From Northern Vietnam to the Temples of Angkor — 12 Days

Spend a full day exploring the essential landmarks that shaped Hanoi's historical identity. The morning begins at the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), founded in 1070 under the Ly Dynasty. This harmonious Confucian complex features landscaped courtyards, lotus ponds, and ancient stone stelae carried on tortoise backs to honor royal doctorate scholars.

Proceed to historic Ba Dinh Square, the political heart of modern Vietnam, viewing the colonial-era Presidential Palace exterior, the solemn Mausoleum, and the modest stilt house of President Ho Chi Minh, nestled among shaded gardens and carp ponds. In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, a premier institution showcasing costumes, textiles, artifacts, and traditional vernacular dwellings representing Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.

In the late afternoon, enjoy an enchanting performance of traditional water puppetry. Originating centuries ago in flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta, this unique folk art depicts rural legends, harvest celebrations, and playful dragon dances.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Depart early by private vehicle heading south to Ninh Binh province, famous for spectacular karst landscapes known as the 'inland Halong Bay'. Your first stop is Hang Mua (Mua Cave). Ascending the 486 white stone steps to the dragon crest rewards you with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama over emerald valleys and winding waterways.

Continue to Tam Coc for a pleasant bicycle ride along peaceful country roads winding between sugarloaf limestone peaks and green rice paddies. In the afternoon, board a traditional wooden rowboat on the Ngo Dong River. Rowed skillfully by local boatwomen, you glide beneath sheer cliffs and through three natural water-carved caverns.

In late afternoon, return by road to Hanoi.

Round-trip driving time: approximately 4 hours (200 km). Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast, journey eastward by private vehicle to the shores of legendary Halong Bay. Reach the pier around midday and step aboard an elegant traditional wooden junk. The crew welcomes you with a refreshing drink as the ship sets sail toward the pristine waters of Bai Tu Long Bay.

While a delicious seafood lunch is served on board, the junk cruises among thousands of towering karst islets rising from emerald waters. Go ashore to explore Thien Canh Son Cave, a magnificent geological grotto adorned with ancient stalactites. Later, cruise to Cap La for kayaking or a refreshing swim in a secluded cove.

At sunset, relax on the upper sundeck and join a cooking demonstration to learn how to prepare crispy Vietnamese spring rolls. After a gourmet dinner, the evening is perfect for stargazing or trying your hand at night squid fishing.

Driving time: approximately 3.5 hours (180 km). Lunch, dinner, and overnight on board the junk.

Early risers can witness dawn mist drifting across limestone peaks in serene silence. A morning tai chi session on the upper deck awakens the body in harmony with the sea. After a light breakfast, explore the historic floating fishing community of Vung Vieng by rowing boat to observe daily life on the water.

Returning to the junk, enjoy a hearty brunch as the vessel sails back to the harbor. Disembark and transfer by private vehicle to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Hue, the former imperial capital in central Vietnam.

Upon landing at Hue's Phu Bai Airport, your central Vietnam guide greets you and escorts you to your hotel for check-in.

Travel time: approximately 4 hours overland and 1 hour domestic flight. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Spend a full day immersed in the imperial history of Hue, the dynastic seat of the thirteen Nguyen emperors (1802–1945). The morning begins inside the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel (Dai Noi). Enter through the monumental Noon Gate to explore the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Royal Courtyards, and the evocative ruins of the Purple Forbidden City.

Next, visit the harmonious Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, a masterwork of landscape architecture where pavilions, lotus ponds, and stone bridges blend in strict accord with feng shui principles. Continue to the historic garden hamlet of Phu Mong to admire aristocratic wooden garden houses.

In the afternoon, visit the octagonal Thien Mu Pagoda (Celestial Lady), perched on a hill above the Perfume River, or peaceful Tu Hieu Pagoda, nestled among pine trees. Conclude the day at lively Dong Ba Market, famed for its conical poetry hats and local culinary specialties.

Overnight at hotel in Hue.

After breakfast, drive south along the central coastline towards Hoi An. The scenic drive passes rural coastal communities near Thuan An and the picturesque oyster-farming waters of Lang Co Lagoon.

Ascend the famous Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass), a dramatic coastal mountain ridge separating Hue from Da Nang. From the breezy summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramas over the sapphire waters of Da Nang Bay. Along the route, see traditional cajeput essential oil distilleries and ornate coastal ancestral cemeteries known locally as 'ghost cities'.

Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon, check in to your charming hotel, and enjoy your first evening stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage town.

Driving time: approximately 3 hours (150 km). Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Enjoy a full free day to experience romantic Hoi An at your own rhythm. Wander through the pedestrian historic center, once a flourishing maritime trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. Admire the iconic 1593 Japanese Covered Bridge, the Chinese Fujian Assembly Hall, Phuc Thanh Pagoda, and centuries-old wooden merchant houses.

Those seeking countryside pleasures can rent a bicycle to pedal to the organic gardens of Tra Que, the pottery village of Thanh Ha, or carpentry workshops in Kim Bong. Beach lovers can relax on the golden sands of An Bang or Cua Dai beaches.

At nightfall, the ancient quarter glows with hundreds of colorful silk lanterns, creating a magical ambiance along the Thu Bon River.

Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hoi An for final souvenir shopping with local tailors or sipping drip coffee at a riverside café.

In the afternoon, transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your direct scheduled flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to Cambodia's legendary Angkor temples. Upon arrival in Cambodia, your local driver welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel.

Check in to your room and enjoy a relaxing first evening taking in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of this charming town.

Transfer time: approximately 1 hour drive and 2 hours international flight. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

A memorable day dedicated to the two greatest treasures of Angkor Archaeological Park, capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries. Begin at the monumental walled city of Angkor Thom. Enter through the South Gate flanked by imposing stone statues of gods and demons, then stand in wonder before the Bayon Temple, famed for 54 towers bearing over two hundred serene carved faces of Avalokiteshvara.

Continue across the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, adorned with intricate bas-reliefs. In the afternoon, explore magnificent Angkor Wat, dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu. Cross the sacred moat to admire its five lotus-shaped towers and wander through vast galleries of bas-reliefs depicting epic mythological battles and celestial Apsara dancers.

Return to Siem Reap in late afternoon with the evening at leisure.

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, venture into the archaeological treasures of Angkor's surrounding circuits. Your first visit is Banteay Srei ('Citadel of the Women'), located twenty kilometers north. Built of warm pink sandstone, this 10th-century jewel is renowned for the delicate precision of its floral carvings and sculpted deities.

Next, explore legendary Ta Prohm, left untouched as early explorers found it, where giant tentacled roots of banyan and silk-cotton trees clasp moss-covered stone walls in an evocative union of nature and architecture. Continue to the historic temples of Ta Keo and Banteay Kdei.

At the end of the day, climb the pyramid temple-mountain of Pre Rup to watch the sunset cast a golden glow over the jungle canopy and ancient stone towers.

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Dedicate the morning to a memorable excursion on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater body in Southeast Asia. Travel to Kompong Khleang, an authentic stilt village preserved away from mass tourism. A private boat cruise reveals the daily lives of fishermen and families living with seasonal water cycles, navigating between high wooden houses on stilts, floating pagodas, and lake schools.

After heartfelt interactions with local residents, return to Siem Reap. Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping for Cambodian handicrafts, silk, or pepper before your private transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your return flight.

Airport transfer included. End of services by Sensations Vietnam.