Timeless Asia: "Vietnam-Cambodia" | May 15 – May 24, 2027

Meeting in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport international departures terminal at 22:50.

After breakfast at the hotel, we meet with our guide and head towards the Cu Chi Tunnels. On the way, we first visit a workshop where traditional handicrafts are produced and learn about the production processes. Afterwards, we arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most striking structures from the Vietnam War. Our visit begins with a short introductory video explaining the history of the area. Then, we see various traps from the war period, remains of American tanks, and craters formed by bombings. For about an hour, we explore this complex underground network of tunnels and learn how Viet Cong units lived and survived here. After the visit, we return to Ho Chi Minh City. Following the free time given for lunch, our city tour begins with the Independence Palace, which was formerly used as the official residence of the President of South Vietnam. Here, we learn about the war between North and South Vietnam and the process that ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975. Next, we visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883, and the Historical Central Post Office, one of the city's iconic landmarks. The majority of the materials used in the construction of the Notre-Dame Cathedral were brought from France; today, it is one of the important centers of Catholicism in Vietnam. The final stop of our tour is Ben Thanh Market, one of Saigon's oldest trading points and one of the city's symbols. After the visit, we return to our hotel. Free time. Overnight at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Note: Due to restoration work, the Notre-Dame Cathedral will only be viewable from the outside.

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to My Tho, one of the important settlements of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, we board a boat and begin our cruise on the Mekong River. During the boat tour, we see Dragon Island, Unicorn Island, Turtle Island, Phoenix Island, and Rach Mieu Bridge. Then we reach Thoi Son Island, the largest island in the region with an area of approximately 1,200 hectares and a length of 11 kilometers, as well as Unicorn Island. Here, we visit the orchid garden and beehives, and taste honey tea. Additionally, we visit a local chocolate processing workshop to learn about the production process. After our boat journey, we move to the Ben Tre region and visit a traditional workshop where coconut sugar is produced. Afterwards, we hop into tuk-tuks and enjoy a pleasant ride along village roads. We stop at a local farmhouse to taste fresh tropical fruits and listen to traditional music performed by the local people. Then, we board small sampan boats and paddle through natural canals, experiencing up close the peaceful atmosphere of the Mekong Delta countryside. After our boat tour, we have lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties. After completing our tour, we return to Ho Chi Minh City. Free time. Overnight at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time until your flight departure. At the scheduled time, we will meet in our hotel lobby and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport. After completing ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we depart for Siem Reap on Vietnam Airlines flight VN 813 at 17:15. Upon arrival in Siem Reap at 18:20 local time, we will be met by our private vehicle and transferred to our city center hotel. After check-in, you will have free time to rest and explore the unique atmosphere of Siem Reap. Overnight stay at our hotel in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at the hotel, we dedicate our day to exploring the most important temples of the Angkor region. First, we visit Angkor Wat, the most famous and best-preserved structure of the Angkor complex. With its three-tiered massive structure and five lotus-bud-shaped towers reaching 65 meters above ground, Angkor Wat is one of the most impressive examples of Khmer architecture. Next, we proceed to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, a walled settlement built as the final capital of the Great Khmer Empire during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. Here, we see the main structures of this magnificent 12th-century site: Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, the Royal Area, the Terrace of Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. After free time for lunch, we visit Ta Prohm Temple. Unlike other Angkor temples, Ta Prohm has largely retained its appearance from the time of its rediscovery; with its towering tree roots rising among the ruins, its striking atmosphere, and its photogenic views, it is one of the most special structures in the region. After our visit, we return to our hotel in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free.

This evening, we enjoy dinner accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance performance. Overnight at our hotel in Siem Reap.

Note:

When visiting the Angkor Temples, long pants that cover the knees and tops that cover the shoulders are mandatory. Entry to the temple area is not permitted with short skirts, mini shorts, sleeveless blouses, or clothing that exposes the body. Visitors who do not wear appropriate attire may be denied entry by authorities.

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Chong Kneas Floating Village located on the shores of Tonle Sap Lake. In this settlement, which consists of houses built on stilts, the appearance of the structures varies according to the season and water level. During some periods, the houses rise approximately 10 meters above the water, while during periods of rising water levels, they give the impression of floating on the lake. During our boat tour, we have the opportunity to closely observe the daily life of the local people, Cambodian rural culture, and traditional family life. After free time for lunch, we transfer to Siem Reap Airport at the time specified by our guide. Following our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we depart for Hanoi at 18:05 on Vietnam Airlines flight VN 836. Upon our arrival in Hanoi at 19:50 local time, we are met by our guide and transferred to our hotel in the city center. Overnight stay at our hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from Hanoi and head towards Ha Long Bay along the Red River Delta. Arriving at the coast shortly before noon, we board our traditionally designed boat for our overnight cruise among the legendary landscapes of Ha Long Bay.

Depending on the preferred boat route, we explore one of the bays: Ha Long, Lan Ha, or Bai Tu Long. All these areas are part of the Ha Long Bay ecosystem. After boarding, we enjoy a lunch primarily featuring seafood while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding limestone formations. In the afternoon, we reach one of the bay's quieter and less-visited areas to relax during free time. The itinerary may vary based on season, weather, and sea conditions; however, during our two-day boat tour, we will have the opportunity to visit a cave, explore a floating village, or participate in a kayaking activity. At the end of the day, we watch the sunset over the bay from the boat’s sun deck. Before dinner, you can enjoy aperitifs or join a cooking demonstration. After dinner, we spend the night in our comfortable cabins with private bathrooms aboard our boat in Ha Long Bay.

Notes:

The boat route and itinerary may change due to weather conditions, tides, and operational reasons. Swimming and kayaking activities may be cancelled in case of adverse weather.

Guests who wish may start their day by joining a Tai Chi session held with the unique view of Ha Long Bay. While watching the magnificent sunrise over the bay, we enjoy complimentary tea and coffee. Afterwards, we continue to explore Ha Long Bay. At the scheduled time, we vacate our cabins and head towards the port while enjoying our light brunch. After disembarking from the boat, we begin our journey back to Hanoi. Upon arrival in the city, our first stop is Hoa Lo Prison, known as "Hanoi Hilton" by American prisoners of war. This historic site, one of the important witnesses of Vietnamese history, provides striking insights into the war period. Next, we watch the Water Puppet Show, one of Vietnam's most important cultural traditions. This colorful performance, staged on water, brings Vietnamese folk tales and rural life to the stage with an entertaining narrative. After the program, we transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring Hanoi's evening atmosphere. In the evening, we have our farewell dinner at a local restaurant where we can share the beautiful memories collected throughout the tour. Overnight stay at our hotel in Hanoi.

After having breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms and begin our Hanoi city tour. Our first stop is the Etnoloji Museum, which introduces the cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of various ethnic groups living in Vietnam. Especially in the open-air section, traditional houses and living spaces offer a close look at the country's cultural richness. Next, we visit the Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century in honor of Confucius and recognized as Vietnam's first university. With its lotus ponds, historic courtyards, and peaceful atmosphere, this temple is one of Hanoi's most impressive structures and continues to be visited by students today. After lunch at a local restaurant, we proceed to the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Here, we view the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside, then enjoy a pleasant walk through the lush gardens of the Presidential Palace. Within the gardens, we also visit the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House. Continuing our tour, we move to the Old Quarter (Eski Şehir) area, considered the historic heart of Hanoi. In this historic district, once home to various artisan guilds and known as the "36 Streets," we take a walk, observing local shops and vibrant street life up close. Afterwards, we reach Hoan Kiem Lake, one of the city's symbols. We view the Turtle Tower located in the middle of the lake panoramically and are given free time around Ngoc Son Temple, accessible via a red wooden bridge. At the scheduled time, we transfer to Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and begin our return journey to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK165 departing at 22:55.

Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 05:35 local time and the end of our tour. We say goodbye, looking forward to meeting again on our next enjoyable trip.

Abbreviations explanations >>> (K): Breakfast | (A): Dinner | (Ö): Lunch