Inside Vietnam & Cambodia – 21 Days

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, which includes the mausoleum, museum, Ho Chi Minh’s residence, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Next, visit the Temple of Literature and the notorious ‘Hanoi Hilton’ prison. In the evening, enjoy a distinctive water puppetry performance.

We head west towards the stunning mountains of Mai Chau, making a stop at a Muong minority village along the way. During our stay with the White Thai community, we immerse ourselves in village life and experience their warm hospitality.

We start our day early with a walk through rice fields, visiting nearby villages and interacting with the local residents. We head back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

This morning, we head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay. We spend the day sailing among the 3,000 limestone islands that jut dramatically from the sea, savoring a seafood lunch on board before making our way back to Hanoi.

Take a cyclo ride to Hoan Kiem Lake and the historic Old Quarter. From there, continue on foot to wander through the Old Quarter, where 36 ancient streets are named after the traditional goods they offer. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to either further explore Hanoi or unwind. In the evening, board the Reunification Express (4-berth sleeper cabins) for your overnight journey to Hue.

Hue, separated by the Perfume River, is renowned for its rich heritage in Buddhism, art, and literature, and is especially known as Vietnam's final imperial capital. We explore the Citadel, once the residence of the emperors, and take a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda.

We explore the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc before driving across the stunning Hai Van Pass to the Cham Museum in Danang. Our journey continues to the Marble Mountains, where we discover caves and shrines, and make a stop at the famous China Beach. We then proceed south to the charming town of Hoi An, arriving in the late afternoon for a short walking tour. We meander through narrow streets adorned with centuries-old buildings reflecting Chinese, Japanese, French, and European styles, and visit the town’s traditional market and riverside area.

This morning, we head out for a visit to the stunning My Son, the premier Cham site in Vietnam. After our exploration, we return to Hoi An and have the rest of the day at your leisure. Later in the afternoon, you have the option to enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River. The evening includes a lively cooking class at a local restaurant, where you’ll join the rest of the group for a fun culinary experience.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hoi An at your own pace. In the afternoon, make your way to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

During our walking tour of Saigon, we explore the city's renowned landmarks. We stroll along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), passing notable sites like the theatre, Town Hall, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Our tour includes a visit to the Presidential Palace and War Crimes Museum, followed by a drive to the vibrant Cholon district (Chinatown). There, we explore Binh Tay, the extensive wholesale market, and the beautifully adorned Thien Hau Temple. Afterward, we return to the city center for some leisure time.

This morning, we travel by boat to explore the renowned Cu Chi tunnels, an extensive network stretching nearly 250 kilometers that once provided refuge for over 16,000 communist guerrillas during the conflict. We head back to Saigon later in the afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free for you to enjoy as you wish.

This morning, journey south to the Mekong Delta, the vibrant core of Southeast Asia's rice production. Along the way, you'll see farmers at work in their fields and drying their harvests by the roadside. Once you arrive and check into your hotel, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the town to soak in the local atmosphere.

This morning, embark on a boat ride to explore the intriguing Cai Rang floating market. Witness local farmers engaging in their traditional water-based trade, a practice that has persisted for centuries. Later in the afternoon, delve further into the Mekong Delta for a distinctive experience rarely seen by tourists. We conclude the day with a visit to Sam Mountain, where you'll be treated to stunning sunset views over expansive rice fields extending to the Cambodian border.

This morning, set out on a boat journey as we cross the border into Cambodia, which takes about four hours. Once in Phnom Penh, a city that is steadily recovering from its turbulent past, we'll start with a short city tour. We'll visit landmarks like Wat Phnom and Psar Thmei Market, and explore the National Museum to get a glimpse of the remarkable art that will be showcased at the Angkor temples.

Today, we explore the Royal Palace and the remarkable Silver Pagoda, renowned for its floor made entirely of silver. In the afternoon, we visit the somber Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the infamous Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. In the evening, unwind with a refreshing drink at a riverside café while enjoying the sunset.

Today, we journey along Route 6 to Skuon town, where we have the chance to try sautéed spiders, a local specialty. We'll pause our drive in Kampong Thom and visit the impressive ancient stone bridge in Kampong Kdei, constructed by the Khmer a millennium ago. After a scenic day of travel on a newly paved road, we reach Siem Reap.

This morning is yours to enjoy some free time in Siem Reap. In the afternoon, we explore the magnificent fortified city of Angkor Thom, featuring the stunning Bayon Temple with its intricately designed central towers from the 12th century. As the day progresses, we head to Angkor Wat for sunset. This awe-inspiring temple, completed in the 12th century after 30 years of construction, stands as the largest sacred building in the world and a pinnacle of Khmer architecture.

We start the day early with a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, where we also enjoy breakfast. Next, we explore Ta Prohm temple, a mesmerizing site enveloped by jungle that remains in the same state as when French explorers first discovered it in the 1850s. After returning to the hotel for lunch and some rest, we head to the picturesque Tonle Sap Lake. There, take a short boat ride through floating villages that include schools, restaurants, and hospitals.

Today, we journey to three remarkable temples beyond the main Angkor site. Our first stop is the exquisitely detailed and well-preserved Banteay Srei, often referred to as the ‘Citadel of the Women.’ Next, we visit the less frequented Boeng Mealea complex, the largest temple outside the primary Angkor area, which remains impressively intact in certain parts. On our way back to Siem Reap, we make a late afternoon visit to Banteay Samre. This evening, we gather to celebrate the conclusion of an unforgettable journey.

This morning, you'll be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your departing flight.