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Vietnam and the Temples of Angkor

Operated by: Trafalgar

16 Days from $4,375 per person
JAN - DEC 2023
Vietnam Temples Angkor

Countries Visited

Vietnam, Cambodia ...more Vietnam, Cambodia

Locations Visited

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong River Delta, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat ...more Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong River Delta, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Hanoi

    Relish the warm embrace of Vietnam and her welcoming people, who will touch you with their humility and entrepreneurial spirit throughout your journey across this intoxicating land. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetisers.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Melia Hanoi
  2. Day 2 A Day to Discover Hanoi Dive Into Culture

    This morning is dedicated to the revolutionary leader who fanned the flames of Vietnam’s independence. We begin our day with a visit to the final resting place of “Uncle Ho”, the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. A short walk from here, we’ll find Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, where we’ll Dive Into Culture exploring the grounds surrounding the humble abode of Vietnam’s most famous son. We’ll continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, to gain insights into Hanoian culture. This afternoon, we’ll embark on a cyclo tour, weaving through the lively Old Quarter past colourful shopfronts and street food vendors. Enjoy an evening at leisure or consider joining one of our recommended Optional Experiences to watch a show that uses the ancient art of water puppetry to story-tell the daily lives of Vietnamese people.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Melia Hanoi
  3. Day 3 Set Sail for Halong Bay Stays With Stories

    We leave the busy streets of Hanoi behind, bound for the serenity of Halong Bay where we’ll board a traditional-style Vietnamese Junk boat. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters provide an ethereal backdrop for our leisurely cruise. Enjoy a buffet lunch of Vietnamese specialities whilst cruising through some of the most beautiful and quiet areas such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet and Soi Sim Beach. After lunch we’ll visit a cultured pearl fishery where the pearl maker will explain the process from culturing, harvesting, and sculpting these precious gemstones. Followed if weather permitting a stop at the beautiful Ti Top beach where for those wishing to climb to the top will be rewarded with panorama views of the bay or you may choose to relax on the beach with its smooth white sand. We return to our Junk boat for a cooking class with the chef and enjoy a mesmerising sunset on the top deck before dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in this UNESCO-listed natural wonder.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    hotel Pelican Cruise
  4. Day 4 Onwards to Danang and Hoi An

    The graceful practice of T’ai Chi eases you into your day as is the local custom. After breakfast transferred but tender to the Sung Sot Cave, one of the biggest cave in Halong bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. There will be time to relax on the sundeck and take in the last views of the bays landscape whilst cruising back to the Wharf before your drive to Hanoi Airport to catch your flight to Danang. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An where you have the evening at leisure.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Royal Hoi An
  5. Day 5 Uncover Historic Hoi An Dive Into Culture

    Dive Into Culture this morning, embarking on a walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An. Embrace its charm of yesteryear – the narrow lanes, colourful marketplaces and ancient temples providing insights into the Vietnam of old. See the old merchant houses and 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, before visiting Thanh Dong Organic Village where you’ll spend some time helping local farmers and learning about their daily working routines. Kick back and enjoy a relaxing foot massage that will set the pace for the rest of the day and evening at leisure.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Royal Hoi An
  6. Day 6 Local Life in Hoi An Dive Into Culture

    Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Hoi An further or simply relax at your hotel. Your choice of activities this afternoon could see you learn how to craft your own colourful lantern or gain insights into life as a local fisherman (subject to weather conditions). Create a work of art to bring your home luck and happiness, or cast your net wide for the catch of the day – the choice is yours.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Royal Hoi An
  7. Day 7 Head to Hue via Red Beach Dive Into Culture

    The healthy flavours of Vietnamese cuisine take centre stage as we travel by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. We’ll have an opportunity to savour the dishes we’ve prepared for lunch before returning to Hoi An. This afternoon, our journey takes us over Hai Van Pass en route to Red Beach, where the American Marines first landed in Vietnam during the decades-long war. We continue to Danang for a visit to the Cham Museum before arriving in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, for our overnight stay.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Imperial
  8. Day 8 See the Sights of Hue Connect with Locals

    We’ll navigate the busy streets of Hue on the back of a cyclo en route to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, once home to Nguyen emperors. From here, we drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Boarding a local dragon boat next, we cruise along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son where we’ll Connect With Locals and meet a family member for a Be My Guest lunch to gain a glimpse of their life in this historic house. The afternoon is ours to enjoy at leisure or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences.

    meals Breakfast, Be My Guest
    hotel Imperial
  9. Day 9 Journey to Ho Chi Minh City Make Travel Matter

    A short flight this morning brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll enjoy some time at leisure before lunch at Mai Sen restaurant. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit supports those affected by poverty to provide opportunities and a vocational education in the hospitality sector. The iconic sights of Ho Chi Minh are revealed on a walking tour of Dong Khoi Street next. See the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville. Then, wander up to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, designed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel. Continue to the War Remnants Museum where you’ll have a vivid glimpse of the war through the eyes of the locals. Your final stop today is Ben Thanh market, one of the earliest surviving structures in old Saigon, before arriving at your hotel.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Sofitel Saigon Plaza
  10. Day 10 Meander Along the Mekong Delta

    The mighty Mekong beckons today, as we take a day trip to Cai Be town, in the heart of the Mekong Delta with the first stop today being at an ancient house dating back to the 19th century beautifully preserved and passed down through many generations of the family. We’ll transfer to a traditional sampan boat and navigate the maze of small canals to the unique Cai Be floating market where stall holders show their goods by hanging them on bamboo poles, stopping for a home hosted lunch of delicious Mekong Delta specialities. Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Sofitel Saigon Plaza
  11. Day 11 Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels Dive Into Culture

    We’ll delve into Vietnam’s turbulent history from the previous century with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels built to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. We’ll explore the underground compounds with a VC veteran and gain an understanding of the history of the tunnel, which once served as living quarters and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City by private speedboat, we’ll enjoy some free time this afternoon. Later, we’ll Dive Into Culture during a visit to the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, followed by a Farewell Dinner.

    meals Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
    hotel Sofitel Saigon Plaza
  12. Day 12 Continue to Cambodia

    Transfer to the airport for the short international flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. On arrival meet your Cambodia Travel Director and check in to your hotel.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel FCC Angkor by Avani
  13. Day 13 Amazing Angkor Wat Make Travel Matter

    Today, we venture deep into the Cambodian jungle, through a pyramid-shaped gateway into an ancient world. Serene stone faces watch over us as we cross the causeway suspended over a moat into the spiritual heart of the ancient lost city of Angkor. A Local Specialist and renowned Khmer scholar brings to life the stories behind the intricate carvings and murals of celestial nymphs and mythical serpents along the abandoned hallways of Angkor Wat. Our next stop are the terracotta-hued walls of Banteay Srei Temple – the “Citadel of Women” dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. We’ll have time to admire the 10th century carvings of women, said to have been too delicate to have been carved by a man, hence its name. We’ll return to Siem Reap for some free time and this afternoon embark on a guided walking tour of the Old Town. We'll witness the revival of Khmer arts and crafts and help support the lives of rural youths during our visit to Artisans d'Angkor, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.  Later we’ll visit Wat Damnak and participate in a private blessing ceremony during which a sacred thread will be tied around our wrists to protect against evil spirits. Our final stop today is to the labyrinthine Old Market, where the locals spend their early mornings shopping for fresh fruit, vegetables and spices. Wander past the busy stalls and smell freshly baked baguettes, a remnant of the country's French heritage.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel FCC Angkor by Avani
  14. Day 14 Temples of Angkor

    Our intimate encounter with a lost empire continues today, as we uncover other iconic sites of the ancient abandoned city of Angkor that have been devoured by the Cambodian jungle. We explore its ancient ruins in the company of saffron-clad monks and monkeys that clamber up and over the roots of centuries-old trees that have carved their way deep into the Great City's walls. Our first stop today is a visit to the fortified Angkor Thom, where we’ll see such iconic sites as the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Enclosure and the Temple of Bayon with its giant smiling faces of Buddha. We venture underneath the dense tree canopy to the crumbling, moss-covered ruins of the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm, which featured as the location for the film ‘Tomb Raider', exploring its towers courtyards and corridors to uncover the intricate stone reliefs that are shielded by the surrounding foliage. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience to learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel FCC Angkor by Avani
  15. Day 15 Visit Peak Sneng Village Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter

    We begin the day in the company of local Khmer villagers with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit to their local school and opportunity to chat to some of the children, who will join us on our walk through the village to see how they spend their day-to-day lives. We’ll Dive Into Culture, gaining insights into their time-honoured craft traditions, such as weaving Cambodia's national hats made from palm leaves, or folding Lotus flowers into delicate works of art. After the rest of the day at leisure, this evening to say farewell to those not continuing on to Phnom Penh tomorrow, we’ll join our Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for a Farewell Dinner with Apsara dance show.

    meals Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
    hotel FCC Angkor by Avani
  16. Day 16 Depart Siem Reap

    Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

    meals Breakfast
Vietnam Temples Angkor Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • Flights from Hanoi to Danang, Hue to Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 15 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 2 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Be My Guest

  • Hue: Enjoy lunch at one of the great remaining garden houses of Hue where you will gain insight into the lives of a local family and admire their fascinating collection of artifacts and mementos from the days of the former Royal Empire.

Dive Into Culture

  • Hanoi: Visit Ho Chi Minh's house in Hanoi.
  • Hoi An: Visit the colourful market of Hoi An.
  • Hoi An: Join a Lantern Making Workshop or a Fishing Life Tour to learn about the lives of the local fishermen and have a go at casting your own fishing net.
  • Danang: Visit the Cham Museum in Danang.
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s.
  • Siem Reap: At Peak Sneng Village observe the locals weaving hats from palm leaves or folding Lotus flowers into delicate works of art.

Iconic Experience

  • Hanoi: On a sightseeing tour of the city of Hanoi, see the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.
  • Hanoi: Travel past the colourful shopfronts and street food vendors of Hanoi's Old Quarter on a cyclo tour.
  • Ha Long Bay: Journey across the World Heritage Ha Long Bay on a small boat. Visit a cultured pearl fishery where the pearl maker will explain the process from culturing, harvesting, and sculpting these precious gemstones and stop at the beautiful Ti Top beach.
  • Ha Long Bay: Start your day on beautiful Ha Long Bay with a yoga class lead by a Local Specialist.
  • Hoi An: Learn about the daily work routines of local farmers at Thanh Dong Organic Village.
  • : Travel by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food.
  • Hue: See Hue by land and water today. Enjoy a cyclo tour past the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda before boarding a local dragon boat.
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Enjoy the sights of the French colonial-era buildings and even a former CIA residential block as you partake in a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City.
  • My Tho: Cruise along the canals of My Tho in a small sampan boat during your visit to this market town.
  • My Tho: After a stroll through the streets of My Tho, meet a local family in their home. Hear stories from your Local Specialist about surviving the Khmer Rouge and learn about the family's handicraft, making paper.
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Gain insight into a difficult period of Vietnam's history as you join a Vet Cong veteran for a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, developped to protect Viet Cong guerillas.
  • Angkor Wat: Join your Local Specialist and immerse yourself in the stories of the celestial nymphs and mystical serpents.
  • Angkor Wat: Discover the Banteay Srei Temple, also known as the "Citadel of Women" where you can admire delicate 10th-century carvings.
  • Wat Damnak: Experience a private blessing with a Monk where a sacred thread is tied around your wrists to protect you against evil spirits.
  • Angkor Thom: Enjoy a visit to Angor Thom and admire the iconic sites of the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Enclosure and the Temple of Bayon.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Ho Chi Minh City: Have lunch at Mai Sen restaurant, which supports those affected by poverty to provide opportunities and a vocational education in the hospitality sector.
  • Siem Reap: Visit Artisans d'Angkor, where our visit contributes to creating job opportunities for disadvantaged rural youths and at Peak Sneng village, meeting local villagers and discovering some traditional Cambodian crafts.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap
  • : Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, the Imperial Citadel in Hue, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels, Siem Reap Old Town Market, the temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Wat Damnak and Ta Prohm
  • : View Ho Chi Minh's House in Hanoi and the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City.

Trafalgar Difference

  • Halong Bay: Stay on a traditional style Vietnamese Junk boat for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.

Whats Included

  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : Optional Experiences and free time
  • : Flights from Hanoi to Danang, Hue to Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

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June 2023
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