Vietnam & Cambodia Grand Tour – 27 Days

After breakfast, explore Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights. Visit the Reunification Palace, a historic landmark from the Vietnam War, followed by the French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office. After lunch, tour Cho Lon (Chinatown), including the Fito Medical Museum, Thien Hau Pagoda, and Binh Tay Market. Visit Giac Lam Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s oldest, then shop at Ben Thanh Market. Enjoy a water puppet show at the Golden Theater, followed by an evening stroll through the Ben Thanh night market, admiring the city’s tallest skyscraper. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnels, sample cassava and tea, and visit the shooting range or souvenir shops. Return to the hotel by noon and enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Spend a full day at leisure, discovering Saigon’s markets, cafés, or landmarks at your own pace. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Depart for My Tho after breakfast, boarding a boat to cruise the Mekong River to Cai Be. Enjoy a welcome drink and lunch while sailing, soaking in the sunset views. Attend a brief trip introduction before a welcome dinner. Overnight in Cai Be.

Start with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, followed by breakfast. Cruise to Cai Be’s vibrant floating market via a traditional sampan, observing locals crafting rice wine, coconut candies, and rice cookies. Visit Binh Thanh Island to see rattan mat production and interact with villagers. After lunch, sail to Sa Dec, then continue to Tan Chau for a peaceful evening. Overnight in Tan Chau.

Arrive in Tan Chau, a tranquil border town, and take a local vehicle ride to explore its sights. Cruise by boat to floating villages and fish farms, observing local life. After lunch, sail to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Relax on board, join a cooking class, or tour the ship with the cruise manager. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Tour Phnom Penh, known as the “Paris of the East.” Visit the Killing Fields, a somber memorial to the Khmer Rouge era, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Explore the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum, showcasing Khmer artistry. Return to the ship by cyclo, then attend a lecture on Cambodia’s modern history. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and an Apsara dance performance with traditional music. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Sail to Kampong Tralach on the Tonle River, marveling at children and livestock along the banks. Ride an ox cart to explore the area, then lunch on board while cruising to Kampong Chhnang. Visit Aundaung Russey village to see Khmer-style pottery, then explore wetlands, floating houses, and fish farms. Sail back toward Phnom Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Depart Phnom Penh and stop at a Silk Weaving Village to observe traditional techniques. Cruise through tranquil villages along the Mekong, enjoying lunch and river life. Visit Angkor Ban village, a timeless community with authentic charm. Sail to Kampong Cham. Overnight in Kampong Cham.

Visit Wat Hanchey, an 8th-century pre-Angkorian temple with stunning views and ancient Chenla Empire architecture. Interact with local monks and enjoy a blessing ceremony. After lunch, sail to Kampong Cham to explore Wat Nokor, built on an ancient temple site. Visit the OBT project, supporting local training initiatives. Overnight in Kampong Cham.

Disembark after breakfast and travel by coach to Siem Reap. Your local guide and driver transfer you to a centrally located hotel for check-in. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring Siem Reap’s vibrant markets or relaxing. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Angkor complex, starting at Angkor Thom’s South Gate, adorned with gods and demons. Visit Bayon Temple, Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Baphoun Temple, Elephant Terrace, and Terrace of the Leper King. Tour the Small Circuit, including Thommanon, Chaosay Tevoda, Ta Keo, and the jungle-entwined Ta Prohm. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Angkor Wat, one of the world’s seven wonders. Watch the sunset from Bakheng Hill. Enjoy a Khmer buffet dinner with a traditional show. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Fly to Danang in the evening. Upon arrival, your guide and driver transfer you to a hotel in Hoi An, a charming ancient trading port. Overnight in Hoi An.

Join a Farming & Fishing Eco Tour at Tra Que Village, participating in farming tasks like sowing, fertilizing, and watering. Cycle through the countryside, soaking in rural life. Cruise the river, try net fishing, and race a bamboo boat. After lunch, take a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, Pottery Museum, Tan Ky Old House, Cantonese Congregation, silk street, and Chinese-style temples. Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy a free day to explore Hoi An’s boutiques, tailors, or beaches at your own pace. Overnight in Hoi An.

Drive from Hoi An to Hue via Danang, stopping at the Cham Museum, China Beach, and Marble Mountains, symbolizing the five elements. Arrive in Hue and tour Thien Mu Pagoda, sail the Perfume River on a dragon boat, and explore the Imperial Citadel, home to Nguyen Dynasty kings (1802–1945). Visit the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum in the former Dien Long A Royal Palace. Overnight in Hue.

Embark on a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) tour, visiting the Ancient Citadel of Quang Tri, Hien Luong Bridge, the Seventeenth Parallel, and Vinh Moc Tunnel, key sites from the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, explore Khe Sanh Combat Base and Dakrong Suspension Bridge. Return to Hue. Overnight in Hue.

Fly to Hanoi and check into a hotel. Tour the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum, Stilt House, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and One Pillar Pagoda. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Take a 1-hour cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, shopping at markets and galleries. End with a traditional Water Puppet Show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board the V’Spirit Classic Cruise and lunch while sailing among limestone islands. Kayak to Luon Cave, then visit Soi Sim Island for swimming or a hilltop panoramic view. Return to the ship for dinner and optional activities like squid fishing. Overnight on board.

Start with Tai Chi or sightseeing before breakfast. Transfer to a day boat to explore Lan Ha Bay’s 139 beaches. Kayak to Light and Dark Caves, swim at pristine beaches, and visit a floating Pearl Farm to learn about pearl cultivation. Enjoy lunch and relax at Three Peach Beach (weather permitting). Return to the main boat for dinner and night activities. Overnight on board.

Practice Tai Chi or enjoy the bay’s views before breakfast. Explore Sung Sot Cave, Halong’s most spectacular cave. Cruise past Ba Hang Fishing Village and Dog Islet, watching a cooking demonstration before lunch. Disembark and drive to Hanoi. Board an overnight train to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train.

Arrive in Lao Cai, meet your guide, and breakfast at a local restaurant. Drive to Coc Ly Market, a Tuesday gathering of Hmong, Black Zao, and Tay ethnic groups along the Chay River. Take a boat trip to explore caves, then lunch. Visit Trung Do village (Tay ethnic group) and Bao Nhai Bridge en route to Sapa. Check into a hotel and relax. Overnight in Sapa.

Trek through Muong Hoa Valley, Sapa’s largest rice-terraced field, stunning from May to October. Walk from Lao Chai Village to Ta Van Village, visiting a local Catholic church and interacting with ethnic communities. Return to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa.

Enjoy a free morning to explore Sapa’s markets or relax. In the afternoon, board a bus to Hanoi, arriving late evening. Check into a hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, spend a free day exploring Hanoi. Savor sidewalk iced tea, shop in the Old Quarter, or visit museums. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, enjoy free time until your transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight, concluding a remarkable 27-day journey.