Situated right in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Silk Queen Grand Hotel is ideally located in the centre of the city’s tourism, financial and entertainment districts. The hotel's luxury guestrooms provide an expansive and elegant living space with impressive views of the city. Designed to enhance the sleep experience, f<span>urniture, finishings and amenities are residential in feel and </span><span>functional in design. Each room features </span>generously-sized bathrooms and Asian-inspired décor. With an on-site restaurant, spa centre and swimming pool, guests are guaranteed to have an enjoyable stay at Silk Queen Grand Hotel.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Discover the delights of two of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating countries. Combining compelling history, dramatic landscapes and rich, ancient cultures, Vietnam and Cambodia are dream holiday destinations. This 10-day tour gives you the opportunity to experience their top sites – including Halong Bay and Angkor Wat (Trip Advisor's #1 World Landmark!) – as well as more off the beaten track experiences, such as local markets and authentic floating villages. Domestic and international flights, along with some spectacular scenic drives, allow you to cover plenty of ground, so you’ll be able to observe the distinct differences in northern, central and southern Vietnamese culture as well as the difference between the two countries.
£2309
from / per personIncludes international flights
- Hanoi + Halong Bay + Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta + Siem Reap + Phnom Penh + Oudong
- 10 nights
Personalise this itinerary or build a tailor-made tour from scratch by calling us on 020 3893 1862
Day 1 - Hanoi
Your Vietnamese adventure begins! Your driver and guide will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Hanoi. Later in the afternoon you’ll explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter by cyclo (Vietnamese rickshaw). This tour visits the Old Quarter of Hanoi by a combination of cyclo, electric buggy and walking (total duration approximately 2 hours). Leave your hotel by cyclo and head into the old town navigating the narrow alleyways (about 20 minutes). Transfer to foot and walk with your guide through the small streets for approximately 30-40 minutes to Dong Xuan. From here pick up a buggy and drive through another section of the ancient town for approximately 30 minutes before being dropped off near the Opera House and transferred back to your hotel. NOTE: Availability: evening Suggested time: 17.30 – 19.30 Guests staying in hotels outside of the city center will be transferred by vehicle to a point close to the Opera House and will pick up the cyclo from there. 20~30 min transportation by cyclo (pedicab) on a private basis 30 minutes transportation by electric buggy (maximum 4pax/buggy) Walking around Old Quarter with the escorted guide
Uncover Hanoi
Situated in the North, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is the second largest city in the country. More than a thousand years old, Hanoi’s rich history can still be observed to this day in the ancient architecture of its Old Quarter, as well as in the remnants of French and Chinese-style buildings across the city. This bustling metropolis is home to fascinating museums, turn-of-the-century temples and important historical sites.Day 2 - Hanoi Guided Tour
Embark on a full day city tour of Vietnam's capital with an English-speaking guide in a fully air-conditioned car. You’ll discover a number of important sites, Ba Dinh Square where silent sentries guard the marble mausoleum in which Ho Chi Minh lies in state. Subject to opening hours, the interior of the mausoleum may be visited. Continue to the modest stilted wooden bungalow where Uncle Ho lived and worked, before visiting Ho Chi Minh Museum. Dedicated to the 'father of the country’, the museum chronicles the evolution of Vietnamese independence. French architecture features prominently in Hanoi and the nearby former Governor's Residence is a fine example. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda with a history steeped in folklore. The final stop is the Thang Long Royal Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 11th century during the Ly Viet Dynasty. This important historical site served as the capital of Vietnam for eight centuries. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your exploration of the city, resplendent with French colonial architecture including the exquisite, Opera House. Pass Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’ after the legend that surrounds it, en-route to one of the city's many fascinating museums: choose from Ancient History, Military History, Hoa Lo Prison or Fine Arts Museum, depending on your personal interests (please discuss with your tour guide at destination!). Continue to the Temple of Literature, a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it became Vietnam's first university. The best way to experience Hanoi's Old Quarter is on foot and next we take a walking tour through an area of the city known as ’36 Streets’. The oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam, this densely populated section of Hanoi was once an important centre of commerce where goods were sold on the street name of a particular guild. The labyrinthine alleyways are perfect for exploring on foot with names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street. NOTE: Availability: morning to afternoon Suggested time: 08.00 – 16.30 from Tuesday till Thursday & Sunday Lunch at a local restaurant Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every Monday & Friday, all afternoons and from mid-June until mid-August. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be closed from 15 Jun. and reopen on 15 Aug. for annual maintenance. During this period, the visit is still avialable at President of Palace and his home or walk outside the Mausoleum. Services included: Private return transfer with English speaking guide Lunch at local restaurant Entrance fee
Day 3 - Hanoi - Halong
Your guide will take you to the spectacular Halong Bay, where you’ll cruise through the poetic landscape on a traditional Junk (sailing ship). Enjoy the tranquillity of the clear emerald waters of Halong Bay for 2 days.
Admire the jade-green waters of Halong Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is scattered with more than 2000 floating islands of karstic rock. Legend has it that these floating islands were created by a family of dragons who were invoked by the Emperor to protect Vietnam against Chinese invaders. The dragons flew across the bay, spitting out jewels and jade, which magically turned into scattered islands. Together, these islands linked to create a protective barrier, which can still be admired to this day.Day 4 - Halong – Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy a refreshing morning swim in the waters of Halong Bay, before journeying to Hanoi, where you’ll take an evening flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Discover Vietnam’s Vibrant Capital
Formerly known as Saigon, the capital of Southern Vietnam was baptised Ho Chi Minh City after the Vietnam war. This rapidly-developing metropolis is buzzing with restaurants, bars and shopping centres. At night, the city transforms into a Tokyo-esque light-fest, with coloured lights beaming from high-rise buildings. Vibrant and fast-paced, Ho Chi Minh even has the greatest number of motorcycles in the world! Modernity is met by tradition, however, as the city is also renowned for its French colonial buildings, internationally-acclaimed museums and historic landmarks.Day 5 - Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi – Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, you’ll travel to Cu Chi, the heart of revolutionary guerrilla warfare during the Vietnam War. This is a vast network of underground tunnels reaching almost 200 km, encompassing kitchens, weapon caches, a hospital, and even a former US air base. On your drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll stop for lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, you’ll take a tour of Vietnam’s busiest city - from downtown to Chinatown. You’ll be able to admire some of the country’s finest examples of French colonial architecture (including Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office) and get a glimpse into daily life in the city with a trip to Binh Tay Market, a favourite amongst locals. Discover the city’s history and culture with visits to the Reunification Palace and Thien Hau Temple,and pick up some unique gifts for your loved ones at a well-known lacquer workshop. NOTE: • Availability: morning • Suggested time: 08.00 – 18.00 • Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral has been under renovated since July 2017. The construction takes about two years to complete. Due to this renovation work, visitor might not visit inside the site on spot. It is sorry for this inconvenience. • Reunification Place open on 05 Feb 2018 as from 09:30 • Museum of Vietnamese History is closed on Mondays & 04 Feb 2019 Services included • Entrance fee • Private full day transfer with English speaking guide • Lunch at local restaurant
Day 6 - Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong – Ho Chi Minh City
Embark on an excursion to the Mekong Delta, a breathtaking maze of canals, swamps and islands. On board a public boat, you’ll sail to Cai Be, a floating market where you can try exotic fruits. Wholesalers on big boats moor here, each specialising in different types of fruit and vegetables. Continue through small canals and stop at Mekong river islands where you will visit fruit orchards and learn about the noodle-making industry. After, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City. NOTE: • Availability: morning • Suggested time: 08.00 – 18.00 Services included • Lunch at a local restaurant • Private cruise on a traditional wooden sampan • Fresh seasonal fruits, tea and mineral water during the cruise • Private return transfer with English speaking guide
Travel through the Mekong Delta
This vast expanse of land is home to more than 20-million people and is renowned for its picturesque panoramas of rice paddy fields, floating villages, and jungle-like rivers. An agricultural centre, the Mekong Delta is teeming with coconut palms, sugarcane groves and fruit orchards. The region truly gives an authentic insight into rural Vietnam, with its friendly locals and laidback atmosphere.Day 7 - Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap
Spend your day at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrived in Siem Reap you will meet your tour guide and transfer to your hotel.
Uncover the Ancient Beauty of Siem Reap
This beautiful city boasts one of Cambodia’s most important attractions and a symbol of the nation: the ancient town of Angkor Thom, an archaeological complex of magnificent 13th century temples. Though best known for the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, the modern city of Siem Reap also has plenty to offer, with beautiful royal gardens, riverside promenades, towering pagodas and charming palaces. The city has a rich cultural scene, with several museums of note (Angkor National Museum, War Museum Cambodia, and Cambodia Landmine Museum), and even a Cambodian Cultural Village featuring miniatures of the most important buildings across the country. Siem Reap is also the perfect spot for wining and dining, with excellent street food offerings and a strong rice wine tradition (make sure to try Sombai Infused Cambodian Liqueur, produced in Siem Reap itself!). At night, the renowned bar-strip on Pub Street comes to life, with music and dancing in local bars almost always spilling out onto the street!Day 8 - Siem Reap
Begin the day with a visit to one of the jewels of Cambodia - the awe-inspiring Angkor Thom (‘Great City’). Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city is home to many of the finest temples from King Jayavarman VII’s reign, 1181‐1220. Enter by the monumental south gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. One of the most popular and compelling in temples in Angkor, you can explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling down at you from every angle. Afterwards, visit the tree‐entangled temples of Ta Keo and Ta Prohm. In the afternoon you’ll explore one of the highlights of your trip – Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat today is the largest sacred edifice on earth and of high importance for the Khmer itself. Constructed in 12th century by King Suyavarman II, the temple was originally dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. Towards the end of the century, Angkor Wat was transformed into a Buddhist temple, and remains an important pilgrimage site for Buddhist monks to this day. Surrounded by a giant moat, the temple can be reached via a beautiful naga balustrade. Hundreds of ornaments and reliefs cover the walls of this huge and ancient construction. Including: Full day vehicle, English Speaking Guide, 1 Day Temples Pass, 1 Lunch at Local Restaurant, Bottle of water and cold-tower in vehicle
Day 9 - Siem Reap – Phnom Penh
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing to Phnom Penh city by road transfer. Upon arrival, you'll check in at your hotel before embarking on a guided tour of the city. Cambodia’s bustling capital. You’ll begin with a visit to the Royal Palace; dating back to 1866, this the last palace which was built during the French colonial period. The same complex houses the Silver Pagoda, named after the more than 5,000 heavy silver plates that adorn the floor. Originally named Wat Prakeo, meaning "Temple of the Emerald Buddha", the temple plays host to a beautiful collection of Buddha in gold, silver, crystal and bronze. Just a few meters away is the National Museum, which was designed by George Groslier and the Ecole des Arts Cambodgiens. The museum houses the world's leading collection of ancient archaeological, religious and artistic artefacts from the 4th to 13th centuries. Over 5,000 exhibits show the cultural wealth of the kingdom. The roof is also home to a colony of bats! Note: Available morning (08:00am-12:00pm) or afternoon (02:00pm-05:30pm). Including: Vehicle, English Speaking Guide, Entrance Fees, Bottle of water and cold-towel in vehicle
Explore the capital of Cambodia
The capital of Cambodia since its colonisation by the French, Phnom Penh was founded in 1434. Formerly known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’, it was considered one of the most beautiful French cities in Indochina during the 1920s. Today, Phnom Penh is the political, cultural and economic hub of the country. This beautiful riverside city is home to magnificent Buddhist architecture and art, as well as a wonderful gastronomic scene.Day 10 - Phnom Penh – Oudong
Full day excursion to old capital Oudong and traditional craft villages
You’ll travel to Kampong Luong (40 km northwest) and visit a silversmith village, where you’ll learn about traditional Cambodian craftsmanship. Following the visit, you’ll travel to nearby Oudong, the Khmer capital during 17th-19th centuries, and Kampong Chnang province, where you’ll visit traditional pottery villages. In the evening you’ll transfer back to Phnom Penh. Including: Vehicle, English Speaking Guide, Entrance Fees, 1 Picnic Lunch, Gifts offer to the monk, Bottle of water and cold-towel in vehicleDelve into the Mysteries of Oudong
This archaeological complex was the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia from 1618-1866. Also known as Mount Royal Throne, or the ‘City of Kings’, the last monarch to reside here was King Norodom. The city is now an important object of study for archaeologists and historians.Day 11 - Departure
Time to say goodbye to Cambodia! You’ll have some free time until your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Pelican Cruise
A traditional Vietnamese ship, the Pelican Cruise is inspired by 14th-century wooden junks. Enjoy a unique stay aboard Pelican Cruise’s roomy cabins, each of which is beautifully decorated with dark wood panelling and fitted with an ensuite bathroom as well as panoramic windows offering spectacular views of Halong Bay. Those looking for some fun aboard will find that there are a variety of activities and services to keep everyone entertained, including Tai Chi classes, cooking classes, karaoke and kayaking excursions. The Pelican Cruise also features an onboard spa, providing customised massages, facials and relaxing therapies. Pelican Cruise is also home to a restaurant with a view, offering a delectable mix of Western and Asian cuisines. A night aboard the Pelican Cruise promises a truly unforgettable experience in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.
Please note: Room upgrades and Board-Basis upgrades may be available for this Hotel. To request an upgrade or a different hotel altogether, please call your Vietnam Direct holiday consultant.
Lavender Boutique Hotel
<p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Situated right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Lavender Boutique Hotel is just a hop, skip and jump from the city’s main tourist attractions, shopping centres, restaurants, bars and clubs. With stunning city views, this modern hotel offers the utmost comfort and style for those looking to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s capital. Lavender’s Deluxe rooms are comfortable and spacious, decorated in a trendy palette of colours. With silky-soft bed linens and comfy pillows you’ll be guaranteed a great night’s sleep – just what you need after an intense day of site-seeing! All rooms include an en-suite shower and bathtub, complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, as well as laundry and dry-cleaning services. The hotel’s onsite Boutique Restaurant offers an international buffet breakfast as well as delectable Vietnamese, Asian and European cuisine throughout the day. </span>
Please note: Room upgrades and Board-Basis upgrades may be available for this Hotel. To request an upgrade or a different hotel altogether, please call your Vietnam Direct holiday consultant.
Samsara Villa
Built in 1963 as a luxury villa during Cambodia’s Golden Era, Samsara Villa was converted into a hotel in 2012. Samsara offers an intimate and romantic setting, with just 14 rooms in total, each decorated differently and imaginatively. Samsara’s superior rooms spill out onto a shared roof terrace, each feature a flat screen cable TV, a mini-bar, ceiling fan and en-suite bathroom. Preserving its original charm and allure, the hotel plays host to a terrace pool, a tropical garden, a Health & Wellness Studio, as well as a restaurant & bar. Samsara Villa promises a relaxing and calming stay in Phnom Penh with a unique, boutique feel.
Please note: Room upgrades and Board-Basis upgrades may be available for this Hotel. To request an upgrade or a different hotel altogether, please call your Vietnam Direct holiday consultant.
Angkor Panoramic Boutique
Located smack bang in the centre of Siem Reap, Angkor Panoramic Boutique hotel is filled with plenty of charm and personality. The hotel’s modern rooms include cable TV, a minibar, a safety deposit box, and an en-suite bathroom. Angkor Panoramic Boutique stands out with its rooftop restaurant and bar, which offer high-quality French cuisine (prepared by the hotel’s resident French chef) as well as an outstanding 360-degree view of the city – with views extending as far as Angkor Wat! Angkor Panoramic Boutique also plays host to an ambient garden bar, nestled in a tropical-themed garden. Guests can enjoy a relaxing lap in the hotel’s tranquil outdoor pool. Angkor Panoramic Boutique also boasts an in-house spa, where guests can immerse themselves in a traditional range of health and beauty treatments – discovering the beauty secrets of ancient Cambodia.
