Long Bay → Hanoi – Morning Serenity & Return Journey

Day 4: Hanoi → Hoi An – Historical Gems & Flight South

Day 5: Hoi An – Mystical My Son & Ancient Town's Embrace

Day 6: Hoi An – Leisure & Local Delights

Day 7: Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City – Southern Metropolis Beckons

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels & City Landmarks

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta – Rural Idyllic Life Unveiled

Day 10: Mekong Delta → Ho Chi Minh City – Floating Markets & River Rhythms

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City → Siem Reap – Journey to the Kingdom of Wonders

Day 12: Siem Reap: Explore the Angkor Complex – Grandeur of the Khmer Empire

Day 13: Siem Reap: Cultural Insights & Departure

DETAIL PROGRAM:

Day 1: Hanoi (Arrival) – Embrace the Capital's Timeless Charm

• Meals: None

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

• Activities:

  • Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), you will receive a warm and personalized greeting from your dedicated Blue Ocean Journey representative.

  • Enjoy a comfortable, private transfer directly to your pre-arranged hotel, nestled in the vibrant heart of Hanoi.

  • Complete your check-in procedures and settle into your accommodation.

  • The entire remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, offering ample flexibility to relax, acclimate to the local time, or begin a gentle self-exploration of Hanoi's captivating streets and unique atmosphere. Consider a tranquil stroll around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, savoring your very first authentic taste of Vietnamese street food, or simply unwinding after your international journey.

Day 2: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay – Emerald Majesty Awaits

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

• Accommodation: Overnight on cruise in Ha Long Bay

• Activities:

  • Morning (approx. 8:00 AM): Awaken to a delicious breakfast served at your hotel. Your professional guide and driver will then pick you up for a comfortable, scenic transfer to the legendary Ha Long Bay (approximately 2.5 - 3 hours drive).

  • Mid-day: Upon arrival at the bustling harbor, complete the seamless check-in procedures and step aboard your elegant cruise vessel.

  • Afternoon: Indulge in a gourmet lunch served onboard as your cruise gently glides through the mesmerizing seascape of thousands of magnificent limestone islands and islets. Afterwards, embark on an exploration of the impressive Surprising Cave (Sung Sot Cave), paddle through tranquil, hidden lagoons by kayak, or simply enjoy a refreshing swim in the jade-green waters (activities are subject to the specific cruise itinerary and prevailing weather conditions).

  • Evening: Return to the comfort of your vessel for refreshing drinks and witness a breathtaking sunset painting the sky over the bay. A sumptuous dinner, often featuring fresh local seafood, will be served onboard, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay → Hanoi – Morning Serenity & Return Journey

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

• Activities:

  • Morning (early): Begin your day with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck (optional, offered by most cruises) or simply enjoy the tranquil beauty of the sunrise over the bay.

  • Morning (late): Savor a final delightful breakfast onboard. Your cruise will continue its captivating journey through the enchanting seascape, perhaps making a final stop at a local Pearl Farm village for an insightful visit, before navigating through numerous captivating islands and islets.

  • Mid-day: A final exquisite lunch will be served onboard as your vessel gracefully makes its way back to the pier.

  • Afternoon: Disembark from your cruise and meet your waiting driver for a comfortable transfer back to Hanoi. Enjoy some leisure time to explore Hanoi's vibrant streets, discover charming cafes, or relax after your bay adventure.

Day 4: Hanoi → Hoi An – Historical Gems & Flight South

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

• Activities:

  • Morning: Begin your day with a profound exploration of Hanoi's rich historical and cultural heritage. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university and a serene, scholarly site. Enjoy a tranquil stroll around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, including a visit to the charming Ngoc Son Temple perched on its islet.

  • Late Morning: Immerse yourself in the diverse cultural tapestry of Vietnam at the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the country's various ethnic groups through engaging exhibits and artifacts.

  • Afternoon: After a satisfying lunch, you will be seamlessly transferred to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for your domestic flight to Da Nang International Airport (DAD).

  • Evening: Upon arrival in Da Nang, your next driver will be waiting to provide a comfortable transfer to your charming hotel in the ancient town of Hoi An (approximately 45-60 minutes drive). Check-in and enjoy the evening at your leisure, perhaps taking a gentle walk through Hoi An's illuminated streets.

Day 5: Hoi An – Mystical My Son & Ancient Town's Embrace

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

• Activities:

  • Morning: After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a poignant journey to My Son Sanctuary (approximately 1-hour drive), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the awe-inspiring ruins of the ancient Champa Kingdom, learning about their spiritual significance and remarkable architectural prowess amidst a lush valley.

  • Afternoon: Return to Hoi An for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a captivating walking tour through the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Your exploration will include the vibrant Hoi An Local Market, the historic Old House of Tan Ky, the ornate Fu Jian Assembly Hall, and the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at your leisure, perhaps trying more local delicacies in this charming town.

Day 6: Hoi An – Leisure & Local Delights

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

• Activities:

  • Full Day Leisure: Savor a leisurely morning with breakfast at your hotel. This entire day is exclusively yours to enjoy at your own pace within Hoi An's enchanting Old Town.

  • Optional Activities: Indulge in some bespoke shopping for custom tailoring or handicrafts, relax by the tranquil riverbank with a coffee, participate in a local cooking class to uncover Vietnamese culinary secrets, explore charming alleys, discover hidden cafes, or visit local art galleries. Hoi An offers endless opportunities for relaxation and personal discovery.

Day 7: Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City – Southern Metropolis Beckons

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Spend your leisure time for further relaxation or take a final stroll around Hoi An's captivating ancient town, perhaps doing some last-minute souvenir shopping.

  • Afternoon: Your private driver will provide a comfortable transfer to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your domestic flight to the dynamic Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport - SGN).

  • Evening: Upon arrival at SGN, you'll be met by your next driver and transferred to your hotel in the bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Check-in and the remainder of the evening is at your leisure, inviting you to begin exploring this vibrant southern metropolis at your own pace. Perhaps take an evening stroll, indulge in famous street food, or visit a rooftop bar for panoramic city views.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels & City Landmarks

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

• Activities:

  • Morning: Your morning is dedicated to discovering Ho Chi Minh City's pivotal landmarks. Explore the poignant Re-Unification Palace (the former Presidential Palace of South Vietnam), the stunning French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral, and the thought-provoking War Remnants Museum, offering a deep and impactful look into the Vietnam War.

  • Afternoon: After lunch, embark on a journey approximately 60km out of the city to Cu Chi, where you'll delve into the impressive Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore this intricate network of underground passages, an engineering marvel and crucial strategic site from the Vietnam War. Afterwards, enjoy a unique experience tasting "guerrilla's food" (cassava with tea) before returning to the bustling city.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta – Rural Idyllic Life Unveiled

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho (Mekong Delta)

• Activities:

  • Morning: Following breakfast at your hotel, you will depart from Ho Chi Minh City and begin your journey towards Ben Tre, a charming gateway to the Mekong Delta.

  • Mid-day: Embark on a serene boat trip along the Mekong River, allowing you to witness the tranquil beauty of life on the water. During your journey, you'll visit a charming family-run business that beautifully exemplifies the idyllic rural lifestyle – perhaps a traditional coconut candy workshop or a local brick kiln.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a delightful stroll through a vibrant fruit plantation village, sampling fresh, exotic tropical fruits straight from the source. Experience authentic local life as you navigate smaller, picturesque canals by traditional sampan.

Day 10: Mekong Delta → Ho Chi Minh City – Floating Markets & River Rhythms

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

• Activities:

  • Early Morning (approx. 6:30 AM): Rise early to experience the bustling Cai Rang floating market, a vibrant wholesale market for fruits and vegetables that is at its busiest and most authentic in the early hours. Witness the lively trade from your boat.

  • Morning: Continue cruising through the intricate network of small channels and visit a traditional rice noodle making village, observing the fascinating local craft. Experience the unique adventure of crossing a local "Monkey Bridge," typical of the Delta's ingenious local engineering.

  • Mid-day: After a satisfying lunch in the heart of the Delta, you will be comfortably transferred back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City → Siem Reap – Journey to the Kingdom of Wonders

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Spend your leisure time exploring more of Ho Chi Minh City or simply relaxing until your scheduled private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).

  • Afternoon: Board your international flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap International Airport (REP), Cambodia – the gateway to the ancient Khmer Empire.

  • Evening: Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be met by your Cambodian guide and transferred to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps exploring the vibrant Pub Street or enjoying a relaxing dinner.

Day 12: Siem Reap: Explore the Angkor Complex – Grandeur of the Khmer Empire

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Begin your profound exploration of the Angkor complex. Visit Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, stepping through its monumental South Gate. Within Angkor Thom, explore the enigmatic faces of Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Then, continue your visit to Ta Prohm, a stunning temple complex famously left largely overgrown with trees and vegetation, creating a captivating and atmospheric scene. Lunch will be at a local restaurant near the temples.

  • Afternoon: The highlight of your day will be the visit to Angkor Wat, the most famous and largest of all the temples in Angkor. This massive temple complex is one of the largest religious monuments in the world, renowned for its exquisite bas-reliefs and grand scale.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delightful buffet dinner accompanied by a mesmerizing Khmer Traditional Dance Show (Apsara Dance) at a local restaurant, providing a beautiful cultural immersion.

Day 13: Siem Reap: Cultural Insights & Departure

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Activities:

  • Morning: Start the day by visiting the Cambodia National Museum (or similar). Here, you can explore a rich collection of Khmer art, artifacts, and historical exhibits that provide deep insights into the culture and history of Cambodia.

  • Late Morning: After the museum, embark on a scenic boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia. This is an opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the lake and observe the unique daily lives of the local fishing villages and floating communities that call it home.

  • Mid-day: Head back downtown to visit Artisans Angkor, the carving art school, where you can witness the intricate art of stone carving, silk painting, and other traditional crafts being performed by skilled artisans. Next, continue your visit to Wat Thmei, a beautiful pagoda that is known for its memorial stupa containing the skulls of Khmer Rouge victims, offering a moment of reflection.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a final delicious lunch. Spend some leisure time in Siem Reap for last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation until it is time for your private transfer to Siem Reap International Airport (REP) for your departure flight home.