Discovering Indochina: A Mekong Delta Adventure 17-Day | Best Tour Package from Hanoi to Siem Reap

Experience the best of Vietnam and Cambodia with this 17-day package tour departing every Saturday. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the stunning beauty of Halong Bay, explore the charming ancient town of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue, before discovering the vibrant cities of Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh. Finally, marvel at the stunning temples of Angkor in Siem Reap. With a mix of cultural and natural attractions, this tour is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive and immersive experience in these two fascinating countries.

1. Halong Bay Cruise: Spend a night on a traditional cruise boat and take in the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Hoi An Excursion: Take a boat trip along the Thu Bon River and explore the ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage.
3. My Son Sanctuary: Visit the ancient Hindu temples of My Son, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about the Champa civilization that thrived in the region from the 4th to the 13th centuries.
4. Hue's Imperial Treasures: Discover the imperial history of Hue, Vietnam's former capital, by visiting the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, the Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.
5. Cu Chi Tunnels: Gain insight into the Vietnam War by exploring the intricate network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong soldiers.
6. Angkor Highlights: Marvel at the stunning temples of Angkor, including the iconic Angkor Wat, and learn about the fascinating history and mythology behind these ancient structures.

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam! On your first day, you can arrive in Hanoi at any time as the only activity scheduled is the airport pick up. A Legend Travel Group car driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel. Once you have checked in, the rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore the city and form your own first impressions of Vietnam. The airport transfer is included in the itinerary, so you don't have to worry about arranging transportation on your own. Stay overnight in Hanoi and get ready for an exciting adventure!

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our van will pick you up at 8:00 am to begin the day's activities. Our first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can learn about the incredible life of Uncle Ho and pay your respects to him. We will also visit the Presidential Palace and his residential place.

Our next stop is the nearby Temple of Literature, which was built in the twelfth century and was the site of Vietnam's first university. Here, you can learn about Confucius's theory and even enjoy a traditional music performance.

For lunch, we'll head to a local restaurant for a taste of authentic Hanoi Pho, a delicious noodle soup. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit one of the numerous museums or temples around Hanoi, such as the Museum of Ethnology, Women's Museum, History Museum, or Quan Thanh Temple.

Later in the afternoon, we'll take a relaxing stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and explore Hanoi's fascinating Old Quarter. Here, you can enjoy some great shopping and try some street-side traditional food, like the famous "Hanoi bia." This is a wonderful opportunity to experience typical Hanoian style and traditional Vietnamese culture.

To cap off the day, you can choose to attend the Water Puppet Show, a beloved experience for all visitors to Vietnam. Please inform your Tour Operator if you would like to book a ticket, as there is an additional cost of approximately US $6.00 per ticket.

After a fun and informative day, we'll check in to our hotel and stay overnight in Hanoi.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our private mini-van/bus will pick you up between 8:30 am to 9:00 am to begin your journey to Halong City. During the 3.5-hour drive, you will have the opportunity to view the simple countryside and rice paddy life along the way. Once you arrive at the port, you will board your private boat - an authentic Chinese Junk - and begin your amazing cruise through the stunning Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site. Lunch will be served on board and will consist of a selection of the freshest seafood.

During the cruise, we will visit "the Amazing cave" and then take a swim in the tranquil emerald waters of Halong Bay. We will then cruise further into a quiet area where we will anchor and spend the night. You will enjoy dinner and relax as the sun sets over the bay. Afterward, you are free to swim in the phosphorescent water, retire to your cabin, or even fall asleep under the stars on the top deck, surrounded by the magic of Halong. You will spend the night on the boat, taking in the stunning surroundings of the bay.

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Accommodation Options:

MILA Cruises - 3-star or similar

Pelican Cruises - 4-star or similar

Paradise Sails Cruises - 5-star or similar

Wake up early in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Enjoy breakfast served on the boat as we leisurely cruise through thousands of stunning and seemingly never-ending islands. This is an amazing opportunity to capture some breathtaking photographs of the scenery. We will also make a stop to visit a floating fishing village and hear legendary stories of the fishermen's daily life.

Lunch will be served on the boat as we cruise back to the Halong City pier. From there, we will return to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi around 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. A Legend Travel Group driver will be waiting for you to take you directly to the airport for your flight to Hoi An.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, our staff will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. You will have some free time to explore the ancient town of Hoi An and its many attractions at your own pace. You may also choose to stroll along the picturesque streets, try some local delicacies or shop for souvenirs. Overnight in Hoi An Ancient Town.

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Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a charming and historic trading center that was once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other merchant vessels from the Far East.

Your tour will start with a visit to a temple located in the center of Hoi An. The temple has partially gilded statues and reflects the influences of Chinese and Japanese styles. You will also visit a pagoda that is dedicated to sailors and fishermen, and a chapel that has origins dating back to the 1700s.

Next, you will stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, which is located near the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The museum contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history, offering a glimpse into the city's rich and fascinating past.

Later in the afternoon, you will take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village on Cam Kim Island. Here, you will see the skilled woodworkers and shipbuilding families who have been practicing their craft for generations. It's a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam.

Finally, you will return to your haven on the world-famous “Cua Dai Beach.” Spend the evening at your leisure, relaxing on the beautiful beach and enjoying the stunning scenery. Overnight in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at the hotel, you will leave at 8:00 am to visit My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 50 km southwest of Hoi An. My Son was once a capital and religious center of the Cham people and is now home to red brick towers and sanctuaries. It is considered to be one of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, along with Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand, and Borobudur in Indonesia. The towers and sanctuaries were built between the 7th and 13th centuries.

During your visit, you will explore the lush valley and learn about the Cham civilization and their beliefs. You will have the opportunity to admire the intricate carvings and sculptures on the temples and learn about their significance.

You will return to Hoi An town for lunch on your own around 1:00 pm. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to go shopping or explore the town at your own pace. Hoi An is known for its beautiful lanterns, tailor-made clothing, and handcrafted souvenirs, so you might want to explore the local shops and markets.

The trip ends with an overnight stay in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at your hotel, at 9:00 am, a driver from Legend Travel Group will pick you up and take you to Hue City. On the way, you will stop at Cham Museum and Ngu Hanh Son Mountain in Da Nang. You will need to purchase the tickets for these attractions on your own. Then, continue your trip with the driver to Hai Van Pass, where you can take in the stunning views of Son Tra Peninsula from the top. Have a short break at Lang Co Beach before arriving in Hue City in the afternoon. Check in at your hotel and have some free time to explore the imperial city. Overnight in Hue.

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Accommodation Options:

Cherish Hotel Hue - 3-star or similar

White Lotus Hue Hotel - 4-star or similar

Imperial Hue Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, embark on a delightful boat trip along the romantic Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, which is the oldest and most revered site in Hue. Admire the stunning views of the river and the lush surroundings, and learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the pagoda from your knowledgeable guide. Next, you will visit the mausoleums of Emperor Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, two of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Hue.

Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor delicious traditional Vietnamese cuisine and immerse yourself in the local dining culture.

In the afternoon, continue your Hue sightseeing tour by exploring the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the grandeur and sophistication of the Nguyen Dynasty. Discover the fascinating history and architecture of the Purple Forbidden City, which was once the exclusive domain of the emperors and their royal family. Next, visit Thuy Xuan incense-making village, where you can witness the traditional process of making incense and learn about its cultural significance in Vietnam. Finally, head to Dong Ba market, the largest and most vibrant market in Hue, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local specialties.

After a full day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Hue. Get ready for more exciting adventures tomorrow!

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Accommodation Options:

Cherish Hotel Hue - 3-star or similar

White Lotus Hue Hotel - 4-star or similar

Imperial Hue Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel in Hue City, you will have free time to explore the city at your leisure until it's time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City. You will spend the night at your hotel before continuing your journey.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Ramada Encore Saigon Hotel - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a fascinating journey through the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture built by the French in the 19th century. Next, stop at the historic Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel and featuring a beautiful interior of intricate maps, intricate designs, and arched windows. Then, explore the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam and a symbol of the country's tumultuous past.

After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon takes you to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a popular destination for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists. The tunnels, which span over 200km, played a critical role during the Vietnam War and were functioning underground cities that included trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. You will learn about the construction of the tunnels and spend the next few hours exploring the tunnels and war remnants, gaining insights into the harsh conditions and ingenious methods used to maintain life in the tunnels. You'll even have a chance to sample some of the simple cuisine that local fighters survived on and venture into the tunnels to experience the complex firsthand.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a comfortable overnight stay. The distance between Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnel is approximately 75 km, which takes about 1.5 hours to drive.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Ramada Encore Saigon Hotel - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

You will be picked up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City at 8:00 am. Then, you will leave the city and enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway, bordered by green rice fields. Upon arriving at My Tho, you will visit Vinh Trang Pagoda and take a leisurely boat ride along the river, where you will be able to view stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages along the riverbank. Next, you will proceed to Tortoise Islet to have lunch in the orchard garden. Afterward, you will take a boat ride to An Khanh, which is a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre. Here, you can enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shade of water coconut trees along natural canals. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy seasonal fruit and honey tea while listening to "Southern Vietnamese folk music" performed by locals. Additionally, you will visit a family business that epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste delicious coconut candy, and observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantations and villages. Finally, you will proceed to Can Tho, where you will stay overnight in a hotel. However, a family homestay with dinner can be arranged upon request. During your free time in Can Tho, you can visit the bustling Can Tho market. Please note that pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City is included.

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Accommodation Options:

Holiday 2 Hotel - 3-star or similar

TTC Hotel - Can Tho - 4-star or similar

Sheraton Can Tho - 5-star or similar

Take a leisurely boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River). Then, proceed to visit the Cai Rang floating market, which is one of the liveliest markets in the whole region (Phong Dien is optional). Have you ever tasted Vietnamese vermicelli soup? If not, now is your chance to see how it's made. Afterward, take a stroll around the village, meet the friendly local people, and experience crossing a "Monkey bridge," which is built using only one stem of bamboo. Visit the orchard garden and stop for lunch. Then, proceed to Chau Doc and continue the tour by visiting Tra Su. Here, you can discover the wild birds Sanctuary by cruising smoothly with small boats and exploring the splendid canals deep into the forest. You will have the opportunity to observe storks, cranes, and other tropical birds. On the way back, stop by to visit Sam Mountain and the Cave pagoda (if time permits). Finally, return to town, check into the hotel, and spend the night in Chau Doc.

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Accommodation Options:

Chau Pho Hotel - 3-star or similar

Victoria Chau Doc Hotel - 4-star or similar

Victoria Chau Doc Hotel - 4-star (local best)

Wake up early at 7:00 am to prepare for your transfer to Chau Doc harbor, where you will board an express boat that will take you to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Our team will pick you up upon arrival at the border and assist you with the immigration process before accompanying you to the harbor.

The express boat journey is expected to take approximately 5 hours, and you will arrive in Phnom Penh between 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. Upon arrival, our team will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel in Phnom Penh for check-in.

After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Take a stroll around the vibrant streets, visit local markets, or indulge in some authentic Cambodian cuisine. Overnight in Phnom Penh, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.

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Accommodation Options:

Okay Boutique Hotel - 3-star or similar

Anik Palace Hotel - 4-star or similar

Palace Gate Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, the tour will begin with a visit to the Royal Palace compound, which was built in 1866 by the predecessors of King Norodom. The palace boasts an impressive and colorful Khmer-style architecture and is the most prominent feature in Phnom Penh. Adjacent to the Royal Palace is the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Emerald Buddha temple, which displays numerous Buddha statues decorated with diamonds, emeralds, gold and silver.

Next, you will proceed to the National Museum, a distinctive red building with beautiful Khmer architecture that has been standing since 1917. It contains over 5,000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and other materials. The tour continues with a visit to the Independence Monument, which was constructed in 1954 to commemorate Cambodia's independence from French colonial rule.

At noon, you will visit Phsar Thmey, also known as the Central Market. This large market, constructed in 1937, features a dome-shaped building with four branching arms leading to vast hallways filled with countless stalls selling a wide range of products, including gold and silver, antique coins, money exchange, books, flowers, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, seafood, and more.

Next, you will head to Wat Phnom, also known as the Mountain Pagoda, a Buddhist temple located on a hill that symbolizes the name of Phnom Penh. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1372 to house four Buddha statues discovered by Lady Penh in the waters of the Mekong River. Wat Phnom is a popular place for locals to come and play, pray for good luck, and admire the stunning sunset.

In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River to view the Royal Palace from the water as it bursts into four branches. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

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Accommodation Options:

Okay Boutique Hotel - 3-star or similar

Anik Palace Hotel - 4-star or similar

Palace Gate Hotel - 5-star or similar

After breakfast, you will be picked up by the bus company and take a shuttle bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap bus station, our guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Later in the day, you will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, which flows into the Tonle Sap River and joins the Mekong in Phnom Penh. During the boat ride, you will see a "floating village" of fishermen that includes floating schools, a floating police station, and other facilities. This village is like a large floating community on the lake, and it moves from place to place based on water levels and currents.

After the boat ride, you will be transferred to your hotel in Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

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Accommodation Options:

La Niche D’angkor Hotel - 3-star or similar

Royal Angkor Resort - 4-star or similar

Angkor Village Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Angkor Thom, which was a magnificent architectural masterpiece built by King Jayavarman VII. The king built this fortress in the heart of his empire as a response to the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181.

Our first stop will be the Bayon Temple, which is located at the exact center of Angkor Thom. This temple is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia's most celebrated king. We will also have a photo stop at the Terrace of the Leper King, which is a unique stone terrace located in the Royal Square of Angkor Thom.

Next, we will visit the Terrace of Elephants, which was originally used as a viewing gallery for the king to preside over parades, performances, and traditional sports. At the southern end of the terrace lies the Baphuon, one of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating from the reign of Uditayavarman I in the 11th century.

We will also visit the picturesque Ta Prohm temple, which has nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, creating an exotic and haunting scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, which are pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever.

Our final stop will be the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. This temple is believed to be the world's largest religious building and is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry. It is a source of pride and strength to all Khmers.

After a long day of exploring, we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Siem Reap.

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Accommodation Options:

La Niche D’angkor Hotel - 3-star or similar

Royal Angkor Resort - 4-star or similar

Angkor Village Hotel - 5-star or similar

On the final day of your trip, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Siem Reap. After breakfast, you will have some free time at your leisure to do any last-minute sightseeing, souvenir shopping or simply relax before departing for your next destination. Later, you will be transferred to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight. We hope you had an unforgettable experience with Legend Travel Group and we look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future. Your airport transfer is included as part of this tour package.