Published on November 29, 2017
Hoi An, Viet Nam. Image courtesy of the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism.
What You’ll Get
This 11-day, 10-night tour across nine cities through Viet Nam and Cambodia will open your eyes to its majestic cultural centers: from Hanoi’s stately lakes to Siem Reap’s intricate ancient temples.
Highlights
Begin your exploration of mainland Southeast Asia’s vast cultural wonders at Viet Nam’s capital, Hanoi. Get to know the former French Indochina capital with a visit to the Historical Museum, the Temple of Literature, Bat Trang pottery village, and the centuries-old water puppet show, among some of the city’s highlights.
Proceed to Viet Nam’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay, for a glimpse of its famed otherworldly beauty. Then fly off to Central Viet Nam, where three different, distinct destinations compete for your affection:
- Hue, a former imperial capital where you’ll marvel at cultural heritage activities like a tour of the Royal Citadel, a cyclo ride around lively Dong Ba market, and a boat ride along the Perfume River;
- Hoi An, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to a number of well-preserved temples, pagodas, communal houses, and traditional shops;
- and the coastal city Da Nang, a former French colonial port, renowned for its beautiful beaches.
Further south you’ll encounter Ho Chi Minh City, where an afternoon sightseeing tour will reveal the city’s heritage at the National History Museum, the Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, all examples of beautiful French Indochinese architecture.
You’ll also get to see the famed Cu Chi tunnels before making your way to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, where you’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the National Museum, Silver Pagoda, and Wat Phnom.
Siem Reap completes your trip, a charming town that serves as the gateway to the magnificent ancient remains of the Khmer Empire. This final leg of your journey will be as resplendent as the sun flooding the walls and grounds of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and other temples.
South Gate, Angkor Thom, Cambodia. Image courtesy of Mike Aquino.
