Best of Vietnam & Cambodia – 18 Days

Chum Reap Sour! Welcome to Cambodia. Upon landing in Siem Reap, you’ll be met by your private guide and driver, who will transfer you directly to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to relax and adjust after your flight.

If your schedule allows, begin your journey with a visit to the Angkor National Museum – an excellent introduction to Khmer history, art, and symbolism that will enrich your temple visits in the coming days.

In the evening, join your guide for a short briefing before enjoying a welcome dinner at Marum Restaurant, a social enterprise that trains and supports underprivileged youth.

Travel Note: Cambodia requires both a valid passport (6+ months validity) and visa. A visa can be obtained on arrival; bring two passport photos with you.

After an early breakfast, set off with your private guide to explore the vast Angkor Archaeological Park, home to the remains of the Khmer Empire’s capital cities between the 9th and 15th centuries.

Morning
Start your day at Ta Prohm, the iconic “Tomb Raider Temple” where giant banyan roots entwine the ruins, creating a hauntingly beautiful sight. Continue to Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire, and enter through its impressive South Gate. Walk along the path lined with 54 gods and demons, each clutching the sacred naga serpent.

Take a break back at your hotel during the midday heat.

Afternoon
Resume your temple adventure at Banteay Kdei, a peaceful monastic complex, before visiting Sra Srang – once a royal bathing pool. Then move to the magnificent Bayon Temple, famous for its towers of serene, smiling faces.

Explore the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King with their intricate carvings, and stroll through the remains of the Royal Palace grounds. End the day with a serene gondola ride through the moats of Angkor Thom, stopping at Prasat Chrung temple for a stunning sunset view.

Evening
Travel to a nearby village for a warm, home-hosted dinner. Share stories with your hosts, help prepare dishes with fresh produce from their garden, and learn about everyday Khmer traditions.

Rise before dawn to witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat – a sight you’ll never forget as the temple’s silhouette glows against the morning sky. After exploring its intricate bas-reliefs and galleries, head back to your hotel for breakfast.

Continue your journey to Banteay Srei, known as the “Citadel of Women,” admired for its delicate pink sandstone carvings. Nearby lies Kbal Spean, also called the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” where stone carvings decorate the riverbed. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch before returning to town.

In the evening, attend the Phare Cambodian Circus – an inspiring performance blending theater, music, dance, and acrobatics, created by young Cambodian artists.

After breakfast, travel to Kompong Khleang, one of the largest stilted villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Cruise through floating houses and watch daily life unfold on the water. Then, journey by road to Phnom Penh.

On arrival, visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek for a sobering glimpse into Cambodia’s recent history. End the day with a lighter stop at Wat Phnom before checking into your hotel.

In the morning, visit the elegant Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum. Later, board a speedboat bound for Chau Doc, Vietnam, crossing the Mekong River into a new country. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to relax.

Explore the Tra Su Cajeput Forest, a peaceful bird sanctuary where you’ll glide along narrow waterways shaded by mangroves and alive with bird calls. Later, drive through the Mekong Delta to Can Tho, the region’s economic hub.

Wake up early for a boat trip to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market, where traders sell goods from boat to boat. Visit a rice noodle factory and a family-run farm before returning to shore. Then drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, where the evening is free.

Head out of the city to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network once used by Viet Cong soldiers. Crawl through preserved sections and see displays of wartime ingenuity.

Back in Ho Chi Minh City, visit landmarks including the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the lively Ben Thanh Market. End your day with a drink at the Bitexco Tower, watching the sunset over the skyline.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, drive to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its lantern-lit streets and riverside charm. After checking in, enjoy free time to wander the Old Town at your own pace.

Discover Hoi An’s unique atmosphere on a guided walking tour through its Ancient Town. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, historic merchants’ houses, and Chinese Assembly Halls.

Enjoy a food-tasting tour, sampling street specialties such as Cao Lau noodles. Later, try your hand at a lantern-making workshop before sipping tea at a cozy traditional teahouse.

Fly north to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, where East meets West in a mix of French colonial architecture, shaded boulevards, and lively Old Quarter. In the evening, set off on a street food tour, tasting dishes like pho, banh cuon, and egg coffee while learning about local dining culture.

Spend the day exploring Hanoi’s highlights: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and stilt house, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, and the French Quarter. End with a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Drive to the mountain town of Sapa. En route, stop at Tram Ton Pass, Vietnam’s highest mountain pass, to admire sweeping views. Visit Love Waterfall, then continue to Sapa town to check into your hotel.

Embark on a gentle trek through terraced fields and forested hills, reaching Ma Tra and Ta Phin villages. Meet the Red Dzao and Black Hmong communities, learning about their traditional crafts. End your day with a soothing Red Dzao herbal bath.

On Sunday, visit the Bac Ha Market, one of the region’s most colorful ethnic markets, where Flower Hmong and other tribes trade produce, textiles, and livestock. Continue to visit Tay minority villages before boarding an overnight train back to Hanoi.

Depart for Halong Bay, where limestone karsts rise dramatically from emerald waters. Board your cruise, settle into your cabin, and begin your journey among the islands. Visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak or swim, and enjoy a sunset dinner onboard.

Wake up early for Tai Chi on deck or simply watch the sunrise. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as your boat sails back to port. Transfer to Hanoi for your final night in Vietnam.

Enjoy breakfast and some free time before your driver transfers you to the airport for your onward flight.