Vietnam and Cambodia, special departure with accompanying guide

Departure on a scheduled flight to Istanbul, where you will connect with another flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight on board.

Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. HO CHI MINH or SAIGON, capital of the former Cochinchina region, is today a vibrant, modern and cosmopolitan metropolis. Assistance and transfer to the hotel. Check in. Dinner in a local restaurant in the evening. Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City.

Breakfast included at the hotel. In the morning we will leave for the spectacular Mekong Delta (approx. 2 hours), one of the most famous places in Vietnam where local life has been flowing since ancient times. Once in My Tho/ Ben Tre, we will take a boat (1 hour 30 minutes) that will take us through narrow canals surrounded by dense vegetation to the heart of the Delta. You will discover a completely different world, where life revolves around the Mekong River. Throughout the day, we will be able to taste local products such as exotic and native fruits grown in the Delta's orchards and coconut candies, made in family factories. We will return to the shore by taking a ride on a "xe loi", a typical vehicle in the area, to see the characteristics of the place up close. Later, we will take a rowing boat through the narrow canals framed by coconut trees and tropical vegetation. Lunch included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, where we will first see the historic Reunification Palace (exterior visit) and the former Central Post Office with its impressive architecture. We will take a walk along the pedestrian street of Nguyen Hue where the municipal buildings, the statue of Ho Chi Minh and the City Hall meet, and we finish the visit of Ho Chi Minh. Later, you can have an authentic Vietnamese “coffee shop”, enjoy the sunset or experience the bustling city landscape, its businesses and its friendly people. Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh.

Breakfast included at the hotel. Transfer to visit the Cu Chi tunnels, an impressive complex of underground tunnels of more than 200 kilometers and which were the base of operations of the Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. Then we return to Ho Chi Minh City to have lunch at a local restaurant. At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take the plane to Siem Reap. Arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Then, we will relax with a traditional Cambodian massage. Accommodation in Siem Reap.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure by tuk-tuk (a type of motorbike, a very typical vehicle in Cambodia) to the South Gate, from where you can see the impressive statues representing the movement of the ocean, the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), the Bayon temple with its 54 decorated towers and nearly 200 enigmatic smiling faces of Avalokitesvara, the Phimeanakas temple, the terraces of the leper king and the elephants and the royal chambers. Next, visit the Ta Prohm temple, one of the most spectacular temples in the area, which has remained relatively unchanged since it was discovered and still retains much of its mystery. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, transfer by bus to visit the most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat - declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The temple complex covers 81 hectares, comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. The famous five towers are part of the Cambodian flag. They represent the 5 peaks of Meru, the walls surrounding them are the mountains and the valley surrounding them is the ocean. We contemplate this 12th century work of art, considered by historians to be the first example of classical Khmer architecture and art, while enjoying its beautiful sunset, an excellent panorama to end the day. Return to the hotel and overnight in Siem Reap.

Breakfast included at the hotel. Transfer to a village near Siem Reap, where we board a boat to begin the excursion on Tonle Sap Lake (“Fresh Water Lake” in Khmer), the largest lake in Southeast Asia. It is estimated that there are around 200 floating villages in the area, making it the protagonist in the life of Cambodians. We explore the life of the people of the lake, the hospital, the church, the school and the market. On the way back, we will visit the D’Angkor artisans - an exemplary center that aims to protect and maintain traditional crafts, as well as train young Cambodians. Here you can find the most authentic handmade Cambodian products. Lunch at a local restaurant. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Da Nang. Arrival in Da Nang, transfer to hotel in Hoi An. In the evening, transfer to Hoai River, where we will cruise along. This river has a very special meaning for the inhabitants of Hoi An, as it has witnessed the events that have taken place in Vietnam over the years. When night falls, the streets are illuminated with lanterns and coloured lights, and lanterns are also thrown into the water to ask for good omens. The city takes on a new, bright and mysterious look. Disembark and free time to stroll around the street and return to the hotel on your own. Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, we begin the city tour of Hoi An, an important Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries, whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little in recent years. Arrival in the Old Quarter, from where we will begin the walk through the center of the old city to visit Phung Hung (Old Merchants' House), the Japanese covered bridge over 400 years old, the Phuc Kien hall, the old Tan Ky House with its traditional architecture and the Sa Huynh history museum. Lunch in a restaurant. Free afternoon to enjoy the beach, stroll through the colorful market in the center or go shopping. Accommodation in Hoi An.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will leave the hotel for Da Nang, the most important and modern city in central Vietnam. We will stop to visit the spectacular Dragon Bridge, the symbol of the city of Danang. We will continue towards the Son Tra Peninsula, to visit the Ling Ung Pagoda, which houses the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam, and from where we will contemplate exceptional views of the city. We will continue our way to the small village of Lang Co, considered one of the best beaches in Vietnam, with its coastline of more than 20 km long of golden sand, and which is surrounded by tropical forest. Free time to enjoy this place and take photos. Lunch en route to Hue, in a magnificent restaurant located in a salt lagoon by the sea. After lunch, transfer to Hue (duration approx. 4H) and embark on a cruise along the PERFUME River to the iconic THIEN MU PAGODA, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower that has become Hue's best-known landmark. During the 1960s, it became a centre of anti-government protest, and is the site of monk Thich Quang Duc's famous self-immolation. Finally, visit DONG BA MARKET, a local market located near the Imperial City. Overnight in Hue.

Breakfast included at the hotel. Visit to the Old Imperial City. Located in the centre of Hue, we find the IMPERIAL CITADEL, a huge 19th century complex and a model for the Forbidden City in Beijing. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Most of the buildings were destroyed by bombing during the Vietnam War with the United States, but the remaining monuments provide a fascinating insight into court life during the Nguyen dynasty. Near the city we pass by the FLAG TOWER, where a giant Vietnamese flag proudly flies above our heads, the imposing NGO MON GATE, the main entrance to the imperial compound that leads to an area of large courtyards and lotus ponds, where we will visit the DIEN THO residence (Dien Tho Palace), where the queen mother lived. Afterwards, we will visit the THAI HOA PALACE, with its magnificently decorated hall, the HALL OF THE MANDARINS, and the NINE DYNASTIC URNS, among many other sites. Lunch and visit the IMPERIAL TOMB OF EMPEROR TU DUC. This emperor ruled in Hue more than 100 years ago, built his tomb when he was still alive and used it for meditation, reading and for theatrical performances. It consists of several pavilions located in a quiet area between wooded hills and lakes. The tomb was built between 1864 and 1867. Tu Duc was the emperor who had a longer reign and lived a luxurious life. Then, transfer to the airport to take a flight to Hanoi. Arrival in Hanoi, transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will take a panoramic tour with our guide in Hanoi. Today, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, the only Asian city with tree-lined avenues, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The tour includes a visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, founded in 1070 in honor of Confucius and considered the symbol of Hanoi. We continue with the route to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, visiting the exterior of it from Ba Dinh Square. We will continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 on a single stone pillar by Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who reigned from 1028 to 1054. The pagoda is designed in the likeness of a lotus flower leaf in honor of Buddha. Lunch included in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will have an experience with flowers and the traditional way of decorating them. Visit a traditional flower shop to see how bouquets are made, how this beautiful and traditional spiritual art of Vietnam that has come down to us from generation to generation is passed down and preserved. Guests will learn to recognize exotic flowers while enjoying preparing a spiritual floral offering. Later, we will walk through the Old Quarter to Hoan Kiem Lake or the Lake of the Restored Sword and Ngoc Son Temple, on a small island on the lake, where we will take a walk around the lake with a panoramic view of Ngoc Son Temple, located in the middle of the lake, along with the red bridge The Huc. Finally, we will take a panoramic cyclo pousse ride through Hanoi's Old Quarter, also known as the 36-street district as it was once known for the crafts of the artisans who lived there and for the workshops that were there. Return to the hotel and overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast included at the hotel. Just over four hours from Hanoi, the landscape changes completely and we enter the real rural Vietnam, Mai Chau. This province is well known for the beauty of its landscape with its wonderful panoramic views, beautiful valleys, rice terraces and the famous houses built on stilts (palafitos). During the trip, we will make a few stops to take photos of these impressive landscapes and its peaceful atmosphere. We will have a coffee in the village of Hoa Binh and then continue to Mai Chau, where the ethnic groups of this region live with their particular houses built on stilts with palm roofs and bamboo floors. We will walk through these characteristic villages to discover the routine of the local tribes as well as to see the elaboration of their beautiful and colorful “Tho Cam” fabrics that they use to make their clothes. Lunch. In the afternoon, we will take a bike ride through the rice fields. Return to hotel in Mai Chau. Overnight in Mai Chau.

Breakfast included at the hotel. In the morning we will visit the local market. Lunch at a restaurant. And departure to Ninh Binh. Arrival and check in at the hotel. Overnight in Ning Binh.

Breakfast included at the hotel. Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam around the 10th century, here we will discover the ruins of the ancient capital, before the legendary Ly Thai To decided to move the capital to Hanoi. At the end of the morning, we will visit Tam Coca (which means three caves), where we will taste a delicious Vietnamese lunch. Afterwards, we will take a ride on a typical local boat, where the locals row with their feet, to travel through a spectacular landscape and discover the local villages (approx. 90 minutes) through beautiful landscapes of rice fields and the famous three caves: Hang Ca, Hang Giua and Hang Cuoi. Then, you will cycle around the Tam Coc area (you will visit Bich Dong, Thai Vi…) before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Ning Binh.

Breakfast included at the hotel. Meeting with our guide in the hotel lobby. Departure by road to Halong Bay, which means “the dragon that descends from the sea” in Vietnamese. According to legend, it was a dragon who formed the islands in the bay. Embark on a wonderful cruise to visit the bay. Lunch on board. Next, we will sail and discover thousands of islands and islets with abundant vegetation that emerge in the bay with their unusual shapes and different sizes. The emerald waters of this legendary treasure take us to explore sublime islands such as the Turtle Island, the Dog Island, the Man's Head Island, etc. Due to its unique beauty, geological peculiarity, biological wealth, cultural and historical significance, Halong Bay was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 and included in the list of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World since 2011. Beyond contemplating the magnificent landscape, we enjoy free time or some of the optional activities such as swimming, kayaking or participating in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the boat's terrace. Dinner and accommodation on board.

At sunrise, for those who are interested, there is a Tai Chi class on the sun terrace. We continue sailing through the bay of almost 2,000 limestone islands and enjoying its unique landscapes. Take advantage of this incredible moment to take the best photos of these wonders. We will have a good brunch to recharge our batteries and begin the return to land. We disembark at the Halong pier, from where we travel to Hanoi by road. In the afternoon, we will have time to go shopping. At the indicated time, transfer to Hanoi airport to leave on the return flight to Malaga. Check-in and boarding on the return flight with Turkish Airlines and a stopover in Istanbul. Night flight.