From Hanoi to Phnom Penh: 17-Day Mekong Delta Discovery

Discover the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia in this 17-day tour package, carefully crafted by Legend Travel Group. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phnom Penh. You will have the chance to explore bustling cities, admire breathtaking landscapes, and learn about the local customs and traditions.

1. Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter and experience the city's vibrant street life during a full-day city tour. You will visit famous landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and Hoan Kiem Lake, and sample local delicacies in a street food tour.
2. Trek through the picturesque villages of Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van in Sapa, where you will meet ethnic minority communities and witness their daily life.
3. Cruise through the stunning limestone formations of Halong Bay and spend a night on board, enjoying delicious seafood and activities such as kayaking and squid fishing.
4. Discover the charming town of Hoi An, with its well-preserved ancient architecture, lantern-lit streets, and vibrant markets. Take a boat trip on Thu Bon River and learn how to make traditional handicrafts.
5. Visit My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important Cham intellectual and religious center of Vietnam. Marvel at the ancient ruins and learn about the Cham culture and history.
6. Explore the historic city of Hue and its Imperial treasures, including the Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the royal tombs. Indulge in the local cuisine, which is famous for its delicate flavors and presentation.
7. Discover the lush and fertile Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam's rice bowl, during a scenic drive from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho.
8. Explore the charming river town of Can Tho, known for its colorful floating markets and bustling atmosphere.
9. Visit the Tra Su Sanctuary, a beautiful bird sanctuary located in Chau Doc, where you can observe rare bird species and enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the mangrove forest.
10. Experience the fascinating history of the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. You can crawl through the tunnels and learn about the life of soldiers during the war.
11. Finally, cross the border into Cambodia and explore the vibrant capital city of Phnom Penh, known for its beautiful temples, markets, and cultural attractions.

Overall, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience of Vietnam and Cambodia, with a perfect mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.

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 a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up by our friendly guide to begin your exploration of Hanoi City. The first stop will be at Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This pagoda is the oldest in Hanoi and was built in the 6th century. Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history and culture of this important landmark.

Next, visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you will have the chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Take a leisurely walk around the garden to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Then, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, which worships the Goddess of Mercy and is considered the most unique pagoda in the world.

Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. If your tour falls on either of these days, an alternative itinerary will be arranged.

Afterwards, head to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. However, if your tour falls on a Monday, the museum will be closed, and you will visit the Women’s Museum instead.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at our restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best Vietnamese cuisine.

After lunch, continue your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam established in the 11th century. This is a great place to learn about the education system of Vietnam in ancient times.

The city tour will conclude with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton."

After an exciting day of exploring Hanoi City, you will be transferred back to the hotel for check in. Free at leisure 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

Your journey from Hanoi to Sapa will begin between 6:45-7:00 am, where you'll be picked up by our Driver and transferred to the departure point on Pick-up Point street in the Hanoi Old Quarter. From there, you'll board the Sapa Express Bus - Noble Limousine 29 seats, which is known as the "Special Aircraft on the Ground" or a similar Bus Company.

The bus will follow the scenic route of the Lao Cai - Hanoi highway, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the northwest mountains and the Red River, while also offering you a comfortable ride. After about 2.5 hours of driving, we'll make a 30-minute rest stop, where you can grab a snack and stretch your legs before continuing on the journey.

The total travel time from Hanoi to Sapa is around 5 hours and 30 minutes, though this may vary based on weather and road conditions. Upon arrival in Sapa at around 1:30 pm, you'll check-in at your hotel and have some leisure time to explore this charming town on your own. You'll spend the night in Sapa, surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of the area.

Overall, this journey promises to be a scenic and comfortable one, allowing you to relax and take in the stunning views of the Vietnamese countryside along the way.

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Accommodation Options:

Sapa Luxury Hotel - 3-star or similar

Chau Long Sapa 2 Hotel - 4-star or similar

Pao's Sapa Leisure Hotel - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at your hotel, we'll begin our tour at 9:30 am from Sapa Ethnic, located at 04 Hoang Dieu Street. We'll start by taking the main road down to Muong Hoa valley, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and the valley. As we continue along the main road for about 4km, we'll then take small trails through the terrace rice fields to reach Y Linh Ho hamlet, a small village of the Black Hmong people.

From Y Linh Ho village, we'll walk along the river to reach Lao Chai village, which means "old village" in the local dialect. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit local families and learn about their culture from our knowledgeable guide. You'll discover how they live, how they build traditional houses, and how they make clothes. You'll also learn about their traditional ways of treating sick people.

We'll stop for lunch at one of the local refreshment restaurants located on the side of the river, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while savoring some delicious local cuisine.

After lunch, we'll continue our journey to Ta Van village, which is the residence of the Giay people. Here, our guide will bring you to some families where you can learn more about their culture and enjoy some green tea. You'll discover the differences between the Giay people's culture and the other hill tribes, even though they live close to each other.

In the late afternoon, we'll head back up to the main road where the car will pick us up and transfer us back to Sapa. The rest of the evening is yours to spend at your leisure in this beautiful town. You'll stay overnight in Sapa, surrounded by the stunning natural scenery of the area.

Overall, this tour promises to be an enlightening and unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people, their unique culture and traditions, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.

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Accommodation Options:

Sapa Luxury Hotel - 3-star or similar

Chau Long Sapa 2 Hotel - 4-star or similar

Pao's Sapa Leisure Hotel - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will start our trekking journey from Sapa to Cat Cat Village. This village is situated at the foot of the Fansipan Mountain, and it's a small but bustling village that showcases traditional H'mong homes at their best. Here, you will be able to meet a H'mong family to learn more about their way of life, and witness the making of traditional clothing, dyeing hemp, and weaving by women.

After exploring Cat Cat Village, we will follow the Muong Hoa Valley for about 3km through rice terraces and small dwellings to reach Sin Chai village. This village is less visited but offers a unique opportunity to see traditional wooden homes built using the indigenous Pumu tree.

From Sin Chai, transport will be waiting to take you back to Sapa. At 3:30 pm, our car and guide will pick you up at the Sapa Tourism Information Center for departure back to Hanoi via the new Noi Bai - Lao Cai Highway. There will be two stops on the way for a restroom break, each lasting a maximum of 20 minutes.

We anticipate arriving in Hanoi between 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm. This marks the end of our journey, and you'll be left with sweet memories about our visit to Sapa and the hill-tribe villages of northern Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you'll check into your hotel for an overnight stay before departing for your next 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 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. Check in at your hotel and take advantage of some free time to explore the fascinating Old Quarter of Hanoi on your own. Take the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local street food or browse the shops for souvenirs. You will spend the night 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, you have a free day to explore and go shopping in Hanoi's Old Quarter at your leisure. This is a great opportunity to discover more about the local culture and to find unique souvenirs to take home.

Later in the day, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hoi An Ancient Town. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, traditional houses, and temples. You can spend the rest of the day free at leisure to relax. 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

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)

Rise and shine! It's an early morning start at 7:00 am as we prepare for your transfer to Chau Doc harbor. Here, you will board an express boat that will take you to your final destination of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is with a heavy heart that we bid you farewell, but we wish you a safe and pleasant journey ahead. We hope to see you again in your next adventure with Legend Travel Group.

The express boat journey is expected to last approximately 5 hours, with an estimated arrival time in Phnom Penh between 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. Upon arrival, you will be required to check in at the land port.

The land port on the Cambodian side is Kaam Samonor Border, while on the Vietnamese side, it is Song Tien Border.