Day 1 – Flavours of Hanoi
Hanoi is a capital city crammed with character. Motorbikes zip through tangled streets, food hawkers serve up steaming bowls of pho and fruit stalls spill onto shady boulevards. You’ll stay in the heart of the atmospheric Old Quarter and during your stay you’ll embark on a culinary and cultural journey through Hanoi with your private guide. You’ll learn all about local legends, admire the ancient architecture and taste a range of delicacies from grilled pork to vermicelli dumplings as you wander the streets of the Old Quarter.
Day 3-4 – Drift between limestone peaks
Early the following morning you’ll be transferred by minibus to the coastal town of Halong, about 4 hours drive, where your traditional junk boat awaits. A turquoise bay peppered with tropical outcrops, Bai Tu Long Bay is every bit as beautiful as neighbouring Halong, but with fewer crowds. Rich in stunning views, you’ll drift between emerald karst islets and laze on tiny beaches. You’ll stay aboard a traditional Chinese junk boat, rocked to sleep by the rhythm of the water.
Days 4-7 – Classic Hoi An
When you step off the junk boat in Halong, a minibus transfer will be waiting to take you back to Hanoi from where you’ll take a 90 minute flight to Danang, an airport close to enchanting Hoi An. Here, you’ll be collected by a private driver and transferred a further 45 minutes to your hotel. Watch lanterns twinkle along the river and meet the local tailors in Hoi An, Vietnam’s most atmospheric town. A jumble of crumbling Chinese shop houses, artist studios and riverside restaurants, it’s crammed with charm. The pace is slow and the food is scrumptious. In recent years, Hoi An has become something of a national treasure with its day dreamy, timeless atmosphere. While there, you’ll join a small group for a cooking class, starting with a visit to the vibrant local market to pick up fresh ingredients. After learning to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch of your creations, leaving the afternoon free for you to explore.
Days 7-9 – Scooting through Saigon
We’ll arrange your transfer from your hotel back to Danang airport where you’ll take a quick 90 minute domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. When you arrive, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of District 1, an area of Ho Chi Minh popular with tourists and locals alike. It might be hectic, but it’s packed with character and you’ll find something fascinating happening on every street corner. There’s an eclectic mix of cafes, bars and restaurants right on your doorstep. Scoot through Saigon on a vintage Vespa, searching for hidden street food hotspots. Zip through the backstreets after dark, sample the best traditional snacks in the city and listen to live music as you sip on Vietnamese coffee. It’s a night tour and foodie adventure rolled into one. After all, Ho Chi Minh is a city that comes alive as night falls. You’ll stay in a comfy hotel near the central market.
Days 9-11 – Along the Mekong to Cambodia
You’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred the 2.5 hours by minibus to the pier from where you’ll head out by boat to explore the Mekong Delta. Visit riverbank villages and riotous floating markets as you drift through the Mekong Delta into Cambodia. As you sail between small islands you’ll watch daily delta life unfold around you, and you’ll stay in two of the Mekong’s most important cities. En route, you’ll explore Tiger Island by rickshaw and watch some stunning Mekong sunsets. Before you know it, you’ll be in Cambodia, where the adventure continues.
Days 11-14 – Past and present in Phnom Penh
Next you’ll travel 3 hours by small ferry into Cambodia, stopping at the border to buy your Cambodian visa. When you moor up at the harbour in Phnom Penh, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Explore Phnom Penh, a city that pulses with energy, history and survival. It’s a colourful riot of sights, sounds, monks, motorbikes and tangy aromas, packed with character. During this trip, you’ll visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng, both scenes of unthinkable atrocity that bring the horror of Cambodia’s past to life. You can also explore the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda as they sparkle in the sunshine.
Days 14-17 – Escape to Castaway Island
After breakfast you’ll make your way to the bus station to head down to Sihanoukville for some beach time. The journey takes around 5 hours and there’s lots of interesting countryside along the way to pass the time. When you arrive you’ll make your way to your hotel for the night. Come over all Robinson Crusoe on this tiny pocket of tropical paradise marooned off the Cambodian coastline, with clear water, soft sand and swaying palms. You’ll spend 3 nights on Koh Rong, staying in a beach bungalow or beachside resort. It’s a brilliant break from reality – trek through the jungle-thick interior or simply collapse onto the sugar-soft sand. It’s utter barefoot bliss.
Days 17-20 – Amazing Angkor!
Today it’s time to say goodbye to paradise and head to the airport in Sihanoukville for your hour-long flight to Siem Reap. On arrival you’ll be transferred to your central hotel. Get lost amongst the overgrown jungle temples and giant carved reliefs of Angkor, one of the man-made wonders of the world. During this trip, you’ll spend three days exploring the temples of Angkor, using Siem Reap as your base. You’ll learn about the ruins with a friendly local guide, but there will also be plenty of time for you to clamber between jungle temples independently.
Today marks the end of your Vietnam and Cambodia adventure as you make your own way to the airport for your flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Highlights of Indochina – Vietnam & Cambodia - In Style accommodation
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.