The Mekong Passage: From Phnom Penh to Hanoi 10-Day

We will arrange for our driver to pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the pier in Phnom Penh. From there, you will be transferred to Chau Doc in Vietnam. Upon arrival, we will visit the Ba Chua Xu Temple, which is the most important destination for all tours in Chau Doc. The temple is dedicated to a goddess who is believed to have the power to bring good fortune and prosperity to her devotees. After that, we will visit the Forbidden Mountain, which is famous for its panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

After the sightseeing tour, we will check in to our hotel in Chau Doc, and you will have free time to explore the town on your own or simply relax at the hotel. Overnight stay will be in Chau Doc.

The land port on the Cambodian side is Kaam Samonor Border, and on the Vietnamese side, it is Song Tien Border.

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Accommodation Options:

Chau Pho Hotel - 3-star or similar

Victoria Chau Doc Hotel - 4-star or similar

Victoria Chau Doc Hotel - 4-star (local best)

After breakfast, we will visit Tra Su, a wild bird sanctuary located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. We will cruise on small boats to discover the splendid canals deep into the forest, and watch storks, cranes, and other tropical birds in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, we will drive to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, we will check in at our hotel, and you will have free time to explore the city on your own. Overnight in Can Tho.

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Accommodation Options:

Holiday 2 Hotel - 3-star or similar

TTC Hotel - Can Tho - 4-star or similar

Sheraton Can Tho - 5-star or similar

After breakfast, we will take a boat trip to witness the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Here, you will see local farmers trading their produce on the water, as they have done for centuries. You can also try some of the local specialties such as noodle soup, coffee, and fresh fruits.

After the market visit, we will drive to a fruit orchard, where you can sample the tropical fruits grown in this region, and try some local tea. We will then drive to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City around 5:00 pm. Check in the hotel. Free at leisure and stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, we will take a boat trip to witness the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. After the market visit, we will drive to a fruit orchard, where you can sample the tropical fruits grown in this region, and try some local tea. We will then drive to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City around 5:00 pm. Check in the hotel. Free at leisure and stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Ramada Encore Saigon Hotel - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a fascinating journey through the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture built by the French in the 19th century. Next, stop at the historic Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel and featuring a beautiful interior of intricate maps, intricate designs, and arched windows. Then, explore the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam and a symbol of the country's tumultuous past.

After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon takes you to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a popular destination for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists. The tunnels, which span over 200km, played a critical role during the Vietnam War and were functioning underground cities that included trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. You will learn about the construction of the tunnels and spend the next few hours exploring the tunnels and war remnants, gaining insights into the harsh conditions and ingenious methods used to maintain life in the tunnels. You'll even have a chance to sample some of the simple cuisine that local fighters survived on and venture into the tunnels to experience the complex firsthand.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a comfortable overnight stay. The distance between Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnel is approximately 75 km, which takes about 1.5 hours to drive.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Ramada Encore Saigon Hotel - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, you have the day at leisure to explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own or indulge in some shopping until it's time for your flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the city or go shopping. Enjoy an overnight stay in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a charming and historic trading center that was once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other merchant vessels from the Far East.

Your tour will start with a visit to a temple located in the center of Hoi An. The temple has partially gilded statues and reflects the influences of Chinese and Japanese styles. You will also visit a pagoda that is dedicated to sailors and fishermen, and a chapel that has origins dating back to the 1700s.

Next, you will stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, which is located near the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The museum contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history, offering a glimpse into the city's rich and fascinating past.

Later in the afternoon, you will take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village on Cam Kim Island. Here, you will see the skilled woodworkers and shipbuilding families who have been practicing their craft for generations. It's a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam.

Finally, you will return to your haven on the world-famous “Cua Dai Beach.” Spend the evening at your leisure, relaxing on the beautiful beach and enjoying the stunning scenery. Overnight in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your early flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our friendly guide will pick you up and take you on a tour of Hanoi city. The first stop will be at Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This pagoda is the oldest in Hanoi and was built in the 6th century. Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history and culture of this important landmark.

Next, visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you will have the chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Take a leisurely walk around the garden to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Then, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, which worships the Goddess of Mercy and is considered the most unique pagoda in the world.

Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. If your tour falls on either of these days, an alternative itinerary will be arranged.

Afterwards, head to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. However, if your tour falls on a Monday, the museum will be closed, and you will visit the Women’s Museum instead.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at our restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best Vietnamese cuisine.

After lunch, continue your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam established in the 11th century. This is a great place to learn about the education system of Vietnam in ancient times.

The city tour will conclude with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton."

After an exciting day of exploring Hanoi City, you will be transferred back to the hotel for check in. Free at leisure and stay overnight in Hanoi.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our private mini-van/bus will pick you up between 8:30 am to 9:00 am to begin your journey to Halong City. During the 3.5-hour drive, you will have the opportunity to view the simple countryside and rice paddy life along the way. Once you arrive at the port, you will board your private boat - an authentic Chinese Junk - and begin your amazing cruise through the stunning Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site. Lunch will be served on board and will consist of a selection of the freshest seafood.

During the cruise, we will visit "the Amazing cave" and then take a swim in the tranquil emerald waters of Halong Bay. We will then cruise further into a quiet area where we will anchor and spend the night. You will enjoy dinner and relax as the sun sets over the bay. Afterward, you are free to swim in the phosphorescent water, retire to your cabin, or even fall asleep under the stars on the top deck, surrounded by the magic of Halong. You will spend the night on the boat, taking in the stunning surroundings of the bay.

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Accommodation Options:

MILA Cruises - 3-star or similar

Pelican Cruises - 4-star or similar

Paradise Sails Cruises - 5-star or similar

Wake up early in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Enjoy breakfast served on the boat as we leisurely cruise through thousands of stunning and seemingly never-ending islands. This is an amazing opportunity to capture some breathtaking photographs of the scenery. We will also make a stop to visit a floating fishing village and hear legendary stories of the fishermen's daily life.

Lunch will be served on the boat as we cruise back to the Halong City pier. From there, we will return to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi around 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Check in at your hotel and take advantage of some free time to explore the fascinating Old Quarter of Hanoi on your own. Take the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local street food or browse the shops for souvenirs. You will spend the night in Hanoi.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for the airport for your international flight back home or to your next destination. We hope that you have had an incredible time exploring Vietnam with Legend Travel Group and have made unforgettable memories.

Thank you for choosing us as your travel companion and we look forward to embarking on new adventures with you in the future. Please note that airport transfer is included in your itinerary and our team will ensure that your departure from Hanoi is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.