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A Tree with Two Roots (18 days)
From: $0
Code: E-ZCLZZ0000
Tour Style: Classic
Duration: 18 days
Difficulty Comfort Exclusivity
Home » Multi%country » Classic Tours » A Tree with Two Roots (18 days)

 

Itinerary Brief:

 

Day 01 Hanoi Arrival.
Day 02 Hanoi City tour & departure to Lao Cai
Day 03 Lao Cai - Sapa valley trek
Day 04 Sapa Trekking & departure to Hanoi.
Day 05 Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc
Day 06 Hanoi - Halong
Day 07 Halong - Hanoi - Hue
Day 08 Hue
Day 09 Hue – Danang - Hoian
Day 10 Hoian - My Son - Hoian.
Day 11 Hoian - Saigon - Cantho.
Day 12 Can Tho - Chau Doc.
Day 13 Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (speed boat).
Day 14 Phnom Penh City tour
Day 15 Siem Reap Angkor Temple.
Day 16 Siem Reap Free Day
Day 17 Siem Reap - Temples 
Day 18 Siem Reap - Kampong Phluk - Departure


 

Easy - Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and independent mobility
Moderate - while trekking at Cadamam Mountain.

  • Trip Tips:

Explore the countryside of Siem Reap on your own quad bike, by far the best way to see the real village life. We will end the day watching the stunning sunset over the paddy fields where cattle and oxen graze lazily.

  • Best Travel Time:

There are two seasons in Cambodia, wet and dry. From early May to the end of October is the rainy season. It often rains heavily but for short periods of time, mostly later in the day or during the night, after which the sun returns. The rain cools the air and freshens up the lush green of the rice plantations. It is cooler in the dry season, which runs from early November to early February, when it starts heating up again, building to the hottest month of April. So the best time for rain lovers is between May and October and from November to early March for those who like it dry and cool.
 

Day 1 Hanoi Arrival.
Arrive at Hanoi Noi Bai airport where you meet your local tour guide and transfer to your Hanoi hotel.

After check in at the hotel, you take a 2-hour tour to visit the Ngoc Son and Ba Kieu temples then a cyclo tour. Tour will goes through the bustling Old Quarter and sprawling Dong Xuan Market. The Old Quarter, home to more than 1000 traditional houses, dates from 1010, when King Ly Thai To moved his capital from Hoa Lu in northern Ninh Binh Province to Hanoi. The Old Quarter became the trading centre of the metropolis and its 36 streets are named after the merchants’ crafts and trades. For example Hang Gai Street is full of silk shops, Hang Giay overflowing with shoes and Hang Bac with small silversmiths. It is fascinating to walk around this maze of little streets.

 

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: None.

 

Day 2 Hanoi City tour & departure to Lao Cai
Today you enjoy the sights of Hanoi, the modern-day capital city of Vietnam. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh Cottage, Museum and Mausoleum. At Ba Dinh Square in single file through the marble and granite Mausoleum with throngs of locals who come to pay respect to Uncle Ho. See the simple cottage in which he lived and worked, and experience the Ho Chi Minh Museum, an extraordinary tribute in abstract form to his life and, the evolution of Vietnamese independence. You will also see the One Pillar Pagoda and visit the Temple of Literature - the first National University of Vietnam datig back to the 10th century. After lunch, you visit the Museum of Ethnology – Vietnam’s finest and the best place to learn about Vietnam’s 52 ethnic minorities. If available you can listen to a lecture by the museum curator. There are outdoor exhibits and examples of many of the different types of houses used by Vietnam’s 52 ethnic groups.
In the afternoon, visit Hoa Lo Prison, ironically nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton by POWs during the Vietnam War; the vast prison complex was built by the French in 1896. Much of the prison was recently razed to make room for a modern skyscraper, though the section at the front of the site has been reserved and restored as a museum today.
Visit Quan Thanh Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda & Vietnam’s History Museum.
In the evening transfer to Thang Long theatre to see the traditional Water Puppet Performance. This ancient and unique form of puppetry has the puppeteer standing waist-deep in a pool of water, skillfully maneuvering dancing puppets attached to bamboo poles.
After the show, you will be transfer to Hanoi station to board your sleeper train to Lao Cai.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Sleeper train (4 berth superior cabin)

 

Day 3 Lao Cai - Sapa valley trek
Today you will have a very early arrival in Lao Cai so then you take a van for a 1-hour trip up into the mountains to the former French hill station of Sapa, home to some of Vietnam’s most colourful ethnic groups. After having a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you begin your day with a short walk to explore the Sapa market. You will see many groups of local minorities trading their wares, including the Black H’mong, Red Zao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho. Later you will be transfer to Lao Cai village, which is inhabited by the Black Hmong hill tribe. You walk down the valley to the village from Lao Cai to Ta Van - the only village in the Sapa valley where the Giay live. In Ta Van you enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your guide in a local house. After lunch you continue your walk through the bamboo forest before reaching Giang Ta Chai, where you have the opportunity to meet the Red Dao minority people. Return to Sapa in the afternoon.

 

Overnight in Sapa
Trek: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 4 Sapa Trekking and rest until departure to Hanoi.
After breakfast, you start the day with a short walk through Sapa and along a trail through beautiful gardens and lush pine forests. Passing through the Black Hmong ethnic minority village of Mong Sen, getting an insight into the daily life of these friendly villagers. Continuing on, gear up for another walk through rice paddy fields and more spectacular scenery. You rest in a local ethnic school for a light lunch before continuing your trek in the afternoon to the Red Dao minority village of Ta Phin, the residence for both the Red Dao and Black Hmong ethnic minority hill tribes, as well as visiting a workshop and a nearby cave. You will be transfer by jeep back to Sapa and in the evening then transfer to Lao Cai station to catch your overnight train to Hanoi.

 

Walk: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Late check out at hotel till 17.30 Sleeper train (4 berth cabin)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  

Day 5 Hanoi- Hoa Lu- Tam Coc
Today you depart from Hanoi in the morning, taking a scenic drive along HW 1 taking us to Ninh Binh. Upon arrival at Tam Coc, you take a sampan along the river, passing through rice paddies to the grottos of the sacred Tam Coc Caves. Enormous limestone karsts jut out from the green rice fields giving rise to this place’s other name, ‘Halong on Land’. Then you will stop at Hang Mua the 'Dancing cave' and enjoy climbing up over 500 steps to the summit. From the top of mountain, you also can enjoy the dramatic panorama of Tem Coc rivers, canals and mountains. You continue on to explore the nearby beautiful Bich Dong Pagoda. After lunch you you will be transfer on country roads to Hoa Lu, which was the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. As the capital of the country for 41 years, Hoa Lu has many palaces, pagodas, tombs and pavilions that were built by different dynasties. One of the most popular pieces of architecture is the Bao Thien Tue Palace, which was plated with gold and silver. However many of it's treasures have long been destroyed due to time and weather. You finish the day with the  Dinh & Le Temple, returning to Hanoi in late afternoon.

 

Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

 

Day 6 Hanoi - Halong
You leave Hanoi for Ha Long bay after breakfast. The journey will pass quickly as you travel through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta; there are rice paddies, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village scenes all along the way. Ha Long Bay is a natural wonder and one of Vietnam’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is 160km to the east of Hanoi. Over 3,000 jagged limestone islands emerge from the emerald green waters of the bay. While some islands are no more than large rocks others are much more substantial and contain huge, cathedral-like caves of stalactites and stalagmites. Most of the islands are covered in thick green vegetation and ring with birdsongs in the early morning. Secluded sandy coves are everywhere and in the summer months the warm waters of the bay are ideal for swimming.
The best way to appreciate the delights of Halong Bay is to cruise among the islands, of course, by boat. Upon arrival in Halong City, you board your junk and set sail through the bay while lunch is served. After lunch, you take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with Ha Long golden sails, go swimming on a quiet beach, or sunbathe on the deck. Later in the afternoon, you visit an interesting fishing village with an opportunity to interact with fishmen who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. For active travelers, at sunset time, kayak or simply take a bamboo rowboat to discover a water tunnel with many coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on board you enjoy cocktails while watching the sunset and later unwind at a local restaurant.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:  Aboard.

 

Day 7 Halong - Hanoi - Hue
The sound of ocean wakes us up for a new day. Greet the day with morning Tai Chi exercises and an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, you visit a beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Your car and guide will meet us at the dock and transfer us back to Hanoi. You will have a couple of hours free in Hanoi before transfer to airport for evening flight to Hue.

 

Overnight in Hue
Meal: Brunch

 

Day 8 Hue
After breakfast, we enjoy a morning boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River and visitHue's best-known religious site, the Thien Mu Pagoda, the mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang and Imperial Citadel. We Spend time strolling around Dong Ba market with our guide in the afternoon. Dong Ba market is another of the must-see sites in Hue. A visit to a food market is always very interesting when you go to a foreign country. This is especially true in Vietnam. Here you can see what people eat on a daily basis. In Vietnamese markets you will also find stalls that sell the local dishes. As you will see, conical hats are widely used by Vietnamese women. They use these typical hats to protect their faces from the sun, as, in Asia, tanned skin is a symbol of low class. In the evening we have free time in Hue.

 

Meal: Lunch
Overnight in Hue

 

Day 9 Hue – Danang - Hoi An
You enjoy a scenic drive to Hoi An via Lang Co Beach and the Hai Van Pass. From the top of the pass, we can take in the stunning ocean view. You stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum and Marble Mountain before heading to Hoi An. Hoi An ia a UNESCO World Heritage site, and despite the passing of some 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. In the late-afternoon you will be take a walking tour around Hoi An.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hoian.

 

Day 10 Hoi An - My Son - Ho Aan.
Today you will visit the famous Cham Towers and UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son (“Mee Sun”). My Son, located 69 km southwest of Da Nang, was an imperial city between the 4th and 12th centuries during the Cham dynasty. The Sanctuary is archeologically rich containing more than 70 temples and towers. You will enjoy the Cham dance performed at a small indoor theatre before getting on the minibus and drive to the local market to buy and learn about the ingredients for our cooking class on board. This is a great opportunity for us to experience the colorful local market and interact with local buyers and sellers.


Around mid-morning you embark on your Cinamon Cruise. One of our hosts will seat us at your private table. You can relax with a drink and a snack whhile you are treated to a herbal foot massage. Be sure to bring along our camera to capture the spectacular monument views while cruising back to Hoi An. After some chill time we prepare for your cooking class.


The cooking lesson runs for 2 hours and we will cook the same dish ourselves after the Cinnamon Cruises chef demonstrate each dish. You sit down at our private tables and eat what we have cooked. After the meal, you make the last visit to Kim Bong wood sculpture village to see some workshops and boat building yards. On our return to the Cinnamon Cruises pier, the crew will wish us farewell. The tour ends around 2.30 and after this you have free time for the rest of the day.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel

 

Day 11 Hoi An - Saigon - Can Tho.
Early morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Saigon. On arrival in Saigon airport you will be transfered to Can Tho including a stop for lunch.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Can Tho Hotel

 

Day 12 Can Tho - Chau Doc.
We take a morning boat ride to explore the bustling Cai Rang floating market, where hundreds of local people trade right on the river. The boat takes us round the small canals of Can Tho and stops at a local orchard for us to taste the local fruit. In the afternoon, we drive to the Nature Reserve at Thot Not Bird Sanctuary carrying on by boat through the park where you see the beauty of flocks of White Storks. You then continue to Chau Doc and hike up Sam mountain to catch the panoramic view towards Cambodia.

 

Overnight in Chau Doc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 13 Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (by boat).
After breakfast, it takes you around 5 hours by boat to get to Phnom Penh. On arrival at Phnom Penh harbour, our guide will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. Lunch is at a local restaurant and is followed by a  a cyclo tour by the river, passing by some of the sights of the town and ending at Wat Phnom for a spectacular sunset. Dinner at a local restaurant rounds off a great day

 

Overnight in Phnom Penh Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & dinner.

 

Day 14 Phnom Penh City tour
After breakfast you start your tour which includes the National Museum, the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. You end the morning city tour at the Tuol Sleng Museum, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. After that you leave for the International Airport to take a short flight to Siem Reap. On arrival you will be transfered to your hotel where you can rest before dinner at the famous Foreign Correspondants Club (FCC), after which you will visit the Night Market.

 

Overnight in Siem Reap Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
 

 

Day 15 Siem Reap Angkor Temple.
After breakfast we departure to the complax of Angkorian temples for a short tour which includes Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, South Gate, Bayon, Baphuon, Elephant Terrace and Leper King. We break for lunch at a local café. The it's on to Ta Phrom, ending with a spectacular sunset at Phnom Bakheng temple. In the evening we enjoy a traditional Apsara dance show and dinner at a local restaurant.

 

Overnight in Siem Reap Hotel.                                                                                                              
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

 

Day 16 Siem Reap Free Day
Spend the day exploring the town of Siem Reap.


Overnight in Siem Reap Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.

 

Day 17 Siem Reap - Temples
In the morning, you drive through the stunning Cambodian countryside with some stops for walks around the villages, visiting Banteay Srei and Bantaey Samre temples, which many consider to be the nicest temple of them all with its pink sandstone construction and intricate carvings. After that we return to town for lunch. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore.

 

Overnight in Siem Reap Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & dinner.

 

Day 18 Siem Reap - Kampong Phluk - Departure
The final step of your journey takes you to the floating village of Kampong Phluk to see how the locals live literally floating on the waters of Lake Tomlé Sap. During our visit to the Floating Village you include a short journey through a floating forest by canoe. After that we return to town to check out of our hotel, and have lunch before your departure to the International Airport to catch your onward flight.


Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This tour is private and can be tailor-made to suit your travel needs. As a result the price is quoted in US dollars and shown on a per-person basis. The 'Price From' quoted above is for parties of 2, 4 and 6 people and for accommodation in 3 star hotels. The final price will be privately quoted, based on the number in your party, your preferred time of travel, grade of hotel and any additional services requested. Please click on the BOOK NOW button and fill in the booking form, after which one of our travel consultants will customize the best value holiday for you.

 

REMARKS:
We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Indochina particularly, hotel price makes up most of the cost of your Cambodia cycling, Vietnam cycling, Laos cycling, Myanmar cyclingor Thailand cycling. All of our prices are calculated on a twin-shared basis. As a guide, Travel Loops defines hotel grades as follows:

>>Superior Level (3 star hotels in good locations): > 40 USD/room/night
>>Deluxe Level (4 star hotels):> 80 USD/room/night
>>Luxury Level (5 star hotels): > 180 USD/room/night

Price based on twin shared accommodation.
Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
More people means more discount. Please enquire for more details

 

If, after reviewing the details of this tour, you would like to receive a "Special Offer" tour price, just click on the "INQUIRY" button below. If you wish to “Tailor Make" your trip, simply click on the "CUSTOMIZE TRIP" and enter your contact details.

 

COST INCLUDED:
Experienced English speaking guide
Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation in double/twin sharing rooms with daily breakfast
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water for sightseeing
All sightseeing entrance fee where required in the itinerary.

 

COST EXCLUDED:
International/domestic airfares & tax
Travel Insurance. (We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance from home)
Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
Tips for guide, driver, porters and project cost
Beverage and alcoholic drinks
Any other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion.

The hotels listed below are just our suggestions offering the best value for this trip according to the hotel category chosen, but Travel Loops also offers more options to cater for different grades, personal taste, and budget. Please let us know if you have any specific choice of hotels, or personal preferences/requirements.

 

Note: Our choices for each level of accommodation have been highlighted in orange. As mentioned above our selection criteria are based on: prior client reviews, hotel management and staff training, facilities maintenance, location, business relationship and advantages given exclusively to our clients on price and service.
 


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