Discover the East (11 days)

Day 1: First day to Discover the East – Arrive in Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, marking the beginning of your journey to Discover the East, our team will warmly greet you after you disembark the plane and provide airport assistance. We’ll expedite your passage through passport control, help with your luggage as needed, and then arrange a seamless transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of your day is yours to unwind and familiarize yourself with your new Hanoi surroundings.

With a premium position within Hanoi’s Old Quarter, just a short stroll from the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, lies the Hanoi La Siesta Premium Hang Be. Boasting remarkable attention to detail and outstanding service, it’s clear why this hotel is considered a top luxury boutique choice in Hanoi, making it a highly recommended option for those wanting to Discover the East in style and comfort.

Meals included: None

Accommodation at: La Siesta Premium Hang Be – Junior Suite

Day 2: Hanoi

In the morning, your Discover the East adventure kicks off as your guide and driver meet you at your hotel for a thrilling jeep excursion! The first leg of your journey unveils the REAL HANOI, taking you through a captivating labyrinth of hidden back streets, narrow alleyways, local residences, schools, and spontaneous markets, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily lives, work, and leisure of the city’s inhabitants.

Continuing your Discover the East adventure, the itinerary includes stops at several iconic landmarks. You’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a site of great significance for the Vietnamese people, and explore the ancient Buddhist and Taoist Tran Quoc Pagoda. The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, is also on the agenda, along with the historical railway tracks, the charming French Quarter, and the lively Old Quarter.

Finally, you’ll experience the beauty of Hoan Kiem and West Lakes, admire the Hanoi Opera House, and see the renowned Long Bien Bridge.

On the third part of the trip, Discover the East by venturing into the serene and charming villages surrounding West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, offering enriching insights into the harmonious contrast between the bustling city center and its tranquil outskirts.

Enjoy a scrumptious lunch with lots of Vietnamese specialities at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation at: La Siesta Premium Hang Be – Junior Suite

Day 3: Hanoi – Hue

This morning after check-out, you’ll have the rest of the day to further discover the East at your own pace before your overnight train journey to Hue.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at:  Laman Train – VIP Sleeper, 2 berth cabin

Day 4: Hue

This morning, once arrive at the train station, your driver will be waiting to escort you to yout hotel for check-in.

Once checked-in, your Discover the East adventure begins with a meeting with your tour guide, followed by a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, a historical site dating back to 1601, notable for its 21-meter tall tower. The tour continues to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese design and European influences, setting it apart from other tombs in Hue.

Enjoy a scrumptious Vietnamese lunch at a beautiful garden house.

In the afternoon, your journey to Discover the East continues with an exploration of Hue, including a visit to the Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Following your exploration of this remarkable historical site, experience a leisurely cyclo ride through the ‘Old City’ to the serene Tinh Tam Lake, a former imperial retreat known for its summer lotus blossoms and the popular student coffee shops along its shores. Your day concludes at Dong Ba Market, the city’s most vibrant and bustling wet market.

Note: Early check-in included

Nestled in the serene countryside a mere 15 minutes from Hue’s center, Pilgrimage Village boutique resort & spa provides a charming rustic retreat, allowing you to Discover the East within its lush and tranquil gardens. This haven beautifully blends the calming natural surroundings with subtle touches of local art and culture. After a day of exploration, guests can unwind in one of the two swimming pools or rejuvenate with Tai Chi, Yoga, or a spa experience. Culinary desires are well-served with a selection of two restaurants, two bars, a cafe, and a lounge.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation at:  Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort and Honeymoon Bungalow Spa

Day 5: Hue – Hoi An

In the morning, your driver and guide will meet you and escort you to Hoi An.

Drive along coastal road passing towns, villages, and beaches, with numerous stops on the way. Enjoy breathtaking scenery. The most fantastic place to take photos is at the top of Hai Van Pass where you will have a chance to pass through the clouds and enjoy the adventure with sudden curves challenging the drivers’ skills.

Arrive in Hoi An, check into your hotel. Remainder of the day is free at your leisure.

Just a short walk from Hoi An’s historic old town, La Siesta Hoi An offers a peaceful retreat on the edge of the city, bordering lush rice paddies, making it an ideal place to discover the East. The accommodations feature furniture and local artwork that showcase the culture of central Vietnam. Guests can savor traditional Vietnamese dishes at Red Bean or international flavors at The Temple. La Siesta Hoi An also boasts a renowned spa and a well-equipped garden villa fitness area.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at:  La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa – Executive Suite – Pool View

Day 6: Hoi An

This morning, your exploration of Hoi An begins as you meet your guide in your hotel lobby to discover the East. This UNESCO World Heritage city, celebrated for its remarkably preserved ancient streets and homes, invites you for a stroll to visit iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and the historic Tan Ky trading house built in Chinese style.

Your tour culminates with a tranquil pause at the Reaching Out Tea House, a unique establishment providing meaningful employment and community integration for its deaf staff, offering you a serene moment to appreciate the quiet ambiance and savor a cup of coffee before your driver returns you to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at:  La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa – Executive Suite – Pool View

Day 7: Hoi An, Da Nang – Siem Reap

At appropriate time, your driver will escort you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, continuing your discover the East adventure.

Upon arrival into Siem Reap, marking the beginning of your journey to Discover the East, our team will warmly greet you as you disembark the plane, providing seamless airport assistance. We’ll expedite passport control, help with your luggage as needed, and then ensure a swift transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of your day is yours to relax and familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.

On a quiet street near Siem Reap’s oldest temple sits the delightful Heritage Suites boutique hotel, perfectly positioned to Discover the East. Downtown Siem Reap is a quick five-minute tuk-tuk ride away, and the magnificent Angkor temples are just fifteen minutes. Heritage Suites showcases a charming blend of French colonial design with a hint of 1960s Cambodian flair.

Vintage Mercedes Benz cars stand ready before its impressive colonial exterior, offering convenient airport transfers and excursions to explore the wonders of the Angkor Archeological Park.

The Heritage Restaurant serves quality French and Asian cuisine and the pool and pool bar area is a perfect place to cool off after a hot day exploring the temples of Angkor.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at:  Heritage Suites – Bungalow Garden Suite

Day 8: Siem Reap

Free day to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure.

Enjoy a free day to unwind and Discover the East at your own pace, exploring whatever catches your interest in the area.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation at:  Heritage Suites – Bungalow Garden Suite

Day 9: Siem Reap

Begin your day with a captivating sunrise at Angkor Wat before breakfast, setting the stage for your 8:00 or 8:15 AM Discover the East tour. Your exploration commences at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, a magnificent 12th-century gateway to this ancient city. Be awestruck by the impressive causeway, adorned with a naga balustrade and imposing stone giants.

Next on your journey to Discover the East, you’ll delve into the heart of Angkor Thom and be mesmerized by the serene, smiling faces adorning Bayon Temple, a Buddhist temple constructed in the 12th century by the Khmer civilization. Your guide will then lead you to Baphuon Temple, renowned for its majestic gateway and intricate carvings.

Continue your exploration with Discover the East, starting at Phimeanakas Temple, a Hindu sanctuary showcasing Khleang architectural style, followed by the Royal Terraces, once the stage for royal ceremonies. Your morning culminates at the iconic Ta Prohm, the “Tomb Raider Temple,” famed for its ancient stones embraced by sprawling tree roots. After enjoying lunch at a local eatery near Srah Srang, the afternoon offers relaxation by the hotel pool.

Later in the day, you’ll visit the magnificent Angkor Wat, the jewel of Angkor Archaeological Park, constructed in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. Explore this incredible temple complex, with an option to witness a stunning sunset from Phnom Bakheng or a memorable hot air balloon ride.

Return to the hotel for refreshments and dinner in town at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation at:  Heritage Suites – Bungalow Garden Suite

Day 10: Siem Reap

​Rise and shine! Come and experience the daily life of our elephants. Spend your time observing them as they enjoy their natural surroundings. Walk with them into the forest, and witness how they choose to spend their time. At noon, retire to base camp and enjoy a traditional meal before heading back to Siem Reap around 2pm. Recommended Items to use for today: Sport shoes, a hat, sunglasses, mosquito spray, sunscreen and an outfit that can get dirty.

In the evening, your guide will take you out for an evening street food tour by Vespa. Ride pillion along the beautiful Siem Reap Riverside to an evening market in order to gain an insight into fresh Cambodian ingredients. Cruise through the busy streets of this ancient heritage town as you are introduced to many aspects of Khmer cuisine – from street markets to food stalls, from exotic fruits to fried bugs (yes, bugs!), to high end fusion drinks and classic Khmer dishes.

This is a unique tour that embraces the hustle and bustle of street markets, vendors and the accompanying sights, smells, and sounds. We also meet local families making merry, enjoying BBQ meats, shopping for clothes and playing games at the local fun fair. It’s a fun and varied tour that embodies the fun-loving nature of the wonderful people of Cambodia! All food and drinks are included on this acclaimed Siem Reap food tour so please, bring a healthy appetite!.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (food tour)

Accommodation at:  Heritage Suites – Bungalow Garden Suite

Day 11: Siem Reap – Departure

Sadly today is the day you wave goodbye to the paradise we call Cambodia. At the appropriate time, your driver will collect you from your hotel and escort you to the airport ready for your departing flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast