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Indochina Tour Dossier
Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery
Discovery Tour │20 Days│Active Pace
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Discovery Tours
Designed for those who wish to be further immersed in the authentic charm of Asia; our
Discovery Tours include more cultural and active experiences.
Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery tour highlights:
Visit the home of a Water Puppeteer and watch a private show
Take a street food tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Hike the verdant rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi
Cruise on the tranquil waters of Halong Bay
Enjoy an invigorating Tai Chi session on Halong Bay
Cycle through Hue, the perfect way to see this city’s main sights
Take a walking tour of charming Hoi An
Wander past Saigon’s many colonial treasures on a walking tour
Head down to the Mekong Delta and explore by rickshaw
Browse for wares at the Cai Rang Floating Market
Take a tuk tuk ride through the temples of Angkor
Head out into the dense forest to find the mysterious temple of Beng Melea
Journey into rural Cambodia by ox cart.
Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery tour inclusions:
Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges
All accommodation
All meals
All sightseeing and entrance fees
All transportation and transfers
English speaking National Escort and Local Guides
Visa fees for UK and EU passport holders
Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
Comprehensive travel guides
Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL and IATA
For all Discovery Tours, we also include:
Cycling and walking through classic sites
Unique cultural experiences and encounters
Off the beaten track destinations
The only thing you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional
excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, tipping and early check in or late checkout.
These are all payable locally.
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Active Paced Tour
On our ‘Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery’
itinerary, you will visit
Hanoi, Hoang Su
Phi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon,
Mekong Delta
and
Siem Reap.
‘Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery’ is an
Active Paced Tour:
the most demanding
tour Wendy Wu Tours offers. As a whole,
‘Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery’
requires a high level of fitness. During
your tour, there will be long days of touring.
There will be extensive periods of time
cycling in Hanoi, Hoi an and the Mekong
Delta. You will trek for approx. 4-5 hours in
Hoang Su Phi on day 5.
Of course, our National Escorts and local
guides will always endeavour to provide
the highest level of service assistance;
however they cannot be expected to cater
for customers who are unfit to complete
the itinerary.
If you require any more
information about the pace of our
Discovery Tours, please contact our
reservations team who will be happy to
answer your questions.
Destination profile –
Vietnam/Cambodia
Vietnam – Vietnam’s civilisation is one of the
oldest in Asia. Though a fiercely independent and proud nation, Vietnam has often been under the rule of other countries and dynasties, including China, France and Japan. Vietnam’s frequent colonial influence has transformed the country into an exciting blend of cultures, architecture and ways of life. Vietnam is home to a wealth of awe-inspiring scenic areas, dynastical and colonial sights, and fascinating people which entice our guests to return again and again to this exciting destination.
Cambodia – Cambodia has long played an
important role in South East Asia. Cambodia was ruled by the powerful Khmer Empire for
over 600 years, increasing its control over much of South East. Asia. Cambodia’s lifestyle is heavily influenced by its Khmer routes but also by French colonialism. The country’s most famous sight has to be the Temples of Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer People.
Development in Vietnam/Cambodia -
Though Vietnam and Cambodia have developed in recent years, they are still developing countries and as such, many aspects of tourism do not have the solid infrastructure and safety standards as seen here in the west. It is important our guests travel to Vietnam and Cambodia with an open mind and a sense of humour.
Roads in Vietnam/Cambodia - Roads in
Vietnam and Cambodia have generally been improved over recent years, but traffic and/or weather conditions may extend driving times. Road construction work usually covers an enormous section of road – not just 1-2 kilometres as you may be used to. There may be sections of road where the surface may be comparatively bumpy but our drivers will do their utmost to lessen the impact.
Cuisine in Vietnam – Vietnamese cuisine is
renowned for its use of fresh ingredients and the healthy qualities of its cooking. Vietnamese cooking relies on lemongrass, ginger, fish sauce and chilli as base ingredients and many of dishes are meat based but there are also a number of vegetarian dishes. It is important to keep an open mind and be adventurous. Please be aware that dishes selected for your meals reflect the cooking styles and signature dishes of the local area you are in.
Cuisine in Cambodia – Cambodian cuisine is
fragrant, healthy and varied. The main staple is rice and accompanies most meals. Amok Trei, a steamed fish in coconut milk, is one of the country’s most popular dishes.
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Itinerary – Vietnam and
Cambodia Discovery
Day 1-2: Fly to Hanoi
Fly overnight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. On arrival into Vietnam on day 2, transfer to your hotel for a 2 night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure.
On arrival in Hanoi Airport, be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or national escort from Wendy Wu tours. Together, with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer by private transfer to your hotel. The transfer will take approx. 1 hour. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Hanoi - . Hanoi is a charming and richly
historic city of lakes, shaded boulevards and
verdant public parks, with a population of
about four million. The city centre is like an
architectural museum, with blocks of ochre
buildings retaining the air of a provincial
French town from the 1930s.
Day 3: Hanoi
Start your morning with a wander through Ba Dinh Square and visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, final resting place of Uncle Ho and the House on Stilts. Next, learn about Vietnam’s ethnic minorities at the Ethnology Museum before visiting the Confucian Temple of Literature. Take a walking tour of Hanoi’s exciting Old Quarter before taking a light stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake, a great place to people watch.
You will view the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside. Sightseeing in central Hanoi involves approx. 4 hours on foot.
You will be given some time in the Old Quarter to explore the many stalls independently.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – is a large
memorial, located in Ba Dinh Square. It is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, who announced Vietnam’s independence in the same location in 1945.
Ethnology Museum –At the Ethnology
Museum you will learn about the minority groups of Hanoi, including the black and red H’mong hill people. The museum is made up of an inside and outside area. The outside area displays traditional Vietnamese houses.
Temple of Literature – Dating back to 11th
century, the Temple of Literature has long played an important centre for Confucianism and scholarly learning.
Day 4: Hanoi – Hoang Su Phi
After breakfast travel to Hoang Su Phi, one of northern Vietnam’s emerald green rice terrace areas. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin exploring.
We recommend packing an overnight bag for your trip to Sapa. Main luggage can be left at our hotel in Hanoi and picked up on your return.
You will leave your hotel at approx. 8:00 this morning and you will travel for 9 hours,
stopping for lunch en route. Your homestay will have basic accommodation. There will be no western toilets or hot showers.
Hoang Su Phi – Home to spectacular rice
terraces, lush valleys and rugged mountains, Hoang Su Phi is an explorer’s dream and Sapa’s lesser known, but equally spectacular counterpart.
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Day 5: Hoang Su Phi
After breakfast, hike through the spectacular countryside. You will pass through rice paddies, mountain scenery and tea hills. Next visit the ethnic Red Yao village where you can discover more local culture. Enjoy lunch at the one of the houses of the Red Yao people before continuing your walk to the Long Tunic Yao people.
You will hike for approx. 4-5 hours today between Pan Hou and Nam Khoa in Hoang Su Phi. You will walk over some uneven surfaces and at times at an incline.
Day 6: Hoang Su Phi
In the morning, you meander along the stream to the forest. You will pass mountains,
waterfalls and terraced rice fields.
You will again hike for approx. 4-5 hours today between Nam Nghi and Giang Ha in Hoang Su Phi. You will walk over some uneven surfaces and at times at an incline.
Day 7: Hoang Su Phi – Hanoi
Travel back to Hanoi. This evening take a walking tour of the city’s unique street-side night life and food vendors. Taste the varied flavours of Vietnamese street food such as Pho Cuon and Banh Xeo.
You will again drive approx. 9 hours back to Hanoi. The pace this evening will be comfortable and you will be given time to explore stalls independently.
Old Quarter – Hanoi’s Old Quarter is one of
its most exciting and colourful sections. The Old Quarter is home to many stalls, selling Vietnamese curios, small eats and souvenirs.
Day 8: Arrive in Hanoi – Halong Bay
Transfer to Halong Bay and board a
traditionally designed junk boat for a serene and unforgettable cruise on the limestone studded waters of Halong Bay. Pass by quaint fishing towns, taste freshly caught seafood and sim in the cool waters of the bay. Watch a mesmerising Halong Bay sunset this evening. You will arrive into Hanoi early this morning. There will be time to have a shower and eat breakfast at a small hotel before you head to Halong Bay. The journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay is approx. 3 -4 hours. In the afternoon on your Halong Bay cruise, you will have an option of activities available. Please note, activities are subject to change and are determined by water levels and weather conditions.
Halong Bay – is regarded as the ‘Jewel in the
Crown of Vietnam’. Halong Bay has been compared with the landscape of Guilin in China and the limestone islets of Krabi in Southern Thailand, due to its stunning karst scenery.
Day 9: Halong Bay – Hanoi - Hue
Start your day on deck with a relaxing Tai Chi session whilst you admire an amazing sunrise over the karst scenery. You will have a chance to explore Surprise Cave before returning to Hanoi. The rest of the day is at leisure.
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You will disembark from your junk boat aroundmidday. You will enjoy breakfast and a brunch on board and you will have an evening meal in Hanoi. The journey back to Hanoi is approx. 4 hours. Your flight to Hue is approx. 1 hour. On arrival you will be met by your local guide who will transfer you 1 hour to your hotel.
Hue – was the former imperial capital of
Vietnam and the imperial palace is based on the Forbidden City in Beijing.
Day 10: Hue
Cycle through Hue for a tour of the imperial sights. Start at the imperial City, then continue to Phu Mong Garden House, part of Hue’s legacy from the Nguyen Dynasty. Return to your bike and stop at Thien Mu Pagoda which overlooks the Perfume River. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
You will start cycling at 08:30 this morning and end around 16:00. You will enjoy lunch half way through. You will be provided with helmets. The roads are mostly flat.
Imperial Citadel – is a walled fortress and
palace in Hue. It was the former home of the Emperors of Vietnam.
Thien Mu Pagoda – is seven stories tall and is
the largest religious building in Vietnam.
Day 11: Hue – Hoi An
Drive to Hoi An, stopping en route at the Museum of cham Sculpture. On arrival into Hoi An, enjoy an afternoon walk past Chinese traders’ houses, local artists and the 16th
century Japanese Bridge.
You will drive 3-4 hours to Hoi An, stopping en route at the Museum of Cham Scupture. You will enjoy a comfortable stroll around Hoi An this afternoon, enjoy the sights of the this charming town.
Museum of Cham Sculpture – Located on
the Han River, the Museum of Cham Sculpture is the world’s largest collection of Cham architecture. The Cham people are an ethnic group of South East Asia, living in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Hoi An - Perhaps more than any other place in
Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feel of centuries past. Once known as Faifo, Hoi An was an influential port along the Silk Road. For over 500 years merchants from China, Japan, France and Portugal settled in the prosperous town resulting in a distinctive blend of culture, cuisine, religion and architecture. In 1999, the town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage listed site for having the most unique
architecture in Southeast Asia. It has been restored and protected by both the UNESCO fund and proud locals ever since.
Day 12: Hoi An
Jump back on your bike today and wheel through the scenic rice paddies outside of Hoi An. Pay a visit to local farmers where you can try your hand at traditional farming techniques. Enjoy a calming boat ride to a fishing village where you can try and make fishing nets and paddle bamboo basket boats. Return to Hoi An and take a cruise along the river where you will meet a fisherman who will teach you the secret Vietnamese fishing techniques. Next hop into a basket boat and have the opportunity to paddle it yourself. Later head to Danang for your flight to Saigon.
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At the farming community, activities you maybe able to get involved in include hoeing, harvesting or even riding a water buffalo. In Hoi An you will be required to get on and off the boat and basket boat. Your flight to Saigon will be 1 hour.
Saigon - Saigon is one of the world’s truly
cosmopolitan cities with a history, culture and style obtained from colonial France, ancient China and the art deco era. Once the main port of Cambodia's Mekong territory, Saigon became the capital of France's Cochinchina and later the capital of the Republic of Vietnam. It remained the capital of South Vietnam until reunification at the end of the American War in Vietnam in 1975, when the capital was moved to Hanoi.
Day 13: Hoi An - Saigon
This morning discover the amazing network of the Cu Chi Tunnels. On the way back to Saigon there is an opportunity to visit a Wildlife Rescue Station, aiming to stop the
endangered wildlife trade in Vietnam. Continue to Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum. This evening take an exhilarating ride on the back of a vintage Vespa. Stop for a cocktail before tasting mouth-watering dishes in Chinatown, District 4 and the backstreets of Saigon.
Remember to take insect repellent today as mosquitoes are more common in the Cu Chi district. Transfer 2 hours (70km) to Cu Chi. Sightseeing here involves 2 hours on foot on uneven mud paths through the bush and, if you choose, crawling through some of the tunnels. Transfer back to Saigon via the Wildlife Rescue Station. Sightseeing in central Saigon will be approx. 3 hours. Some
customers may find the War Remnants Museum upsetting. You will be provided with a helmet on your vespa tour.
Cu Chi Tunnels – are a large network of
underground tunnels used by the Vietcong as part of their guerrilla warfare tactic during the Vietnam War.
Wildlife Rescue Centre – Is a small centre
dedicated to the protection of wildlife, including bears, otters and gibbons.
Reunification Palace – Is the former
residence of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The Palace has become a symbol of South Vietnam’s defeat to North Vietnam.
Central Post Office – Is a French Gothic
building designed by Gustave Eiffel, architect behind the Eiffel Tower.
Notre Dame Cathedral – Is a 19th century
French colonial cathedral in downtown Saigon. It is still a centre for Catholicism in Vietnam.
War Remnants Museum – Is a war museum
containing exhibits from both the Vietnam Wat and the first Indochina War.
Day 14: Saigon – Ben Tre – Mekong Homestay
Head south to Ben Tre: gateway to the Mekong Delta. Set off on a boat trip through winding, forest-lined canals. After lunch, cycle through rice fields and coconut groves and visit the Cao Dai Temple, local markets and a flower and bonsai village. Spend the night at a local homestay.
You will drive just over 2 hours to Ben Tre. You will need to get on and off your boat in the Mekong Delta. Sightseeing in the Mekong delta will be comfortable. Your homestay will have a yard, orchard and riverview. Your bedroom will have a mosquito net, soft bed with blanket, pillows and bath towel. Your evening meal will be home-cooked at your homestay.
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Mekong Delta – Known as the ‘Rice Basket of
Vietnam’,the Mekong Delta is an intricate mix of verdant fields and calm waterways. Due to the rich soil of the area, the Mekong Delta is a high populated area and many farmers work here.
Day 15: Mekong Delta – Saigon
Take a relaxed morning cycle around the village, stopping to visit a garden nursery and an orchard where you can enjoy fresh fruit. Pay a visit to the Cai Nhum Cathedral before returning to Saigon.
Your cycle this morning will be very relaxed and you will go at a leisurely pace. You will drive 2-3 hours back to Saigon.
Day 16: Saigon – Siem Reap
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, gatweway to the Angkor complex. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. This evening watch a performance by the PHARE Cambodian Circus, an NGO which teaches street children to become
internationally renowned circus artists. You will transfer 1 hour to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. You r flight will be just over 1 hour. Transfer approx. 1 hour to your hotel in Siem Reap. The show this evening will begin around 20:00 and last approx. 1 hour.
Siem Reap – Known as the gateway to
Angkor, the architecture in Siem Reap is heavily influenced by Chinese, French and Khmer styles. Siem Reap literally translates as ‘Defeat of Siam’, a reference to a historical
battle between the Khmer people and the Thai Siam people .
Day 17: Siem Reap
What better way to see the world famous Angkor Wat Complex than from the back of a traditional tuk tuk? You will explore Angkor Wat, the centrepiece of the Complex, before visiting Angkor Thom and the Bayon. Lastily, visit Ta Prohm, atmospherically buried deep in the jungle.
Two people plus one guide can travel in each tuk tuk. The complex can get very hot so always bring water with you and weath comfortable, light clothing. You will tour the Angkor Complex for approx. 5 hours.
Angkor Complex – is the former seat of the
Khmer Empire and was a flourishing city between 9th and 15th centuries. The word Angkor is derived from sanskrity and means ‘Holy City’.
Day 18:Siem Reap
Visit Kompong Kleang, a settlement of 20,000 houses, where houses tower 10 metres above water. Here you can glimpse Cambodia’s countryside culture and enjoy a picnic lunch. Next, head into the jungle to find the
mysterious temple of Beng Melea. Return to Siem Reap.
You will drive 2 hours out of Siem Reap to Kompong Kleang. You will enjoy light sightseeing around Kompong Kleang. During the low water season, you will ride an ox cart before touring the local village where you can participate in fishing or farming.
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Kompong Kleang – is a floating village
outside of Siem Reap, a perfect example of life on the water in Cambodia
Day 19-20: Fly Siem Reap to UK
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Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery
Tour Info
Visas - A visa is required for entry into
Vietnam and Cambodia. A standard visa processing service is included in your tour cost. We will require your passport, completed visa application form, and 1 passport photo, taken within the last 6 months, to process your visa. As per our standard visa processing service, we will have your passport for at least 4 weeks. We will require all this information 8 weeks prior to departure. In rare cases you may be required to provide further information or documentation to the Vietnamese Embassy and Cambodia Embassy.
Insurance - It is a condition of booking with us
that you take out suitable travel insurance. You must provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number when you book with us or as soon as possible thereafter. Wendy Wu Tours will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
Accommodation - Your accommodation is
selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities. Hotels are generally rated as local three to four star standard, but please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Vietnam/Cambodia. All group tour hotels have private western bathroom facilities, air conditioning, TV and telephone. Plumbing and electricity supplies can be erratic and quite often the power in hotel rooms is turned off while guests are out of the room. If you experience any difficulty please speak to your National Escort/Local Guide. Rest assure that all hotels used by Wendy Wu Tours are regularly inspected by our staff and our partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
Meals - All meals (excluding drinks) are
included in our fully inclusive group tours from the groups’ arrival until the groups’ day of departure. Our schedule of meals is designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked
throughout Vietnam and Cambodia.
Transport: Roads – Coaches with air
conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary.
Transport: Air – Internal flights are based on
economy class, with reputable airlines.
Group Size – In most cases the group will
operate with a minimum of 8 travellers with local guides only. If there are 10 travellers or more, your group will be accompanied by a national escort as well as local guides. As part of the Discovery Tour features, this tour will have no more than 18 passengers.
Climate - Please refer to our website or
brochure for detailed temperature charts.
After your booking - Once you have booked
with Wendy Wu Tours, you will receive a confirmation invoice followed by deposit documentation, which includes a visa application form (if applicable), and a help sheet. Your final documentation pack will be sent to you approx. 2 weeks prior to departure, and will include a travel wallet, badge, lanyard, a travel guide (which includes a suggested packing list) and phrase book, along with your final itinerary and international e-tickets.