Transport

VIETNAM FLIGHTS: Please provide your exact name (including middle name) as per passport 45 days prior to your trip’s departure date for flight tickets to be issued. Internal flights will be on the following safety audited airlines: Pacific Airlines, Vietjet or Vietnam Airlines. UNACCOMPANIED FLIGHTS: During peak travel times your group may be required to travel on different flights at different times of the day, and you may be unaccompanied on the internal flight. In this case you will be assisted by additional tour escorts on departure and arrival. OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAINS IN VIETNAM: Compartments will be 4 berth to 6 berth depending on seasonal variations and the group configuration. We aim to secure 4 berth compartments where possible. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Passengers of different genders may be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you’ll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. On occasion the group may be split between several carriages, however your leader will coordinate and give further information on the trip. Boat , Overnight sleeper train , Plane , Public Bus , Private minibus , Taxi , Motorbike

Others

Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass Siem Reap - Chong Kneas Floating Village boat trip Kampong Thom - Santuk Silk Farm Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour Mekong Delta - Lunch Hoi An - Old Town walking tour Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike Hue - Motorbike Tour Lunch Hanoi - Temple of Literature Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise Hanoi - KOTO dinner Halong Bay - The Green Life Visit

Meals

13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Accommodation

HOTELS: Most of the accommodation on this trip is in hotels (mostly 2 to 3-star). Facilities are often basic, with some properties not having a continuous supply of hot water on occasion. All rooms are either fan cooled or with air conditioning and twin share with private facilities unless stated otherwise in the daily itinerary. Double beds are not widely available in South East Asia. WINDOWLESS ROOMS: Some hotels in South East Asia have windowless rooms, or windows that don’t necessarily have a view. This is often due to high population density in large cities, however local building standards also do not require rooms to have windows. We do request rooms with windows, however they aren’t always available. DAY ROOMS : & EARLY CHECK IN: Please note in some destinations we will provide use of day rooms. These rooms are provided for shared group use before or after overnight train journeys. We have some days where we arrive at our destination before check in time and a day room is not included. If you have booked a Single Supplement for your trip, it will not apply to these day rooms. Your leader may be able to assist you in booking a room for your sole use (depending on availability) until our regular trip rooms become available for an additional charge. Please talk to your leader at the Welcome Meeting if this is a service you would like to request. Hotel (14 nights), Overnight boat (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Bangkok. This city has so much to offer – if you have time to explore, maybe take a riverboat to Chinatown to wander the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, pay a visit to Wat Pho (home to the country’s largest reclining Buddha), wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage. After the meeting, you might like to gather your fellow travellers and tuck into some world-renowned street food.
Day 2 Day 2: Siem Reap
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Siem Reap

You’ll have a long drive by private minibus today, so get your favourite playlist or a good book ready. You’ll stop for lunch along the way, before arriving in Siem Reap – this small but expanding town is the gateway to Angkor. This is the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia (maybe even in all Southeast Asia!). You’ll probably notice a change of pace here, so maybe take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere. You could start by hitting the local markets to try some delicious street food.
Day 3 Day 3: Angkor Wat/ Siem Reap
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Angkor Wat/ Siem Reap

Today, spend a full day temple-hopping with your local guide to make the most of your visit to the world-famous complex, built between the ninth and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in Southeast Asia. The ruins are scattered over some 160 square km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, including Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing, and there are spectacular photo opportunities at any time of day. This is the absolute highlight of your trip, with the added insight and knowledge of a local guide at your side, so take your time and soak it in.
Day 4 Day 4: Siem Reap
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Siem Reap

This morning, embark on a private local boat to discover the floating villages and local daily lives of Chhong Kneas – a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the local’s unique lifestyle on the waters and how people and nature are intertwined in the most profound sense. This afternoon, return to Siem Reap and enjoy a free evening.
Day 5 Day 5: Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Phnom Penh

After breakfast, leave Siem Reap this morning and travel to Phnom Penh in a private minibus. The journey is a great opportunity to see the real Cambodia, with several stops at points of interest along the way. Visit the cottage industry at Santuk Silk Farm, where local women in the rural community are provided the opportunity for financial freedom to support their families. You’ll learn about the process from the silkworms to the final products. You’ll also stop at Skuon Market, where you might like to sample the local cuisine (deep-fried spiders). Cambodia’s capital is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-influenced architecture. This afternoon, enjoy some free time. Maybe explore Wat Phnom – a peaceful temple situated on a hill. A great way to see the city’s key landmarks is on a cyclo tour, which generally covers the Psar Thmei (Central Market), US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, Independence Monument and Royal Palace.
Day 6 Day 6: Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles and successes. Your day includes visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. S21 is a former school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre, and it’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are home to a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls, marking the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. After visiting both sites, you’ll have free time for the rest of the day. Maybe learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Alternatively, the National Museum, housed in a beautiful traditional building, is a great place to see some excellent Khmer craftsmanship. An ideal way to spend the late afternoon and evening is to stroll along the famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many riverside cafes.
Day 7 Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, travel by local bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, see the Neak Loeung Bridge, which is the biggest bridge in Cambodia, and then stop for lunch after immigration. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Maybe discover the city’s blend of old and new, east and west on a self-paced walk. Be sure to sample a baguette or some of the excellent coffee on offer – both markers of the city’s strong French influence.
Day 8 Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. As this trip doesn’t spend much time in Ho Chi Minh City, why not arrive a day or two early to see the sights? This city has a dynamic atmosphere and a French influence. Maybe head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-aired market, visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda or take an Urban Adventure with an expert local guide. After the meeting tonight, why not get to know your fellow travellers and the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine over an optional group dinner.
Day 9 Day 9: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

Today you’ll travel south by private minibus and spend the day exploring the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat and traverse the intricate waterways – soak up the tranquil surrounds and admire the breathtaking views as you float through this fertile landscape, often referred to as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’. Disembark at Ben Tre and visit the coconut gardens, stopping at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams before paddling in sampans (small rowing boats). Take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages, learning about rural life and how the locals make their living. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the heart of the delta, sampling regional specialties such as the famous elephant ear fish. Then it’s back to the boat to cruise the delta’s major waterways to Ben Tre boat pier. After the cruise, return via bus to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10 Day 10: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Hoi An

This morning, say goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City and fly north to Danang. From here you’ll take a bus to Hoi An, with the five spectacular peaks of the Marble Mountains as a backdrop. Once in Hoi An, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this unique town, influenced over the years by Europe, China and Vietnam. The town was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and the outside influences can be seen all over its architecture, with pagodas and assembly halls found across the town. For a small place it has a liveliness alongside its charm and serenity. The tour will take you down the streets that are being restored and look much like they did over a century ago. Past low tiled buildings, you’ll take in a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum.
Day 11 Day 11: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Hoi An

Enjoy a free day in the World Heritage-listed Hoi An. You may like to wander the Central Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within a few hours. For those still feeling adventurous, why not hire a bicycle and tour the surrounding countryside? This is one of the best ways to get an insight into rural Vietnam. Other optional activities include a day trip to My Son Cham, an elaborate World Heritage-listed temple that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation, a cruise along the Thu Bon River and a trip to the nearby Cua Dai Beach.
Day 12 Day 12: Hue
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Hue

Leave Hoi An today and journey across the dramatic Hai Van Pass, a sometimes bumpy but incredibly scenic stretch of highway with views of Lang Co Beach. Make a quick photo stop on the way, then continue to your destination of Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue contains the treasures of Vietnam’s royal history and has an interesting blend of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Join your leader for a tour of the Imperial Citadel – this fortress houses the Imperial City and the citadel-within-a-citadel, the Forbidden Purple City. This icon was almost completely destroyed during the Vietnam/American War, and the ruins and holes left by bombs are a reminder of the destruction that was caused. In your free time you might like to visit Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and tantalising street food.
Day 13 Day 13: Hue - Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Hue - Overnight Train

Today’s adventure will be on the back of a motorbike. You’ll have your own driver who will take you first on a drive around the Imperial Citadel, then to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue. This site dates back to 1601 and is still an active Buddhist monastery. Here you’ll also see the car left by a monk who set himself alight to protest the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. Ride to a special lunch spot at a convent or Buddhist monastery for a delicious vegetarian feast, then drive to the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set amid a lake, frangipani bushes and pine trees. In the evening, board an overnight train to Hanoi.
Day 14 Day 14: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Vietnam’s capital is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks and beautiful Old Quarter. As an emerging city in South East Asia, Hanoi has an attractive contrast of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and a labyrinth of ancient streets. Later in the day, take a walking tour through the city where you’ll see Ho Chi Minh’s former stilt house and other icons such as the Temple of Literature. In your free time, perhaps stop by the ’36 Streets’ of the historic Old Quarter, head to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, or visit the Fine Arts Museum. This museum plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s ethnic communities.
Day 15 Day 15: Halong Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Halong Bay

Travel by private minibus to the spectacular World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places, a secluded bay of emerald waters flecked with limestone islands and caves. Here you’ll go on a cruise to explore Surprise Cave and surrounding rock formations, and in the warmer months perhaps go kayaking or opt for a swim from Ti Top Island. Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases. Once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery. On board your ship, there’ll be a dining room and bar on board where you’ll enjoy your meals, including fresh seafood for lunch and dinner. Spend the night on board the boat beneath a sky alive with starlight.
Day 16 Day 16: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Hanoi

Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay, and before you leave the memorable scenery behind, it’s time for one last stop. The Green Life Centre are committed to turning Ha Long Bay’s trash into treasure by collecting discarded items and skillfully turning them into beautiful handicrafts. Meet the team behind this important cause and learn how to transform rubbish into a useful and reusable bag. After your visit, return by bus to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi late this afternoon and enjoy some free time to explore Hanoi’s sights or do some last-minute shopping. Otherwise, why not relax at a cafe or stop for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars in the Old Quarter? Tonight there will be a farewell dinner to enjoy with the group at KOTO restaurant, an organisation that supports disadvantaged youth with careers in the hospitality industry.
Day 17 Day 17: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Hanoi

Today your exploration of Vietnam comes to an end. There are no activities planned for the final day however you may consider continuing your adventure with a short tour such as ‘Hanoi Street Food by Night’ or ‘Village Discovery by Bike’ with our partners Urban Adventures (see urbanadventures.com for more information). Alternatively, perhaps visit the Hoa Lo Prison aka the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ which was used for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. There’s also the Museum of Ethnology with its fascinating indoor and outdoor exhibits. Just speak to your booking agent if you’d like to stay longer.

+14

17 days tour

Best Of Cambodia & Vietnam

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Best Of Cambodia & Vietnam

Day 1: Bangkok

Day 2: Siem Reap

Day 3: Angkor Wat/ Siem Reap

Day 4: Siem Reap

Day 5: Phnom Penh

Day 6: Phnom Penh

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 9: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10: Hoi An

Day 11: Hoi An

Day 12: Hue

Day 13: Hue - Overnight Train

Day 14: Hanoi

Day 15: Halong Bay

Day 16: Hanoi

Day 17: Hanoi

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