Vietnam Cambodia Tour Package

Welcome to this Vietnam Cambodia tour! Upon arrival, your private tour guide and the driver will pick you up at the airport and then transfer you to the well-selected hotel for check-in. We’ll leave the rest of the day for you to get over jet lag or stroll around the city on your own.

► Recommended Activity in Hanoi
Hanoi Train Street, located in the city’s old quarter, is a narrow alley where you can experience the thrill of the train passing by so close to you. The old tracks are flanked by old residential buildings, cafes, restaurants, and yellowed and blurred street signs, radiating a unique charm. Prepare to feel the excitement when the train comes and people all move backwards to save space for it! Ask the hotel front desk or our helpful guide in advance for the exact train schedule, and try to get there at least 30 minutes before the train arrives, as there are always swarms of tourists.

► Currency Tips:
1. Vietnamese Dongs dominate in Vietnam (USD 1=VND 24,000). As cash is widely used for street vendors, we recommend that you exchange some at gold shops with a more competitive exchange rate. Please note that the locals usually drop off three zeros when mentioning money. For example, when they say VND 100, it actually refers to VND 100,000. So, please confirm clearly before paying.
2. US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia. Nevertheless, we still suggest exchanging some local currency, the Khmer riel (USD 1=KHR 4,000), for general use that is less than USD 10.

Accommodation: May De Ville Lakeside Hotel (5 stars) or La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Ba Dinh Square, where many historical events took place. Around the square sit several meaningful buildings that convey the life stories of President Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of Vietnam. In the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his body is so well preserved that you can even see every strand of his hair. In the Presidential Palace, admire the elegant yellow French mansion where President Ho once worked. He lived a frugal life first in an electrician's dormitory and then in the simple two-story Stilt House both near the mansion. Take your chance to get a glimpse of the items he used. Then, walk south several minutes to the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist temple standing in a lotus pond.

Afterward, visit the Temple of Literature. With a history of nearly a thousand years, the temple is not only a shrine to the famous Chinese philosopher Confucius but also boasts Vietnam's first public university, the Imperial Academy. Every Spring Festival, around late January and early February, a grand ceremony and various cultural activities like painting and calligraphy exhibitions, as well as chess competitions, are held here.

At noon, an authentic Vietnamese lunch will be arranged at a famous local restaurant. Then, based on your interests, we’ll head to either Tran Quoc Pagoda or Quan Thanh Temple, nestled in the West Lake area. Dubbed one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Hanoi, the pagoda of intricate red architecture has a history of over 1,500 years, while the latter temple is a Taoist site built in the 11th century, featuring a beautiful garden, a serene atmosphere, and big bronze statues. Besides, the Museum of Ethnology or the National Museum of History will be visited to your liking. The former is a perfect place to get insights into Vietnam's ethnic minorities and actually experience walking into their model dwellings; the latter shows the country’s history from the prehistoric period to the 1990s.

After nightfall, before you are escorted back to the hotel, your guide will accompany you to enjoy the national essence, the Water Puppet Show. Puppets are manipulated by puppeteers who stand in a waist-deep pool, performing interesting myths, rice farmers' lives, dragon boat racing, etc. The puppets are small and difficult to see from the back seats. If you are interested, please book the tour as soon as possible, allowing us to book a front seat for you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: May De Ville Lakeside Hotel (5 stars) or La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

Today, a classic Ha Long Bay cruise awaits! After breakfast, we’ll drive for about 2.5 hours through the beautiful Red River Delta to the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay. Surrounded by mountains and waters, the magical place features thousands of limestone islets and islands rising abruptly out of the sea. Upon arrival, the cruise staff will greet you at the dock and assist you with boarding. At noon, enjoy a hearty lunch while admiring the wonderful scenery.

★ Privilege of Our Guests

An overnight cruise offers an immersive experience in Ha Long Bay. To get rid of the overdeveloped areas and explore more pristine sites, we picked two cruises from an ocean of options for you: The 5-star Indochine Cruise will take you to explore Lan Ha Bay, located south of Ha Long Bay, and you’ll take a kayak or sampan to the Dark and Bright Cave; the 4-star Signature Royal Cruise will take you to Bai Tu Long Bay, an extension of Ha Long Bay, and you’ll take a kayak or a wooden rowboat to witness the fishermen’s life and learn about pearl farming in the Vung Vieng Floating Village. After the exciting tour, come back to the cruise ship and unwind, or enjoy fun activities, including traditional Vietnamese food courses, night squid fishing, swimming, and card games. Please note that the itineraries would be subject to the cruise companies.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Indochine Cruise (5 stars) or Signature Royal Cruise (4 stars) or similar

Your Ha Long Bay cruise continues today. In the morning, you can take part in a Tai Chi class on the sundeck, or appreciate the sunrise while enjoying morning coffee or tea. Then explore stunning karst caves: With Indochine Cruise, visit the historical Trung Trang Cave, once a secret base for the Vietnamese Navy; with Signature Royal Cruise, admire the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites in the Thien Canh Son Cave, which also offers a spectacular panoramic view of Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Besides, a stretch of white sand beach below the cave is a hidden gem for sunbathing.

Afterward, return to the cruise to enjoy a yummy brunch before you check out of the cruise. Your private guide and the driver will be waiting for you at the shore and then escort you to the Hanoi airport for your 1.5-hour flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the hotel in Hoi An, and the rest of the day will be at your disposal.

► Recommendations upon Arrival in Hoi An
As night falls, the ancient streets are lit by thousands of lanterns, and colorful rowboats serenely float on the river, where you can absorb the magic and peaceful atmosphere. You are also advised to drop by the Hoi An Night Market, located on Nguyen Hoang Street, to savor authentic local street food, ranging from Vietnamese French sandwiches and Hoi An chicken rice to unique Vietnamese desserts like banana pancakes. Browse stalls overflowing with handicrafts, clothing, and iconic lanterns, and feel free to drive a hard bargain when you find something interesting! You can also take a boat to release a water lantern for good wishes. It costs about VND 150,000 (USD 6) for the boat ride, a lantern, and a cup of tea.

Meal: Brunch
Accommodation: La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa (5 stars) or Hadana Boutique Resort, Hoi An (4 stars) or similar

Today we'll mainly dive into the quaint Hoi An, a trading port of Southeast Asia, especially with China and Japan, in the 17th century. After breakfast, stroll through the bustling ancient town to admire its landmark, the Japanese Covered Bridge, a testament to the cultural harmony between Chinese and Japanese merchants then. Following that, your guide will show you around the Fujian Assembly Hall, which is dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Founded in 1697, it’s the largest Chinese hall in Hoi An. Take a glimpse of the religious utensils including a sailing ship model from 1875, a bronze drum, and a bronze bell. Then, visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, enshrining Guan Yu, a Chinese god of loyalty, benevolence, and justice. In the old times, merchants came here and prayed for good luck before they went on a trading voyage at sea.

★ Embrace Nature: Bicycle & Bamboo Basket Boat Experiences

In the afternoon, for a quintessential Hoi An experience, a rural idyll getaway in its outskirts is specially arranged! Farmers in bamboo hats and water buffalo working hard on the extensive paddy fields take on a peaceful ambiance unique to Vietnam. Take a leisurely bike ride on the country road to visit an organic vegetable village, and enjoy some exhilarating moments by riding a buffalo. In addition, a captivating excursion to the water coconut forest by Hoi An's unique bamboo basket boat will maximize your experience! Immerse yourself in the narrow rainforest waterways flanked by lush greenery until floating into open water, where boatmen skillfully spin their basket boats at high speed on the water! Just remember to hold tight! You can also fly a drone to capture the stunning views. Then take your chance to experience the fun of fishing using traditional fishing nets. After the visit, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel, and either have a good rest or explore more of the town by yourself.

► Tips:
1. It is suggested that you avoid wearing any skirt or shorts when riding a buffalo.
2. The basket boat has no awning, so we recommend you wear sunglasses or a sunhat on sunny days.

► Recommended Night Activities
For a historical and entertaining Hoi An experience tonight, enjoy the well-choreographed Hoi An Memories Show by yourself, which is one of Vietnam's largest outdoor real-life shows. From 20:00 to 21:00, in the Hoi An Impression Theme Park, 500 performers in exquisite costumes unfold Hoi An’s prosperous history from ancient times to the present through astonishing dances on an open-air stage surrounded by water, with magnificent lights as the backdrop. Besides, there are also many mini shows with different themes before the main show, starting at 17:00. One ticket costs VND 500,000 (USD 20), and it’s recommended that you purchase it online beforehand for a good seat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa (5 stars) or Hadana Boutique Resort, Hoi An (4 stars) or similar

This morning, we’ll leave you some free time to explore the laid-back Hoi An Ancient Town at your own pace. You must have seen people wearing the graceful Vietnamese traditional attire, the Ao Dai. As Ao Dai rental spots are widely scattered in the town, you can rent a suit from one of them and snap beautiful photos.

Then according to the flight time, your guide and the driver will transfer you to Da Nang airport for your 1.5-hour flight to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to the local hotel.

► Recommended Activity in Can Tho
Ninh Kieu Night Market, nestled amidst Hai Ba Trung Street, is perfect for experiencing the local market culture. Browse around varied colorful booths teeming with local handicrafts, souvenirs, and T-shirts printed with designated photos. Along the street, you won’t ignore the alluring scent of grilled meat, spices and fresh seafood. Try some! Don’t miss the "Vietnamese pizza": meat and quail eggs wrapped in grilled rice paper with extra mayonnaise. It costs only USD 5, and you’ll be full.
Address: 2QJQ+V56, D. Phan Chu Trinh, Tan An, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Victoria Can Tho Resort (4 stars) or similar

Today, your guide will lead you to the Cai Rang Floating Market to experience the market life of the Mekong people. The hardworking locals start their day at around 3:00, so be an early bird to seize the peak hours from 6:00 to 8:00. But unlike many travel agencies that require you to get up at 4:00 to catch the shuttle boat, we’ll pick you up at 6:00 and take a private motorboat to the market. Floating on the water, numerous boats of different sizes are loaded with fresh local fruits, dried food, coconut candies, fish sauce, as well as various daily necessities. You'll find a unique scene: at the bow of each boat stands a long pole hanging with different fruits and vegetables. Believe you've guessed that it’s the smart way to show what they're selling! Sailing on the crooked river in a small boat, you’ll also have a chance to visit small factories of rice paper and coconut artworks.
► Tip: You can either pack some breakfast and eat on the way to the market, or just enjoy a unique breakfast at the floating market.

After that, we’ll return to the hotel to check out and drive for around 3 hours to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and rest. In the afternoon, head to the city center to visit the Reunification Palace, which bears witness to vital historic periods, including the country’s being under colonial rule, the division of the North and South, and the eventual reunification in 1975. After that, the nearby Ho Chi Minh City Hall, serving as the city’s government office, will be visited, too. At last, your driver will escort you back to the hotel.

► Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
Today, consider dining at the Hoang's Kitchen, a highly rated Vietnamese restaurant near the Reunification Palace. Indulge in moreish Vietnamese dishes like chicken with lemongrass, beef with morning glory and Vietnamese pancakes. The thoughtful staff, able to speak English, will be glad to explain authentic dishes and show you how to properly wrap the pancake.
Average Cost per Person: VND 200,000-300,000 (USD 8-12)
Address: 45 Thu Khoa Huan, Phuong Ben Thanh, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Saigon (5 stars) or Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, a tour of the city's history and development will begin with an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 3-story and 250-kilometer (155-mile) long evacuation tunnel system. The tunnels were built originally to resist French colonialists, and then expanded to connect Viet Cong bases and used as a hiding spot by soldiers and civilians during the Vietnam War. These narrow, dim and damp tunnels feature a well-designed layout with rooms for living, arms depots, hospitals, etc. With parts of the tunnels open to the public, get inside and follow your guide to recall the hard days when the soldiers and civilians hid inside during the daytime, and only climbed out at night to get some fresh air.
► Tips:
1. The tunnels feature many concealed entrances, exits and military traps, so please follow your guide closely.
2. You need to walk in a squatting position or even crawl in some cramped passages, so make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

After finishing the visit, get back to the downtown area to have a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, delve into the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum. The pictures and documents starkly depicting the devastation inflicted on Vietnamese people, and weapons like artillery shells and gas bombs used by the US military, as well as a chilling guillotine from colonial times, will all leave you awestruck.

Then your guide will show you around two typical French-style buildings constructed during the colonial period. First, visit the century-old Central Post Office, which is still functioning. Browse the souvenir area where the specialty Miss Saigon perfumes are available. Then, head to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, which was modeled after its Parisian counterpart. The red bricks of the cathedral were transported from France, and although more than a hundred years have passed, the color remains vivid. Finally, we'll drive back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Saigon (5 stars) or Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today, you’ll be escorted to the airport to take your 1.5-hour flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, your local guide and the driver will pick you up and then transfer you to the hotel.

In the afternoon, you’ll be accompanied to take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia's mother lake, to get a glimpse of the colorful wooden stilt houses, small vegetable gardens and schools on the lake. Some of the villagers are natives, and some are refugees from the war. Boats are their only means of transportation, and fishing and crocodile farming are their ways to earn a living. At dusk, enjoy a peaceful and astounding sunset over the lake, when the boundless water meets the sky in the distance, and scattered boats float serenely on the sparkling lake, which is dyed red by the sun.

► Insider Tips in Siem Reap
1. The average temperature in Siem Reap during the hot season (March-May) reaches 35℃ (95℉), and the scenic spots we’ll visit are sparsely shaded, so pack loose and breathable clothing and protect yourself from the scorching sun.
2. There are few traffic lights in Siem Reap, and although motorcycles would always give way to pedestrians, please stay alert when crossing a road.

► Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
Tonight, consider dining at Peace Cafe Vegetarian Restaurant, even highly praised by non-vegetarians. Reserve a table in its beautiful garden, where extra considerations like mosquito spray are provided. Specialties here are vegetarian amok, avocado rolls and Khmer curry. They also provide yoga and cooking classes, and you can ask the staff for more information.
Average Cost per Person: USD 5-10
Address: Next to Ann Kau Saa Pagoda, River Rd, Krong Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: J7 Angkor Hotel (5 stars) or Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

Today, follow your guide to unveil the mysterious Angkor Wat, the largest temple site in the world, which represents the pinnacle of Khmer art! The Buddhist site boasts exquisite bas-reliefs and murals with Hindu mythology elements, which enlighten you about its development from a Hindu temple.

★ Catch a Stunning Sunrise in Angkor Wat

Sunrise is one of the most unmissable sights of Angkor Wat. We’ll pick you up at the hotel in the early morning, and you can have a nap during the comfortable private drive. As the rising sun slowly comes up, the ancient temples are gradually coated with golden hues, as if awakening from a millennium of slumber. Have your camera ready for the wonderful scenes! Besides, a more stunning sunrise happens every spring and autumn equinox (around Mar. 21st and Sep. 22nd), when the sun rises right over the middle spire.

► Our Strengths: 
1. To catch a perfect Angkor Wat sunrise, you can choose any day during your stay in Siem Reap, depending on the weather conditions. 
2. For breakfast, either packing food from the hotel in advance or coming back after sunrise is up to you.

After that, explore Angkor Thom, the capital of the Angkor dynasty, via the South Gate. The ancient capital boasts numerous distinguished temples and buildings, and your private guide will give you clear explanations while showing you around. Walk to the center to uncover the secret of the “Khmer Smile” in Bayon Temple, the last national temple in the Khmer Empire built by Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181-1219). The temple's 54 stone pagodas, representing Khmer’s 54 provinces, are each engraved with 3-meter (10-foot) high smiling Buddha faces.Then, proceed to the Baphuon Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, and whose pyramid shape symbolizes the sacred Hindu Mount Meru. Go on walking to the northeast, and get a glimpse of the Terrace of Elephants, a pavilion where the king met foreign guests and his victorious army. Keep going north to appreciate the Terrace of the Leper King, whose walls are beautifully carved with fairies, spirits and demons.

After leaving the capital from the Victory Gate, walk through a rainforest corridor and arrive at the unadorned Ta Keo Temple, where you can roughly understand the ancient construction methods, and climb to the top to enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding jungle. The stairs are steep and have no handrails, so be cautious when climbing. After that, follow your guide to Phnom Bakheng Temple to enjoy the stunning sunset views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: J7 Angkor Hotel (5 stars) or Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up to visit Preah Khan Temple, aka Sacred Sword Temple, which was built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century in memory of his father. Located in the jungle, the buildings are entangled with ancient tree roots. Appreciate the Apsara carvings and the two-story columned temple, which is said to be the only Grecian structure in the Angkor complex. After that, head to Neak Pean Temple, which was considered a hospital to treat people through five medicine pools, a large one surrounded by four smaller ones, full of different herbs. As the Hindu medical system believes in a bodily balance, the four smaller pools represent Earth, Wind, Water and Fire respectively. It was said that any illness can be cured by soaking in the pond for a while. Afterward, proceed to the east to visit the Ta Som Temple, and witness its spectacular scene of the east gate wrapped by tree roots. Then the morning tour ends at the Pre Rup Temple, an ancient royal crematorium. Climb to its top for a bird’s-eye view of the grand virgin forest.

After lunch, we’ll head to Banteay Srei Temple, which is dedicated to Shiva and is known as the “Jewel of Khmer Art” for featuring lifelike carvings. Appreciate those on the lintel that vividly depict the rain God Indra putting out a forest fire.

Tonight, you’ll enjoy an Apsara Dinner Show, a national essence of Cambodia, as well as your farewell dinner. The elegant Apsara dance is a traditional Khmer art originating from Hindu dance. The performers wear golden crowns and traditional Khmer attire, dancing gracefully to Khmer music. The essence of the dance lies in the hand movements, which boast over a thousand postures! Each of them has a unique meaning, embodying natural elements.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: J7 Angkor Hotel (5 stars) or Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

Today is the departure day of your 12-day Vietnam Cambodia tour packages. According to your flight time, your guide and the driver will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to the airport. Wish you a nice journey home!

The mysterious Asia boasts so many historical sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in China, the Grand Palace in Thailand, the millennium Buddhist capital Luang Prabang in Laos, etc. If you would like to explore more, please feel free to contact us and we’ll tailor the most suitable itinerary for you.

Meal: Breakfast