Collection of Two Wonders～Angkor Wat + Halong Bay: A Grand Tour Experience of Two World Heritage Sites

Text by Qidou Travel Network / Photo by YINGDA Travel

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are treasures shared by all humanity, possessing immeasurable value. Is it possible to visit two world heritage sites in one international journey? The answer is yes!

YINGDA Travel combines two ultra-popular UNESCO World Heritage sites—"Angkor Wat" and "Halong Bay"—into one trip, allowing you to enjoy both a "cultural heritage" and a "natural heritage" site in one go, adding a grand adventure to your life.


▲ Smiling Kings at Bayon Temple.

Angkor Wat was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1992. The smiling giant faces are the first impression Angkor Wat gives visitors—these are the visages of King Jayavarman VII during the height of the Khmer Empire. "Smiling Angkor" has since become a timeless classic. To find these smiles, head to Bayon Temple. Must-visit spots in Angkor Wat also include Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat (the small and large Angkors), Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, and others, especially the breathtaking bas-reliefs that even experts praise. Their intricate detail leaves visitors in awe. The phrase “history carved in stone” truly comes to life here.

▲ Halong Bay is known as the “Karst wonder of the sea.”

And the “world wonder” Halong Bay, characterized by its typical karst landscape, features countless islands scattered across the azure sea. It was listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1994. The islands in Halong Bay are limestone karst peaks, each uniquely shaped and stunningly beautiful, sharing similarities with Guilin’s landscape, hence earning the nickname “Karst wonder of the sea.”

▲ Video of Paradise Luxury.

To admire the “Karst wonder of the sea,” you have to see it from the sea perspective. Board the Paradise Luxury, with its large yellow sails dotting the blue waves and mountain shadows. Travelers ride the wind, gaze at the islands, and breathe in the ocean air—the World Heritage journey is truly extraordinary.

The ship’s exclusive chefs prepare rich and delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners daily, offering a variety of flavors. At night, when the boat is still, lie on the open deck, gently feel the sea breeze, and gaze at the starry sky. At this moment, worries and stress melt away.

The 2-day, 1-night Halong Bay cruise itinerary will also take you to visit the most spectacular and largest cave in Halong Bay, [Hang Sung Sot – Surprise Cave]. Inside, an astonishing number of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars create an awe-inspiring sight. The solemn and mysterious atmosphere of the cave, enhanced by different lighting effects, makes you marvel at the immense power of nature.

▲ Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot)

▲ Kayaking in Halong Bay is safe and enjoyable.

Additionally, you’ll visit [Ti Top Island] ! Ti Top Island boasts some of the few white-sand beaches in Halong Bay. Surrounded by various sizes of limestone islands, the waters around Ti Top are calm, resembling inland lakes, making it easy and safe to kayak (weather permitting). You can also choose to climb the 400-step staircase up the hill on the island for a panoramic view of Halong Bay.

▲ Jasmine SPA at the chain hotel Sainte Catherine.

Of course, urban excursions such as visiting the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, taking an electric cart through the 36 Old Streets, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Hanoi Opera House are all must-dos. After enjoying North Vietnam, your first stop in Angkor Wat is to unwind with a one-hour essential oil spa at the five-star Saint Catherine Hotel to recharge for your ancient civilization exploration.

With flexible flight options via Vietnam Airlines departing from and arriving at different points, travel time is not compromised. The Angkor itinerary uses a three-day pass to explore the four major temple complexes in depth—far from the superficial one-day pass experiences found on the market.

In addition to the Angkor ruins, the tour also includes a visit to Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap Lake, where you can observe local floating villages with people fishing, farming, and raising pigs on their unique houseboats. All land-based facilities are available, including hospitals, gas stations, schools, department stores… all quite unique.

▲ Floating village on Tonle Sap Lake.

▲ PARADISE SUITES HOTEL, a boutique luxury hotel.

Experience the grandeur of visiting two world heritage sites in one trip by booking YINGDA Travel’s “Collection of Two Wonders” series. The package guarantees stays at PARADISE SUITES HOTEL, operated by the Paradise Group, as well as the Sokha Angkor Resort & Spa, the largest five-star hotel group in Cambodia. An added bonus is a one-hour essential oil spa treatment at the Jasmine SPA chain of Saint Catherine Hotel, ensuring relaxation and rejuvenation for travelers.

Moreover, enjoy curated travel gifts such as the “Treasured Travel Journal,” an “Angkor Memory T-shirt,” handwoven sun hats, group photos, commemorative silk scarves, traditional conical hats, and Vietnamese cinnamon oil. The entire trip is shopping-free, delivering the highest quality and making your dual-world-heritage experience even more rewarding.

More travel-related information
Recommended Itineraries:
★ Collection of Two Wonders～Dancing Waters Villa Fun & Angkor Seven-Day Trip
September Departure: Save 5,000 for the second traveler when traveling togetherhttp://goo.gl/HQxxiH
October Departure: Save 4,000 for the second traveler when traveling togetherhttp://goo.gl/szG5mL
★ Also available: Collection of Two Wonders～Angkor Stone Love & Halong SPA Seven-Day Triphttp://goo.gl/WqAMXF
Save $1000 on tour fees for departures during the 9/13 Mid-Autumn holiday, plus an additional $3000 discount for the second person when traveling together.
Yingda Travel (02)2563-5728