Vietnam & Cambodia Tour 7N/8D

Day 1: SAIGON

We meet at Istanbul Airport International Terminal and begin an exciting long journey to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam’s largest metropolis, on Turkish Airlines flight TK66. During the flight, you can rest, watch a movie, or spend time with a book. Upon arrival in the evening, we complete our passport and visa procedures and transfer to our hotel with our private vehicle. After settling into our rooms and taking a short rest, we enjoy dinner at an authentic restaurant to explore Vietnam’s traditional cuisine. Overnight stay at our hotel in Saigon.

Day 2: SAIGON

After breakfast at the hotel, we start a panoramic city tour of Saigon. During the tour, we visit the War Remnants Museum, reflecting vivid traces of the Vietnam War, and French colonial architectural masterpieces such as the Opera House and the Historic Post Office. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, notable for its Gothic architecture, is another symbol of the city’s French influence. Next, we have free time for shopping and exploring the colorful stalls, spice scents, and handmade products at Ben Thanh Market. In the afternoon, we head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most striking symbols of the Vietnam War. This underground tunnel system demonstrates the extraordinary resistance and survival struggle of the local people. Walking through the narrow passages, we get a firsthand look at the tunnel structure and the harsh living conditions. After the tour, we return to our hotel. In the evening, guests may optionally take a short guided walk through the streets of Saigon. Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

Day 3: MONKEY ISLAND

After breakfast, we set out to the UNESCO-protected Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, about 40 minutes from the city center. This tour offers nature enthusiasts a unique experience, stepping into a world within the mangrove forests. During a canoe tour in the reserve, we observe the unique vegetation intertwined with water, towering trees, bird-filled forests, and peaceful waterways. As we paddle through the Vam Sat Forest, we may see crocodiles in their natural habitat. Our guide provides information about this special ecosystem and protected species, making this an unforgettable nature experience. Our next stop is Monkey Island, where we meet various freely roaming monkey species and enjoy fun and memorable interactions. After the tour, we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Saigon.

Day 4: MEKONG DELTA – SIEM REAP

After breakfast, we head to the Mekong Delta, one of the regions that best reflects Vietnam’s cultural essence. Endless waterways, green canals, and the traditional lifestyle of the local people will enchant you. Our boat tour starts in My Tho, observing the production of handmade coconut candies and visiting small workshops showcasing local handicrafts. On Thoi Son Island, we take a pleasant walk among fruit orchards, experiencing nature up close. Enjoy tropical fruits accompanied by traditional music from local artists, feeling the cultural essence of the region. After a short tea break with local honey, we visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the most important religious sites in the region, with impressive gardens, statues, and architecture. We then transfer to Saigon Airport and take a short flight to the historic city of Siem Reap, Cambodia, and check into our hotel.

Day 5: ANGKOR TEMPLES TOUR

After breakfast, we begin our tour of Angkor Thom, one of the largest temple complexes in human history, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entering through the South Gate, we first visit the Bayon Temple, one of the most impressive examples of Khmer architecture, featuring giant carved faces on all sides. Next, we explore Baphuon Temple, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Elephant Terrace, and the Ta Prohm Temple, famous for its integration with nature. Ta Prohm, wrapped in enormous tree roots, shows how nature reclaims history. In the afternoon, we visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world and a symbol of Cambodia, with its intricate reliefs, sacred architecture, and fascinating stories. Return to the hotel afterwards. Guests may rest in their rooms or explore the surroundings during free time.

Day 6: TONLE SAP LAKE

After breakfast, we embark on a boat tour of Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Asia. Witness floating villages, stilted traditional houses, boat markets, and the daily lives of people living in harmony with the lake ecosystem. This close-to-nature, simple, and impressive lifestyle will leave a lasting impression. Afterwards, we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel. Guests may rest or explore the area during free time.

Day 7: HALONG BAY TOUR

After breakfast, we depart early for the magical Halong Bay, known for its stunning natural beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bay captivates visitors with its karst rock formations, islands of various sizes, and mysterious caves. Upon arrival, we take a boat tour among the lush islands, enjoying the unique scenery. The route passes interesting rock formations and caves integrated with nature, offering an unforgettable experience. After the tour, we return to Hanoi and transfer to our hotel.

Day 8: HANOI

After breakfast, we start our city tour of Hanoi, the cultural and political heart of Vietnam. Our first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a symbol of the country’s independence struggle built in honor of the founding leader. Next, we visit the Presidential Palace and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dedicated to Confucian teachings. We also visit the Single Pillar Pagoda, notable for its unique architecture, reflecting Hanoi’s traditional spirit. In the evening, an optional “Dinner with Water Puppet Show & Night Tour” (USD 50 per person) is offered. Following this cultural show, we take a nostalgic night tour of Hanoi streets by rickshaw. Later, we transfer to the airport according to flight schedules, complete check-in and passport procedures, and depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK63, marking the end of our tour. (No accommodation or dinner on the last day.)

Day 2: SAIGON

After breakfast at the hotel, we start a panoramic city tour of Saigon. During the tour, we visit the War Remnants Museum, reflecting vivid traces of the Vietnam War, and French colonial architectural masterpieces such as the Opera House and the Historic Post Office. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, notable for its Gothic architecture, is another symbol of the city’s French influence. Next, we have free time for shopping and exploring the colorful stalls, spice scents, and handmade products at Ben Thanh Market. In the afternoon, we head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most striking symbols of the Vietnam War. This underground tunnel system demonstrates the extraordinary resistance and survival struggle of the local people. Walking through the narrow passages, we get a firsthand look at the tunnel structure and the harsh living conditions. After the tour, we return to our hotel. In the evening, guests may optionally take a short guided walk through the streets of Saigon. Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

Day 3: MONKEY ISLAND

After breakfast, we set out to the UNESCO-protected Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, about 40 minutes from the city center. This tour offers nature enthusiasts a unique experience, stepping into a world within the mangrove forests. During a canoe tour in the reserve, we observe the unique vegetation intertwined with water, towering trees, bird-filled forests, and peaceful waterways. As we paddle through the Vam Sat Forest, we may see crocodiles in their natural habitat. Our guide provides information about this special ecosystem and protected species, making this an unforgettable nature experience. Our next stop is Monkey Island, where we meet various freely roaming monkey species and enjoy fun and memorable interactions. After the tour, we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Saigon.

Day 4: MEKONG DELTA – SIEM REAP

After breakfast, we head to the Mekong Delta, one of the regions that best reflects Vietnam’s cultural essence. Endless waterways, green canals, and the traditional lifestyle of the local people will enchant you. Our boat tour starts in My Tho, observing the production of handmade coconut candies and visiting small workshops showcasing local handicrafts. On Thoi Son Island, we take a pleasant walk among fruit orchards, experiencing nature up close. Enjoy tropical fruits accompanied by traditional music from local artists, feeling the cultural essence of the region. After a short tea break with local honey, we visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the most important religious sites in the region, with impressive gardens, statues, and architecture. We then transfer to Saigon Airport and take a short flight to the historic city of Siem Reap, Cambodia, and check into our hotel.

Day 5: ANGKOR TEMPLES TOUR

After breakfast, we begin our tour of Angkor Thom, one of the largest temple complexes in human history, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entering through the South Gate, we first visit the Bayon Temple, one of the most impressive examples of Khmer architecture, featuring giant carved faces on all sides. Next, we explore Baphuon Temple, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Elephant Terrace, and the Ta Prohm Temple, famous for its integration with nature. Ta Prohm, wrapped in enormous tree roots, shows how nature reclaims history. In the afternoon, we visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world and a symbol of Cambodia, with its intricate reliefs, sacred architecture, and fascinating stories. Return to the hotel afterwards. Guests may rest in their rooms or explore the surroundings during free time.

Day 6: TONLE SAP LAKE

After breakfast, we embark on a boat tour of Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Asia. Witness floating villages, stilted traditional houses, boat markets, and the daily lives of people living in harmony with the lake ecosystem. This close-to-nature, simple, and impressive lifestyle will leave a lasting impression. Afterwards, we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel. Guests may rest or explore the area during free time.

Day 7: HALONG BAY TOUR

After breakfast, we depart early for the magical Halong Bay, known for its stunning natural beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bay captivates visitors with its karst rock formations, islands of various sizes, and mysterious caves. Upon arrival, we take a boat tour among the lush islands, enjoying the unique scenery. The route passes interesting rock formations and caves integrated with nature, offering an unforgettable experience. After the tour, we return to Hanoi and transfer to our hotel.

Day 8: HANOI

After breakfast, we start our city tour of Hanoi, the cultural and political heart of Vietnam. Our first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a symbol of the country’s independence struggle built in honor of the founding leader. Next, we visit the Presidential Palace and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dedicated to Confucian teachings. We also visit the Single Pillar Pagoda, notable for its unique architecture, reflecting Hanoi’s traditional spirit. In the evening, an optional “Dinner with Water Puppet Show & Night Tour” (USD 50 per person) is offered. Following this cultural show, we take a nostalgic night tour of Hanoi streets by rickshaw. Later, we transfer to the airport according to flight schedules, complete check-in and passport procedures, and depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK63, marking the end of our tour. (No accommodation or dinner on the last day.)