Day 1 Shanghai → Hanoi ★ Departure Day
All day
丨Itinerary presentation
Today is the gathering day for the event. Tourists from all over the country will gather at Terminal 1 of Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 12:00 PM. After checking in, they will complete departure formalities at the designated time and board a SKYTRAX 4-star Vietnam Airlines flight. Upon arrival in Hanoi, they will be greeted by a local Chinese-speaking guide, treated to a special Vietnamese pho set meal and tasting authentic Vietnamese snacks. Afterwards, they will check into their hotel and rest.
丨Reference flights
Vietnam Airlines VN533
PVG Shanghai Pudong T1 - HAN Hanoi Noi Bai T2
15:50 (China time) - 18:25 (Vietnam time)
The flight time is about 3 hours and 45 minutes, and the time difference is 1 hour slower than China.
Because
this itinerary requires a domestic flight, which cannot be booked separately, destination package deals are currently unavailable. However, if your location is Guangzhou or Beijing, you can indicate your preferred departure point when placing your order (price difference may apply) and contact customer service online to inquire about separate ticket booking.
About Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam's capital and second-largest city, blends over 1,000 years of history with modern development. Its rich historical heritage and numerous historical sites have earned it the nickname "The Land of Millennium Heritage." Hanoi is a city that embodies the essence of Vietnamese socialism. The revolutionary slogans graffiti adorning the streets, the beautiful women in ao dai, the motorcycles whizzing by, and the colorful designs painted on the narrow, single-family houses all clearly indicate you're in Vietnam.
Day 2 Hanoi → Vintage Jeep Tour → National Museum of History
·morning
丨Itinerary presentation
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll embark on a Vintage Army Jeep Tour of Hanoi's Old Town. Explore the city in a vintage Soviet-era army jeep, offering a unique experience of Hanoi's urban fabric and visiting the Vietnamese capital's highlights and hidden gems. Along the way, we'll pass by Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Long Bien Bridge, and other well-known landmarks. Learn about Vietnam's history from your guide, and conclude your jeep tour at Hidden Gem Cafe, where you'll enjoy a complimentary egg coffee.
·afternoon
After a free lunch, we'll proceed to the Vietnam National Museum of History. Located in the heart of Hanoi, the museum, formerly a French colonial relic, boasts a rich collection of artifacts, systematically showcasing Vietnam's glorious history, from prehistory, the Dong Son culture, the Champa Kingdom, the Ly, Tran, and Nguyen dynasties, to modern times. Precious artifacts such as bronze artifacts, ceramics, and sculptures bear witness to 5,000 years of civilization.
Afterward, tourists have some free time to explore. We recommend visiting Train Street. Hanoi Train Street is a unique stretch of railway that winds through the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter, lined with residential buildings and cafes. Tourists should check the train street schedule in advance and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching trains pass by up close.
Day 3 Hanoi → Halong Bay 5-star luxury cruise → Halong City
All day
丨Itinerary presentation
Halong Bay five-star luxury cruise day tour reference schedule
【07:45–8:30】Depart from Hanoi Hotel
10:00–10:15: Break
[11:30–11:45] The bus will arrive at Tuan Chau Pier and arrive at our pier, where our friendly staff will be waiting for you with big smiles. We will offer a free welcome drink and give a brief introduction before we depart for the bay.
12:00–1:00 PM: Our award-winning chefs will prepare stunning cuisine, paired with cocktails, fine wines, and beers. The bar will be open throughout the ceremony (not included in the fee).
Water is provided throughout the tour, any other beverages not mentioned are subject to payment.
2:00 PM–3:00 PM: We'll spend a one-hour round-trip boat trip through a small cave and into our private lagoon, surrounded by rock walls. This is a quiet little corner of Halong Bay, all to ourselves. Your guide will share some Halong Bay folklore before returning to the boat.
[3:15 PM–3:45 PM] Enjoy trampolines, water slides, swimming, or simply relax on the boat at Lan Ha Bay. You'll have one hour to enjoy the sand between your toes. So, relax and take a moment to contemplate the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder of the world.
[4:00 PM] Learn the history of one of Vietnam's most famous traditional dishes. From fresh ingredients to preparation methods, then try making it yourself. After completing this informative and engaging class, you'll be able to make Vietnamese spring rolls in your own kitchen. Delight all your friends and family back home with your newfound skills!
【16:30】Complimentary Vietnamese tea, fresh fruit, and small cakes keep you satisfied before returning to Hanoi. Enjoy the return cruise as the sun begins to set and the sky fills with crimson, purple, and yellow.
【17:45–18:00】We dock at the port and return to Halong City.
丨World Heritage Archives
World Natural Heritage: Halong Bay
Ha Long Bay
Halong Bay, located on the northwestern coast of the Gulf of Tonkin near Halong City in Quang Ninh Province, stretches across 1,500 square kilometers of ocean, dotted with mountains and islands of various shapes and forms. While precise statistics on the number of islands and peaks are lacking, estimates suggest there are over 3,000, with over 1,000 named mountains and islands. These peaks, primarily jagged limestone columns jutting out of the sea, are accompanied by caves and grottoes, creating an exotic and picturesque landscape. Because the islands in Halong Bay are all small, unique limestone peaks, each with its own unique shape and beautiful scenery, they resemble the scenic beauty of Guilin. Chinese tourists who have visited the bay affectionately call it "Guilin on the Sea."
4th Dalong City → Hanoi → Siem Reap
·morning
丨Itinerary presentation
We will depart later today so we can sleep in in the morning and have a good breakfast before strolling around downtown Halong, a small Vietnamese city famous for its World Heritage sites.
·afternoon
Depart from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and take a flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat.
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we were treated to a special meal at Chanrey Tree, a must-try restaurant in Siem Reap. Its cuisine, ambiance, and service are among the best in Cambodia, and it's even more famous thanks to David Beckham's visit. The dishes, a fusion of Western and local influences, are exquisite and flavorful, leaving you with an unforgettable experience.
After lunch, go to the hotel
丨Reference flights
Vietnam Airlines VN837
HAN Noi Bai T2 - SAI Siem Reap Angkor
15:15 (Vietnam time) - 16:55 (Cambodia time)
The flight time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There is no time difference between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Day 5 Angkor Grand Circle (Ta Prohm Temple → Preah Khan Temple → Angkor Thom → Bayon Temple → Phnom Bakheng)
·morning
丨Itinerary presentation
Today we begin our magical Angkor journey, starting with a visit to Ta Prohm Temple. The temple was the filming location for the movie "Tomb Raider," where the roots of a python-like tree have become one with the temple, creating a truly remarkable sight. Over 500 years, the Kapok tree has grown thickly around the entrance to the walled temple, its roots spreading outward in all directions, its tangled web of roots entwining the stupa and temple walls like a giant python, a truly remarkable sight.
We then proceeded to Preah Khan Temple, a major temple built in the 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. Its rectangular walls are 800 meters long and 700 meters wide. Four approaches lead to the temple, and at its entrance stand several statues of Asuras and Asuras depicting the churning of the Ocean of Milk while holding serpents. One of the largest temples in Angkor, it boasts intricate arched corridors, exquisite carvings, and moss-covered boulders.
·afternoon
After lunch, we'll head to Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Also known as Great Angkor, it's the heart of the Angkor complex. Its walls stretch 14 kilometers in circumference and are surrounded by a moat. We'll continue to the Bayon Temple, the heart of Angkor Thom. Composed of 49 towers of varying sizes, the Bayon boasts a unique design: each tower is engraved with the three-meter-tall smiling face of King Jayavarman VII. Over two hundred smiles loom amidst the lush greenery. Their proud brows, balanced nose, warm, full lips, and benevolent demeanor give rise to the Khmer smile.
In the evening, we will go to Phnom Bakheng. Phnom Bakheng is about 70 meters high and is the highest point nearby. It is the best place to watch the sunset over Angkor Wat. The golden halo of the sunset overlooking the ruins such as Angkor Wat hidden in the jungle from the top of the mountain is very unforgettable.
Special Notes
Phnom Bakheng is a popular spot for viewing the sunset. The temple limits the number of people entering to 300. During the peak season, you will need to wait in line and there is no guarantee that you will be able to enter.
Day 6 Angkor Wat Small Circle (Sunrise at Angkor Thom → Angkor Temple → Free time)
·morning
丨Itinerary presentation
Enjoy a packed breakfast at the hotel and head to Angkor Thom early in the morning to await sunrise. Afterward, we'll continue our tour of Angkor Wat, the largest and best-preserved structure in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Angkor Wat, commonly known as Little Angkor, represents the peak of Angkorian art. Built in the mid-12th century as a deity dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, it became a Buddhist temple in the late 13th century. Widely considered the world's largest religious structure, Angkor Wat boasts not only grand scale and symmetrical form, but also exquisite relief carvings. It embodies the pinnacle of Khmer classical architecture and is even featured on the Cambodian flag as a symbol.
·afternoon
The afternoon is free at your leisure. If you haven't seen enough of Angkor, your three-day pass still grants entry to the scenic area, allowing you to explore it at your leisure. You can also shop for local souvenirs at the Old Market in the city center, or experience a Cambodian spa treatment at a unique massage parlor.
丨Free recommendation (not included in the fee)
Recommended Siem Reap Massage: ① [Bodia Spa]
This is a low-key high-end SPA club that provides body essential oil treatments, facial massages and foot massages. Before the massage, guests can choose their favorite essential oils such as ylang-ylang, ginger or lemongrass. The natural smell can make people relax physically and mentally, which is very enjoyable.
Siem Reap Restaurant Recommendation ① [Khmer Kitchen Restaurant]
This popular Khmer restaurant in Siem Reap serves delicious Khmer and Thai dishes. The red-checkered tablecloth-covered restaurant looks clean and cheerful, with generous portions that cater to travellers. The waiter who takes your orders also speaks fluent English.
Siem Reap Restaurant Recommendation 2: The Red Piano
This is a famous bar and restaurant in Siem Reap. Angelina Jolie often visited here while filming Tomb Raider, and her photos and signature are adorning the walls. The restaurant is housed in a two-story French-style building with over 100 years of history, and the food is highly praised.
Siem Reap Restaurant Recommendation 3: The Blue Pumpkin
Located on Pub Street, this restaurant is known for its welcoming atmosphere, and the ice cream is highly recommended. The open-air dining area, with its grassy lawns, wicker chairs, and teak umbrellas, exudes a relaxed atmosphere. The upstairs, with its all-white furniture and couch-style seating, exudes a simple yet stylish aesthetic. They specialize in baked goods, Khmer cuisine, and more.
Day 7 Angkor Wat Outer Circle (Banteay Srei → Roluos Complex → Beng Mealea) → Ho Chi Minh City
·morning
丨Itinerary presentation
After breakfast, we'll drive to Banteay Srei, considered a jewel in the crown of Angkor art. Its vibrant colors and exquisite reliefs are captivating. Unlike the blue sandstone used in most Angkor monuments, Banteay Srei is constructed with Khmer red clay and slightly pink stone, resulting in an exceptionally vibrant color. Its walls, columns, lintels, and other architectural surfaces are almost entirely covered in relief carvings, leaving no gaps. The intricate and rounded shapes and delicate, graceful lines of these reliefs are truly breathtaking.
Then we will go to the origin of Angkor architecture, the Roluos complex. The Roluos complex is a masterpiece of Indravarman I. It is one of the earliest large-scale temples built by the Khmer people and marks the beginning of the Khmer classical art era.
·afternoon
After lunch, we'll visit Beng Mealea, one of Angkor's most enigmatic temples. Completely lost in the wilderness, Beng Mealea offers a glimpse into the pristine beauty of Angkor Wat amidst the dense jungle ruins. It's a worthwhile yet difficult-to-reach site within the Angkor complex. While its scale and design are nearly identical to Angkor Wat, it's still shrouded in dense jungle, preventing a full view. Arriving at Beng Mealea, you'll find it resembles the temple it was when foreign explorers first discovered Angkor: severely collapsed, shrouded by trees, and with no access to the surrounding area. Those who've seen the movie "Tomb Raider" will undoubtedly remember Ta Prohm Temple; while it evokes a sense of wonder, Beng Mealea offers a truly breathtaking experience.
In due time, we went to Siem Reap International Airport to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam and the Little Paris of the East. After arriving, we were picked up at the airport and taken to the hotel to check in and rest.
丨Reference flights
Vietnam Airlines VN812
SAI Siem Reap Angkor-SGN Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat T2
18:30 (Cambodia time) - 19:45 (Vietnam time)
The flight time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. There is no time difference between Cambodia and Vietnam.
Day 8 Pink Church → Reunification Palace → Saigon City Walk → Thien Hau Temple → Free exploration
All day
丨Itinerary presentation
After breakfast, we'll drive to the Pink Church (exterior). Built in 1876, the church boasts a vibrant pink exterior and a vibrant pink interior, creating a youthful atmosphere. We'll then take you inside the Reunification Palace. Formerly known as the Presidential Palace, it was the site of South Vietnam's formal surrender on April 30, 1975.
We will then begin our Saigon City Walk (Note 1), visiting Saigon Cathedral, a famous landmark. Modeled after the bell tower of Notre Dame de Paris, the cathedral boasts a symmetrical, majestic form, with two towers reaching 40 meters into the sky. The red bricks used in its construction were imported from France, and even after over a century, their color remains vibrant and unfaded. Next to the cathedral is the Central Post Office (enter and receive a special postcard). Built in the late 19th century and designed by a French architect, the post office boasts an ornately decorated lobby imbued with a classical atmosphere. The spacious lobby is flanked by counters and a circular bench running from the center. Above each side of the lobby are two maps of Vietnam, believed to have been hand-drawn by French geographers. The dome, circular stained glass windows, ornate chandeliers, floral wall lamps, and electric fans all reflect Gothic architectural style.
Continue to Ho Chi Minh City Hall (exterior), then to the Municipal Opera House (exterior). Its exterior is adorned with a variety of reliefs and patterns, modeled after similar French opera houses of the time, creating a truly exquisite experience. The ornate and exquisite reliefs on the exterior are a delight to behold. Finally, visit the Cafe Residence (enter), a popular Ho Chi Minh City landmark. This nine-story building, reminiscent of a vintage building, is home to over 50 diverse cafes. Its blend of history and modernity has made it a trendy destination. If you're tired of browsing, you can find a café that catches your eye and enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee.
After lunch, we will continue to the Thien Hau Temple (enter) located in the Chinese area of District 5 in Ho Chi Minh City. Also known as the Sui Thanh Guildhall, it was built in the 25th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1761 AD) to enshrine the Virgin of Thien Hau. Its exterior adopts the ancient Chinese architectural style. It is one of the largest, oldest, and most historically and culturally valuable Chinese temples in Ho Chi Minh City, and has become a center of faith for the Chinese in Saigon.
After the tour, tourists can enjoy a leisurely half day of free exploration in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City → Shanghai ★ Disbandment Day
All day
丨Itinerary presentation
Packed breakfast and transfer to Ho Chi Minh International Airport for check-in. Take SKYTRAX 4-star Vietnam Airlines flight back to Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Tourists who are still reluctant to leave and bid farewell with tears, please remember to fill out a follow-up review on the "China-TravelNote APP" to win vouchers. You can also post travel notes or works of art on the "China-TravelNote Community" & "China-TravelNote Photography Network" to share the wonderful memories of your trip!
丨Reference flights
Vietnam Airlines VN524
SGN Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat T2 - PVG Shanghai Pudong T1
07:30 (Vietnam time) - 12:40 (China time)
The flight time is about 4 hours and 10 minutes, and the time difference is 1 hour slower than China.
