In January 2019, AA Plus Vacation's CEO led a "14-Day North & South Vietnam and Cambodia Tour," receiving excellent customer feedback and enthusiastic recommendations to friends. In response to customer requests, AA Plus Vacation refined its experience and continuously improved. Our CEO led the 2020 January edition, traveling from Cambodia through South Vietnam and finally to North Vietnam, a 14-day journey covering 2 countries and 8 cities. Everyone traveled with AA Plus Vacation to experience different facets of Cambodia and Vietnam, feeling the tender affection of both nations. The gentle breeze along the way accompanied our cheerful laughter as we progressed. Recalling the mountains and waters of that place, we cannot help but feel our spirits renewed. This enchanting and joyful time was all too brief, fading into the distance.
Our first stop was Phnom Penh, one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful cities, praised by foreigners as the "Paris of the East" and Cambodia's capital and largest city. Next, we cruised on Tonlé Sap Lake to observe the local water-dwelling communities' unique houseboats, where fishing, vegetable cultivation, and pig farming all occur within waterborne homes, with all terrestrial facilities ingeniously adapted, creating a distinctly unique scene. Along the way, we passed through Mao Zedong Boulevard, Phnom Penh's longest and widest street, and Wat Unalom, the capital's largest, oldest, and most important temple. Then we witnessed the nearly thousand-year-old lost culture of Angkor Wat, and finally ascended Phnom Bakheng to witness the most beautiful sunset and gaze upon the magnificent Angkor Ancient City.
After bidding farewell to Cambodia's millennium-old heritage, we began our Vietnam journey. We came to Ho Chi Minh, known as the "Paris of the East." Ho Chi Minh's architectural landmark, the Red Church, greeted us. The Central Post Office, a building steeped in history, saw many of us selecting picturesque postcards to send to ourselves or loved ones. Next, we visited Da Nang, one of the top 50 must-visit places on earth, known as the "Hawaii of the East," featuring the retreat destination of Ba Na Hills, the tallest Guanyin statue at Linh Ung Temple, and various water sports alongside fresh, affordable seafood feasts. Beyond sun, sea, and beaches, there are numerous scenic areas and cultural heritage sites. We also visited Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As evening falls in Hoi An, every household hangs lanterns of various designs skillfully crafted by local young women, illuminating the ancient town with a different allure and tenderness, bewitching all who see it. Hue, Vietnam's capital during the unified period, invites us to board an ancient-style dragon boat to cruise the Perfume River, grasping these leisurely moments immersed in Vietnam's ancient culture, experiencing a uniquely different atmosphere. In the second half of our journey, we arrived at the "Thousand-Year Hanoi," where every street and tree vividly presents Vietnam's profound history and culture. Whether viewing the street architecture or tasting the delicacies, everything evokes anticipation and excitement. Crowned with UNESCO World Heritage status, Ha Long Bay presents a unique mystique. With numerous peculiar rock formations on the islands, we boarded our carefully arranged cruise ship, admiring the rippling emerald waters like scenes from a dream, enjoying the crystalline sunlight, consuming fresh seafood feasts, and witnessing a unique art form spanning millennia – traditional water puppetry.
Vietnam and Cambodia offer everything for urban tourism, cultural and historical exploration, appreciation of natural scenery, seaside leisure and recreation, and entertainment. Everyone who traveled with AA Plus Vacation experienced a rich fusion of Cambodia's Eastern mystique and Vietnam's French romantic charm. Truly, this journey was well worth undertaking!
We look forward very much to our next adventure together with you and your family and friends!