Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. Guesthouse (1 night), Hotel (17 nights), Overnight boat (1 night)

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.

Meals

18 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners

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. Boat , Plane , Private vehicle , Taxi

Others

Complimentary Arrival Transfer Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda Siem Reap - Leader-led orientation walk Siem Reap - Santuk Silkfarm visit Siem Reap - Lunch prepared by women weavers at the silkfarm Siem Reap - Lunch at Sala Bai Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour Siem Reap - Temple Blessing Siem Reap - 1 day Angkor pass Kampong Phluck - Visit to kampong Phluck lakeside village Siem Reap - Countryside village walk & sunset drink Siem Reap - Farewell Dinner Ho Chi Minh City - Welcome Dinner Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum Mekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producers Mekong Delta - Home-cooked lunch Hoi An - Old Town walking tour Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda Hue - Vegetarian lunch at a Buddhist nunnery Hanoi - KOTO lunch Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house Hanoi - Temple of Literature Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu Ninh Binh - Home Cooked Lunch Cuc Phuong National Park - Save Vietnam’s Wildlife visit Ninh Binh - Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise Hanoi - Old Quarter Tour Hanoi - Local water puppet performance

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Phnom Penh

Sua s’dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll the streets of Phnom Penh, taking in the interesting French colonial architecture. Dinner tonight will be at a riverside local restaurant and may include dishes like beef lok lak or fish amok. Enjoy getting to know your fellow travellers over delicious Cambodian specialties.
Day 2 Day 2: Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Phnom Penh

Today a full city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh, a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and are closed to the public. You will, however, be able to visit the Silver Pagoda that lies in the palace complex, which is the most sacred temple in the country. Phnom Penh remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles and successes. Your included visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Tuol Sleng 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 8,000 human skulls, marking the site of the infamous location. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng, and standing in this peaceful setting, it’s almost unthinkable to imagine that to date nearly 9000 corpses have been exhumed from the area. The visits are major parts of the experience here, but if you don’t wish to visit them, please let your leader know. There is an optional visit to Wat Phnom, the temple that gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th century. After today’s activities, you may wish to spend this evening relaxing in a cafe by the riverfront.
Day 3 Day 3: Siem Reap
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Siem Reap

Begin the scenic drive to Siem Reap (approximately 7 hours, including stops). Along the way, swing by a local village restaurant for a tasty lunch. Arrive in the small but expanding town of Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor and the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia, perhaps even in South East Asia. You’ll probably notice a change of pace here, so take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere. A visit to the old market is a must, even if you’re not looking for souvenirs, wandering through the stalls and surrounding shops the silks, cottons, sarongs, silver and statues are a riot of colour and a feast for the eyes – and there will be one for your stomach too if you try some of the cheap, delicious street food! There’s also a long tradition of shadow puppetry in the region, and if you’re lucky you might catch a show at one of the local restaurants in the evening, perhaps while you’re eating the specialty cuisine of Cambodia – amok, the name given to curry steam-cooked in banana leaves.
Day 4 Day 4: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor on a guided exploration. Angkor Wat is the largest and most complete structure, and the only one of Angkor’s temples that has its entrance facing west – the others face east. Of all the temples visited today, Bayon is the centrepiece, with over 200 smiling carved faces and more than 50 gothic towers. Visit an ancient monastery where you’ll meet a Buddhist monk and take part in a ritual that has survived for thousands of years. Sit on the floor as the monk chants and sprinkles holy water over you before tying a sacred thread around your wrist, ensuring protection and good luck for the rest of your journey. For lunch you’ll visit the Sala Bai Hotel School where disadvantaged local youth learn skills that enable them to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. Afterward, you will head to Ta Prohm, a temple where nature has taken over, as large trees have become embedded in the stone foundations of the structure. End the day with a sunset view of the temples – an extraordinary way to see the sun go down.
Day 5 Day 5: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Embrace a very early start today if you wish to experience a sunrise visit to the Angkor complex (this is optional). Today you’ll visit the temple of Banteay Srei – you’ll see it’s not a huge temple, but thanks to its intricate stone carvings it is sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art’. Later this afternoon, get an insight into the daily life of Cambodians on a village tour. See the rice fields and family allotment that surround the traditional stilt houses. Be welcomed into a local home as you join together for sunset drinks. This evening, enjoy a final farewell dinner with your fellow travellers and one last night of delicious Cambodian cuisine at a specially chosen restaurant.
Day 6 Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City

Xin chao! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City – a French-infused city with a dynamic atmosphere. If you arrive early, perhaps head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-air market or visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening, where you’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. After your welcome meeting, you’ll make your way out for dinner as a group – expect mouth-watering aromas and the achingly fresh flavours of herbs, lemongrass and rich sauces.
Day 7 Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head out of town to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels that make up part of a large war museum outside Ho Chi Minh. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, and offers a glimpse of what life was like during the war. Like an underground maze that stretches over 120km, the tunnels are complete with trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, armoury, hospitals, and command centres. Your trip through history doesn’t stop there, you’ll head back to Ho Chi Minh City to discover the War Remnants Museum where you’ll see old military equipment including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. In the afternoon, you’ll be free to explore the city at your leisure. Perhaps gather some of your newfound travel buddies and explore Notre Dame, the Post Office or Reunification Palace.
Day 8 Day 8: Mekong Delta
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Mekong Delta

This morning you’ll wave goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City for the night and travel south by private bus to Ben Tre. When you arrive, you’ll board a small traditional boat and explore the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta. The delta is known as ‘Vietnam’s rice bowl’ for its abundance of rice paddies, fruit and flower orchards. During the boat trip, you’ll stop to sample some of the fresh tropical fruit and visit a selection of cottage industries in the area. Then, you’ll get your first taste of Vietnamese hospitality and tuck into a home-cooked Vietnamese-style lunch at a local family home. Then, around sunset, you’ll make your way to your guesthouse to spend the night with the locals and enjoy another wonderful meal featuring regional specialties.
Day 9 Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy more of the Mekong Delta’s finest fruits over breakfast this morning and then hit the road back to Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon. This evening will be yours to explore, perhaps go in search of the best food with some of your fellow travellers – your group leader will know where to go for meals of any budget. Then, you might like to leave yourself time to check out one of the city’s vibrant rooftop bars.
Day 10 Day 10: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Hoi An

This morning, you’ll take a short flight to Danang and make your way to your next stop in Hoi An. On arrival in Hoi An, shake off your morning of travel and dig into a traditional Vietnamese lunch to welcome you to the city. Our hot tip – try the mi quang or cao lau noodles that Central Vietnam is famed for. After lunch, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around the World Heritage-listed Old Town. The city was a major trading port with the west during the 16th and 17th-centuries, and has various architectural influences from Europe, China and Japan. Today, the city is being restored and looks much like it did over a century ago. You’ll see Chinese temples, Japanese pagodas, French-colonial houses, wooden shop-houses and old canals during your walk. After your walking tour, enjoy free time to participate in optional activities or simply soak up the ambience of the place. You may like to wander Hoi An Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more.
Day 11 Day 11: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Hoi An

Enjoy a free day to further explore Hoi An and its majestic surrounds. Perhaps rent a bicycle and take a trip out to the nearby Cua Dai Beach. Better yet, why not book into an Urban Adventure, like Hoi An Boat & Bike, which offers a guided tour of the area, including a countryside bike ride and a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River. Vietnam is, of course, known for its delicious food, and Hoi An is no exception. To unlock the flavours of Hoi An’s vibrant Old Town on Hoi An Food Adventure. See urbanadventures.com/destination/Hoi-An-tours for more information. Your leader can help arrange optional activities and tours if this interests you.
Day 12 Day 12: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Hoi An

Spend another day as you please in this historic haven. If you can muster an early rise this morning, head to the local produce market to watch animated shoppers haggling over fresh fish, spices and vegetables. Otherwise, if you’d like, your leader can help you arrange an optional Vietnamese cooking class, or a visit to the ruins of My Son – Vietnam’s most important Cham site. Set in a verdant valley, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat’s Tooth Mountain, the elaborate World Heritage-listed temples here reflect the cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation that flourished in this region between the fourth and 12th-century. There’s plenty to see and do here, this is your opportunity to decide how to spend your day.
Day 13 Day 13: Hue
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Hue

Continue your journey north today and drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass – an incredibly scenic and mountainous stretch of highway with views of Lang Co Beach. Make a stop at beautiful Lang Co to buy yourself some lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Hue – Vietnam’s former Imperial capital. Here you’ll take a step into the past as you visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. As the name suggests, The Forbidden Purple City was once reserved only for the personal use of the emperor and his concubines. It was almost entirely destroyed by bomb blasts during the war and now serves as a reminder of centuries past – the crumbling palaces tell a fascinating story if you look carefully. After a little time to explore, the evening will be at your leisure to relax and simply enjoy this poetic place.
Day 14 Day 14: Hue
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Hue

After a local breakfast of bun bo hue – a spiced beef noodle soup – it’s time to really delve into the historical highlights of Hue. You’ll stop off at the Thien Mu Pagoda and get the chance to see an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601. Your adventures will work up an appetite that we’ll quickly fill with a delicious vegetarian feast at a local nunnery for lunch. Feeling full with more Vietnamese delicacies and warm hospitality, you’ll make one final stop at one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, with its lake, frangipani and pine trees. After a big day of exploring beautiful sights, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Our tip – be sure to ask your leader which of Hue’s favourites you should seek out for dinner – it’s not known as Vietnam’s culinary capital for nothing.
Day 15 Day 15: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Hanoi

After breakfast today, you’ll take a flight from Hue to Vietnam’s charming capital of Hanoi. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. After lunch, take a half-day tour of Hanoi that captures the beauty and the history of the laidback, tree-lined capital. You’ll visit major sights including the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. You’ll also pass by Hoan Kiem Lake and enter the ’36 Streets’ of the historic Old Quarter – a series of interwoven lanes and roads that historically sell a certain product in each street. Silk, bamboo, ceramics, kitchen products – and upwards of 32 more!
Day 16 Day 16: Ninh Binh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Ninh Binh

You’ll depart Hanoi for the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh this morning. A naturally beautiful area, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains. On arrival, you’ll head straight to the Dinh and Le Temples which were built in the 10th century and dedicated to two of the kings of Vietnam. After exploring the ancient temples, you’ll be welcomed into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Meet the family who live here and enjoy their Vietnamese delicacies... think everything from grilled beef wrapped with guise leaves, to spring rolls, to fried fish with tomato sauce. With a full belly and fuller heart, top off the day in this scenic spot with a rowboat cruise along the wetland of Van Long. As you paddle, you’ll be awed by the surrounding limestone mountain peaks and rice paddy fields, plus enjoy the pastel hues of a lotus pond along your way.
Day 17 Day 17: Ninh Binh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Ninh Binh

Wake up without an alarm today as you’ve got the morning to explore at your leisure before a fun, action-packed afternoon to take in Thung Nham ecotourism zone, just outside of Ninh Binh. First up, you’ll take a traditional rowboat to discover the largest natural bird garden in the north of Vietnam. Float peacefully along the calm waters, as you’re surrounded by towering mountains, lush greenery and, of course, a mass of beautiful bird species. Then, you’ll explore the cave system that features, But Cave and Tien Ca Cave. From here, your journey will take you to spiritual sights that include the thousand year-old banyan tree, Gii Dai Temple and Linh Than Mieu. Finally, you’ll get a chance to unwind as you explore the Thung Nham flower paradise, nursery and vegetable garden.
Day 18 Day 18: Halong Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Halong Bay

Travel by private minibus to the spectacular World Heritage-listed site of Halong Bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places – a bay of emerald waters flecked with sandstone 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 so be sure to watch your step. This evening, you’re in for a real treat – you’ll spend the night on a traditional cruising boat. The sailing junk (traditional sailing boat) has twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities. There’s also a dining room and bar where you’ll enjoy all of your meals, including fresh seafood for lunch and dinner.
Day 19 Day 19: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Hanoi

You’d be forgiven for thinking you were still dreaming upon waking up today. Soak up the scenery of Halong Bay from your floating accommodation and take in those turquoise water views one last time before hitting the road toward Hanoi. Along the way, you’ll stop at Dong Trieu Factory to watch locals creating ceramic art pieces. On arrival in Hanoi enjoy a unique water-puppet performance hosted by a local family, who are experts in this art form. Tonight, gather as a group with your leader and tuck into dinner together, perhaps take this chance to try traditional Cha Ca La Vong, a fish dish bursting with flavour, filled with fresh herbs and noodles. Enjoy this evening with your group as you reminisce on the highlights of your Vietnam adventure.
Day 20 Day 20: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Hanoi

With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend some more time in Hanoi, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

+17

20 days tour

Classic Cambodia & Vietnam (From Phnom Penh To Hoi An)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Classic Cambodia & Vietnam (From Phnom Penh To Hoi An)

Day 1: Phnom Penh

Day 2: Phnom Penh

Day 3: Siem Reap

Day 4: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Day 5: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 8: Mekong Delta

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10: Hoi An

Day 11: Hoi An

Day 12: Hoi An

Day 13: Hue

Day 14: Hue

Day 15: Hanoi

Day 16: Ninh Binh

Day 17: Ninh Binh

Day 18: Halong Bay

Day 19: Hanoi

Day 20: Hanoi

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