Majestic Vietnam & Cambodia: 3 Weeks of Adventure and Culture 21 Days

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you’ll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is at your leisure to start your 3-week journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.

• Overnight in Hanoi
• Meals: None
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Your city tour begins at 08:30 am from your hotel. Visit key landmarks including the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Mausoleum, stilt-house residence, Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh Museum) and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university from 1070. After lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant, explore the Museum of Ethnology, famous for its comprehensive displays on Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities. Enjoy a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter and end the day with a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance.

Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays and from October 1 to November 30 for annual maintenance.

• Overnight in Hanoi
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Explore the historical ruins, including the Dinh and Le Temples. In the afternoon, enjoy a 3-hour sampan ride through the stunning waterways of Tam Coc, known as the ‘Halong Bay of the land.’ Visit Bich Dong Pagoda and return to Hanoi in the late afternoon. At 20:00, transfer to Hanoi Train Station for your overnight train to Lao Cai, departing at 21:10.

• Overnight on the Train
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Overnight Train
• Transportation: Boat

Arrive at Lao Cai early morning and transfer to your hotel in Sapa for check-in and a freshen up. After breakfast, visit the market and then trek downhill to Cat Cat village, passing by a waterfall and hydroelectric station. Continue through rice paddy terraces and arrive at Y Linh Ho village of the Black Hmong minority for lunch. Afterward, trek through Muong Hoa Valley, visiting Lao Chai and Ta Van villages before returning to Sapa by private vehicle.Tour Summary: Road transfer ~20 minutes/Hiking and village visit ~5 hours/Grade 2 of 5.

• Overnight in Sapa
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Transfer to a weekly ethnic market, where you’ll experience vibrant local culture and interactions. Explore the market’s diverse stalls and sample local delicacies, including homemade whisky. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Lao Cai and catch the shared shuttle limo back to Hanoi (~4.5 hours). Arrive at your hotel between 21:15-21:30.

Note: Weekly ethnic markets in Sapa include Coc Ly (Tuesday), Cao Son (Wednesday), Lung Khau Nhin (Thursday), Can Cau (Saturday), and Bac Ha (Sunday).

• Overnight in Hanoi
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, depart for Halong Bay, with a break en route. Board a traditional wooden junk, relax, and enjoy lunch as you cruise towards secluded islands. Explore ancient limestone caves and engage in sea kayaking and swimming if weather permits. Enjoy a sunset drink and a seafood dinner under the stars.

• Overnight on Traditional Junk in Halong Bay
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Begin with an early morning swim (weather permitting) and breakfast. Visit a renowned cave before cruising back to the harbor. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your late afternoon/evening flight to Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hue.

• Overnight in Hue
• Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Explore Hue’s Imperial Citadel and the former Imperial Palace. Visit Dong Ba Market for local specialties. In the afternoon, cruise the Perfume River by dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda and visit the Royal Tombs of either King Ming Mang or King Khai Dinh. Return to your hotel by road before sunset.

NOTE: Consider a candle-lit dinner in a traditional garden house to immerse in Hue’s cultural ambiance.

• Overnight in Hue
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass, enjoying panoramic views. In Danang, choose to visit the Cham Museum or Marble Mountain. After lunch, continue to Hoi An for a walking tour of the ancient town, featuring the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, and vibrant local market. Explore the unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, French, and European architecture. Enjoy leisure time for shopping, dining, or visiting Cua Dai Beach.

• Overnight in Hoi An
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Explore Hoi An’s World Heritage architecture, visit My Son Cham ruins, attend a cooking class, or join a photography tour. Consider a boat trip to Cu Lao Cham Island for snorkeling and relaxation.

• Overnight in Hoi An
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Transfer to Danang Airport for a domestic flight to Nha Trang. From there, take a coastal drive and speedboat transfer to Whale Island. Enjoy a 3-night stay in a beachfront bungalow at this tranquil resort.

• Overnight on Whale Island
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Resort
• Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat

Relax at Whale Island Resort, known for its excellent diving sites and tropical views. Enjoy diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, or simply unwind on the beach.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Resort
• Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat

Enjoy a day at your leisure on Whale Island! You have the freedom to relax or explore at your own pace. From March to October, you can participate in diving courses or boat trips at the PADI-certified dive center. Whale Island Resort offers a range of fresh seafood dishes and beverages at its restaurant and bar, with all-day dining available. Whale Island is located two hours north of Nha Trang by road.

• Overnight: Whale Island
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Resort
• Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat

This morning, drive to Cam Ranh Airport in Nha Trang for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, a local guide and driver will take you to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore this fascinating network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Discover how the tunnels served as a refuge for villagers and how their depth and complexity evaded discovery by U.S. forces. Return to Ho Chi Minh City around 5:00 PM.

• Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Begin your guided city tour at the War Remnants Museum, offering insights into Vietnam’s history. Continue to the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Old Post Office for memorable photos of the bustling city. After lunch, explore Chinatown with a walking tour through Cho Lon, visiting the Thien Hau Temple, and shopping at the Cholon and Binh Tay Markets. Return to your hotel around 5:00 PM.

• Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Travel south to the vibrant Cai Be floating market and cruise among local barges. Optionally, visit workshops to see the production of rice paper, coconut candy, and more. Explore a handicraft village and enjoy a rowing boat ride through smaller canals. Discover traditional houses and local farming activities before a tasty lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, cycle along village paths to see local life and fruits. The day concludes with a drive to Can Tho for an overnight stay.

• Overnight: Can Tho
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat

Take a morning boat trip to the Cai Rang floating market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and boat-based trading. Visit a fruit garden and return to Can Tho to observe rural life and lush vegetation. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, with lunch en route, arriving in the late afternoon.

• Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat

Fly to Siem Reap and spend the day exploring the Angkor Temple complex. Start with Angkor Thom, visiting the Bayon, Elephant Terrace, and Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon, explore Angkor Wat, the largest and most impressive temple in the complex. Conclude with a sunset view from Phnom Bakheng Hill (weather permitting).

• Overnight: Siem Reap
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Begin with a half-hour trek through the jungle from the East Gate to the Victory Gate. Explore Angkor Thom, including Bayon, Elephant Terrace, and Baphuon Temple. Visit Ta Prohm, famously enveloped by tree roots.

• Overnight: Siem Reap
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Drive to Banteay Srey, known as the “Citadel of Women,” famous for its intricate carvings. Continue to Banteay Samre and visit local villagers making palm sugar. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to Kompong Pluk floating village, exploring the flooded forest by canoe. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. (Note: Visits to Kompong Pluk may be substituted with Chong Kneas village from March to August.)

• Overnight: Siem Reap
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat

Enjoy your final morning in Siem Reap at leisure before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Transportation: Private vehicle