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Premium Cambodia & Vietnam in Depth
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: TKPJC
Overview
Destination:
Cambodia,
Vietnam,
Start:Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Finish:Hanoi, Vietnam
Finish:Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration:20 days
Type:Group tour (max 12)
Travel Period
March 2025 - December 2026
Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural beauty of Cambodia and Vietnam on a 20-day Premium adventure. Delve into the confronting Khmer legacy in Phnom Penh, view Vietnam's colourful history on the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City and explore the grand architecture of Hanoi. This trip offers places of breathtaking beauty, from the backwaters of the Mekong Delta, to the ancient temples of Angkor and the natural limestone wonder of Halong Bay. Add to that a mix of friendly locals and age-old traditions for the ultimate South East Asian experience.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 18 (boat) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
4. Full name exactly as per passport required at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on the passport), for internal flights. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
5. Local authorities only permit a limited number of boats to stay overnight in Halong Bay. To ensure all travellers can be accommodated on board available boats, on rare occasions you may stay on a larger boat and share your boat with another group. Otherwise, we may swap the activities and destinations of Days 17 and 18 to provide you the best possible experience. The route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same.
6. This trip is a combination of two trips. Please review the Itinerary for details of when your fellow travellers and leader will change.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 18 (boat) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
4. Full name exactly as per passport required at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on the passport), for internal flights. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
5. Local authorities only permit a limited number of boats to stay overnight in Halong Bay. To ensure all travellers can be accommodated on board available boats, on rare occasions you may stay on a larger boat and share your boat with another group. Otherwise, we may swap the activities and destinations of Days 17 and 18 to provide you the best possible experience. The route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same.
6. This trip is a combination of two trips. Please review the Itinerary for details of when your fellow travellers and leader will change.
Show more
Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 18 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 7 dinners.
- Transport: Boat, Plane, Private Minibus.
- Accommodation: Hotel (18 nights), Overnight boat (1 night).
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer.
- Phnom Penh - Welcome Dinner.
- Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21).
- Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
- Santuk Silk Farm Tour and Lunch.
- Skun Village Market Stop.
- Siem Reap - Khmer Theater Dinner.
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour.
- Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass.
- Siem Reap - Lunch at The Spoon Restaurant.
- Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Archaeologist Guide.
- Siem Reap - Banteay Srei Temple visit.
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour.
- Siem Reap - Private Khmer Countryside Farewell Dinner.
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer.
- Ho Chi Minh City - Welcome Dinner.
- Fast Track Airport Service on Arrival.
- Mekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producers.
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace.
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum.
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour.
- Hoi An - My Son Tour.
- Hue - Imperial City half day guided tour.
- Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.
- Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda.
- Hue - Market Tour and Cooking Class.
- Hue - Bun Bo Hue breakfast.
- Hanoi - Hat Xam performance.
- Hanoi - Old Quarter Tour.
- Mai Chau – Muong Museum.
- Mai Chau - Vun Art NGO Visit.
- Mai Chau - Village Visit.
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature.
- Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house.
- Hanoi - KOTO lunch.
- Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise.
- Hanoi - Farewell Dinner.
- Halong Bay - Tai Chi.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Phnom Penh
Sua s'dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital city. You’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, why not go for a stroll and discover the city’s French architecture or check out the National Museum and its fascinating collection of Khmer craftsmanship. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. After, join your group for dinner at Malis Restaurant – an upmarket dining spot that’s committed to preserving and serving Cambodia's traditional cuisine. Maybe cap off the night with a cocktail at the Le Moon Rooftop at Amanjaya Pancam Hotel.
Day 2: Phnom Penh
This morning, you’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which will tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Then, your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Wat Phnom – the temple that gave rise to the city’s foundation in the 15th century – or the Royal Palace and sacred Silver Pagoda. Tonight, perhaps grab dinner with your group or wander the city and soak up the nighttime atmosphere.
Day 3: Siem Reap
After breakfast this morning, you’ll go on a journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in a comfortable private vehicle. Discover traditional Cambodian life at Skun Village and learn about the town’s deep-fried tarantulas and other insects, which the locals consume daily. You’ll also visit Santuk Silk Farm to learn about silk production and its work as a social enterprise, employing local women as artisan weavers. Share a simple, rustic local lunch prepared by the weavers before you continue to Siem Reap, stopping to see historic bridges along the way before arriving at your hotel at approximately 5 pm. This tropical oasis boasts three pools and an excellent restaurant with a focus on wellness. Bright and spacious rooms are in harmony with the lush grounds and feature a veranda, private garden and rain showers. Tonight, head out for dinner and a theatre show at Angkor Village Apsara Theatre, where you’ll watch Khmer traditional dance and dine on Khmer favourites.
Day 4: Siem Reap
If you choose, you can embrace a very early start today and experience a sunrise visit to the Angkor complex (optional). After, you'll spend the day discovering the fantastic temples of Angkor. For the first half of the day, you’ll be accompanied by a private Angkor Wat archaeological guide, who will provide expert knowledge and insight along the way. Begin at Angkor Wat – the largest and most complete structure and the only one of Angkor's temples with an entrance facing west. For lunch, visit the Sala Bai Hotel School, where underprivileged local youths learn skills to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. Enjoy a meal prepared by students at the school, then visit Angkor Thom – the 'Great Royal City' – a temple famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. From here, you’ll head out of town to an ancient working monastery to gain a special insight into the life of a monk and Theravada Buddhism. Meet the monks, enjoy a sacred water blessing for good luck and prosperity and have a red band tied around your wrist to keep you safe in your travels. The rest of the evening can be spent exploring the bars of Siem Reap or relaxing in at your resort.
Day 5: Siem Reap
After breakfast, it’s off to the Ta Prohm temple, which has large trees embedded in the stone foundations – powerful symbols of nature. Next, visit Banteay Srei to snap some pictures of the temple’s intricate stone carvings. You can head back to the resort explore Siem Reap town, or use your ticket for the Angkor ruins to continue exploring the site. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner in the Khmer countryside to say farewell to your group and Cambodia. Amid a rustic and romantic setting, you’ll sit down for a private meal in the rice fields of rural Siem Reap .
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City
Today, catch an unescorted flight to Ho Chi Minh City where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore the city at your own pace and perhaps enjoy a banh mi - a short baguette fill with a variety of tasty ingredients. This evening, there will be a second group meeting to meet your new group and new leader. Then head out for dinner at a restaurant that is a piece of Vietnamese history – this building was an old opium refinery station built in 1861, and nods to its past are still visible today. Here, you’ll feast on a menu bursting with classic dishes and southern Vietnamese favourites.
Day 7: Mekong Delta
After breakfast, drive south towards the Mekong Delta via the region of Ben Tre. Here, you’ll board a private boat and cruise the delta, stopping off at some coconut gardens to visit a local home where you’ll sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, return to the waterways of the delta on sampans (small rowing boats) and row past the coconut trees and stilt houses that flank the river. Back on land, take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages for a glimpse at rural life and learn how the coconut industry plays into local life. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then return to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City
Today, you’ll see Ho Chi Minh City through the eyes of a local during a bus and walking tour with your leader. Visit the famous Reunification Palace and hear the story of the end of the war, take a sobering trip to the War Remnants Museum and stop by the beautiful Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll the city’s streets and its many French buildings along the way, including the main post office and the gorgeous Ho Chi Minh City Hall, modelled on Paris’s Hotel de Ville. The rest of the evening is yours – be sure to ask your leader for recommendations on some great local spots for dinner. Perhaps pay a visit to renowned TV chef Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam House Restaurant for an elevated modern twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 9: Hoi An
This morning after breakfast, head on a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network (some 200 kilometres) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They contained hospitals, dwellings and schools and were used extensively for refuge and storage, as well as being a military base. As you explore this extraordinary labyrinth your leader will explain more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow visitors to get a feel for what the underground life must have been like. Please note that these tunnels will be hot and can get claustrophobic, so there is an option if you’d like to view from above ground. Later this afternoon, fly to Hoi An.
Day 10: Hoi An
Join your leader on a walking tour this morning to discover the Hoi An’s stunning architecture and unique mix of influences. With its charming low tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to walk around. Start with a visit to an opulently decorated historic house that was once home to a prominent trader. Cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, stop by the Chinese assembly hall and pay a visit to a local museum to learn more about the history you uncovered on your walk. Afterwards, sit down to a delicious lunch with the group. This afternoon you are free to make the most of Hoi An and its surrounding areas. Your leader will be able to help with suggestions for extra activities in Hoi An and the nearby countryside.
Day 11: Hoi An
A significant port of the Champa Kingdom for centuries, many Cham descendants are still living in Hoi An today. This morning your leader will guide you around My Son Cham, a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa and dating back to the 4th century. Learn about the ancient architecture of this UNESCO site, and see the craters created by American bombs during the war. After exploring the temples, experience an Apsara dance performance, featuring sparkling traditional costumes, panpipes, and drums. The afternoon is free for more exploration, or to relax by the pool at your hotel.
Day 12: Hue
Depart Hoi An today bound for Hue, the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam's historic past. En route, pass through the Hai Van Pass – a scenic mountainous stretch of highway with views across Lang Co beach. Arrive in Hue and discover its eclectic mix of frenetic streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon you will visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins remain a testament to its proud history. Here your leader will provide some insight into the horrific damage endured during the war.
Day 13: Hue
Loosen your belt and ready your appetite as today you will be diving into Hue’s fabulous culinary scene. First up, head to a street food eatery for a seriously tasty breakfast – Bun Bo Hue. This spicy noodle soup is usually made with beef and pig knuckles and is an absolute must-try while in Hue. Then, meet with a local chef and explore a bustling local market where you will taste and smell all the wonderful herbs and ingredients that bring local dishes to life, while learning more about the culture of Vietnamese cuisine along the way. Stop for lunch and enjoy some of Hue’s most celebrated dishes. Continue to the local chef’s delightful home where you will learn how to cook up some simple and delicious dishes using the fresh ingredients you picked up at the market. Take your new knowledge and local recipes back home with you so you can recreate meals that will take you straight back to Vietnam. Later in the afternoon, take a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue. The Pagoda is an active Buddhist monastery that dates back to 1601. You will also visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani and pine trees, and the Imperial Citadel.
Day 14: Hanoi
Fly from Hue to Hanoi today. Your departure will mostly likely be in the morning but can vary a little depending on flight schedules. Settle in on arrival, then your leader will guide you through the ancient 36 Streets to discover a varied selection of shop-lined alleys that sell everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, jewellery and embroidered tablecloths. In the afternoon, you will be treated to a traditional Hat Xam performance – this is truly an experience like no other. Hat Xam is an artform of Northern Vietnam dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Originally, this was performed by blind performers, and was enjoyed by local working-class audiences, right up until the late 1950s, when a wave of communism deemed all art forms to be corrupting influences. Today, this style of performance occurs rarely, but you and your group will be taken to a private club house for an exclusive performance; one of the few places where such artists still perform acoustically. The performance includes some story telling aspects and possibly interaction with guests, so be ready to get involved!
Day 15: Mai Chau
Depart Hanoi this morning and take a private coach transfer to Mai Chau. The peaceful town is situated in a stunningly beautiful valley. Surrounded by green mountains, it’s famed for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hilltribe peoples. Admire the valley views, fuel up over lunch and visit Vun Art – a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Then, spend some time learning the story of the vibrant Muong ethnic group who are native to this region of Northern Vietnam at the Muong Museum. In the afternoon, check into your accommodation and enjoy free time to unwind and relax.
Day 16: Mai Chau
Today your Leader will take you on a walk through a series of Mai Chau villages. Along the way you’ll pass terraced rice fields and traditional stilted houses, before getting an up-close view of traditional cotton textile making and hearing from a local artisan for insights into Thai garment craftsmanship. Next, you will learn how to make Ruou Can, a traditional fermented rice wine, as well as the cultural significance behind each step of the process. After lunch hosted by a local family, the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Relax at your hotel or speak with you Leader about optional activities in the area.
Day 17: Hanoi
This morning you will return to Hanoi where you will enjoy a guided half-day tour of Hanoi with your leader, gaining insights to the city’s history during visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. Enjoy a delicious lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. Enjoy a free evening for further explorations. Walking is a great way to explore the city and its many lakes and parks. You'll see that this enchanting northern capital can be quieter than its southern counterpart, and the West Lake, north of the main city, is an ideal place to interact with the locals and relax by its banks.
Day 18: Halong Bay
Today you will drive to Halong Bay – this World Heritage listed wonder is undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular sights. There’s no better way to appreciate the bay’s beauty than on board a junk-style boat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Carefully designed with traditional touches and modern amenities, you can sit back in complete comfort as you weave through stunning limestone islands, karsts and caves. Stop by Surprise Cave to discover its interesting rock formations with you leader, then retire to the boat for a marvellous seafood lunch. During the warmer months your leader will discuss the option for swimming from a nearby Island. There is also the option for kayaking to get up close to the towering limestone karsts. This evening’s dinner is sure to be a standout – dine on the deck of the boat by candlelight and watch the sun go down over the magnificent landscape.
Day 19: Hanoi
In the morning, enjoy breakfast on board the boat and perhaps take part in some optional Tai Chi to start off the day. Sail back to the port, disembark and travel back to Hanoi. Arriving back in the capital, enjoy some time to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s attractions you may have missed the first time. You can shop on Hang Gai Street or perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel. In the evening, join your group and leader for a final dinner in a Hanoi restaurant, sharing stories and reflecting on the highlights of your adventure with your newfound friends.
Day 20: Hanoi
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to stay on in Hanoi, we’ll be happy to organise some additional accommodation for you ahead of time (subject to availability).
Departure dates
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Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
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