Welcome to Siem Reap

Siem Reap - Fly to Siem Reap, CAMBODIA

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport, secure your Cambodia visa, then proceed through Immigration and Customs. After collecting your luggage, exit the airport arrival gate to meet your local guide outside, who will be holding a sign with your names.

Meet your English-speaking guide for a private airport transfer with a vehicle and driver. Siem Reap serves as the gateway to exploring the legendary temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire.

Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

The Wonders of Angkor

Angkor Thom South Gate - Angkor Thom South Gate
Begin your early morning with a visit to the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). This vast walled complex was the center of the world’s largest city in 1200. Following the Chams’ occupation of Angkor from 1177 to 1181, King Jayavarman VII constructed an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. The scale is simply staggering, and visitors are immediately overwhelmed by Jayavarman’s audacity upon arrival at the city’s gates. The causeway is lined with an intricate bridge depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk from Hindu mythology, where the devas (gods) and asuras (devils) play tug of war with a naga (seven-headed serpent) to obtain the elixir of immortality. Its vast walls, approximately 6m wide, 8m high, and 13km in length, contain many monuments.

Bayon Temple - Bayon Temple
Next, visit Bayon Temple, surrounded by faces on all sides. Visitors never forget the enigmatic and enchanting Bayon Temple. Located at the exact center of Angkor Thom, it is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 towers are each topped with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear a striking resemblance to the king himself. These colossal heads gaze down from every side, exuding power and control with a hint of compassion, just the mix required to maintain a vast empire.

Unlike his predecessors who worshipped the Hindu deities of Shiva and Vishnu, Jayavarman VII adopted Mahayana Buddhism as the source of royal divinity. This sets the Bayon apart from many other Angkorian monuments. The bas-reliefs here depict intricate scenes of ancient battles against the Chams and offer a wonderful snapshot of daily life during the Angkor period.

Baphuon Temple - Baphuon
Continue your visit to Baphuon, located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain constructed as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

Terrace of the Elephants - Terrace of the Elephants
Stroll to the Terrace of the Elephants, part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. The terrace was used by Angkor’s king Jayavarman VII as a platform to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas, of which only a few ruins remain.

Terrace of the Leper King - Terrace of the Leper King
Also visit the Terrace of the Leper King, located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, though its modern name derives from a 15th-century sculpture discovered at the site. The statue depicts the Hindu god Yama, the god of death.

Phimeanakas - Phimeanakas
Next, visit Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas, a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century during the reign of Rajendravarman, and then completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three-tier pyramid as a Hindu temple.

Ta Prohm - Ta Prohm
Continue to Ta Prohm, perhaps the most atmospheric of all Angkor’s treasures. The temple was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been left to the destructive power of nature by archaeologists to demonstrate the awesome power of nature.

It has been largely consumed by the jungle, and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures, you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. At every turn, you expect to see Indiana Jones or Lara Croft step out from behind a fallen pillar. It is one of the most frequently visited temples, with visitors often arriving during the middle of the day to take advantage of the protective forest canopy above the ruined temple. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them. This was one of the settings for Lara Croft’s adventures in “Tomb Raider.”

Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delicious local restaurant.

Angkor Wat - Angkor Wat
Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, and afterwards, be dazzled by what you see this afternoon at the vast, 12th-century Angkor Wat temple; the bas-reliefs and many devatas (guardian spirits) that cover its walls inspire awe and admiration. This example of classical Khmer architecture has been a significant religious center for Hindus and then Buddhists through the ages.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus - Phare - The Cambodian Circus: Tonight, you will be taken to Siem Reap’s big top to watch Phare, the Cambodian Circus. Be astounded by the mix of traditional Cambodian dance and modern entertainment.

Beng Mealea & Koh Ker

Beng Mealea - Beng Mealea
Today, meet your personal guide and driver and travel to the lost temple of Beng Mealea, the titanic of temples, a slumbering giant lost for centuries in the forests of Cambodia. It is the most accessible of Angkor’s lost temples, a mirror image of Angkor Wat, but utterly consumed by the voracious appetite of nature. Constructed by Suryavarman II (1113-1150), the builder of Angkor Wat, the forest has run riot here, and it is hard to get a sense of the monument’s shape amid the daunting ruins. Here, it is possible to enjoy an Indiana Jones experience clambering about the vast ruin. For those who want a more gentle adventure, there is also a sturdy wooden walkway running right into the heart of the temple. It is also possible to visit a nearby Angkor-era quarry from where stone was cut to build these massive monuments.

Koh Ker Temple - Koh Ker
We then head into the bush to the remote Angkor capital of Koh Ker, an Angkorian site in northern Cambodia, 70 miles northeast of Siem Reap; it was briefly the capital of the Khmer empire between 928 and 944 under King Jayavarman IV and his son Hasavarman II. After the Khmer empire had been established in the Angkor area (Roluos), Jayavarman IV moved the capital in 928 to Koh Ker. Here, a vast number of temples were built under his reign until his successor returned to the Angkor area about twenty years later. The Koh Ker site is dominated by Prasat Thom, a 30-meter-tall temple-mountain rising high above the plain and the surrounding forest. Great views await the visitor at the end of an adventurous climb. The area was only recently de-mined, and the road improved. This makes Koh Ker very attractive for anyone who would like to experience what Angkor must have been like half a century ago.

After exploring Koh Ker through the afternoon, begin the drive back to Siem Reap.

Khmer Temples & a Tonle Sap Lake cruise, Say hello to Hanoi

Banteay Srei - Banteay Srei
This morning, journey north to visit Banteay Srei. This jewel of Angkor was built by a Brahman in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of exquisite sculptures, lintels, and friezes. These, it is said, must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives the origin of the Khmer name, Fortress of the Women. While it may be a small temple complex, the beauty of Banteay Srei is found not in the scale, but the detail. Many believe the intricate carving is the best example of Khmer classical art in existence. Stop at a local village to visit families who are producing palm sugar.

Preah Khan - Preah Khan
Next, continue to visit Preah Khan, built in the same style as Ta Prohm, Preah Khan is in a much better state of preservation. Meaning The Sacred Sword, this temple was also built by Jayavarman VII and is famous for its immensely long cruciform corridors and delicate carvings, including the spectacular hall of dancers. Look out for the curious two-storey structure that is almost Grecian in inspiration. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to both Buddhism and Hinduism. The original eastern entrance was for Mahayana Buddhists, while the other cardinal points represented the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. After visiting the temples, you will receive a monk’s blessing for good luck and good health.

Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delicious local restaurant in town.

Kampong Phluk Floating Village - Kampong Phluk Floating Village
After lunch, continue for a tour of the surrounding countryside and take an ox-cart ride through the villages and the rice fields. At the end of your ride, have a fresh coconut drink with the family and do not hesitate to talk with the local people to get to know more about their lives. Later, you may wish to join us for a drive to the fishing village of Kompong Pluk near Siem Reap and board a private boat. Visit Kompong Pluk village with its houses standing on stilts and board a pirogue to discover the seasonally flooded forest. Visit the floating village and discover the centuries-old lifestyle of the inhabitants of the lake.

Hanoi - After a leisurely afternoon, you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Hanoi, VIETNAM.

Board a flight from Siem Reap with direct service to Hanoi.

Flight: Siem Reap – Hanoi 18.20 - 20.10

Welcome to VIETNAM! Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, secure your Vietnam visa, then proceed through Immigration and Customs. After collecting your luggage, exit the airport arrival gate to meet your local guide outside, who will be holding a sign with your names.

Meet your English-speaking guide for a private airport transfer with a vehicle and driver. Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, originally named Thang Long or “City of the Ascending Dragon,” was the first capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010. Situated in the Centre North of Vietnam, the city is known as one of the most attractive and interesting places for visitors.

Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Full Day Private Tour History In Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
This morning, head out with your guide and begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, an important point of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese. The area surrounding the complex is a traffic-free zone filled with botanical gardens, monuments, memorials, and pagodas, and includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside), Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Travel back in time to the nearby simple cottage on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his humble beginnings as a revolutionary. Walk a few blocks out of the Ho Chi Minh Complex to the 11th-century Buddhist One Pillar Pagoda, an elegant construction rising from the center of a square-shaped lotus pond on a solitary pillar.

Temple of Literature & National University - Temple of Literature
Next, visit the Temple of Literature, a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. The temple also hosts the Imperial Academy, Vietnam’s first national university. The temple was built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. It is one of several temples in Vietnam dedicated to Confucius, sages, and scholars.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Continue to visit the Museum of Ethnology. The museum provides an insightful glimpse into the country’s lengthy history, with more than 15,000 photos and 10,000 objects and artifacts depicting a historical perspective of the lives, activities, customs, and habits of the 54 recognized ethnic groups of Vietnam.

Hanoi Opera House - Hanoi Opera House
After lunch at a favorite local restaurant, drive through Colonial Hanoi, seeing the Hanoi Opera House, or the Grand Opera House, an opera house in central Hanoi, Vietnam. It was erected by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911.

Hoa Lo Prison - Hoa Lo Prison
Next, go inside the infamous Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”), where Senator John McCain and Douglas “Pete” Wilson were once imprisoned.

Old Quarter - Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Take a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch the local life and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. The best way to enjoy the charming colonial architecture is to wander with your guide at a leisurely pace and be sure to stop for a cup of Vietnamese coffee or a local snack from one of the many tantalizing street vendors.

Thang Long Water Puppet - THANG LONG WATER PUPPET
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance, a uniquely North Vietnamese art form celebrating rural life and folklore for over 1,000 years, this evening.

Cruising On Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay - After breakfast, depart on a journey northeast of Hanoi to the famous and magnificent Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. Upon arrival, begin a one-night cruise on Ha Long Bay aboard the Dragon Legend Cruise. (A junk is an ancient-style sailboat, with a design still in use today).

During the cruise, discover the bay in depth. Stop at Bai Tu Long Island and explore Hang Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), with its beautiful, colorful limestone formations. Visit Cua Van Fishing Village, nestled among the limestone islands, to see scenes of daily life up close and interact with the locals. Enjoy the opportunity to swim or kayak in the turquoise waters, followed by a five-course dinner each night. Evenings are free to relax in the lounge, watch a movie, play some board games, or get a spa treatment. The adventurous can choose to join the crew for night fishing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

From The Bay To Hanoi Airport or Hanoi Hotel

Halong Bay - Halong Bay Cruise: For early risers, complimentary tea, coffee, and pastries are served in the restaurant, followed by – if you so desire – a Tai Chi Class on the terrace deck. A great morning activity to feel one with this natural wonder. Start a new day with a Tai Chi demonstration on the sun-deck. Take in the morning view of the Bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy breakfast in the fresh air. Cruise to Cong Do area to explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave. Enjoy a buffet brunch while cruising towards the port. The crew will bid you farewell as you disembark.

Your guide will meet you as you disembark and will transfer you back to Hanoi to catch your onward flight to the next destination or your hotel in Hanoi. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

Fly home or begin a wonderful customized private extension.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

• Meal plan as mentioned above
• Stay 2 nights at the La Siesta Hotel (Deluxe Room) or Similar
• Private transportation by modern air-conditioned vehicle with experienced safe driver
• Daily breakfast included
• Lunch
• Stay 1 night onboard the Dragon Legend Cruise (Deluxe Cabin) or Similar
• Breakfast
• All entrance fees at places listed above
• Professional Licensed English Speaking guide
• Stay 3 nights at the Golden Temple Hotel (Pool View Room)
• VAT and all taxes and service charge
• All activities fees mentioned or specified in itinerary with English speaking guide
• International flight tickets: Siem Reap to Hanoi on Economy Class
• 03 bottles of mineral water per person per day
• Boat cruise as specified above

• Meals other than specified as included
• Drinks other personal expenses or travel and health insurance
• The optional activities that not mentioned in the program
• Tips or gratuities to guide, driver and others are not included in price

This extensive tour showcases the best of Cambodia and North Vietnam.

Start your journey in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where you can discover the remarkable Angkor, the awe-inspiring remnants of the ancient Khmer empire. With a personal guide, explore the most captivating sections of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Angkor Wat…

Travel by air to Hanoi, the captivating capital and cultural hub of Vietnam. During private tours, explore the city’s key historical landmarks, such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, the House on Stilts, and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum….

Proceed to the picturesque Halong Bay for an overnight cruise on a luxurious, traditional junk-style boat. Sail among stunning limestone islands, savor fresh seafood, participate in onboard activities like tai chi at sunrise, and perhaps explore local caves, hike to a scenic viewpoint, go sea kayaking, or visit a floating village.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.