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Authentic Vietnam Tour

Hanoi - Halong - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Phong Nha - Hue - Danang - Hoian - Saigon - Mekong Cruise
Excellent

Overview

The Authentic Vietnam tour is an amazing trip for active persons who want to explore culture, nature and history. This trip offers a combination of guided excursions and free time to explore beaches, ruins, urban culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Cruise the Mekong for 2 days and overnight on a boat cruise in Halong Bay. Explore amazing Pu Luong Nature Reserve, boat trip for Trang An, and Phong Nha with Paradise cave. Enjoy the atmospheric imperial capital of Huế, and the charms of Hoi An with daily vivid life to the modern day life of Saigon. And experience amazing unique train journey.

Travel Map

Note*: this tour can be operated from Saigon. If you would like to start the tour from Saigon, please contact us for detailed itinerary.

Authentic Vietnam Tour2

Highlights

  • Explore the  Mekong Delta  culture and lifestyle on relaxing cruise
  • Observe the unique way of trading at floating market where barges loaded with fruits and vegetables gather for the early morning trade
  • Cycle through endless rice fields and explore the local life
  • Enjoy the unique view of Pu Luong
  • Visit Phong Nha – one of the world’s largest caves
  • Experience a slow pace of life when you walk around the impossibly atmospheric Ancient Town of Hoi An
  • Enjoy the atmospheric imperial capital of Huế
  • Spend the night on boat that cruise between the limestone peaks of  Halong Bay   while feasting on sumptuous meals on board
  • Explore the underground system of Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about hard life in war time

Tour Itinerary

Arrive in Hanoi. Greeted by your driver at the airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city centre for check-in and at leisure in the rest of the day.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Hanoi Old Quarter

Note*:

  • The hotel room will be available at 2:00pm, and in case that you would like to secure an early-check in, an additional charge will be applied.
  • Please be advised that both international and domestic might be crowded at sometimes during the day, so in case that you arrive and cannot find our representatives, please contact us, so we could easily search for you

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Free to relax in the morning.
Pickup at 13:30. We will spend a half day to visit the city. We start with visit to President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (Outside). We also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Hanoi Opera House

Leaving the President’s complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). Although several Van Mieu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, and was functioned as Vietnam’s first university.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

08h00: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Halong City through the paddy fields in the Red River Delta.
10h00: Stopover on the way for a refreshment break
12h00: Arrive at Tuan Chau wharf – Break and photography time
12h30: Board the Cruise for departure. Welcome drink will be served

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Halong bay cruise

13h00: Lunch is served while cruising through the bay
15h30: Visit exciting Cua Van fishing village. The village is free of busy roads and streets, electric lights, houses and high rise buildings. Instead, there are only herds of little boats and rafts. You will have the chance to discover the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen.
16h30: Enjoy kayaking or swimming (if the weather permits).

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Halong Kayaking

17h00: Back on board and continue cruising.
19h00: Dinner is served.
21h00: Take some leisure time to enjoy chatting at the bar or enjoy some night fishing.

Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Halong bay cruises

06:00: Start with a short early Tai Chi class.
07.00: Coffee and tea will be served
08.00: Continue cruising
08h15: Visit splendid Sung Sot Cave

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Tai Chi

09h00: Check out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay, passing Dinh Huong Island, fishing villages, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island and Sail Island.
09.30: Buffet brunch (breakfast/lunch) while cruising back through Halong Bay to the pier
11h30: Arrive at the pier. Time to say goodbye to the crew. Pickup and transfer to Hanoi.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

07:00: Pick-up at the hotel to go to Pu Luong Nature Reserve by Limousine Bus.
09:00: Short break in Luong Son (Outside of Hanoi).
11:00: Stop at the local market of the Muong Ethnic Minority; enjoy the beautiful scenery of ThungKhe Pass (One of the 10 most beautiful passes in Vietnam).
12:00: Arrival in Mai Chau and transfer to a van to go to Pu Luong Reserve nature

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Pu Luong

13:00: Check in and lunch at Pu Luong Eco Garden – The Mountain Retreat.
14:30: Board the van to the starting point. Following the small road through the terrace rice and sugar cane fields, cross the Hanging Bridges to visit other remote rural villages of Thai Ethnic. Stop at the giant waterwheels, ducks farm to learn about the agriculture before getting on the Bamboo Raft for a relaxing cruise on Cham stream (cruise depending on weather conditions).
17:30: Pick up the van to go to the Eco Garden – Mountain Retreat. Enjoy swimming in the Infinity Pool.
19:00: BBQ Dinner at the lodge, enjoy some local rice wine. Have a quiet night in the middle of the Reserve.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay in Pu Luong

07:30: Have breakfast in the lodge. Enjoying the breathtaking view from Pu Luong Eco Garden.
08:30 = Trek following the small roads through the terrace rice fields and cross the stream to visit remote hidden village of Kho Muong to learn about the local people in Pu Luong.(6kms) Explore Doi Cave (Bat cave), this is the largest cave in Pu Luong. (Depending on the weather condition)
12:00: Back to the Eco Garden – The Mountain Retreat, check out.
13:00: Have lunch and have free time to relax in the Infinity pool or walking around the village before boarding the c ar to go to Ninh Binh at 14:30.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Ninh Binh

17:30: Arrive in Ninh Binh homestay, check in and have free time.
19:00: Have dinner at the homestay.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Homestay in Ninh Binh

7:30: Breakfast at the homestay
8:30: Cycling through the limestone karsts to reach 2 temples of the first 2 Emperors in the 10 th Century in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital hike up the Ma Yen Mountain to visit the King’s tomb in 10th century and enjoy the panorama view from the mountain. On the way back, stop in a local family to discover daily life and culture and share a tea with them.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Ninh Binh – Cycling

12:00: have lunch at the homestay
13:30: Go to Trang An for a boat ride in between the karst pics and enjoy the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
16:00: Drop you off at the hotel. Free to relax till pickup for overnight train to Dong Hoi

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight train

Our driver and Guide will pick you up at Dong Hoi Train station. Transfer to the restaurant for breakfast.

Then we drive on to the Ho Chi Minh-West Trail. There will be a short stop at the 8 Ladies Cave. This is a memorial temple for 8 brave woman that sought shelter inside one of the caves during the war. Our tour guides will explain the entire story to the participants!
Visit Paradise Cave. Named as Heaven in Mother Earth’s Underground, Paradise Cave is one of the most magnificent and magical wonders in the world. The Bristish Royal Caves Research Association has recognized it as the longest dry cave in Asia. Especially, the stalactite system here are so beautifully glizt and shimmey that beyond human’s imagination

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Phong Nha Cave

Continue the journey to visit the Mooc Spring Eco Trail.
The Mooc Spring Eco-Trail is home to many exotic animals like Gibbons, colorful birds, snakes, many fresh water fish and butterflies. Enjoy the great moments of relaxation, mix the natural scenery of the romantic Mooc stream.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay in Phong Nha

Have breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Visit Phong Nha Cave. The only way to enter the cave is by a short 30 minute boat ride boat on the Son river. Every tour to Phong Nha Cave starts at the boat station at the Phong Nha Ke-Bang Tourism Center. The mouth of the cave is simply beautiful and unlike any other cave entrance in the world.

Conquering the Phong Nha Cave is the longest wet cave or river cave in the world , enjoy the scenery spectacular limestone, underground river system and unique stalactite in the world.
Continue the journey to visit the Chay River – Dark Cave.

The entrance of the Dark Cave is at the opposite river bank from the Zip-Line tower. The beautiful deep blue color of the Chay river will catch your eye while riding the Zip-Line and a short 20 meter swim is required to actually enter the cave after the ride.

The cave is home to many lakes, with a water temperature of about 18 degrees. Inside the cave there are many unique things to see and experience! There is a natural mud bath at the end of one of the narrow passages and there are many ancient fossils to be found. The fossils are over a million years old!

Our guides will provide information about the history of the cave while exploring it. After successfully exploring the cave it’s time to take the kayak and paddle back to the boat station. Pickup and drive to the train station to transfer to Hue Transfer to the hotel in Hue upon arrival.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Hue City

Note: we would have to arrange bus transfer to Hue in case there is not suitable train today.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

08:00: Pickup at the hotel. Today, we will spend a full day touring Hue city.
In the morning: visit Old Imperial City, Flag Tower, Thien Mu Pagoda and Dong Ba bustling market. Lunch at the local restaurant.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Thien My Pagoda

In the afternoon: visit Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. We will also visit a Conical hat village and incense stick village. Then enjoy your free time to explore Hue city.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Free to relax in the morning.

In the afternoon, pickup to transfer to the station for scenic train journey to Danang. The train journey take you through Hai Van pass – one of world’s most amazing train routes.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Hai Van Pass

Arrive Danang in the late afternoon, pickup and transfer to the hotel in Danang. Enjoy free time to relax at the hotel at beautiful My Khe beach.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Danang

Free for relaxing and swimming till pickup at the hotel at 10am for Golden hand bridge. We advise a late start to beat the crowds that flock to the Golden Hand Bridge and Ba Na Hills. The adventure begins by taking the most modern Cable Car in Southeast Asia – and the world’s longest – to the top of mountains. On arrival explore Le Jardin D’Amour (consisting of 9 gardens) and the Linh Ung Pagoda. Enjoy walking on the Golden Bridge which nestles in the forested hills supported by two giant concrete hands that materialize through the trees. The Golden Bridge is 148.6 m long, with 8 spans, the largest span being 21.2 m. The bridge sits 1414 m above sea level.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Golden Hand Bridge

After lunch, discover and play games at the Fantasy Park – a perfect tourist attraction for an entire family as well as to explore King Peak. Return to the Cable Car Station and back to the Gateway then transfer to the hotel in Hoian. Arrive the hotel in late afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

8:00 AM – Pick up from your hotel, we’ll then hop on our bicycles for a short ride to get out of town center and discover the authentic charm of the Cam Kim island. The ride leads us through lush countryside and tracks lined by river coconut palms, with the gentle breeze sweeping in off the river. We’ll with stops at several handicraft workshops en-route to get a closer look at everyday life of local people, they can be the wood carving and boat building in Kim Bong, and sedge-mat weaving in Tra Nhieu.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Hoian Cycling

After around 2 hours cycling, we’ll cross the river in a wooden boat then continue pedaling to a riverside garden. It’s time to relax, sock your feet in an herbal bath and enjoy a tasty lunch with local products.

Trip ends with a quick transfer by Jeep back to your hotel at around 2:00 PM.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Free and easy day to explore Hoian town or swim at nearby beach.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Hoian Ancient Town

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Free to explore Hoian town till airport transfer for the flight to Saigon.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Saigon Post Office

Upon arrivel, pickup for half day city tour. Our city tour will help you to see the best of Saigon. We visit the historic Reunification palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the post Office.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Note*: depending on the cruise availability, you would do the Caibe – Can Tho or Can Tho – Caibe itinerary. We will keep you updated.
07:10 – 07:30: Pickup at the hotel for Cantho – Caibe itinerary
08:00 – 08:20: Pickup at the hotel for Caibe – Can Tho Itinerary.

You board your comfortable wooden Mekong Eyes cruise vessel around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the Mekong Eyes Cruise starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Mekong River Cruise

In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through a village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.
Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong river. The Mekong Eyes Cruise will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner. You stay overnight on board your floating hotel in the Mekong Delta.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Mekong Eyes/Le Cochinchine Cruise

Wake up well rested to the sound of the river and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing in the Mekong Delta. At 6.30h the Mekong Eyes cruise vessel sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.

Authentic Vietnam Tour
Mekong River life

After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to Cai Be or Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables and skilfully handcrafted regional products. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards.
Note*: The floating markets in the Mekong Delta are no tourist markets but wholesale markets where produce of the Mekong Delta like fruits and vegetables are traded. For this reason the number of boats on the market fluctuates depending on harvesting seasons and market demand. Furthermore, modern wholesale markets are becoming more popular in Vietnam. This can result in decreasing numbers of boats being present on the markets.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Free and easy till airport transfer for departure flight. Trip ends.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: n/a

Important Note*

  • This tour can start from Saigon and finish in Hanoi. Please contact us for detailed itinerary then.
  • PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE
  • The itinerary can be customized basing on your interests (you can extend your stay at each location, add/remove activities)

Price & Inclusion

Hotel category Private Tour
(US$/person)
2 – 4 pax 5-8 pax 9+ pax
3* Hotels US$ US$ US$
4* Hotels US$ US$ US$
5* Hotels US$ US$ US$
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Note*:

  • All prices are in USD per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
  • In some major cities in Vietnam, hotel rooms may not have windows.
  • Similar hotels are selected if any of above are booked
  • Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Booking Policy

Price Includes

  • Overnights in selected hotels or similar
  • Halong bay 2 day Cruise package
  • Mekong 2 day cruise package by Mekong Eyes/Le Cochinchine Cruise
  • All in-tour stationed local English speaking guide.
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
  • Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicles (including airport pick up & see off)
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Internal flight (Danang – Saigon )
  • Overnight trains (Ninh Binh – Dong Hoi)
  • Day Trains: Dong Hoi – Hue; Hue – Danang

Price excludes

  • Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary
  • Visa stamping fee
  • International flights pre/post tour
  • Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenditures
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation received 60 days or more before arrival date: 10% of total rate
  • Cancellation received from 30 days to 59 days prior arrival date: 20% of total rate
  • Cancellation received from 15 days to 29 days prior arrival date: 30% of total rate
  • Cancellation received from 7 days to 14 days prior arrival date: 50% of total rate
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days prior arrival date or No show: 100% of total rate

Note*: Once all flights and trains have been issued, additional cancellation charge of US$140/person for all included routes.

Children Policy

  • For infant (<02 years old): FOC except domestic ticket cost
  • 02 – 10 years old without bed: 50% adult rate
  • 02 – 10 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate
  • 02 – 10 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate
  • from 11 years old: 100% adult rate

Note*: The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults

Questions & Answers

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the travel consultant whom you deal with and then our hot line contact. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please send us a detailed message and contact information by email, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
Our all travel consultants use WhatApps. Please ensure that you have the contact number. It's best to buy a local sim-card. Most hotels offer free wifi. So it's very easy to contact in urgent case.

Emergency contact numbers

Mr. Kelvin Do: +84 986759655

Ms. Thuy Pham: +84 984654964

If you book private tour for your group, we will use private cars, different stationed guides at each location. For some long routes (or Halong/Mekong cruise package), private car would be not necessary, and very expensive (unless you are a big group). We would suggest join bus transfer where possible then.

Please do not buy gems unless you know what you are doing. Even if genuine you should not expect to be able to sell them at home. If you fall victim to a gem scam, we are unable to assist you.

We would use different hotel categories and you can select any basing on your budget. So your travel companions would not stay at the your hotel. A Hotel Voucher will be provided once your tour is confirmed with all hotel details. In case suggested hotels are full, we would use others of similar standard/price.

Note*: if you want other hotels instead of our suggested ones, please contact us for details.

Yes, there is. Free wifi is available at all hotels in Vietnam.
Most of the cafe, hotel, Shop, Restaurants in Vietnam also provide free wifi.
Compare to other neighboring countries, Wifi access in Vietnam is so much convenient.

All airport transfers are included in the tour price. You should provide us your arrival/departure flight details and we will arrange things basing on the information. A meeting sign with your name and all flight details will be sent to you. Please be ready at the lobby at pointed time for pickup.
Driver/guide should always be present at the airport before your arrival time. If you could not find the driver, please contact your travel consultant who you deal with. For any reason that airport transfer could not be arranged, please take the taxi to the hotel. We will refund the money then.

Travel insurance is not included in our tour price. When travelling with us, you are suggested to buy insurance that covers all medical coverage, cancellation, personal liability, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel in safety boxes if available and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.

Conservative Dress

  • Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
  • Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Note*: Please pack clothing for the season in which you will be travelling. From Dec-Feb weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing. From May-Nov it is the wet season, so please bring waterproof clothing.

Documents

  • All tickets (required)
  • Passport (required) (With photocopies)
  • Required visas
  • Hotel & Tour Vouchers
  • Meeting sign (with your names and flight details that we will use for transfers)

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service.

Indochina Countries use 220V, and a mixture of flat 2-pin, round 2-pin or 3 pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adapter.

Customer Reviews

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5 star ratingA journey that changed our perspective We couldn't have asked for a more authentic experience in Hanoi! Our guide took us to hidden local markets and family homes where we learned to make traditional Vietnamese dishes. The highlight was spending an evening with a local family,... read more
Analiese E Avatar
Analiese E
16/12/24
5 star ratingNorth of Vietnam tour We had wonderful 8 day tour to north of Vietnam. We started in Hanoi, then traveled to Chapa where we trekked through villages away from the town. We spent 2 nights at homestay at Hmong & Tay families. They were... read more
Manuel Dean Avatar
Manuel Dean
15/12/24
5 star ratingHidden gems & seamless service! We wanted an authentic Vietnamese experience, not just another tourist trap. Indochina Treks Travel delivered! Our itinerary was perfectly tailored to our interests. The booking process was a breeze, and the team's passion for their country was infectious. Highly recommend!
Alli S Avatar
Alli S
13/12/24
5 star ratingOur Cambodia - Vietnam tour with Kelvin Do Kelvin Do @ Indochinatreks did his great job. We prepared for this 25 day trip since Feb. It's our longest one for our 15th celebertation. We found this the right man after a few emails. Great communication when Kelvin could... read more
Rehan B
12/12/24
5 star ratingDeep dive into Vietnamese culture We just finished our 15 day tour in Vietnam. It's a private trip and we did make a lot of changes. We were amazed by how Indochina Treks managed to weave authentic experiences into every day of our trip. Their... read more
Gerri J Avatar
Gerri J
11/12/24
5 star ratingSouth to North Vietnam Tour We started our planning our trip since Jan 2024 through email & Whatapp with Kelvin Do. From the moment we contacted, we knew that this was the right guy. His knowledge & professionalism was excellent. He suggested an itinerary of... read more
Ricky W Avatar
Ricky W
11/12/24
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from C$2,147

Our selected Hotels

Cities 3* Hotels 4* hotels 5* Hotels
Hanoi Hanoian Central Hotel & Spa Golden Silk Boutique Oriental Jade
Sapa Sapa Panorama Hotel Sapa Amazing Hotel Victoria Resort
Halong Bay Cruise Swan Cruise La Regina Cruise Sealife Legend
Ninh Binh Tam Coc Friendly homestay Lalita Boutique Hotel
Hue Hue Orchid hotel Hue Eldora Imperial Hotel
Hoian Kim Ann Hoi An Vinh Hung Riverside Victoria Hoian Resort
Saigon Queen Ann Hotel Alagon D'Antique hotel & Spa Renaissance Riverside
Phnom Penh Saravoan Royal Palace Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel Shokha Phnom Penh
Siem Reap Angkor Holiday Hotel Somadevi Angkor Shokha Angkor

Note*:

  • Depending on your budget, you can choose a suitable hotel category

  • Early checking/late checkout are not included and you can change the to any other hotels  and room type if required. Additional charge/discount will be made accordingly

  • The list of hotels are used for our all tour itineraries which may includes Cambodia

  • We would use similar hotels in case any of above are fully booked.

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