Cambodia and Vietnam Tour

ISTANBUL – SAIGON (HO CHI MINH CITY) We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing our baggage check-in and passport procedures, we take our seats on the scheduled Turkish Airlines flight to Saigon. Our journey to Saigon will continue throughout the night and we will spend the night on the aircraft.

SAIGON After our arrival in Saigon, we complete our passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle that awaits us. Next, we depart for our Cu Chi Tunnels Tour with Lunch, one of the most striking testimonies of the Vietnam War history. This extensive underground tunnel system, built in the 1940s against French colonial forces and later used against the American army during the Vietnam War, consists of living areas, kitchens, weapon storage, hospital sections and secret passages. During our visit to the tunnels, we will have the opportunity to closely experience the Vietnamese people's life struggle and defense strategies during the war years. After our lunch at a local restaurant, we begin our panoramic city tour to explore Saigon, Vietnam's largest city and economic center. During our panoramic city tour, the places we will visit include the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, City Hall and Opera House. Afterwards, we have our dinner at a local restaurant. At the end of the day, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

SAIGON After breakfast, we complete our hotel checkout procedures. We depart for our Mekong Delta with Lunch & Motorized Tuk-Tuk & Sampan Boat Tour & Ben Thanh Market Shopping tour. First, we head to Ben Tre, one of the most enjoyable stops in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, we begin our private boat tour on the Ham Luong River. During the tour, we will have the opportunity to observe the region's lush greenery, coconut gardens and traditional riverside life up close. We then take an enjoyable ride on village roads with Xe Lam, the local motorized tuk-tuk, and visit a local workshop where traditional brooms are made. We then embark on an unforgettable journey through the narrow canals on traditional Sampan boats and visit a local family where we taste fresh tropical fruits. During our short walk through the village, we get to know the region's natural beauty and daily life up close. After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Ho Chi Minh City. On the way back, we have free time for shopping at Ben Thanh Market. After dinner at a local restaurant, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast, we transfer to Saigon Airport. We fly with a local airline to Siem Reap, one of Cambodia’s most attractive cities. After arriving in Siem Reap, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our waiting private vehicle. We then depart for our Angkor Thom Ancient City, Bayon Temple, Angkor Wat Sunset and Apsara Dance Show Tour with lunch and dinner included. We begin exploring Angkor Thom Ancient City by entering through the South Gate. Here, we are greeted by statues depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, one of the most important scenes in Hindu mythology. We then visit Bayon Temple, known for its 54 towers and approximately 200 smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Afterwards, we see Baphuon Temple, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and the ruins of the Royal Palace. After our included lunch at a local restaurant, we visit Angkor Wat Temple, a symbol of Cambodia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering an area of approximately 81 hectares, the temple’s five towers symbolise Mount Meru in Hindu belief, while the surrounding moat represents the ocean.

SIEM REAP – LUANG PRABANG After breakfast, we complete our hotel checkout. Next, we depart for the Tonle Sap Lake Boat Tour with Lunch. During our boat tour on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, we will have the opportunity to discover floating villages built on the water, the traditional life of the local people and unique natural beauties up close. After Lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer to Siem Reap airport and take a flight to Luang Prabang, one of the most beautiful cities in Laos, with a local airline. Upon arrival, after Dinner at a local restaurant, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Early in the morning, we depart for Tak Bat, the alms-giving ceremony for Buddhist monks and one of Luang Prabang’s most important cultural experiences. We witness this traditional ceremony, during which local people wait quietly along the streets and offer food, flowers and incense to monks dressed in saffron-coloured robes. Practised for centuries, this spiritual ritual is an important part of Luang Prabang’s cultural heritage. Guests who wish to do so may participate in the ceremony under the guidance of our guide. To respect local traditions, guests are kindly asked to wear suitable clothing during the ceremony and to be considerate when taking photographs. After the ceremony, we visit a traditional market to experience local life in the city. As we walk among the colourful stalls, we discover regional products and have the opportunity to sample local snacks. We then have breakfast at a local restaurant. After breakfast, we begin our Luang Prabang city tour and visit the city’s main historic and religious sites. We first see Vat Xieng Thong, the Temple of the Golden City, located on the bank of the Mekong River and considered one of Luang Prabang’s most important temples.

LUANG PRABANG – HANOI After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out. Then we depart for our Mekong River Boat Tour & Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfalls excursion. In the morning hours, we transfer to the pier and board our traditionally decorated boat for a pleasant cruise along the Mekong River. Along the way, while enjoying the captivating scenery of the river and riverside life, we reach the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting), considered sacred by the local people. These holy caves, located within the rocks, are home to hundreds of Buddha figurines of varying sizes. During our visit, we have the opportunity to closely discover the region's religious beliefs and cultural heritage. After our cave visit, we enjoy a homemade lunch prepared using traditional methods at a nearby local village. While experiencing local life, we enjoy the region's authentic atmosphere. After lunch, we return to Luang Prabang and head to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, famous for their lush green nature and turquoise natural pools. Along the way, we follow the scenic route through rice paddies and witness the daily life of the local people.

HANOI – HALONG BAY CRUISE Early in the morning, we depart from our hotel for the Halong Bay Cruise Tour, heading towards the enchanting Halong Bay, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, we stop at a local restaurant for breakfast and morning coffee before heading to the port. Upon arrival, we are warmly welcomed with a complimentary welcome drink and settle into our private junk, beginning a fairy-tale journey. Limestone islands covered with lush green vegetation rising towards the sky glide across the calm waters like a painting, with different beauty waiting around every corner. This magical scenery reflected on the water evokes serenity and tranquility at the same time. After lunch on board, our guests who wish may enjoy this unique atmosphere through optional activities such as swimming, kayaking or exploring hidden caves. As the sun sets, we enjoy dinner on board while taking in the golden hues of the bay, and spend the night on our comfortable cruise ship in the tranquility of Halong Bay. Overnight on the ship.

HANOI After breakfast, you wake up accompanied by the calm waters and gentle sound of the waves of the bay, and for those who wish, there will be an opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waters in the early morning hours. We then start our day with breakfast on the boat. Taking our place on the upper deck, we can watch the captivating view of limestone islets rising from the emerald green sea, enjoying peaceful moments within this unique natural landscape. As our boat continues its journey through the bay, we find the opportunity to discover different and impressive rock formations. After completing our cabin checkout procedures, we leave the boat at lunchtime. We then proceed to the Hanoi City Tour with Lunch & Cyclo Tour & Water Puppet Show. First, we enjoy a panoramic view of one of Hanoi's most important landmarks, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House and the Presidential Palace. We then visit the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 and one of the city's most important religious structures, and the Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi's oldest temple.

HANOI - ISTANBUL In the early morning hours, we transfer to Hanoi Airport. We depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight. Arrival at Istanbul Airport local time and end of our tour. We hope to see you again on our next journey...