Splendours of Vietnam & Cambodia
Splendours of Vietnam & Cambodia
Splendours of Vietnam & Cambodia

Splendours of Vietnam & Cambodia

From: 
Regular price
$0.00
Sale price
$0.00

Private Holiday.

Departs Daily.

  • Meals and sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Domestic flights included (prices subject to change)
  • Select & Mix: your choice of 3 experiences included

Engage with stunning natural beauty and rich culture on this journey which combines the hidden charms of Vietnam and Cambodia. Prepare to be awed by the beauty of Halong Bay, admire the traditional architecture of Hoi An and Hue before heading south to experience the traditional lifestyle found throughout the Mekong Delta, as you navigate your way up to Phnom Penh. Your journey comes to an end with the breath-taking splendour of the Angkor Temples.

Highlights

  • Experience the charming town of Hoi An, with its cobbled streets and boutique shopping
  • Discover historical Hue – renown as the most royal city of Vietnam and hiding many pagodas and imperial treasures
  • Spend three days exploring the intricate architecture, in parts overtaken by nature, of the splendid Ankor Temples

Day 1: Hanoi

Arrive Hanoi International Airport. Welcome to Vietnam. On arrival, please clear customs and immigration. In arrivals area, you will be met by a representative of our local operator and transferred to your tour hotel. This afternoon, explore the famous 36 streets of the Old Quarter on a walking and cyclo riding tour.

Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B L D)

This morning, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Later drive to Halong Harbour to board your junk cruise. Sail amongst the thousands of karst limestone islands and islets of Halong Bay. Fresh seafood lunch and dinner will be served on board.

Note: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays & Fridays, and from 08 Sep to 08 Nov

Day 3: Halong Bay - Haiphong - Danang - Hoi An (B)

Wake up early in the morning to admire a spectacular dawn. After breakfast disembark and transfer to Haiphong Airport for an afternoon flight to Danang. On arrival, welcome and transfer to Hoi An.

Day 4: Hoi An (B)

This morning, explore Hoi An town, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site for its exceptionally well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Set out to explore the quaint cobblestone alleyways of the town with more than two-century-old Chinese houses. Sites of interest include the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and Phung Hung Chinese-style trading house. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 5: Hoi An - Danang - Hue (B)

This morning, depart to Danang via the scenic Hai Van Pass to view one of the most beautiful panoramas in Vietnam as you look out over the central coastline. Upon arrival in Danang, visit the Marble Mountain and the Cham Museum. Travel via the quiet white sandy beach of Lang Co and continue to Hue.

Day 6: Hue (B)

Today visit Hue, the citadel city. Admire the refined and distinct atmosphere of the town and visit the Imperial Citadel. Later, depart for an easy bicycle ride along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. On the way, visit a typical garden house, which was built according to precise rules of geomancy. In the afternoon discover Tu Duc Mausoleum, one of the most beautiful tombs of Hue and a model of Vietnamese traditional art. It is also an opportunity to learn about the history of Nguyen dynasty and the French colonial invasion. Continue your visit at Minh Mang Tomb.

Day 7: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Transfer to Hue Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, explore Ho Chi Minh City, the former capital of French Indochina, once known as Saigon. Historic landmarks include the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the ethnic Chinese district of Cho Lon.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta (B L D)

This morning drive to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta to board your cruise ship. Welcome drink & lunch served on board while cruising towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang River. Relax on the deck and observe the daily life along the banks of the river. Visit a riverside village and appreciate local hospitality before returning on board for a sunset dinner. Overnight on board.

Day 9: Can Tho - Chau Doc (B)

This morning get into a small boat to explore the colourful Tra On and Cai Rang Floating Markets. These amazing markets stay in the memories of most who see them. Continue to Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, disembark and drive to Chau Doc. Upon arrival, visit Ba Chua Xu temple, Tay An pagoda and Thoai Ngoc Hau tomb.

Day 10: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (B)

Early departure by speed boat from Chau Doc towards the Cambodian border. Upon arrival at the border, complete custom formalities in both Vietnam and Cambodia (1 to 1.30 hour) and continue your boat trip to Phnom Penh where you will arrive around noon.

Welcome and transfer to hotel for check in & rest. In the afternoon, discover Phnom Penh. Visit the Royal Palace, the splendid Silver Pagoda and Wat Phnom.

Note: Local guides are provided in the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The quality of assigned local guides may vary, due to Cambodian Government selection procedures, and is beyond the control of Innovative Travel and their local operators.

Day 11: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B)

Today continue your discovery of the Cambodian capital city. Visit the National Museum, an unmissable introduction to Angkor and a superb example of Khmer architecture. Officially inaugurated in 1920, the Museum displays a range of sculptures dating from different periods of Cambodia’s history. Travel to the city’s south to understand another period of Cambodia’s history: the regime of the Khmer Rouge. Visit the genocide museum of Tuol Sleng, a former secondary school transformed into a detention centre under the Khmer Rouge. Returning to Phnom Penh, visit the Russian Markets and stroll along the countless stalls. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. On arrival transfer to your hotel.

Day 12: Siem Reap (Angkor Temples) (B)

This morning visit the incredible temple of Angkor Wat, one of the most amazing man-made monuments with its soaring towers and extraordinary bas relief. Erected in the 12th century (1112-1152) in honour of Vishnu, Angkor Wat is the largest religious site in the world, covering 400 square kilometres.

In the afternoon, visit Banteay Srei and its intricate sculptures, one of Khmer art's most impressive jewels. Erected in the 10th century, this small, pink sandstone temple known as the Citadel of Women maintains some remarkable sculptured lintels. Continue with the ancient jungle-submerged Ta Prohm Monastery where roots seem to grow out of the temple. Paramount Studios paid YSD $10,000 per day to film parts of the movie Tomb Raider at Ta Prohm.

Day 13: Siem Reap (Angkor Temples) (B)

In the morning, leave by tuk-tuk and visit with Preah Khan, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples. After lunch, visit Angkor Thom and the famous Bayon, composed of 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Then, visit the Elephant and Leper King Terraces.

Day 14: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap (B L)

In the morning, leave for Kompong Khleang, a village as yet bypassed by mass tourism, located on Lake Tonle Sap. This floating village is composed of hundreds of stilted houses resting up to 10 meters off the ground, a necessary adaptation to the seasonal water level fluctuations. Meet a local family and explore the numerous canals by boat to have a glimpse at the daily life of the village. After a picnic lunch in a villager’s home, transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • Domestic flights (price subject to change until paid and ticketed)
  • Private return airport transfers
  • Air-conditioned private transportation as per itinerary
  • 11 nights accommodation in Tourist Class hotels as per itinerary or similar
  • Overnight junk cruise in Halong Bay and on the Mekong Delta
  • Private sightseeing as per itinerary (except on cruise)
  • Assistance of professional qualified English-speaking local guides
  • Activities and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • 3 Select & Mix experiences
  • Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • International Airfares
  • Visa
  • Personal Expenses
  • Optional tours
  • Extra Select & Mix experiences
  • Porterage
  • Tipping/gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
  • Extra hotel charges (minibar or any other services)
  • Meals not specified
  • Early check-in/late check-out
  • Camera/photography fees
  • Departure taxes
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Select & Mix Experiences - Choose 3

Your choice of 3 Select & Mix experiences

No extra cost, 3 experiences already included in the price of your holiday. Choose your custom experiences from the list below. 

  1. Hanoi: Attend a water puppetry show in a local theatre (day 1, evening) The farmers of the Red River Delta originally invented water puppets over a thousand years ago. It began as a hobby and was later elevated to the status of royal entertainment under the Ly and Tran dynasties. At that time, the shows took place in the flooded rice fields and on lakes or rivers. They are now staged in venues or local theatres. This typical and enchanted performance consists of a succession of scenes evoking images of daily life and legends, accompanied by traditional music. One can only but be charmed - or at least amused - by these small wooden puppets moving by themselves on the surface of the water. They are indeed activated by an invisible under-water mechanism, the existence of which you will totally forget after a few minutes… it is fascinating!
  2. Hoi An: take a short cycling tour to a rural village and join a cooking class (day 4, morning) From Hoi An, embark on a bike ride or cyclo is also an option to the market to learn about local produce and witness daily local life. After buying some necessary ingredients for your today cooking class, cycle to Tra Que village which is famous for its vegetable production. It offers unique herb, spice and vegetable gardens. The chef will teach you to cook some traditional dishes and some combinations of tastes that you can use on your return home. With the balance between fresh herbs and meats and a selective use of spices to reach a fine taste, the cooking class will teach you not only how to make delicious dishes but also how to create the harmony. Lunch will be the opportunity to taste the dishes prepared by you in a peaceful place overlooking to the vegetable garden. After lunch, you will be transferred back to Hoi An or your hotel.
  3. Hoi An: Cycle to the villages of Cam Kim & Duy Vinh and share lunch with a local family (day 4, morning) This morning transfer by boat boat to Kim Bong village where you'll have the opportunity to talk about the local traditions and techniques with the village's most famous carpenter. After this special time, you will take a bicycle ride to visit the Duy Vinh village, famous for the weaving of sedge mats and certainly the most beautiful village in the vicinity of Hoi An. While cycling to the village you will find yourself in the middle of luxuriant greenery: rice, corn and sedge fields, areca nut trees, bamboo etc. Once in the village, you will have the chance to meet a local family that will show you the techniques used to weave the sedge mats. You will then continue your exploration by visiting a part of the village where people mostly live on the money earned from fishing. After this visit, you'll take a boat trip lasting around 1 hour on Thu Bon river back to Hoi An Town and transferred by private vehicle from the boat pier to your hotel.
  4. Hoi An: Street food tour (day 4, afternoon) Today explore the best street-food spots of Hoi An: Com Ga Ba Buoi (Ba Buoi’s Chicken Rice), Banh Mi Phuong (Phuong’s Baguette) - American Chef Anthony Bourdain sang his praises about this dish on his TV Serie “No Reservations”, Cao Lau… Then have a cup of tea or coffee at Reaching Out Tea House - a very special and unique ancient house.
  5. Hue: Sunset boat cruise on Perfume River with a soothing foot massage (day 6, evening) Fill up your impression of Hue city with a sunset cocktail while cruising along Perfume River on a traditional boat.
  6. Ho Chi Minh City: Attend the beautiful A O Show at Saigon Opera House (day 7, evening) “À Ố” is the name given to the show which is a new kind of art performance commonly acknowledged globally as “new circus”. The main visuals of the show are bamboo basket boats and their use in the daily life of many Vietnamese. During 60 minutes of the show, you are gently introduced to many different tones of emotion. After the show, our guide will take you back to hotel.
  7. Ho Chi Minh City: Explore Saigon at night by scooter: part night excursion, part street food adventure (day 7, evening) Take an evening drive through this hectic but beautiful city to discover how Saigon nightlife unfolds. From the chaotic traffic of the city centre to totally hidden corners; from famous tourist stops to the trendiest hang-out places for Saigonese people; you will travel through 4 central districts of Ho Chi Minh City. You’re your driver, scooter your way through the very small and typical alleys of District 4 until stopping at a popular local seafood streetside restaurant to taste trendy Vietnamese favourites such as fried pincers or steamed clams with lemongrass. Continue to a riverside park for a short walk to admire the views of this now modern city by night. The tour continues in a place frequented by locals and where you’ll have the chance to try the traditional Vietnamese pancakes called Banh Xeo. After the meal, the driver will take you to a local coffee shop with live music and a cosy atmosphere. To finish the evening, travel to a popular meeting point located on the rooftop of a building for views of vibrant Saigon by night and music.
  8. Phnom Penh: Sunset cruise on the Mekong River (day 10, late afternoon) Late afternoon, transfer to the pier to embark on a 1-hour cruise trip. Watch the city lights from the quiet waters along the riverfront and witness often unseen local life on the other side of the mighty Mekong River. This trip takes you to where the Tonle Sap meets the Bassac and the two arms of the Mekong. Relax and become immersed into the fantastic atmosphere during this quite elegant journey. Then return to the pier and back to your hotel.
  9. Phnom Penh: Attend a Cambodian dance performance (day 1, late afternoon) Tonight attend a Cambodian living arts dance performance at the beautiful National Museum in central Phnom Penh. During the show, you will hear explanations about the struggle of preserving traditional arts during and after the time of the Khmer Rouge and you'll see different dances representing different celebrations and important occasions in the lives of the local people. The show is rich in variety and very lively. The performers are among the best in the country and in combination with the beautiful venue; this is a truly memorable experience.
  10. Siem Reap: Explore Angkor Temples on a bike or E-bike tour (day 12, half or full day)  Please provide height & weight of travellers to select the Bike Size. 3 options are available: Option A: West Baray and secret temples (43kms by bike – medium level) This full-day tour is without any doubt one of the most amazing cycling experiences you could have in Cambodia. You will see beautiful landscapes including typical villages and other hidden gems along the way. Depart from Siem Reap in the direction of the temples, and leave the road to take a tiny trail. Here starts a beautiful ride passing small houses, green fields and herds of water buffalos and maybe your feet are going to get wet passing through the middle of some flowing streams. Along the way, you'll explore the countryside, see local people living in remote areas, and discover places where no one is going to disturb your sense of escape. The landscapes are incredible and change a lot along the way, from rice fields, forests, to some wide open spaces before arriving at West Baray. Located just west of the walled city of Angkor Thom, it is the largest Baray at Angkor, rectangular in shape and measuring approximately 7.8 by 2.1 kilometres. Its construction began in the 11th century during the reign of King Suryavarman and its waters are contained by tall earthen dykes. Afterwards you will take a trail which brings you straight into the forest, where you can discover some very charming and hidden small villages. Then, you'll visit a succession of small temples, Kok Po, Prasat Cha and the last one, a very charming place called Ta Uon temple. You then ride until Angkor Thom North Gate and go up the wall for an amazing ride in Angkor Park. Watch the sunset at Prasat Chrung little tower temple, located at one of the corners of the wall before heading back to Siem Reap bytransfer.                                                                                
  11. Option B: Rice & Lotus Fields (36kms by bike or E-bike – medium level)
  12. Today set away from Siem Reap following a hidden trail. Houses become rare and you pedal between the fields before arriving to the little forgotten Angkor temple of Wat Athvea. You will probably be the only people visiting this place. Continue on a beautiful red soil track. On each side you will see a succession of beautiful rice fields and lotus fields. You discover the beauty of the Cambodian countryside, its farm life and elegant sugar palms that characterize it. Arrival at Phnom Krom mount. The ascent can be done by foot with direct stairs reaching the top or by bike for the more sportive. At the top, you discover a small temple but also a splendid panoramic view. Admire the landscapes and Sap Lake. This is a beautiful retreat from the bustle of the city and Angkor Site. On the way back, we recommend you to stop for lunch in a "Hammock" restaurant. A 100% local experience! You will arrive at Siem Reap City in the afternoon.
  13. Option C: Angkor complex “Petit Tour” (25kms by bike – easy level)
  14. This tour is commonly referred to as the "Angkor Petit Tour" and is designed to provide access to the most famous Angkor temples. Passing through the wild forest areas, the small villages and around the historical sites, you will get to know Cambodia's most beautiful attributes. Leave your hotel in the morning and start your trip by travelling along the riverside, then pass through a little village before going deep into the forested area. Eventually you arrive at Angkor Thom South Gate for one of the most charming rides within the Angkor complex; then continue via Victory Gate. Afterwards you will visit a succession of historical sites located within Angkor Thom, including the Elephant Terrace, Royal Palace, Baphuon and the unique architectural wonder of the Bayon temple. You have plenty of time to enjoy the countryside and look at the houses and the architecture along the way. To cap off the tour you will leave from Bayon to the main road and finish your biking adventure by visiting the impressive and beautiful Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, capital of the Khmer empire and now an iconic symbol of Cambodia.
  15. Option D: Half day Angkor by E-bike
  16. The E-bike is a new eco-friendly way to explore the Temples of Angkor in Cambodia. These electric bikes run on batteries and allow you to travel independently anywhere, without effort, pollution or noise. The e-bike can run about 40 kilometres per charge (if you ride an average of 20km /hour), and there are many places in town, Angkor temples or in the countryside where you can recharge the e-bikes
  17. Siem Reap: Have a picnic lunch at a remote temple, followed by a foot massage (day 12) At noon time, have picnic lunch in a less known small temple with a special set up. After lunch, have a relaxing foot massage.
  18. Siem Reap: Fun treasure hunt amongst Angkor temples. Great for families. (day 12) The funniest way to discover the wonderful temples of Angkor and also the Cambodian countryside. Your journey will take you to on a discovery of the ancient Khmer temples through deep jungles, green rice fields and some of the most astonishing ruins you ever have seen. Thanks to the tuk-tuk and the treasure hunter's book, the teams will have to find the clues hidden in different places in the Angkor area temples. After the treasure hunt, have lunch at a remote temple.

Accommodation based on the below or similar

Hanoi

Tourist Class - Quoc Hoa Hotel (Deluxe room)

First Class - Silk Path (Premium Deluxe room)

Deluxe Class - Melia Ha Noi Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Halong Bay

Tourist Class - Pelican, non-private (Deluxe room)

First Class - Indochina Sails cruise, non-private (Boutique Cabin)

Deluxe Class - Indochina Sails cruise, non-private (Deluxe cabin)

Hoi An

Tourist Class - Atlas Hotel

First Class - Ancient House Village Hotel (Garden View Superior Room)

Deluxe Class - Palm Garden Resort (Superior Garden View Room)

Hue

Tourist Class - Alba Spa Hotel (Deluxe city view room)

First Class - Eldora Hue Hotel (Deluxe City View Room)

Deluxe Class - Pilgrimage Village (Deluxe Villa)

Ho Chi Minh City

Tourist Class - Le Duy Grand (Grand Deluxe room)

First Class - Grand Hotel (Premium Deluxe Room)

Deluxe Class - Renaissance Riverside (Deluxe City View Room)

Mekong Delta Cruise

Tourist Class - Bassac cruise, non-private (Standard cabin)

First Class - Bassac cruise, non-private (Standard Cabin)

Deluxe Class - Bassac cruise, non-private (Standard Cabin)

Chau Doc

Tourist Class - Chau Pho Hotel (Superior room)

First Class - Victoria Chau Doc (Superior room)

Deluxe Class - Victoria Chau Doc (Deluxe Room)

Phnom Penh

Tourist Class - Sangkum (Superior room)

First Class - White Mansion Boutique Hotel (Deluxe room)

Deluxe Class - La Rose Boutique (Deluxe Room)

Siem Reap

Tourist Class - La Niche d'Angkor (Deluxe room)

First Class - Tara Angkor (Superior room)

Deluxe Class - Jaya House River Park (Deluxe Room)

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable).   All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country.   Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Sold out
Sold out
Sold out
Sold out

Order a Brochure

Click to view our online brochures. We also offer printed brochures to order. Enquire here

Testimonials

Read testimonials from past Innovative Travellers whom we have helped to explore the globe.

Sign up for Emails

Click to sign up for our amazing email exclusive offers, free events, travel tips, and more.

Contact Us

Email: info@innovativetravel.co.nz

Tel: (03) 3653 910

NZ Toll Free: 0508 100 111

Aust Toll Free: 1800 157 163