Vietnam and Cambodia Tour: 14 Days Biking and Hiking the Heart of Indochina

Highlights of the Trip

Set off on a 14-day biking, cruising, and hiking Vietnam and Cambodia Tour, designed for active individuals such as avid cyclists and intrepid hikers, eager for diverse cultural experiences. This journey is a dynamic blend of physical challenges, cultural immersions, and historical explorations. This exhilarating trip to Vietnam and Cambodia caters to adventurers seeking an active holiday while delving into the fascinating heritage of these beautiful countries.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Hanoi

• Old Quarter: This neighbourhood is considered the heart and soul of Hanoi, with its narrow streets, crowded markets, and quaint architecture.
• Tan Vien Peak – Upper Temple: The Tan Vien Peak Upper Temple complex is situated at the top of Tan Vien Mountain, which stands at an impressive height of 1,226 meters.

Hue 

• Ngoc Son Princess “garden houses”: Traditional dwellings that are designed to harmoniously blend in with nature.
• Imperial Citadel: A large complex that was once the political and cultural centre of the Nguyen dynasty.
• Minh Mang Royal Tomb: Built in the early 19th century, this is the final resting place of Emperor Minh Mang, the second ruler of the Nguyen dynasty.
• Hai Van Pass: Cycle the challenging uphill 12km route, then take another 12kms downhill on the mountain road to explore the striking scenery.

Hoi An

• Guided Tour:  You will be able to see firsthand how this ancient town has been beautifully preserved and how it continues to attract visitors from all over the world.

Siem Reap

• Angkor Wat: Embrace a mesmerising sunrise and cycle around this architectural and cultural wonder.
• Preah Ang Thom: The name Preah Ang Thom translates to ‘Grandfather Spirit’ and refers to the large reclining Buddha statue.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Ba Trai Village: Nestled among the rolling hills and surrounded by the captivating beauty of nature, Ba Trai Village is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. As soon as one enters the village, the scent of freshly brewed tea permeates the air, drawing visitors in with its intoxicating aroma. The tea plantations in Ba Trai Village are a breath-taking sight to behold, with rows upon rows of meticulously pruned tea bushes stretching out as far as the eye can see.

Bicycle Ride:  A bike ride through Hue not only allows tourists to witness the beautiful landscape, but also provides a unique cultural experience. As you cycle through the bustling streets, you will come across local vendors selling traditional food and handicrafts, giving you a glimpse into the daily lives of the people in Hue.

Lantern Making: Visit a local house in Hoi An to create traditional lanterns. The process of creating these lanterns is truly a labour of love, starting with the frame made of bamboo, which is then shaped into various designs such as lotus flowers, dragons, and traditional symbols.

Fishing: In Hoi An, join the friendly locals catching fish in traditional  “Thung Chai” basket boat through the historic water palm coconut canal.

Aspara Performance: This will deliver a breath-taking, high-energy performance. Their unique blend of traditional and contemporary dance styles, paired with state-of-the-art technology, sets them apart from other dances.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Cambodia and Vietnam

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including pho, a hearty and flavourful soup in Vietnam made with rice noodles, herbs, and either beef or chicken. Another popular dish in Vietnam is banh mi, a delicious sandwich made with crispy baguette, pickled vegetables, and a variety of meats or tofu. In Cambodia, popular dishes include amok, a fragrant and flavourful curry made with coconut milk, fish, and a variety of herbs and spices. Lok lak is also popular – a stir-fried dish made with tender strips of beef or chicken, served with a tangy sauce and a side of rice and vegetables.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Dragon Legend Cruise: To Bai Tu Long Bay and Cap La. Relax on the cruise and enjoy their fitness room, mineral seawater pool, and (at additional cost) their spa and massage services. Stay overnight.

Vung Vieng Fishing Village: Take a rustic rowboat to visit Vung Vieng fishing village. Meet the local people, see the fish farms and floating school.

La Muse Day Cruise: To visit Vung Dang – Cong Dam and Hon Co Island.

Perfume River: The Perfume River, also known as Huong River, is a picturesque waterway that runs through the heart of Hue.

Thu Bon Estuary Cruise: Meander down the coastline of Hoi An watching the local life pass you by.

Accommodation of this Tour

Hanoi: Hanoi La Siesta Classic Hotel (an exclusive oasis in the Hanoi Old Quarter, just a short walk to the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake – Deluxe room) .

Ha Long Bay: Dragon Legend Cruise (Traditional junk, Deluxe quality boat modelled on Imperial Court vessels).

Hue: Eldora hotel (Located in the heart of the city within walking distance to many tourist attractions, exquisite style, spacious room – Deluxe City View).

Hoi An: Lasenta Boutique Hotel (located in a quiet part of town overlooking the verdant rice fields, only 5 minute drive from Hoi An Ancient town – Deluxe Rice Field view room).

Siem Reap: The Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa (centrally located in the heart of Siem Reap town, features rooms in modern and contemporary style and an outdoor swimming pool – Deluxe room).

To discover more holidays to Vietnam and Cambodia, browse our website or contact us on +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Arrive at Noi Bai airport, Hanoi. Your local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel in Hanoi for check-in. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Enjoy a leisurely morning. At 2pm, meet your guide for an exciting walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, discovering the shops and restaurants and observing the mix of architecture from traditional tube houses to colonial houses and modern concrete buildings, to artisan workshops, cottages, and religious buildings. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

✓ Breakfast

Day 3: Ba Vi National Park Tour, Tan Vien Peak Trek, Upper Temple, Ba Tai Village & Tea Plantation

Enjoy breakfast. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel. Transfer to the Ba Vi National Park – approx. 1.5hrs. When you arrive in the national park, your driver will take you first to 400m above sea level. Then move further up to 1,100m above sea level, where you will begin your trek to Tan Vien Peak. Hike to the summit and visit the Upper Temple.

In the afternoon, take the challenging 2.5km trek down to 800m, observing ancient Old Green Cypresses and rare animal species such as birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and seeing the Political Prison, a 19^th century French ruin.

After the trek, your driver will take you to Ba Trai Village, home to a large tea plantation. Meet the locals and join them to learn the full process of making raw tea leaf products. Return to your hotel in Hanoi for overnight stay.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise

Enjoy breakfast. Travel to Bai Tu Long Bay. Board the Dragon Legend Cruise (Dragon Legend Junk) to Bai Tu Long Bay. After lunch, take a rustic rowboat to visit Vung Vieng fishing village. Meet the local people, see the fish farms and floating school. Take the Dragon Legend Cruise to Cap La. Relax on the cruise and enjoy their fitness room, mineral seawater pool, and (at additional cost) their spa and massage services. Stay overnight on board in a quiet location. All meals provided, plus luxurious facilities and activities such as kayaking included in price.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: La Muse Day Cruise & Hon Co Island

Witness the spectacular sunrise and enjoy this special landscape with a morning cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy breakfast. Transfer to La Muse Day Cruise and visit Vung Dang – Cong Dam. Have a go at catching fish like the local fishermen. Then continue your cruise to Hon Co Island. Enjoy a BBQ lunch on the beach.

In the afternoon, swim, kayak or visit Tien Canh Son cave. Mid-afternoon, return to Dragon Legend Cruise. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight on board in the Thien Canh Son area.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Morning Cruise, Hanoi Transfer & Hue Flight

Begin the day savouring the view with tea or coffee in hand. Enjoy breakfast. Check out of your cabin as you cruise toward the harbour. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board. Arrive at the harbour about midday. Your driver will meet you ready for your return to Hanoi.

Arrive at Noi Bai Airport to catch your late-day departure flight to Hue. When you reach Hue, your guide will meet you. Transfer to hotel in Hue for check-in and overnight stay.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Hue Bicycle Tour, Perfume River Cruise & Imperial Citadel

Your bicycles will be waiting for you this morning, ready to ride through Dong Ba market to Ngoc Son Princess “garden houses”. Meet the owner who will happily tell you all about the history, and the interesting geomantic principles underpinning the construction of the building and gardens. Next, visit Tay Loc airfield ruin and the Imperial Citadel in the Old quarter.

After lunch, in the afternoon, your driver will take you to Thien Mu Pagoda. Hop aboard a boat cruise along Perfume River to the city centre. Your driver will pick you up here and drive you to your hotel. Enjoy an evening meal in a traditional garden house restaurant serving authentic Hue cuisine. Stay overnight in Hue.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Hue Royal Tombs Tour, Lang Co Beach & Hoi An Transfer

Morning visit to the serene Minh Mang Royal Tomb. Drive to Lang Co Beach for a seafood lunch. Enjoy some time swimming, sunbathing, or relaxing at Lang Co beach.

After lunch, ride on the Hai Van Pass. Cycle the challenging uphill 12km route, then take another 12kms downhill on the mountain road – whole cycling route takes approx. 1.15hrs. Be driven to Hoi An Ancient Town and stay overnight here.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Hoi An Lantern Town Tour

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Visit a local house and learn how to make silk Hoi An-style lanterns – make your own to take home as a souvenir.

In the afternoon, tour the ancient town of Hoi An – an UNESCO World Heritage Area – with your guide. Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Please note: If you are able to time your trip, on the 14^th day of every month in the Lunar calendar is the Hoi An Lantern Festival/Full Moon Festival, a very special sight to behold.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Hoi An Village & Fisherman Tour

Start today with an easy cycle through the countryside paths, observing water buffalos, rice paddy fields, local farmers, and bamboo bridges. Next, board a boat at the Thu Bon estuary and cruise the coastline, witnessing the local fishermen going about their daily lives. Join the fishermen to try catching fish in a traditional “Thung Chai” basket boat through the historic water palm coconut canal. After this, enjoy some free leisure time, then a fresh seafood lunch, before cycling back to Hoi An.

Please note: Bring a pair of spare clothes and shoes that can be worn in mud and water.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Hoi An Free Time, Danang Transfer & Siem Reap Flight

Enjoy most of the day at leisure until your transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Siem Reap.

Arrive at Siem Reap airport and meet your driver for your transfer to your hotel. Check-in and overnight stay at hotel in Siem Reap.

✓ Breakfast

Day 12: Angkor Wat Complex Tour & Aspara Dance Performance

Wake up and head out early at 5am to watch the sunrise over the Angkor Wat. Enjoy a traditional noodle soup breakfast with the local people. Explore Angkor Wat temple.

Cycle around the Angkor temple complex. Start at Angkor Thom, and the Bayon Temple, visit the Elephant Terraces, Leper King Terraces, and Baphuon Temple. (A support vehicle will stay on hand should you want to stop your exploration at any point.)

Late afternoon, as dusk approaches, walk to Phnom Bakheng Hill summit to witness the incredible sunrise over the temple complex. Enjoy dinner with an Aspara performance. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. You might like to head to the night market by tuk tuk and explore this area. Stay overnight in Siem Reap.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Preah Ang Thom Hike, Phnom Kulen National Park, Phum Thmei Village, Prasat Rong Chen Mountain Temple & Reclining Buddha

Pickup from hotel at 7am. Drive to the eastern side of Angkor Thom – approx. 1.5hrs. Arrive at top of mountain about 8:30am. Walk to Preah Ang Chub, then hike to reclining Buddha “Preah Ang Thom”. Hike past the rain jungle and river of 1000 Lingas. Explore the National Park Phnom Kulen, Cambodia’s most sacred mountain. Then drive to the village of Phum Thmei and continue walking to visit the temple of Preah Kral Pagoda. Trek a further two hours to reach the entrance of Prasat Rong Chen, the first mountain-temple built in the Angkor region. See the life-sized animal carvings in the stone, including the 4m long by 3m high elephant. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then hike back.

Return to Phum Themei to collect the cars. Stop at Phom Kulen to visit the reclining Buddha and have a swim in the waterfalls. Return to Siem Reap.

Remember to wear long trousers and sport/hiking shoes, pack insect repellent, sun cream and a raincoat.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14: Siem Reap Free Time & Departure Flight

Have breakfast at your hotel.  Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure until your transfer to Siem Reap airport for your departure flight

✓ Breakfast

To discover more holidays to Vietnam and Cambodia, browse our website or contact us on +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com

Price

Price: £2,232

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi, check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 2: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on foot, admire the mix of architecture, and enjoy leisure time. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Trek to Tan Vien Peak in Ba Vi National Park, visit Ba Tai Village, and learn about tea production. Return to Hanoi for overnight stay.

Day 4: Cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, visit Vung Vieng fishing village, and enjoy onboard facilities. Stay overnight on the cruise.

Day 5: Explore more of Bai Tu Long Bay, swim, kayak, and visit Tien Canh Son cave. Overnight on the cruise.

Day 6: Cruise back to the harbour, transfer to Hanoi, and fly to Hue. Check-in at the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 7: Bicycle tour of Hue, visit Ngoc Son Princess Garden Houses, and take a Perfume River cruise. Overnight in Hue.

Day 8: Visit Minh Mang Royal Tomb, Lang Co Beach, and cycle Hai Van Pass. Transfer to Hoi An for overnight stay.

Day 9: Make silk lanterns, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, and stay overnight in Hoi An.

Day 10: Cycle through Hoi An’s countryside, fisherman boat tour, and enjoy leisure time. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 11: Free time in Hoi An, transfer to Danang, and fly to Siem Reap. Check-in at the hotel and stay overnight.

Day 12: Sunrise at Angkor Wat, explore Angkor Thom, and enjoy an Apsara dance performance. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 13: Hike to Preah Ang Thom, visit Phnom Kulen National Park, and explore Prasat Rong Chen Mountain Temple. Return to Siem Reap.

Day 14: Free time in Siem Reap, departure flight.

FAQs

1. Is transportation included from the airport upon arrival in Hanoi?
   • Yes, a local guide will greet you at Noi Bai airport and transfer you to your hotel.
2. What kind of activities are included in the Hanoi City Tour?
   • The Hanoi City Tour includes a walking tour of the Old Quarter, where you’ll explore shops, restaurants, and historical sites.
3. What is the highlight of the Ba Vi National Park Tour?
   • The tour includes trekking to Tan Vien Peak, visiting Ba Tai Village, and learning about tea production in a local plantation.
4. Can you provide more details about the Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise?
   • The cruise offers visits to Vung Vieng fishing village, swimming, kayaking, and cave exploration, with luxurious onboard facilities and meals provided.
5. What activities are available during the Hue Bicycle Tour?
   • The tour includes cycling through Dong Ba market, visiting Ngoc Son Princess Garden Houses, and a Perfume River cruise.
6. What are the main attractions during the Hoi An Lantern Town Tour?
   • The tour includes making silk lanterns, exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, and experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage Area.
7. What should I expect during the Angkor Wat Complex Tour in Siem Reap?
   • The tour includes watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat, exploring the temple complex by bicycle, and enjoying an Aspara dance performance.