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13D12N Southeast Asia Family Journey: Vietnam to Cambodia (AVHNF)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
<p>Welcome to Hanoi–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.</p>
<p>Explore Hanoi’s vibrant old quarter on a traditional cyclo—a three-wheel bicycle taxi! Cruise past shops selling everything from wooden handicrafts to fresh fruit juice and traditional candy, and capture the neighborhood’s lively vibe on camera. Then hop off to watch a delightful water puppet show—a centuries-old storytelling technique that recounts popular Vietnamese legends and folktales.</p>
<p>Head south to the ancient Vietnamese capital of Hoa Lu, and get immersed in a fertile landscape of emerald rice fields and towering karst mountains. Step foot in the surviving temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties while learning about the feudal history of the country. After lunch in Tam Coc, set sail on a traditional sampan, or bamboo boat, down the Ngo Dong River. Float through verdant jungle and drift past impressive stalactites in a trio of spectacular caves. Continue to Ninh Binh for an evening at leisure.</p>
<p>Return to Tam Coc and explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle. Witness local life as you pedal past farms, venture through serene Thung Nang (aka Sunshine Valley), and marvel at the intricate Buddhist pagodas of Bich Dong cave. Head to a local restaurant for a hands-on experience learning to make Vietnamese sweet potato chips. Later, enjoy a free evening at the hotel to relax in the pool or spa, or explore the streets of Ninh Binh on your own.</p>
<p>This morning, take in the scenery en route to Bat Trang, a centuries-old ceramics village where you can try your hand at making pottery under the guidance of a local craftsman. Then transfer to the airport and catch a flight to Hue, situated on the banks of the picturesque Perfume River. Despite being badly damaged during the Vietnam War, this former capital city retains much of its imperial splendor. Spend the evening at your hotel, or walk along the river for a glimpse of some of the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites we’ll dive into the following day.</p>
<p>Today, we venture into Hue’s grand citadel, guarded by a deep moat and imposing stone walls. Wander opulent palaces and ornate gardens, and hear dramatic stories of former royal inhabitants from your guide. Then venture to the Forbidden Purple City—modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City—a fortified complex where the ruling emperor once lived. This city-within-a-city even has its own moat! Later, head to the countryside, dotted with rice paddies and pagodas. Have lunch at a Buddhist nunnery, then drive to Hoi An via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, winding across the hilly coast of the South China Sea.</p>
<p>Discover the enchanting port town of Hoi An, which thrived between the 15th and 19th centuries. Delve into the city’s World Heritage–listed old town, strolling streets strung with paper lanterns and navigating a maze of temples and tailor shops. Visit one of the town tailors to get measured for a custom-made shirt; then travel to a nearby factory to see how your piece of clothing is produced!</p>
<p>Return to the old town for a fun-filled noodle tour! The tour is led by guides from the G Adventures–supported Oodles of Noodles program, which trains local youth in the culinary arts. Taste your way through different kinds of noodles at a food market; pick out your favorite fresh ingredients; and take your haul to the Oodles of Noodles training kitchen, where we’ll cook up a delectable storm. Later, set out on a leisurely bike ride through the Hoi An countryside, then float down to a nearby farming village in a traditional basket boat.</p>
<p>Transfer to the airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s most populous city and economic hub. Get to know this buzzing metropolis—still commonly referred to as Saigon—on a cyclo tour. Cruise past French colonial buildings and stately monuments; then launch into a frenetic market, where the calls of vendors, the smells of street food, and the fascinating assortment of wares dazzles the senses.</p>
<p>Today, we descend into the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of underground passageways built and used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The tunnels connected the residents with subterranean schools and hospitals, and included booby traps smeared with poisonous concoctions to injure enemy soldiers. Try the local cassava root, which sustained Viet Cong soldiers for years, and emerge from the bunkers to enjoy a traditional lunch by the river.</p>
<p>Catch a flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia, gateway to the magnificent ruins of Angkor. This evening, we enjoy a delicious Khmer meal at the New Hope Cambodia vocational training restaurant, an initiative spearheaded by G Adventures. The restaurant provides hospitality training to unemployed young adults, and also funds a free community school and a health program.</p>
<p>Who’s ready for a jungle adventure? This morning, we’ll explore the ancient Angkor temple complex, nestled deep within the Cambodian jungle. Discover hidden passageways and crumbling courtyards where the forest is rapidly reclaiming its territory. Later, brush up your acrobatic skills at a workshop with Phare, a Cambodian circus and social enterprise that employs underprivileged youth. Tumble and somersault to your heart’s content; then watch and photograph one of Phare’s amazing performances. Celebrate your unforgettable journey at a farewell dinner tonight.</p>
<p>Depart at any time.</p>
Accommodation / Hotels
The Champton Hanoi Hotel (★★★★☆)
130 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Set in the Hoan Kiem district in Ha Noi, Champton Hanoi Hotel is just 300 metres away from St. Joseph Cathedral. Offering sleek and modern accommodation, the hotel boasts an outdoor pool and views of the garden. A spa centre and fitness centre are also featured on-site. Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or lounge at the bar.
All units feature air conditioning, wardrobe and personal in-room safe. A cable TV and minibar are included. An en suite bathroom comes equipped with a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries.
Bi-lingual staff are available at the front desk 24 hours a day to assist with services such as express check-in/check-out, tour arrangements and luggage storage. Free parking is available on-site.
The hotel also offers car hire. Quan Su Temple is 600 metres from Champton Hanoi Hotel, while Ngoc Son Temple is 700 metres away. The nearest airport is Noi Bai International Airport, 21 km from the property.
Ninh Binh Legend Hotel (★★★★★)
Le Thai To Street, Tien Dong Zone, Ninh Khanh Ward, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Ninh Binh Legend Hotel in Ninh Binh offers a 5-star experience with a rooftop swimming pool, indoor pool, and sun terrace. Guests enjoy free WiFi throughout the property, a fitness centre, and spa facilities.
The family-friendly restaurant serves American and Asian cuisines with vegetarian options. Additional amenities include a pool bar, outdoor seating area, and picnic spots. Free on-site private parking is available.
Located 98 km from Tho Xuan Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Bai Dinh Temple (19 km) and Trang An Eco Tourism Complex (9 km). Guests appreciate the scenic views and excellent service.
Romance Hotel (★★★★☆)
16 Nguyễn Thái Học, Hue, Tinh Thua Thien-Hue Province 530000, Vietnam
With a stay at Romance Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Hue, just a 3-minute walk from Hue Night Walking Street and 5 minutes by foot from Perfume River. This family-friendly hotel is 0.5 mi (0.7 km) from Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street and 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Truong Tien Bridge.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an outdoor pool and bicycles to rent. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and wedding services.
Grab a bite at Romance, one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Snacks are also available at the coffee shop/cafe. Mingle with other guests at the complimentary reception, held daily. Unwind at the end of the day with a drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar.
Featured amenities include complimentary wired internet access, a business center, and limo/town car service. Planning an event in Hue? This hotel has 350 square feet (33 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and a meeting room. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours).
Le Pavillon Hotel (★★★★★)
145B Tran Nhan Tong, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Vietnam
Set in Hoi An in the Quang Nam Region, Le Pavillon Hoi An Luxury Resort & Spa offers elegant rooms and is 600 metres from Cam Pho Temple. Boasting an outdoor pool and river views, the resort has an on-site restaurant and bar. Guests benefit from free WiFi access in all areas and free parking on site.
Featuring air conditioning, large units are fitted with a seating area, wardrobe and personal safe. A flat-screen TV and minibar are included for your convenience. En suite bathroom comes with a shower and a hairdryer. Free toiletries, slippers and bathrobes are available for your comfort.
Guests can relax with soothing massages in the day spa or have a good work out in the fitness centre. The resort operates 24-hour front desk where staff can assist you with luggage storage and airport transfer services.
Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation is 700 metres from Le Pavillon Hoi An Luxury Resort & Spa, while Hoi An Ancient Town is 1 km from the property. Da Nang International Airport is 23 km away.
Eden Star Saigon Hotel (★★★★☆)
38 Bui Thi Xuan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Centrally located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, EdenStar Saigon Hotel & Spa, formerly known as Eden Saigon Hotel, is a convenient 5-minute walk to Co-op Supermarket and within a 5-minute drive to Ben Thanh Market. The hotel greets guests with a welcome drink and features an outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi access is available throughout the hotel.
Furnished with a wardrobe and seating area, modern air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a personal safe, a flat-screen cable TV and minibar. En suite bathrooms come with a hairdryer, shower facilities and free toiletries.
EdenStar Saigon Hotel & Spa provides a fitness centre, sauna and meeting/banqueting facilities. Conveniences include a tour desk, business centre and free parking. Guests can also enjoy a pampering massage at the spa.
The in-house restaurant serves delectable Vietnamese and international cuisines throughout the day, while the pool bar offers snacks and a wide range of beverages. Room service is available.
Within a 10-minute drive away, guests can visit the Opera House, Dong Khoi Street and Notre Dam Church. Tan Son Nhat International Airport is just a 30-minute drive away. Airport transfer can also be arranged at an extra charge.
Royal Angkor Resort (★★★★★)
Road No. 6, Phum Kasemam, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Set in 5 hectares of tropical landscaped gardens, Royal Angkor Resort & Spa offers 5-star rooms in a 20th century colonial-style Khmer building. It features a large outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals from 6 in-house dining options. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire property.
Featuring handmade, sculptured furniture and local fabrics by a craftsman from a family of Cambodian Artisans, well-furnished units open out to pool or garden views. They come with cable TV, a minibar and spacious bathrooms with a bathtub. Complimentary tea/coffee, bottled water and cleaning service are provided.
Hearty international meals are served at Garden Café while traditional Khmer fare is served at Royal Court. 4 bars and lounges offer refreshments in a casual setting.
Resort Royal Angkor is a 5-minute drive from Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and a 15-minute drive from the temples of Angkor. A shuttle to the Central Market is provided. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfers and shuttle services to the city centre.
What's Included & Excluded
Inclusions
- 12 nights accommodations
- Internal flights
- Arrival transfer
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
- Meals as per itinerary
Exclusions
- International air ticket
- Tipping
- Travel insurance
- Others not mentioned