SPIRITS OF VIETNAM, CAMBODIA AND THAILAND by Realistic Asia Independent and Partially Guided

Your Itinerary

1. Day 1 WELCOME TO VIETNAM - HANOI ARRIVAL

   Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

   Accommodation

   Overnight in Hanoi

2. Day 2 EXPLORE THE MAGNIFICENT HALONG BAY - SHARED CRUISE, BUS

   Halong Bay is a natural wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and once you arrive there, you'll understand why. Get ready to be amazed by the world's most breathtaking views, and have a relaxing time on the cruise, enjoying the exciting activities we have prepared for you. After breakfast, check out of the hotel and leave Hanoi for Halong Bay. The cruise team will meet you at the hotel lobby between 8:00-9:00 am (we'll confirm the exact time the day before the tour). Arrive at the jetty around noon and take a boat to the cruise. After a welcome onboard and check-in, lunch will be served while the cruise makes its way through the hundreds of islets. In the afternoon, enjoy activities such as swimming, kayaking or visiting caves (depending on the boat's itinerary), or just spend relaxing time on board. Towards the end of the day, the boat sets anchor for the night in a beautiful place, so don't miss the sunset before dinner.Note: In case of bad weather, the itinerary might be changed or canceled if the boats are not allowed to leave the port. Your travel consultant will plan other arrangements for you.

   Accommodation

   Overnight in Halong Bay

   Activities Included

   • Halong Bay Cruise
   • BreakfastLunchDinner
3. Day 3 WAKE UP WITH THE DRAGON IN THE BAY - SHARING CRUISE, BUS

   The sun rises on Halong in the morning, and breakfast is served as the vessel cruises slowly back toward the port. Enjoy an early lunch before arriving at the port and disembarking. You'll be transferred back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own.

   Accommodation

   Overnight in Hanoi

   Activities Included

   • Breakfast
   • Lunch
4. Day 4 TRAVEL FROM HANOI TO ANCIENT TOWN OF HOI AN

   Relish the remaining time in Hanoi before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

   Accommodation

   Overnight in Hoi An

   Activities Included

   • Breakfast
5. Day 5 RIDING THE BASKET BOAT AND FISHING LIKE A LOCAL - JOIN A GROUP TOUR

   Our English-speaking guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00 am and take you on a cycling trip through the countryside and rivers around Hoi An. Enjoy the beautiful views and friendly greetings from locals along the way. Next, explore the Eco-Village of Cam Thanh, associated with the anti-French and anti-American wars, by taking a paddle boat trip in a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat along the coconut palm waterways. Meet local fishermen, try traditional net fishing and catching

   Accommodation

   Overnight in Hoi An

   Activities Included

   • BreakfastLunchCountryside Cycling Trip
   • Cam Thanh Visit
6. Day 6 CHERISH YOUR TIME IN HOI AN TOWN

   Have a free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. The best way to explore this charming town is to rent a bicycle at the hotel and cycle around towards the riverside or the beach. At the beach, you'll find small cafes where you can relax with a fresh fruit drink after swimming. The water is warm and calm. You could also visit a tailor shop to have new clothes, bags or shoes made overnight for you and your loved ones. In the evening, walk around the Old Town area, which looks charming when the shops light their lanterns. You'll really feel like you're in a fairy tale. Don't miss the colorful performances organized on the streets.

   Accommodation

   Overnight in Hoi An

   Activities Included

   • BreakfastFree day
7. Day 7 TRAVEL FROM HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH

   Relish the remaining time in Hoi An before your private driver escorts you to Da Nang Airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

   Accommodation

   Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

   Activities Included

   • BreakfastFree day
8. Day 8 EXCURSION TO THE MIGHTY MEKONG DELTA (B/L) - JOIN A GROUP TOUR

   Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, depart for My Tho, a town on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, dating back to the late 19th century. Then board a sampan and cruise down the river around the four beautiful islands - Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. Stop at Unicorn Island, walk around the country lanes and see the orchards. Enjoy tropical fruits and folk song music performed by the local people. Visit a fruit plantation. Take a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and immerse yourself in the beauty of the countryside. Visit family workshops and a honey-bee farm, and taste some honey tea and coconut candies. Have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, cycle around Tan Thach village and meet the local villagers to experience daily life in the Mekong Delta. For those who don't want to cycle, relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze. Return to Ho Chi Minh.

   Accommodation

   Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

   Activities Included

   • Breakfast
   • Lunch
   • Vinh Trang Pagoda visit
   • River Cruise
   • Fruit Plantation visit
   • Hand Rowed sampan ride through Thoi Son Canal
   • Cycle Tan Thach Village
9. Day 9 DISCOVER THE MYSTERIOUS CU CHI TUNNELS - JOIN A GROUP TOUR

   Start 8:00 AM - END 2:30 PMThe Cu Chi Tunnels are a legendary underground system of over 220 km of tunnels, a must-see for both Vietnamese and foreign travelers interested in the history of the Vietnam War. The tunnels are now a historical structure of Vietnam, considered a heroic district for the role they played in the resistance to US forces. The tunnels are located approximately 60km from Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy the scenery along the way, passing lush rice fields and rivers with water buffaloes. Once we arrive, you'll get a chance to walk through some of the tunnels, discover hidden corners, and imagine what life was like for the resistance soldiers. You can even try cooking with the smokeless stoves used by Vietnamese soldiers, and taste the foods they lived on. For the adventurous, you can try shooting an AK-47, one of the guns used during the war. Head back to the city in the afternoon, arriving around 2:30 PM.

   Accommodation

   Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

   Activities Included

   • BreakfastCu Chi Tunnels visit
10. Day 10 TRAVEL FROM VIETNAM TO CAMBODIA

    After breakfast, your private driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

    Accommodation

    Overnight in Siem Reap

    Activities Included

    • BreakfastFree day
11. Day 11 EXPLORE THE MAGNIFICENT ANCIENT CAPITAL OF KHMERS

    Start your sightseeing tour of the Angkor area, spending a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins. Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous for its colossal stone faces. Continue to the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Then explore the largest and most complete temple of Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece constructed in the 12th century covering 210 hectares. Stroll through the many galleries, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and ponds reflecting the towering temple. End the day at the jungle-covered temple of Ta Prohm, where enormous fig trees and creepers embrace the stone foundations.

    Accommodation

    Overnight in Siem Reap

    Activities Included

    • BreakfastAnkor Area Sightseeing
12. Day 12 EXPLORE THE FLOATING VILLAGES OF TONLE SAP LAKE

    After breakfast, take a ride by traditional wooden boat on Tonle Sap Lake to experience the floating villages, towering stilt houses, and fish traps. The lake and its cycles of rising and falling waters are deeply intertwined with the local economy and way of life.On the way back, visit the Western Baray, an 8 km by 2.3 km reservoir that provided water for the intensive cultivation of lands around Angkor.

    Accommodation

    Overnight in Siem Reap

    Activities Included

    • Breakfast
    • Boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake
13. Day 13 TRAVEL FROM SIEM REAP TO PHUKET

    After breakfast, your private driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Phuket, Thailand. Upon arrival at Phuket airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free for leisure.

    Accommodation

    Overnight in Phuket

    Activities Included

    • Breakfast
    • Free day
14. Day 14 CHERISH YOUR TIME ON PHUKET BEACHES

    Spend the day at your leisure, exploring Phuket's diverse landscapes - from its famous sandy beaches to forested hills, mountains, limestone cliffs, lagoons, and lush tropical vegetation. Relax on the beaches, hike to a waterfall for a picnic, or take a boat trip to nearby islands.

    Accommodation

    Overnight in Phuket

    Activities Included

    • BreakfastFree Day
15. Day 15 CHERISH YOUR TIME ON PHUKET BEACHES

    Another free day to continue enjoying Phuket's natural beauty and attractions at your own pace.

    Accommodation

    Overnight in Phuket

    Activities Included

    • Free day
16. Day 16 TIME TO SAY GOODBYE - PHUKET DEPARTURE

    Enjoy a healthy breakfast at the hotel. Complete the check-out formalities, then you can visit local markets to buy souvenirs. Later, proceed to the airport for your departure flight. Trip Ends.

    Activities Included

    • Breakfast