STEFFI'S PLAN: VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA ITINERARY 23 DAYS TRIP

Welcome to Ha Noi, the capital city of Viet Nam.

Get picked up by our driver from the airport.

Hotel check in.

Spend your time for resting after the long hour flights.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

09:00: Tour guide picks up to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.

The next stop is Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11^th century.

Then, Hoa Lo Prison Museum which originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton”.

Back to the old quarter to explore Hanoi old quarter with your local friend.

Visiting Hanoi 36 streets, hidden gems, the places which is only locals know… Discover Hanoi like a true local! Our Food Tour is not just about indulging in the city’s iconic dishes—it’s a journey through its culture, history, and hidden treasures that most tourists miss.

🌟 What’s on the Menu?

Savor Hanoi’s most beloved dishes, all carefully selected to showcase the city’s culinary excellence:

• Phở: Vietnam’s world-famous noodle soup.
• Bún Chả: Grilled pork and vermicelli, a dish that captivated even President Obama!
• Bánh Mì: A perfect blend of French and Vietnamese flavors in a crispy baguette.
• Nem Rán: Crispy spring rolls with delightful fillings.
• Miến Trộn Mực: A refreshing squid vermicelli salad.
• Cà Phê Trứng: Hanoi’s signature creamy egg coffee.

Dessert: End with a choice of chè or fruit yogurt for a sweet finish.

Note: This street food menu can be adjusted to meet your own taste & interests.

🚂 Unique Highlight: Train Street Experience

Overnight in Ha Noi!

06:20: Our sleeping bus will pick you at the address on Tran Quang Khai street and depart to Sapa following Noi Bai – Lao Cai highway. Along the way, you will have a chance to enjoy the beauty of northwestern mountains, terraced fields sparkling in sunlight or dim in thick fog. Have two short breaks in 30 minutes for each and then continue the trip to Sapa.

13.00 – 13:30: Arrive in Sapa, eat lunch and check in at the hotel.

14:30: You will start hiking to Cat Cat Village which is occupied by the Black H’mong tribe.

Here, you can see the hydroelectric power station which was built by the French in the twentieth century. You will experience the tribal way of life of ethnic minorities while enjoying wonderful views of the terraced rice paddy fields and the waterfall in Cat Cat village. Visitors will also understand culture, unique customs, traditional crafts such as weaving, touching carved silver, forged agricultural tools…Come back to the hotel.

After dinner, you are free to explore the charm of Sapa by night, enjoy roasted corn, baked eggs beside charcoal fire or go shopping. Especially on Saturday night, we highly recommend a stop at the Love Market – one of the unique cultures of ethnic minorities in northwest Vietnam. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa.

08:00: Car and tour guide take you to Fansipan Cable Car Station to start the journey to conquer Fansipan with the world’s most modern 3-wire cable car system with a cabin that can accommodate up to 30 visitors. Then continue conquering to the top of Fansipan at 3.143m higher from sea-level, the roof of Indochina.

11:30: Back to Sapa, have lunch and rest.

Free time in the afternoon.

Suggest place to visit: Sapa Market, Sapa Lake…

Overnight in Sapa

Have breakfast in the hotel.

Check out! Return Ha Noi around noon

Arrive to Ha Noi around 20:30-21:00

Overnight in Ha Noi.

07.45-08.30: You will be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and transferred to Ha Long.

11:30-12:00: Upon arrival at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port, you will enjoy a warm welcome by our cruise staff in the waiting lounge and complete check-in procedure.

12:00: Upon boarding Amanda Cruise, our crew welcome you with a refreshing drink and cold towel before checking into your cabin. The vessel leaves Tuan Chau Marina, taking you on an exciting journey to discover the beauty of Ha Long Bay. Along the way, you can enjoy the view of some of the most beautiful spots in Ha Long and admire the grandeur of the Bay with thousands of limestone islands while the vessel heads to Luon Cave & Titop Island.

Enjoy your lunch at our luxurious restaurant on board while the vessel cruises toward Luon Cave.

14:00:  You will be transferred to Titop Island by tender.

Visit Titop Island and hike to the top for stunning views of Ha Long Bay, or have a fun swim in the clear blue water.

16:00:  Exploring Sung Sot cave. This is the largest and the most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay. The cave has some unique rock formations which couldn’t be found anywhere else. The path to the mouth of Sung Sot Cave is under a canopy of leaves. Walking through steep stone steps, tourists may have the feeling of climbing on mountains and experience the excitement as if they are stepping to the sky.

17:30-18:00: Back on board, you will participate in Sunset party & cooking class while the vessel cruises toward the shore. You can enjoy relaxing moments while sipping a cup of traditional Vietnamese tea or coffee on the sundeck amid wonderful scenery and beautiful sunset. Ha Long Bay is calm during the day, but when the sun goes down, the Bay becomes even more tranquil and peaceful.

You will be instructed to make delicious Fresh Spring rolls by our chef and then enjoy the rolls made on your own.

17.30-18.30: Happy hour – BUY 2 DRINK GET 1 FOR FREE

19:30: Dinner. Enjoy your dinner on the Sundeck (if the weather is favorable)

20:30: After dinner, you will enjoy a peaceful view of the Bay at night on the deck. You can also participate in evening activities such as herbal foot bath in your room (free of charge), Bamboo dancing, fashion show traditional customers “Footsteps of Heritage” and some drinks at Sky Bar and massage (subject to additional charge), while admiring breathtaking view of the Bay at night and squid fishing.

The cruise ship anchors for your peaceful night stay in quiet area.

Overnight in Amanda Ha Long Bay cruise.

06:15: Start your day with Tai Chi class on the sun deck.

06:30-07:00: Enjoy light breakfast with coffee, tea, cakes and fruits, Pho Vietnam, egg station.

07:30: Hera Cruise will take you to Luon cave area, you will participate in kayaking or bamboo boating here around the thousand-year-old rock formations.

08:30-09:30: Back on the ship, you can rest in your room, sunbathe on the sundeck, take photos of Halong Bay

09:30: Check-out.

Please place your luggage outside the cabin and leave your room key at the front desk. Our staff will transfer your baggage to the waiting area.

10:00: Enjoy an early lunch buffet at the restaurant on the 2nd floor and pay the bill if any.

11:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina. Return to Hanoi.

Special notes: Itinerary maybe changed due to bad Weather, tidy or others issues. Timing on it same to be not absolutely fixed.

14:30: Arrive to Hanoi. Drop-off at the hotel.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

07:30 – 08:00: Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. We take you to Ninh Binh province which is far from Hanoi city about 120 km.

09:30: Have a short break for 20 minutes to relax

10:30: The first destination in this trip is visit Hoa Lu ancient capital. This is the first capital of Vietnam. Come to visit Hoa Lu, you will learn about why the capital was moved to Hanoi nowadays. You are impressed on an outstanding architecture when entering temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam, built in the 17th century. Try to feel ancient atmospheres in Hoa Lu ancient capital.

11:45: Have buffet lunch in the restaurant with a lot of local foods goat meat, fried rice… Vegetarian food is always available in the buffet lunch.

13:00: Visit Trang An which was recognized by UNESCO as The world Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An has the wonderful tunnel cave system so that Kong’s Movie Group chose this place for New Version of Kong in 2016: “Skull Island”. Boat trip to visit Trang An to see the amazing beauty of this landscape with many caves such as: Sang Cave (Light Cave), Toi Cave (Dark cave), Nau Ruou Cave (Cooking Wine), green river and natural view.

15:30: Get on the bus to go to Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach to the top of Lying Dragon Moutain, have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from there.

16:30 – 17:00: Get on the bus to return to Hanoi

19:30: Arrive to Hanoi and get drop off at the hotel.

Check out hotel in Ha Noi.

Driver picks up to the airport. Fly to Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Having breakfast at the hotel. Hotel check out! Spend the day visiting all the city attractions then heading to Hoi An.

08:00: Picking up from the hotel and start the day.

First, visiting Hue imperial city – the palace of 13 Nguyen Kings with Ngo Mon Gate, Library, Thai Hoa Palace, Nine Dynastic Urns, etc.

You will visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, the tomb had elements of Eastern art mixed with Western designs.

12:00: Having a nice lunch with Hue cuisine and rest at beautiful restaurant

Next, Visiting Thien Mu pagoda associated with culture and history of Hue.

15:00 – 15:30: Finish the trip, heading to Hoi An.

On the way, we will stop to visit some beautiful attraction such as: Hai Van pass – is an approximately 21km long mountain pass on National Route 1A in Vietnam. It is the natural border of Thua Thien Hue Province and Da Nang City, one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam.

And sightseeing Lap An Lagoon – Lang Co beach – With more than 10km long white sand beach and blue sea water, Lang Co beach is an ideal place for relaxing, swimming and taking photos.

17:30: Drop off at Hoi An hotel. Hotel check in. Having rest time.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Having a free day in Hoi An to enjoy the Tet atmosphere.

Overnight in Hoi An.

14:30: Our guide will meet you at our hotel in Hoi An City Center and start the Hoi An City Tour.

Firstly, you’ll visit Hoi An Market which is always bustling. It offers an unmissable shopping experience. This market is full of sights, colors, sounds and smells.

Next to Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues and elaborate rooftops. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees making offerings.

You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses: Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House. That have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world.

After that, going to Museum of Folk Culture in Hoi An, a display of artifacts depicts ancient local daily life in a 150-year-old Chinese merchant house. Especially, you will enjoy art shows at Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House.

Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.

Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.

Enjoy your time with the boat ride and release the flower lantern to pray for the lucks to you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of the lantern street.

18:30: Finish Hoi An city tour

Our guide will take you back to your hotel in Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

We start the day (08.am) with a welcome drink at Hai Café (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An Ancient Town,

Tel: 0235 3863210 – our meeting point. (Should be at this adress by 08:00)

Travel by minivan (10 minutes) to Tra Que Organic Village and walk through the market gardens where local farmers work their fields using the traditional methods of hundreds of years ago – no electrical machinery here. We pick fresh saw-tooth coriander and Vietnamese mint for our cooking lesson later, before trying a special herbal drink at a local home.

To the local village market and with shopping list in hand we purchase a range of local ingredients, including star anise, cardamom, sesame rice paper, water spinach and banana flower.

Arriving at Red Bridge Cooking School we have a chance to freshen up before beginning our class. Working together with our Red Bridge Chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils (still in use today) we cook 4 famous dishes, including the national dish ‘Pho’.

After the class we sit down and a chance to savour the dishes we have prepared. Leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River back to central Hoi An.

Bring your swimsuit and after the cooking tour has finished relax and enjoy free use of our 20 metre swimming pool. Recipes (our food contains no MSG):

*Vegetarians (and other dietary requirements) are provided with replacement ingredients.

1. Beef Noodle Soup (Pho)

– includes the making of fresh rice noodles

2. Clay Pot Fish with Fresh Dill (Cha Ca)
3. Lemongrass Shrimp grilled in Banana Leaves (Tom Nuong La Chuoi)
4. Grilled Chicken and Banana Flower Salad (Goi Hoa Chuoi Ga Nuong)

*Lunch includes all of the above dishes

Finish at approximately 2.30pm – transfer back to central Hoi An arriving approximately 3.00pm.

Overnight in Hoi An.

07:30 – 08:00: Our Minivan and a tour guide pick you up at the hotel lobby.

Reach Ba Na Hills via Cable Car. Spend your time on the most modern Cable Car in Southeast Asia, visit Dream Stream Cable car Station and see the panorama of Quang Nam – Danang City on high.

After finishing the first cable car, you will visit The Golden Bridge which has the most exotic structure and also the world’s most prominent pedestrian bridges highlighted by the British Guard newspaper, France wine cellar, Le Jardin D’amourn (consists of 9 gardens), Linh Ung pagoda. Continue the 2nd Cable Car to visit the French Village, enjoy Street Music, watch Art’s statue, Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, Watch Carnival Performance Show, Square Du Dome…Challenge the most popular adventure ride. Slide of Tube Car…

Lunch at Restaurant (Buffet). Take the Lava Train from Sun Kingdom to many new attractions for check-in such as Helios waterfall, Time Gate, and The Moon Kingdom…Join in Fantasy Park by Walking in Fairy Forest, discovering Dinosaur Park, playing 5D wild west, enjoying 4D death race ride, watch 3D mega 360 degrees, ride on Journey into the underground, enter Jurassic Park, challenge Freefall Tower and participate in an adventure in Horror House and over 90 free games.

15:00: Return to the Cable Car for leaving Ba Na Hills

16:45 – 17:45: Our Minivan brings you back to your hotel.

Welcome to Sai Gon Viet Nam – the largest and most populous city in Vietnam.

Get picked up by our driver. Transfer to the hotel. Check in and have rest!

Overnight in Sai Gon

STARTING AT 15:00 AND FINISH AROUND 19:00

Embark on an unforgettable adventure and discover the vibrant city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in style with a Saigon Jeep Tour.

15:00: Your journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel located in Saigon’s District 1. Your friendly guide and driver will greet you at the lobby or a designated meeting point, providing a safety briefing before setting off on the tour.

First, we’ll take you on a drive through the highlights of Saigon’s Central Business District, District 1, and District 3. Admire the architectural wonders of the Reunification Palace, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, and the thought-provoking War Remnants Museum. This will give you a taste of Saigon’s top attractions, allowing you to explore them further at your leisure.

Next, we’ll venture into the lesser-known districts of Saigon, including Districts 3, 5, 6, 10, and 11. Prepare to immerse yourself in the real Saigon, experiencing the day-to-day lives of the locals. We’ll navigate through maze-like backstreets, tiny alleyways, local homes, schools, and bustling markets, showcasing the city’s diverse and vibrant culture.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a wide range of delectable street eats, sourced from hidden food carts and local cafes. Let your guide curate a personalized culinary adventure, introducing you to the most exceptional and off-the-beaten-path flavors that Saigon has to offer.

This Saigon Jeep Tour is designed to not only showcase the city’s top attractions but also its hidden gems and the real, unfiltered essence of Saigon. Escape the crowds and experience the city like a true local, all while enjoying the nostalgic charm of a vintage Jeep.

Overnight in Sai Gon.

Get picked-up at your accommodation in the city center and drive to Cu Chi, around 65km. On the way to the Tunnels, visit the handicapped handicraft workshop.

Watch a documentary film about the Vietnam War. Discover special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals and command centers helping whoever lives inside Cu Chi tunnels meet their basic needs.

Discover many hidden lefts behind trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels and learning more about the handmade weapon and traps used during the Vietnam War. Seeing huge bomb craters and the mere 10–13 feet thick level of upper soil can support the bearing weight of a 55-ton tank and the explosive damage of bombs left from the war.

Break at the shooting range to shoot some real guns with Ak47, M16, M30, M60 (shooting fee is paid separately from the trip).

Highlight of the trip is to crawl and experience the underground town of Cu Chi Tunnels. This is the best part of the trip when you crawl into it to feel how it was like in the war. Guests who have claustrophobia be not afraid of crawling inside, you still can see it from above the ground.

Taste the pandan tea and tapioca (guerilla’s food during the war) before heading back to Saigon.

Overnight in Sai Gon

07:45: Get picked up from your hotel in center of Ho Chi Minh City and head to the Mekong Delta. During the 1.5 hour car ride, we will pass through by green rice fields before arriving at the beautiful rural My Tho.

The first stop is Vinh Trang pagoda. It is the biggest pagoda in the Mekong Delta region. You will be guided to explore the most beautiful, ancient and significant temple in the Mekong Delta.

This religious landmark dates back to the 19th century and features a harmonious fusion of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese architectural styles.

Your trip continues from here by motorized boat on the Tien River to the Qui, the Dragon, Phoenix and Unicorn Islet. Walk into the village, where you can visit a local fruit garden and enjoy the tropical fruit while listening to Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by islanders.

Here you can join daily activities of the local people and take in the atmosphere of this beautiful natural countryside. Visit the bee house. Lunch will be served at orchard garden.

The boat cruises to Ben Tre province known as “The Land of Coconut”. Here you’ll visit the coconut candy-making shop. Next, enjoy a rowing boat trip on the small canal, fully covered by water coconut palms on both sides. After that, you will have time to relax on a hammock or bike around the village.

03:30: Head back to Ho Chi Minh city

05:30: arrive at around Ho Chi Minh city

Overnight in Sai Gon.

Check out hotel.

Driver picks up to Tan Son Nhat airport.

Fly to Siem Reap.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Having Siem Reap – Angkor temple tour.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Check out hotel. Driver picks up to the airport. Fly to Ha Noi.

Overnight in Ha Noi

Having free day in Ha Noi for resting and shopping.

Overnight in Ha Noi

Having free day in Ha Noi for resting and shopping. Overnight in Ha Noi

Have breakfast.

Enjoy last morning in Ha Noi city.

Check out hotel. Driver picks up to the airport

Trip ends. See you next time!

Note: Driver picks up 3,5 hours before your departure flight!

Thank you for travelling with Jenny From The Blog!!!