Uncover the cultural richness and natural beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia on this immersive 15-day adventure. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, and the dynamic energy of Saigon, explore the highlights of Vietnam before cruising through the serene waterways of the Mekong Delta. Cross into Cambodia by river and delve into Phnom Penh’s poignant past, before ending at the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor. With a blend of guided experiences and free time, this journey offers a compelling glimpse into two fascinating countries.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Arrival in Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy some free time before gathering for a tour briefing and welcome drinks with your fellow travellers.
Overnight: Hanoi
Exploring Hanoi's Icons
After breakfast, we set off on a full-day city tour. Our first stop is Hoan Kiem Lake, a central feature of Hanoi, followed by a visit to Dong Xuan Market. We then explore the Ho Chi Minh complex, which includes Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace (viewed from outside), and Ho Chi Minh's former residence—a traditional stilt house nestled in tranquil gardens. Also within the complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic symbol of the city.
After breakfast, we set off on a full-day city tour. Our first stop is Hoan Kiem Lake, a central feature of Hanoi, followed by a visit to Dong Xuan Market. We then explore the Ho Chi Minh complex, which includes Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace (viewed from outside), and Ho Chi Minh's former residence—a traditional stilt house nestled in tranquil gardens. Also within the complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic symbol of the city.
Overnight: Hanoi | Breakfast
Cruising Halong Bay
This morning we travel through scenic countryside to Halong City, gateway to the famed Halong Bay. On arrival, we board a well-appointed junk boat for an overnight cruise. Enjoy lunch as we begin cruising among thousands of limestone islands. In the evening, unwind in your private cabin, on the main deck, or at the bar. Overnight on board the Victoria Star (or similar).
Overnight: Victory Star | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Halong Bay to Hoi An
Continue cruising through Halong Bay, followed by a leisurely brunch on board. We disembark and return to Hanoi for our flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An and enjoy an evening at leisure. Stay the next two nights at Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa (or similar).
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Walking Tour of Hoi An
This morning we explore Hoi An on foot, beginning at the Museum of Folk Culture. We stroll through the local market and visit the 17th-century Fujian Assembly Hall, dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess.
Walking along narrow streets lined with lantern-lit shops, we arrive at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built by Japanese traders in the 17th century. The tour concludes with a visit to a historic house in this UNESCO-listed town. The afternoon is yours to explore—shop, visit the beach, or have clothes tailored.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Free Time in Hoi An & Flight to Saigon
Enjoy free time in Hoi An before flying to Saigon. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City | Breakfast
Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon Highlights
This morning we visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. You may try crawling through a section and, optionally, test your aim at a local rifle range. After lunch at a local restaurant, we embark on a half-day tour of Saigon.
We visit the former Presidential Palace, where North Vietnamese tanks famously ended the war in 1975. We continue on foot to see colonial-era landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, City Hall, the Opera House, and Dong Khoi Street. We finish with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, a hub for local goods and souvenirs.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City | Breakfast, Lunch
Journey into the Mekong Delta
We depart Saigon for Can Tho and board our river cruise at Ninh Kieu pier. After checking in, we enjoy lunch on board as we cruise along the Hau River and through smaller canals. In the afternoon, we go ashore to explore the peaceful Delta countryside or take an optional short cycling tour. Back on board, relax with a drink on deck as the sun sets.
Overnight: The Bassac | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Floating Markets & French-Vietnamese Architecture
The boat departs early, sailing towards Can Tho. After breakfast, we transfer to a smaller boat to visit Cai Rang floating market, followed by a visit to a local noodle factory. Returning to the pier, we continue to Binh Thuy Ancient House, noted for its blend of French and Eastern architectural styles.
Overnight: Can Tho | Breakfast
Crossing to Chau Doc
After breakfast, we drive to Chau Doc. Time permitting, we visit a Khmer temple and floating houses that double as catfish farms—a key industry in the region. Check into your hotel.
Overnight: Chau Doc | Breakfast
Speedboat to Cambodia
We transfer to the pier and board a speedboat for Phnom Penh. After clearing immigration, we continue cruising along the Mekong River to the Cambodian capital. The journey takes around 5.5 hours—light snacks, water, and comfortable clothing are recommended. On arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, take a short walking tour through a local market and sample some Khmer snacks.
Overnight: Phnom Penh | Breakfast
Royal Grandeur & Dark History
Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, beginning at Wat Phnom, the city's birthplace. We visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum with its rich Khmer art collection. In the afternoon, we tour the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, powerful reminders of Cambodia's recent history. The day concludes with a sunset cocktail overlooking the Mekong River.
Overnight: Phnom Penh | Breakfast
Overland to Siem Reap
We travel overland to Siem Reap (approx. 6 hours, excluding stops). Along the way, we visit Skun's spider market, a stone mason village near Phnom Santuk, and the ancient Naga Bridge at Kampong Kdei. Arrive in Siem Reap by afternoon.
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast
Temples of Angkor
We begin at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, home to the towering stone faces of Bayon temple, built in the 12th century. We explore the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the temples of Baphuon and Phimeanakas. Next is Ta Prohm, famous for the tree roots intertwined with temple ruins. Finally, we visit the magnificent Angkor Wat, the pinnacle of Khmer architecture. This evening, enjoy a farewell Khmer dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast, Dinner
Departure from Siem Reap
Spend your final morning in Siem Reap at leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture, Hanoi
This elegant hotel offers panoramic views of Hanoi and Hoan Kiem Lake, with a tour desk providing access to nearby attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Bach Ma Temple. Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, bottled water, tea and coffee makers, satellite TV, and bathrobes. Guests can unwind at the bar and open-air café, enjoying drinks and light snacks while soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Victory Star , Halong Bay
Victory Star Cruise offers a memorable stay on the serene waters of Hạ Long Bay. This traditional-style wooden junk boat features comfortable cabins with bay views, en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and wooden décor. Guests can savour fresh Vietnamese cuisine in the restaurant, unwind at the bar, or enjoy panoramic vistas from the sun deck. Amenities include a spa, tai chi sessions, cooking classes, and kayaking excursions. The cruise includes guided visits to caves and floating villages, making it an ideal base for group travellers to explore the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa, Hoi An
Centrally located on Hung Vuong Street, this colonial-style hotel boasts an excellent location within walking distance of the bustling Ancient Town of Hoi An. Its comfortable guestrooms are fully equipped with modern amenities, including free WiFi and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel features a welcoming outdoor pool, where guests can enjoy a cooling drink at the Sunken Bar, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The onsite spa offers rejuvenating full body Vietnamese massages and, if that wasn’t enough, the hotel also provides free bicycles and shuttle buses to take you to their private beach at An Bang.
Equatorial Hotel , Ho Chi Minh City
Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City is a 5-star hotel located near the heart of the city, providing easy access to Ben Thanh Market, Chinatown, and other cultural landmarks. Ideal for group travellers, the hotel features spacious rooms with modern comforts including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Amenities include an outdoor pool with swim-up bar, fitness centre, spa, and sauna. Guests can enjoy a choice of dining options, including international and Asian cuisine, as well as a café and lounge. A complimentary shuttle service and 24-hour reception ensure a convenient and comfortable stay.
The Bassac , Mekong Delta
The Bassac Cruise offers an authentic journey through Vietnam's Mekong Delta aboard traditional wooden boats inspired by local rice barges. Operating between Cần Thơ and Cái Bè, the cruise provides a unique perspective on river life, including visits to floating markets and rural villages. Cabins are air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms, ensuring comfort throughout the voyage. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared Vietnamese meals in the open-air dining area and relax on the spacious sundeck. With attentive service and immersive excursions, the Bassac Cruise is an ideal choice for group travellers seeking to experience the Delta's charm.
Sheraton Can Tho, Can Tho
Overlooking the Hau River in the heart of the Mekong Delta, this modern hotel is just a short drive from Can Tho Floating Market and Ninh Kieu Wharf. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with river or city views, a rooftop pool, and a well-equipped fitness centre. Several on-site restaurants offer a mix of local and international dishes, making it a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the vibrant sights and flavours of the region.
Victoria Hotel, Chau Doc
Built in colonial style with low-rise Frencg architectural design, this hotel blends perfectly with its natural surroundings on the banks of the Bassac River. Rooms are elegantly furnished with traditional Vietnamese handicraft with spectacular views of the river and the added bonus of WiFi access. The restaurant offer unique cuisines from all over Vietnam as well as European dishes and the hotel also has a rooftop terrace spa. A number of excellent leisure activities are available including Tai Chi sessions, bicycle rental and martial art exercises.
Sensory Park Urban Hotel, Phnom Penh
Just 9 km from Phnom Penh International Airport, the hotel is close to key attractions like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (a 19-minute walk) and the Royal Palace (2 km). It features a rooftop pool with city views, a sauna, steam room, fitness centre, sun terrace, and lush gardens. Rooms offer air-conditioning, walk-in showers, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and modern city views. The on-site restaurant serves Asian and European cuisine for brunch, lunch, dinner, and high tea, with cocktails available at the bar. Guests also enjoy free WiFi and relaxed outdoor seating areas.
Steung Siem Reap Hotel , Siem Reap
Rebuilt in 2005, the Steung Siem Reap has retained many of its colonial French characteristics, with attractive wooden louvre french-windows and wrought iron balconies. Guest rooms are modern, airy and nicely decorated, the hotel has a good range of facilities and services, together with a nice pool, sauna, restaurant, bar and business center.
At a Glance
