Treasures of Vietnam & Cambodia

Day 1 - Sunday 1 October 2023

Melbourne - Saigon - Siem Reap (Meals Inflight)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.  Meet your tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of the airlines.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, the group will be met and transferred to the hotel for a 3 night stay including breakfast,

Overnight - Tara Angkor Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 - Monday 2 October 2023

Siem Reap (B,L)

This morning you will be collected from the hotel for a morning Cooking Class at Mahob Farm. 

At the cooking school learn how to prepare traditional, delicious Khmer dishes under the guidance of an enthusiastic, friendly and experienced teacher-cook who will make the morning a fun experience.  Enjoy your lunch of food you prepared yourself.  Learning to cook Khmer food is a great way to introduce your Cambodia experience to your friends. 

This afternoon visit SOS Children’s Villages Cambodia followed by the Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles (IKTT) for shopping only.  Housed in traditional Khmer architecture, IKTT serves to further the preservation of Cambodian national heritage by encouraging the young generation to learn traditional silk-making techniques passed down by their ancestors.

Overnight - Tara Angkor Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 - Tuesday 3 October 2023

Siem Reap (B)

Enjoy a full day tour by Tuk Tuk visiting Angkor Thom (13th century), including the South Gate, the Bayon, Baphuon, Elephants Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King, Phimeanakas and Royal Enclosure. 

The upper level of Bayon temple is closed for renovation. The ground parts remain open as usual.  Guests will still be able to visit Bayon Temple at the lower level as well as all the other temples of Angkor as per the program. In the afternoon visit the epic Angkor Wat and Ta Phrom Temple, viewing its’ well known architecture and bas-reliefs.

End the tour with sunset at Pre Rup Temple.

Overnight - Tara Angkor Hotel (or similar)

Note:  During the visit of the Baphuon temple in Angkor Thom & Bakan tower of Angkor Wat temple, visitors are required to wear a proper attire, covering shoulders and knees to show their culture respect,  as this temple is still considered as a sacred site (no shorts, miniskirts or short trousers).  

Day 4 - Wednesday 4 October 2023

Siem Reap - Hanoi (B)

This morning you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to Siem Reap Pier for a wooden boat trip on the mighty Tonle Sap or “Great Lake” to witness the fascinating bird life and human activity on the lake’s shores.  Situated in the middle of the country, this lake is the most important in South East Asia and its extraordinary biodiversity and hydrology make it an ecological wonder of the world.  Transfer back to the hotel.

The afternoon is at leisure.  Choose to relax by the pool or take a tuk tuk around the town or to the market.  For your convenience your room is held until departure for the airport to connect with the flight to Hanoi.

Overnight - La Casa Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 - Thursday 5 October 2023

Hanoi - Lao Cai (B, D)

After breakfast visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s former home, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the Lake of Restored Sword. 

Enjoy a one hour cyclo tour to the bustling Old Quarter.

In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show- a remarkable Vietnamese art form that combines traditional music, fireworks, underwater puppeteers and elaborate puppets floating gracefully over water.

Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.

Overnight - Luxury Train Sapaly Express to Lao Cai - twin share cabins on the train

Day 6 - Friday 6 October 2023

Lao Cai - Sapa (B)

Upon arrival in Lao Cai you will be transferred to the hotel for breakfast.  Please note the room is not available until check in time in the afternoon.

After breakfast walk to visit the Lao Chai and Ta Van village, lying peacefully in the valley of Muong Hoa.  Residents are mainly the Hmong ethnic, Giay and Red Dao. 

In the afternoon take a short drive to Ta Phin village, inhabited by hearty red Dzao ethnic.  Stroll around the village and learn the touching story of the abandoned Old Monastery (1942).  Be introduced by a Red Dao lady about Sapanapro, successful social enterprise founded to connect Red Dzao women, knowing the secrets of traditional herbal medicine with Hanoi University of Medicine, to create treatments and spa products.  Learn about their development, contribution to local economy and equal social redistribution of income.

Note:  They offer a herbal hot bath (30-40min) with a nice view.  This is optional, USD15 per person and to be paid directly to the community.

Transfer back to Sapa to check in to the hotel for an overnight stay including breakfast.                     Evening is at leisure.

Overnight - Amazing Sapa (or similar)

Day 7 - Saturday 7 October 2023

Sapa - Hanoi (B)

After breakfast , you will have some leisure time until the coach transfer back to Hanoi (approximately 315km – 5 hours).  A rest stop will be made enroute.

Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay including breakfast.

Overnight - La Casa Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 - Sunday 8 October 2023

Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D)

Drive through the countryside to Tuan Chau in Halong Bay.  On arrival, board the speedboat/tender and transfer to the cruise.  Enjoy a welcome drink whilst listening to the cruise briefing and safety instructions.  Set sail and enjoy an International Buffet Lunch. 

Massage service is available after lunch and throughout the cruise.  

The crew will then take passengers to visit the Dark and Bright (also known as Bat Cave) grotto, not only known for the stunning limestone structure at every turn but also for the interesting natural habitat.  The best way to explore this cave is by kayak or bamboo sampan rowed by local people through the tunnel so you can spend most of your time relaxing and enjoying this quiet natural place.  This is a UNESCO Heritage site and also the nature reserve area of Cat Ba National Park.

Depart the area and sail to anchor overnight. It will be possible to swim near the boat area and staff will be there to assist you.

Attend the cooking demonstration led by the Head Chef.  During the lesson, the chef will demonstrate how to decorate and make traditional Vietnamese foods.

Set Menu Dinner will be served.

Evening activities:  Board games like cards or Parcheesi are available, as well as massage service.  There will be an opportunity to try your luck at Squid fishing with the help of the crew.

Overnight - Indochine Cruise

Day 9 - Monday 9 October 2023

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An (BRUNCH)

This morning at 6:30am, enjoy coffee, tea and breakfast pastries in the dining room.  At 6:45am participate in a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck.

The crew will then take passengers to visit the Trung Trang Cave known locally as “gold treasure”. 

Return to the cruise vessel to quickly freshen up and finish packing.  

Enjoy the breakfast buffet in the dining room, consisting of both Vietnamese and international dishes.  Settle your cruise account and soak up the last of the magical atmosphere of Lan Ha from the sundeck whilst cruising back to the harbour. 

Disembark & transfer to Hanoi Airport for the flight to Danang.

Upon Arrival in Danang, transfer to the hotel in Hoi An for a 4 night stay including breakfast.

Overnight - Hoi An Historic Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 - Tuesday 10 October 2023

Hoi An (B,L)

After breakfast, start the days’ activities with a welcome drink at Hai Scout Café.  Visit Hoi An’s colourful main market, and experience its amazing sights, sounds and aromas.  There will be an opportunity to interact with the local sellers, to see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display.  Board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School.  This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy. On arrival, explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi Ans and Vietnam’s best-known dishes.  Enjoy a cooking lesson (about 2 hours) – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chefs, before preparing the same dish yourself.  Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration).  After the lesson, sit down and eat what you have cooked.

Recipes (our food contains no MSG):

*Vegetarians are provided with replacement ingredients.

1. Making fresh Rice paper

2. Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp

3. Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs & a Peanut Sauce

4. Seafood Salad with Tra Que Herbs

5. Mi Quang Chicken Noodles

6. Food Decoration – Tomato Rose & Vietnamese Cucumber Hand Fan

* Lunch includes the above meals as well as BBQ Lemongrass Beef (not included in the demonstration)

Transfer back to central Hoi An. This afternoon take a half-day walking tour of this quaint town (called The Ancient town of Hoi An and was World Heritage Listed in 1999), visiting ancient merchants’ houses, a Hokkien temple and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.  Visit a family-run business making lanterns.  This hand craft work is very simple and easy to do.  Let your creative side go wild and design a lantern starting from making the frame to gluing cloth.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight - Hoi An Historic Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 - Wednesday 11 October 2023

Hoi An (B)

A free day today to explore!  Take one of the complimentary push bikes from the hotel to enjoy mingling with the locals in the Old Town where no cars are allowed.  There is so much to see and do in Hoi An, now's your chance to discover all that's on offer.  Tailors, shoemakers, optometrists, souvenirs galore and a massive range of cafes and restaurants to enjoy.  When the sun goes down, Hoi Ann becomes a kalaidescope of colour with lanterns adorned on many of the buildings lighting the way to happiness.  At night time walk along the river, you can float a candle (make a wish) or enjoy a bumboat ride to soak up all the surrounds.  Dinner at leisure.
 

Overnight - Hoi An Historic Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 - Thursday 12 October 2023

Hoi An (B)

Another free day today to enjoy more of what Hoi An has to offer. 

If you're keen to venture further out, why not enjoy the optional Full Day Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hill Tour.  

Located in the Truong Son mountain range, 25 km to the south-west of Danang at an altitude of 1,487 metres, Ba Na Hills is a great destination for a day out of diverse experiences. This attraction is home to a fully-fledged French replica village of epic proportions.  To reach this spectacular village, ride cable cars that hold two Guinness Records – for being both the longest and highest cable car in the world.  Travelling from Asia to Europe in little over half-an-hour, the views alone are spectacular and the ride up is breathtaking.  You really do feel like you’re being carried away to somewhere quite magical. 

When you get off the cable car you feel the temperature change – it’s so much cooler up here. Time at leisure to roam the beautifully manicured gardens with their giant chess pieces and pagodas; there’s a 27-metre tall Buddha; and the new addition of the Golden Bridge with giant hands holding the bridge itself up, providing an unforgettable panoramic view of the valley below.

Please advise at time of booking - AUD200 per person

Overnight - Hoi An Historic Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 - Friday 13 October 2023

Hoi An - Hue (B,L,D)

Drive direct to Hue via Hai Van pass.  Upon arrival in Hue take a boat cruise through the centre of town on the romantic Perfume River.  Visit the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda along the riverbank followed by a visit to the Imperial Citadel.  After lunch we will visit the tombs of Emperor Tu Duc. 

Transfer to the hotel for two nights accommodation, including breakfast.  Lunch and Dinner at local restaurants. (Dinner will be served based on a Western Menu).

Overnight - Eldora Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 - Saturday 14 October 2023

Hue (B,L)

Enjoy a full day Art Of Living Within Garden Houses Tour by bike or cyclo ride departing at 8:30am and returning at 4:30pm (maximum 15km on flat roads).

A journey around Kim Long village by bicycle is a journey back in time to retrace the glory of the “Great City” (1636-1687) with a cluster of important cultural relics.  At some garden house stops, listen to the echo of the past through the stories of the hosts.  The nostalgic architecture of the garden houses, the family atmosphere, the delicacies and especially Hue etiquette will open up a cultural space in which you will truly perceive Hue’s art of living.  

Your experience will be more memorable when you are cycling on the paths lined with vegetables, flowers and rice fields on both sides, promising moments of utmost peace.  Gain an understanding of Hue’s unique landscape architecture, fengshui and the philosophies,  and a truly human interaction with the host.  Enjoy a genuine Hue style meal prepared with the hosts, followed by an indulging herbal foot bath.  Experience a delicate tea party with aristocratic etiquette in a nostalgic cultural atmosphere.  Enjoy peaceful moments of walking or cycling, stopping by some local handicraft workshops for a real immersion in the local life and culture.  A journey BACK and a journey WITHIN.

Overnight - Eldora Hotel (or silimar)

Day 15 - Sunday 15 October 2023

Hue - Ho Chi Minh (B,D)

This morning transfer to the Hue International Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Upon arrival you will be taken on a short city tour of Ho Chi Minh City.  Visit the War Museum, Reunification Palace (the former Palace of South Vietnam’s President), Notre Dame Cathedral, the ornate French colonial Post Office, Chinatown, the bustling colourful Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple. 

Return to the hotel for a two night stay including breakfast. 

Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant.

Overnight -  Central Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 16 - Monday 16 October 2023

Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh (B,L,D)

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for the Mekong Delta. 

At My Tho, take a boat cruise along the river and a short walk to visit a handicraft workshop with products made from coconut tree.  Experience a horse-drawn cart to visit a local house and enjoy tea and some tropical fruits grown in the region.  Float on a sampan through the narrow, tree-lined canals of the Mekong Delta. 

After lunch visit a family-run business making coconut candies before returning to My Tho mainland.  Visit the Vinh Trang pagoda if time permits.  Return to Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon. 

Lunch and dinner will be at a local restaurant. 

Overnight - Central Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 17 - Tuesday 17 October 2023

Ho Chi Minh City - Melbourne (B)

Today is at leisure in Ho Chi Minh City.  For your convenience the hotel room is held until 5:00pm. 

Transfer to the airport for our overnight flight to Australia.

Day 18 - Wednesday 18 October 2023

Welcome Home

Welcome Home! 

Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you to your next adventure.