Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia

Day 1 - Thursday 14 March 2024

Melbourne - Saigon - Hanoi

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel,  Meet your tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Vietnam.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head towards our next adventure.

Welcome to Vietnam!  Upon arrival into Hanoi, we'll transfer to the hotel for our three-night stay.

Overnight - Golden Silk Boutique Hotel, Hanoi (or similar) 

Day 2 - Friday 15 March 2024

Hanoi (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.   

Head to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum and then enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour.  Visit Ngoc Son Temple and picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. 

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 - Golden Silk Boutique Hotel, Hanoi (or similar) 

Day 3 - Saturday 16 March 2024

Hanoi (B)

Today is at leisure to relax or explore Hanoi.

Your tour guide will be on hand to suggest places to visit and activities to enjoy or you're welcome to just explore independently.

Overnight - Golden Silk Boutique Hotel, Hanoi (or similar) 

Day 4 - Sunday 17 March 2024

Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D,)

Today we drive through the countryside to Tuan Chau in Halong Bay.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to thousands of dramatic limestone karsts that jut out of the ocean.  

On arrival, board the speedboat/tender and transfer to the cruise.  Enjoy a welcome drink whilst listening to the cruise briefing and safety instructions.   

We board the boat and set off on our unforgettable exploration of this fascinating natural phenomenon.  Enjoy a lavish seafood meal and take part in a variety of activities, including swimming and kayaking among the ancient rock formations and visiting caves that date back millions of years.   

In the late afternoon, we can kick back and relax on the sun deck, soak up the sublime surroundings, enjoy a sundowner cocktail during happy hour and learn how to cook like a local with a cooking demonstration.  

Dinner and overnight on the boat.  

Note:  itinerary is subject to change due to prevailing weather conditions or changes in regulation by governing bodies. 

Overnight - Indochine Cruise, Junior Suite Cabin 

Day 5 - Monday 18 March 2024

Halong Bay (B,L,D)

The early bird catches the worm and it is recommended to wake ahead of dawn to enjoy a sublime sunrise from the deck. This is followed by an optional Tai Chi session as we set sail for the day’s exploration.  

Breakfast is served on the boat whilst passing by more of Ha Long Bay’s splendid limestone rock formations, heading deeper into the mystical Bay’s heart.  

Spend the day swimming, kayaking, visiting caves, or simply relaxing on the deck.  

Happy hour falls once again during sunset, enjoy the ‘golden hour’ with a drink in hand.  

Dinner is served on board the boat, with optional evening activities.  

Please note: For some boat companies, on this day, guests will explore the Bay on a day boat and return to the main ship in the afternoon.  

Overnight - Indochine Cruise, Junior Suite Cabin 

Day 6 - Tuesday 19 March 2024

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue (BRUNCH, D)

Early-risers can wake at dawn to enjoy sunrise and another Tai Chi session on the sundeck as we set sail for the return journey through Ha Long Bay.  

A hearty brunch is enjoyed on the boat as we pass by more of the Bay’s intriguing rock formations and dramatic limestone islets that have been created over millions of years of weather conditions and strong seas.  

There are a range of activities for passengers to enjoy, including fishing and informative talks from the crew about the sites we sail by.  Alternatively, kick back on the deck and soak up the seascapes.  

Arrive at the pier by late morning and disembark to drive back to Hanoi (about 2.5 hours).  

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

Upon arrival, we'll transfer to our accommodation in Hue.   

Dinner at a local restaurant. (Dinner will be served based on a Western Menu). 

Overnight - Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel, Hue (or similar)  

Day 7 - Wednesday 20 March 2024

Hue (B)

In the morning enjoy a 4-hour tour to visit Thanh Toan Village - A Taste of Rural Life  

Bike ride (or cyclo ride) of max.17km on flat roads.

Located only 7km from Hue’s centre, Thanh Toan is a peaceful countryside where the scents of an ancient village founded in the 17th century are still very much visible through the landscape, temples and way of life.  However, you will not really get a taste of rural life until you deeply engage in some hands-on experiences. Depending on the season, you will be instructed on some processes of farming. Continue to explore the countryside, the rural market, and clans’ shrine houses, etc. Hop on a sampan and go fishing using traditional techniques. Hang out “like a local” on the intriguing tile-roofed bridge and listen to locals chitchatting or chanting folklore verses are just a few relaxing moments that offer insights into a rural life that you cannot get on any popular tourist trail. 

This afternoon we'll take a boat cruise through the centre of Hue on the romantic Perfume River. Visit the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Continue by coach to the Imperial City from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled. Returning to our hotel with dinner at leisure.

Overnight - Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel, Hue (or similar) 

Day 8 - Thursday 21 March 2024

Hue - Hanoi (B,D)

Today we drive the Hai Van Pass towards Hoi An. En route, we'll visit Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge. Located in the Truong Son mountain range, 25 km to the southwest 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.  Taking you 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.  Feel the temperature change on disembarkation from the cable car – 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.  

Continue to Hoi An for a four-night stay  

Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant. 

Overnight - Hoi An Historic Hotel, Hoi An (or similar)

Day 9 - Friday 22 March 2024

Hoi An (B)

This morning take a half-day walking tour of this quaint town taking in the best attractions this historic and picturesque UNESCO-listed destination has to offer.  As a former prosperous seaport during the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An attracted merchants from afar.  Consequently, it has a wealth of buildings and architectural styles.  Visit the colourful local market, Tan Ky Old House, the Fukien Assembly Hall and the renowned 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.  See how local residents raise silkworms to produce silk for Hoi An's burgeoning textile industry.  This guided tour, with an expert local guide, will give you the best insight into this stunningly beautiful location that has exceptional historical and cultural treasures. 

The remainder of the day is at leisure. A great opportunity to explore shopping opportunities for great-priced prescription glasses, tailor-made clothing, shoes and handbags.  You can order today with plenty of time for fittings and your finished products can be delivered to our hotel.

Dinner at leisure tonight.  Watch as the sun sets, the ancient old town comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colourful lanterns. 

Overnight - Hoi An Historic Hotel, Hoi An (or similar)

Day 10 - Saturday 23 March 2024

Hoi An (B,L)

After breakfast, start the day's 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 and 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.  

We'll finish early afternoon with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Dinner tonight at leisure.

Overnight - Hoi An Historic Hotel, Hoi An (or similar)

Day 11 - Sunday 24 March 2024

Hoi An (B)

Today is at leisure to explore Hoi An on our own. Continue your shopping, grab a bike and explore the old town (car free), try some of the great cuisine at one of the many, many restaurants.

Dinner tonight at leisure.

Overnight - Hoi An Historic Hotel, Hoi An (or similar)

Day 12 - Monday 25 March 2024

Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh (B,D)

After breakfast a mid-morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh.  Upon arrival, we'll be transferred to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. 

This evening we'll be collected from the hotel to enjoy our Saigon After Dark Vespa Tour one of the most popular tours in Saigon.

We'll experience the local nightlife and enjoy tasty food and live music whilst riding pillion on vintage Vespas along the busy streets of this vibrant city.  See Saigon come alive at night on this after-dark adventure!  Immerse yourself into the cosmopolitan nightlife of this busy city by night.  Soak up the energy of this urban metropolis at a top-ranking stylish venue of Saigon in the central city location when you sip on your first drinks and try out some tasty snacks while watching the sunset over Saigon.  The expert driver will then zoom through the busy streets of Saigon so you can see some of the famous highlights in this bustling city. Feel like a local whilst feasting on authentic, fresh seafood dishes, eating streetside and then enjoy the local favourite that is the delicious Banh Xeo, a traditional Vietnamese savoury pancake. Then ride off into the night again to experience live music at a live music venue where a new generation of Vietnamese flaunt their style. 

Bring a healthy appetite and a sense of adventure as the guides show us their city by night. 

Overnight - Central Palace Hotel, Saigon (or similar)

Day 13 - Tuesday 26 March 2024

Ho Chi Minh (B)

After breakfast take a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Travel back in time to an era of past conflict but what is now an area of peace and tranquillity.  The vast network of underground tunnels are testament to the resilience of the people.  Above ground see picturesque rice fields, fertile crop plantations and sprawling countryside, but underground lies a labyrinth containing living quarters, storage rooms, weapon factories and field hospitals.  They date back to 1948 during the fight against French occupation in the First Indochina War, but by the time the Vietnam War escalated in the 1960s, a 250 km warren spanned from Saigon to the border with Cambodia. 

Upon arrival and after a short introduction, have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside.  Documentaries and displays of traps will provide a vivid idea of life and struggle in this subterranean world.

Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City for a short city tour. View the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace. It sits on the site of the former Norodom Palace and was the home of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Take a quick photo stop at the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral and the colonial Central Post Office.

Returning to our hotel with dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Central Palace Hotel, Saigon (or similar)

Day 14 - Wednesday 27 March 2024

Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh (B)

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for the Mekong Delta. This full-day excursion takes us on a two-hour journey to My Tho, a prosperous town of 170,000 inhabitants that is noted for its abundant orchards, immense rice fields and as a gateway to the Mekong Delta. The riverfront area is a great place for a pleasant stroll.  My Tho was founded in the 1680s by Chinese refugees fleeing Taiwan after the fall of the Southern Ming dynasty. 

Enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong River to view a fertile landscape of coconut plantations and sprawling agricultural land. Visit an island-based orchard and taste some exotic fruits, accompanied by refreshing green tea.  Also make a stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful and well-maintained sanctuary. 

Return to Ho Chi Minh with dinner at leisure.

Overnight - Central Palace Hotel, Saigon (or similar)

Day 15 - Thursday 28 March 2024

Ho Chi Minh - Siem Reap (B,D)

This morning is at leisure until our transfer to Ho Chi Minh International Airport for our onward flight to Siem Reap.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we'll be met and transferred to our hotel. 

Dinner this evening is at our hotel.

Overnight -  Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (or similar)

Day 16 - Friday 29 March 2024

Siem Reap (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we experience life on Tonle Sap Lake.  From the hotel, drive to the pier to board a wooden boat and cruise across the water.  The revered lake – also called the Great Lake – is the beating heart of Cambodia, providing Cambodians with the majority of their protein.  Standing as Southeast Asia’s largest body of freshwater, it is one of the richest inland fishing areas in the world and is home to more than 149 fish species.  It is also a popular breeding ground for many rare and endangered birds and in 1997, it was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve.  It is also home to several floating villages, where people live out their lives on the water.  Head to one of them to sail past floating houses, shops, restaurants, schools and even karaoke bars.  

Lunch is at a local restaurant. 

In the afternoon, we set off to the temples, which sit about 12 km southeast of Siem Reap city. The Rolous Group comprises three temples that once formed the capital of Indravarman from 877 to 889. They offer a look at the earliest definition of Khmer civilisation and today house modern Buddhist monasteries as well as ancient ruins. The three main remaining temples are Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko, which are made of brick with some carved plaster reliefs. 

Return to Siem Reap for an evening at leisure. 

Overnight -  Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (or similar)

Day 17 - Saturday 30 March 2024

Siem Reap (B,L,D)

Today enjoy a full-day tour by Tuk Tuk to introduce some of the jewels in Cambodia’s temple-studded crown.  From the hotel, jump on the Tuk Tuks and head to Angkor Archaeological Park. Spend the morning exploring the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, which is home to several incredible spots.  Start at the impressive South Gate before heading to Bayon and its 216 giant smiling faces carved into stone.  Next, visit 11th-century Baphoun, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of Leper King, Phimenanakas, and the Royal Enclosure.  

Note: To visit the Baphuon temple in the Angkor Thom compound, visitors are required to wear proper attire, covering shoulders and knees to show their cultural respect, as this temple is still considered a sacrificial site for the Khmer people (no short skirt nor short trousers). 

Lunch is at a local restaurant. 

After lunch, continue to visit root-riddled Ta Prohm, made famous after featuring in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie.  Then head to incredible Angkor Wat, which dates back to the 12th century.  

Please note: Appropriate dress is required at Bakan Tower at Angkor Wat since it is a sacred site, shoulders and knees should be covered - short skirts or short trousers are not permitted. Only 100 people are allowed to climb Bakan Tower at any time.  It is closed on Buddhist Sabbath days, Buddhist religious days, and four days a month in accordance with the Lunar Calendar.  

At the end, we round out the temple discovery enjoying a stunning sunset that transforms the sky into a palette of colours, viewed to Phnom Bakheng.  However, for this temple, there is a maximum number of people allowed: 300 passengers.  In case this number is reached once you arrive there, visit Sras Srang to see the sunset. 

Return to Siem Reap with time to freshen up before our Farewell dinner. Celebrate great times with good friends.

Overnight -  Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (or similar)

Day 18 - Sunday 31 March 2024

Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh (B)

“This morning is at leisure.  Official check out time at the hotel is 1200hrs.  There are 3 available rooms with late check out until 1500hrs where we can store our luggage and freshen up before departing to the airport.

In the afternoon, discover the history of conflict in Cambodia, the impact of landmines on local communities, and the opportunity to meet and see the HeroRATs in action at APOPO Visitor Centre.  Experience the realities of humanitarian demining where rats are trained to save lives.  Learn about the mine clearing process from the guides, enjoy a series of videos showing the Centre's work and read about how Cambodia became one of the most mine-affected countries in the world.  Next, stop at Satcha Cambodian Handicraft Incubation Centre, which doubles as an art gallery.  Gain total immersion into the world of Cambodian handicrafts during a visit to one of the country’s leading artistic enclaves.  See the history behind Khmer handicrafts, including wood and stone products; hand-woven textiles; leather; jewellery items; and paintings.  Besides empowering artisans, to develop their core skills and provide them with work and sustainable revenue, BRB also opens global markets to retailers.  The visit starts with fascinating and informative workshops, and it ends in the showroom where the opportunity exists to purchase original products made by local artisans.  This enlightening tour provides the perfect opportunity to buy unique souvenirs and help raise the quality of life of the skilled creators.

Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Australia.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airlines as we head home.

Day 19 - Monday 1 April 2024

Melbourne

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