Adventure to Vietnam and Cambodia 15 days

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The 15-day adventure journey through Vietnam and Cambodia starts from Hanoi capital known for its stunning architecture and rich culture through over 1000 years of civilization. Continue to drive to the northern mountainous region of Vietnam where still the wild features of majestic nature are waiting for you to discover. Immerse yourself among thousands of islets in Halong Bay; find interesting secrets in the ancient and mysterious cities of Hue and Hoi An before you travel to the hustle and bustle of the big Ho Chi Minh city. From there we will take you on a serene cruise on the calm rivers of the mighty Mekong to discover the exotic floating markets. Eventually, It’s time to change the culture completely by travelling to Cambodia, discovering Siem Reap and the mysterious temples of Angkor. This adventure through the two countries is the best way of experiencing their rich history and culture in complete luxury and comfort.

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Adventure to Vietnam and Cambodia 15 days

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
- You will be welcomed by our guide and driver at Noi Bai International Airport, and taken on a short thirty-minute journey into Hanoi to check in to your hotel. Let’s enjoy your short rest to recover from a long flight. After that, our tour guide will take you walking around Hanoi Old Quarter where you can experience the remains of an old Hanoi. It’s your rare chance to taste the Hanoian culture, the ancient architecture and real Vietnamese cuisine. The finale of the first day is a trip to the theatre where you will enjoy a water puppet performance, a traditional form of entertainment loved by Vietnamese people and tourists alike. The wooden puppets are used to tell stories of daily life in rural Vietnam.
Day 2: Hanoi city tour (B/L)
- Your full day tour of Vietnam's capital, Hanoi will be on this day. First, you will visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, a Buddhist relic and national heritage overlooking West Lake. Then, move onto the Ho Chi Minh Complex, a site of significant historical and cultural importance. Here you will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the President's Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s House in which President Ho Chi Minh lived until his passing. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh museum, which documents President Ho Chi Minh’s life and revolutionary career. After a short trip to the museum, you will visit the unique One Pillar Pagoda, which lies in the campus of the complex. You will stop for lunch at around 11:45 in a local restaurant where you can enjoy some classic Vietnamese cuisine.
  In the afternoon, The visits continue with the Temple of Literature, the first University of Vietnam dated from the 16th century. The trip will end with a tour of Hoan Kiem Lake where you will take a moment of calm from the busy streets and learn about the legend of the turtle in the lake.
Day 3: Hanoi - Ba Be National Park (B/L/D)
- Our tour guide will pick you up by car at your hotel in Hanoi about 7:30 AM to transfer you to Bac Kan. We will start by driving in the direction of Ba Be National Park, home of Tay ethnic group for about 4 hours. You will be welcomed by Mr Loc, a friendly host of Mr Linh’s Homestay and enjoy your lunch.
  
  In the afternoon, start your boat trip around Ba Be Lake with our local guide. Ba Be Lake was recently recognised by UNESCO as the third Ramsar site in Vietnam - an important wetland of the world. The lake bed is made up of limestone with millions of crags and crevasses that are ideal for a large variety of marine life - there are over a hundred species of freshwater fish in the lakes. The boat will take you to visit the unmissable spots on Ba Be Lake such as Widow island, Cam village, An Ma temple. After that, you take a short hike on the trail to the panorama view point of the animal observation huts ranger station and to the harbor. Moreover, you will have a chance to kayak amidst the mystery sunset of the late afternoon before getting back to your homestay and enjoy your night with BBQ dinner.
Day 4: Ba Be National Park - Ban Gioc Waterfall (B/L/D)
- After breakfast at Mr Linh’s Homestay, you will depart for Quang Uyen. a district inhabited primarily by Nung ethnic minority communities. Due to their isolation and the remote nature of the district, their centuries old traditions and culture remain recognizably distinct from other minorities in Vietnam. This remoteness and traditional simplicity is what makes Quang Uyen so appealing, and you will stop at a local restaurant to enjoy your lunch.
  
  In the early afternoon, continue to drive to venture deep underground into the magical Nguom Ngao Cave, for a very different, but no less impressive natural wonder. The cave stretches for 2,144 meters underground and is brimming with incredible stalactites and stalagmites. And, your highlight of the tour is that we take you to one of the most incredible natural wonders in Northern Vietnam: Ban Gioc Waterfall. This breath-taking 300-metre wide waterfall sits right on the border between China and Vietnam, amidst a beautiful mountainous landscape. While you’re here you can spend your time relaxing in the glow of the natural beauty, take some amazing photos, and and board a bamboo boat that will take you so close to the falls you’ll feel the water splashes on your face, practically sitting at the very edge of Vietnam, so close to China that you can actually touch it.
  
  Rounding out the day, you will then travel to Quang Uyen where you will have dinner and stay overnight at Nung’s house.
Day 5: Ban Gioc Waterfall - Lang Son - Halong Bay (B/L/D)
- After breakfast we’ll kick off the final day of the tour by continuing your trip into the pass to Dong Dang, stopping to visit Mother’s Temple and Dong Khe – an important historical site where The Battle of Dong Khe was fought during the First Indochina War. In fact, this was the very first battle of the Indochina Wars, and the fighting here took place through September and October 1950, ending in a resounding victory for the Viet Minh.
  
  Continue to transfer to Halong Bay to start your 2-day cruise. Upon arrival, we will board the Treasure Junk and start to cruise towards the boundaries of Halong bay while a delicious lunch with fresh seafood is served (vegetarian and kid’s menus available). Make yourself at ease and just relax after lunch. Hundreds of emerging limestone rock formations will parade all around us for about 2 hours before our first stop. We will then reach the perfect spot, where the waters of Halong and Bai Tu Long hit and wave together. Let's get ready for a closer look at the water and explore the bay in depth paddling on our own kayak. We’ll get back on the Treasure before sunset, when we will be able to enjoy a cocktail on board while we will sail till the anchorage area where we will spend the night offshore. The dinner will be served either inside or outside on the deck, depending on weather conditions. Overnight on board in our cozy air-conditioned cabin with en-suite bathroom.
Day 6: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Night train to Hue
- Wake up smoothly while witnessing the silence of the beautifully misty bay. From 6:30 am, coffee, tea and cakes will be served. We will be free to join a 30-minute Tai Chi session at the first light of dawn, organized by our Tai Chi master on board, so we will have the chance to energize our body, mind and soul, although if we prefer, we can simply enjoy a sunbath with a cup of coffee.
  
  We will hop later on a bamboo boat to visit a secluded floating village surrounded by mountains. Then trace our way among numerous floating houses and small rowing boats that are used in everyday life as a vehicle, itinerant shops, fishing utility and even sometimes as an overnight Shelter.
  
  We will be back on the Treasure cruises before 9:00 am to start cruising back to the pier. From 9.30, a
  brunch will be served. Take a last glance at the emerging rocks, standing still as the eternal guardians of a kingdom, we are about to reach the pier. Once in Terra Firma, we will be transferred from Halong to Hanoi, where our arrival is expected around 4:00 - 4:30 pm.
  
  We will then transport you back to Hanoi to take a night train to Hue.
Day 7: Hue city tour
- The train will arrive in Hue around 9:20. Your guests have the option of having breakfast before this on the train, but this will not be included. However, if they can wait until arrival, we can take them to a better local restaurant for a great breakfast instead of the disappointing train-fare, and this will then be included in the total price. After arriving and being welcomed by our guide and driver and potentially enjoying breakfast at a local restaurant, the first stop is the tomb of the emperor Tu Duc. A fantastic example of Vietnamese architecture, the tomb is set in two main areas; the tomb area and the temple area.
  Secondly, you will visit the tomb of Khai Dinh, the twelfth king of the Nguyen Dynasty. This tomb, although smaller than some others, is known for its intricacy. The mix of architectural styles exhibits both the European and Oriental influences which are present in Vietnamese culture.
  After lunch, our tour guide will accompany you to the Imperial Citadel. The majestic architecture, built by Gia Long, has faced destruction over the years during the fierce conflicts which took place here. It is the scars on these buildings that tell the stories of the battles fought here.
  This day tour will unwind with a cruise along the romantic Perfume River aboard a dragon boat. You will visit the Thien Mu Pagoda which has seven stories, making it the tallest in Vietnam. The elegance of the pagoda and gardens combined with the aroma of the orchids which bloom in autumn will transport you to a place of tranquility. This relaxing final part of the tour will end at approximately 16:30 and from then on you are free to continue your discovery of Hue City and enjoy your stay in the hotel.
Day 8: Hue – Hoi An
- 8:00 – 08:30am: Our guide & driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hue and depart for Hoian old town. On your way, stop to see the scenic fishing village Lang Co Beach. Lang Co beach attracts visitors with its stunning white sand beaches and crystal blue water. After passing Lang Co beach, we drive for 20km on Sea cloud pass (Hai Van Pass) – the highest pass in the country and one of the most scenic and historic hillside roads in Vietnam. We will then continue driving for about an hour to My Son Holy Land, a World Heritage site, 50 km southwest of Hoi An. Located in a lush valley; My Son was the capital and religious center of Cham people. Lunch is prepared in a local restaurant before we take a walk or transfer to the My Son Valley where you can explore the wonderful temple complex with our guide. We drive to Hoi An late in the afternoon and will reach your hotel around 5PM.
Day 9: Hoi An
- Depart your hotel between 08:30 and 09:00 by bicycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village. You will ride on narrow roads to visit a place that displays the farming and fishing tools of the local farmers and fishermen. In this place you will participate in activities of the local residents’ daily life such as bailing out water with long handles buckets, pounding rice, lifting fishing nets, etc.
  You will be served boiled sweet potato with a dip made from ground salty roasted peanuts, as well as lotus tea gathered from Tra Que lotus lagoon while enjoying folk songs that tell tales of the Quang Nam’s native country, Hoi An Old Town as well as the vegetable village itself.
  After that you will keep going through the tour to a house of a local resident to hear about the history of the village including the foundation and the development. Next, local farmers will take you to see vegetable gardens and instruct you in the techniques of planting and cultivating many kinds of vegetables planted in the gardens. You will personally cut, tie in bundles, and reap the vegetables to bring home for processing.
  Back to Tra Que’s family house, you will be enjoy with "food massage" before working together with our family chef to learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. Then, we sit down and have a chance to savour the dishes we have prepared.
  Ride your bike back to your hotel in Hoi An afternoon.
Day 10: Danang - Ho Chi Minh City
- Your journey will once again move South through Vietnam from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh city. You will be taken from Hoi An to Da Nang airport by car. You will then fly to Ho Chi Minh city where you will be driven to your hotel.
  
  This afternoon, our guide will show you the most interesting sights that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer. Depart from your hotel to the Reunification Palace; this beautifully preserved palace was the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. On April 30th 1975 the American War officially came to an end here. Enjoy a visit to the War Remnants Museum where you can see countless artifacts, photographs and pictures documenting the second Indochina war. Afterward, we visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, which was built in 1880, and the Old Post Office, which was built sometime between 1886 and 1891. It is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Next is Jade Emperor Pagoda. This is an ancient temple, built in the Chinese style with bright decorative motifs. Our last stop will be at a local Market where you can practice your bargaining skills while shopping for souvenirs and discover local life and culture. You’ll find some of the friendliest, liveliest, most convivial people in the city here. Return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City around 18:00.
Day 11: Panorama River Cruise: Sai Gon – Can Tho
- In the morning we will pick you up at your hotel in Saigon and take you to Can Tho. You board your wooden river cruise vessel around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the boat starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people.
  In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through a village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.
  Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong River. The boat will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner. You will stay overnight on board your floating hotel in the Mekong Delta.
Day 12: Life on the water in Mekong Delta
- Wake up well rested to the sound of the Mekong river and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing in the Mekong Delta. At 6.30h the cruise vessel sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.
  After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to the Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively market. On even dates, you will explore the small channels of the Mekong Delta around Cai Be with a small sampan or by foot. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables and skillfully handcrafted regional products. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards.
  The floating markets in the Mekong Delta are no tourist markets but wholesale markets where the produce of the Mekong Delta like fruits and vegetables are traded. For this reason the number of boats on the market fluctuates depending on harvesting seasons and market demand. Furthermore, modern wholesale markets are becoming more popular in Vietnam. This can result in decreasing numbers of boats being present at the markets.
  Disembark the boat at around 11.00 — 11.30h at the pier and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Sit back in the shuttle (bus or car) and watch the water landscape from land until you reach Chau Doc where we bring you to your hotel.
Day 13: Across the border towards Cambodia
- We transfer you to the pier after breakfast where you embark the speed boat for an exciting ride to Phnom Penh, your starting point for discovering Cambodia and the famous temples of Angkor Wat.
  On arrival in Phnom Penh you will be welcomed by our guide and taken to your hotel for check-in. We will then embark on a city tour, starting with the magnificent Royal Palace, which still serves as the residence of the royal family of Cambodia. We then continue to the famous and sacred Silver Pagoda and also pay a visit to the Elephant Museum.
  We then get to learn some more about the recent troubled history of Cambodia with a visit to the infamous S-21 Prison, now known as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, then travel 16km to the outskirts of Phnom Penh to visit the notorious Killing Field of Cheung Ek, where a memorial stupa now stands in front of the killing site. The site is now a museum and memorial for those who lost their lives during the Khmer Rouge regime of 1975-1979.
  Rounding out the day, we visit the Russian Market, famous for its large ion of handicrafts, before returning to the hotel and overnighting in Phnom Penh.
Day 14: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
- The 14th day is spent travelling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Our driver will pick you up at around 08:00, arriving in Siem Reap after about 6 hours of driving. Once there, our guide will take you to the hotel and the rest of the day will be free to spend as you please before overnighting at your hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 15: Siem Reap: Angkor Wat – Angkor Thom - Free and Departure
- Today we visit the masterpiece of Khmer architecture: Angkor Wat. With extraordinary carvings on its bas-reliefs, this mother-of-temples is not only known as a symbol of Khmer pride, but also as the world’s largest religious monument. For this reason UNESCO listed Angkor Wat as a World Heritage Site in 1992.
  We will then continue to Ta Prohm, which has been slowly swallowed by the jungle. Here the roots of giant trees are slowly retaking what man took from nature millennia ago.
  Finally, we continue exploring by heading to Angkor Thom. The 54-tower temple of Bayon is an awesome sight with hundreds of smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Then we visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphuon, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace and the Royal Palace, before enjoying a local dinner and overnighting in Siem Reap again.

Tour price includes:
•    Complimentary arrangement for Visa Approval Letter – single entry Vietnam.
•    Transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle as per program.
•    English speaking guide as per program.
•    Lunch (L) & Dinners as mentioned (L/D).
•    Visit fees for all sightseeing as mentioned on the program.
•    Accommodation in sharing double room including breakfasts at hotels as mentioned.

Tour price excludes:
•   Stamping fee for visa to Vietnam.
•   Meals not mentioned.
•   International flight and taxes.
•   Domestic air tickets and domestic a/p taxes.
•   Other personal expenses: drinks, souvenir, etc…

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Francesco

Wrote a review 8 - 2025

Interaction with local communities

Review of: Adventure to Vietnam and Cambodia 15 days

Transfers time between location was not as per program (in the program was 2-3 hrs max and in the reality 4-5 hrs (with no issues for the traffic... it was just the real time we needed). Add 1 more free day per each big city to give time to explore on our own. We should spend one additional day free per each city (especially in Hanoi, Hue, one day in Dan Hang) and few more days in Siem Rep to visit more sites. Actually for our trip the price was well balanced. all good and few of them had particular attention and kindness (especially in Hoi An - Phnom Penh - Angkor Wat). All drivers were very professional and punctual. Long trip over 2 countries with different local restaurant - this level was expected. We visited various locations and mostly all good

Date of experience: 8 2023

Francesco V

Wrote a review 9 - 2024

16 day Adventure trip Vietnam and Cambodia

Review of: Adventure to Vietnam and Cambodia 15 days

Simply magic and amazing !!! great to meet with local communities in home stay within few locations up to the north of Vietnam and astonishing Mekong

Date of experience: 0 0