Vietnam Cambodia

Planning a 17-day itinerary for a retired couple traveling in a group from Israel to Vietnam and Cambodia sounds like a delightful adventure! Let’s create a balanced itinerary that includes cultural experiences, relaxation, and some light adventure, all while keeping the pace comfortable for everyone.

17-Day Itinerary: Vietnam & Cambodia

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam

• Morning: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.
• Afternoon: Relax and freshen up. Enjoy a welcome lunch at a local restaurant.
• Evening: Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple. Dinner at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant.
• Cost: $50 per person (meals, transfers)

Day 2: Explore Hanoi

• Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, and the One Pillar Pagoda.
• Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
• Evening: Attend a Water Puppet Show.
• Cost: $60 per person (entrance fees, meals, show)

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

• Morning: Depart for Halong Bay (approx. 3.5 hours by bus).
• Afternoon: Board a cruise ship for a scenic tour of the bay. Enjoy lunch on board.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight on the cruise.
• Cost: $150 per person (transport, cruise, meals)

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi

• Morning: Continue cruising, visit Sung Sot Cave.
• Afternoon: Return to Hanoi. Free time for shopping in the Old Quarter.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Cost: $100 per person (cruise, meals, transport)

Day 5: Hanoi to Hue

• Morning: Fly to Hue (1-hour flight).
• Afternoon: Visit the Imperial City and the Thien Mu Pagoda.
• Evening: Dinner on a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River.
• Cost: $120 per person (flights, meals, entrance fees)

Day 6: Explore Hue

• Morning: Visit the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a cooking class and lunch.
• Evening: Free time to explore local markets.
• Cost: $80 per person (meals, class, transport)

Day 7: Hue to Hoi An

• Morning: Drive to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax. Explore Hoi An Ancient Town.
• Evening: Dinner at a riverside restaurant.
• Cost: $70 per person (transport, meals)

Day 8: Hoi An

• Morning: Take a bicycle tour to the countryside.
• Afternoon: Visit a local tailor for custom clothing (optional).
• Evening: Enjoy a lantern-making workshop.
• Cost: $60 per person (bicycle rental, workshop)

Day 9: Hoi An to Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

• Morning: Transfer to Da Nang and visit the Marble Mountains.
• Afternoon: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (1.5-hour flight).
• Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with city views.
• Cost: $120 per person (transport, flights, meals)

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

• Morning: Visit the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace.
• Afternoon: Explore Ben Thanh Market.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Cost: $60 per person (entrance fees, meals)

Day 11: Mekong Delta Day Trip

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta. Boat ride through the canals.
• Afternoon: Visit local villages and enjoy a traditional lunch.
• Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City.
• Cost: $80 per person (transport, meals, boat ride)

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, Cambodia

• Morning: Fly to Siem Reap (1-hour flight).
• Afternoon: Visit Angkor Wat Temple.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Cost: $120 per person (flights, meals, entrance fees)

Day 13: Angkor Temples

• Morning: Explore the Angkor Thom complex and Bayon Temple.
• Afternoon: Visit Ta Prohm Temple (the "Tomb Raider" temple).
• Evening: Traditional Apsara dance performance with dinner.
• Cost: $100 per person (entrance fees, meals, performance)

Day 14: Siem Reap

• Morning: Visit Banteay Srei Temple.
• Afternoon: Free time for shopping or relaxing at the hotel.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Cost: $60 per person (meals, transport)

Day 15: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

• Morning: Drive to Phnom Penh (approx. 6 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
• Evening: Dinner at a riverside restaurant.
• Cost: $80 per person (transport, meals, entrance fees)

Day 16: Phnom Penh

• Morning: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields.
• Afternoon: Free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation.
• Evening: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
• Cost: $70 per person (entrance fees, meals)

Day 17: Departure

• Morning: Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your flight back home.
• Cost: $30 per person (transfers)

Estimated Total Cost:

• Per Person: Approximately $1,600 - $2,000 (including flights, meals, accommodation, and activities)
• Group Costs: For 20-30 people, consider group discounts and package deals with local travel agencies.

Tips:

• Ensure to check visa requirements for both Vietnam and Cambodia for Israeli citizens.
• Consider travel insurance for peace of mind.
• Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes for exploring!

This itinerary balances cultural immersion, relaxation, and light adventure, making it perfect for a retired couple. Enjoy your trip, and let me know if you need any more details or adjustments! Safe travels! 🌏✈️