Essence of Vietnam and Cambodia

Chào mừng! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating ancient capital. After landing, collect your luggage and head to the arrival hall, where our team member will greet you and assist with transportation to your hotel. (Standard check-in is 3:00 pm.)

Hanoi is a city of history and flavor, dating back to the third century BCE. A driver will take you on a roughly one-hour journey to your hotel in the vibrant Old Quarter, the perfect base for exploring the city.

Spend the afternoon wandering the intricate streets on foot or in a traditional three-wheeled cyclo. For dinner, savor the city’s famous bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles and dipping sauce) at Bun Cha Huong Lien, or enjoy a cocktail with panoramic views of Tay Ho (West Lake) and the skyline from the rooftop bar at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

Start your day early with a private, full-day tour of Hanoi’s historic landmarks. Begin at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, established in the 11th century. Next, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of the revolutionary leader “Uncle Ho,” who passed away in 1969. Other key sites include the 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple known for its unique lotus-flower design, perched atop a stone pillar emerging from a pond. Continue to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist shrine in Hanoi, dating back to the sixth century, during the reign of Ly Nam De. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the Old Quarter, especially Hang Be Market, a centuries-old commercial center where locals shop for fresh produce, meats, seafood, and more. The market is also home to many vendors offering prepared foods, so be sure to bring your appetite and sample some of Vietnam’s famous street food.

Overnight in Hanoi

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then meet your driver for a 2.5-hour journey north to the marina at Ha Long Bay. Situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, this stunning bay is home to over 1,000 limestone islets that rise dramatically from the emerald waters, resembling the spine of a mythical creature (the name “Ha Long” translates to “descending dragon”). The breathtaking beauty of this region is unparalleled, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.

You'll spend the night aboard a comfortable cruise ship, exploring this natural wonder. After settling into your cabin, join a cooking class led by the onboard chef, where you'll learn how to prepare traditional dishes like nem (Vietnamese fried spring rolls) and enjoy them for dinner. The rest of the evening is yours to relax, or you can take a small boat out for a spot of night fishing with the locals.

Overnight onboard the cruise

Rise early for a tai chi session on the ship's sundeck, awakening your qi (life energy). Afterward, enjoy breakfast onboard as you cruise past the towering karst islets. Later, make one final stop to explore a stunning sea cave before heading back to Ha Long's port around midday. From there, you'll board a vehicle for the 3.5-hour drive back to Hanoi and the airport, where you'll catch a two-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Welcome to southern Vietnam! The vibrant heart of this region is the country's largest city, formerly known as Saigon until 1975. Since the end of the Vietnam War (locally called the American War), Ho Chi Minh City has grown and modernized while still preserving its colonial-era charm. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax and unwind.

Overnight in Saigon

After breakfast, embark on a two-hour journey north of Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi district to visit the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast network of underground passages, constructed in 1948 to protect Viet Cong guerrillas from French attacks, also served as living quarters, communication hubs, supply routes, and even hospitals. A visit offers a glimpse into Vietnam's wartime history and the challenges faced by soldiers during the French and American wars. You’ll have the opportunity to crawl through a section of the tunnels to experience their narrow, claustrophobic dimensions firsthand.

Following a traditional noodle lunch at a local restaurant, you'll head back to Ho Chi Minh City for a city tour. Begin with a visit to the Reunification Palace, the former headquarters of the Saigon government during the American War, where the war officially ended on April 30, 1975. Then, explore iconic 19th-century landmarks such as the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, built in 1880, and the Central Post Office, completed between 1886 and 1891, both prime examples of French colonial architecture. Next, stop by Ben Thanh Market, one of the city's largest and most vibrant markets, where you can hone your bargaining skills and shop for souvenirs while immersing yourself in local life.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Saigon with visits to historical sites, including the Museum of Vietnamese History. Your guide will highlight the most interesting sights of the city before returning to your hotel for some free time to relax.

Overnight in Saigon

Start your day early as you meet your driver for the journey south to the Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam's “rice bowl” due to its lush landscapes of mangroves, sugarcane plantations, and flooded rice paddies. Your first stop is the An Cu rice factory, where you'll learn about the local rice production process. Then, head to Cai Be Tourist Wharf, historically an important hub for rice trading in the Mekong Delta, where you can get a glimpse into the daily lives of small businesses in the region.

Next, explore the ancient house village in Dong Hoa Hiep Commune and continue by boat to Tan Phong Isle. Here, you'll visit the Hai Yen honey bee farm and flower garden, where you can explore bee farms, flower gardens, and Linh Chi mushroom farms. Experience traditional activities like fish dragging, crossing the famous Monkey Bridge, and learning about beekeeping while enjoying fresh honey tea at the farm.

Afterward, head to Ms. Hang's house to tour the fruit garden and taste fruits freshly picked by you. Bid farewell to Ms. Hang and enjoy a traditional Southern music performance before embarking on a leisurely rowboat ride through small canals. Continue your journey to the Mekong Ecolodge, where you'll take part in a cooking class and enjoy a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, cycle to local homes to learn how rice paper is made, see how bamboo and banana leaves are woven, and observe traditional house roofing techniques. Continue cycling to Ms. Thao’s house, where you'll have the opportunity to learn how to weave water hyacinth. Under Ms. Thao’s guidance, you can even create your own handwoven souvenir.

After saying goodbye, return to the Mekong Ecolodge for some rest before the drive back to Saigon.

Overnight in Saigon

In the morning, you'll head to the airport for a two-hour flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. This charming town, located in the northwest of the country along the shores of Tonlé Sap Lake, serves as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor. Once the capital of the Khmer Kingdom from the 9th to the 15th centuries, Angkor's ancient ruins are a major historical treasure. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you'll transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day to unwind and relax.

Overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast, meet your guide and head out to explore one of the most renowned temples in the world: Angkor Wat. This magnificent 12th-century temple complex spans 200 acres (81 hectares), and its five towering spires are so iconic that they appear on the Cambodian flag. Following your visit to Angkor Wat, continue to the jungle-covered Ta Prohm Temple, where massive fig trees and sprawling creepers have overtaken the structure. This temple gained fame as a filming location for the Hollywood movie Tomb Raider.

Next, venture to the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, starting at the South Gate, adorned with large statues symbolizing the churning of the ocean of milk. Explore the Bayon Temple, famous for its 54 towers, each decorated with stone faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Continue through the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King, each showcasing intricate carvings and bas-reliefs.

In the afternoon, continue to Pre Rup Temple, a 10th-century temple. Climb the lion-guarded stairs to enjoy a stunning sunset over the surrounding forest canopy. Afterward, transfer back to your hotel to relax.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Your unforgettable Vietnam and Cambodia adventure comes to a close today. After breakfast, enjoy a final moment to take in the sights of Siem Reap—wander through the charming streets, revisit a favorite market, or simply savor the memories of your journey.

Later, your driver will transfer you to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight. We wish you safe travels and look forward to helping you plan your next extraordinary adventure with Voyages Hub!

Note - The itinerary above may be modified without prior notice. The sequence of activities and scheduled day trips may vary due to operational factors, including weather and traffic conditions.