13 DAYS VIETNAM - CAMBODIA OVERLAND TOUR

Private tour (VNCBOVT13): Daily departure from Hanoi with local English speaking guides
(guides in other languages are on request and may be subject to supplements).

DAY 1: HANOI – ARRIVAL AND CYCLO TOUR (-/-/-)
Meet on arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and transfer to the hotel for check-in. (Check-in time: 14:00 hrs – early check-in is not included.)

As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered to be the cultural centre of Vietnam, where every dynasty has left behind their imprint. Hanoi is located in the centre of the Northern Delta with a population 6.2 million people and an area 3,398 square km. Hanoi is an ancient city which had been established and developed for almost 1,000 years since 1010. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike. Historians liken the life-giving Red River with its banks crowded with green rice paddies and farms to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers; a cradle of civilization.

TWO HOUR CYCLO TOUR
Enjoy a two-hour cyclo tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter to experience the hustle and bustle, the real lifestyle of Hanoians and the busyness of this bizarre labyrinth of 36 streets.

Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi

Meals included: None

DAY 2: HANOI – HALONG BAY– HANOI (B/L/-)
HALONG BAY – A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Early morning departure from Hanoi to Halong Bay (165km east of Hanoi). Arrive at the Halong tourist pier. After boarding the boat you will start a relaxing and wonderful cruise through World Nature Heritage Halong Bay, passing bizarre rock formations, such as the Dinh Huong (the Incense Urn), Cho Da (the Stone Dog), islands with sandy beaches and Ga Choi (the Fighting Roosters) islets. You will discover Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage of outstanding natural beauty, known in Vietnamese as “Dragon descending to the sea“.
The picturesque Halong Bay has more than 3,000 limestone islets rising from the clear emerald water, many of them containing beautiful grottoes. You will visit Thien Cung and Dau Go grottoes situated on the south-west side of the bay, 4 km from the wharf outside of Halong City. The way to Thien Cung grotto is covered on both sides by thick forest. After entering a narrow gate, the grotto’s 130-meter-long girth opens up. Getting in you will be more astonished in front of the very animated and splendid beauty which is made from the stalactites.
On the east wall of the grotto, there is a grandiose and imposing picture with characters of tales. Going out of the Thien Cung grotto, you will have a sensation of just watching a unique, meticulous, interesting fine-art museum which is made by nature. This grotto is one of the most beautiful ones in Halong Bay. Legend has it, that beautiful young lady named May (cloud), caught the eye of the Dragon Prince and he fell in love with her. They were betrothed, and their wedding lasted seven days and seven nights in the very centre of the grotto.
During the boat trip fresh seafood fingertips will be served for your delights (please let us know if you do not eat seafood).
Optional kayaking (2 persons per kayak) is available at surcharge.
Bring along swimwear & towels as you may want to go for a refreshing swim in the bay (if weather permits).
Return transfer to Hanoi.
Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Seafood lunch on board

DAY 3: HANOI CITY TOUR – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/L/-)
HALF DAY HANOI CITY TOUR
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Monday, Friday and during the entire months of September & October) and his former residence (closed on Monday and Friday), One-Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam and built more than 1,000 years ago. Afterwards, continue to Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch Au Lac restaurant or similar

DAY 4: HO CHI MINH CITY – GOOD MORNING SAIGON AND CITY TOUR (B/L/-)
GOOD MORNING SAIGON

06:00: Pick up at your hotel and transfer to the park opposite to the New World Hotel to see and join the locals, practicing Tai Chi. After your “exercise”, visit the north entrance of Ben Thanh Market to witness the busy morning hours with sellers setting up their stands and commencing business (fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, flowers, etc.).
Continue your tour by walking along Saigon’s streets and admire some of the city’s most important landmarks. Experience the morning glory of Saigon as the city awakes and enjoy a bowl of the famous “pho” noodle soup for breakfast as well a traditional Vietnamese coffee or tea.

HALF DAY SAIGON CITY TOUR
Formerly known as Saigon, today’s Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and vibrating economic centre of the South. Over the past few centuries, Saigon was called the “Pearl of the Far East” and was an important trading centre for Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants who travelled along the Saigon River.
Your sightseeing tour includes visiting bustling Cho lon (Chinatown), Thien Hau pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas of the Chinese in the area and the colourful Ben Than Market. Notre Dame Cathedral inaugurated in 1880 became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient as was the Post office designed by Gustav Eiffel and resembling a grand railway station.
Photo stop at the former Presidential Palace, renowned for its symbolic role in the fall of Saigon in 1975 and continue to visit the War Remnants Museum.
Accommodation at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals included: Breakfast
Lunch at Hoi An restaurant or similar

DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA ON CAI BE PRINCESS – CAN THO (B/L/D)
MEKONG DELTA TOUR WITH CAI BE PRINCESS

Transfer to Cai Be, a 3 hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Embarkation on the Cai Be Princess boat, a comfortable sampan built in traditional style. The tour will begin with cruising through the floating market in Cai Be along the “Mighty Mekong”. Your sampan will take you to some local home factories to observe the making of rice paste, rice pop corn, coconut candy and dried longans.
A delicious lunch will be served at Le Longanier, a superb Indochinese villa located in a lush tropical garden by the river.
After lunch, your sampan will proceed to Dong Hoa Phu canal, passing several islands famous for their fruit orchards. Stops on the way can be made at An Binh Ancient Church or at Tam Ho Bonsai Garden. Disembark and continue driving to Can Tho.
Accommodation at Victoria Can Tho

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at Le Longanier restaurant
Dinner at hotel
CAN THO (B/-/D)
DAY 6 In the early morning, explore the Cai Rang market, one of the most bustling floating markets in the Mekong Delta with hundreds of small boats laden with fruits, barging and jostling for space as owners attempt to sell their goods. Take a small sampan boat through palm-shaded creeks to see local houses and green orchards, ship building yards and local markets in full swing. Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
• Visit the old house of Binh Thuy
• Visit the museum in Can Tho
• Enjoy the Spa
Accommodation at Victoria Can Tho
Meals included: Breakfast
Dinner at hotel

DAY 7: CAN THO – LONG XUYEN – CHAU DOC (B/-/D)
Depart Can Tho for an overland drive to Chau Doc - an important trading and marketing centre for the surrounding agricultural communities. Upon arrival to Chau Doc, check-in and have lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, take a boat trip to Phum Soai, a Cham village where you also visit the nearby mosque. Continue walking through other small Cham villages with traditional houses and get in close contact with the local people. You may stop by a local house to see Cham women weaving. Later, drive up to Sam Mountain, one of the holiest sites in Southern Vietnam.
The view across the border into Cambodia is breathtaking. Visit the Tay An Pagoda located at the foot of the Sam Mountain.
Accommodation at Victoria Chau Doc

Meals included: Breakfast
Dinner at hotel

DAY 8: CHAU DOC – PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR (B/L/-)
Have an early breakfast. At 07:00 hrs board the Victoria speed boat to Phnom Penh. Arrival in Phnom Penh is at about 13:30 hrs. After lunch, enjoy a Phnom Penh city tour: Visit the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. The French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - throughout the ages. Then proceed to the Central Market, a landmark of the city. End your afternoon with the visit of the Wat Phnom temple, Phnom Penh’s namesake.
Accommodation at hotel in Phnom Penh

Notes: Between October and March, the boat departs on MON, WED & FRI with a minimum of 2 passengers, on TUE, THU, SAT & SUN with a minimum of 4 passengers. During April and September the boat departs daily with a minimum of 4 passengers only.
In case that the Victoria Boat does not operate or is fully booked, we will offer an alternative speed boat or an overland transfer to Phnom Penh. For the overland trip, clients will be transferred to the Tinh Bien Border Gate (about 20 km from Chau Doc) for immigration & customs clearance. Asia Master’ s partner in Cambodia will provide pick-up and transfer by road to Phnom Penh. Please note that visa upon arrival for Cambodia at Tinh Bien Border Gate is not available! The Cambodian visa must be applied for and stamped before arrival at a Cambodian Consulate or Embassy.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at hotel

DAY 9: PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR (B/L/-)
Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the Ground of Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90 kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. A 1-hour cyclo tour will show you the finest colonial-style architecture of the town.
Visit the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum (S 21 prison). This former school was used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces. It became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Time at leisure at the Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong), a lively outdoor market where you will find antiquities, silver and gold jewelry, gems, silk, kramas, stone and wood carvings, as well as T-Shirts, CD's and other souvenirs. End your day with a stroll along the Tonle Sap River.

Accommodation at hotel in Phnom Penh

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant

DAY 10: PHNOM PENH – COMPONG THOM – SIEM REAP (B/L/-)
Depart overland to Kompong Thom passing along typical Cambodian villages. Stop in Skuon to taste Cambodia’s more exotic culinary delights, the deep-fried spider.
Continue to visit Sambor Prei Kuk, located 35 km north-east of Kompong Thom. Visit the ancient capital of Chenla with its 100 temples dating from the Pre-Angkorian period.
Continue to Siem Reap. En route, visit traditional villages and stop at the ancient Naga Bridge (Spean Pratpo), located 40 km from Siem Reap. Arrive in Siem Reap and transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation at hotel in Siem Reap

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant

DAY 11: SIEM REAP TEMPLE TOUR (B/L/-)
This morning we use Tuk Tuk’s (motorbike-pulled rickshaws) for transportation. Visit Prasat Kravan with its unique brick sculptures and Ta Prohm. One of the area’s most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the way most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. Visit as well Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon.
Visit Preah Khan temple. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. Continue your visits to Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool and representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake, the temple of Ta Som as well as Srah Srang (“The Royal Baths”), undoubtedly used in the past for ritual bathing.
Accommodation at hotel in Siem Reap

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at hotel

DAY 12: SIEM REAP TEMPLE TOUR (B/L/D)
For early birds: Transfer to the archaeological site for sunrise from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat. Alternatively, experience the sunrise at Srah Srang. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing.

Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Bayon temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), until sunset.
Enjoy dinner with an Apsara dance show.
Accommodation at hotel in Siem Reap

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at hotel
Dinner at local restaurant

DAY 13: SIEM REAP – BANTEAY SREI AND BANTEAY SAMRE – DEPARTURE (B/L/-)

Visit Banteay Srei temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer Art. Continue to visit Banteay Samre, one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due to restoration using the method of “anastylosis”. The name Samre refers to an ethnic group of mountain people, who inhabited the region at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to the Khmer. No inscriptions have been found for this temple, but the style of most of the architecture is of the classic art of the middle period similar to Angkor Wat. The proportions of Banteay Samre are splendid. A unique feature is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple.
Visit to “Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles” of Siem Reap or the silk farm of Puok.
Transfer to Siem Reap airport for your departure flight to the next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at hotel

“WE WISH YOU AN ENJOYABLE JOURNEY”

TOUR PRICE IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING HOTELS
Deluxe Hilton Hanoi Hotel – Deluxe Hanoi View room (Hanoi), Moevenpick Saigon Hotel – Superior room, (Ho Chi Minh City), Victoria Can Tho – Deluxe room (Can Tho), Victoria Chau Doc – Deluxe (Chau Doc), Raffles Hotel Le Royal – State room (Phnom Penh), Le Meridien Angkor – Superior room (Siem Reap)

First Silk Path Hotel – Deluxe room (Hanoi), Equatorial Hotel – Deluxe room (Ho Chi Minh City), Victoria Can Tho – Superior room (Can Tho), Victoria Chau Doc – Superior room (Chau Doc), Sunway Hotel – Deluxe room (Phnom Penh), Tara Angkor – Superior room (Siem Reap)

Please contact us for rates based on different hotels.

TOUR PRICE

(*)  Child policy:
Discounted rates are applicable for 1 child (from 2 – 11 years of age) accompanied by 2 full-paying passengers (in other words, for every 2 full-paying participants 1 child is entitled to the special child rate).

OUR TOUR PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF
Accommodation in shared twin room with air-condition (AC) and private bathroom
Meals as stated in the programme B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner
Transfers and tours with local English-speaking guides in private air-conditioned vehicles
All entrance fees, boat fees and / or cyclo fees as mentioned in the programme
Drinking water and cold towels available on the vehicles

NOT INCLUDED ARE
• Domestic airfare (quoted separately)
• International airfare to / from Vietnam (quoted separately, if requested)
• Optional tours
• Surcharges for other language guides
• Surcharges for Lunar New Year (TET) holiday
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc.
• Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme
• Drinks with meals
• Compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and peak season surcharges which will be advised at the time of booking
• Visa application and visa stamp fees at Vietnamese embassies overseas and/ or upon arrival (Please note that a visa is compulsory for most nationalities.)
• Cambodian visa and visa application fee (compulsory for most nationalities)
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme

CANCELLATIONS
• Refunds will not be given for unused or cancelled services after the tour arrangements have commenced.

• FIT (Individuals): Cancellation charges are calculated from the day the written notification is received by the company or agent as a percentage of the net total tour price as shown plus any surcharges (e.g. ticketed air sectors, other penalties imposed by suppliers such as hotels):
• Between 29- 21 days before departure:  According to the costs incurred will be charged
• Between 20 days and 15 days prior to departure: 25% of package price
• Between 14 days and 8 days prior to departure: 50% of package price
• Between 07 days and 2 days prior to departure: 75% of package price
• 1 day prior to departure or no show:   100% of package price

• GIT (Groups): Cancellation of tours due to minimum number of participants will be advised 6 weeks before departure of the tour; in which case Happy Go Travel will offer an alternative tour of a similar standard or a full refund. Cancellation policy for GIT bookings will be advised separately case by case.

• HOTEL ONLY
• Between 29- 21 days before departure:  no charge
• Between 20 days and 15 days prior to departure: 60% of accommodation price
• Between 14 days and 0 days prior to departure: 100% of accommodation price
• Certain Hotels impose stricter cancellation policies which will be advised separately.

PLEASE NOTE
• For air ticket reservations, we require the guests’ full names AS THEY APPEAR IN THEIR PASSPORTS. Airfares and reservations are always subject to change until paid in full and ticketed.
• Airfares are subject to increase without prior notice.
• Please be advised that prices will be adjusted periodically in case of fuel price increase by our suppliers.
• This is a quotation only and neither reservations for services nor hotel bookings have been made.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.

CONTACT INFORMATION OF HAPPY GO TRAVEL
HAPPY GO TRAVEL - HANOI HEAD OFFICE:
Address:  5th floor,  130F Thai Thinh str, Trung Liet, Dong Da,  Hanoi, Vietnam
Telephone during office hours:  +84 24 32 686 686; +84 24 32 898 898
Fax:  +84 24 32 171 783

EMERCENCY CONTACTS (ENGLISH AND GERMAN-SPEAKING)
Mobile: Mr. Thang (Managing Director) (+84) 934556056

IMPORTANT NOTICE
 Certain parts of the tours on offer are provided by independent third parties, such as airlines, hotels, transport operators and local tourist offices. Happy Go Travel is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage caused thereby to the tourists, including those occurring outside of the normal touring programmes. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accident, natural disaster, political actions and unrest shall be borne by the tourists.
 Programmes, prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of proposal submission and are subject to change thereafter without advance notice until all services have been paid in full.
 We strongly advise to leave valuable items (money, passport, credit cards, jewellery, sensitive documents, laptop computer, etc.) in the hotel safe. During excursions and roundtrips, personal belongings, especially money and valuables should NEVER be left on vehicles, even during short breaks, and carried around at all times. Happy Go Travel is not responsible for any loss or theft.
 Vietnam being a developing country is in full process of upgrading its infrastructure. Therefore, driving overland can be cumbersome due to ongoing road constructions.

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