Discover the spectacular sights, delectable cuisine and rich history of Vietnam and Cambodia, on an unforgettable journey from Hanoi and the limestone peaks of Halong Bay, to Siem Reap and the magnificent temples of Angkor. Visiting enchanting Hoi An, imperial Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong en route.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Hanoi
Saturday. Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival at Hanoi airport you'll be met and transferred to our hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before our welcome meeting at 5pm.
For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Hanoi with us on our optional Back Streets of Hanoi add-on which explores the quaint districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc, and also includes an exhilarating local experience - riding pillion, on taxi-motorbikes through a maze of tiny streets and along the shore of beautiful Ho Tay Lake.
Overnight: Hanoi
Junk boat cruising
Hanoi – Halong Bay. After breakfast we enjoy an exhilarating cyclo (rickshaw) ride around the maze of streets in Hanoi's French Quarter, taking in highlights such as the Opera house and Ly Thai To Park. After the cyclo ride we transfer to heavenly Halong Bay, the jewel in Vietnam's scenic crown. We explore the pristine jade waters, studded with karst islands, aboard a traditional junk boat. Our cruise starts with a tasty lunch onboard, soaking up the views.
This afternoon we visit Trinh Nu Cave, one of the finest caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000m² with a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. There's also the opportunity to go kayaking and enjoy a refreshing swim. Later this evening back on board, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner.
Overnight: Halong Bay, Deluxe Junk Boat | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hanoi Old Quarter
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage. Before heading back to port this morning, we explore the beautiful Sung Sot cave (Surprise Grotto), which is 10,000m² and consists of two major chambers which are spectacular and spacious enough to hold thousands of people.
Arriving back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we enjoy a leisurely walk around the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street, from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops.
Later this evening there's a chance to freshen up before boarding the train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express’ railway line to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Imperial Hue
Upon arrival to Hue we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital. We visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city and the citadel. Within the citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, formal moats and imperial palaces, some of which lay in ruin.
After we drive into the countryside to see the elaborate mausoleums of the Nguyen kings. As the sun sets opt for a cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River or enjoy some retail therapy at the ever lively Dong Ba Market, a minute's walk from our hotel.
Overnight: Hue | Breakfast, Lunch
Road of the Ocean Clouds
Today we take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other, to Hoi An. En route we stop for a walk along My Khe beach, a beautiful stretch of coastline which was nicknamed 'China Beach' by the Americans during the war and famously featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s movie ‘Apocalypse Now’.Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before continuing our journey south along the coast to Hoi An.
Compact Hoi An with its cobbled streets, tiny shop houses and laid back restaurants and bars is a perfect place to relax a while. On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town, we’ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.
During your stay in Hoi An, we offer a unique optional Hoi An Street Eats add-on, which explores the city’s most popular local haunts. Cruise the city the way the locals do, by vintage Vespa and enjoy lots of tasty Vietnamese Cuisine. Book early with your reservation consultant, as numbers are limited.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Tra Que village & free time
On a bicycle ride to the local village of Tra Que we discover age old farming practises and learn about traditional medicine (we can arrange alternative transportation at no extra cost for those who don't wish to cycle). It’s a hands on experience today where we’ll assist with tending the fields and gardens and cooking lunch.
Day 7 is free for you to independently explore Hoi An. Relax by the beach or pool. Alternatively you can opt to take an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or enjoy a day trip to the Ba Na Hills, where you can ride the second longest cable car in the world, explore the resort and walk along the striking Golden Bridge (book and pay locally).
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1
Cruising the Mekong
Hoi An - Can Tho. It's a very early start this morning as we transfer to Da Nang airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival we drive to the Mekong Delta. The fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as its fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our sampan from Cai Be we’ll cruise downstream to Can Tho, through the maze of waterways watching the hubbub of daily life on the river. Passing colourful trading boats, house boats and children swimming we stop to visit some of the local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served today in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.
Overnight: Can Tho | Breakfast, Lunch
Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City
Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early this morning we visit the lively Cai Rang floating market before driving to bustling Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon). On a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City we take in city landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office before visiting the sobering War Remnants Museum.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City | Breakfast
Chu Chi Tunnels, Phnom Penh
Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh. This morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a sprawling underground network of tunnels and living quarters used by the Viet Cong during the war. Then we drive to the Cambodian border (crossing at Moc Bai/Bavet) and continue on to the capital of Phnom Penh. Today the nation’s capital offers a bustling mix of Asia’s past and present, a city quickly taking its place amongst the trendy capitals of the region with superb restaurants and a number of attractions.
Overnight: Phnom Penh | Breakfast, Dinner
Royal Palace, Crimes of Pol Pot
It's a full day of sightseeing today as we explore Phnom Penh, starting at the National Museum of Fine Arts, a graceful terracotta building of traditional design housing the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. We continue to the beautiful Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, famed for its lavish decorations – the floors are paved with silver tiles and statues of Buddha are encrusted with thousands of diamonds.
This afternoon we come face to face with the horrors of the Pol Pot regime as we visit Tuol Sleng (Security Prison - S21), a school that was gruesomely transformed into a torture chamber under the Khmer Rouge, and visit the Killing Fields where over 10,000 people were executed.
Overnight: Phnom Penh | Breakfast
Siem Reap & Angkor Wat
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap. Hotel check out and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Siem Reap. After time to freshen up we visit the Angkor National Museum - a fascinating archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and presentation of Angkorian artifacts and Khmer civilisation, with collections mainly dated from Khmer Empire's Angkor period circa 9th to 14th-century.
This afternoon we explore incredible and iconic Angkor Wat, easily the most famous and best-preserved of all the temples within the Angkor complex. It is a massive three-tiered structure crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Believed to be the largest religious building in the world, Angkor Wat contains thousands of wall carvings and extensive bas-reliefs. Spend the evening at leisure. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants in the compact city centre which is easily navigated on foot.
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast
Angkor Thom & NGO circus project
Early this morning there's an optional excursion to see Angkor Wat bathed in the spectacular golden light at sunrise (book and pay locally). Our included touring today starts when we drive out to visit the well-preserved temples of Banteay Srei, stopping at an exotic butterfly sanctuary, and the village of Preak Dak where you have the opportunity to plant a tree sapling as part of a local initiative to help low income farmers.
This afternoon we return to the Angkor Temple Complex to explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom which was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire and is home to the fascinating Bayon Temple, the Baphuon royal enclosure and the Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King. The last temple we visit is Tra Prohm, swallowed by the jungle, vast muscular roots envelop the crumbling towers and walls of the temple whilst the trees’ foliage dapples it in shade.
This evening you're guaranteed to be entertained watching the incredible Phare Cambodian Circus. The Phare NGO circus project trains street kids to become very talented circus artists and the popular show blends circus skills with interpretations of modern life and issues in Cambodian society.
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast
Tonle Sap Lake
This morning we drive to Kampong Phluk, a cluster of three villages of stilt house built within the floodplain of Tonle Sap lake about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. We'll see houses built on soaring stilts which hover over the Tonle Sap Lake whilst nearby, the petrified trees of a flooded forest are revealed whenever the water level drops. After a boat trip on the lake and lunch, we return to Siem Reap where the afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. Perhaps pick up some last minute souvenirs at the central market or head down to lively Pub Street.
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast, Lunch
Free time in Siem Reap
Saturday. Today marks the end of our memorable adventure. Spend the morning at leisure before hotel check out and your departure transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
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.
La Casa Hotel, Hanoi
Set in the tranquil French Quarter of Hanoi, La Casa Hotel offers a comfortable stay in Vietnam’s bustling capital. Each guestroom features free high-speed WiFi and individually controlled air conditioning, alongside the other amenities you’d expect of a modern hotel. Guests can enjoy Asian cuisine in the on-site restaurant as well as a range of beverages in the bar. The gym boasts fantastic views over the city, however, if you’re looking to unwind, you can take a dip in the fountain swimming pool or head to the hotel's spa center.
Sleeper train - 4 berth cabin, Hanoi
Cabins on board are comfortable though not comparable to European standards. Aboard each wagon are 9 compartments that comprise of 4 bunks per compartment shared by mixed sexes. A western-style toilet (with a varying degree of cleanliness) is located at either end of the wagon. Air-conditioning (not always operational in the summer) and lighting are controlled from inside the cabin, which is also lockable. Luggage can be stored in a compartment under the bottom bunk. Linen and a pillow are provided.
Bhaya Classic I Junk Boat, Halong Bay
This premier cruise boat offers 18 well appointed cabins with en suite amenities. Cabins are contemporary in design, whilst the finer touches have a distinct oriental influence. All cabins feature large windows creating a bright and airy atmosphere as well as scenic views. Facilities and services onboard include a dining room and bar, a sunbathing area on-deck, masseur and small library.
Syrena Junk Boat, Halong Bay
A tradition hand crafted boat, the Syrena Junk Boat offers superb en suite air conditioned cabins with comfortable interiors and balconies. The on board Lotus Restaurant serves up a delicious array of Vietnamese and International cuisine. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the public areas. Swimming, kayaking and tai chi are all offered on board and movie nights are also very popular.
Mondial Hotel, Hue
Just a 5 minute walk from the Ho Chi Minh museum, the Mondial Hotel is a contemporary hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms benefit from spacious interiors, comfortable beds and lots of mod-cons. There is complimentary Wi-Fi for guests, an outdoor pool and onsite spa - perfect for a re laxing massage. As well as the delicious Huong Xuan Restaurant there is also the Lobby Lounge - great for cocktails before dinner!
ÊMM Hotel, Hue
Situated in the heart of the former imperial capital, ÊMM Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Hue’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed sights. Guestrooms are spacious and complete with modern amenities. The hotel's imperial jade and royal purple colour scheme was inspired by ancient Hue itself. Guests can take advantage of the mini-gym, pool-side bar and reading area. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese and international cuisine in the onsite contemporary restaurant.
Vinh Hung Riverside Resort, Hoi An
Situated right on the banks of the Thu Bon River, this upscale hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the ancient town of Hoi An. Combining Vietnamese tradition with modern facilities, its guestrooms are set in coconut tree-shaded gardens beside the water. They’re well-equipped, with free WiFi and air conditioning, as well as private balconies. The hotel also offers a riverside restaurant, serving local specialties and western dishes on the outdoor terrace. This hotel’s highlight, however, is its pool and fabulous swim up bar, which is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.
ÊMM Hotel, Hoi An
Ideally located less than 200 metres from Hoi An's Old Quarter, this beautiful hotel features a mix of French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architecture. There's an outdoor swimming pool and a serene private garden to unwind in. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and other meals in the onsite restaurant and drinks at the bar. There is also free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Room are colourfully and tastefully decorated, with minibars, fridges, TV and ensuite bathrooms.
Iris Hotel, Can Tho
This elegant hotel is housed within a modern building in the city of Can Tho. Each guest room comes equipped with plush furnishings to ensure a good night's sleep and is decorated with a neutral palate and calming tones. Rooms look over the city and boast a range of modern amenities such as air conditioning and stylish ensuite facilities. Magnificent views of the city can be had from the hotel's skybar while a range of gourmet local and international dishes can be sampled at the onsite restaurant.
Victoria Hotel Can Tho, Can Tho
This attractive, colonial-style resort is tastefully decorated with well-appointed rooms and a wide range of facilities including a spa, tennis courts, open-air bar, restaurant and a gym. The hotel also offers sunrise and sunset cruises to the floating markets aboard the Lady Hau junk.
Muong Thanh Centre, Ho Chi Minh City
Centrally located, yet on a peaceful, tree-lined street, you will find the Muong Thanh Centre. Only a ten-minute walk from top attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Ben Thanh Market, this hotel is a great base for exploring the famous sights of the city. Its guest rooms boast sophisticated designs and panoramic views. Warm and friendly, the Muong Thanh Centre also features a spa and swimming pool for you to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Bay Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
The 16-storey, Saigon River-facing Bay Hotel is located just a couple of streets away from the Notre Dame Basilica and Independence Palace in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Rooms offer a complimentary Wi-Fi connection and a complimentary minibar, which is replenished daily. Rooms are bright and contemporary, with floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuite bathroom, TV and safe. The hotel restaurant serves a variety of Asian cuisine and there is a daily buffet breakfast. The rooftop pool and bar offers incredible views over the city.
Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel, Phnom Penh
Just 5 minutes from the Royal Palace, the Harmony Hotel in Phnom Penh is an elegant hotel with a great location. The spacious rooms feature plush furnishings with a smart decor of dark wood flooring and white walls with accents of colour. The hotel features a rooftop infinity pool and Jacuzzi with views across the river and the city, a perfect spot to relax after a busy day sightseeing. Guests can dine on a choice of Asian and Western dishes at the hotel's restaurant and enjoy a wide selection of beverages.
Kravan Hotel, Phnom Penh
The Kravan Hotel offers comfortable and spacious guest rooms in a quiet location close to the heart of Phnom Penh. This stylish hotel has an outdoor rooftop pool, in addition to a rooftop bar and a restaurant which offer fantastic panoramic views across the capital. Free wifi is offered throughout the property and there is fitness centre located on the top floor where guests can indulge in various spa treatments and massages.
Angkor Paradise Hotel, Siem Reap
Not far from Angkor Wat, the Angkor Paradise Hotel offers elegant accommodation in a world famous setting. Guest rooms are beautifully furnished with traditional wooden floors and all mod cons. All rooms have either fabulous views of the city or the hotel's outdoor pool. The hotel also boasts a great onsite restaurant, fitness centre and pool terrace. The Angkor Paradise Hotel is situated a short distance from Siem Reap international airport and the majestic Angkor Archaeological Park.
Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap
This stylish and sophisticated hotel offers luxurious accommodation with elegant dining, fantastic facilities and a perfect location. The spacious rooms are wonderfully finished with smart wood flooring and ensuite bathrooms, plus there is free WiFi access. The hotel's bars and restaurants provide a diverse range of international and local cuisine, with a buffet breakfast served at Tong Tara Restaurant and cocktails served at Lily Lounge and the pool bar. The hotel also features a spa, outdoor swimming pool, complimentary bicycle rental, and for budding chefs - cooking classes in Thai and Khmer food! This hotel is just six kilometres from the Angkor temple complex.
I found our 3 tour guides very knowledgeable, helpful and courteous.
Tour was as expected per our itinerary alrhough personally not enough free time for shopping and not much allowance for flexibility.”
Your guide Hung Do was amazing... do not lose him. ”
Visit to Vietnam was an interesting and memorable experience. Tour guide was very friendly and helpful.”
Our 1st guide Hung Do was amazing. His knowledge of Vietnams history & culture pertaining to our tour was exceptional. He was attuned to personal needs & requests & we felt safe & informed everywhere we ventured. His English was excellent so if there was misunderstandings he'd sort it. Absolute professional.
These ratings are for Hung Do & the tour in general. ”
The communication, planning and organisation pre-arrival and during the trip was exceptional. We are in our mid-30s, the group was circa 20 people (different ages [a mix of mid-thirties to 60s] and nationalities, majority was Aus/NZ and some Brits). Kien - was our guide in Vietnam. He is absolutely AMAZING and has made this trip 10/10 for Vietnam. Ensure that your guide is Kien if you go. Switched on, well organised, kind, knowledgable, great english, gives you a good insight about life and history of Vietnam. Perfection. Itinerary is great (would be potentially better if done in reverse). Hotels - this was a mix between good ones and the ones that are a bit tired (i would say half and half). That said, all of them had great breakfasts. Transportation was great - good drivers and good big tour buses that take you everywhere you go. Everything is well thought out - all stops, all breaks etc. it is really ‘on the go’ so be ready for a lot of travel (early starts etc). Amazing fun though. Cambodia was fun too - a much newer and poorer country. Guides were a little worse. Temples are worth the visit. Vietnam is a must though! ”
Fabulous tour covered everything we wanted to see and more.
Tour guides were wonderful, friendly, knowledgeable and made the tour good fun as well as interesting. ”
All 4 guides were great with our main guide, Hung Do being exceptional in terms of energy, care, knowledge and enthusiasm shining through.
This was our third trip with OnTheGo and we have been exhausted🤣 and exhilarated by each one!”
The tour was wonderful. Fast-paced and wide-ranging, but with sufficient free time to relax or explore further. Our guides were good, very knowledgeable and willing to share their personal stories. My ONLY complaint was that the group lunches and dinners did not allow us to choose our own food; it was all pre-programmed and somewhat repetitive. Other than that, no problems! Thanks for a great trip.”
Overall, the tour was good and it does keep you moving to see a variety of things on a daily basis. There were a couple activities that were "tourist traps" where we were put in a situation to buy goods from the locals. For example, we were offered to go on a boat on the Da Nang river or take the shuttle to where we were going, either of which was a short distance. For a small fee (I think it was $10) we could take the boat but once you get on the boat it was all about selling trinkets, clothes, etc. and the boat ride offered little in terms of scenery. I think you probably get this with quite a few tour companies. The majority of the excursions delt with seeing museums, temples, buddhas, etc. so I definitely had my fill by the end of it. I would have liked to have done for adventurous ventures but that's just me. One of the highlights was the cable car on the only free day we had and that cost $100 so it would have been nice to have that included in the tour. Also, doing more things outside of the normal scope of the typical tourist stops would've been nice. Transportation was good and the junk boat was really nice. Overnight train left a little to be desire, but it was a new experience nonetheless. Most of the hotels would be a 3 star by US standards which was a little disappointing because I booked this tour since nice 4-star accommodations was a priority for me.”
We had a fantastic time on our Vietnam and Cambodia Tour with OnTheGo Tours. All of our guides were excellent, looking after us at all times, providing the well needed chilled bottled water, giving us information about the sites we visited, the country, the people and practical information including restaurant recommendations
All of the hotels were good, and the included meals were also very good
Our hotels were in all located cities so it would have been nice to had an overnight in the countryside on a home stay or similar.
We did both of the extra excursions and loved the Vespa tour, this along with the bike ride to the countryside from Hoi An, was our favourite day in Vietnam. We also did the cable car ride and golden hand bridge but at the top is just a theme park which we weren't really interested in so in hindsight we probably wouldn't have done this day, but that was our decision
The highlight in Cambodia was probably the sun rise at Angkor Wat, although busy. We enjoyed Cambodia as a country and would love to return and discover more of the less touristy areas”
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I found our 3 tour guides very knowledgeable, helpful and courteous.
Tour was as expected per our itinerary alrhough personally not enough free time for shopping and not much allowance for flexibility.”
