12-Day Cross Vietnam and Siem Reap Tour From Hanoi

A warm welcome awaits you as you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport! From there, we’ll whisk you away in a comfortable vehicle to the heart of Hanoi, where you’ll check into your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and recover from your journey. Feel free to explore the city at your own pace and soak in those first impressions of Hanoi. If you need any assistance, our tour guide is always just a call away. Enjoy a relaxing night at your hotel in Hanoi!

Morning: After breakfast, our guide will meet you for a full-day exploration of Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital. We’ll start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located in Ba Dinh Square. This iconic national landmark houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam. Please note that the mausoleum is open only from Tuesday to Thursday and on weekends, from 08:00 to 11:00.

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Next, we’ll visit the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts. Completed on May 19, 1958, as a birthday gift to Uncle Ho, this modest wooden house reflects his simple lifestyle and deep commitment to his people.

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Nearby is the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure that looks like a lotus flower emerging from a pond. Built in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong after dreaming of the Goddess of Mercy seated on a lotus, it was rebuilt in 1955 after being destroyed by the French in 1954.

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Our next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, established nearly 1,000 years ago. This historic site offers a glimpse into the country’s ancient educational traditions and Confucian heritage.

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Afternoon: We’ll continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, a fascinating showcase of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including traditional houses representing various ethnic communities. Please note that the museum is closed every Monday.

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Evening: In the evening, we’ll transfer you to the railway station for your overnight train to Lao Cai/Sapa, departing at 22:00. The journey takes about 8 hours and 5 minutes, and you’ll arrive in Lao Cai at approximately 06:05 the next morning.

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Note: Please be aware that there will be no guide accompanying you on the train from Hanoi to Sapa. To support local communities, we work with local guides in Sapa, many of whom come from nearby ethnic villages. They are eager to share their culture, traditions, and knowledge of the region with you.

At around 06:00, we’ll arrive in Lao Cai, where your chauffeur will be waiting to take you on a scenic 45-minute drive by private car to Sapa. After freshening up and enjoying breakfast, your adventure begins.

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Highlights:

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Throughout your journey, you’ll discover the entire process of rice cultivation—from preparing the fields to seeing the rice make its way to the dinner table. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the daily lives of the Black Hmong and Giay ethnic minorities.

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Itinerary:

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Your tour kicks off with a drive south to Muong Hoa Valley, home to the largest terraced rice paddies in the Sapa region. From there, you’ll descend into the valley on foot. If you’re visiting between May and October, you’ll have the unique chance to witness—and even participate in—the planting and harvesting activities that are vital to the local community. The walk will take you from Lao Chai Village, where the Black Hmong people reside, to Ta Van Village, home to the Giay community.

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The Black Hmong are one of the largest ethnic groups in the Sapa region. Known for their vibrant cultural traditions, they continue to practice their ancestral way of life. They speak their own language and are easily recognized by their distinctive indigo blue clothing.

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The Giay, a smaller ethnic group with a population of about 38,000, primarily live in the mountainous areas of Northwest Vietnam. While they’ve been influenced by modern development, many Giay women still wear traditional garments in shades of purple, blue, or green. Their homes are typically made of wood and bamboo, with clay floors.

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After exploring Ta Van Village, you’ll be driven back to Sapa.

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Approximate Duration 1 hour driving / 2 hours walking.

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Overnight stay at a hotel in Sapa.

Breakfast will be served at your hotel, after which your tour will begin.

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Highlights:

Enjoy a half-day trek through stunning landscapes, offering breathtaking views of terraced rice fields. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to meet the Hmong people and experience their traditional way of life.

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Itinerary:

Your journey starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Sapa around 9:00 AM. From there, we’ll head out of town, beginning with a downhill trek to Cat Cat Village. Enjoy the scenic beauty as we walk, passing lush landscapes and vibrant rice terraces. After reaching a waterfall and a hydroelectric station, we’ll take a short break to rest before continuing on a dirt trail that winds through more terraced rice fields. This area is part of Hoang Lien National Park, a haven of pristine rainforest.

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We’ll then arrive at Y Linh Ho Village, home to the Black Hmong people. After a rest stop, we’ll ascend to the main road where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Sapa.

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Approximate Duration:

15 minutes driving / 3 hours walking.

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Note:

The trail from Cat Cat to Y Linh Ho can be slippery, especially during the rainy season.

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At the end of the day, we’ll transfer you to Lao Cai Station to catch a night train back to Hanoi.

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on a 3-hour drive through the lush farmlands of the Red River Delta, heading towards Ha Long City.

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Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural wonders. Located nearly 200 km from Hanoi, the bay is home to over 1,600 limestone islands, each offering awe-inspiring views that captivate every visitor.

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Upon arrival in Ha Long, you’ll board a luxury wooden sailing junk for a scenic cruise through the towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters of the bay. This is the perfect opportunity to soak in the breathtaking beauty of this World Heritage Site. While on board, enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared local seafood lunch, followed by a swim and exploration of some of the limestone caves in the area. As the sun sets, we’ll anchor near a remote island for the night.

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Dinner will be served on board, and you’ll spend the night aboard the junk.

Wake up to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, with time for a refreshing early morning swim and the opportunity to experience the peaceful sunrise over the sea. Afterward, enjoy a delicious breakfast on board.

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This morning, we’ll continue to explore more secluded areas of the bay, with the junk always close by, ready to assist those who need it. At around midday, we’ll return to the main harbor and transfer to our waiting vehicle for a 3-hour drive to Noi Bai Airport, where you’ll catch your flight to Saigon.

After breakfast, we’ll start the day with an early visit to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Located 70 km northwest of Saigon, these remarkable underground tunnels were built by Vietnamese soldiers during the American War. Today, they are one of Vietnam's most popular tourist attractions.

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In the afternoon, we’ll pass by the now-demolished War Remnants Museum, which offers a powerful display of the horrors and consequences of the war, showcasing the devastation caused by the French and American invasion forces in Vietnam.

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Next, we’ll visit the Reunification Palace, a unique building designed for the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The palace is not only an architectural marvel but also offers a refreshing atmosphere, surrounded by lush trees and greenery.

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We’ll then head to some iconic French colonial landmarks, including the Old Saigon Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most renowned examples of European-influenced architecture in Vietnam, with its striking red brick exterior, stained glass windows, and intricately carved tiles—an absolute must-see for visitors.

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Our final stop on the city tour will be Ben Thanh Market. Originally developed from informal markets established by street vendors in the early 17th century near the Saigon River, Ben Thanh is now an enduring symbol of Saigon. It’s a great spot to shop for handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, and to sample local cuisine.

After a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, we’ll arrive in Ben Tre province. From there, we’ll board a boat to visit a local factory where you’ll see how activated charcoal is made from coconut husks.

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We’ll then cross the Mekong River, passing by the Cửa Đại and Cửa Tiểu channels, 30 km from the Eastern Sea, to reach Tam Hiep Island. Upon arrival, we’ll walk along narrow village paths through lush longan orchards before visiting a local family to sample fresh fruits and honey tea.

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Next, we’ll take a rowboat and venture deeper into the countryside, exploring the tranquil canals and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

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Afterward, we’ll bike to a special farm where creepers, known as *Lá Sâm*, are grown. We’ll pick some leaves to make and taste a unique herbal jelly.

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We’ll continue biking back to the boat, which will take us to Ut Trinh Homestay for a delicious lunch featuring local specialties. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing time on the hammocks before heading back to the ferry station, where the trip concludes.

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Included:

Mekong Travel boat, fruits at the orchard, bikes, rowboat, sightseeing fees.

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Excluded:

Drinks, lunch, local guide, personal expenses.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time until we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap.

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Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you’ll be met by our local guide, who will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. (Please note that early check-in is not included and is subject to the hotel’s availability.)

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Your day begins with a Siem Reap Orientation Tour, starting at Preah Ang Check Preah Ang Chom, the largest local shrine in the city center. This sacred spot is a popular place for locals to pray for luck, especially newlyweds. It’s particularly atmospheric in the late morning or late afternoon when incense smoke fills the air.

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Next, we’ll take a stroll along the Siem Reap riverside to visit Wat Preah Prom Rath, an active Buddhist monastery. This serene temple features a traditional Khmer-style pagoda, a courtyard adorned with statues that depict various Buddhist beliefs, and a hall surrounded by hand-painted walls depicting scenes of the Buddha, including a giant seated Buddha and a reclining Buddha. After the visit, we’ll return to your hotel for some relaxation.

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Later in the afternoon, our guide and driver will meet you again to take a walk through the lively street foot hall, where locals gather after work for picnics and drinks. You’ll have the chance to sample a variety of local snacks, drinks, and fruits before we head to a local restaurant for dinner, accompanied by a live Khmer classic band performance (Black Forest).

Start your day with a visit to Angkor Wat Temple, one of the modern wonders of the world. Be amazed by the sheer size and intricate beauty of this iconic temple, learning about the glory of the Khmer Empire, which flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries when Angkor Wat was constructed. Take a leisurely stroll through its intricately carved hallways, filled with hundreds of fine carvings, and discover the small shrines still in use by locals today.

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Next, continue to the picturesque Ta Prohm. This stunning temple is dramatically overgrown with fig trees, creating a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The massive roots of the trees have intertwined with the temple’s ancient stone blocks over the centuries, adding to the “forgotten city” vibe.

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Afterward, return to your hotel for a bit of relaxation.

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Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

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In the afternoon, we’ll visit Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire, with its centerpiece being the Bayon Temple. As you approach, you’ll notice the enigmatic faces of King Jayavarman VII gazing in all directions. Your guide will then take you to the Terrace of the Elephants, once used as a platform for the king to greet his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which features detailed carvings along a narrow passage leading to the Baphuon complex.

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We’ll finish the day with a visit to West Baray, where you’ll find the perfect spot to watch the sunset over this beautiful manmade lake. Enjoy some local snacks and drinks (including local beers) while taking in the stunning sunset.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before starting your day. In the early morning, we’ll drive to Kbal Spean (about 60 minutes), which translates to "Bridge Head." From the entrance, it’s an easy 3km hike up through a beautiful forest, offering scenic views of the surrounding plains.

At the top, you’ll find a river with rocks submerged below the surface, featuring inscriptions and Hindu statues known as Lingas, dating back to the 11th century. There's also a waterfall that flows heavily during the wet season but dries up completely during the peak of the dry season (March/April). Please note that the route may be slippery during the rainy season, so good footwear is recommended.

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After hiking down the hill, we’ll return to the car and drive to a local restaurant for lunch.

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In the afternoon, we’ll visit Banteay Srei Temple. This stunning red sandstone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures, renowned for its remarkable carvings that have been beautifully preserved. The carvings offer an excellent insight into the Angkor civilization and their beliefs. Built in the 10th century, it was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

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After the visit, we’ll drive back to your hotel in Siem Reap for some relaxation. Dinner is on your own, giving you the freedom to explore the local dining options.

We’ll begin with a 45-minute drive to the countryside, making a stop along the way to visit a local village. Once we arrive at the quay, we’ll board a local boat for a 1.5-hour ride on Tonle Sap Lake (Chong Kneas Floating Village), also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. During the boat ride, you’ll have the opportunity to observe how the local communities live and work on the lake. You’ll see floating schools, markets, and even police stations, offering a fascinating glimpse into their daily lives.

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After the boat ride, we’ll drive back to Siem Reap for check-out and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. If time permits, we can explore the Old Market and the artisans in Dángkor before transferring to the airport for your departure.