Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
The perfect introduction to two fascinating countries
This tour is inspired by the many sights, sounds and flavours of these wonderful countries. Visit the sparkling turquoise waters of Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the northern capital Hanoi visit the lively Old Quarter and the impressive Presidential Palace. Discover Hue, once Vietnam’s Imperial capital, and the delightful ancient town of Hoi An. Explore the colonial architecture of Ho Chi Minh City, and the fascinating markets and daily life on the Mekong Delta. Cross the border into Cambodia for the world famous Angkor Temples in Siem Reap and the old world charms of capital city Phnom Penh.
Locations you will be visiting
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Hanoi, Vietnam
Those looking for history, colonial legacy and modern outlook can find it all in Vietnam’s buzzing...
2 Days
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Halong Bay, Vietnam
A UNESCO Heritage Site filled with thousands of small islands rising from turquoise waters
1 Day
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Hue, Vietnam
Located on the bank of picturesque Song Huong (Perfume River), Hue is brimming with history
2 Days
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Hoi An, Vietnam
A charming town with a sense of history in its pretty streets and narrow canals.
2 Days
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
A vibrant city with a fascinating history and food culture
2 Days
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Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is home to the Temples of Angkor
3 Days
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Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The capital city known for its Royal Palace, National Museum and killing fields.
2 Days
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
16 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 Fly to Hanoi
Catch a scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Hanoi. Alternatively, we can arrange departures from your local airport.
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 2 Arrive Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax after your flight, or explore the local area.
DAY 3 Hanoi City Tour
Experience the diverse and rich culture of Hanoi. Spend time at the Temple of Literature, marvel at the One Pillar Pagoda, gaze in awe at the Presidential Palace and visit the fascinating Vietnam History Museum and the historic Hanoi Opera House. Stroll around the bustling Old Quarter and end the day watching a delightful performance of a traditional Water Puppet Show.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 Halong Bay
In the morning, journey through the rich farmlands passing workers in the rice fields. Arrive into Halong City and board the traditional wooden junk boat for your overnight journey on Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cruising past beautiful rock formations as you go. Visit the Surprise Cave and enjoy an invigorating swim or hike on Titov Island. There is also a selection of optional activities to fill your spare time, such as cookery classes, massages, kayaking, and swimming, all of which can be organised locally.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 5 Hanoi to Hue
Start the day with Tai Chi on the sundeck before breakfast, then explore the Luon Cave and enjoy a tasty brunch as the boat winds through the picturesque scenery before docking. Disembark and take the shuttle bus back to Hanoi, where you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, your local tour guide will meet and transfer you to the Hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Brunch
- Transport: Cruise, Airplane
DAY 6 Hue
Hue was once Vietnam’s imperial capital and today you get to experience its historic significance first hand. Cruise along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda, visit the Citadel and ornate tombs of former emperors and experience a vibrant local market.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7 Hue to Hoi An
A three-hour drive takes you through some stunning rural and coastal landscapes, including the dramatic Hai Van Pass on the way to Hoi An. On arrival, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a short walking tour of the city.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Drive
DAY 8 Hoi An
Enjoy a day at leisure to discover the ancient town of Hoi An at your own pace. You may wish to book an optional cooking class to impress your family and friends at home with a Vietnamese dinner party. Maybe hire a bike and cycle through the picturesque surrounding countryside to the local beach for a refreshing dip in the East Vietnam Sea.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9 Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City
The morning is free for some last-minute sightseeing, before your included lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch your guide and driver will take you to Danang Airport, stopping en route to visit Marble Mountain and the Cham Museum. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and check-in at your hotel for a three-night stay.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 10 Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnels
Experience the very best of Ho Chi Minh City on a half-day tour. Soak up the history of the colonial-style buildings on Dong Khoi Street, visit the Reunification Palace, which was originally built by the French in 1868, and the poignant War Remnants Museum. In the afternoon, explore the network of underground tunnels at Cu Chi, on the outskirts of the city. The evening is at leisure to discover the city’s restaurants and nightlife for yourself.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11 Mekong Delta Day Cruise
Journey through the beautiful countryside of My Tho, on the way to board your boat and sail through scenic mangroves leading into the heart of the Mekong Delta. Cruise along the Mekong River, visit the orchards on the Thoi Son islet and enjoy tropical fruits of the season. Visit a honey-bee farm and a coconut candy workshop, before continuing by row-sampan along the canals. Enjoy lunch, then visit the Vinh Trang Ancient Pagoda. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12 Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
Spend your last morning in Ho Chi Minh City at leisure before an enjoyable lunch, followed by your transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Upon arrival, the guide will meet you and take you to the hotel to check in. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to settle in and explore the local area.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 13 Angkor Temples
Following breakfast at your hotel, visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire. Enter the impressive South Gate flanked by stone elephants and giants. In the afternoon explore the famous Angkor Wat – the largest and best-preserved temple at the site, and in the evening marvel at the spectacular sunset, before returning to Siem Reap.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 14 Tonle Sap Lake and to Phnom Penh
In the morning experience a relaxing boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, to see the stilt-villages. marvel at the Roluos Group Monuments and visit the workshops of Artisan’s d’Angkor where traditional wood and stone carving techniques are taught. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Phnom Penh, and on arrival check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 15 Phnom Penh
Enjoy a filling breakfast at the hotel before starting your city tour at the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda where 5,000 silver tiles cover the floor. Continue to the National Museum built in traditional Khmer style and in the afternoon experience the deeply moving Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields – a poignant reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime. Your last evening in Cambodia is free at leisure for you to soak up the atmosphere and sample some of the food in this remarkable city.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 16 Fly to UK
Transfer to the airport, after breakfast, for your flight back to the UK.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Airplane
Optional Extras - Cultural Experiences
There is some free time in your itinerary for you to explore on your own - a popular extra on this tour is a trip to take a cooking class. Use the links below to create a to-do list, or, if you’d prefer us to book you onto one of these or any other excursions, please let us know when booking your tour.
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View this packageCambodia
Cambodia: Helicopter Ride Over Angkor Wat
Ride on a helicopter to enjoy the view of Angkor Wat form the air.
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View this packageVietnam
Vietnam & Cambodia: Cookery Demonstrations and Classes
Cooking classes can be arranged in both Vietnam and Cambodia.
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View this packageVietnam
Vietnam: Sea Plane to Halong Bay
Fly-over the scenic Halong Bay. A fantastic way to see the dramatic islands and limestone peaks of the bay.
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View this packageVietnam
Vietnam: Cycling Around Hoi An
Cycle around Hoi An and the local countryside to see the locals' daily life in the green rice field, villages and craft workshops.
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
Departures and Prices 2020 / 21
Single supplement from £648
Land only from £2,498
(without international flights)
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
The deposit for these arrangements is £300 per person. Balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
This tour itinerary is also available as a Private Tour. Please ask for more details.
Vietnam: Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
from£3,298
What's included:
- International and domestic flights in economy class
- 4★ accommodation on twin share basis
- Transfers
- English speaking guides
- Meals as specified
- Entrance fees to the sites listed
- Airport taxes
- Local tips
- Personal spending
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
When making an enquiry or reservation we will request your contact details, however no payment will be required at this stage. We will contact you for payment details and to confirm your booking, your details and the details of those travelling with you along with any extras you’d like to add.
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