Explore the Spirit of Southeast Asia: A Journey Through Vietnam’s Heritage and Cambodia’s Ancient Wonders
Friday, May 9, 2025: DEPARTURE CITY – HANOI (B)
Departure on flight (+2) from Miami to Hanoi: QR 778 7:40 PM – 4:35 PM; QR 982 8:00 PM – 7:15 AM
Sunday, May 11, 2025: HANOI (B)
Arrival at Hanoi International Airport, assistance, and transfer to the hotel. Free time in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, located in the north of the country, east of the Red River. The origin of its name has changed several times throughout history, and currently means "The city between two rivers." Considered one of the main cultural centers of the country, with a rich French-style heritage, the city preserves an 11th-century imperial citadel that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accommodation.
Monday, May 12, 2025: HANOI (HB)
Breakfast. Visit of Hanoi, starting with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (exterior), which houses the embalmed body of the founder of modern Vietnam, and the "One Pillar Pagoda," a beautiful example of Asian architecture. Lunch at a local restaurant. Then, we will visit the building that was the country’s first university, now the "Temple of Literature," dedicated to Confucius. Students who managed to complete their studies had the honor of having their names carved in slabs. Next, we will reach the Old Quarter of Hanoi, known as the "36 streets," characterized by a multitude of intertwined alleys forming blocks by trade sectors (hardware, pharmacies, furniture, fabrics, crafts...). Afterwards, we will head to Hoan Kiem Lake, frequented by local students. We will visit Ngoc Son or "Jade Mountain Temple," accessed via its popular red bridge. Later, we’ll get lost in the alleys to try the typical Vietnamese coffee or local beer along with a curious snack, likely surrounded by locals sharing their traditions. Accommodation.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025: HANOI - HALONG (FB)
Breakfast. Today we travel to one of the natural wonders of the world, Halong Bay, one of three bays in this area; a spectacular seascape of more than 3,000 limestone islets emerging from emerald waters. Its name, in Vietnamese, means "Descending Dragon," a fusion of mythology and history, and if we are imaginative we may even sense its presence in one of its many grottos, karst formations composed of stalactites and stalagmites. Arrival in Halong and boarding the cruise. Lunch served right after embarkation, a great start to continue enjoying Vietnamese cuisine. During our visit to the Bay, we will also discover the daily life of its inhabitants, who basically live off fishing. Spending the night on board is almost necessary to fully enjoy its over 100 km of coastline, plus the experience of witnessing the sunrise and/or sunset in Halong Bay. Dinner and overnight on board.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025: HALONG - HANOI - SIEM REAP (BB)
At dawn, we will welcome the sun with a Tai Chi session, a Chinese martial art that provides multiple benefits for both body and mind. Breakfast on board to continue enjoying this natural viewpoint and its spectacular views, until it’s time to return to the pier before noon. To continue the scheduled itinerary, although our minds still remain in Halong waters, we must head to Noi Bai Airport to take the flight to Siem Reap. Arrival in the city, meeting with our guide, and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day to enjoy this city, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Temples, which combines a deep spiritual sense with great dynamism and a lively nightlife. We can enjoy its boutiques, galleries, shops, and its abundance of restaurants and pubs. Accommodation.
Thursday, May 15, 2025: SIEM REAP (FB)
Breakfast. Visit to the Angkor temples, a historic park covering an area of 400 square kilometers and one of humanity’s most astonishing architectural achievements, being the heart and soul of Cambodia. We will begin the visit by passing through the South Gate of Angkor Thom, once one of the largest and most important Khmer cities. The Angkorian period dominated Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th century, but its peak occurred during the reign of Jayavarman VII (12th and 13th centuries). Angkor Thom was a city that housed the kingdom’s capital, its center being the Bayon temple, or the temple of a thousand faces. We will also visit the pyramid-shaped Baksei Chamkrong temple, from the 10th century, which is usually off the tourist routes. We will continue through the Terrace of the Elephants, named for the sculptures at its base, used by the king as a platform from which he could view his army after victories; and then through the Terrace of the Leper King, named for the sculpture that presides over it, representing the Hindu god of death. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we will visit the crown jewel, the famous and impressive Angkor Wat, the largest Hindu and religious temple in the world, whose figurative meaning is "heaven on earth," as it represents Mount Meru, the dwelling of the ancient gods. Afterwards, we will go to Ta Prohm, or temple of the roots, a magical natural space with structures literally strangled by tree roots, and which appeared in the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie. Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation.
Friday, May 16, 2025: SIEM REAP (B)
Breakfast. Free time until the transfer to the airport to take your flight PG 906 12:55 PM – 2:25 PM; QR 835 8:00 PM – 10:45 PM; QR 781 1:25 AM – 10:10 AM with destination Miami. End of our services.
This deluxe journey through Vietnam and Cambodia invites you to explore ancient temples, vibrant cities, and centuries of history, culture, and natural beauty in Southeast Asia.
ADDED VALUES
Exclusive Tour for Special Tours Clients.
One bottle of mineral water per person per day.
Tasting of typical Vietnamese coffee or local beer with snacks in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
Traditional Vietnamese conical hat.
RESERVATION INFORMATION
This itinerary is subject to changes and modifications due to government imperatives of the countries involved.
This program operates with a minimum of 2 passengers.
For operational reasons, the order of visits, specific locations, and type of guide assistance may change. The final itinerary will be provided approximately 10 days before departure, as well as the pick-up location and time for the included visits.
By government regulation, since January 1, 2025, electronic cigarettes are illegal in Vietnam. The trade, importation, storage, transportation, and use of electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and harmful gases or substances for human health are prohibited throughout the country to ensure health, social order, and safety.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS
It is essential to provide international flight details at least 7 days before the departure date. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee the correct execution of the transfer services.
AIRLINE TICKETS
It is essential to provide a photocopy of the passport at least 35 days before the departure date. A passport copy is required to issue the Tickets (air or train) for this itinerary. Tickets must be issued with the same names and passport numbers as shown in the document. Otherwise, Airlines and train companies reserve the right to deny boarding. If we do not receive this information at least 35 days before the trip starts, the online information included in the reservation will be considered valid, and Special Tours will not be responsible for any service issues, and the tickets will be issued with 100% cancellation fees.
Transport services are subject to modifications by the companies. If necessary, the confirmed route and schedule will be provided approximately 21 days before departure.
For operational reasons, on some departures and air routes, low-cost airlines may be used. This will be informed in each case, along with the service confirmation. The use of low-cost airlines will not result in any reduction of the published price on our website.
HOTELS
The boats used for the Halong cruise do not offer triple rooms. The published price is based on a double cabin + single accommodation for this stay.
In most hotels, regardless of category, triple rooms with three beds are not available. Triple rooms are typically double rooms (usually one double bed) with an additional extra bed (usually foldable and smaller). A triple room is not recommended for three adults, but it is offered for those who wish to share a room.
TRANSFERS
If additional nights are booked or nights are reduced from the tour, a supplement will apply for the transfer services. Please check prices.
GUIDES
Spanish-speaking guide on the Halong boat for groups of 6 or more passengers on the same departure.
CHILDREN
IMPORTANT SPECIAL CHILD PRICES: The child prices indicated on this website apply when sharing a room with 2 adults. When making a reservation, the child's date of birth must be provided along with a copy of the passport. Until this requirement is met, our operations department will not be able to apply the special price. For Cruises in the Greek Islands and Turkey, children always pay the embarkation fees. If there is more than one child per room, please request a quote, as very few hotels accept quadruple rooms.
FEES/PERMITS/TIPS/DRINKS/VISA PROCESSING/PORT/GREEN TAX/...
City stay taxes are not included in the program price. If applicable, these taxes will be paid by the clients at the destination.
VISA
VISAS: It is the passenger’s RESPONSIBILITY to ensure their documentation is in order, including passport, visas, and any other requirements that the immigration authorities of each country may require based on nationality. Please check visa or entry requirements for your destination country before traveling.
SUPPLEMENTS / OPTIONAL VISIT PRICES / SPECIAL PERIOD PRICES
Gala dinner prices for mandatory dinners on December 24 and 31 will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please inquire.
