DELIGHTFUL VIETNAM – CAMBODIA

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam

• Old Quarter: Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter, a bustling area with narrow streets, traditional shops, and delicious street food.
• Hoan Kiem Lake: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene spot in the city center, and stroll around its picturesque surroundings.
• Water Puppet Show: Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and pay your respects to Vietnam's revolutionary leader.
• One Pillar Pagoda: Explore the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple with unique architecture.
• Temple of Literature: Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, dedicated to Confucius.
• Hanoi Opera House: Admire the French colonial architecture of the Hanoi Opera House.

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

• Travel to Halong Bay: Depart for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.
• Cruise: Embark on an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, exploring caves, islands, and floating villages. Enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming.
• Sunset and Dinner: Relax on the deck, watch the sunset, and savor a delicious seafood dinner onboard.

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi

• Morning Activities: Participate in a Tai Chi session on the deck or visit a nearby island.
• Return to Hanoi: Disembark from the cruise and return to Hanoi. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 5: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

• Travel to Ho Chi Minh City: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam's vibrant southern metropolis.
• Ben Thanh Market: Explore Ben Thanh Market, a bustling marketplace where you can shop for souvenirs and sample local delicacies.
• Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica: Visit the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, an iconic French colonial cathedral.
• Central Post Office: Admire the architecture of the Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing

• Cu Chi Tunnels: Take a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War.
• War Remnants Museum: Learn about the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum.
• Reunification Palace: Visit the Reunification Palace, a historic landmark symbolizing the end of the Vietnam War.
• Evening at Leisure: Enjoy the evening exploring the city's nightlife or relaxing at your hotel.

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, Cambodia

• Travel to Phnom Penh: Fly to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.
• Royal Palace: Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia, and explore its beautiful Silver Pagoda.
• National Museum: Discover the National Museum of Cambodia, home to an impressive collection of Khmer art and artifacts.
• Wat Phnom: Visit Wat Phnom, a hilltop temple offering panoramic views of the city.

Day 8: Phnom Penh Sightseeing

• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former prison during the Khmer Rouge regime.
• Choeung Ek Killing Fields: Pay your respects at the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a somber site where many Cambodians lost their lives.
• Russian Market: Explore the Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung Market) for souvenirs, crafts, and local goods.

Day 9: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

• Travel to Siem Reap: Fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temples.
• Angkor Night Market: Explore the Angkor Night Market, offering a variety of local products, food, and entertainment.

Day 10: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom

• Angkor Wat: Start your day early with a visit to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Enjoy the stunning sunrise over the temple complex.
• Angkor Thom: Explore Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Visit the Bayon Temple, famous for its smiling stone faces.
• Ta Prohm: Visit Ta Prohm, the "Tomb Raider" temple, known for its trees growing out of the ruins.

Day 11: Banteay Srei and Tonle Sap Lake

• Banteay Srei: Visit Banteay Srei, a temple known for its intricate carvings and pink sandstone architecture.
• Tonle Sap Lake: Take a boat tour on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and visit the floating villages.

Day 12: Departure from Siem Reap

• Relaxation: Spend your final day relaxing or exploring any last-minute attractions.
• Departure: Check out from your hotel and head to Siem Reap International Airport for your onward journey.

This itinerary offers a comprehensive and delightful experience of Vietnam and Cambodia, highlighting the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of both countries.