Itinerary Highlights
- Discover the sights of Phnom Penh in a traditional cyclo
- Explore the temples including Bayon Temple with its 216 faces carved out of the rock
- Take a boat to the Cai Be floating market and cruise on to Dong Hoa Hiep Island
- Spend the night on board a Junk amongst the stunning karst formations of Halong Bay
- Best time to travel NOV - MAY
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- Domestic Flights
- English Speaking Guide
- International Flights
11 nights from £5,218 per person
Samantha
Travel Specialist
See the diversity of landscape and cultures, and the differences in cuisine and history of Cambodia and Vietnam on a twelve-day journey.
Experience a spectacular sunrise over the astounding ruins of Angkor Wat, followed by a day discovering the ruins of other ancient temples. Then visit the colourful, bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, the ancient township of Hoi An and floating islands of Halong Bay, in Vietnam.
Itinerary
Day 1 Phnom Penh
Your journey begins in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital city. Set out to explore the main sights by traditional cyclo, a relaxed and enjoyable way to take in the local atmosphere. Visit the beautiful Royal Palace and the nearby Silver Pagoda, known for its gleaming floor tiles and treasured artefacts. Continue to the National Museum, home to an impressive collection of Khmer art and history. Finish your sightseeing at Wat Phnom, the peaceful hilltop temple believed to mark the founding place of the city, offering lovely views and a glimpse into local traditions.
Day 2 Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
After breakfast, take a short flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the famous Angkor temples. This afternoon, begin your exploration with a visit to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, once the last capital of the powerful Khmer Empire. Enter through impressive stone gates and discover the fascinating ruins within its vast walls. Continue to the remarkable Bayon Temple, known for its many serene stone faces — 216 in total — carved into towering structures that watch quietly in every direction. Take your time soaking up the atmosphere and history of this unforgettable archaeological wonder.
Day 3 Angkor Temple Touring
This morning, set out by remork (Cambodian tuk tuk) to explore the temples of the Small Circuit. Discover the atmospheric Ta Prohm temple, famously entwined with towering jungle trees and creeping vines, creating a truly unforgettable setting. Continue to Banteay Kdei, a peaceful 12th-century Buddhist monastery known for its intricate carvings and quiet surroundings. After some time to relax, head out again in the afternoon to visit the magnificent Angkor Wat. Marvel at its grand scale, detailed bas-reliefs, and impressive architecture as you explore one of the world’s most iconic and awe-inspiring temple complexes.
Staying at
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
Day 4 Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy a relaxing day with a short flight from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. After arrival, spend the afternoon at your own pace—explore the city’s lively streets, discover local cafés, or simply unwind. You may also choose to relax and indulge in the elegant comforts and dining experiences at Park Hyatt Saigon, enjoying its refined atmosphere and excellent service.
Day 5 Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing
In the morning, explore the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of narrow underground passages built by Vietnamese guerrillas as wartime hideouts. Learn about their resilience and ingenuity while navigating sections of this historic site. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City for a guided half-day tour. Enjoy photo stops at iconic landmarks such as the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office. Continue to Chinatown to experience a vibrant local market, then visit the beautifully decorated Thien Hau Temple, known for its cultural and spiritual significance in the community.
Staying at
Park Hyatt Saigon
Day 6 Mekong Delta Experience
Drive to the delta town of Cai Be. On arrival board a boat to the Cai Be floating market. Watch traders work the river, some of whom have been living on these waters for generations. Visit a cottage factory that makes rice paper and coconut sweets, then cruise on to Dong Hoa Hiep Island, watching daily life take place along the river banks. Lunch will be local Mekong style before your drive back to Ho Chi Minh City
Staying at
Park Hyatt Saigon
Day 7 Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
Fly to Da Nang and, upon arrival, transfer to the charming town of Hoi An. Begin your exploration with a guided walking tour through the beautifully preserved ancient town centre. Discover historic former merchants’ houses that reflect Hoi An’s rich trading heritage, visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and wander through the lively, colourful local market filled with traditional crafts and fresh produce. After the tour, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, allowing time to relax, explore independently, shop for souvenirs, or soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed destination.
Day 8 Hue Sightseeing
Travel to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Upon arrival, explore the impressive Imperial Citadel, a vast complex of palaces, temples, and ancient walls where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled the country from 1802 to 1945. Discover the architectural beauty and historical significance of this UNESCO-listed site while learning about Vietnam’s royal past. Continue your sightseeing with a visit to the elegant Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most iconic landmarks, beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the serene Perfume River, offering peaceful surroundings and picturesque views.
Day 9 Hue to Hanoi
Begin the day at Hue’s lively Dong Ba Market, where locals gather among colourful stalls selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and regional specialties. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through the historic Old City, passing ancient streets and landmarks en route to peaceful Tinh Tam Lake, once a favourite retreat of Vietnam’s emperors. Continue your exploration with visits to the majestic tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and Emperor Khai Dinh, each showcasing distinctive architecture and royal history set amid tranquil surroundings. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight from Hue to Hanoi, where you will stay overnight.
Day 10 Halong Bay Cruise
After breakfast depart Hanoi and drive to Halong Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City and board your boat. Lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy some activities (depending on the boat’s itinerary) or just relax and absorb the scenery. The boat sets anchor for the night amongst the impressive karst formations. Dinner and overnight onboard
Day 11 Hanoi
Enjoy breakfast on board as your cruise makes its way past the stunning limestone rock formations on the journey back to port. After disembarking, transfer back to Hanoi. This afternoon, take a guided walking tour through Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter, famous for its lively streets, colonial buildings, and vibrant local atmosphere. Wander through narrow lanes lined with shops and traditional businesses before finishing the day with a traditional Water Puppet show, a unique Vietnamese performance combining folklore, music, storytelling, and puppetry.
Staying at
Hotel De L’Opera
Day 12 Hanoi Departure
Start the morning with a sightseeing tour of Hanoi, visiting some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Explore the peaceful Temple of Literature, see the unique One Pillar Pagoda, and view Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Continue to scenic West Lake and the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple dating back to the 6th century. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure — perhaps relax, do some last-minute shopping, or soak up the atmosphere — before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Samantha
Travel Specialist
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11 nights from £5,218 per person
