Captivating Vietnam & Cambodia Expedition – 26 Days

Explore Hanoi’s rich heritage, starting at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum, Stilt House, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Visit the Temple of Literature, a historic center of learning, and the Museum of Ethnology, showcasing Vietnam’s 54 ethnic cultures. After lunch, tour Hoa Lo Prison, known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” used during the Vietnam War. Enjoy a 1-hour cyclo ride through the charming Old Quarter, sampling street food and browsing souvenirs. Conclude with a traditional Water Puppet Show before boarding the Chapa Express night train to Lao Cai (shared 4-berth soft sleeper cabin). Overnight on the train.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive at Lao Cai Station early morning and drive to Sapa. After breakfast, trek to Cat Cat Village and Y Linh Ho Village, home to the Hmong people, soaking in stunning mountain views. After lunch, continue through the Muong Hoa Valley to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, engaging with local communities. Spend the night in a cozy homestay, immersing yourself in hill tribe culture and forming connections with your hosts. Overnight in a homestay in Sapa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast with your hosts, trek to Giang Ta Chai Village, home to the Red Dao minority, passing through bamboo forests and a majestic waterfall. Return to Sapa town for a free afternoon to explore the vibrant Sapa Market. In the mid-afternoon, board a shared Limousine Van (8 passengers) back to Hanoi, arriving around 9 PM. Check into your hotel and relax. Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast

Depart Hanoi via the new highway to Got Ferry Terminal in Haiphong City, crossing Southeast Asia’s longest bridge. Board the Azalea Cruise at 12:30 PM, enjoying a welcome drink and briefing. Sail through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing Da Chong Islet and its century-old French lighthouse. Savor a buffet lunch while cruising through the untouched Con Vit area. Visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, a 2,000-year-old natural wonder, then swim or relax at Tra Bau in Lan Ha Bay. Join a cooking class to make Vietnamese dishes and enjoy a deluxe candlelit dinner. End the evening with drinks, squid fishing, or stargazing on the top deck. Overnight on the cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for a Tai Chi session on the sundeck and witness Halong Bay’s serene sunrise. After breakfast, kayak in the tranquil Ao Ech area of Lan Ha Bay, exploring its hidden charm. Check out at 9:30 AM and enjoy a brunch while cruising back to the harbor. Participate in a Vietnamese Tea Ceremony before disembarking at 11:35 AM. Return to Hanoi by 4:00 PM and relax at your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will escort you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring Hue’s charming streets or relaxing. Overnight in Hue.
Meals: Breakfast

Board a Dragon Boat along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue’s Buddhist heritage with stunning river views. Explore the ornate royal tombs of Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, showcasing Nguyen Dynasty artistry. After lunch, tour the Imperial Citadel, the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, and visit the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum in the former Dien Long An Royal Palace. Conclude at Dong Ba Market, immersing yourself in local life. Overnight in Hue.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to Hue Train Station for a scenic train ride to Danang, winding along the breathtaking Hai Van Pass with opportunities to interact with locals. Arrive at Danang Station and drive to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to stroll the ancient town, relax on the beach, or explore at your own pace. Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast

Journey to My Son Holy Land, the ancient capital of the Champa Kingdom (2nd to 13th centuries) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the majestic Cham ruins, including ancient towers dating back to the 4th century, and visit the Tra Kieu capital, a former administrative center. Return to Hoi An for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Meet your guide for a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO-listed gem known for its preserved architecture. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Pottery Museum, Cantonese Congregation, and historic temples and pagodas along the silk street. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets or relaxing by the river. Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast

Fly from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, transfer to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 60-km underground network stretching to the Cambodian border. Watch an introductory video about its wartime significance, explore safe sections of the tunnels, and sample cassava and tea. Optionally, visit the shooting range (US$3/bullet) or browse souvenir shops. Return to Ho Chi Minh City by noon and check into your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta for a boat trip through the vibrant Cai Be Floating Market, bustling with colorful barges of fruits and vegetables. Visit local workshops to see the production of rice paste, coconut candy, and pop-rice, or explore handicrafts like rice-net weaving. Cruise along serene canals, passing traditional wooden and palm-leaf homes, and observe ancestral fishing and farming methods. Bike through a village to see local farms and learn to cook regional dishes with your hosts. Enjoy dinner and conversation over tea or rice wine. Overnight in a local house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, stroll through the village, breathing in the fresh morning air. Take a boat trip to visit brick kilns, where artisans craft pottery from clay, and explore a floating village to see catfish farming on the Mekong River. Stop at Vinh Long Market to photograph vibrant displays of fish, tropical fruits, and local delicacies. Drive to Chau Doc, near the Cambodian border, and visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest, a pristine sanctuary of flora and fauna. Enjoy a boat ride through the forest, surrounded by cajuput trees, birdsong, and the fragrance of wildflowers. Overnight in Chau Doc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Check out early and board a 5-hour speedboat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh’s pier, your local guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel. Relax and explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast

Optionally visit Choeung Ek Memorial (Killing Fields), 15 km from Phnom Penh, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former Khmer Rouge prison, to reflect on Cambodia’s tragic history. Watch a documentary on the Pol Pot regime for deeper insight. After lunch (on your own), explore the National Museum, showcasing Khmer artistry, and the opulent Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda, featuring Italian marble steps and historic halls. Enjoy a cyclo excursion along the Mekong Riverfront, passing Wat Phnom, and soak in Phnom Penh’s vibrant sights and sounds. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast

Fly from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, your local guide will transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring at your own pace. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast

Rise early to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, then return to your hotel for breakfast. Journey northeast through picturesque villages to Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of Women,” a 10th-century pink sandstone temple renowned for its intricate carvings. Continue to Beng Mealea, a jungle-clad temple similar in scale to Angkor Wat, offering a sense of discovery with minimal restoration. Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast

Explore Angkor Thom, the ancient Khmer capital, visiting Bayon Temple with its enigmatic smiling faces, Phimeanakas Temple, Baphuon Temple, the Royal Palace Enclosure, Terrace of the Elephants, and Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, marvel at Angkor Wat, a 12th-century architectural masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 210 hectares. End the day with a sunset climb to Bakheng Mountain Temple, offering panoramic views. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast

Cruise Tonle Sap Lake to Kompong Phhluk, a stilted village where homes and temples adapt to seasonal floods. Paddle a canoe through the flooded forest, spotting macaque monkeys and admiring Buddhist art in a local temple. In the evening, enjoy a captivating performance at Phare Cambodia Circus, where young artists showcase Cambodian culture through acrobatics and storytelling. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Siem Reap Airport for your flight to Phu Quoc Island (via Ho Chi Minh City). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax in this tropical paradise. Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Meals: Breakfast

Spend a full day at your leisure, lounging on Phu Quoc’s pristine beaches, swimming in turquoise waters, or exploring local markets and cuisine. Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Meals: Breakfast

Another free day to enjoy Phu Quoc’s idyllic shores or discover its vibrant island culture at your own pace. Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Meals: Breakfast

Relax and savor your final day on Phu Quoc, soaking in the island’s natural beauty and laid-back charm. Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying back to Hanoi. Check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the city or relaxing. Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy free time until your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight, concluding this captivating journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.
Meals: Breakfast