Cambodia and Vietnam Tour

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

SAIGON Upon arrival in Saigon, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle waiting for us. We begin our panoramic city tour to discover Saigon, Vietnam's largest city and economic centre. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the City Hall and the Opera House. Afterwards, we set off for our Cu Chi Tunnels tour with lunch, one of the most striking testimonies to the history of the Vietnam War. This extensive underground tunnel system, built in the 1940s against the French colonial forces and later used against the American army during the Vietnam War, consists of living quarters, kitchens, weapon depots, hospital sections and secret passages. During our visit through the tunnels, we will have the opportunity to closely learn about the Vietnamese people's struggle for survival during the war years and the defence strategies they employed. After our lunch at a local restaurant, we return to the city centre to visit the War Remnants Museum, the Opera House, the Historic Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. After our tour, we have our dinner at a local restaurant.

SAIGON After breakfast, we set off for our Mekong Delta & Motorised Tuk Tuk & Sampan Boat Tour with Lunch & Ben Thanh Market Shopping excursion. First, we head towards 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 up close the lush green nature of the region, the coconut groves and the traditional life along the riverbanks. Then, we enjoy a pleasant ride along the village paths by Xe Lam (motorised tuk-tuk), the typical local mode of transport, and visit a local workshop where traditional brooms are produced. Afterwards, we embark on an unforgettable ride through the narrow canals on traditional Sampan boats and visit a local family to taste fresh tropical fruits. During our short walk through the village, we get to know closely the natural beauties and daily life of the region. After our 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 our Dinner at a local restaurant, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast, we transfer to Saigon Airport in the early morning and take our flight to Siem Reap with a local airline. Upon arrival, we meet our waiting private vehicle and begin our Ancient City of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple and Angkor Wat Sunset tour with lunch, followed by an Apsara Dance Show with dinner. Entering through the South Gate, we see sculptures depicting the “Churning of the Ocean of Milk,” one of the most important scenes in Hindu mythology, at the entrance to the Ancient City of Angkor Thom. We then visit Bayon Temple, known for its 54 towers and approximately 200 smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. After seeing Baphuon Temple, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the ruins of the Royal Palace, we have lunch at a local restaurant. We then 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 represent Mount Meru in Hindu belief, while the surrounding moat symbolises the ocean.

SIEM REAP – HANOI After breakfast, we set off for a Boat Tour on Tonle Sap Lake with Lunch Included. During the boat tour on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, we will have the opportunity to closely explore the floating villages built on the water, the traditional lifestyle of the local people, and the unique natural beauties. After our Lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer to Siem Reap airport and take our flight to Hanoi with Local Airlines. Upon arrival, after having our Dinner at a local restaurant, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

HANOI After breakfast, we depart for the city centre to discover Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and one of its most important cultural centres, and begin our panoramic city tour. With a history of nearly a thousand years, Hanoi is a city that impresses visitors with its elegant architecture bearing traces of the French colonial period, its wide boulevards, historic buildings, and the atmosphere where traditional life intertwines with modern city life. During our panoramic city tour, we view the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House and the Presidential Palace panoramically; among the places we will see are the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi's most iconic landmarks, and the Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the city's oldest Buddhist temples. Afterwards, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and continue our tour. After lunch, we visit the Temple of Literature, considered Vietnam's first university, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. Continuing our tour, we take a delightful ride through the historic streets of the Old Quarter on traditional cyclos, which have become one of Hanoi's icons.

HANOI After breakfast, we set off for a Hanoi City Tour with Lunch & Cyclo Tour & Water Puppet Show. First, we see a panoramic view of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, one of the most important symbols of Hanoi, along with Ho Chi Minh's Wooden House and the Presidential Palace. Next, we visit the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 and one of the city's most important religious structures, and Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest temple in Hanoi. Afterwards, we tour the Temple of Literature, regarded as Vietnam's first university, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. After our Lunch at a local restaurant, we explore the historic streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter by traditional Cyclo (bicycle rickshaw), experiencing the lively atmosphere of the city up close. At the end of the day, we watch the Water Puppet Show, one of the most important traditions of Vietnamese culture. After our Dinner at a local restaurant, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

HANOI – HALONG BAY CRUISE After breakfast, we leave our hotel for the Halong Bay Cruise Tour and set off towards the enchanting Halong Bay, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Upon arrival, we are welcomed with a warm greeting and a welcome drink as we board our private boat and begin a fairy-tale journey. The limestone islets, covered in lush green vegetation reaching up toward the sky, seem to glide over the calm waters like a painting, with a different kind of beauty greeting us at every turn. This magical scenery reflected on the water makes us feel both serenity and tranquility at once. After our Lunch on board, guests who wish to do so can enjoy activities such as swimming, kayaking, or exploring hidden caves to make the most of this unique atmosphere. Towards sunset, as the bay takes on golden hues, we enjoy our Dinner on board and spend the night in the calm of Halong Bay aboard our comfortable cruise ship. Overnight on board our ship.

HANOI - ISTANBUL After breakfast, we wake up to the calm waters of the bay and the sound of the waves; for those who wish, a delightful swimming break in the cool waters is offered in the early morning hours. We then start the day with breakfast served on board. Taking our place on the upper deck, we can watch the captivating view of the limestone islands rising from the emerald-green sea and enjoy peaceful moments within this unique natural map. As our boat continues its journey through the bay, we have the opportunity to discover different and impressive rock formations. After completing our check-out procedures, we leave the boat at midday. We then transfer to Hanoi Airport. We depart for Istanbul on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Arrival at Istanbul Airport by local time and the end of our tour. We hope to meet again on our next journey…