Best of Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary

13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi City

Upon arriving at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. To kick off your experience, you’ll indulge in a delightful welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Hanoi City Full Day Tour

Your day begins with a hearty breakfast, followed by an exploration of the captivating Old Quarter, renowned for its myriad specialty shops, particularly those offering silk clothing and bespoke tailoring. Your journey through Hanoi’s cultural gems includes visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum, and either the Temple of Literature or the Vietnam Ethnology Museum.

Day 3: Drive to Halong Bay

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your Hanoi hotel, followed by a 4-hour drive to Halong City. Along the way, there’s a refreshing stop for you to break up the journey. Upon reaching the dock, you’ll be introduced to the crew before boarding to cruise through the breathtaking islands of Ha Long Bay. The cruise will take you to Bai Tu Long Bay, where you can explore a large cave and take a refreshing swim. For the more adventurous, there’s an option to kayak and explore the area. The day concludes with a delightful dinner, and for a truly romantic experience, you have the option to charter a private junk boat, making your Halong Bay cruise even more special.

Day 4: Halong Bay, Drive to Hanoi

Your day kicks off with a chance to witness the sunrise over the bay while sipping tea or coffee. Cruise through Bai Tu Long and explore the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng, gaining insights into the daily lives of the local residents. The cruise then returns to the dock, reaching Ha Long around noon. Following this, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive back to Hanoi.

Day 5: Flight to Hue

In the morning, you’ll board a flight to Hue, the Imperial Capital. Hue is a captivating city, steeped in history and culture, boasting various ancient temples. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll spend the day exploring the Citadel and enjoying some leisure time. Your overnight stay will be at your hotel.

Day 6: Drive to Hoi An

Continuing your journey, you’ll drive south along the stunning coastline, passing over the picturesque Hai Van Pass, until you reach the charming riverside town of Hoi An. Once there, you’ll embark on a half-day walking tour, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town. With its narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant ethnic crafts, Hoi An is a captivating destination. Additionally, if your visit coincides with the 14th day of the lunar calendar, you’ll experience the enchanting tradition of switching off electric lights, with the town illuminated solely by candlelit silk lanterns, creating a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere.

Day 7: Hoi An

Enjoy a relaxing day at your leisure on the beautiful beach or take the opportunity to visit one of the skilled tailors in Hoi An to have custom-made clothes. Alternatively, delve into the world of Vietnamese cuisine with a cooking class. You can embark on a half-day tour exploring the local market with an expert chef who will reveal the secrets of Vietnamese culinary delights.

Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Today, you’ll catch a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, embark on a guided half-day tour to explore the highlights of this bustling and cosmopolitan city. As the day concludes, consider taking a cruise along the Saigon River, featuring local entertainment and a delightful buffet dinner with both traditional and international flavors.

Day 9: Mekong Delta Day Tour

Embark on a one-day cruise excursion from Ho Chi Minh City to Cai Be – Phu An, starting around 10:00 am. The journey kicks off with a visit to the vibrant Cai Be floating market, followed by stops at local home factories producing rice paste, rice popcorn, coco candies, and dried longans. Cruise along the Mekong canals to Dong Hoa Hiep Island, revealing the picturesque landscapes and typical rural life of the Mekong Delta. The trip can be tailored to specific requests, and stops can be made for unique visits or photo opportunities. A delightful lunch awaits at a local house, and the excursion concludes in the mid-afternoon, with a transfer back to Saigon.

Day 10: Fly to Siem Reap

Upon completion of your cruise experience, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, our local guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 11: Siem Reap Angkor Touring

After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where you’ll explore the Bayon, an architectural masterpiece adorned with 54 towers and over 200 smiling stone faces. Your morning tour also includes the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants, and the Terrace of Leper Kings, along with the iconic Ta Prohm Temple. Following a leisurely lunch in Siem Reap, you’ll venture to the renowned Angkor Wat, the best-preserved temple in the Angkor complex. Take your time exploring this vast architectural wonder before witnessing the sunset at either Phnom Bakheng or Pre Rup temple.

Day 12: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap

After breakfast, your guide will meet you for a trip to Beng Mealea, a stunning temple enveloped by the jungle approximately 77 kilometers from Siem Reap. Meaning “lotus pond” in Khmer, the temple was constructed by King Suryavarman II, known for building Cambodia’s grandest monuments. Beng Mealea, secluded and mystical, is less frequented than other Angkor sites due to its remote location. Though much of the temple has collapsed, wooden walkways have been added to navigate through the remains and existing structures.

Following your exploration of Beng Mealea, embark on a boat trip to Kompong Khleang, one of the largest communities on Tonle Sap Lake. In the dry season, stroll through the village, marveling at stilt houses reaching up to ten meters. During the wet season, navigate the boat along the waterlogged roads turned into rivers, surrounded by houses.

Day 13: Siem Reap Departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.