After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day exploration of Hanoi, the elegant and historic capital of Vietnam. We begin at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, starting with the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, located at Ba Dinh Square – the final resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader. (Note: The mausoleum is open Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 08:00 to 11:00.) Next, visit the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, a modest wooden residence built as a birthday gift in 1958, symbolizing his simple lifestyle and dedication to the nation. Nearby is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong after a vision of the Goddess of Mercy seated on a lotus flower. Though destroyed by the French in 1954, it was faithfully reconstructed in 1955.

We continue with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, dating back to 1070. This beautiful and historic site offers insights into Vietnam’s scholarly past.

In the afternoon, discover the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through both indoor exhibitions and a fascinating outdoor display of traditional houses. (Note: The museum is closed on Mondays.)

In the evening, sit back and experience the magic of a Water Puppet Show at the renowned Thang Long Theatre, where folklore and legends come to life through masterful puppetry performed over water — a true cultural gem of northern Vietnam.

After breakfast, set out for a full-day excursion to Ninh Binh, the former capital of Vietnam before Hanoi rose to prominence in the 11th century. This region is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and historical significance, including Tam Coc Caves and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, home to the age-old temples honoring King Dinh and King Le, rulers from the 10th century.

Begin your visit with a peaceful boat ride along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc, where dramatic limestone karsts rise sharply from lush rice paddies, evoking comparisons to both Guilin in China and Halong Bay — hence the nickname "Halong Bay on land."

Continue your journey through history with a visit to Hoa Lu, the site of the royal palaces during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Here, you'll explore ancient temples nestled under shady canopies, notable for their intricate wooden carvings and rich historical atmosphere. Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive through the fertile landscapes of the Red River Delta en route to Ha Long City. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, Ha Long Bay is renowned for its surreal seascape dotted with over 1,600 limestone karsts and islets rising dramatically from emerald waters. Upon arrival, board a wooden cruise boat and begin an unforgettable journey through this breathtaking bay. As we cruise past towering cliffs and floating villages, enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on board. In the afternoon, take time to swim in the crystal-clear water and explore some of the bay's fascinating limestone caves. As the sun sets, the boat will anchor near a remote island, offering a serene atmosphere for relaxation. A delicious dinner will be served on board, followed by free time to stargaze or try your hand at night fishing. Overnight on board in Ha Long Bay.

Wake up to the tranquil beauty of the bay and enjoy the peaceful moments of sunrise over the water, followed by breakfast on board. The morning is reserved for further cruising to lesser-known corners of the bay, with opportunities for more swimming or simply soaking in the scenery. Around midday, return to the main harbor where our driver awaits to transfer you back to Hanoi for overnight. Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy some free time at your leisure until your scheduled transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, meet your local guide and driver for a warm welcome and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world and the crown jewel of Khmer architecture. Marvel at the temple’s grand scale and learn how the Khmer Empire flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries. Wander through intricately carved corridors that reveal hundreds of exquisite bas-reliefs and discover active shrines still used by locals today. Next, continue to the mystical Ta Prohm Temple, famed for the giant fig trees and sprawling roots that have become entwined with the temple ruins. This atmospheric site, often described as a “lost city,” was left largely as it was found by archaeologists, offering a hauntingly beautiful vision of nature reclaiming man-made structures. Return to your hotel for a short rest and refresh. Lunch on your own expense.

In the afternoon, explore the majestic city of Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. Enter through the impressive South Gate and head to the Bayon Temple, renowned for its serene and massive stone faces of King Jayavarman VII watching over the cardinal points. Visit the Terrace of the Elephants, where the king would review his troops and celebrate military victories, and the Terrace of the Leper King, known for its intricate carvings and mysterious past. Continue to the Baphuon Temple, once one of the grandest temples in Angkor. As the day winds down, take a drive to West Baray, a vast man-made reservoir dating back to the Angkorian period. Here, you’ll enjoy a peaceful sunset view over the water while sipping on local beer and enjoying light snacks — a serene way to end a day steeped in history and wonder. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Start your day early with a scenic drive to Kbal Spean, also known as the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” located about 60 minutes from Siem Reap. Upon arrival, begin a leisurely 3-kilometer hike through a lush forest trail offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. At the top, discover a sacred riverbed where elaborately carved Lingas and Hindu deities lie beneath the water’s surface, dating back to the 11th century. These intricate carvings, set into the rocks of the river, were created to bless the waters that flowed downstream into the Angkorian city. In the wet season, a small waterfall cascades over the carvings, adding to the mystical beauty of the site. (Note: Good hiking shoes are recommended, especially during the rainy season when the trail may be slippery.) After hiking back down, drive to a local restaurant for lunch, where you can enjoy regional Cambodian dishes in a relaxed setting.

In the afternoon, visit the enchanting Banteay Srei Temple, often referred to as the “Citadel of Women.” This 10th-century red sandstone temple is celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved and intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Smaller in scale but rich in detail, Banteay Srei provides an exceptional insight into Khmer craftsmanship and devotion. Return to your hotel in Siem Reap for a well-earned rest. Dinner is at your leisure.

After check-out, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for a journey into the Cambodian countryside, approximately 45 minutes from Siem Reap. Along the way, stop to visit a local village, where you’ll gain insights into rural life and traditional livelihoods. Continue to the quay and board a local wooden boat for a 1.5-hour cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Explore Kampong Phluk, a unique stilt-house village that rises and falls with the lake’s seasonal tides. As you drift along the waterways, observe floating schools, markets, pagodas, and police stations, all forming a vibrant aquatic community. This immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into the lives of families who live and work entirely on the water. After the boat ride, return to the pier and transfer directly to Siem Reap Airport for your departure flight. Note: the check-out time is at noon, the surcharge for late check-out is not included.