Classic Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Welcome to Bangkok, and we are so honored to accompany you on this Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour! This is a great chance for you to appreciate the beauty of Southeast Asia and learn about its history and culture. Upon your arrival at the airport, your professional guide and the driver will pick you up and then escort you to check in at the well-selected hotel. For the rest of the day, you may either have a break or walk around the city on your own.

► Recommended Bar in Bangkok (at your own expense)
Let Above Eleven, a beautiful rooftop bar, help you recover from the long flight. The floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows allow you to enjoy the cityscape of Bangkok. Ask the bartender to make you a signature cocktail and sample Japanese and Peruvian dishes, like sushi rolls, ceviche and duck tacos, which will wow your taste buds. Unlike many other bars, it has a dress code: no sandals or flip-flops are allowed.
Average Cost per Person: THB 500-900 (USD 15-26)
Address: 33rd Floor, Fraser Suites, 38/8 Sukhumvit
Tip: It should be noted that you need to pay in cash mainly in Thailand, and we recommend that you exchange some small denominations at SuperRich in advance.

► SIM Card Tips
We suggest you use local SIM cards for each country, as ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt, require a local phone number for registration, and universal SIM cards or international data roaming plans may not properly solve this problem. In Thailand, AIS’s 8-day unlimited data plan package, priced at THB 299 (USD 9), would be suitable. In Cambodia, you can choose Smart’s 15GB data package valid for 7 days, which costs about USD 3.5. In Vietnam, you can use Vinaphone's 7-day unlimited data plan for around VND 200,000 (USD 8). The cards can be purchased online in advance, or you can buy them at the airport or 7-Eleven after landing.

Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

Your vacation will start officially today. After breakfast, we’ll head to Wat Pho, the oldest temple in Bangkok that boasts Thailand's largest reclining Buddha, measuring 46 meters (150 feet) long and 15 meters (50 feet) high. Marvel at the 108 auspicious motifs, which refer to 108 good deeds of the Buddha, inlaid with pearl shells on the bottom of the 5-meter-long (16-foot) feet. Appreciate the huge murals depicting the life of the Buddha and immerse yourself in the history of Buddhism. Then walk to the Grand Palace, the best preserved and largest one among all Thailand royal palaces. Exclaim over the amazing combination of Thai and European styles of the Chakri Group of palaces, whose spires on the golden roof soar into the sky. Besides, you may have a chance to encounter the changing of the guards. Afterward, walk northeast to stand in awe of the famous Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew, and appreciate the murals depicting Thai mythology.

► Insider Tips
1. Please wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees when visiting. Besides, long pants and shawls can be rented at the entrance.
2. In Thailand, people have great respect for Thai royal family members, and visitors should refrain from discussing them or showing any insolent behavior.
3. As we may walk outdoors a lot, we recommend that you wear sunscreen and sunglasses on hot sunny days.

After lunch, we will first take a boat to Khlong Bang Luang, a unique art center surrounded by water. En route, stop at the famous century-old artist house, Baan Silapin, where you can appreciate local artists' works, like ceramics, paintings and bracelets.

The final destination today will be Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn and the ‘Eiffel Tower’ in Thailand. It’s a temple dedicated to King Taksin the Great, who freed Thailand from the Burmese army in 1767. You’ll be absolutely riveted by the building complex boasting a 75-meter (246-foot) high Khmer-style towering temple, inlaid with colorful ceramic shards and shells. We specially schedule it as the last stop to ensure that you can capture a captivating sunset over the glistening towers. On the rental sites outside the temple, if you like, try on traditional Thai clothes at your own expense for Instagrammable pictures. Finally, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market awaits! Early in the morning, we’ll drive around 1.5 hours to the 100-year-old floating market, and then change to a small boat to tour around. On the tropical narrow waterways, local vendors preserve a unique way of trading, with their small boats loaded with specialty snacks, handicrafts, vegetables and fruits. Savoring coconut ice cream or Pad Thai on a boat will be a fascinating experience. We’ll also visit a local house and learn how to make coconut candies.

★ Privilege of Our Guests

Rather than other travel agencies’s arranging high-speed motor boats with loud noises, we’ll especially arrange a rowing boat for you, floating soothingly and silently, allowing you to immerse yourself in the atmospheric water channels. Whenever you find something appealing to you, feel free to ask the boatman to pull in.

► Tips:
1. It would be a surprise to come across lizards during the tour. Please don't be scared, as they won’t bother you.
2. Although there may be a canopy on the boat, it is highly recommended that you wear sunscreen, hat or sunglasses on sunny days.

Afterward, return to the downtown area to visit Jim Thompson's House, once the residence of the American Thai silk tycoon Jim Thompson, and now a museum. Strolling around the carefully crafted green courtyard, you’ll marvel at the six delicate Thai teak buildings in Western and Thai styles. Then, admire antiques and artworks collected by Mr. Thompson from the 1950s to 1960s, including prints, ceramics, stone statues, and Buddhist murals. After the visit, your guide will escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll drive 1.5 hours to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. On the way, stop at Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, which was once the largest summer residence of the royal family, to enjoy a quiet and cozy morning. Marvel at its integration of three architectural styles of Chinese, Burmese and Gothic, which you’ll see from the Aisawan Thiphya-Art Pavilion and the exquisite Chinese-style Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun.

Then, continue to today’s highlight, Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand since 1350 and lasted for more than 400 years. Ayutthaya in Sanskrit means "invincible city," and the ruined temples still call to mind its once prosperity. Sigh at the headless Buddha statues dotted around the temples, which were destroyed in the war of 1767. Ironically, the Burmese army, who also believed in Buddhism, cut off the Buddha heads as they believed gold leaves were hidden inside, and incinerated the bustling city, leaving only a pile of rubble and the entire city crumbling.

We’ll explore the well-preserved Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, which was built by the first emperor of Ayutthaya in 1357. Mingle with locals to worship the serene reclining Buddha, climb up the Ceylon stupa for a panoramic view, and throw a coin in the well while making a wish. Then, head to Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit to admire the 670-inch bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in Thailand. And then admire Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which was built in 1351 and is the prototype of Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. Next, proceed to Wat Mahathat, which was established in the early 13th century and is one of the oldest temples in Ayutthaya. The Buddha’s head wrapped in banyan tree roots earns the temple a great reputation. Please note that you should crouch or sit down to keep your head lower than the Buddha's head when taking photos. To round it off, enjoy a stroll in Wat Na Phra Mane, the only temple never been captured by the Burmese army. Inside, stand in awe of the 1,500-year-old Buddha statue of Phra Gandharath.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

Today, your Bangkok guide will escort you to the airport for your 1-hour flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and then transferred to the well-selected hotel by your Siem Reap local guide and driver.

► Recommended Activities upon Arrival in Siem Reap
After some rest, you can explore the Old Market by yourself, which lies on Pokambor Avenue. Teeming with shops offering everything from daily necessities, fruits and vegetables to crafts, it charms you with rich local market culture. Why not choose a straw hat for the coming Angkor site tour? As vendors usually offer inflated prices, please feel free to bargain. Then enjoy a cozy moment in the nearby vibrant Siem Reap Pub Street, which is brimmed with bars, restaurants and clubs. US dollars are accepted in Cambodia.
Tips:
1. As the highest temperature during the dry season (Nov-May) in Cambodia reaches around 40℃ (104℉), we suggest you wear sunscreen and sunglasses.
2. Roads in Siem Reap have few traffic lights, so please keep cautious when crossing roads.
3. You are advised to bring commonly used medicines for heat stroke and stomach discomfort, as well as mosquito repellent.

► A Fun Fact: Cambodian males have to practice Buddhism once in their lives, which is considered a great blessing and a rite of passage to adulthood. They can return to lay life after a short period or choose to be a monk for life. Monasticism is an important criterion for a person's character, and he will have advantages in marriage and employment after returning to a layman.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

Prepare to embrace the sheer majesty of the Angkor temple complex! Angkor Thom was the capital of the Khmer Empire (802-1431), which once covered now Cambodia, Laos, and parts of Thailand and Vietnam. In the late 12th century, Jayavarman VII converted the state religion from former Hinduism to Mahayana Buddhism, making the relics feature both religious styles. Later, due to the decline of its national strength and the capture of Angkor by Thai forces in 1431, the city was abandoned.

Let’s first head to the heart of Angkor Thom to visit Bayon Temple, which will shock you with its iconic and serene “Khmer Smiles”. The 49 pagodas and 5 gates represent the 54 provinces of the Khmer Empire, and each pagoda has four Buddha faces, representing kindness, compassion, joy and resignation respectively. Appreciate reliefs on the stone walls depicting war history, religious stories, and rare glimpses of civilian life. You’ll surely be amused by the comical scene in which a woman takes a turtle out of a basket, but it accidentally bites a soldier in front of her. Then proceed to Baphuon Temple, which was built in the 11th century and dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The following visit comes to the Terrace of Elephants, which was built for the king to view his victorious returning army and was named for the elephant carvings.

Then, admire the outstanding Angkor Wat, the representative architecture of Cambodia, as well as the largest and best-preserved building in Angkor Archaeological Park. Founded in the mid-12th century, Angkor Wat was originally a mausoleum and then converted into a Buddhist temple in the late 13th century. While enjoying the exquisite reliefs and murals of the temple, listen to your guide’s compelling Hindu legends storytelling. Then move on to the Phnom Bakheng Temple, built on the top of Bakheng Hill at the end of the 9th century, to enjoy a stunning sunset with a 360-degree panoramic view of Angkor Wat if weather permits.

► Tips:
1. The Angkor temples have a dress code of wearing clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.
2. The Angkor complex covers a large area, but not every temple is equipped with a toilet. Don't worry, and just follow your guide's advice if you need a toilet break, as they can find one quickly a short distance away.
3. As many Angkor temples’ stairs are steep, narrow and slippery, please wear non-slip shoes.

Afterward, before going back to the hotel, enjoy the eye-opening traditional Cambodian dance at an Apsara Dinner Show. Dancers bring the Apsara fairy dance to life as if you enter the world carved on relics of Angkor. You’ll be amazed at how soft, elegant, and flexible their fingers are.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

Watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat is an experience that should not be missed on a Siem Reap tour. Being the only one of all Angkor relics that faces west, Angkor Wat enables you to admire a stunning view of the sun rising behind it.
Tips:
1. On every spring and autumn equinox (around March 23 & September 23), the sun rises exactly on the spire of the main temple, making it the best sunrise to watch.
2. There are two pools in front of the temples, and the left one offers a better spot for Instagrammable pictures.
3. Depending on the weather, your private guide will arrange the date to enjoy a sunrise flexibly during your three days in Siem Reap.

Return to the hotel to have breakfast before we drive to Banteay Srei Temple, which is considered the “Jewel of Khmer Art”. En route, we’ll pass by some villages and observe the local lifestyle. Upon arrival, marvel at Angkor relics’ most exquisite Hinduism red sandstone reliefs, which have been well preserved since the 10th century.

After lunch, visit the heavily forested Ta Prohm Temple, which is entwined with growing roots. The famous movie Tomb Raider was filmed here, adding an air of mystery to the temple. At last, wind up today’s trip with the unfinished Takeo Temple, the first sandstone construction during the Khmer period. Afterward, you will be escorted back to the hotel.

► SPA Recommendation (on your own)
After two consecutive days of temple visits, let a Cambodia massage relieve your fatigue. Bodia SPA is recommended, which boasts both a good environment and high-quality service. Different packages of massage with reasonable prices are available for you to choose from. For example, a 1-hour full-body massage costs around USD 40. Besides, the SPA boasts skin care products of local brands including lip balms and body lotions on the first floor.
Address: New, Pub Street, Street A, Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

★ Floating Villages on Tonle Sap Lake: People Never Live Onshore

This morning, we will enjoy a cruise on the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, the Tonle Sap Lake, and visit one of the floating villages, where people live on boats or in stilt houses over the water. Affected by the monsoon climate, the water area varies greatly in different seasons. In the dry season, stilt houses hang high above the water, and people enter their houses by stairs; while during the rainy season, the water level rises and it looks as if the houses are floating on the water surface. Boats are the main transportation for villagers, some of whom are natives, and some are Vietnamese refugees without definite nationality. Not permitted to live on land, they have lived for generations and built temples, schools and markets on the water. Fishing and crocodile farming have been their main ways to earn a living, and the whole daily income may be only KHR 35,000 (USD 8.6) for a family.

The Cambodia tour comes to an end here and your guide will escort you to the airport to catch the 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Upon arrival, your Vietnam guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The remaining day is free for you.

► Recommended Activity and Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City (at your own expense)
You are encouraged to drop by Saigon Skydeck, which is located on the 49th floor of Bitexco Financial Tower at 36 Ho Tung Mau Street, for a panoramic sunset view. It costs VND 240,000 (USD 9.5) per person. Then, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal at the nearby one-Michelin-starred restaurant Anan Saigon (89 Ton That Dam, Ben Nghe, Quan 1). The coconut shrimp ceviche, duck tapioca dumplings and seafood spring rolls, as well as special cocktails, are all worth trying. It costs VND 800,000-1,000,000 (USD 30-40) per person on average. Please note that Vietnamese always drop three zeros when talking about prices, for example, they would say 300, which actually means VND 300,000. So ask clearly before you pay. Vietnamese dongs can be exchanged at banks, gold shops and ATMs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll drive for around 1.5 hours to Cu Chi Tunnels, which is one of the three largest relics in Ho Chi Minh City. The 250-kilometer-long (155-mile), three-story tunnel system was used as a hiding place for locals and Viet Cong during the colonial era (1945-1954) and Vietnam War (1954-1975). You’ll get a general understanding of the tunnels first through watching a documentary. Then visit the traps set on the ground before going inside to experience the 100-meter tunnel that features rooms for arsenal, hospital, kitchen, dormitory, etc. As there are many traps, please closely follow your guide. The tunnels are narrow and wet, and you may even crawl forward, so long pants are recommended. If you are claustrophobic, please inform your guide.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit some famous attractions in the downtown area to dive deep into the history and culture of Vietnam. First, visit the War Remnants Museum, which was formerly a US military intelligence center. It records a heavy page in Vietnam's modern history, the Vietnam War. You’ll see aircraft, armored vehicles and artillery pieces of the US military around the main hall, as well as a guillotine and tiger cages displayed in the courtyard. Please be prepared for the graphic exhibits that directly show the tragedy of civilian casualties. Then head to the Reunification Palace, which was built by French colonialists in the late 19th century. On April 30, 1975, it became known for the dramatic end of the Vietnam War, when a North Vietnamese tank smashed through its gate, symbolizing the fall of Saigon and marking the reunification of North and South Vietnam. You’ll see the tank with its muzzle still pointing straight towards the main building now. After that, visit the century-old Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, which was designed after the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and is the largest church in Saigon. Then stroll around the Central Post Office, and send some postcards to your family and friends if you want. Afterward, conclude today's tour with Dong Khoi Street, a shopping paradise that blends local boutiques and world-renowned brands. At last, your private driver will escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

★ Serene Escape on a Hand-rowing Boat through the Mekong River

Today, an immersive tour of the rainforest off the beaten track awaits! After breakfast, we’ll drive 2 hours to Ben Tre to reach Hung Vuong Pier. Then board a private boat on the Ham Luong River, a tributary of the Mekong River, and sip a refreshing glass of coconut juice we’ve prepared. While sailing, put on a palm-leaf conical hat like a local, navigate the narrow waterways lined with lush water coconut trees, and witness the unique local market culture of locals buying and selling fruits and vegetables on board - what a cozy moment! Then, disembark to visit some fruit orchards, a coconut candy homemade factory and brick workshops to experience the tranquil life of the Mekong Delta. We’ll also drop by a local farmer's home in a small village and sample homemade tea and fresh tropical fruits. Then, enjoy the countryside beauty by "Xe Loi" rickshaw or bicycle.

For lunch, savor the Mekong River's signature deep-fried elephant ear fish at a riverside restaurant. Tear a piece of fish off, wrap it with vegetables in a thin piece of rice paper, and dip them in the sauce. In the afternoon, linger over the beautiful natural scenery along the way by sampan before returning to Ben Tre. At last, your guide will escort you back to the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your guide and the driver will escort you to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you will be transferred directly to the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Old Town, with a history of 1,500 years, featuring a blend of bold yellow colonial buildings, Chinese wooden houses and temples, and stylish Japanese architecture. Kick off our visit in the Chua Ong Pagoda, a typical Chinese-style temple built in 1653. Visiting during the Lunar New Year, from late January to early February, you’ll come across loads of visitors praying and offering incense here, as well as interesting lion dancing performances. Next, visit the Chinese Assembly Hall, which enshrines the sea Goddess Mazu, an important gathering place for overseas Chinese at that time. Then, proceed to the dainty Old House of Tan Ky, home of eight generations of a Chinese-Vietnamese merchant family. It is said to be the oldest house in Hoi An, which combines the Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese architectural styles. Stroll around the yard to glimpse the well which is an indication of the wealth of the family owner, since everyone else had to get water from a designated public well at that time. Then admire the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, which is an important testimony of the cultural exchange between Japan, China and Vietnam.

★ Capture Gorgeous Night Views of Lantern-lit Hoi An by Boat

A romantic boat trip on the Thu Bon River upgrades your wanderlust in Hoi An. When the night falls, Hoi An Old Town embraces its most breathtaking moment, as thousands of lanterns in different colors and shapes light up the entire town, earning it the name "Lantern Town". Floating on the river, you’ll see people on boats or along the banks releasing water lanterns for good luck. Why not join them and let a lantern keep your wish on the tranquil water?

Afterward, you will be accompanied to check in at the hotel and you can have a good rest.

► Three Authentic Snacks You Cannot Miss in Hoi An (at your own expense)
Hoi An boasts its own delicacies: Cao Lau Noodles, White Rose Dumplings, and Fried Wontons. Cao Lau is a kind of al dente dry noodles served with seasonal vegetables and crispy fried pork. White Rose dumplings are rose-shaped dumplings with red shrimp and pink pork inside, appealing and moreish. Fried Wontons bear a strong likeness to fried dumplings, with tender meat wrapped in crispy crusts that taste like potato chips. The Vietnamese restaurant Com Linh is a nice place where all these delicacies are available.
Average Cost per Person: VND 200,000-300,000 (USD 8-12)
Address: 42D. Phan Chu Trinh, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hadana Boutique Hotel Hoi An (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, we’ll drive 3.5 hours to Hue. En route, have a short stopover at Hai Van Pass where you can see the beautiful coastline and the blockhouse built by the Vietnamese Army. Upon arrival in Hue, your guide will help you to check in at the hotel and recommend some nice local dishes.

► Let the Iconic Hue Beef Noodle Dance on Your Taste Buds! (at your own expense)
Central Vietnamese cuisine enjoys a slightly spicier flavor than other parts of Vietnam, which can be seen from its signature dish, Bun bo Hue, aka Hue Beef Noodles. The soup of the noodles is well-stewed with chili and citronella, and then it is served with pork, beef balls, chewy noodles, and water spinach. You can squeeze some lemon juice like the locals, making it even more flavorful. It’s available at many restaurants or roadside stalls in Hue, such as Madam Thu Restaurant, an authentic Vietnamese restaurant with its Beef Noodles being highly appreciated. Shrimps with passion fruit, lemongrass chicken and Vietnamese spring rolls offer you more options.
Average Cost per Person: VND 100,000-200,000 (USD 4-8)
Address: 45 Vo Thi Sau, Phu Hoi, Hue

In the afternoon, let’s wander through the key attractions of Hue. We’ll first explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, which is the largest traditional architecture complex in Vietnam. Inside, the Hue Royal Palace was the royal residence of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945).

► Imperial City of Hue VS Forbidden City of Beijing
The Imperial City of Hue adopted the architectural model of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Both of the two complexes are surrounded by a moat and located along the middle axis of the capital city, with the architecture including the royal temple complex, living quarters for the royal family, imperial garden, and ceremonial palace. However, they have some differences: the Imperial City of Hue is about one-seventh the size of its counterpart in Beijing. In addition, the latter is a typical Beijing style architecture in northern China, while the former enjoys the Chinese style integrated with European and local Vietnamese characteristics, which can be seen from its half-Chinese red wall with tile roof, and half-French yellow wall, as well as the three-dimensional colorful relief and porcelain shards inlaid decorations in Baroque style.

Then, proceed to the well-preserved Tomb of Tu Duc, which is one of the four most beautiful mausoleums in Hue and looks like a big park. Emperor Tu Duc, the longest-reigning emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, planned the place originally to escape the troubles of the world, but it finally became his tomb after his death. Today's journey will end at the Dong Ba Market, the largest century-old market in central Vietnam, with a wide selection of goods ranging from gold and jewelry, fresh fruits, and handicrafts to local food including roast meat and rice noodles. After the visit, your private guide will transfer you to the hotel. Wish you a good night!

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: White Lotus Hotel Hue (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, let’s continue getting insight into Hue by a visit to the 400-year-old Thien Mu Pagoda, which is known as one of the most beautiful ancient temples in Vietnam.

★ Privilege of Our Guests

Thien Mu Pagoda can be accessed by car. However, to make full use of its location, sitting on the bank of the Perfume River, we carefully arrange for you a classic and relaxing dragon boat ride down the river to the pagoda, during which you can overlook its main tower, Thap Phuoc Duyen, standing in the lush pine forest.

Then disembark and stroll around the pagoda to admire closely its iconic 21-meter (69-foot) high octagonal main tower, whose 7 stories represent 7 heavens of Buddhism. You can capture wonderful photos of a lotus pool, with the tower reflecting on it. An abandoned blue car in the temple may also catch your eyes, as the monastery's abbot, Thich Quang Duc, once took it to set himself on fire in Saigon in 1963 to protest against the government's crackdown on Buddhism. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Hanoi. On arrival, your guide and driver will pick you up and accompany you to the well-selected hotel.

► Recommended Activity upon Arrival in Hanoi
After a short rest at the hotel, explore Hanoi Train Street on your own. The magical place appeals to people with the novelty of the train rumbling through the bustling street within an incredibly close distance. Check with your guide in advance about the train’s exact passing time and go early for a good position. Choose one of the coffee shops sitting along the street and sip a cup of Vietnamese drip coffee, waiting for the exciting moment. When the alarm bell rings, everyone steps back, clears the way, and gets ready for an awesome photo shot.
Address: 3 P. Tran Phu, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Siesta Classic Ma May Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your sightseeing in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam rich in history and culture, begins with a visit to the Ba Dinh Square, where ceremonies and festivals are usually held. Walk to the east of the square to admire the Ho Chi Minh Complex to learn about the founding father of Vietnam. First, show your veneration to this great man in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where his body is well preserved. Please dress in clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. From October to November, the president's body is taken for maintenance, and the mausoleum would be closed. Then, proceed to admire the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House. The palace boasts a yellow French-style mansion, which was originally the office and living residence of the French governors-general of Indochina, and then the office of President Ho. However, he never lived in this lordly mansion, and preferred to live a simple life in the two-story wooden stilt house nearby, with only an office, a bedroom and a meeting area. Get a glimpse of the old telephone and typewriter he used and the books he read.

The following site will be One Pillar Pagoda, a small temple dedicated to Bodhisattva Guanyin, built on a pillar in the center of a lotus pond, which means the blooming of a pure lotus. Then, visit the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature, a traditional Confucian temple that worships Vietnamese and Chinese sages. Enjoy a stroll in the Imperial Academy, the first university in Vietnam, in the fifth courtyard. You may encounter graduates in bachelor's clothes taking photos during the graduation season.

In the afternoon, enjoy a cycle trip around Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can spend leisure time with the locals. The last stop today will be the Old Quarter, also named the 36 Streets, where every street sells only one kind of goods like toys, clothes and leather. Wandering around the narrow bustling streets, you will find motorcycles beeping and dashing out from everywhere - no wonder Vietnam is called the Motorcycle Kingdom! Galleries, musical instrument shops and theaters along the streets inject a rich cultural atmosphere into Hanoi. Vietnamese women in bamboo hats sell local snacks including glutinous rice, spiral rice noodles and rice cakes on the streets and you can try some as you like.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: La Siesta Classic Ma May Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

Today, we’ll drive 3 hours to Ha Long Bay, which is listed as one of the world's new seven natural wonders. On the vast sea stand more than 3,000 limestone karst isles in different sizes and shapes. The isles are named after their shapes, such as Fighting Cock Islet and Incense Burner Islet. For a quintessential Ha Long Bay experience, we select a two-day-one-night tour with Signature Royal Cruise, which will accompany you away from the heavily commercialized areas to a wilder and serener bay. Upon arrival, board the cruise ship and the staff will welcome you warmly before you enjoy lunch on board.

In the afternoon, explore the pristine Bai Tu Long Bay, a branch of Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival, take a kayak or hand-rowing boat to visit the Vung Vieng Floating Village, where you can witness the traditional life of the local community. Colorful houses were built on the emerald serene water, and people there live on fishing and pearl farming. Villagers may explain to you the types of pearls and how they are produced. After returning to the cruise ship, you can take a class on traditional Vietnamese dishes and have a hearty dinner, and then enjoy activities like board games, massage and night squid fishing if you wish. Stay overnight on the cruise ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Signature Royal Cruise (4 stars) or similar

In the early morning, you can practice Tai Chi or enjoy the sunrise, followed by morning tea or coffee on the sundeck. After that, visit the nearby Thien Canh Son Cave via a small boat to appreciate amazing stalactites and rock formations. Located on a hillside, the cave offers a great panoramic view of Bai Tu Long Bay. And at the foot of the cave lies a small white beach, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or swim. Stairs up to the cave can be slippery, so please wear non-slip shoes. After the visit, return to the cruise ship and have brunch. On the way back to the wharf of Ha Long Bay, take your time to discover more charming sceneries. Upon arrival, your driver will take you back to the hotel in Hanoi. The remaining time is up to you.

► Recommended Activities upon Arrival in Hanoi (at your own expense)
If you are still energetic, take an excursion to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (D. Nguyen Van Huyen, Quan Hoa, Cau Giay) to get a glimpse into the traditional houses, costumes and daily utensils of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Then, head to 45 P. Hang Bac Street for dinner at Hanoi Corner Restaurant. Try authentic Vietnamese spring rolls, which are made of shrimp, vegetables and herbs wrapped in thin rice papers. Fried ones, in different taste, are served, too. Besides, beef rice noodles, Vietnamese pancakes, and egg coffee are also highly recommended. It costs VND 200,000-300,000 (USD 8-12) per person on average.

Meal: Brunch
Accommodation: La Siesta Classic Ma May Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

Your 17 days Indochina tour of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam calls to an end today. Enjoy your free time until your guide escorts you to the airport. Wish you a nice outbound journey!

► Recommended Places for Late Departure (at your own expense)
Take a stroll to Trang Tien Street to admire the Hanoi Opera House from the outside for free, a beautiful yellow and white French building. Then learn more about the country in the nearby Vietnam National Museum of History, which features two buildings, one for prehistory and ancient history, and the other for modern history. The entrance fee is VND 40,000 (USD 1.5). It is closed on Mondays and every noon between 12:00 and 13:30.

If you want to extend your trip to countries like Laos, Nepal, or India, please feel free to contact us and we will tailor an itinerary that meets all your interests!

Meal: Breakfast