Highlights of Cambodia and Vietnam 17 Days / 16 Nights

In the morning, explore the Royal Palace complex, built in 1866 by King Norodom’s ancestors. It is one of the most striking and colorful examples of Khmer architecture. Next to the palace is the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Emerald Buddha Temple. It houses many precious Buddha statues made of gold, silver, diamond, and emerald. Then, visit the Independence Monument erected in 1954 to celebrate Cambodia’s liberation from French colonialism. Proceed to the National Museum, a red building with a beautiful Khmer design that was opened in 1917. It contains more than 5000 artifacts from various periods of Cambodian history. 

In the afternoon, learn about the dark side of Cambodia’s recent past during your visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school that was turned into a prison and torture center by the Khmer Rouge regime. See the evidence of the atrocities committed there and hear the stories of the survivors. Then, drive to the Killing Fields, where thousands of prisoners were executed and buried in mass graves. It is now a memorial site that honors the victims of the genocide. 

Have dinner at a local Khmer restaurant.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Take a road trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, covering 314km in about 6 hours. Along the way, see the daily life of Cambodians in various towns, villages, and landscapes. You will have a chance to encounter cows, water buffaloes, horses, and school kids on the road. You can also stop at Skoun, where you can try the local specialty of fried tarantulas if you are brave enough. Another optional stop is Kompong Kdei, where you can admire an ancient bridge built by the Angkorians called Spean Pratos. Later,  stop by Kampong Khleang, the biggest floating village near Siem Reap that is rarely visited by tourists. Depending on the season, you will have a different experience there. In the dry season, from January to July, you can walk under the houses that are raised up to 10 meters high on stilts, whereas in the wet season, when the lake is full, the water level reaches close to the floors of the houses. 

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and have a free evening.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Start the day with an incredible journey to the untouched and scenic north mountain area. Phnom Kulen is the most sacred mountain in Cambodia, where many Khmer families come for pilgrimage and picnic. It is a rare and beautiful place that few foreigners get to see. Drive for about 1½ hours from Siem Reap, passing by villages, farms, rice fields, and temples, until you reach a jungle trail that leads to the top of the mountain. There stands Preah Ang Thom, a 16th century Buddhist monastery with a huge reclining Buddha carved on a 20-m boulder. Walk up the wooden stairs to a platform that surrounds the 17-m long Buddha, where observe monks and devotees praying and offering incense and fruits. Then, go downstream to see the stunning series of waterfalls. The water is sacred for Hindus, because of hundreds of phallic symbols carved on the sandstone floor along the shady stream. 

Upon return to Siem Reap, enjoy a one-hour foot massage, then walk on the busy pub street, where you might want to have a drink or shop at the Angkor Night Market. 

Finish your day with a sumptuous dinner and an Apsara dance show at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Siem Reap 

In the early morning, pay a visit to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building and a symbol of Khmer pride and culture. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this temple is a masterpiece of architecture and art. Have a picnic breakfast at Angkor Wat and enjoy its beauty and tranquility. Explore the bas-reliefs that depict stories from Hindu mythology and the history of the Khmer empire. They are the longest continuous piece of art in the world, stretching for almost one kilometer. 

Proceed to Ta Prohm, a temple that has been left to nature’s mercy. The roots of giant trees are slowly wrapping around the stones, creating a surreal scene. This temple shows how nature can overcome human civilization over time. 

In the afternoon, continue to Angkor Thom, the fortified city built by King Jayavarman VII after he defeated the Chams in the 12th century. This city is a testament to his power and vision. Enter through the city gates and see the Bayon Temple, which has 54 towers with four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion) on each tower. The faces look like the king himself, expressing his authority and benevolence. Later, visit the Terrace of the Leper King, where the royal crematorium was located. The statue on top is believed to be Yama, the god of death. Walk along the Terrace of Elephants, where the king used to watch parades, performances, and sports events. At the end of the terrace, see the Baphuon Temple, one of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating back to the 11th century. It has been restored by the French and is now open for viewing.

Overnight in Siem Reap

In the morning, take a transfer to the airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, also known and often referred to by its traditional name Saigon. 

Your tour guide and driver will welcome you at the airport and take you to Cu Chi, 70 kilometers northwest of the city. There you will explore the underground tunnels that were built by the Viet Minh to fight against the French in 1948 and later expanded by the Viet Cong to resist the Americans in the 1960s and 1970s. The tunnels were a complex network of living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and more. They could accommodate up to 10,000 people who lived underground for years, getting married and giving birth. The Cu Chi area was heavily bombed by the Americans and declared a free fire zone. Since 1988, two sections of the tunnels have been open for visitors. You can even crawl through some of them yourself. 

Drive back to Saigon in the late afternoon.

End your day with a unique dining experience dining literally in the dark. This is not just a meal, but a sensory adventure that will challenge your perception of taste and smell. Without the sight, your other senses will be enhanced as you enjoy the food. Feel the textures and notice the subtle flavours of the dishes that are a mystery to you. Realize how much your eyes influence your food experience, rather than your taste buds.

Overnight in Saigon

In the morning, drive to the Mekong Delta, the fertile region that produces most of Vietnam’s rice. Enjoy the rural scenery along the way until you reach My Tho, a quiet town on the Mekong River. 

Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple. Then take a boat trip around small islands and tropical fruit gardens along the Vam Xep canal. On a small island walk along shady paths with palm trees and see the local villages and their peaceful way of life. Visit a bee farm, talk to a local family, and see how honey is collected. A horse-drawn cart will take you to a village where you can see local crafts. Visit a coconut candy factory and learn how traditional coconut sweets are made. Sample some of the exotic fruits that are grown in the area and hear some live music that reflects the culture and heritage of the Mekong Delta. Later take a rowing boat through the narrow tree-lined canals before going back to My Tho by motorized boat. Have lunch before returning to the city. 

On arrival, relax at hotel. 

At 6pm join a street food tour by motorbike and discover the delicious dishes and drinks of Saigon. You will stop at seven different places and taste more than ten kinds of food and drinks that are popular among the locals. You can also enjoy some local beer or other drinks that you like. Your tour guide will tell you more about the food culture and life in Saigon. You can choose to end the tour at your hotel or at a live music café, typical of Saigon. At the live music cafe, enjoy some local singers’ performances while having a drink or a dessert, or both.

Overnight in Saigon 

In the morning, enjoy some free time to walk around and shop at the iconic Ben Thanh Market, the largest and most lively market in Saigon. You can find a variety of goods here, such as food, clothing, shoes, household items, accessories, and souvenirs. The market is divided into different sections according to the type of products, and most of the vendors can speak English. 

Later, transfer to the airport for a flight to Hue, a historic city in central Vietnam. Your guide and driver will welcome you at the airport on arrival and take you to hotel. Check in and relax. The rest of the night is yours to enjoy the town.

Overnight in Hue

Start the day with a visit to the Royal Complex, the former residence of the Nguyen Dynasty, who ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Discover the historic and majestic walled Citadel which houses the former Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City. 

Later, drive to the Thanh Toan Village and visit the busy morning market. Nearby, there is a 300-year-old bridge called Thanh Toan and a Cultural Museum where you can meet and chat with the villagers. Stop by the Khai Dinh tomb and explore the busy Dong Ba market along the north bank of the Huong (Perfume) River, where you can haggle for anything from souvenirs and bronze goods, to Hue specialty sesame sweets and iconic conical hats. 

Continue to Hoi An. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy your free time. 

Overnight in Hoi An

Start the day with a cooking class at Hai Scout Café, enjoy a drink and get to know other participants. Head to the colorful Hoi An market, where you can see, hear and smell the lively atmosphere of this busy place. Talk to local vendors and buy some of the ingredients for the cooking class. Take a boat for a relaxing ride along the Thu Bon River. This is a great opportunity to see the local life on the river, so don’t forget your camera. On arrival, visit the herb and vegetable garden of the cooking school and learn about some of the famous dishes of Hoi An and Vietnam. The cooking class lasts for about two hours. Watch the chefs show you how to cook each dish, then challenge yourself to recreate it or make it better. Learn some basic skills of Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the class, savor the delicious food you have just prepared (vegetarian options available).

In the afternoon, walk around the ancient town and see some of its iconic sites. Start with the Japanese covered bridge, a symbol of Hoi An that was built in the 16th century by the Japanese community to connect with the Chinese quarter. Then, visit the Ceramics Trade Museum and learn about the history and culture of Hoi An’s ceramic trade, which dates back to the 8th century. Proceed to the Tan Ky Old Mansion, a well-preserved example of an 18th century merchant’s residence in Hoi An. It was built by the Le family, who named it “Tan Ky”, meaning “Progress Shop”. The house has a unique architecture that combines Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese elements. Later, pay a visit to the Cantonese Assembly Hall, a stunning structure that was erected in the late 18th century by Chinese immigrants from Guangdong province. Finally, take a walk down Hang Gai (Silk Street) which is a popular shopping destination for silk lovers in Hoi An. Here you can find many small shops that specialize in silk and embroidery products, such as clothes, scarves, bags, and accessories.

Overnight in Hoi An

Start your day riding a bicycle with your guide through the small village paths to the river, where you can see how the local people live their daily lives. Continue cycling through the fields of corn, rice, water coconut, and the lakes where shrimp and crab are farmed. Along the way, visit ancestral worship houses and houses of craftsmen such as: blacksmiths, carpenters, and masons. Learn many interesting things about life in the Hoi An area. Ride back to hotel.

In the evening, visit the Memories Land for the amazing Hoi An Memories Show. Using modern staging techniques, lighting technology and elegant audio effects, the performance showcases Vietnam’s traditional ao dai and tells the story of Hoi An’s 400-year-old history, with all its beauty and prosperity.

Overnight in Hoi An

Drive to Ba Na Hills, a place of amazing natural beauty and climate at 1,487m above sea level. Ba Na Hills is like a paradise on earth, where you can experience the four seasons in one day and enjoy many activities, festivals and cuisines.

Take the cable car system that holds the world record for its length and height. Visit the French Village, a replica of a quaint and peaceful France with its famous landmarks such as the square, church, town, old village, and inns. 

Walk on the spectacular Golden Bridge, which was voted by TIME magazine as one of the “top 10 destinations of the world 2018” and praised by The Guardian as the world’s most impressive pedestrian bridge. Admire the stunning views of Danang from the bridge surrounded by misty mountains.

At the end of your Hoi An stay, visit Vong Nguyet hills and Linh Ung pagoda, where the Buddhist culture and architecture can be appreciated. 

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Hanoi.

On arrival, you will be greeted by your tour guide and driver at Noi Bai airport, who will take you on a 30-km journey to Hanoi and assist with hotel check-in.

Overnight in Hanoi

Start your day with a visit to the remarkable Temple of Literature, a tranquil sanctuary that was the first university of Vietnam. Admire the architecture and the gardens of this cultural treasure.

In the afternoon, visit the renowned Museum of Ethnology and learn about the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. 

Back to the city center, walk around the charming Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, which is the heart of Vietnam. 

Later, enjoy a cyclo tour around the lively Old Quarter. Experience the diverse lifestyles and shopping opportunities in this area. Enjoy a spectacular Water Puppet Show, a unique art form that showcases the culture and folklore of Northern Vietnam. 

In the evening, join a street food tour, where you can discover and taste a great variety of local and traditional dishes. Try famous Bun Cha, a delicious noodle dish with grilled pork. The guide will explain how the dishes are prepared and what ingredients are used. You will also learn about the daily life of the Vietnamese people and their use of dried foods, spices, and fresh herbs. Then, taste another Hanoi specialty, Banh Cuon, thin rice sheets filled with meat and mushrooms. This is one of the most famous dishes in Hanoi and has been with Hanoians for ages. The tour ends with a cup of egg coffee, a unique and creamy drink.

Overnight in Hanoi

In the morning, travel southward (about 90 km from Hanoi) to explore the historical site of Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam for more than four decades in the 10th and 11th centuries. Now it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An Complex.

Start with the two temples that honor Dinh and Le Kings. The temples are surrounded by beautiful gardens with hibiscus flowers, lotus ponds and frangipani trees that create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Take a boat trip along a winding stream to see Trang An, a place of stunning natural beauty. See limestone mountains covered with forests, caves, lowlands and rivers that create a magical scene. Explore 11 caves with amazing stalactites of different shapes and colors. Get off the boat and have lunch at a local restaurant. 

Later, visit the Mua (Dancing) cave. Climb almost 500 steps to reach the top of the Lying Dragon Mountain and enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Tam Coc (the Three Caves).

Overnight in Ninh Binh

In the morning, drive to Halong bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning natural beauty. Its name means “The Descending Dragons” in Vietnamese. The bay features more than a thousand islands of limestone that jut out of the sea, and some of them have incredible caves within. 

Arrive at the pier, board the cruise and start exploring this amazing bay. Enjoy a wonderful journey among the surreal islands in the calm emerald green waters. 

At night, you will anchor on the bay and savor a delicious seafood dinner on board. 

Overnight on board

Note: the Halong itinerary may vary depending on the latest cruise itineraries

Start your day early in the morning with coffee and tea on the sundeck, along with a Tai Chi class. After breakfast, keep exploring the bay and some of its many caves. 

Lunch is served on board as you head back to the docks. 

After disembarkation, transfer to Hanoi. On the way, stop at Bat Trang ceramic village, where you can see how the local artisans make beautiful pottery.

Overnight in Hanoi

Enjoy some free time until transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.