Taste of Asia – Vietnam and Cambodia – 13 nights – flight from Varna

Day 2: Istanbul- Ho Chi Minh City

Landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport. Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City - the largest Vietnamese city.Until 1976 it was called Saigon, when it was renamed after the leader of the Vietnamese Communist Party Ho Chi Minh. Today it is defined as the economic heart of Vietnam and the main center of the southern region.Ho Chi Minh City is a popular tourist destination due to its interesting culture, classic French architecture,glittering skyscrapers, wide boulevards, authentic markets and ornate temples and pagodas. The city is quite different from the capital, Hanoi, and is more like a modern megalopolis that cleverly combines modern construction with beautiful colonial buildings. On arrival, be met by the local representative Transfer to the hotel.

A tour of the city - the War Remnants Museum, which presents the still fresh memories of the Vietnam War and contains amazing artifacts and photographs, American armed equipment, parts of artillery, bombs and infantry weapons. We continue on to the Reunification Palace, once the Norodom Palace. The building was the former residence of the Governor General of Indochina and later the President of the Republic of South Vietnam until its fall on April 30, 1975. Next is one of the most important historical sites, the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick building with twin towers, a replica of the original construction from Paris.At the Place de la Poste Centrale,we will admire the building of the French architect, Gustave Eiffel, made even before he built the Eiffel Tower.After lunch we will head to the lively Chinatown, known to locals as Chợ Lớn- with its colorful atmosphere and mysterious temples,the Thiên Hậu Pagoda. built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century. In front of the huge burning spirals of incense that always impress visitors, our guide will explain how the Chinese immigrated to Vietnam and brought their cultural, religious and philosophical thought to their new homeland.Next stop at the bustling Bình Tây market, a colossal wholesale center Return to hotel.Overnight.

A day's escape from the hectic city awaits us, amidst rice paddies and fruit plantations en route to Ben Tre, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. This river passes through China, Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Cambodia before flowing through Vietnam and splitting into the many waterways that form the Mekong Delta, south of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Referred to as the "rice bowl of Vietnam", with its floating markets, this is one of the most fertile areas of South Asia, supplying the country with most of its rice, fruit and seafood and giving foreign visitors a great opportunity to see Vietnam as it really is. We will travel about 2 hours from Saigon to the port. On a traditional boat we drift through the rural landscapes and life around the river, a slow journey into the countryside through the small canals, past the floating coconut market Thom .We will learn in a local workshop how to make candy and various products from the coconut, or the intricacies of making cocoa wine. On the isolated island where life has slowed down and people live close to nature there are no paved streets, scooters or electricity just synchronicity with nature.We will have a cooking lesson with all the specifics from spices to serving traditional Vietnamese dishes.We will enjoy the hospitality of the locals while trying a delicious home cooked lunch with local specialties. Free time to relax or take a bike ride in the area.Return to Ho Chi Minh City where we will arrive before the end of the day. Overnight.

Breakfast. Transfer to the border with Cambodia. Drive about 4 hours.

Known as the "Pearl of Asia", Phnom Penh is located in the south of the country and is the political, economic and financial centre and the largest international port of Cambodia.Most tourist routes depart from here.The name of the city comes from a legend that a woman named Penh found Buddhist statues hidden in a tree. The tree was floating peacefully on the Mekong River and Penn was able to pull it out quickly. The statues are now housed in a stupa erected on a hill in the city and are one of its main attractions. The Khmer word for hill is Phnom and the full name of the Cambodian capital translates to Penh Hill.

Visit the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by the grandfather of the current King of Cambodia. It is a complex of magnificent royal buildings with classical Khmer roofs, ornate gilding and jewels, intriguing layouts of defensive walls with classical Khmer architecture and a slight French flavour. It continues to be the seat of the King today, and the most interesting are several buildings of the complex such as the Chan Chaya Pavilion, used for public celebrations, ceremonies and festive concerts; the Silver Pagoda, built as a temple to the Buddha, called the Emerald Buddha, a statue with a special central place in the temple - on a golden pillar of gold and precious stones; and the Throne Hall, the most monumental structure of the complex.

We will also visit the National Museum, built by a French archaeologist and artist in 1917, with artifacts from the Golden Age in Ankor and Cambodian history. The country's rich collection of Khmer art and sculpture from archaeological sites will impress us.Accommodation Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Breakfast. To really understand the history of the country and the mindset of the people, a visit to Cheung Ek, a large memorial to the 17,000 victims who were killed and dumped in mass graves during the reign of Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot from 1975-1979, is a must. Located 17 kilometers from Phnom Penh city, this site was made famous by the movie "The Killing Fields". The remains inside the memorial and the mass graves that dot the area are a reminder of the suffering of the victims and the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime.This visit gives you an appreciation of the struggle that the Cambodian people faced and their incredible courage to overcome suffering and rebuild their country.
We head to Siem Reap (hike about 5 hours), with a stop at the settlement of Skone, famous for its giant fried tarantulas and crickets as an appetizer. Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Today is dedicated to the temples of Angkor, the heart and soul of Cambodia and a source of strong national pride.Located between Tonle Sap Lake and the Kulen Mountains, Angkor contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from approximately the 9th to the 15th century. The hundreds of temples that survive today are only the sacred skeleton of the vast political, religious and social centre of the ancient empire. We will explore Angkor Thom, the last administrative and religious centre of the Khmer Empire, covering an area of 10 square kilometres. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular attractions. We will visit the Baphoon Temple and Fimeanakas, an 11th century temple built by Suryavarman I. We will see the mysterious temple of Jayavarman VII - Bayon Temple,one of the most popular and fascinating temples in Angkor, with huge faces carved in the stones and looking at you with a smile,and the aspara nymphs.Also of interest is the giant Terrace of the Elephants,whose name derives from the carved elephants used by the King as a platform from which he watched the victoriously returning army.as well as at public and royal ceremonies. Ta Prohm Temple-dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII,designed as a Buddhist temple and university,built between the mid-12th and early 13th centuries. It's engulfed by jungle-trees and lianas have entangled its foundations and ruins over time-and you feel like you're in a forgotten city.

In the afternoon we will explore Angkor Wat - "the city of temples".Considered the largest religious monument in the world.Founded in the early 12th century originally as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, it was gradually converted into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the century. Ankor Wat served primarily as the temple and tomb of King Suryavarman II. It is generally accepted that it was built in the west to correspond to the symbolism between the setting sun and death.Today it is the best preserved temple in Angkor and the only remaining important religious centre, from its foundation to the present day, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.It is recognized as a symbol of Cambodia, depicted on the national flag, giving every Cambodian a source of pride. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Breakfast. Travel to the outskirts of Siem Reap to visit Bentei Srei, which translates to "Citadel of Women". Originally built in the 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this red sandstone temple is one of Angkor's most significant structures, as its walls are decorated with intricate carvings that are exceptionally well preserved. These magnificent ruins offer a great insight into the Angkor civilization and their beliefs. We continue with a visit to Banteay Samre, the 12th century Hindu temple often compared to a small Angkor Wat.

Heading to Kampong Pluk is one of the most impressive and intact settlements on Lake Tonle Sap.This is the largest inland lake in Southeast Asia, providing with its wealth of resources much of the livelihood of the numerous fishing villages located along its shores.It occupies an area of 2,500 sq. km., is oblong in shape and shelters on its shores about 3,000 inhabitants.Owing to the frequent rise in the level of its waters, all buildings here are either built on high stilts or are boat-houses which are fastened to its bed. The water here defines the lives of the people and this is immediately apparent. The fish-rich Tonle Sap river and the lake of the same name are their main source of livelihood. We get a glimpse of this particular rural life , as our boat drifts past mangroves, houses on stilts, floating schools,police station,hospital,and a floating market with local traders. Return to hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Breakfast. Free time or optional additional excursion.

Half-day optional excursion - scooter tour /Vesra with driver/ - life in the countryside.The area of Siem Reap is not only a gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor, but also a series of rural places where life is simple and slow, and its inhabitants live in complete harmony, cultivating their farmland and rice fields.We will walk through quiet places, meet the locals and get an insight into their daily life.We will talk to a family of rattan weavers.We will taste delicious rice baked in cold coconut bamboo or local beer.We will visit a local family house surrounded by rice paddies. We will enter an intimate atmosphere of quiet places showing the Khmer spiritual beliefs. We will receive a blessing from the monks, according to tradition, sitting in humility , while the monks chant blessings and sprinkle us with holy water and flowers, a traditional way believed to convey good fortune to the gods.

Flight to Da Nang. Transfer to the hotel in Hoi An. Overnight.

Walking tour in ancient Hoi An (UNESCO) - a city with about 840 historical sites. Between the 16th and 18th centuries it was Vietnam's most important port as well as a trading centre, and today offers visitors a wealth of shops, restaurants and interesting temples or ancient homes in European, Japanese or Chinese styles.The reason for such a colourful palette are the boom years, when the ships of all the major trading nations of the world were constantly docking in the city's harbour.We'll stop at the iconic 400+ year old Japanese Covered Bridge, which was built by the Japanese society in 1590 as a road to Chinatown across the river. It is the only known covered bridge in the world with a Buddhist temple attached to one side. We will also see the Chinese Assembly Rooms with magnificent carvings on the beams, walls and altar. The whole old town is literally one huge market.Here you can see the whole variety of artistic talent of Vietnamese craftsmen and distinctive national art - wood and stone working, lantern making, wonderful paintings - watercolor and oil with whimsical subjects and national motifs; shops for porcelain, silk, textiles, leather, spices, etc. Hoi An has been famous since ancient times for its tailors and textile industry. Within a few meters you can see, enter and order a hand-made made-to-measure suit, dress or whatever your imagination suggests.The other pride of the town,which we will see are the Hoi An lanterns.Each step of the lantern making process - from the construction of the bamboo frames to the dance of the brushes on the exquisitely coloured silk - adds the final touch to the architecture of the ancient trading port.After a brief introduction to the history, shape and colour of the lanterns, and the stages of production, we attempt to create or decorate a lantern that is also our souvenir for home.

Option for an additional afternoon excursion *Lift ride to the Ba Na Hills complex- "Hands of God", a 150m long golden footbridge, one of the most interesting places to visit in the world. It is known for its beautiful scenery and the longest cable car arch in the world (over 5km). The main purpose of the bridge is to connect the cable car to the top of the forests without the need to climb steps. Seen from the side, the golden bridge looks like a golden thread that two giant stone divine hands are pulling out of the ground.The view is most impressive when mist forms in the valley below the bridge. Then it feels as if you are stepping into the clouds, because the bridge is 1000 meters above sea level!

Return to Hoi An. Overnight

Breakfast. Transfer to Da Nang Airport for a short flight to Hanoi.

Afternoon - tour of the city of Hanoi to learn about the history and culture of Vietnam.Visit the Temple of Literature, a pagoda complex with a park that shelters Vietnam's first imperial university Built in the 11th century, it is a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture.Five courtyards represent the five basic elements of nature - water, wood, fire, earth and metal.The names of professors and students who have earned state honours are inscribed on imposing stone stelae raised on the backs of turtles - a symbol of wisdom and longevity.This temple is depicted on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.
We continue with an hour-long rickshaw ride, a must-do experience for any tourist and an excellent way to get to know the lively and fast-paced atmosphere of this part of the city up close.The driver will walk us through the small hidden streets of the Old Quarter, known as the "36 streets of 36 goods",founded in the 15th century, whose 36 narrow streets, bear the names of the main crafts of their time on these streets: the silk street, the rice street, the paper street, the lacquerware street, the jewelry street.A great opportunity to leave with unusual purchases that will always remind you of this tour. We end with a walk to Hoan Kiem Lake,called "The Lake of the Returned Sword",Legend tells of Le Loy- a brave peasant from Tan Hoa province who in the 15th century raised the Vietnamese people against the Chinese Minh Dynasty. According to legend, he was gifted with a magic sword by a sacred turtle that emerged from the depths of Hoan Kiem Lake. The battle was won, the enemies were driven away and the turtle reappeared and demanded the sword back. Le Loy returned it, true to Vietnamese tradition - after victory, weapons are thrown away. It is believed that a large turtle still lives in its waters today, and a pagoda has been erected in its honour on an islet in the lake. Overnight in Hanoi.

We start the day with a 2-hour hike along the Red River to the Ninh-Binh area, some of the most impressive natural landscapes in Southeast Asia. Apart from its inspiring scenery, the area offers a great opportunity to experience the authentic villages and rural lifestyle of Vietnam.A magical riverscape with karst canyons and caves,past rice plantations,amazing views, peace and tranquility. We will visit the old capital of Vietnam from the 10-11th centuries. - Hoa Lu and the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties, Bich Dong- the second most beautiful cave in Vietnam, decorated with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and colors.We will climb Ngu Nhac Son (the mountain of Buddha's palm) to enjoy a panoramic view.We will ride on a traditional flat bottom boat.

Known as "Ha Long Bay", Tam Coc ("three caves" in Vietnamese) is formed by the Ngo Dong River flowing through a mountain. This afternoon a local experienced paddler will take us along a magnificent waterway surrounded by rice paddies. We will enjoy the amazing view of the karst formations and caves among the towering mountains. Getting off the boat we will walk along a small path to the Thai Vi temple.

Overnight in Ninh Binh area.

Next, transfer from the hotel to Tuan Chau Marina, where a relaxing cruise on the remarkable Lan Ha Bay awaits. Here every nook and cranny is as beautiful , as its famous neighbour Ha Long, but is still less developed. Time to explore the ship or enjoy the magical scenery en route.We will have lunch at the restaurant with fresh seafood,then the cruise will end its tour in Lan Ha Bay. The area is surrounded by amazing karst formations. We can choose between kayaking in the crystal clear waters of the bay and/or swimming. We head back to the main ship to sail to the place where we will dock for the night. Time for demonstration and way of preparing delicious Vietnamese food.Special dinner in the ship's restaurant.Free time.Overnight on the ship.

In the morning, after sunrise, those who can get up early will enjoy Tai Chi lessons. Tea, coffee and a light breakfast before visiting the majestic caves of Halong Bay. Places with karst limestone formations, easily crumbling to form deep caves.Ha Long Bay "The Descending Dragon" is one of the country's top attractions. According to legends, in ancient times, a golden dragon descended from the mountains to the seashore, struck hard with its tail, the land split into island-shaped mountains and deep hollows. The dragon plunged into the sea and the water covered everything, leaving the peaks sticking out like countless islands scattered across the bay. The bay has been declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, has preserved its natural beauty, and 3000 islets and interesting rock formations create a magical landscape of unparalleled beauty. Brunch will be served before docking.Transfer to Hanoi.

Breakfast. Free time or optional additional excursion: half-day tour - Hidden corners of Hanoi.

Today we will have a chance to see Hanoi from a different projection and in a completely different way. We'll soak up the authentic spirit of Hanoi with a traditional motorbike ride driven by an experienced guide, combining the city's rich history with modern energy.
The first stop of our adventure is the impressive Opera House, built in 1911 as a symbol of the city and French colonial architecture.We continue our tour of Hanoi following the zigzagging streets and alleys to Gioi Market, the largest market for mechanical parts and electronics in Vietnam, where we can find all kinds of goods.Stop in the Old Quarter, where time has stopped and the history of the city comes alive in the narrow streets.Along the narrow streets of the quarter, dating back to the 15th century and bearing the names of the crafts that were practiced there - silk street, rice street, jewelry street, paper street, etc. We stop at a vintage cafe located right next to the train tracks - something quite typical and we will taste a fragrant Vietnamese coffee, green tea or a mug of cold beer.We finish at the historic Long Bridge, famous for its unique historical, architectural and cultural value. Built during the French occupation of the early 20th century, the bridge allows for scenic panoramic moments.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul in the evening.

Flight from Istanbul to Varna. Landing at Varna airport in the morning.