Guide

Your group will be led by a local leader in Vietnam and another local leader in Cambodia.

Meals

All breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner are included. Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest, tastiest cuisines in the world. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play a key role. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country, where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a hot bowl of pho (noodle soup). Be sure to seek out the national beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Cambodian food is all about contrasts: sweet and bitter, salty and sour, raw and cooked. It shares many dishes with its neighbours, and you’ll find noodle soup similar to Vietnamese pho, the refreshing salads and sour soups of Thailand, Indian-inspired curries, and noodles and stir fries handed down from years of Chinese migration. Food is cheap in Vietnam and Cambodia and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere. Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.

Others

All listed activities Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

Transport

Throughout the tour we use a private coach/minibus, usually with air conditioning. Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time, particularly in Vietnam. However, progress can be slow in the main cities due to traffic. There are three flights included in the itinerary and all bookings on flights are in economy class. Tet Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year) During the Tet holiday period, 28 January to 3 February 2025 and 16-21 February 2026, and two weeks either side of Tet, our itinerary is subject to minor change as despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur and if they do it is likely we will just need to use alternative accommodation.

Accommodation

We spend 10 nights in three- or four-star hotels and resorts, with all rooms offering air conditioning or fans. We also spend one night on a junk-style boat cruising Ha Long Bay. While the accommodations typically used are detailed on the day-to-day itinerary, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip. Ha Long Bay: Junk boat cruise (night 2) Board a traditional junk-style boat to cruise among the magnificent limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. Each of the twin-share cabins has air conditioning and a window out to sea, while the boat has a rooftop deck with chairs – this is where most of our travellers tend to gather for views over the bay. There’s also a dining room with glass windows so we can continue to admire this extraordinary landscape during lunch and dinner. Hoi An: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (nights 4-5) In the heart of the Ancient Town, this four-star contemporary resort has spacious, modern rooms, plus an outdoor pool, gym, restaurant and spa. The resort is an ideal oasis to relax and unwind after meandering through Hoi An. Siem Reap: Stueng Siem Reap Hotel (nights 8-9) In the heart of Siem Reap, this four-star hotel is only a few minutes’ walk to sites such as the Old Market and Wat Preah Prom Rath temple. The French colonial-style property has elegant rooms and an outdoor swimming pool, providing a relaxing retreat in this vibrant town. Worth knowing Single supplements are available (on request) but only for 10 nights of the trip (hotel nights). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement. The accommodation listed in each location on the day-to-day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.

Not included:

Others

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is ready for your arrival. Familiarise yourself with the city by wandering the tree-lined avenues. There will be a group welcome meeting this evening with your leader, followed by an optional group dinner. Accommodation: Lenid Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: To Ha Long Bay; Cruise; Overnight On Boat (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: To Ha Long Bay; Cruise; Overnight On Boat (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Start early for the approximately four-hour journey to Ha Long Bay. This is one of the most beautiful sights in Southeast Asia with roughly 3,000 limestone peaks rising from the emerald sea. We cruise among this amazing karst scenery and enjoy a seafood lunch on board. We stay on the boat tonight in twin-share cabins. Accommodation: Overnight boat
Day 3 Day 3: Continue Cruise; Return To Hanoi (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Continue Cruise; Return To Hanoi (Breakfast)

We continue to cruise around Ha Long Bay this morning before returning to port. We then transfer back (approximately four hours) to Hanoi, where the rest of the day is free for you to relax or discover more of the capital. You may wish to wander through the Old Quarter, where the 36 Streets are named after the product in which each specialises, such as Silk Street, Gold Street, Paper Street, and Tourist Souvenir Street. Or perhaps take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a favourite pastime for many Hanoi residents. You may have the choice this evening to see a water puppet performance, which your leader can arrange (subject to availability). Accommodation: Lenid Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Fly To Da Nang; Transfer To Hoi An (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Fly To Da Nang; Transfer To Hoi An (Breakfast)

We transfer to Hanoi Airport after breakfast for a flight to Da Nang. After arrival, we climb Marble Mountain to explore large caves used by the Viet Cong as a hospital base during the war. There are wonderful views over My Khe Beach and the countryside from the peak, which lead onto the captivating town of Hoi An, our next destination (approximately one-hour transfer). Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Walking Tour Of Hoi An; Free Afternoon (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Walking Tour Of Hoi An; Free Afternoon (Breakfast)

This morning will include a walking tour of Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating to the mid-16th century. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. It is also a marvellous place to wander around, dipping into the thriving riverside market and shopping for silk clothing. The afternoon is free to enjoy a town that has become a favourite for so many travellers to Vietnam. There is also the chance to take a trip (optional) to My Son, the spiritual home of the Cham civilisation, where Cham kings were buried as long ago as the fourth century. Although bombing has destroyed much of the site, there are several interesting stone towers and sanctuaries. Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Fly To Ho Chi Minh City; Afternoon City Tour (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Fly To Ho Chi Minh City; Afternoon City Tour (Breakfast)

This morning, we transfer to Da Nang Airport for the flight (approximately 1hr 25min) to Ho Chi Minh City (formally Saigon). This is an exciting, absorbing metropolis where scooters pack the streets and temples stand alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a bustling free-market city where anything goes. The Saigon River and Ben Thanh market are within walking distance and are highly recommended. An afternoon city tour will include a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. The museum has an interesting photographic record of the Vietnam/American War. Please be aware, some images at the museum are very graphic. Accommodation: Acnos Grand Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Morning Visit To Cu Chi Tunnels; Free Afternoon (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Morning Visit To Cu Chi Tunnels; Free Afternoon (Breakfast)

Today we leave the city and head north to the Cu Chi tunnels, a 150mi (240km) long underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war. Traditionally, these were very narrow, but some areas have been widened to allow tourists to explore the system. People with claustrophobia may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine. In the afternoon, we return to Ho Chi Minh City and the rest of the day is free for individual exploration. Accommodation: Acnos Grand Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: Fly To Siem Reap, Cambodia (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Fly To Siem Reap, Cambodia (Breakfast)

We bid Vietnam farewell and transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for the flight (approximately 1hr 15min) to Siem Reap in Cambodia. On arrival, we are met by our Cambodian tour leader before transferring to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Siem Reap. Accommodation: Steung Siem Reap Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 Day 9: Sunrise And Full Day At Angkor (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Sunrise And Full Day At Angkor (Breakfast)

We rise early this morning to visit the incredible Angkor Wat for sunrise and the many temples inside the royal city of Angkor Thom, including the magnificent Bayon, which comprises 54 intricately carved towers in a single temple. The Bayon certainly left an impression on a traveller in 1925, who stated, ’we stand before it stunned. It is like nothing else in the land.’ We will also see the less-visited outlying Ta Prohm temple, which is still covered in jungle as it was first found. Rediscovered in the 1870s and described as being ’grander than anything of Greece or Rome’ by French explorer Henri Mouchot, this Unesco World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular archaeological zones in the world. A truly magical experience and a photographer’s paradise. Accommodation: Steung Siem Reap Hotel (or similar)
Day 10 Day 10: Transfer To Phnom Penh; Optional Sunset Cruise On The Mekong River (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Transfer To Phnom Penh; Optional Sunset Cruise On The Mekong River (Breakfast)

We transfer by road (approximately seven hours) to Phnom Penh, a great opportunity to see the real Cambodia. We have stops along the way to stretch our legs and eat lunch. We also visit the Santuk Silk Farm, a Fairtrade organisation and a valuable source of employment in a poor rural community (Santuk is closed on some important Khmer holidays). We should arrive in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh in the late afternoon, the perfect time for those who wish to join a cruise (optional) on the Mekong and enjoy a sundowner. Accommodation: Ohana Phnom Penh Palace Hotel (or similar)
Day 11 Day 11: Sightseeing Including Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum And The Killing Fields, Royal Palace And Silver Pagoda (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Sightseeing Including Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum And The Killing Fields, Royal Palace And Silver Pagoda (Breakfast)

The fortunes of Phnom Penh have shifted dramatically during its history and the terrible years of the Khmer Rouge and subsequent civil war through the 1970s and 1980s have scarred the country. During our stay, we visit two sites that give us a vivid impression of some of the horrors. There is the Genocide Museum, which is the former Khmer Rouge prison known as S-21 or Tuol Sleng, in the city centre. And 9mi (15km) out of town is the Killing Fields, a mass grave and execution site for the S-21 inmates. While visiting Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields may not appeal to everyone, we feel they give visitors an important understanding of what the country and its people had to endure just a few decades ago. Now, the city is on the rise again and is a fascinating place with fine examples of French colonial architecture. This afternoon, we tour the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda. Accommodation: Ohana Phnom Penh Palace Hotel (or similar)
Day 12 Day 12: End Phnom Penh (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: End Phnom Penh (Breakfast)

The tours ends this morning after breakfast. To make your journey as easy as possible, there’s a free shared transfer to the airport. To utilise the free departure transfer, request to join it with your sales representative before your trip. And if you’d like to explore this interesting city a little more, you can always speak to your sales representative about extending your stay at the hotel.

12 days tour

Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Day 2: To Ha Long Bay; Cruise; Overnight On Boat (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 3: Continue Cruise; Return To Hanoi (Breakfast)

Day 4: Fly To Da Nang; Transfer To Hoi An (Breakfast)

Day 5: Walking Tour Of Hoi An; Free Afternoon (Breakfast)

Day 6: Fly To Ho Chi Minh City; Afternoon City Tour (Breakfast)

Day 7: Morning Visit To Cu Chi Tunnels; Free Afternoon (Breakfast)

Day 8: Fly To Siem Reap, Cambodia (Breakfast)

Day 9: Sunrise And Full Day At Angkor (Breakfast)

Day 10: Transfer To Phnom Penh; Optional Sunset Cruise On The Mekong River (Breakfast)

Day 11: Sightseeing Including Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum And The Killing Fields, Royal Palace And Silver Pagoda (Breakfast)

Day 12: End Phnom Penh (Breakfast)

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