We have enjoyed the trip very much and are looking forward to the rest of it.
Thank you so much for our very delicious dinner at Madame Yen's restaurant. We really appreciated the gesture and the opportunity to meet you at the end of our truly memorable trip. I am sure the cruise at Halong Bay will be a wonderful finale.
Back from our amazing cruise. Sadly the weather was not very good until the last day but
we still enjoyed it all. Beautiful boat, fantastic food and all the crew were attentive, helpful
and ran a very interesting and efficient schedule.
We are sad to end our wonderful journey through Cambodia and Vietnam but thank you, Emma and all your team for looking after us so well throughout the trip.
Our best wishes
Cherry
PROGRAM DETAIL
Day 01 . 17th Februay 2018 : Siem Reap arrival (-) | Guide and driver
Arrive at Siem Reap, our guide and driver will meet you outside the airport. Transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
International flight: Mi0633 arrive at 15:05
Accomodazione: Tara Angkor Hotel**** - Deluxe room
Day 02. 18th February 2018 : Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom - Siem Reap (B) | Guide and driver
Throughout this day, visit the city with Tuk Tuk to enjoy the fresh air of the city. The morning dedicated to the visit of Angkor Thom, the south door of the spectacular Bayon Temple, with its more than two hundred enigmatic faces, the legend temple of the king and the snake, Pimeanakas, the area where the royal palace was located, the gorgeous terraces of the elephants and the leper king.
Continue the road to tuk tuk to get a better temple of the Small Circuit Group: The Temple of Ta Prohm - the kingdom of trees. The incredible blend between trees with temples creates a special difference with other temples. In the afternoon, visit the city of Angkor Wat, the most famous monument and the largest of the complex. The temple was enrolled in UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its slender towers and extraordinary bas-reliefs. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 03 . Mon 19 February 2018 : Siem Reap - Banteay Srei - Banteay Samre- Pre Rup (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, let visit Banteay Srei, a temple located about 32 km from Siem Reap, dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. Most of the temple is built in red sandstone defined as "a precious gem" or "jewel of Khmer art". Then Banteay Samre, a hindu temple in the architectural style of Angkor Wat. There are two small but still well preserved temples rich in fine archaeological details.
Then, we continue with the National Museum of Angkor, one of the most interesting museums in the world. The museum is Siem Reap's most famous attraction after the temples of Angkor. The museum has a unique 3D display in the world.
Relaxing foot-massage at the end of tour day.
Overnight in hotel
Day 04 . Tue 20 February 2018 : Siem Reap - Beng Mealea - Koh Ker - Siem Reap (B) | Guide and driver
Departure to the temple of Bang Malea, situated about 60 km from Siem Reap, was built in the 11th century by Javavarman VII. Return to the village to visit Chantie Elole and The Old Market. Along the route from Siem Reap leads to Koh Ker where the ruins of the great ancient city of Chok Garjar are located, where you can visit the monument of Prasat Thom consisting of a mighty and sumptuous pyramid at 7 degrees.
Departure to Siem Reap in late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05 . Wed 21 February 2018 : Siem Reap - Battambang (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, leave for Battambang by car (170 km - about 3 hours), second city of Cambodia and elegant resort by colonial architecture. On the road stop to visit a very famous Silk Farm (Angkor Silk Farm) and a short rest to taste "pie stars" in khmer Nom Phkay, very delicious. Arrival in Battambang. Then you will experience the thrilling funny ride on the "Bamboo Train", a small railway carriage made of bamboo wood and pushed on rails by a blast engine that can reach to 40km/h. Bamboo Train is used by farmers to transport goods from the countryside to Battambang market.
Then late afternoon, visit the local market in Battambang. Accommodation at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Accomodation: Battambang Resort**** - Garden room
Day 06 .Thu 22 February2018 : Battambang visit (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, with bicycle or tuk tuk we visit the ruins of the Khmer Ek Phnom temple dating back to the 11th century (15km). During the road we can stop to visit pagodas, and local families who produce rice papers. Continue for Phnom Sampov, an interesting cave in the mountain that was a massacre scene during the Khmer Red period.
Lunch and then in the afternoon visit to Phnom Banan, hill top stupa after taking 358 steps staircase. Overnight in Battambang.
Day 07 . Fri 23 February 2018 : Battambang - Phnom Penh (B) | Guide and driver
In the morning departing for Phnom Penh (290 km, about 5 hours), along the route you will cross lovely rural landscapes, characterized by vast rice fields, dotted with coconut trees where people live in houses built on piles. Then hike the boat to visit the very nice floating village of Kompong Loung. Continue for Oudong, Cambodia's capital between the 17th and 19th centuries, to visit the most beautiful pagoda in Cambodia. Arrival in Phnom Penh, accommodation and overnight at the hotel.
Accomodation: White Mansion**** - Suite Junior
Day 08 . Sat 24 February 2018 : Phnom Penh city tour (B) | Guide and driver
Breakfast at hotel. Today you will visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Then drive to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). This prison was a high school, and used as a prison by Pol Pot's security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Then visit to Killing Fields " Choeung Ek"15km southwest of Phnom Penh. This one is the site of brutal executions of more than 17,000 individuals, most of whom first suffered through interrogations, torture and deprivation in Toul Sleng Prison during Pol Pot regime (from 1975–1979). The last site is Russian Markets where you can shop for souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, silver products. Transfer back to hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh.
Day 09 . Sun 25 Febbraio 2018 : Phnompenh free - Chau Doc (B) | Driver
Free time at Phnom Penh. At 11.00, driver take you to pier where you take speedboat to Chau Doc.
Arrival at Chau Doc around 17.00, you will meet guide from Asiatica Travel.
Night at hotel.
Accomodation: Victoria Chau Doc**** - Superior
Day 10 . Mon 26 Febbraio 2018 : Chau Doc - Can Tho (B) | Guide and driver
Morning, visit the Tra Su Cajuput Forest on boat and climb up to Sam Mountain: visit Ba Chua Xu temple and Thoai Ngoc Hau. After that, take to the water to visit floating houses and fish farms where you can feed the fish and discover life on the river. We will end the day with a visit to a village of the Cham ethnic minority group.
Then we depart to Can Tho. Night in Can Tho.
Accomodation: Victoria Can Tho Resort**** - Superior
Day 11 . Tue 27 February 2018 : Can Tho - Ben Tre - Saigon (B, L) | Guide and driver
Early morning with the riverboat we visit the floating market of Cai Rang. The scenary that appears before our eyes is authentic and exciting, with hundreds of sampans loaded with rice, fruit, handicrafts that come together to exchange or sell their goods. Knowledge of the local population will lead us to the discovery of their lives and will bring us to the many and lively local and traditional activities.
After that, we will have the opportunity to taste the freshly harvested fruit on the spot.
Then depart for Ben Tre - the coconut capital of Vietnam. Lunch at a local restaurant with typical dishes. Arrival at the Hung Vuong pier. A brief local boat transfer leads us to the small canals. During the course we will have the opportunity to admire the colourful local activities, fishing along the river, the functionality of the irrigation channels ... Visit a laboratory that makes coconut candies and a kiln to observe the brickwork in style traditional in molds and baking. A interesing tour on "xe loi" to discover the authentic country less crowded than mass tourism can see so many strange fruits that are not found in England. The path runs between nice houses and cozy dwellers. Overnight at Hotel.
Accomodation: Grand Silver Land Hotel & Spa**** - Premium Deluxe
Day 12 . Wed 28 February 2018 : Saigon - Cu Chi - Saigon (B) | Guide and driver
You will be picked up at the hotel at 08 am to drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, situated 70km from Saigon. The Cu Chi Tunnel system was created around 1948 to assist the Viet Minh in their combat against French occupiers. Construction and enlargement continued during American bombings and they were turned into an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapon factories and field hospitals. The Cu Chi Tunnels could house up to 10,000 people who lived underground for years, getting married and raising children. During the Vietnam- American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated as a fire free zone yet was heavily bombarded. Since 1988, two sections of the tunnels are open for visitors to crawl through and better understand the war.
In the afternoon, visit War remnants, Ben Thanh market, Cathedrale and Sai Gon Post.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 13 . Thu 01 Mar 2018 : Sai Gon- Da Nang- Hoi An (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, at 7.00, transfer with driver to airport to take flight to Da Nang.
On arrival, we will visit adorable city Hoi An: Japanese Covered Bridge, Ancient Houses, Cinese Temples, Market, Chuc Thanh pagoda, Art Museum of Rehan.
Overnight in hotel.
VN 116S SGNDAD 0930 1050
Accomodation: Royal Riverside Hoi An Hotel*** - Deluxe City
Day14 . Fri 02 Mar 2018 : Hoi An fishing day (B, L) | Guide and driver
08:00 Guide pick guests up at hotel, take bicycles along De Vong River to Cam An wharf.
Embark on the boat to Cua Dai sand dune, enjoy casting net show and learn how to cast net by local fisher man. Continue to Cam Thanh Water coconut village, have a brief introduction to the history there.
Take on the basket boat along the water coconut river. Fisherman will teach you how to catch the crabs (02 paxs/ boat). Divide group into 2 teams for basket boat racing and catching crabs. There will be a lovely present for winner.
Embark on the boat, enjoy the folk songs show by local people and learn how to make funny tools by water coconut leaf. Then get on board to Cam An wharf, continue to take a bicycle to Tra Que village. Have lunch and join in the daily activities with local farmer there. Back to your hotel by bicycle.
We take a tea time at Reaching out Tea House in the late afternoon.
Overnight in hotel
Day 15 . Sat 03 Mar 2018 : Hoi An free (B) |
Breakfast at hotel and then day is yours to freely explore the peaceful riverside town in your own time. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An
Option: excursion to Cham Island ( lunch included) : 43usd/ person
Day 16. Sun 04 Mar 2018 : Hoi An - Da Nang - Hue (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, visit the Marble Mountain and Cham Museum to Da Nang, then head for Hue, passing through the "Mandarin Road" across the famous Hai Van pass, where you can admire Da Nang and its inacceptable surroundings. Stop at Lang Co beach about 30minutes- 1 hour.
Arrival in Hue and accommodation in hotel. Leisure for a first discovery of the city. Overnight at Hotel
Accomodation: Moonlight Hue**** - Deluxe River View
Day 17. Mon 05 Mar 2018 : Hue- Thuy Bieu village (B, L) | Guide and driver
Start the day with a visit to Hue Imperial City, the remaining vestiges of Hue's citadel, including: Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh). Then, we will take a boat trip on poetic Perfume River. Stop to visit Thien Mu Pagoda (Celestial Lady Pagoda) built in 1601 - the symbol of Hue city. Cruise toward Thuy Bieu eco-village, an old laid back village situated on the bank of Perfume River known for its green tea fruit orchards.
Arrive in the village, and join our cooking class to prepare Hue’s signature dishes with our chef’s instruction, then enjoy your creations in the open air riverside restaurant surrounded by lush trees. The afternoon is reserved for cycling through the peaceful village, visiting several communal houses, ancient temples and the garden-house, a typical and unique feature of Hue.
Soaking your feet in medicinal herb water followed by an excellent blind massage will refresh them after a day of sightseeing.
Visit Khai Dinh Tomb and back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Hue.
Day 18. Tue 06 Mar 2018 : Hue - Hanoi visit (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast at the hotel, at 8.00 driver will take you will fly to Hanoi.
Upon arrival, check into hotel and relax. In the afternoon, we will visit the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays, the alternative being the History Museum), which offers informative and well-documented displays of the country’s 54 ethnic groups, including elaborate and colorful hill tribe costumes. The display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands. Then back to the Old Quarter one and a haft hour walking tour. Possibility to enjoy famous Egg- Cafe' of Hanoi.
We then head to Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple dates back to the 13th century, and the lake itself is the picturesque heart of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
VN1542 HUIHAN 1035 1150
Accomodation: MK Premier Boutique Hotel**** - Luxury
Day 19 . Wed 07 Mar 2018 : Ha Noi - Ha Long Bay (B, L, D) | Driver
9h30 You will be collected from Hanoi Old Quarter to take the highway to Dinh Vu ferry, Dinh Vu Port, Haiphong city where we arrive at around 11h30. You can take special tea at Orchid Cruise’s lounge by warm welcome.
12h00 Transfer by tender to the ORCHID CRUISE. On the way to the main boat, you will have a chance to see Cai Trap canal
12h15 We welcome our guests onboard the ORCHID CRUISE and then check in, enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise briefing, safety instructions and check in. Start cruising and explore Halong Bay - one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
12h40 ORCHID CRUISE proceeds to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. Have lunch while passing via the islets of Con Vit and Gia Luan. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This area is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island - Thoi Quyt area - Coc Ngoi islet - through Cua Van to Ba Trai Dao area.
15h00 We progress to Ba Trai Dao beach area of Lan Ha Bay- a separate part of Halong Bay. This is a quiet tourist paradise in Vietnam. The region is known for its pristine beaches and spectacular beauty, having about 400 fascinating islands. You may prefer to try your hand at kayaking or simply just enjoy a swim. This is a great experience, immersed in the crystal clear water of the bay, in the Ba Trai Dao area (Visiting Ba Trai Dao from October to May. From June to September, visiting Tra Bau area, belongs to Lan Ha Bay. Tra Bau is also one of the ideal destinations for kayaking and swimming. Come here, you will have a chance to immerse yourself in blue water.)
17h30 Returning ORCHID CRUISE, you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Onboard you may join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal
Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)
19h30 Deluxe dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting
21h30 Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board.
Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)
23h00 End of Day One program
Accomodation: Orchid Cruise - Suite Balcony Cabin
Day 20 . Thu 08 Mar 2018 : Ha Long visit (B, L, D) |
6h00 The day starts early onboard ORCHID CRUISE with Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Coffee, tea and pastries for light breakfast are served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape, then continue our journey.
8h30 Transfer to day boat for visit Viet Hai village. You will take the bicycle trip along the village path and go through rain forests and dark tunnel. Enjoy stunning scenery of rice fields on the way. Stop at the village to relax. Visit an ancient local house, made from straw, mud, bamboo…you will have chance to see the local life on a valley of local people. Optional electric car service is available (at an extra cost).
Back to day boat for visiting Bai Tu Long Bay. Lunch served on day boat.
13h30 Visit Bai Tu Long Bay, free kayaking and swimming at Ba Ham Lake area situated in the middle of a narrow, rectangular area, with the all four sides enclosed by vertical cliffs. (if the weather permit).
16h00 Return to ORCHID CRUISE. You will join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. Watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal.
19h30 Deluxe dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting
21h30 Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board.
Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)
23h00 End of Day Two program
Day 21 . Fri 09 Mar 2018 : Halong – Hanoi (B) | Driver
06h00 Why not rise early to witness the bay at its very best whilst enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck; after which we serve light breakfast. Upon completing breakfast continue our journey and head out in bamboo boat to explore the bay in the area where the Toi Sang cave is situated.
9h30 Visitors then return ORCHID CRUISE for check-out procedures
10h00 Whilst cruising back you can enjoy a delightful brunch
11h35 We return to the quay side in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark.
12h10 We bid farewell at Dinh Vu ferry, this is the end of the program. We hope you have enjoyed your time with us and wish you a safe onward journey.
14h00 Back to your drop-off point in Hanoi. End of the trip
( English/ French speaking guide on board)
Accomodazione: MK Premier Boutique Hotel**** - Luxury
Day 22 . Sat 10 Mar 2018 : Ha noi free (B) |
Freetime for your own activities.
Day 23 . Sun 11 Mar 2018 : Hanoi departure (B) | Driver
Freetime before the transfer to the airport for your flight off. Your room is available until 12h00.
International flight: VN 787 at 23:50