ESSENCE OF VIETNAM & CAMBODIA (10 days)

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ESSENCE OF VIETNAM & CAMBODIA (10 days)

This 10-day journey through Vietnam and Cambodia offers a seamless blend of culture, history, and iconic landscapes. From the charm of Hanoi and the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay to the coastal elegance of Da Nang and Hoi An, the itinerary continues south to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Crossing into Cambodia, discover the rich heritage of Phnom Penh and the timeless grandeur of Siem Reap, home to the legendary Angkor temples. Carefully curated and well-paced, this combined tour reveals the very best of Indochina in one unforgettable experience.

A travel experience like no other

This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
  • Day 1
    HANOI ARRIVAL - CITY TOUR
  • Day 2
    HA NOI – HA LONG BAY (B,L,D)
  • Day 3
    HA LONG – HA NOI – FLIGHT TO DA NANG – HOI AN (B or BR)
  • Day 4
    HOI AN (B)
  • Day 5
    HOI AN – DA NANG – HO CHI MINH CITY (B,L)
  • Day 6
    MEKONG DELTA (B,L)
  • Day 7
    HO CHI MINH CITY – PHNOM PENH (B)
  • Day 8
    PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP (B)
  • Day 9
    SIEM REAP – ANGKOR (B)
  • Day 10
    SIEM REAP DEPARTURE (B)
  • Day 1

    HANOI ARRIVAL - CITY TOUR

    Upon arrival to Noi Bai International Airport you will be welcomed by your guide holding a sign with your name on it. He will escort you to your hotel (approx. 1-hour drive). Check in time is after 2 PM.

    Depending on your arrival time, explore the attractive sights of Hanoi. Visit the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Monday). The museum provides an insightful glimpse into the country’s lengthy history, with more than 15,000 photos and 10,000 objects and artifacts depicting a historical perspective of the lives, activities, customs, and habits of the 54 recognized ethnic groups of Vietnam. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university established within the temple in 1076 to educate the mandarin class. In the late afternoon, enjoy a 45 minute cyclo ride around the Old Quarter in the heart of Hanoi. A cyclo is a bicycle cab with a roof, pedaled by a driver who sits behind you, allowing for immersing yourself in the old atmosphere of an area that perfectly captures the timelessness and nostalgia of Vietnam. After the cyclo ride, walk around Hoan Kiem lake and visit Thanh Ha wet market to have a look at the local life.  Conclude your walk over a cup of delicious Vietnamese egg coffee at a hidden café nestled inside a tiny alley. Hot café Trung, with its rich taste of coffee, creamy egg yolk, and sweet condensed milk, will leave you smiling. 

    Back to your hotel and free at leisure.

    Meal: N/A

    Accommodation:

    Hotel 3* LA DOLCE VITA HOTEL (Superior)

    Hotel 4* THE Q HOTEL (Deluxe)

    Hotel 5* PAN PACIFIC (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 2

    HA NOI - HALONG BAY

    After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a 3-hour drive to Ha Long Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Ha Long City around noon and proceed with the check-in formalities. You will be welcomed on board, and lunch will be served as the boat begins cruising into the heart of the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing and onboard activities according to your boat’s itinerary, or simply relax and take in the magnificent surroundings. Toward the end of the day, the boat will anchor for the night among the impressive karst formations. Dinner will be served on board.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Accommodation: On boat

    3* VERDURE LOTUS CLASSIC (Deluxe)

    4* LA REGINA ROYAL (Noble Suite)

    5* LA REGINA GRAND (Bai Tu Long suite)

     

  • Day 3

    HA LONG – HA NOI – flight to DA NANG – HOI AN

    Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Ha Long in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi airport for flying to Da Nang.

    Your local team will meet you at Da Nang airport and transfer to Hoi An.

    Check in hotel and free at leisure.

    Meal: Breakfast or Brunch

    Accommodation:

    Hotel 3* KIM AN (Deluxe)

    Hotel 4* WYNDHAM GARDEN (Deluxe Queen garden-city view)

    Hotel 5* WYNDHAM ROYAL BEACHFRONT (Superior)

     

  • Day 4

    HOI AN – THE WORLD HERITAGE SITES

    Experience the perfect blend of culture and history as you explore two remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites: the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An and the majestic My Son Sanctuary, hidden amid the lush countryside just beyond the city.

    Begin your day with a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Hoi An to My Son, Vietnam’s most significant and iconic Cham archaeological site. With your private driver and English-speaking guide, spend the morning wandering through the evocative Hindu temple ruins dedicated to Shiva. Once a thriving spiritual center of the Champa Kingdom, My Son is regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s foremost Hindu temple complexes—often compared to Angkor in Cambodia, Ayutthaya in Thailand, and Borobudur in Indonesia. Although parts were damaged during the Vietnam War, many impressive structures remain, offering a powerful glimpse into an ancient civilization.

    Return to Hoi An and discover the charm of the historic old town. Begin at the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, lovingly preserved by seven generations. Continue to the Museum of Trade Ceramics, home to captivating artifacts collected from across Asia and the Middle East. A short stroll brings you to the 17th-century Chua Ong Pagoda, surrounded by a neighborhood rich in Chinese architectural heritage—perfect for a relaxed wander. While in town, don’t miss the chance to try Bánh Mì, often hailed as the world’s best sandwich. It’s one of the iconic Hoi An specialties that no traveler should leave without tasting. 

    Return to your hotel for refreshment.

    At 6.30PM, our guide will pick you up again at your hotel for a special “Hoi An Memories” show. 

    Hoi An Memories is a unique and grand performance with a charismatic storyline that recreates the culture of more than 400 year-old history of the ancient town, which is the exquisite synthesis of dances, lights, music, poetry, creation form.... “The most beautiful show in the world” and “a feast for the eyes” is how some of the audience described the performance where 500 skilled dancers deliver a glimpse of the way Hoi An has been developing from a small harbor town into a vibrant tourists’ destination, using breath-taking effects, detailed props and intricate and expressive choreography. Adding to the grandeur of the performance is the 25,000 m2 stage, the biggest outdoor stage in Vietnam that has been built on a natural islet on the Thu Bon River.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation

    Hotel 3* KIM AN (Deluxe)

    Hotel 4* WYNDHAM GARDEN (Deluxe Queen garden-city view)

    Hotel 5* WYNDHAM ROYAL BEACHFRONT (Superior)

     

  • Day 5

    HOI AN – DA NANG – FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH CITY

    If you want to experience a unique adventure in Hoi An, join a Rice Farming Tour. Learn hands on about the whole process of how rice reaches its finished product.  

    Hop on a bicycle and start biking to the countryside throughout the rice paddle, enjoying the fresh air with nature. Arriving at a local farm, meeting with the local farmer, talking with them about their local farming daily life and having a cup of tea with them in the middle of the rice paddle field farm. Next, you will wear farming clothes with traditional farmer clothes, conical hat, boost … like a farmer. Start the tour by riding a water buffalo and then take part in plough, raking, sowing, planting, grinding and separating the rice and making rice flour. At the end of the tour you will have the opportunity to cook and eat beautiful crispy pancakes which will be served with a cool drink. This whole experience is held on a family farm and will be something you will never forget.

    After lunch, you will be privately transferred to Da Nang airport to take the domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

    Upon arrival to Tan Son Nhat International Airport you will be welcomed by your guide holding a sign with your name on it. He will escort you to your hotel (approx. 30-minute-drive). Check in hotel and free at leisure.

    Meal: Breakfast, lunch

    Accommodation

    Hotel 3* HAPPY LIFE GREEN (Deluxe)

    Hotel 4* EDEN STAR (Deluxe Window)

    Hotel 5* GRAND (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 6

    MEKONG DELTA

    Today’s tour begins at 08:00 as you leave the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Ben Tre. Located on the edge of the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre offers the perfect introduction to the region’s peaceful waterways and rural lifestyle.

    Your discovery starts with a leisurely walk through a local village, where charming houses and neatly tended gardens provide a glimpse into everyday life. Continue by boat, cruising along the smaller tributaries of Ben Tre Province. Upon reaching a coconut garden, enjoy a refreshing glass of freshly harvested coconut juice amid lush greenery.

    Return to the boat and cruise onward to a coconut workshop, where you’ll learn how every part of the coconut is traditionally processed and used. From here, hop on a bicycle and ride along quiet village roads, passing through verdant rice fields and thriving vegetable gardens before rejoining the boat to cross to the other side of the river.

    Next, board a sampan and gently paddle through narrow canals surrounding the island, soaking in the tranquility and verdant landscapes of this idyllic part of the Delta. Afterwards, relax in a garden setting while enjoying tropical fruits and honey tea, then experience a fun ride on the back of a xe lôi, a local motorized cart, as it travels along rustic back paths.

    After a morning of exploration, stop at a local restaurant to savor a delicious Vietnamese lunch. Following the meal, take a relaxed walk past green gardens to visit local homes, where you can chat with families and observe the making of crispy rice paper, the village’s most famous specialty, or learn about the traditional process of rice wine production.

    In the mid-afternoon, begin the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, bringing an enriching Mekong Delta experience to a close.

    Meal: Breakfast, lunch

    Accommodation

    Hotel 3* HAPPY LIFE GREEN (Deluxe)

    Hotel 4* EDEN STAR (Deluxe Window)

    Hotel 5* GRAND (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 7

    HO CHI MINH CITY – PHNOM PENH

    Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis—alive with constant movement, modern skyscrapers, and endless shopping and entertainment. Beneath its dazzling energy, the city also preserves a rich historical legacy that contrasts beautifully with its contemporary charm. Depending on your arrival time, start exploring the colonial charm of the city center. Begin your journey at the Jade Emperor Temple, one of Vietnam’s few Taoist sanctuaries, built in 1909 and dedicated to the celestial ruler of heaven. Step inside and you’ll find yourself surrounded by incense smoke, carved wooden statues, and the mystical atmosphere of a century-old place of worship.

    Continue to the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, an elegant neo-Romanesque landmark built by the French more than 130 years ago, using red bricks and materials shipped all the way from Marseille. Just a short walk away stands the Central Post Office, a beautiful fusion of Gothic and Renaissance styles designed in the early 1900s, often attributed to the world-renowned architect Gustave Eiffel.

    Your final stop is the iconic Ben Thanh Market, whose clock tower has become a symbol of the city. This bustling marketplace, dating back to 1870, is packed with stalls selling everything from clothing and handicrafts to aromatic spices and lacquerware—an ideal place to soak up local life and shop for souvenirs.

    Free at leisure at the airport to wait for your flight to Phnom Penh.

    Upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport, meets and transfers to hotel for check in. Dinner not included and night at hotel.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation:

    Hotel 3* OKAY BTQ (Superior)

    Hotel 4* ONRA (Standard)

    Hotel 5* FAIRFIELD PHNOM PENH HOTEL (Standard)

     

  • Day 8

    PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP

    Breakfast at hotel.

    In the morning, visit the National Museum. Housed in a beautiful traditional building, it contains many outstanding examples of Khmer craftsmanship. Learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Explore Wat Phnom, a peaceful temple situated on a hill for which the city is named. According to legend, a 14th-century woman named Penh found sacred Buddhist objects in the nearby river and placed them here on the small hill.

    Transfer to Phnom Penh Bus station for your Joined Bus to Siem Reap. This trip will take you about 6 hours to arrive in Siem Reap via the country road of Cambodia where you will be met and transferred to hotel.

    Dinner not included and night at hotel.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation:

    Hotel 3* CITY RIVER HOTEL (Superior)

    Hotel 4* SOMADEVI ANGKOR (Superior)

    Hotel 5* BOREI ANGKOR HOTEL (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 9

    SIEM REAP – ANGKOR

    Breakfast at hotel

    Visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom (12 century): the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Lunch not included

    Visit Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery, and the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Enjoy wonderful sunset from the top of Pre Rup Temple

    Dinner not included and night at hotel.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation:

    Hotel 3* CITY RIVER HOTEL (Superior)

    Hotel 4* SOMADEVI ANGKOR (Superior)

    Hotel 5* BOREI ANGKOR HOTEL (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 10

    SIEM REAP – TON LE SAP – DEPARTURE

    Breakfast at hotel

    In the morning, we will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake at KAMPONG PHLUK VILLAGE. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South East Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a fishermen’s “floating village” with floating schools, floating police station, etc. It is same as a big village floating on the lake, and the “village” move from place to place following water levels and current. 

    Lunch not included. 

    Transfer to Siem Reap airport for flight to next destination. End of services.

    Meal: Breakfast

     

INCLUSIVE

Accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast

One-night cruise on Ha Long Bay

Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers mentioned in the itinerary

English-speaking guide for guided tours 

Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary

Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

Private boat for sightseeing as mentioned in the program

Mineral water during the transfer (2 bottles per person per day) 

 

 EXCLUSIVE

Domestic flights Hanoi – Da Nang and Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh city

Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. 

All other services not specified in the itinerary

Meals, if not specified in the itinerary

Vietnam visa approval letter on arrival 

Visa stamping fee at the airport (25US$ single entry to Vietnam paid by cash at the airport)

Gratuities for guides and drivers

Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)

 

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