Uncover the rich tapestry of Vietnam and Cambodia on this unforgettable journey from Hanoi to Siem Reap. Cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay, stroll the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, and crawl through the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Experience the vibrant cultures and poignant histories of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap as you explore majestic palaces, ancient temples, and floating villages. From the bustling cities to tranquil countryside, this tour offers an immersive glimpse into two captivating Southeast Asian nations.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Arrival Hanoi
Arrival in Hanoi
On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax. Stay the next two nights at the Flower Garden Hotel Hanoi (or similar).
Overnight: Hanoi
Hanoi
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and begin your day with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene spot at the heart of the city, followed by a stroll through Dong Xuan Market. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Complex to see Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace (external view), and Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, set amidst peaceful gardens. Also within the complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 and a symbol of Hanoi.
Overnight: Hanoi | Breakfast
Hanoi to Halong Bay
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and begin your day with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene spot at the heart of the city, followed by a stroll through Dong Xuan Market. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Complex to see Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace (external view), and Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, set amidst peaceful gardens. Also within the complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 and a symbol of Hanoi.
After lunch (own arrangements), visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070. Its gardens and architecture offer a tranquil insight into the country's past. Next, tour Hoa Lo Prison, once dubbed the "Hanoi Hilton" during the American War, and visit the historic St Joseph’s Cathedral. Conclude the day with a visit to the Hanoi Opera House and a guided walk through the Old Quarter, where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee at a local café. Overnight in Hanoi.
Overnight: Victory Star | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Halong Bay to Hue
Depart your hotel at around 7:30 AM for a shuttle bus transfer to Halong City. On arrival, board your junk boat, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and cruise among the striking limestone islands of Halong Bay. In the evening, unwind in your private cabin or relax on the deck or at the bar.
Overnight: Hue | Breakfast
Hue to Hoi An
Meet your guide at 8:00 AM for a half-day tour of Hue. Start with the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set amidst tranquil lakes and frangipani trees. Continue to the Citadel, the seat of Nguyen emperors and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Despite damage during the 1968 Tet Offensive, restoration efforts are ongoing. End with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most beautiful.
Travel onwards to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass, a natural divide between northern and southern Vietnam. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. The evening is free to explore at your leisure
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Hoi An
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Once a bustling trading port, its architecture reflects a blend of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British influences. Visit a traditional ancient house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, Chau Ong Pagoda, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. End the tour in the Ancient Town, with the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Hoi An to Saigon
Transfer to Danang for your flight to Saigon. On arrival, your guide will meet you for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Watch a short film before exploring this extensive underground network, used by Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. These tunnels once served as supply routes, hospitals and living quarters. You have the option to explore a section of the tunnels yourself. Return to Saigon and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City | Breakfast
Saigon to Mekong Delta
At 8:00 AM, depart for a full-day excursion to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Cruise along the Mekong River and its narrow canals, stopping to visit a brick kiln, a coconut processing facility, and a family-run mat weaving workshop.
Take a pedicab ride and enjoy lunch featuring regional specialties such as Elephant Ear Fish. On the return journey, stop at a Cao Dai temple, representing a unique Vietnamese religion combining elements of several major faiths. Return to Saigon in the late afternoon for a farewell dinner at HOME Vietnamese Sai Gon.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Saigon to Phnom Penh
At 8:00 AM, set off on a walking tour of central Saigon, including Dong Khoi Street, the Rex Hotel, Municipal Theatre, Hotel de Ville, Nguyen Hue Boulevard, the Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. View the Reunification Palace (from outside) and visit the site of the former US Embassy (now the consulate), before heading to the War Remnants Museum.
Later, explore Ba Chieu Market and the Jade Emperor Pagoda, known for its intricate sculptures. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time before welcome drinks with your Tour Leader.
Overnight: Phnom Penh | Breakfast
Phnom Penh
Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo (bicycle rickshaw), starting at Wat Phnom, the city's spiritual heart. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, followed by the National Museum, home to a vast collection of Khmer art. Then browse the bustling Central Market. In the afternoon, by private vehicle, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge era.
Overnight: Phnom Penh | Breakfast
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Travel overland to Siem Reap, stopping en route at the spider and insect market in Skun, and a stone mason village near Santuk. Before arrival, visit Kampong Phluk, a village built on stilts. If water levels allow, take a rowing boat through its unique mangrove ecosystem. Continue to Siem Reap and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast
Siem Reap
Start early to witness sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by a tour of its bas-reliefs and central complex. After breakfast at a nearby restaurant, continue to Angkor Thom, including the Bayon Temple with its iconic stone faces, and the Terraces of Elephants and the Leper King. Visit temples such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas before concluding at Ta Prohm, known for trees growing through its ruins. Return to Siem Reap.
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast
Siem Reap
Begin the day at Damdek Market before visiting Beng Mealea temple, a remote and partially overgrown site dating to the early 12th century. After lunch, visit Banteay Srei, a delicately carved pink sandstone temple. Stop at the Landmine Museum to learn about mine clearance efforts, and visit a village specialising in sugar palm products. In the evening, enjoy a Khmer Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure from Siem Reap
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you many memorable stories from Vietnam and Cambodia.
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.
Flower Garden Hotel, Hanoi
This hotel is situated in the heart of Hanoi’s charming Ba Dinh district. Just a short walk from Truc Bach Lake and the historic Old Quarter, it’s ideally placed for exploring attractions like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Rooms are comfortable with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and minibars. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, a rooftop restaurant with city views, a fitness centre, and a sauna. With friendly service and convenient facilities.
Victory Star Cruise, Halong Bay
Victory Star Cruise offers a memorable experience exploring the stunning beauty of Halong Bay. Designed in traditional Vietnamese style, this comfortable cruise ship features well-appointed cabins with private bathrooms, air conditioning, large windows, and sea views. Onboard facilities include a spacious sundeck, a dining room serving Vietnamese and international dishes, and a bar.
Alba Spa Hotel, Hue
Situated 500 metres from Huong River in Hue, Alba Spa Hotel provides comfortable accommodation in a serene setting. Guests can rejuvenate in the Alba hot and cool mineral spa pools, an age-old practice for health and vitality. The hotel is 810 metres from Notre Dame Cathedral, 1 km from An Dinh Palace and Trang Tien Bridge, 12 km from Phu Bai Airport, and 80 km from Da Nang International Airport. Rooms feature neutral décor, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safety deposit boxes, tea/coffee makers, slippers, and hairdryers for added convenience.
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.
Paragon Hotel Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
The modern Royal Lotus carefully blends classic Vietnamese style with a touch of French flair. Guest rooms are bright, comfortable and very well appointed. A visit to the cool roof top bar is highly recommended where you can enjoy a delicious cocktail and a number of snacks whilst being treated to a lovely panoramic view of the city.
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
