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Vietnam Cambodia
Price: From $4,295*
duration: 16 Days
* price for a group of 20 people or more (on basic package)
Recommended months:
October – April
Added value:
- A special scooter tour in Saigon in areas off the beaten path
- Unique trance shows in hidden temples and unique ceremonies for the travelers of the Dragon Path
- Market tours with a finalist from the Vietnamese Master Chef
- 2 nights, 3 days on a unique in-depth tour of Halong Bay and its unchartered areas
- Hidden markets, a journey through the “time tunnel” to authentic, untouristed Vietnam
Recommended months
Recommended group size
tour type
Notes
October - April
20-28 people
Culutre in-depth
Customizable (On Request)
Intro
Vietnam and Cambodia are among the most popular destinations on the globe. There are endless varieties of tours to these destinations. But nothing comes close to what we have to offer to you. We have spent seven years trying to concoct the ultimate trip – one that wraps the musts and “classic” with the most authentic experiences.
Using a network of personal connections, we open doors to places Western tourists never visit, a plethora of special experiences offered exclusively to Dragon Path clients..
Days 1 | Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Upon arrival in Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, we will go through border formalities and proceed to our hotel for some rest. We’ll explore the city with a guided tour, starting with the Central Post Office, designed by Alfred Eiffel, and walking along Dong Khoi Street, representing the last two centuries of Vietnam, from the colonial period, through the communist era, to the turbulent Vietnam of the 21st century. In the evening, we’ll return to our hotel for an overnight.
Accommodation at the Grand Saigon Hotel (a 5-star hotel) or similar
Day 2 | Saigon
After breakfast, we’ll visit Cho Lon, also known as the “Chinatown” of Saigon. We’ll explore the market streets in this part of the city and visit the temples that reflect the fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese cultures in this unique area. A visit to the War Museum, showcasing special exhibits and impressive photographs from the Vietnam War, will be followed by further exploration of Saigon until lunchtime. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a special tour riding traditional vehicles used by the locals through the non-touristy neighborhoods of Saigon. We’ll visit markets and street food stalls in District 4, District 10, and District 8, away from the tourist areas, experiencing the authentic life of the city. We’ll stroll through market streets and authentic neighborhoods of the districts and interact with locals to learn about their lives and the challenges they face in the changing Vietnamese society. We’ll return to the hotel for an overnight.
Accommodation in Saigon
Day 3 | Door of the Mekong
The Door of the Mekong is a lush green area with exotic fruit orchards and green rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Local traders wearing conical hats balance baskets on small boats crossing the mighty Mekong River. We’ll journey to Ben Tre, the most authentic town in the Delta, and take a cruise on Apricot Cruise, an exclusive boat tour developed by the “Dragon Path” to reach the authentic heart of the Mekong. During the cruise, we’ll meet the local population and visit local workshops processing coconuts, producing bricks, and more. We’ll take various means of transportation, including tuk-tuks, large boats, and small rowing boats, exploring the non-touristy neighborhoods and quarters of Saigon. We’ll be hosted by local families, where we’ll learn about the lives of the city’s authentic residents and the challenges they face in the evolving and rooted Vietnamese society. We’ll return to the hotel for an overnight
Accommodation in Can Tho at the Victoria Hotel (boutique hotel) or similar
Day 4 | Can Tho to Chau Doc
In the morning, we’ll depart for a mesmerizing tour of the floating market Cai Rang and continue our journey along the picturesque landscapes of the southern Mekong Delta, along the Vietnam-Cambodia border. We’ll reach Chau Doc, a city situated on the border of Vietnam and Cambodia. Upon arrival in Chau Doc, we’ll explore the Cham minority village originating from Cambodia and visit the protected area of Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, where green flooded forests thrive. We’ll continue our journey to Sam Mountain, enjoying panoramic views of the Delta, and then reach our enchanting hotel located on the mountain, overlooking the breathtaking scenery of the Door of the Mekong in Cambodia.
Accommodation in Chau Doc at Victoria Nui Sam Lodge (boutique hotel) or similar
Day 5 | Chau Doc to Phnom Penh and Flight to Siem Reap
We’ll depart in the morning for a journey to the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, we’ll take a flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the impressive archaeological site of Angkor. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Angkor Wat, one of the largest temples in the world. We’ll walk along the monumental stone structures of the temple and climb to the top for a panoramic view (if possible). We’ll wait for the sunset to witness the temple’s towers reflecting in the surrounding moat.
Accommodation in Siem Reap at Borei Angkor Hotel (boutique hotel) or similar
Day 6 | Siem Reap
After breakfast, we’ll explore the jungle-engaged Ta Prohm temple, where the jungle meets the remnants of the city of Angkor. The sight of the entwined tree roots on the temple ruins is one of the most iconic in all of Angkor. We’ll venture deep into the temple, where the intersection of nature and human creation seems seamless. We’ll continue to the terraced stone platforms of the Leper King and the Elephant Terrace. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the southern gate of the city (Angkor Thom) and the Bayon temple, known for the crowned faces adorning its towers.
Accommodation in Siem Reap
Day 7 | Siem Reap and Flight to Hanoi
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a boat tour of Tonle Sap Lake, where vibrant communities thrive on the water. We’ll take a boat ride, stopping for lunch in one of the villages near the lake. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the airport for a flight to Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, we’ll transfer to our hotel.
Accommodation in Hanoi at Peridot Grand Hotel (5-star hotel) or similar
Day 8 | Tho Ha Festival
In the early morning, we will embark on a journey to one of the most special places in northern Vietnam, Tho Ha Island, known for its production of rice papers, a crucial element in Vietnamese cuisine. We will cross the island by ferry and explore its unique market, away from the typical Western tourist scene. Here, we can witness the authentic lives of the locals reflected in simple stalls selling local products. This day coincides with a local festival, where villagers gather at the local temple to pay homage to various deities. Dressed in their traditional attire, the villagers celebrate in a festival not intended for tourists, providing an authentic experience. After the festival, we will travel to Ninh Binh, located in the heart of the stunning karst landscape of northern Vietnam, and explore the Van Long Nature Reserve, the largest wetland area in the region, before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Accommodation in Ninh Binh at Hidden Charm Hotel (Boutique Hotel) or similar
Day 9 | Ninh Binh to Hanoi
After breakfast, we will visit Trang An, the site chosen for the filming of “Kong: Skull Island.” We will take a boat ride through the impressive karst landscape, passing by towering limestone formations and exploring caves and temples along the way. Following the boat ride, we’ll visit Tam Coc, also known as the “Three Caves,” and have lunch in the Thai Vi Temple. In the afternoon, we will explore the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, a Confucian temple that served as Vietnam’s first national university. We’ll also take a comprehensive tour of the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, experiencing the endless movement of traders, sellers, buyers, and tourists. The day concludes with dinner and a return to the hotel.
Accommodation in Hanoi
Day 10 | Explore Hanoi
This day is dedicated to exploring Hanoi. We’ll wander through the streets and visit various attractions that Hanoi has to offer. For lunch, we’ll indulge in Hanoi’s street food, a highlight of the trip. We’ll learn about different dishes and taste a variety of street food, each with its own fascinating story. The afternoon will include a visit to the Temple of Literature, which served as the first national university during the imperial period. Later, we’ll take a cyclo ride, a traditional Vietnamese bicycle taxi, around the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
Accommodation in Hanoi
Day 11| Hanoi to Sapa
After breakfast, we’ll visit Vinh Phuc Market to meet a Vietnamese master chef, who will guide us through the market tour. We’ll explore different market stalls, learn about the origins of various foods, and understand the unique tastes characterized by an abundance of fresh herbs. Leaving the market, we’ll embark on a long journey to Lao Cai, stopping at the revolutionary sites along the way. Upon arrival in Lao Cai, we’ll continue to the village of Lao Chai for an immersive experience.
Accommodation in Lao Chai
Day 12 | Sapa
This day will be dedicated to exploring the villages surrounding Sapa. We’ll start with a visit to Coc Ly Market, followed by a tour of the ethnic minority villages Linh Ho and Ta Van. Lunch will be served in Ta Van village. Afterward, we’ll explore the picturesque town of Sapa, stroll through the local market, and enjoy the scenery around the lake. In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel.
Accommodation in Sapa at Silk Path Grand Hotel (Boutique Hotel) or similar
Day 13 | Sapa to Hanoi
After breakfast, we’ll explore a hidden market unknown to the tourism industry. We’ll then travel to Hon Gai City, located at the entrance of one of the world’s most famous sites, Halong Bay. Upon arrival, we’ll board a boat to explore the less touristy areas of Halong Bay. We’ll cruise through the breathtaking landscape of thousands of islands scattered in the open sea. The journey will take us to Cat Ba Island, where we’ll have the opportunity to experience the stunning karst landscape and reach our resort located on the beach.
Accommodation in Cat Ba at Perle D’Orient Hotel (5-star resort) or similar
Day 14 | Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay
This day offers a unique opportunity to witness the daily lives of fishermen who inhabit Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay. We’ll take small local boats to visit a whole fishing village, observing their houses, gardens, and social facilities against the backdrop of the magnificent bay. We’ll return to the hotel, and after lunch, we’ll head to the island’s northern coast for the last experience of our trip – a cruise on a deluxe sleeper boat from Lan Ha Bay to Halong Bay. We’ll sail through stunning limestone formations emerging from the emerald waters, swim in the bay’s pristine waters, and enjoy the private boat.
Accommodation on a deluxe sleeper boat.
Day 15 | Halong Bay to Hanoi
We’ll witness the sunrise over the magical bay, away from the typical tourist scene, and start the morning by kayaking through one of the enchanting lagoons of Lan Ha Bay. Afterward, we’ll swim at one of the beaches and enjoy the pleasant bay waters. We’ll return to the boat for organization and lunch before bidding farewell to the enchanting bay. We’ll travel back to Hanoi for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation in Hanoi
Day 16 | Hanoi and back home
We’ll have the morning to rest and explore Hanoi at our own pace. Depending on the departure time, we’ll head to the airport for the journey back home, concluding this memorable trip.
The Price Include:
- Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary
- Accommodation in 5-4 stars hotels on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- Accommodation in a luxurious sleeping boat in Halong Bay
- Full board, all meals (except transit days and flights, and dinner at the hotel in Cat Ba) – based on a light lunch and a full dinner
- A bottle of water per person during the meals
- All the sites and shows that are written in the program, including entrance fees
- Mineral water on the bus
- Travel in an air-conditioned bus
- English/French-speaking local guides accompany the trip
- אשרת כניסה לקמבודיה (כ-30 דולר) ייעשה בהגעה לקמבודיה וישולם שם
The Price does not Include:
- International Flight
- Entry visa to Vietnam (from 50 dollars) [Needed depending on nationality]
- Cambodia entry visa (about 30 dollars) – will be made upon arrival in Cambodia and will be paid there
- Tips for service providers
- Meals that are not included in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses (shopping, etc.)
- personal insurance
- Everything that is not under the section “The Price Include”