Cambodia and Vietnam Explorer – 14 Days

Phnom Penh, a city emerging from years of violence and terror, is now embracing a new chapter. Its French colonial heritage is evident in many areas, while the modern riverfront showcases its bright future. Start your day with a visit to the National Museum to admire the grandeur of Khmer history, followed by a stop at the Silver Pagoda, renowned for its 5,000 silver-tiled floor. Conclude the morning with a stroll around the Royal Palace before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a stark reminder of the horrors of the Pol Pot regime. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to the iconic temples and the vast Tonle Sap Lake. Embark on a scenic cruise across this remarkable lake, where you'll visit floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals. The Angkor temples, spanning 600 years (802-1432) of Khmer civilization, stand as a testament to one of Asia's greatest kingdoms. As the day ends, enter the Angkor complex to witness a breathtaking sunset over these ancient wonders.

You’ll dedicate the entire day to exploring the magnificent temples, starting with an early morning visit to witness the sunrise at the iconic Angkor Wat. Afterward, visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where rows of 54 stone figures stand on either side—gods on the left and demons on the right. Continue your journey through the fortified city of Angkor Thom and marvel at The Bayon, with its intricately crafted central towers from the 12th century. A visit to the Ta Prohm temple follows, where the jungle intertwines with the stone pillars, giving the temple an untouched, mystical atmosphere. The day culminates with a visit to Banteay Srei, the 10th-century "Citadel of the Women," often regarded as the jewel of Angkor, providing a perfect conclusion to your temple discoveries.

Bid farewell to Cambodia as you take a flight to neighboring Vietnam. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the country's bustling commercial hub and largest city, you'll transfer to your hotel. After settling in, you'll receive a briefing on your upcoming arrangements in Vietnam. This evening, indulge in your first experience of Vietnamese cuisine.

Begin your day with a walking tour through the heart of Saigon, taking in the city’s iconic and historic landmarks. Stroll along the well-known Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), passing by the Opera House, Rex Hotel, Town Hall, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Explore the interior of the Presidential Palace and the War Remnants Museum before heading to the vibrant Cholon district (Chinatown). Visit the expansive Binh Tay wholesale market and the intricately designed Thien Hau Temple before stopping for lunch. In the afternoon, journey to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network stretching nearly 250 kilometers that provided refuge for over 16,000 Vietcong guerillas during the war. Gain insight into the resilience of these soldiers and even venture inside the tunnels yourself. Return to Saigon late in the afternoon, with the evening free for your own exploration.

This morning, head south into the vibrant heart of the Mekong Delta. As you travel, you'll pass by farmers working in their fields and drying their produce along the roadside. Upon reaching My Tho, board a boat and cruise along one of the Mekong’s main tributaries. Explore islands like Phoenix or Unicorn, where you'll visit local farmers and small-scale industries, including a coconut candy factory and a honey farm. Wander through tropical fruit orchards and taste the fresh local produce. Later, hop into sampans for a scenic journey through the Delta’s narrow canals before returning to Saigon via My Tho. You'll arrive back in the city by mid-afternoon, with the rest of the day free for last-minute shopping or exploring Vietnam’s largest city.

This morning, take a flight to Hue, the former capital of Vietnam, located along the scenic central coast. Hue, beautifully divided by the Perfume River, is a hub of Buddhism, art, and literature, and served as Vietnam’s last imperial capital. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Citadel, the historic residence of the emperors, followed by a trip to Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest and most exquisite religious site in Hue. Enjoy a leisurely return journey by dragon boat along the Perfume River. Later, venture to the outskirts of Hue to see the impressive tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the 4th King of the Nguyen dynasty. In the evening, indulge in Hue’s renowned cuisine.

Depart Hue for an unforgettable drive southward to Hoi An, passing through stunning rural and coastal landscapes. Ascend the breathtaking Hai Van Pass before reaching Danang, where we will visit the distinctive Cham Museum, which showcases the Hindu-influenced sculptures of the Cham civilization. Continue southward to explore the Marble Mountains, renowned for their caves and Buddhist shrines, and make a stop at the iconic China Beach. Arrive in the charming port town of Hoi An in the late afternoon, where a brief walking tour awaits. Wander through the narrow streets adorned with centuries-old structures influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French, and European styles, and explore the town's traditional market and picturesque riverfront.

Today is yours to enjoy the charming town at your own pace. You can visit various art and craft galleries, have clothes custom-tailored, unwind at riverside eateries, or take a short trip to the nearby beach. In the late afternoon, consider a relaxing sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River. Later, join the group for an enjoyable cooking class at a local restaurant run by a friend.

This morning, we take a flight to Hanoi, the elegant capital of Vietnam. We start with a stroll through the Ho Chi Minh quarter before visiting the notorious "Hanoi Hilton" prison. In the evening, experience a distinctive water puppetry performance.

This morning, we head east to Halong Bay, Vietnam’s most stunning natural marvel. We will spend the day sailing among the 3,000 limestone islands that jut out from the water, exploring impressive caves and grottoes. Weather permitting, there will be a chance to take a swim, and we'll savor a delicious seafood lunch onboard. In the afternoon, we make our way back to Hanoi, with a stop at a ceramic village along the way.

This morning, we revisit the Ho Chi Minh Quarter. Our first stop is the mausoleum located in Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh declared independence from the French in 1945. We then visit the modest “house on stilts” where he governed North Vietnam until his death in 1969. Additionally, we’ll explore the French colonial presidential palace, the impressive Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the historic One Pillar Pagoda, which dates back to the 11th century. Following that, we head to the Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university established in 1070. Although it suffered some damage during B52 bombing, the Temple has been restored and continues to serve as a site for Confucian worship. The rest of the afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or personal exploration. In the evening, join the group for a farewell dinner to savor one last taste of Vietnamese cuisine.