20 DAYS VIETNAM AND ANGKOR WAT (CAMBODIA) TRAVEL ITINERARY | AN EXCITING ADVENTURE JOURNEY | MOUNTAINS, BEACHES, ISLANDS, AND HUMAN HISTORY

• 7:30 AM: Start your day with a delicious breakfast
• 8:00 AM: Depart for Mai Chau Valley
• 11:30 AM: Arrive, check-in at your accommodation, and enjoy a satisfying lunch. 15:00 Go to visit Mai Chau, Experience the tranquility of cycling through the Thai ethnic group villages, breathing in the fresh air, and taking in the scenic views of lush rice fields and serene village life set against a backdrop of majestic mountains. This remarkable journey takes place in Mai Chau, located 150 kilometers Northwest of Hanoi, nestled in a spectacular valley. The valley is home to the White Thai minority group, believed to have distant ancestral ties to tribes in Thailand, Laos, and China, and comprises of a picturesque collection of villages, farms, and traditional huts.
• 19:00 Time for a dinner and enjoy a local authentic time in Mai Chau
• OVERNIGHT IN MAI CHAU

Morning 

• 7:30 Breakfast time and check out hotel, get ready for an active day to visit Pu Luong nature reserve.
• 8:30: Walking to discover the hidden Hieu Waterfall nestled within the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. With an abundance of limestone mountains and unspoiled forests, the area offers a refreshing and cool climate all year round. After exploring the waterfall, savor a delicious lunch at a nearby homestay.

• 8:00 Time for breakfast
• 9:00 Embark on a 6-kilometer 3 hours trek inside the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, following trails suitable for all. Pass through small roads snaking through rice terraces, visit remote rural villages of the Black Thai minority, and gain insights into the local way of life. Explore the magnificent Kho Muong local Cave, the largest natural unspoiled cave in Pu Luong, and marvel at its breathtaking beauty. Afterward, return to your accommodation for a well-deserved lunch.
• 12:00 PM: It's time to refuel with a leisurely lunch, savoring local flavors and replenishing your energy for the journey ahead.
• 13:30: Bid farewell to the tranquil landscapes of Pu Luong as we embark on our journey towards Ninh Binh, known as the "Halong Bay on land," promising captivating scenery and cultural wonders.
• 16:00 Arrive in Ninh Binh, where ancient temples, limestone karsts, and lush rice paddies await. Check-in at your hotel, where you can unwind, freshen up, and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of this historic region.
• 20:00 As evening descends, gather for a delightful dinner, sampling delectable Vietnamese cuisine and reflecting on the day's adventures amidst the enchanting surroundings of Ninh Binh.
• OVERNIGHT IN NINH BINH

• 7:30: Have breakfast and this is the fifth day of the itinerary 20-day travel package.
• 8h30: Visit Trang An UNESCO where you can do Trang An boat tour which is undeniably the most popular tourist attraction in Ninh Binh Province, drawing visitors from all corners of the world. This serene boat ride allows one to appreciate the caves and temples nestled amidst picturesque limestone mountains rising from the water, making for a breathtakingly beautiful setting that captivates the hearts of many.
• 12:00: Time for Lunch

• 14:30: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which served as Vietnam's capital in the 10th and 11th centuries, is a place of great historical significance where the Vietnamese people venerated the Ding and Le Kings.
• Then keep going to visit Mua Cave which is is worth being visited in Ninh Binh . The cave brings you one of the best panoramic view of one of the nicest sceneries in Viet Nam- that’s Ninh Binh- which is known as a wonder of the world, the Telegraph from UK said “It’s an area known locally as Vietnam’s ‘Inland Halong Bay’” or Mua Cave – The Vietnamese “Great Wall of China”

• Take some time to rest and having dinner, relax after your arrival in Ninh Binh. Later, savor some local delicacies for dinner and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Enjoy some free time to explore and acquaint yourself with the beauty of the area.
• OVERNIGHT IN NINH BINH

• 8:00-8:30: A pick you up from hotel in Ninh Binh then to begin the journey to Ha Long
• 11:30: Upon arriving at Tuan Chau port, you will board a transfer boat that will take you to the cruise. Once onboard, you can enjoy a welcome drink and check-in to your accommodation.
• 12:30: Enjoy a delicious lunch and embark on a special and unique cruise that takes you through two breathtaking areas of Ha Long - Lan Ha Bay.

• 14:30: The boat will take you on a scenic journey through the Gia Luan area, Thoi Quyt island, Ke Ga, and Finger - some of the most beautiful islands located in the southeast of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay..
• 16:00: You will have the opportunity to kayak and swim in the picturesque and enchanting Tra Bau Fishing Village area. Here, you can paddle your kayak to catch Snail Da and Ha Da while surrounded by the breathtaking limestone mountains of Lan Ha Bay.
• 17:00: After kayaking and swimming in the Tra Bau Fishing Village area, you will return to the Cruise to take part in two activities: the Sunset Party and relaxing in the Jacuzzi pool. During this time, guests can enjoy a relaxing moment while sipping a cup of traditional Vietnamese tea or coffee, indulging in fresh fruit on the Sundeck, and watching the gentle and peaceful sunset.

• 19:30: Enjoy a delectable dinner and then have free time to unwind. You can relax, go squid fishing, or watch a movie at the restaurant.
• OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE

• 6:00: Start your day with a Tai Chi exercise on the deck, while enjoying the stunning views of the surroundings. If the weather is favorable, you can also soak up the sun and watch the sunrise on the sundeck.
• 7:00: Breakfast is served at the restaurant.
• 8:30: You will visit the Bright Cave and Dark Cave, which are unique caves in Lan Ha Bay and can be explored by taking a traditional bamboo boat.
• 9:30: Return to the cruise and sail back to Ha Long.
• 10:00 Indulge in an early lunch and bid farewell to the hospitable crew of the cruise.
• 11:30: Return to the wharf, concluding the 2-day, 1-night Ha Long-Lan Ha Bay Cruise tour with lots of good memories.
• 12:00: Arrive back at Tuan Chau harbor and the driver will provide you with transportation to Noi Bai Airport for a flight to Da Nang (Central Vietnam)

• 15:00: Arrive at Noi bai Airport where you can take a flight to Da Nang that Flights departing from 17 :00 PM onwards.
• 19:00 A pick up from Airport to Hotel in Hoi An
• 20:00 Check in hotel, have dinner, freely walking around beautiful old streets and house in Hoi An at night.
• OVERNIGHT IN HOI AN

• 15:00 Pick up at hotel in Da Nang and transfer to Coconut Forest in Cam Thanh, Hoi An.
• On the way to Hoi An, you will take a rest & visit Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village (this stop is arranged flexibly as time arrangement). Visiting Coconut Forest first (about 5km from the southeast of the Hoi An Old Town) - the place is poetic with green pure water and eco-system of coconut trees in the forest. You will experience basket boat riding around the coconut forest, learn about the daily life of Vietnamese fishermen, local people’s life.
• While enjoying the basket boat ride, you will join some activities with boatman. Watching magical basket boat riding showed by boatman, experiencing an equally fun basket boat race in the cheering and bustling music drum will be unforgettable memory.

• 17:00 Move to Hoi An ancient town, a well-known walking town. Hoi an is one of the major trading centers in Southeast Asia during the 16th century due to the early western trader occupation period. Wander around Hoi An to visit Chinese Communal House, Old House of Tan Ky, Japanese Covered Bridge,… Specially, Hoi An town is very attractive with lanterns on streets in the evening, so you seem to put yourself into “Japanese historic town” with ancient architecture and the shimmer of lanterns in the evening. Also you will have free to time to visit Hoi An night market.
• As the sun sets, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An come alive with an ethereal glow. Immerse yourself in the magical ambiance, where ancient architecture and modern flair coalesce seamlessly.
• 19:00 Dinner time in Hoi An
• 20:00 Watch the show Hoi An Memories
• Night, Retreat to your sanctuary in Hoi An, where the fusion of tradition and comfort ensures a restful overnight stay. This day is a seamless blend of relaxation, exploration, and the enchantment that Hoi An graciously offers.
• OVERNIGHT IN HOI AN

• 7:00 Breakfast time
• 8:00 Check Out and setting out on a scenic journey to the historical city of Hue.
• Begin your exploration with a visit to the iconic Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the grandeur of the ancient citadel, adorned with intricate architecture, ornate gates, and historic relics. Dive into the rich history as you wander through the Forbidden Purple City, once the private quarters of the royal family.
• After a morning immersed in Hue's imperial legacy, savor a delightful Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, offering regional specialties.

• 13:00 Continue your journey to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, an emblematic seven-story pagoda perched on the banks of the Perfume River. Explore its tranquil grounds, learn about its storied past, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Conclude your day trip with a visit of The Tomb of Khải Định, officially Ứng Mausoleum is a tomb built for Khải Định, the twelfth Emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty of Vietnam. It features a blend of Vietnamese architecture with Western styles. The tomb was completed in 1931 after 11 years of construction.
• As the sun begins to set, return to Da Nang reflecting on the cultural treasures and historical splendors uncovered during your immersive day in Hue, carrying with you the memories of Hue's fascinating past and timeless beauty.
• OVERNIGHT HOI AN

• 8:30 Embark on an exhilarating full-day excursion to the enchanting Ba Na Hills, a mountain resort known for its remarkable Golden Bridge and captivating French Village.
• Take an early morning cable car ride, one of the world's longest and most impressive, ascending through lush greenery to reach the summit of Ba Na Hills.
• Marvel at the iconic Golden Bridge, suspended delicately by colossal stone hands and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Capture stunning photos and relish the awe-inspiring architecture.
• 12:00 Lunch time with buffet

• 13:30 Explore the whimsical French Village, a charming replica of a medieval French town nestled in the mountains. Stroll along cobblestone streets, admire European-style architecture, and savor delightful French cuisine in this unexpected Vietnamese setting.
• Engage in various attractions and entertainment options scattered throughout Ba Na Hills, including the Fantasy Park and Linh Ung Pagoda.
• As the day unfolds, witness the spectacular landscapes from the hilltop, showcasing Da Nang's coastal beauty and the lush Vietnamese countryside.
• 17:00, Return to Da Nang in the evening, carrying with you the memories of a day filled with architectural wonders, cultural delights, and panoramic vistas. Ready to continue your exploration of the vibrant Central Vietnam region.
• OVERNIGHT IN DA NANG

• 7:30 Check out and go to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Southern Vietnam) Embark on a captivating city tour of Ho Chi Minh City.
• 12:00 Airport pick up to hotel, Check in.

• The Insider’s Saigon by vespa scooter
• 13:00 - 17:00 Hop on the back of our vintage Vespas and see Saigon from a local’s point of view! This brilliant half day tour introduces you to daily life, rich traditions, tasty treats and a touch of history in Vietnam’s most populous city.
• Cruise through back streets and main roads, seeing a contrasting mix of modern highrises and old, humble shophouses. Stop at a unique cafe where bird-lovers come to show off their feathered friends and take a walk through a vibrant market, rubbing elbows with the locals as they bargain for goods and sampling local snacks.
• This Saigon scooter tour also includes a walk in the city’s fascinating Chinatown neighborhood, a visit to a breathtaking Buddhist pagoda and a stop at a peaceful memorial site. We’ll also swing by a few famous monuments, such as Reunification Palace and the historic Post Office. Throughout it all, your Vespa Adventures guide will share their city from their point of view- with fascinating insight about local life, culture and other tidbits not found in the guide books!7:30 Check out and go to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Southern Vietnam) Embark on a captivating city tour of Ho Chi Minh City.
• OVERNIGHT IN HO CHI MINH

• 8:00 AM: Pick-up from your hotel
• Get picked up from your accommodation in the city center to embark on a journey to the Mekong Delta, specifically Ben Tre City. Along the way, you will pass through picturesque rice paddy fields.
• 10:30 AM: Mekong River Long Boat Ride
• Embark on a long boat ride on the Mekong River, the homeland of coconuts. Gain insights into how the locals use coconuts not only for juice but also for manufacturing coconut candy and coconut oil.
• 11:30 AM: Explore Local Culture
• Discover the vibrant local culture of the South, observing the lively activities on waterways with cargo boats, fishing boats, various fish traps, and handicrafts in coconut villages. The boat will take you to a brick factory, where you can witness the manual brick-making process. The motorboat then continues to navigate through the refreshing coconut water canals. Stop to visit a coconut candy workshop – a specialty of Ben Tre. Witness the coconut candy-making process and savor freshly made candy while enjoying self-brewed honey tea. Listen to traditional folk music called "đờn ca tài tử," famous in the Mekong Delta. Experience rowing boat along the stunning coconut canal in Ben Tre.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch Time
• Enjoy a delicious local lunch amidst the serene and poetic landscape.
• 13:00 PM: Continue the Adventure
• 1. The motorboat continues to cruise through the intricate and peaceful canal network. Then, hop on a tuk-tuk/bicycle to explore Nhon Thanh village, interacting with locals, visiting a handwoven mat workshop, and tasting seasonal fruits. Visit a local coconut processing facility, observing the various manual stages from coconut husking to peeling and scraping.
• 2. Tuktok OR Cycle through the picturesque Nhon Thanh – Thuan Dien village roads, passing by tranquil coconut gardens to experience the rural scenery. Experience a soothing rowing boat ride on Cai Tac canal. Relax and enjoy the fresh, cool air.
• 2:30 - 3:00 PM: Return Journey
• Take another boat ride back to the boat station and head back to the city. On the way back, stop to visit Vĩnh Tràng pogoda which is a Buddhist temple near Mỹ Tho in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam. It is one of the best-known temples in the region.
• 5:00 - 6:00 PM: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh
• Finish the day with a drop-off at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh , concluding a day filled with authentic Mekong Delta experiences.
• OVERNIGHT IN HO CHI MINH

• 8:30 Venture to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of intricate underground passages that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. Gain insight into the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people as you learn about their wartime strategies.
• Experience a guided tour through the tunnels, understanding the ingenious design and functionality that allowed the Viet Cong to live and fight beneath the ground. Gain a deeper appreciation for Vietnam's history and the resilience of its people.

• 13:00 - 21:00 Depart from Ho Chi Minh head to the airport to catch the flight to SIEM RIEP ( COMBODIA ) Upon arrival in SIEMRIEP AIRPORT , hotel airport pick up ,check in and relax at the hotel.

• 8:00 AM : Breakfast time at hotel and then complete the check-out process at the hotel, ensuring all belongings are accounted for.
• 12:00 PM Arrive at Phu Quoc Airport where you'll be pick up by driver to hotel

• Free time to relax at the hotel and island
• OVERNIGHT IN PHU QUOC

• 7:20 / 12: 30 : Depart from Duong Dong town for the dock in An Thoi town
• You’ll be picked up at your hotel and transfer by A/C car to An Thoi port for speedboat embarkation.
• 8:30 / 13: 10 : Boarding speedboat to turtle headlock beach or similar calm beach
• Get yourself acclimated to the water, diving gears, listen to safety brief from our diving instructor and practice for a while.
• 9:30 / 14:00 Arriving at haft-moon reef or similar wide deep range site Half-moon reef has a great variety of coral species with a depth range from 3 – 8m, we reach the depth that all Phu Quoc scuba-diving tours reach here.

1. Biggest Coral in Phu Quoc
2. Clownfish garden
3. Golden leather coral-covered canyon
4. Nepthea coral-covered cliff
5. Anemone Canyon
6. Massive coral Ground
7. Leather Coral Cape
8. Continental Coral Slope
9. Seaworm-shaped Massive
10. Coral Sinularia Coral

• 10:30 / 15: 30 Go on to visit Phu Quoc U-turn
• 11:30 / 16: 30 Land on an island after geting tired of free diving time
• Enjoy fruit to charge again energy after free dive, laying back on the sunbathing chair and listen to the sound of wave, wind while sipping a fruit juice.
• 12:30 / 17: 30: Leaving the island to get back to harbor.
• Please note there will be no sunset time in the morning session.

• It is recommended to take a rest period after diving (at least 16 hours) to recuperate. Our guests are free to explore the island and relax today.

• Pick up from your hotel to transfer to the speedboat pier in Northern Phu Quoc
• Embark on the speedboat ride along the Northern side of Phu Quoc Island
• The speedboat rides along untouched Northern Phu Quoc countryside in 25 mins will help you feel relax, reconnect to the nature.
• First stop: a calm & untouched beach: Take a short training session and briefing and relaxation before snorkeling time, relax and get familiar with open water.
• Move forward to the snorkeling site: Phu Quoc Coral Jungle Reef
• Explore the Coral Jungle Reef (one of the healthiest coral reefs left in Phu Quoc Island) with the highest coverage of coral in Phu Quoc Island (up to 82.5%).
• Depth range: 0.3 – 9m depth
• Coral & sea species: Table Coral, Cauliflower Coral, Mushroom Coral, Staghorn Coral, Octopus coral, Fiji Leather Coral, Brain coral, Giant Barrel Sponge, Sponges, Porite Coral, Cactus Coral, Cabbage Coral, Leaf Coral, Anemone…
• Snorkeling time will be approximately 1,3 – 1,5 hours.
• Hop on Robison Island (an isolated island) to rewind after snorkeling time
• Robison island will be reached or not depending on tides. Sometimes low tide makes it impossible to reach the island. Instead our guide will spend more time snorkeling at the reef.
• Get back to the last stop – a private beach.
• Enjoy drinks & fruits will be served at the beach in a peaceful ambiance.
• Transfer back to the hotel by car/ van

• Check out is scheduled for the last day in Vietnam. After that, our driver will transfer you to the airport, marking the end of your tour.
• As your Vietnam and Cambodia trip with Authentic Adventures comes to an end, we want to express our heartfelt thanks for choosing us. Your presence has truly made this journey unforgettable.
• As you check out and head to the airport, we hope the memories you've made stay with you. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil beauty of Mai Chau and Pu Luong, it's been a pleasure exploring with you.
• Thank you for your adventurous spirit and for allowing us to be part of your travels. Safe journeys ahead, and may your adventures continue.

• Golden Silk Boutique Hotel ( 1 night ) - 19/12 - Luxury Suite with 1 extra bed
• Mai Chau Mountain View Resort ( 1 night ) - 20/12 - Deluxe Mountain View + Extra bed
• Pu Luong Bocbandi Retreat ( 1 night ) - 21/12 - Deluxe Room Mountain View + Extra bed
• Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort ( 2 nights ) - 22+23/12 - Deluxe Room + Extra bed
• Ha Long La Casta Regal Cruise 5-star ( 1 night ) - 24/12 - Family triple Suite (1st floor)
• Hoi An Athenia Boutique Hotel & Spa ( 3 nights ) - 25+26+27/12 - Premier Triple Room
• Da Nang Melia Beach Resort 5-star ( 2 nights ) - 28+29/12 - Family room
• Siem Reap ( Cambodia ) Sabara Angkor Resort & Spa (1 night ) - 01/01/2025 - Deluxe Triple Room ( 3 single bed )
• Ho Chi Minh The Odys Boutique Hotel ( 3 nights ) - 30+31/12 + 02/01 - Odys Triple (35 sqm) with window 01 King bed + 01 Single bed
• Phu Quoc Premier Village Resort 5-star ( 4 nights ) - 03+04+05+06/01 - 1 bedroom Garden Villa with Private Pool + Extra bed | Booking code: 427129