Vietnam & Cambodia

Welcome to choose this Vietnam and Cambodia package tour from Hanoi! Upon arrival at the Hanoi airport, you’ll be greeted by your experienced guide. Then, a comfortable private vehicle will transfer you to a downtown hotel. The remainder of the day will be free for you to recover from jet lag or enjoy a stroll around the city by yourself.

➤ Hanoi Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
Fish sauce, lemon and fresh herbs are commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine, making the food even more flavorful. If you long for an authentic culinary exploration, Hanoi Food Culture Restaurant is a good choice. Try the Vietnamese spring rolls, green mango salad and lemongrass chicken, paired with a cup of Vietnam's classic egg coffee. In addition, the restaurant offers cooking classes. Book in advance if you are interested.
Average Cost per Person: VND 400,000-500,000 (USD 16-20)
Address: 60 Ng. Phat Loc, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

➤ Insider Tips:
1. SIM Cards: Although international data roaming packages are convenient, the charges are so high that we recommend you use local cards. In Vietnam, Viettel's 12GB data plan for 15 days, which costs about VND 110,000 (USD 4.5), caters to your needs. In Cambodia, Smart's 7-day plan, including 15GB of data and 100 minutes of outgoing calls, will be suitable, and it costs about USD 2.5. Purchase them online in advance for smooth use upon landing.
2. Dress Code: When visiting temples in Southeast Asia, wear less-exposed clothes like T-shirts, thin long-sleeved shirts, and breathable long skirts and pants that cover your shoulders and knees. If you wear a tank top, bring a light shawl as well.
3. Weather: Most parts of Vietnam and Cambodia feature tropical weather all year round, so equip yourself with sun protection gear and insect spray.

Accommodation: La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, let's set out for the most popular sightseeing spots in Hanoi. Our first stop will be the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where we’ll pay respects to the well-preserved remains of Vietnam’s founding father. You’ll also see many locals paying homage to their cherished leader. On the wall of the mausoleum, his famous words “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom” are engraved. The mausoleum is generally closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as for scheduled annual maintenance. Then, in the Presidential Palace, the contrast between the elegant 3-story bright yellow French mansion and the rustic 2-story Stilt House nearby typically showcases President Ho’s simple life.

★ Riveting Cyclo Trip around Hoan Kiem Lake

Have you ever seen a tricycle that has tourists sitting in the front and the driver riding on the back? This afternoon, we’ll experience this special cyclo around Hoan Kiem Lake! Along the lake, enjoy a broad view of the city scenery, and have a glimpse from afar of the Turtle Tower standing in the lake center. Legend has it that an emperor led his army to resist foreign invasions with a divine sword bestowed by the Golden Turtle God in the lake. One day, the emperor met the turtle god again by the lake and returned the sword. Since then, the lake got its name "Hoan Kiem Lake", meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword".

After that, let’s stroll around the lively Old Quarter, whose crisscrossing streets each focus on their primary goods. Artist studios, cafes, mottled old walls, low plastic stools, and scrambling motorcycles all make your street-level exploration highly atmospheric and incredibly fun. Notice the bargaining games here!

In the late afternoon, enjoy a Water Puppet Show before returning to the hotel. The unique traditional art focuses on folk stories and cultural customs, such as farmers planting rice, and the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake. Puppeteers use bamboo sticks to manipulate puppets, standing waist-deep in the pool behind the scenes. How admirable! As the puppets are so small that it’ll be hard to see them from the back row, please confirm your trip as soon as possible so that we can reserve a front seat for you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we'll drive for around 2.5 hours to Ha Long Bay, a stunning UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Upon arrival, board the luxurious cruise, and have a hearty lunch while enjoying the picturesque views. The turquoise waters are dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands and islets, and villagers named them after their shapes, such as Incense Burner Island and Fighting Cocks Islet.

Starting from Ha Long Bay, the cruise will take you to seek a serene escape in the nearby Bai Tu Long Bay. Upon arrival, take a kayak or a rowboat to the Vung Vieng Floating Village to catch sight of the fishermen’s traditional life. Besides, there is also a pearl farming base, and we’ll get to know how local people cultivate pearls in the traditional method.

After the visit, get back to the cruise ship, and either take part in fun activities including a traditional Vietnamese food carving class and squid fishing, or just immerse yourself in the gentle sea breeze on the deck. Tonight, have a good sleep onboard.

Tips:
1. If water activities are on your list, pack your swimsuit, a waterproof phone bag, and a change of clothes, and follow the crew’s instructions, such as wearing a life jacket.
2. The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is from October to April, which is also the peak season, so book the tour in advance. Besides, heavy rain and tropical storms frequently occur from May to September, so check the weather beforehand.
3. Please be aware that the itinerary above can be subject to the cruise company.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Signature Royal Cruise (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, start your day with a half-hour Tai Chi class on the deck. Then, after a wake-up coffee or tea, take a rowboat to explore the nearby Thien Canh Son Cave to admire the stunning stalactites and stalagmites, enjoy broad sea views, and walk on the white sand beach under the cave. Then a generous brunch will be served on board while the cruise returns to the pier. As soon as you disembark, your guide and the driver will transfer you to the Hanoi airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to the hotel in Hoi An Ancient Town. During the 30-minute ride, you’ll see typical tube houses along the roadside, which are tall, narrow, and colorful, featuring multistory structures, usually with a width of only 2-4 meters (7-13 feet). For the remainder of the day, take a rest or explore the lovely town on your own.

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Hoi An (at your own expense)
White rose dumplings are a distinctive delicacy of Hoi An. Shrimp or pork is wrapped in thin rice paper to resemble a flower and served with a delicious dipping sauce. Every bite will be a delight! The popular specialty can be found in numerous restaurants and food stalls, and we recommend you savor it at Nhan’s Kitchen, which offers a cozy atmosphere, superb service and dishes at reasonable prices. Besides, the fried wonton, passion fruit chicken and fried spring rolls will also wow your taste buds!
Average Cost per Person: VND 200,000-300,000 (USD 8-12)
Address: 167 Tran Nhan Tong, Cam Chau, Hoi An

Meal: Brunch
Accommodation: Hadana Boutique Hotel, Hoi An (4 stars) or similar

Today, let’s get immersed in Hoi An, a thriving international trading port from the 15th to 19th century! Some centuries-old, intact, iconic landmarks and colonial architecture in the ancient town will be visited in succession. The delicate Japanese Covered Bridge, with a small temple atop, was built by Japanese merchants in the late 16th century to promote trade exchange with Chinese. As the oldest Chinatown in Vietnam, Hoi An also boasts many Chinese buildings, such as the Chinese Assembly Hall, representing the unity of the five Chinese guilds in Vietnam. We’ll also admire Hoi An’s first Chinese temple, Chua Ong Pagoda, enshrining Guan Yu, a famous Chinese God of War and Wealth, who represents benevolence, virtue and loyalty. Then, proceed to the well-preserved Tan Ky Old House, a private residence of a Vietnamese merchant. Catch a glimpse of the wall marked with flood heights, a testimony to the house’s survival of multiple floods.

★ Slow Down on a Rural Escape in Hoi An Outskirts!

In the afternoon, take in the incredible scenery and rustic charm of the rural idyll around Hoi An. Hop on a bike, or a private car if you cannot ride, to visit an organic vegetable village, where you can learn about the traditional farming tools, and meet and ride a friendly water buffalo. Then, a bamboo basket boat trip is coming! Sitting on the bowl-shaped bamboo boat, sail along the tranquil waterways hidden in the lush water coconut trees. Besides, enjoy fishing with a traditional fishing net. We recommend you wear a sunhat to protect yourself from the scorching sun, or borrow a bamboo hat from the boatman and mingle with the locals! In the late afternoon, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

➤ Recommended Night Activities in Hoi An
As night falls, the town is lit up by countless spherical and diamond-shaped lanterns, making it extremely beautiful. Get the most out of your visit to enjoy cozy moments chatting with friends in a bar or a restaurant along the riverbanks, or hop on a boat and release a water lantern to pray for good fortune on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hadana Boutique Hotel, Hoi An (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, let’s take a scenic drive from Hoi An to Hue. En route, we’ll have several stops. First, admire the Non Nuoc Beach, whose fine white sand and crystal-clear water make it an ideal destination for sunbathing and leisure. Then, hike up the Marble Mountains to explore natural limestone caves with small temples or Buddha statues. Huyen Khong Cave is the most beautiful one, especially when the sun shines through the hole of the natural dome formed by stalactites, illuminating the Buddha statue inside the cave and creating a sacred spiritual atmosphere. After that, drop by the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture to reminisce about the lost Champa Kingdom (late 4th-late 17th century). More than 300 carvings dating back over a thousand years will give you insights into Brahmanism’s influence on the Champa civilization. Then, we’ll get to Hai Van Pass, Vietnam’s most beautiful sea view road, about 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level.

Enjoy lunch at a fine restaurant in Da Nang before we hit the road. Upon arrival in Hue, you’ll be escorted to the hotel and then relax or walk around the town at your own pace.

➤ Recommended Activities for Free Time in Hue
To catch your first sight of this historical city, head to Phan Dinh Phung Road to admire the An Dinh Palace, the residence of the last emperor, Bao Dai and his wife, Empress Nam Phuong. You can also learn about the couple's romantic beginning and poignant ending. The palace closes at 17:00. After the visit, head to Vo Thi Sau Road to savor authentic cuisine at Madam Thu Restaurant. Try the Hue signature dish Bun bo Hue, aka beef noodle soup. Pork spring rolls, shrimp with passion fruit and Vietnamese spring rolls should also be on your list. It costs VND 200,000-300,000 (USD 8-12) per person on average.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: White Lotus Hotel, Hue (4 stars) or similar

We’ll devote the whole day to exploring Hue, Vietnam’s ancient capital for three dynasties including the last one, the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). After breakfast, start with the Tomb of Minh Mang, the resting place of Nguyen’s second emperor. Modeled after the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in China, the tomb boasts beautiful buildings, statues, gardens and pools blending Chinese and Vietnamese styles.

★ Special Arrangement: Appreciate Thien Mu Pagoda by Dragon Boat!

The iconic Thien Mu Pagoda is a famous spiritual and historic site, dating back over 400 years. Although it can be reached by car, we’ve specially arranged a dragon boat for you to appreciate the beautiful scenery along the Perfume River! Floating on the river, appreciate the mottled solemn pagoda towering amid verdant greenery from afar. Upon arrival, you can disembark to admire its octagonal 7-story tower, which represents seven different incarnations of the Buddha. The lotus pond in front offers a great spot for pictures of the tower’s beautiful reflection.

Then, continue our visit to the UNESCO-listed Hue Imperial City, the largest and most complete ancient architectural complex in Vietnam. The overall layout is modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City, but it is only one-seventh of the size of its Chinese counterpart. In the center of the giant fortified complex sits the royal members’ residence, the Purple Forbidden City, which also shares the same name as China’s bigger one. Although a large part of the two complexes have been destroyed during the war, the preserved buildings and crumbling remains will still amaze you with their grandeur.

We’ll conclude today’s sightseeing after a stroll around Dong Ba Market, an excellent window to observe the local life. Browse stalls with specialties including bamboo hats, shrimp paste, glutinous rice paper, silk paintings, etc. Whatever tickles your fancy, drive a hard bargain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: White Lotus Hotel, Hue (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, bid farewell to Hue and take a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Your private local guide will await you at the airport and escort you to the downtown hotel. A city tour is scheduled for this afternoon.

We’ll first visit the War Remnants Museum, which was established in 1975 and currently houses more than 20,000 exhibits related to the Vietnam War (1954-1975). Military aircraft, tiger cages and a wealth of battlefield photos, especially those showcasing the catastrophic consequences of poisonous Agent Orange imposed on defenseless civilians, will remind you that war is cruel and peace is a rare treasure. Then probe into more of the country’s past at the Reunification Palace, which bears witness to Saigon's modern history, once home to South Vietnam’s president, and the place where the official power handover took place until the reunification in 1975.

After that, appreciate the Central Post Office, one of the most famous French colonial architecture in the late 19th century. The century-old post office is still in operation today, and feel free to pick beautiful postcards to send to your friends and family. Afterward, experience the local market culture in the bustling Ben Thanh Market, teeming with vendors peddling, hot bargaining, and a wide selection of goods including Vietnamese traditional clothing Ao Dai, handicrafts, and fresh produce. Why not let a cup of refreshing jackfruit smoothie save you from the heat?

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

We’ll start another wonderful day with Cao Dai Temple. As the third largest religion in Vietnam, Cao Dai is a fusion of different religious thoughts including Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity and Confucianism, believing in Jesus, Confucius, and even Shakespeare and Bruce Lee. The well-maintained temple combines Asian and European architectural styles in a unique way, and is amazingly colorful and ornate. It's a bonus to witness the midday service and learn about how worshippers carry out their rituals. Their robes tell you what they believe in: red for Confucianism, yellow for Buddhism, blue for Taoism, and white for lay followers.

After lunch, we’ll drive to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a maze of 3-layered air raid bases used by Viet Cong guerrillas and local residents during the Vietnam War. The ground area displays some aircraft remnants, artillery and tanks, and you can enter for further observation. With parts of the tunnels open to the public, explore with your experienced guide’s help, as the hidden entrances and traps are easily overlooked. Marvel at the cramped tunnels encompassing more than living quarters, meeting rooms, schools, ventilation systems, etc. You need to crawl through the 80 cm (3 feet) high soil passageways, so please dress lightly and comfortably, and wear worn-out clothes that you would not mind getting dirty.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll set out for My Tho, a city blessed with a variety of local fruits including dragon fruits, rambutans and coconuts. First, let’s pay a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda to admire the three outdoor giant Buddha statues: the 18-meter (60-foot) high standing Amitabha, the 20-meter (66-foot) tall sitting Maitreya, and the 32-meter (105-foot) long reclining Shakyamuni. Following that, an immersive rainforest adventure in the Mekong Delta awaits!

★ Mekong River Cruise: Seek Indigenous Life of Mekong Delta

Board a small wooden boat, and rev through the waterways surrounded by dense water coconut groves. Maybe go native and wear a bamboo hat borrowed from the friendly boatman. En route, visit the My Tho fish market. The Mekong River basin is rich in aquatic products and let the typical fried elephant ear fish tickle your taste buds at lunch! Tear off a piece of the fish, wrap it in thin rice paper with fresh vegetables and dip it in a flavorful sauce. You’ll also explore four islands in My Tho, which are named after four sacred animals, namely the Unicorn, Phoenix, Dragon and Turtle, for good fortune. After that, proceed to a coconut candy-making workshop in Tan Thach to witness the process of coconut peeling, milling and refining. Don't miss letting some free sampling add sweetness to your journey!

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and check into the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Can Tho Resort (4 stars) or similar

Today, we’ll head to the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market for a savored experience in Can Tho! On the broad waterway, cargo boats loaded with wholesale goods dock for buyers, and peddlers in small boats coming from nearby regions sell mangoes, durians, drip coffee and even Vietnamese rice noodles. Be spellbound by their unique “billboards”: poles hanging with vegetables and fruits, making them stand out from a distance!

★ What Makes Us Different

The bustling floating market embraces its peak time at around 6:00-8:00. Unlike other travel agencies requiring you to set out at 4:00 or 5:00 by crowded shuttle boat, we’ll pick you up from the hotel at around 6:00 and escort you to the market by private motorboat.

After that, we’ll drive back to Ho Chi Minh City and take a 1-hour flight to Siem Reap, a charming ancient city of Cambodia on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

In the early morning, we'll set out to watch the impressive sunrise over Angkor Wat, the national treasure of Cambodia and one of the oldest temple sites in the world. The Angkor temple complex, extending over 400 square kilometers and dubbed one of the Seven Wonders of the World, will broaden your mind today! As the most iconic Khmer architecture in the world, the Hindu-Buddhist temple complex originally built in the 12th to 14th centuries had remained lost for more than 400 years until the French explorer Henri Mouhot first rediscovered the mysterious wonder in the 1840s.
➤ You can choose any day to capture the breathtaking sunrise during your stay in Siem Reap, depending on the weather conditions. You can return to the hotel for breakfast or pack some snacks in advance.

Then, have an excursion to Angkor Thom, the capital of the Khmer Dynasty (802-1431). Entering through the South Gate, marvel at the 54 stone demons and deities along both sides, which tell the Hindu legend “the Churning of the Ocean of Milk”: the devas and asuras work together to extract the nectar of immortality. Continue walking to the center to admire Bayon Temple and be spellbound by the "Khmer Smile": the total of 54 pagodas are separately topped with four serene smiling faces of King Jayavarman VII. Then walk north to glimpse the vivid elephant bas-relief on the Terrace of the Elephants, and see what the royal cremation looks like at the Terrace of the Leper King.

Ta Prohm Temple, Angkor’s iconic jungle temple, will be our next stop. You’ll also take a look at the Goddess of Wisdom sculpture, in the image of the king's mother. Then, head to the Phnom Bakheng Temple, where you could have a commanding view of Angkor ruins and a marvelous sunset.

In the evening, enjoy an Apsara Dinner Show. The classical court Apsara dance was once almost extinct. However, through the study of the sculptures within the Angkor temples, it was successfully restored. Prepare to be amazed by the exquisite finger gestures and elegant dance moves.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

Angkor exploration continues today! Kick off our tour in Preah Khan Temple, aka Sacred Sword Temple, one of Angkor’s largest temples. It adopts a square structure, surrounded by multiple layers of enclosure walls with four entrances symmetrically leading to the center, forming an extremely stunning layout for photo taking.

Then, venture off the beaten track to Banteay Srei Temple, known as the "Jewel of Khmer Art". En route, we’ll pass by some local villages for short visits. Upon arriving at the temple, take in the exquisite decorations and carvings, as well as the red sandstone walls, and you’ll understand why the temple was once mistaken for a women’s residence. However, it’s actually dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. Afterward, explore the tranquil Banteay Samre, a Hindu temple of the same age as Angkor Wat. On the way there, you’ll have a chance to see how the local farmers make palm sugar.

Today’s lunch will be served at Bong Thom Homestay. In the afternoon, we’ll drive back to Roluos Group of Temples, the ancient capital of King Indravarman I (877-889), which is considered the beginning of classic Khmer art. The group boasts three temples, Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong, through which you’ll delve into the changing of Angkor architecture: from brick to stone structure, and from stucco wall carving to sandstone carving.

If time permits, we’ll have a short visit at an orphanage school before getting back to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

Your 14 days classic Vietnam and Cambodia tour package comes to an end today. Your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel on time and see you off at the airport for your onward flight. We bid you adieu!

Southeast Asia boasts numerous historical sites, and if you want to explore more, like Thailand's Ayutthaya and the famous Buddhist center of Luang Prabang in Laos, feel free to let us know, and we’ll customize the best route for you.

Meal: Breakfast