Itinerary

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1. DAY 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI

   Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by Goway Asia Travel team before transferring to hotel for checking in and resting. You are free to enjoy and have your own exploration on the first day around Hanoi Old Quarter. 
   Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
   Meals included: No meals.

2. DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR - EXPLORE OLD QUARTER & ITS CUISINE

   Begin the first day of the trip with a tour of Hanoi’s Ba Dinh District, pay your respect to the nation’s founder at the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, an important pilgrimage site of Vietnamese people. Explore the nearby house on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his humble beginnings as a revolutionary. Learn more about the prewar history of the country at the Governor’s Residence, also known as the Presidential Palace, an excellent example of Hanoi’s classical French architectural heritage. Next stop by the iconic One Pillar Pagoda - a unique Vietnamese architecture reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond and hear the legend of its construction. Next, continue with the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, as the first university of Vietnam.
   Today we will try Pho Bo, the national typical dish, is beloved by both locals and tourists. It is made from fresh beef served with fresh rice noodles in a tasty hot beef broth with various types of seasonings. This is really a great kick off!
   Afternoon, continue your Hanoi city tour with Hoa Lo prison, built by the French in 1896 and called "Maison Centrale", Hoa Lo was also called the "Hanoi Hilton" by American war prisoners.
   Later, taking a cyclo for an hour, one of the most typical vehicles in Hanoi, is a human-powered transport with a seat at the front for passengers and the driver at the back. With this leisurely ride, which is perfect chance for photos and slow-moving sightseeing.
   Finish the day with a walking tour and tasting Vietnamese authentic local cuisine around the Old Quarter area. You will have a chance to not only sample delicious street foods but also to explore hidden alleyways and bustling markets. Our food tour includes "Bun Cha" - rice noodle with BBQ pork, one of the most favorable dishes for foreigners, then followed by "Banh Cuon" - steamed rice roll, "Banh Mi" - another well-known Vietnamese food that is even added into Oxford English Dictionary.
   Now, it is time for cup of Bia Hoi (Vietnamese draft beer) or enjoy a cup of unmissable Egg coffee, while we sit down and mingle with locals. It seems it is one not be missed for foodie in Hanoi.
   Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with streetfood.

3. DAY 3: HANOI – SAPA

   After breakfast, you will be collected at the hotel and transferred on the road for 5,5 hours to Sapa. Established as a hill station by the French in 1922, Sapa today is a must-visit destination in the Northwest. This is northern Vietnam’s premier trekking base, from where hikers launch themselves into a surrounding countryside of cascading rice terraces and tiny hill-tribe villages that seem a world apart.
   In the afternoon, your trip begins from Sapa by road transfer for 8km to Sau Chua village, a seductive village of Black H’mong minority but lesser-known by travelers. Located on the mountain summit, the village still remain its pristine beauty. Walk along the village, soak yourself in the tranquil atmosphere, observe the authentic local ways of living, rustic houses surrounded by mossed stone wall, interact with hospitable villagers, hear them share their life. The walk takes you to a vantage point upon the cliff where you will enjoy the phenomenal panoramic view of Sapa town at sunset. End of trip, you will be transferred to your hotel and free at leisure.
   Overnight at hotel in Sapa.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

4. DAY 4: SAPA – TREK TO VISIT VILLAGES

   After breakfast, you will meet your tour guide again and begin the day with a 3km-trek through the breathtaking landscape to the village of Suoi Ho.
   Continue your hike toward the stunning village of Matra. You will pass the impressive ruins of a French Catholic church built in the early twentieth century. Take a few minutes to explore this intriguing sight and take some photos as you wish.
   Your hike will grow deeper until your arrival at Ta Phin Village, inhabited by the Red Dzao ethnic minority tribe, with their beautiful traditionally embroidered outfits and practice of shaving their hair and eyebrows as a sign of respect. Ta Phin village is also home to the Black H’mong minority who live their own way with no cultural mixture.
   Pause at a Red Dzao family and over a cup of tea, have a chat with them learning about their lifestyle. Enjoy a delicious lunch cooked and served by the family.
   After lunch, you have time to stroll around the village, take pictures and do some fun shopping. The Red Dao people are known for their expertise in herbal medicine as well as the usage of plants from the land to treat many illnesses. If you’re a bit sore from the activities of the day, sample a traditional herbal bath made by a local Dzao specialist, famous for its therapeutic qualities.
   Leaving Ta Phin you will be picked by your private driver and taken back to Sapa town where the balance of the day will be at your leisure. You may take a stroll around the town, visit the Stone Church, and the night market for some delicious local delicacies.
   Overnight at hotel in Sapa.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

5. DAY 5: SAPA - HANOI

   This morning, you are free at leisure for own activities.
   After lunch, the driver will meet you at hotel and transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi. Check in hotel and relax.
   Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

6. DAY 6: HANOI - HALONG BAY

   This morning, check out of hotel and then you will be transferred about 3 hours through rustic Vietnamese countryside to Halong Bay, one of the 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites. With hundreds of giant limestone peaks jutting out of the water at the Bay of Tonkins – it is indeed an impressive sight.
   Board our cruise and after a delicious seafood lunch was served, you'll take a short trek to a nearby summit to enjoy the panorama view of the bay. As the day wanes, slip into a swim in the cool water before enjoying a sumptuous dinner under the moonlit sky.
   (Note: Program may differ slightly base on cruise ships)
   Overnight on cruise.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

7. DAY 7: HALONG BAY - HANOI - FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY

   Rising to the sound of the bay, enjoy an elegant breakfast before visiting a beautiful limestone grotto to admire its many unique rock formations. Then you’ll get back to the boat to form your final lasting impression of Halong Bay’s awe-inspiring beauty while cruising back to the dock, at the same time enjoy your lunch/ brunch.
   Getting back onshore, you will be transferred directly to the airport which takes about 4 hours, then take a flight to Ho Chi Minh city, still call Saigon by many locals.
   Upon arrival, you are welcomed by the local guide and driver. They will send you to downtown Ho Chi Minh city. Check in & free at leisure.
   Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

8. DAY 8: HO CHI MINH – CU CHI TUNNEL & HISTORICAL TOUR

   Start your day with a transfer to Cu Chi, which were once a major underground hideout and resistance base of Viet Cong forces during the two wars against the French and the Americans. The tunnels, entirely hand-dug, formed a highly intricate network of interlinked multilevel passageways at times stretched as far as the Cambodian border and totaling over 120km in length. Its complexity was beyond imagination containing meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches and emergency exits, all airms for guerrilla warfare. The tunnels were deep and strong enough to withstand destructive bombings and self-contained enough to outlas prolonged sieges.
   After lunch, enjoy the attraction of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Reunification Palace, a former residence of Indochina Governor General and later of the President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam. Then, head out to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, where the French colonial presence can be felt. It was constructed between 1863 to 1880 entirely of imported French building material, including bricks from Marseilles and stained-glass windows from Chartres. The French-influenced design of Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral still acts as a stop for people who seek for old beauties and calmness.
   Across the street to the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural marvel with rich Gothic, Renaissance and French influences.
   Next will be Jade Emperor Pagoda, nestled in a quiet enclave in downtown, the Pagoda offers a calming sanctuary from the bustle of the busy streets outside.
   The final stop will be at Ben Thanh market where is to stock up on souvenirs, T-shirts, bags, coffee and other local products. Discover local life and culture if shopping is not your mission. You’ll find some of the friendliest, liveliest, most convivial people in the city here.
   Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

9. DAY 9: HO CHI MINH – DAY TRIP TO MEKONG DELTA (BEN TRE)

   This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh City for the 2hour drive to the delta town of Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, famous for its vast rice fields, numerous waterways, and beautiful landscapes. Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, this region produces most of Vietnam’s fruit, rice, sugar cane, and coconuts.
   After the two-hour drive through the lush farming land, you will arrive in Ben Tre where you will set out on a motorized boat trip on narrow channels winding through the coconut forest. During the boat ride, you will stop at the local cottage industries to see how the local people make bricks and weave sleeping mats by hand. Learn about their craft handed down through generations.
   Take a leisure walk along the village lanes, visiting the local homes to try fresh fruits, taste delicious honey tea while enjoying a local Tai Tu music show. Continue to visit another workshop where the local delicacy of coconut candy is produced and a wide range of coconut husk and fiber products are skillfully handcrafted.
   Next, take a small sampan through palm-fringed back canals, gliding peacefully along the hidden waterways surrounded by an immense variety of tropical plants. The quiet, rural setting is a welcome and restorative retreat to the frenetic buzz of HCM City which seems far, far away.
   Enjoy sitting in the back a Motor Cart (xe lôi) passing local hamlets, rice fields, coconut groves, and lush orchard farms while meeting with local people.
   After finishing your sightseeing tour your guide will take you to a riverside restaurant for lunch with local specialties then return to the pier and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.
   This evening you will be free to visit the night market to discover the authentic local cuisine.
   Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

10. DAY 10: HO CHI MINH – FLY TO SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

    Today you are free until transfer to airport to take a short flight to Siem Reap.
    Flight departs from Tan Son Nhat Airport. Duration: 1 hours 35 minutes
    A warm greeting awaits at Siem Reap International airport – Cambodia, the local guide & driver will meet you in the arrivals lounge and transfer you to your hotel. Check in & free at leisure.
    Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

11. DAY 11: SIEM REAP – FULL DAY OF ANGKOR TOUR

    A very early start today for one of the highlights of our tour. You'll travel by TukTuk to experience Sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple, the most wonderful remains of a disappeared civilization which between the 8th and 13th century, built the splendid Temple of Angkor, partially annihilated afterwards by invasion and hidden for centuries by forest. Angkor is the biggest attraction not just for Cambodia but for all over the world. This temple, dedicated to Vishnu, was constructed at the beginning of the twelfth century. It is remarkable for its powerful architecture and for the richness of its sculptures. Dawn is one of the most beautiful and haunting times to visit the temples, whose ancient sandstone blocks are gilded gold by the early morning rays.
    Return to the hotel for breakfast & relax.
    You will enjoy a tour in the afternoon to discover more of Angkor Thom (the Great City) including the Southern Gate, Bayon temple, Baphuon temple, Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King & Phimean Akas: “Celestial Palace”, dedicated to Hinduism. Then visit the jungle-entwined temple, Ta Prohm - a hauntingly beautiful temple where the roots of giant banyans and strangler figs enfold much of the stonework, creating scenes little changed since the French Adventurer Henri Mouhot re-discovered Angkor in the 1850s. This temple makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.
    Indulge in a scrumptious Cambodian dinner with the classical Apsara dancers depicting scenes from Khmer mythology at local restaurant.
    Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
    Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

12. DAY 12: SIEM REAP – FLY TO SIHANOUK VILLE – KOH RONG ISLAND

    After breakfast, you are free until transfer to Siem Reap Airport to catch the short flight to Sihanouk Ville.
    Upon arrival, the local guide & driver will meet you at airport and take you to the wharf for boat trip to Koh Rong island. Then you will be picked up and transferred to your resort. Check in & free at leisure.
    Overnight at hotel in Koh Rong.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

13. DAY 13: KOH RONG ISLAND - FREE & EASY

    You are free at leisure on the beach.
    Overnight at hotel in Koh Rong.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

14. DAY 14: KOH RONG ISLAND - FREE & EASY

    You are free at leisure on the beach.
    Overnight at hotel in Koh Rong.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

15. DAY 15: KOH RONG ISLAND - FREE & EASY

    You are free at leisure on the beach.
    Overnight at hotel in Koh Rong.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

16. DAY 16: KOH RONG – PHNOM PENH

    Today, check out your hotel and then transferred by driver to Phnom Penh.
    Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

17. DAY 17: PHNOM PENH – DEPARTURE

    Your driver greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Phnom Penh International Aiport, to catch your departure flight home!
    Meals included: Breakfast.