Signatures of Indochina

	Name of the trip: Signature of Indochina (21 days)
	Trip Code: VNLT-HPT-09 (Reference Code + Starting Date)
	Length of the trip: 21 days and 20 nights
	Trip type: Private & Daily departure
	Trip Starts from: Hanoi City
	Trip Ends in: Saigon City
	Extension: The trip can be extended if tourists want to visit Angkor Wat in Siem Reap in Cambodia before or after the trip.
	Required booking time: At least 20 days in advance for individuals and 45 days in advance for group
	Call to book this trip: +84.91.2270058 (24/7)
	Email to book: info@vietnamprivatejourneys.com

DETAILS OF THE TRIP

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Our tour guide will meet and greet you upon arrival to Hanoi City-  the capital city of Vietnam, is an elegant city located on the banks of the Red River with tranquil Restored Sword Lake at its heart. North of the lake are the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, each street named after the trade that used to take place there. Much of the city was transformed by the French when it became a French protectorate in the 1880s and there are wide boulevards and large colonial buildings which are now home to government departments and foreign embassies.  Transferring to your hotel in the city center to refresh. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi City.

Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing Tours (Meals: B)

Full day city tour to visit landmarks and other the major interesting sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature "Vietnam's 1st University built in the 10th C". Break time for lunch and we will visit the Vietnam National History of Museum with good collection of prehistoric artifacts and everyday items of early history through eras and dynasties. Then we will take 1 hour by cyclo ride through Hanoi's Old Quarters to experience daily life of people who are living in the oldest parts of the city, Enjoying the famous traditional water puppetry show in Thang Long Theatre where you will have chance to get a general picture of the daily activities typical to Vietnam's rural areas.

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay (Meals: B/L/D)

Morning depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Stay overnight on the Junk Cruise

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi (Meals: B/L)

Waking up and enjoy the sun rising over the Bay. After breakfast, visit beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Transfer back to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi City.

Day 5: Hanoi - Hue (Meals: B)

Transferring to the airport to catch morning flight to Hue. Check-in hotel upon arrival and take refresh for a while. This quiet city is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen Dynasty. At leisure for the rest of day in Hue. Overnight at hotel in Hue

Day 6: Hue Sightseeing (Meals: B)

Morning take a dragon boat downstream to visit Con Hen island, where we have chance to describe the life of boat people on the sampans by photo. Continue upstream toward the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most reserved religious monument standing on the riverbank with its seven-floored tower. Drive to visit the Imperial Citadel. Afternoon continue by vehicle to visit the elaborate Royal tombs of Emperor Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Before returning to the hotel, we come up to the Vong Canh hill for a photo opportunity of the spectacular upper part of the Perfume River. Overnight in Hue City.

Day 7: Hue - Hoi An (Meals: B)

This morning we drive to Hoi An, we will cross Hai Van Pass where you will have magnificent view of the China Sea. Stop at Lang Co to have break. Visit the fascinating Cham Museum, famous China Beach and the Marble Mountains en route to charming Hoi An. Visit the fascinating Cham Museum, famous China Beach and the Marble Mountains en route to charming Hoi An. Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. At leisure for the rest of day and overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8: Hoi An Sightseeing Tours (Meals: B)

Known as Faifo to early Western traders, Hoi An was one of South East Asia's major international ports and today it still retains that special old-world feel. Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarters to see the town's landmarks of Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Temple and then we take a river trip and you will enjoy the scenery along the Thu Bon River and the general view of Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit ceramic village of Thanh Ha, carpentry village of Kim Bong and Dai Chiem Estuary. Hoi An is also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to have a new wardrobe made up, this is the time to do it. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 9: Hoi An At Leisure (Meals: B)

Free at leisure for whole day in Hoi An. Hoi An is also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to have a new wardrobe made up, this is the time to do it. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An - Nha Trang (Meals: B)

Free at leisure until we transfer you to Danang airport to take 1 hour flight to Nha Trang City - "The Top 100 Best Beach & Bay City in the World" ranked by the Forbes and Conde Nast Leisure & Travel Magazine. Nha Trang is a popular seaside resort known for its palm-lined white sand beaches and clear turquoise water. Some islands in Nha Trang are paradise for those who are interested in snorkeling and scuba diving. At leisure and overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 11: Nha Trang Island Trip (Meals: B/L)

Experience the coast of Nha Trang aboard a boat as you set out in the morning for the first stop at the Tri Nguyen Aquarium. You will then head out to Hon Mun Island where you have the chance for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. From here, continue to Hon Tam Island where you have the choice of relaxing on the beach or for the energetic – there is a choice of water sports. Lunch stop is at the fishing village of Lang Chai where there is time to explore before boarding the boat back to Nha Trang harbor. If time permits, we will visit the Po Nagar Towers, an outstanding of ancient Cham architecture and then touring around Dam Market before transfer you back to the hotel. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 12: Nha Trang (Meals: B)

Today you will be at leisure to relax. Overnight at hotel in Nha Trang.

Day 13: Nha Trang - Saigon (Meals: B)

Transfer to the airport to take flight to Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon, the city located on the right bank of the Saigon River, a tributary of the Dong Nai, Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city, the greatest port, and the commercial and industrial center of Vietnam. It has an airport and is the focus of the country's highways, railroads, and Mekong Delta waterways. On the way from the airport to the city, the tour guide will overview of the city and the sightseeing programme for next days. Check-in hotel and the rest of time you will be at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Saigon City.

Day 14: Saigon Sightseeing - Cu Chi (Meals: B)

In the morning, the tour guide will pick you up at the hotel and today you will visit all interesting sites and landmarks in Saigon City. First stop is Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral and short visit to French built Post Office nearby, and then we will proceed to see the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace governed by the US-pro government of Republic of Vietnam. Touring the building and then we will visit the War Remnants Museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. Break time for lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Cu Chi district, 50 km to the Northwest of Saigon City, The tunnels of Cu Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Cu Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam's base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. Touring the areas and then you will be transferred back to Saigon. Free time at leisure or shopping at Ben Thanh Market nearby.

Day 15: Saigon - Chau Doc (Meals: B/L)

Leave your hotel at 7.00 for a 3-hour drive to Cai Be with stop en route at Trung Luong Bonsai garden for a tea break. Upon arrival, board a motorized boat to visit the popcorn cake, rice paper making family before visiting the lively floating market of Cai Be. Then continue by boat towards Vinh Long province to see the diverse fish traps in order to learn a kind of lazy fishing. After cruising along small shady canals, we step ashore and take a chance to watch a typical and interesting music show of the Mekong cultural life. Lunch is at the home/ bonsai garden. Afternoon, take a walk for about half an hour to enjoy the rural peaceful atmosphere of the countryside life. Proceeding to Chau Doc and check-in Victoria Chau Doc hotel.

Day 16: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (Meals: B)

Morning we will take express boat upstream to the Mekong River to reach Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh, you will be met by our tour guide and transferred to hotel in Pnom Penh. Stay overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh.

Day 17: Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tours (Meals: B)

In the morning we will visit Visit Genocidal Museum “Tuol Sleng”, the Victory Monument and the National Museum and Killing Field. In the afternoon we will visit the Victory Monument and the National Museum, the Royal Palace, built by the French in 1866 on the site of the old town, and Silver Pagoda, which located within the Royal Palace ground. You will then end your tour with a visit to Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of the city during sunset. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 18: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (Meals: B)

Transfer to Phnom Penh airport for departure to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, meets and transfers to hotel. Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. The 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 tower symbolize Meru's five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond sunset from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat.

Day 19: Siem Reap - Angkor Tours (Meals: B)

In the morning, you will continue your temple visits. Included are Prasat Kravan (with its unique brick sculptures), Srah Srang ("The Royal Boths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by four concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of the harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the "Mountain Temple" of Pre Rup. In the afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site and continue to the temple tour. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area. Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Then, visit Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 20: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake (Meals: B)

This half day trip will take you into the heart of mangrove forests on the margins of the Tonle Sap Lake to the incredible stilt village of Kompong Phluk and Kompong Khleang - Kampong Phluk

Day 21: Siem Reap - Departure

Transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of service.