Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure 23 Days

Start your day with breakfast at the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, a community project supporting underprivileged children. Embark on a city tour that showcases the architectural diversity influenced by South East Asian, Chinese, and French styles. Visit iconic landmarks such as the One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Temple of Literature. In your free time, explore Hanoi further and treat yourself to a water puppet show in the evening. Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast, depart Hanoi and drive to Sung Village, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Sung Village is home to the Dzao 'Tien' people, with farming and forest plantation as their primary livelihoods. Enjoy lunch at a homestay and take a village walk to acquaint yourself with the local community. Embark on a short trek (2 kilometers) to the enchanting Sung Cave and visit a century-old tea plantation. The trek involves some steep and slippery sections, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Engage in a handicraft workshop before returning to your homestay for a refreshing shower and a delicious dinner. Accommodation: Homestay

Start your day with an invigorating 10-kilometer trek from Sung Village to Da Bia, offering stunning views of the Vietnamese highlands. The trek takes you through local villages, providing opportunities to interact with the Muong tribe. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Da Bia before embarking on a scenic 1.5-hour boat cruise on the Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir. From Thung Nai, board a bus transfer back to Hanoi, arriving around 6 pm. The evening is yours to explore the city and perhaps savor a refreshing bia hoi at a microbar in the Old Quarter. Accommodation: Hotel

Embark on a morning journey to Cat Ba Island, arriving before midday. Explore the stunning Lan Ha Bay, a picturesque part of the greater Halong Bay area. Cruise through emerald waters, surrounded by limestone islands and caves. Indulge in a delicious onboard lunch and kayak around the magnificent karsts. Spend the night on Cat Ba Island, enjoying its beaches and a cold beer. Accommodation: Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely morning before returning to Hanoi via ferry and bus in the afternoon. Take advantage of free time to explore the city or indulge in shopping and street food. In the evening, board an overnight train to Hue, departing around 10 pm. Shared hotel rooms are available for freshening up or organizing your belongings. Overnight trains offer a unique experience and are an efficient way to travel long distances while immersing yourself in the country. Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train

Arrive in Hue in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Hue, the former imperial capital, is a captivating blend of bustling streets and serene beauty. Take the morning to relax and savor a classic Hue breakfast of bun bo Hue, a popular Vietnamese soup. After lunch, explore the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex of temples, pavilions, moats, gates, and walls. Marvel at the Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, and Ancestral Altars that still exude grandeur from the 19th century. In your free time, visit Dong Ba Market to discover local goods and indulge in delicious street food, including the banh khoai royal rice cake. Accommodation: Hotel

Embark on a thrilling motorbike adventure with your own driver. Explore the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, witnessing the remnants of their proud history and the impact of the Vietnam War. Enjoy a special vegetarian lunch at a convent or Buddhist monastery. Afterwards, ride to the serene royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, surrounded by a lake, frangipani bushes, and pine trees. In the evening, seek your leader's advice on the best places to savor imperial street delicacies. Accommodation: Hotel

Embark on a scenic bus journey, passing through coastal rice paddies and stopping at the picturesque Lang Co Beach. Experience the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, with panoramic views of Lang Co Beach and beyond. Arrive in Hoi An, a beautifully restored World Heritage site that was once a bustling international port. Take a walking tour of Hoi An's charming Old Town, visiting historic houses, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese assembly halls, and a museum. Explore the pagodas and assembly halls that line the streets, showcasing a distinct Chinese influence. Use your included sightseeing pass to visit the major sights at your own pace. Accommodation: Hotel

Spend your free day exploring the countryside by bicycle, immersing yourself in the rural beauty of Vietnam. Alternatively, consider optional activities such as a day trip to the My Son Cham temples, a cruise along the Thu Bon River, or a visit to the nearby Cua Dai Beach. Seek recommendations from your tour leader for more activities and attractions in Hoi An. Accommodation: Hotel

Indulge in another day of exploration in the captivating Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the bustling Central Market and vibrant street stalls, offering an array of art, ceramics, lanterns, and more. Discover the renowned tailors who can create custom-made clothing in just a few hours. Consider visiting a local workshop to learn the art of making rice paper or join a Vietnamese cooking class to master traditional culinary techniques and savor the delicious results. Accommodation: Hotel

Transfer to Danang (approximately 45 minutes) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. This vibrant city blends the old and the new, harmonizing Eastern and Western influences. Embark on a guided tour to soak in the city's dynamic atmosphere, passing by iconic landmarks such as the GPO, Reunification Palace, and the Opera House. Visit the War Remnants Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral. In the evening, explore the lively Ben Thanh market, a hub of activity where you can find a wide range of snacks, cooking utensils, ingredients, and souvenirs. Enjoy a delectable market meal as you shop for your last-minute treasures. Accommodation: Hotel

Embark on a journey south by private bus (approx. 3 hours) to immerse yourself in the enchanting Mekong Delta. Traverse the intricate waterways of this fertile region, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Disembark at Ben Tre and explore a local cottage industry, savoring the famous candy of the area. Ride a tuk-tuk through the remote village, stopping to sample tropical fruit and visit a honey farm. Indulge in regional delicacies at a delta restaurant, including the renowned elephant-ear fish. Afterward, glide along the canals in sampans under the canopy of water coconut trees. Spend the night in a guesthouse, surrounded by the gentle melodies of nature. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Return to Ho Chi Minh City by bus. Enjoy a final night in Vietnam with a delicious bowl of pho, celebrating the memorable experiences shared with newfound friends. Accommodation: Hotel

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure commences with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. Before the meeting, take the opportunity to explore the city's captivating blend of old and new, East and West. Delve into Vietnam's history at notable sites like the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. If you arrive early, consider enriching your experience with day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta. Accommodation: Hotel

Embark on a cross-border journey from Vietnam to Cambodia, traveling by public bus through picturesque rural landscapes (approximately 10 hours). Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's captivating capital situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Marvel at the city's charming French-inspired architecture. Enjoy a refreshing mojito at the Foreign Correspondents' Club or browse the vibrant Psar Thmei (Central Market) and Psar Tuol Tom Pong (Russian Market) for unique local souvenirs. Accommodation: Hotel

Delve into Cambodia's complex history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), a poignant reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime's atrocities. Visit the haunting Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where a stupa adorned with human skulls commemorates the victims of the regime. Optionally, explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to learn about Cambodia's brighter historical period. Wat Phnom, steeped in mythology, and the National Museum with its remarkable Khmer collection are also worth a visit. Consider a cyclo tour to discover the city's highlights, including the Central Market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, Independence Monument, and Royal Palace. Accommodation: Hotel

Embark on a comfortable private minibus journey to Battambang (approximately 6 hours). Break up the trip with a visit to Kampong Chhnang, where you'll discover the art of pottery making at local workshops. Arrive in Battambang, a charming riverside town known for its French-inspired architecture and warm Khmer hospitality. Consider joining an optional cooking class to learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine, including dishes like amok, Khmer curry, and fried spicy chicken. Accommodation: Hotel

Explore the picturesque countryside surrounding Battambang on a leisurely bike ride. Visit rural villages and engage with local families who produce traditional agricultural products like rice paper, dried bananas, and bamboo sticky rice. Enjoy a refreshing break at a Khmer house, sipping on coconut water and chatting with the locals about their way of life. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Siem Reap by private minibus (approximately 3 hours). Arrive in Siem Reap in the evening, preparing for your highly anticipated visit to the magnificent Angkor temples tomorrow. Take the opportunity to explore the vibrant markets and savor delicious street food. Accommodation: Hotel

Experience the awe-inspiring sunrise at Angkor Wat, as the sun gracefully illuminates the ancient temple complex (weather permitting). Join your knowledgeable local guide to embark on a captivating temple-hopping adventure through the renowned Angkor complex. These temples, dating back to the ninth century, symbolize the cosmic world and showcase impeccable balance, symmetry, and architectural brilliance. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and stunning designs will leave you in awe, with endless photo opportunities. Don't miss the breathtaking sunrise or sunset views. While the Angkor ruins span a vast area of 160 square kilometers, the main cluster of temples is conveniently close to Siem Reap, allowing ample time to explore the magnificent sites of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and the enchanting jungle-covered Ta Prohm. Accommodation: Hotel

Continue your exploration of the remarkable Angkor complex this morning. In the afternoon, embark on a private boat excursion to discover the floating villages and witness the daily lives of the locals at Chhong Kneas. This bustling trading port on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia, offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant agricultural trade and the fascinating floating community. Accommodation: Hotel

Embark on a scenic journey from Siem Reap to Bangkok, traveling by private minibus (approximately 10 hours, including border crossings and lunch). Arrive in the vibrant capital of Thailand, where tuk tuks, khlong boats, and street food stalls create a lively atmosphere. Indulge in the flavors of authentic Thai cuisine as you bid farewell to your fellow travelers, savoring the last moments of this unforgettable adventure. Accommodation: Hotel

Today marks the end of your journey, with no scheduled activities. If you have extra time, explore the wonders of Bangkok, such as the awe-inspiring Grand Palace, the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or the captivating Jim Thompson Museum. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this dynamic city before concluding your trip.