From Hanoi to ancient Angkor

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel.* Hanoi is a city characterized by centuries-old architecture and vibrant Southeast Asian culture, located in the heart of Vietnam. It offers a variety of unique experiences, from its impressive temples and lively culture to its busy markets and world-renowned cuisine.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of the day exploring at your own pace to begin discovering this fascinating city. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

*An optional night transfer is available for flights arriving between 11:00 pm and 7:30 am.

You will also have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a free day to explore the city on your own, fitting in as little or as much as you'd like. If you're interested in escaping the big city, consider joining our optional excursion to Ninh Binh*, a smaller town on the Red River. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

*Optional excursion to Ninh Binh: Discover the beauty of a hidden gem just two hours outside Hanoi. Take a rowboat through stunning scenery, seeing small villages, caves, temples and an array of incredible views before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road to Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage area of outstanding natural beauty known for its limestone islands and glistening waters. Travel through the rich farmlands of the delta and witness the daily life of the Vietnamese villages.

Arrive in Ha Long and board a traditional junk boat to begin your cruise on the bay with a welcome drink. Lunch on board. The cruise passes by many stone islets and may stop for a while to visit local fishing villages, caves and limestone islands. Relax at your leisure on the sun deck. Dinner and overnight on board.

Please note: The cruise operator will choose one itinerary to either Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay. Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations. There will be an English-speaking guide on board.

This morning, aboard the junk boat, early risers can join a Tai Chi demonstration on the upper deck. Enjoy a light breakfast, followed by a delicious brunch, all while cruising past the countless islands and islets. After disembarking, return to Hanoi by bus.

Since it’s your last night in the city, take the opportunity to explore more of Hanoi. We recommend joining our optional street food tour with a local guide for an unforgettable evening. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

*Optional street food tour: Experience Hanoi’s legendary street food on a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter. Stop at bustling markets like Hang Be and Dong Xuan to sample flavorful dishes made with fresh herbs and local ingredients. Take a seat on a tiny chair and savor egg coffee, hot coffee with condensed milk topped with egg foam and cinnamon. And finish at the “beer corner” with a refreshing glass of Bia Hoi, the local draft beer.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart this morning for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. We recommend heading out to discover the well-known night market and lively Pub Street. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Another highlight awaits early risers today: witnessing the sunrise over Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Angkor. Travel by tuk-tuk to this revered monument, celebrated for its soaring spires, stunning architecture, and deep spiritual significance. Watch the otherworldly sunrise before touring the centuries-old grounds, then return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast.

After a relaxing morning, continue exploring more of the mystical world of ancient temples. Begin at Ta Prohm, famously known as the Tomb Raider temple, where giant tree roots entwine the stone ruins, creating its enigmatic allure.

Next, visit Angkor Thom, once the great capital of the Khmer Empire, and take in Bayon Temple with its 54 towers adorned with 200 serene faces of Avalokiteshvara. Wander through the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, each steeped in history and intrigue. After a full day of discovery, return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your last free day to relax or continue exploring Siem Reap. For nature lovers, we recommend an optional excursion that includes a blessing ceremony at a pagoda and a visit to Tonle Sap Lake.* And, if you’re a curious foodie, you can join an optional nighttime tuk-tuk tour to discover Cambodian street food.** Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

*Optional excursion to a monk blessing & Tonle Sap Lake: Experience Cambodian culture through a traditional monk blessing ceremony, believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Visit a peaceful riverside pagoda with French colonial architecture, colorful wall paintings, and a serene statue garden. Sit on mats as the monks chant blessings, sprinkle holy water and flowers, and tie a sacred thread around your wrist for protection.

Next, drive south of Siem Reap for a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, which can grow tenfold during the rainy season. Sail to the floating village of Chong Kneas to see floating pig farms, schools, gardens, and spirit houses. One of the highlights is a home visit, where you’ll gain personal insight into the daily lives of the families who call this unique place home.

**Optional nighttime tuk-tuk tour to discover Cambodian street food: Hop on a tuk-tuk to a local night market and immerse yourself in Cambodian culture. Dare to try unique Cambodian specialties like fried grasshoppers, spiders, crickets, and cockroaches, all favorites among locals! Wash it all down with a local beer if you like, and finish the evening at a restaurant with a traditional dinner prepared by local chefs in authentic Cambodian style.

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US.**

*If your return flight departs early in the morning, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

**Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the US the following day.