A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY OF VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

Day 1: Hanoi

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where your local guide and private vehicle will transfer you to the hotel to check in.
Kindly note that hotel check-in time is at 14:00.
The remainder of the day is free at your own leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

Distances and journey time:
From Noi Bai International Airport to your chosen hotel in Hanoi (35 km): 45mins

Day 2: Hanoi

Early this morning go to one of Hanoi’s oldest temples for a 1-hour Tai Chi session, with Master Vuong. After breakfast at the hotel, visit the picturesque West Lake and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. From here, transfer (or stroll along the lakeside) to the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh, dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism. You will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Huong, an expert in Traditional Eastern Methods – Acupuncture, Acupressure and Catgut Implantation. After this thrilling experience, your senses will come alive with the variety of traditional medicinal herbs and spices on offer. Continue your way to Hanoi’s Old Quarter also known as the ‘36 streets’. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. Stop at Ngoc Son temple. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay

After breakfast, leave Hanoi to transfer by road to Halong bay (approx. 4 hours) for an overnight boat cruise on Halong Bay. Arrive in Halong City at around 12:00 (noon) and board your cruise boat, where lunch will be served. Spend the afternoon cruising along the marvellous and spectacular scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site. If weather permits you may be able to kayak or swim. Towards the end of the day the boat will set anchor for the night and as the sun sets over the bay dinner is served on-board. Overnight Boat on Halong Bay (private cabin on join-in boat).

Distances and journey time:
Hanoi to Halong Bay (160km): 4hrs

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue

This morning, enjoy breakfast as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations, and a last look at the atmospheric bay. Later on, transfer back to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Domestic Airport to board your Hue bound flight. Upon arrival in Hue, check in at your hotel. The rest of the day, spend at your own leisure.

Distances and journey time:
Halong Bay to Hanoi (160km): 4hrs
From Hue Airport to your chosen hotel in Hue (25km): 40mins

Day 5: Hue

This morning after breakfast, transfer by vehicle to what is perhaps Hue’s most beautiful pagoda – Tu Hieu Pagoda known as a centre of Zen Buddhism meditation and learning. After this thrilling experience, enjoy a home-cooked vegetarian lunch prepared by the Buddhist nuns at nearby Dong Thuyen Pagoda. After lunch return to Hue city. En route, visit Dong Ba Market with your guide. Return to your hotel and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Overnight in Hue.

Distances and journey time:

Day 6: Hue – Hoi An

This morning after breakfast, transfer by road to Hue – the capital of the last Nguyen Dynasty. As a welcome to Hue city, enjoy some traditional Hue dishes at local restaurant. After lunch, proceed to your hotel to check-in, and then explore the highlights of this former Imperial City – the famous Citadel and the picturesque Tinh Tam Lake. After exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument, visit the unique tomb of the former emperor Khai Dinh. In the late afternoon, you will transfer from Hue to Hoi An, a charming UNESCO World Heritage ancient trading port whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. Upon arrival in Hoi An, check in at your hotel to relax. The rest of the evening is free at your own leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Distances and journey time:
From Hue to Hoi An (120km): 3hrs

Day 7: Hoi An

Early this morning, transfer with your guide a short distance outside Hoi An town to ‘The Field’ where you will enjoy a Private Yoga class as the sun rises. The instructor will tailor the class to your level of expertise – no previous yoga experience is necessary. After the class, go back to hotel for a late breakfast before heading out to discover Hoi An on foot with your local guide. Your program covers the highlights of this charming, old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses, former merchants’ homes, the town’s iconic 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market where an array of fresh ingredients are on offer. The rest of the day will be free at your own leisure.

Note: The yoga class is on a private basis and is subject to availability. During the wet season or in rainy weather, the yoga class may be relocated indoors and held in a small studio space nearby.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Distances and journey time:

Day 8: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, after breakfast, enjoy your last few hours in Hoi An before transferring to Danang Airport to board your Ho Chi Minh City bound flight. Upon arrival, enjoy a half-day sightseeing of the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Your program includes the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace. From there, stroll (your vehicle will be available at all times) to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall. After this historical visit continue to the War Remnants Museum. Continue to the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at one of our favourite restaurants, to introduce you to the delights of Vietnamese cuisine, before heading back to your hotel to freshen up.

In the late afternoon, treat yourself with a luxurious included spa treatment in one of Ho Chi Minh City’s elegant day spas. (Return transfers and one spa treatment per person is included. Note that classes such as yoga, tai chi and pilates are also on offer at L’Apothiquaire (these are optional extras – surcharge is payable).

This evening enjoy a different view of HCMC, with a dinner cruise on the Saigon River.onboard the Lady Hau. Relax on the upper deck and enjoy the panoramic views during the 90-minute journey along the Saigon River. A Vietnamese buffet, as well as Western and other Asian dishes will be served and musicians are on board to entertain. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel or drop you where you wish within the inner city. The evening is free at your own leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City

Today, travel outside Ho Chi Minh City to the surrounding countryside to explore the colorful, whimsical Cao Dai Temple at Tay Ninh, a home to the unique and eclectic Cao Dai religion. Then, explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. In the late afternoon, journey back to Ho Chi Minh City. The evening is free at your own leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Distances and journey time:
From HCMC to Tay Ninh (100km):2hrs

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh

This morning after breakfast, enjoy this vibrant metropolis before transferring to Tan Son Nhat International Airport to board your Phnom Penh flight. On arrival into Phnom Penh, a local English speaking guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of Mekong and Tonlé Sap. This afternoon, take part in a meditation session at Wat Langka Pagoda (meditation on Monday, Thursday and Saturday in the evening from 5:00pm – 7:00pm and Sunday morning from 7:00am – 9:00am). After such deep relaxation, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 11: Phnom Penh

Today, take an exciting tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city. Start your day today at Preah Ang Dong Ker, a shrine on the riverfront. This is an interesting spiritual place that is frequented by worshippers at all times. You will see Khmer people arriving with alms, lotus flowers, jasmine bracelets and incense sticks that they are using for their prayers. Then, explore the Royal Palace. Walk along the lively riverfront up to Wat Phnom, a hilltop pagoda and the founding place of the city. From here, explore the old French Quarter with some interesting architectural examples of the colonial period. Stroll around the Russian Market area where you will stop to have lunch at Veayo Tonle, a social enterprise and eco-friendly company. Here, enjoy a delicious Khmer lunch before going on to visit the colourful market, the best place in the city for wood and stone carvings, jewellery, clothes and Cambodian silk souvenirs. You will then return back to your hotel to relax and freshen up before heading for dinner at the beautiful Romdeng restaurant. This evening get inspired by Cambodian arts as you watch a traditional dance performance by Cambodian Living Arts (CLA). Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 12: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

This morning, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Siem Reap, the charming gateway to the famed Temples of Angkor. A local guide will greet you and take you to the hotel for check in. This afternoon dive into stunning Angkorian temples. Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia’s national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. Enjoy dinner tonight at the famed Madame Butterfly restaurant. Set in a beautiful Khmer wooden house, and surrounded by tropical gardens, Madame Butterfly offers an incredible mix of authentic Khmer cuisine, mixed with Thai and Chinese influences. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Distances and journey time:
Siem Reap Airport – Siem Reap (8 km): 15 mins
Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

Day 13: Siem Reap

Early this morning, start the day with a sunrise Pranayama Meditation Session at Wat Athvea. Continue with a visit to unique Ta Prohm temple. Next, visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire. Continue to Bayon Temple and later on, famous Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Return back to Siem Reap for lunch (own expense) before taking a two-hour walking tour around Kompheim village in the afternoon. Just 20-minutes from Siem Reap, this will give you an insight into village life in Cambodia and the challenges faced by rural Cambodians.

Half of the tour fee goes to a village enrichment fund managed by HUSK, a non-profit NGO that works with communities to improve the lives of Cambodians, and you’ll see their projects firsthand.

Finish the tour at the Village House with a glass of wine or local beer as you enjoy the sunset over the rice paddies. This evening, enjoy the magnificent performance of ‘Phare, the Cambodian Circus’.

Day 14: Siem Reap departure

This morning, embark on an interesting boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, covering an area of around 250,000 hectares in the dry season. Board a local boat and visit the village of Kampong Kleang, where only few tourists venture. Enjoy the fascinating scenery of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

Note: during the months Apr-Sep the water level may be too low for a visit by boat. However the village is still fascinating and can be visited by car.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the local houses as you watch everyday life at the village before returning to Siem Reap to collect your luggage and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.