19 Days Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand At A Glance

Visit West Lake, the largest lake of the capital, once named “Foggy Lake” of its misty condition. Its name was changed to “West Lake” in 1573 to avoid the given name of King Le The Tong. Stop at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city, originally constructed in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De, thus giving it an age of 1,400 years. Have ice cream at West Lake Ice Cream – Kem Ho Tay – right opposite the Tran Quoc Pagoda. 

Vietnamese name is Quoc Tu Giam – The Vietnam’s first University, which was built in 1070 in honor of Confucius, his followers and Chu Van An, a moral figure in Vietnamese education. 

A prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War when it was sarcastically known to American prisoners of war as the "Hanoi Hilton".

A valuable centre for the exhibition and the preservation of cultural heritages of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Enjoy the cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch the local life and peruse items fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet – Water puppetry – ” puppets that dance on water”- is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam.

As the first capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is famous for its rich architectural and historical landmarks, offering tourists the chance to appreciate both stunning historical scenery and unique architectural values of a bygone era.

Enjoy 1.5 hours of excursion by small boat along the Ngo Dong River through a scenic landscape dominated by rice fields and karst towers. The route includes floating through Tam Coc – the three natural grottos (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba), the largest of which is 125m long with its ceiling about 2m high above the water. The boats are typically rowed by one or two local women who also sell embroidered goods.

Visit Mua Caves viewpoint or (Hang Múa) and its peak mountain with a stunning panoramic view of the countryside and Ngo Dong river. There are about 500 steps on the 2 peaks and viewpoints. The highest viewpoint is the Lying Dragon Mountain (Núi Ngoạ Long) with its stone statue of Quan am (The Goddess of Mercy this is also a popular selfie spot in Ninh Binh).

Arrive at the cruise's lounge. Embark on the cruise, enjoy a welcome drink, and attend a safety briefing.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the restaurant as you sail past stunning islets and limestone mountains.

Paddle by kayak or sampan through the tranquil waters of Luon Cave, surrounded by towering limestone formations that tell stories of centuries past.

One of the most renowned sites in Ha Long Bay where you can get a stunning view with an easy hike. By the foot of the mountain on this island, you can enjoy diving into the clear blue waters for a refreshing swim.

Get back to the boat and enjoy our Sunset party while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage. Attend a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. You can quickly learn a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish - Nem Ran (Fried Spring Roll)

Awaken your senses with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light, energizing breakfast.

Step into the magical world of Sung Sot Cave, where dramatic stalactites and stalagmites create an otherworldly atmosphere. Walking through steep stone steps, visitors can have the feeling of climbing the mountain and experience the excitement of stepping into the sky.

Settle your bill at reception, then enjoy a scenic brunch as we approach the pier.

Board our river basket boat for a relaxing 30-minute ride on the Thu Bon river to Bay Mau Coconut Forest, which is recognized by the Province as an official ecological zone.

You are delighted to be a real gardener by wearing the clothes of the peasants with a conical hat, a yoke on your shoulder, and a hoe in hand. Manual work in the field with skill and patience (raking, fertilizing, cultivating, and watering soil) gives you different impressions. Relax with a foot massage with medicinal herbs planted in the family garden.

Then we move to the cooking class venue. With the instructions of the chef, we will learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. At the end you will enjoy your cooked dishes as lunch.

MENU:

1. Crispy pancake (meat, shrimp, beansprouts…)
2. Spring rolls of Hoi An
3. Tam Huu
4. Grilled fish in banana leaf…

*Other special food on request. Let us know if you have dietary restriction.

Explore its narrow lane lined with centuries-old houses showcasing Chinese, Japanese, French, and European architectural influences. Visit key attractions such as the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the Tan Ky old house, and the local market, while enjoying the town’s vibrant art galleries and tailor shops.

Discover the fascinating underground network of Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the struggle for independence. Learn about the tunnel system’s living spaces, kitchens, and command centers, and the resilience of those who lived and fought underground.

Formerly known as Independence Palace, built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, a landmark in the city.

Explore iconic French Indochina-era buildings such as City Hall, Ho Chi Minh Monument and the neoclassical Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel which was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the early 20th century.

A magnificient building located in the heart of the city and was established by French colonists. This cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880

An iconic structure in the region built in early 19th century. Initially, the pagoda was simply a workshop where the owners practiced during their retirement in the neighborhood.

Board the boat at a pier and cruising on the Mekong River. Here, overlooking floating houses where fishes are farmed beneath the house.

Here you'll  a ride to reach a performance site where Vietnamese traditional music can be heard and seasonal tropical fruit can be tasted (included).

Get on a small hand-rowing boat to slowly cruise through a small creek with beautiful overhanging coconut trees. Lives both sides of the creek can be observed.

Before heading to lunch, passing through a bee-keeping farm, and enjoying honey tea, a typical Mekong house can be viewed here. Continue traveling to learn the coconut candies-making process a workshop. A sample of candies can be tasted.

One of the largest market in the Mekong Delta. The market is bustling with boats selling fresh produce like mangoes, bananas, and pineapples. Vendors display goods using long poles, creating a maze of boats on the river. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as smaller boats weave through larger ones, offering drinks to market-goers.

Visit the 1870 French-style house, a backdrop in the film L’amant by J. Annaud, and explore its historical significance. The house, now a national heritage site, is surrounded by a beautiful garden with rare orchids.

Wat Phnom Temple is an ancient pagoda that stands up on the hill.  It symbolizes the name of Phnom Penh, and a historical site that is part of the Khmer national identity

The Independence Monument is a captivating historical site in the heart of Phnom Penh. The structure holds a prominent place in Cambodia’s rich history. Situated at the intersection of Norodom Boulevard and Sihanouk Boulevard, this iconic monument stands as a testament to Cambodia’s hard-fought independence from French colonial rule in 1953.

The oldest Buddhist foundation in the city, probably predating the abandonment of the capital at Angkor in the 15th century.

Then we will walk along the riverfront, the confluence of the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac Rivers for taking fresh air.

This beautiful sandstone museum was opened in 1920 and showcases many fine examples of Angkor Wat statuary.

These two are the most striking buildings in the capital and are considered some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. The building houses many golds and jeweled Buddha statues including the highly prized 17th-century baccarat crystal Buddha. 

(Or Phsar Thmei) This distinctive building is a city landmark & the busiest market in the city with a unique art deco version of a traditional market and the market constructed in 1935-37, during the French colonial period, Phsar Thmei is currently just completed its renovation and become the central section of the main market building displays an amazing collection of gems, jewelry and souvenirs

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is the memorial site of the S-21 interrogation and detention center of the Khmer Rouge regime. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, it preserves evidence of a tragic period in Cambodian history with the aim of encouraging visitors to be messengers of peace.

The temple complex, cover 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean. 

Tonight enjoy buffet dinner with Apsara Dance Show at  local restaurant.

This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling.

Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevada are masterpieces in the area
 

Angkor Thom is the "great city" built by the ancient Khmer as their capital city. It is home to some of the biggest and most popular temples.

The Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, or Tonle Om Gate, is one of the five ancient gates dated to the 12th century providing access through the 8m high laterite walls of Angkor Thom

You will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking in every direction. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passageway that leads to the Baphuon complex. 

Kbal Spean literally means “Bridge Head” in Khmer and is an ancient Angkorian site, part of Phnom Kulen National Park. The interest in this site is a series of stone carvings in the river bed of yonis and lingas, as tributes to the Hindu god, Shiva. Because of this, Kbal Spean is frequently referred to as the Valley of a 1000 Lingas or the River of a Thousand Lingas. The lingas are most visible after the rainy season finishes, when the water level in the river is lower.

Banteay Srei is a 10th-century Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still observable today.

Banteay Samre is one of the most beautiful of the smaller ancient temple sites almost rivalling the popular Banteay Srei site. It was built in the early 11th century as a Hindu temple under the reign of King Suryavarman II (reign 1113 – c.1150 AD) and later completed by King Yasovarman II (reign 1160 – 1166 AD) in the early 12th century. It's a little out of the way and is a much quieter alternative to the temples close to Angkor Wat which makes it a perfect choice for photography.

The Grand Royal Palace of Bangkok is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in Bangkok. It was built in 1782 and for 150 years was the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government.

Wat Phra Kaeo is a royal temple that is in the northeast corner of the Grand Palace. It enshrines Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakon (Phra Kaeo Morakot) (Emerald Buddha) and is the place where important religious ceremonies are performed.

Wat Pho is one of the top six temples in Thailand and is famous for the huge statue of the Reclining Buddha. Besides the gigantic Reclining Buddha, the temple is well known for the numerous Buddha images all around it.

Wat Traimit, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, is famous for housing the world’s largest solid gold statue of the Buddha. 

Afternoon, boarding on a long tail boat for an excursion along the Chao Phraya River and many bustling interior canals that offer fantastic views of local life close by. Along the way, we stop at Wat Arun, the temple of the Aube. 

It is a common fresh market selling seafood, vegetable, fruits, fresh and dried food, meats and other miscellaneous goods.The shelters stick into the railway where visitors walk and do their shopping. When each signal of the arriving train rings, chaos happens: vendors will rush to close their parasols and canvas, along with clearing all goods that will obstruct the coming train at a great speed. Once the train passes, parasols and canvas will be reopened as goods are again put into their usual place next to the railroad.

One of Thailand’s largest and most famous floating markets, where vendors on boats sell local food and unique pieces—from kitchenware to clothing. Here you can try the warm coconut pancakes, pad thai, boat noodles, and classic mango sticky rice (your own account) as you float along the slender canals. You can find fresh fruits and vegetables here too. Don't forget to see the traditional wooden houses on stilts along the way. 

Patom Organic Village (opens on Saturday & Sunday only) is where you can experience the traditional Thai way of life by learning about the journey of organic raw materials to Patom products. Our open factory will show you the work that goes our bakery, supplement, and body care factory before the products make their way to Patom Organic Living stores. Immerse yourself in our concept of organic living and participate in our selective hands-on workshops.