Awe-inspiring history, staggering natural beauty, complex cultural heritage, and majestic former kingdoms will be the highlights of your custom-tailored historical tour of Vietnam and Cambodia. The ancient and contemporary worlds blend into an authentic excursion accentuated with delicious street foods, bustling antique marketplaces, lavish skyscrapers, and elegant temple pagodas. You will find reverence in the details of bas-reliefs, antique statues, elegant circus performances, and classic myths....
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Hanoi – Arrive in Hanoi with a Fantastic Introduction to Vietnam’s Capital
The streets of Hanoi pulse with excitement that embodies the essence of life in Vietnam as the economic and traditional cultures collide. The bustling streets filled with motorbikes, pedestrians, and bicycles fade to pockets of serenity along the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake. Majestic paths of the Imperial Citadel wander through 1,000 years of archeological history. Your private transfer will greet you at Noi Bai International Airport upon your arrival and escort you to a luxurious hotel at the center of the city’s captivating movement. The layers of Hanoi reveal a history of imperial power that emanates from the architectural designs erected during the French and Chinese occupations.
After enjoying some rest in the comforts of your hotel, you will venture to Dinh Tien Hoang Street for an audience with the famous Water Puppet Theater. The traditional storytelling technique dates back to the agrarian culture of the country when farmers would perform sketches in the flooded rice fields during the monsoon season. The ancient art remains a cultural staple performed in a custom-made water pool instead of the fields. The puppets retell popular legends accompanied by a live band playing customary Vietnamese instruments display how myths, legends, and stories from the 11th century remain popular and pertinent in modern culture.
What's Included:
Day 2
Hanoi – Gain Insight into Vietnam’s Ancient and Contemporary History
Day 3
Halong Bay – Cruise the Unique Contours and Grand Caves of Halong Bay
Day 4
Hoi An – Travel by Plane to Danang to Explore the City en route to Hoi An
Day 5
Hoi An – Discover the Preserved Charms and Cultural Treasures of Hoi An
Day 6
Ho Chi Minh City – Venture to Saigon to View Iconic Sites and Monuments
Day 7
Ho Chi Minh City – Witness the Cu Chi Tunnels and Famous Mekong Delta
Day 8
Siem Reap – Travel to Siem Reap for Angkor Wat and the Famous Circus
Day 9
Siem Reap – Spend a Full Day Exploring the Marvels of the Angkor Complex
Day 10
Siem Reap – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Experience the thrilling ambiance and fascinating artistry of the Angkor complex in Cambodia, home to incredible Angkor Wat
- Sail the stunning waters of Halong Bay for views of sensational karsts, glassy turquoise waters, and a unique tunnel system carved into Cat Ba Island
- Travel the iconic waters of the Mekong Delta, one of the largest river systems in the world, before visiting a local family on a small farming island
- Witness the magnificent Cambodian Circus known as of Phare Ponleu Selpak for a fascinating performance telling contemporary and ancient stories
- Wander through the preserved history of Hoi An’s golden age when you visit elegant merchant houses showcasing the artistic influence of outside cultures
- Enter the narrow network of subterranean passageways known as the Cu Chi Tunnels used during the American-Vietnam War by the Vietcong
- Discover the remarkable collection of 2nd to 15th-century Cham-era artworks on display inside the Museum of Cham Sculpture in Danang
- Enjoy a performance of the Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi, which celebrates an ancient storytelling technique to share preserved legends of Vietnamese History
Detailed Description
The mixture of jungle terrain, ebbing waters, and the imperial architecture create a fascinating ambiance during your 10-day historical tour of Vietnam and Cambodia. The distinctive heritage and historic centers retain a sense of the past while moving into contemporary times. Elements of Chinese and French colonial influences are present at bustling markets and captivating landscapes that sweep from the shoreline of the South China Sea to the flowing channels of the Mekong Delta. Exotic, dynamic, compelling, ancient, and modern, Vietnam and Cambodia will exceed your expectations by showcasing the layers of enchanting majesty.
The marvelous adventure through the history of Southeast Asia begins in Vietnam, with a stay in the capital city of Hanoi. The radiant urban space contains picturesque pagodas and fascinating museums, charming cafes, and elaborate temples. The Old Quarter frames the historic culture and the serene shores of Hoan Kiem Lake offer a tranquil escape from the bustling streets. Visit the monuments and enjoy the unique legends told with puppets over water that bring a new perspective to charms of the city. Spend a night on a cruise in Halong Bay that will illuminate the magnificent allure of limestone karsts, glassy waters, and a distinctive cave system hidden in islands that resemble the scales of a dragon descending into the water.
Then, in Hoi An have you will dive deep into the history of Vietnam in the museums of Danang. Marvel at the artistry on display in the Cham Sculpture Museum and the Phap Lam Pagoda. The beauty of Hoi An crosses the running waters of the Thu Bon River to reveal the rise of the affluent merchants who connected the kingdom to distant kingdoms of the Far East and Central Asia, as well as Europe. Visit Ho Chi Minh City for a dizzying mixture of Old-World allure and New-World glamor. The vibrant buzz emanates from monuments like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Giac Lam Pagoda, and the Reunification Palace. The countryside on the outskirts of the city contains the unique network of underground passageways the Vietcong used, which resulted in hundreds of miles of the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Mekong Delta captures the spirit of Vietnam with a rich history of routine flooding that shaped the culture of local villages.
Travel to Siem Reap where Cambodia will immerse you in the historic marvels of Angkor Wat. The temple complex has preserved the images of the Khmer architectural style and kingdom. The temples contain bas-reliefs, spectacular towers, and distinctive story-telling techniques regarding ancient religious Hindu texts. Artists and performers celebrate the ancient past and divulge the struggles of the present told with artisan craftsmanship and the stunning sophisticated styles of acrobats in the Phare Ponleu Selpak circus.
Starting Price
$3,000 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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