Cambodia & Vietnam Experience
26 days from Maenam Chao Phraya to Melia Hanoi
From $ 1859
Duration26 days
book now

Travel to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam for the ultimate South East Asian experience. From the cool calm of rural villages to the steaming chaos of thriving cities, experience the diversity of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Along the way, revel in the sheer beauty of the landscape, the friendliness of the locals and the intriguing ancient traditions that give each country its unique flavour.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 26 days
    Service level: Basic
  • Starts in: Maenam Chao Phraya
    Physical Grading: Light
  • Ends in: Melia Hanoi
    Ages: 15+
Cambodia & Vietnam Experience - Tour Map

Itinerary

Expand all
Day 1: Bangkok

Start place: Maenam Chao Phraya

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you arrive before this important meeting, why not take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage? There is plenty to keep you occupied is this exciting city.
Day 2: Siem Reap
Prepare for a long day of travel as we cross Thailand and enter Cambodia. You’ll want to load up on snacks and reading material for the 10-hour private bus ride to Siem Reap. This travel time includes time spent at the border crossings and a stop for lunch. Your leader will assist with the border procedures. Keep in mind, if you are planning on getting your visa at the border, you will need cash in US dollars. Enjoy a free evening upon arrival. You may want to head to Pub Street to grab a bite to eat and sample the city’s nightlife. Otherwise, rest up in preparation for tomorrow’s visit to Angkor Wat.
Meals: B
Day 3: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat
Today you'll visit the world-famous Angkor complex with your guide. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square kilometres; this is the biggest religious monument in the world. However, the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so you'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat (the astounding main attraction), the Bayon (a marvel of many sculpted decorations) and Ta Prohm (the eerily beautiful temples covered in jungle).
Day 4: Siem Reap
Enjoy free time in Siem Reap today. If you feel like some adventure, you can take the optional Angkor zip-line course, which gives you a birds-eye view of the rainforest, plus an adrenaline rush. Other options here include a visit to the sobering Landmine Museum – it's located a little further afield but is well worth the journey. There is also the Siem Reap Street Food by Night Urban Adventure, a three-hour tour which allows you to taste the many flavours of the city and feel the buzz of the local markets.
Day 5: Kampong Cham
Travel by public bus to Kampong Cham (approximately 5 hours). This peaceful town was once an important trading hub and is now a great opportunity to experience life in small-town Cambodia. A great option here is to visit the serene 11th-century Wat Nokor. You can also hire a bicycle to explore the rural island of Koh Paen, which is linked to Kampong Cham by an elaborate bamboo bridge (it's passable only in the dry season, take a ferry in the wet). The locals here make their living fishing, growing tobacco and sesame so it's a good place to go for a closer look at some of Cambodia's cottage industries. A little further afield are the twin 'mountain temples' of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei.
Day 6: Homestay
Travel by private vehicle (approx. 5 hours) into rural Cambodia to the region of Kampong Speu and the village of Chambok. There's a lot of natural beauty to discover here, and the Chambok community is renowned for its ecotourism. A member of the Chambok community will take you on a village walk and be happy to chat about their community’s history, lifestyle and local ecotourism projects. Meet the families your group will spend the night with and settle into your homestay accommodation. You may like to trek to a stunning waterfall this afternoon. It’s a 60-90min trek and access is weather dependant. In the evening, head to the community centre to enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner prepared by women from the community. You'll also be treated to a traditional dance performance.
Meals: D
Day 7: Kampot
Take a private bus to Kampot (about 3 hours), one of Cambodia's most attractive old towns. Famous for its pepper, Kampot supplied most French restaurants with this vital spice for many years during colonial rule. Today, the region is more renowned for its plantations of durian, a spiky, pungent fruit that incites either adoration or sheer loathing. Try it if you dare! In free time, you might choose to stroll along the riverside and observe the French colonial architecture, or have a cup of coffee on the veranda of one of the riverside restaurants and admire the view of Bokor Mountain Range.
Meals: B
Day 8: Kampot
Enjoy a free day in this chilled-out town. For a unique photo opportunity, head to the roundabout in the centre of the town, where a giant durian statue sits smack in the middle. Perhaps browse for goodies at the covered market. The nearby countryside is also a delight to explore – amongst fields of Kampot pepper and rice, there’s also a salt field and a limestone cave with a small 7th-century brick temple inside called Phnom Chhnork. A traditional massage is also highly recommended.
Day 9: Phnom Penh
Travel by public bus to the capital city of Phnom Penh (about 4 hours). Cambodia's capital is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture. A recommended option is to visit the Choeung Ek Memorial, where a stupa made of some 8000 human skulls marks the site of the infamous Killing Fields, the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. Or learn about a brighter period of Cambodian history by visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Wat Phnom, shrouded in myth, is equally worth a visit, as is the National Museum with its excellent Khmer collection. Cyclo tours around the city are a great alternative to walking and generally include the central market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong river front, independence monument and Royal Palace. Keen shoppers can hit the art-deco Psar Thmei (Central Market).
Day 10: Phnom Penh
Enjoy another free day to further explore This will be your last night in Cambodia before moving on to Vietnam tomorrow. If you're looking to indulge in some proper rest and relaxation, the Seeing Hands massage parlours are some of the best in the city, and all patronage supports the visually impaired masseurs whose years of expertise may be just what you need today.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Travel by local bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 10 hours including border crossings and lunch). Your leader will again assist you with border crossing procedures. Get out and discover the Ho Chi Minh City's blend of old and new, East and West, when you arrive. Be sure to sample a baguette or some of the excellent coffee on offer – both markers of the city's strong French influence. Equally essential are visits to Reunification Palace (the site of South Vietnam's surrender in April 1975) and the War Remnants Museum. Some of Intrepid's Urban Adventures available in this city include Mekong Discovery, Cyclos & Markets, Cu Chi Experience and Saigon Street Food by Night. If you're staying longer in Ho Chi Minh City and you'd like to take one, your leader can help you book.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City
Today you may be required to move to a different hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for the next section of your trip. Your leader will let you know if this is the case, and will help with the transfer to the next hotel. Enjoy a free day today. Some of Intrepid's Urban Adventures available in Ho Chi Minh City include Cu Chi Experience, Cyclos & Markets, and Saigon Street Food by Night. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting on the evening of Day 12 to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.
Day 13: Mekong Delta
Make your way to the province of Ben Tre, where you’ll get on a boat to tour the canals of the Mekong Delta. This fertile area is famous for its abundance of fruit, flower and rice crops, and is known as ‘the rice bowl’ of Vietnam. During your boat ride you’ll visit some local cottage industries and then head to your local guesthouse. Staying in simple local accommodation close to the Delta and hosted by a Vietnamese family will be one of the highlights of your trip as you get a taste of the life of a local and enjoy a home cooked meal.
Meals: L, D
Day 14: Mekong Delta - Overnight Train
Rising early to the sounds of the delta coming alive, we enjoy a simple breakfast before boarding our boat, and catching a bus back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy some free time in Ho Chi Minh City this afternoon, perhaps visit the War Remnants Museum or Reunification Palace. This evening, board an overnight train to Tuy Hoa. Conditions are basic on these trains and hygiene standards may be lower than what you’re used to at home, however overnight trains are the best way to brush shoulders with the locals and make the best use of your time. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but some travellers like to take some food for the journey.
Meals: B
Day 15: Tuy Hoa
Arrive in Tuy Hoa early this morning for two days by the beach. Though Tuy Hoa is much quieter than its southern neighbours, you'll still find the perfect spot of sand to lay down a towel and plenty of dining options. Check out the Eglise de Mang Lang and Da Dia Reef, or head south to the Mui Dien lighthouse for a nature fix.
Day 16: Tuy Hoa - Overnight Train
Today is all yours! Soak up some more free time on the beach. Board an overnight train late in the evening, bound for Danang (approx. 8 hours).
Day 17: Hoi An
Arrive in Danang and travel by minibus for one hour to Hoi An. Hoi An was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is being beautifully restored. It was a major trading port with the west from the 17th century onwards. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago. Your leader will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town and visit some of the city's major attractions. A sightseeing pass is included in your tour for you to visit a selection of the major sights as you wish. Hoi An is also a shopping mecca, so head down to the markets and street stalls to browse paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Hoi An is famous for its tailors who can make beautiful items to order.
Day 18: Hoi An
Go on a bike ride through the countryside near Hoi An. There's no better way to explore the peaceful area than by bike. You’ll see places few tourists get the chance to see among green rice paddies and small creeks. You’ll get a true insight into rural life in Vietnam.
Day 19: Hue
Say goodbye to Hoi An this morning and make your way to Hue. The drive in our minibus will take about five hours, but along the way you’ll stop at My Khe Beach (China Beach) and the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co. You’ll be travelling on the incredible Hai Van Pass, through lush mountains. Once in Hue, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore. Hue was once Vietnam’s Imperial capital and has a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil enclaves. Perhaps visit the Dong Ba Market, which sells everything imaginable and is a great place to spend some time.
Day 20: Hue - Overnight Train
Enjoy a free day in Hue. Perhaps visit the Imperial Citadel which includes the Forbidden Purple City that was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam war. The gaping holes left by bombs give you an idea of how much destruction occurred in this country. Another optional activity is a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River and then a visit to Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue. Here you’ll see an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601, and a car belonging to a monk who set himself alight in protest against the treatment of Buddhists. You may also like to visit one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, with its central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees.
This afternoon take another overnight train bound for Hanoi. The journey will take approximately 12 hours.
Day 21: Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi at about 5am and transfer to your hotel. Today you’ll take a walking tour of Vietnam’s charming capital. Explore the 36 streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, including the Dong Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem Lake and the unique architecture nearby. Hanoi has a French provincial feel remaining from its colonial times, but it also has a Buddhist influence and striking modern buildings. The rest of the day is yours to explore Hanoi as you please.
Day 22: Da Bac
After an early breakfast, leave Hanoi around 8am and make the drive to Sung village (approximately 4 hours). There are around 70 families living at Sung Village and the majority are Dzao ‘Tien’ people. Farming and forest plantation are their main source of income. Enjoy lunch at the Sung village homestay then take an introductory walk around the village. After getting to know the village better, take a short trek (2kms) to the alluring Sung Cave and visit a hundred-year-old tea plantation. Visit the tea processing plant and a handicraft workshop before returning to the homestay for a nice hot shower and a delicious dinner. The trek has some steep and slippery sections so please ensure you have suitable footwear for this activity.
Meals: L, D
Day 23: Hanoi
The opportunity to take in more of this curious landscape presents itself on a 10 kilometre (6.2 mi) trek from Sung Village to Da Bia. We climb from 500m and maintain a similar elevation for the first 4.5km of the route before descending over the next 2km to 120m. It can be quite slippery if there has been recent rain, so suitable footwear is highly recommended. Our homestay hosts can provide bamboo trekking poles on request. Keep an eye peeled for the monumental stone at the peak of Da Bia Mountain during the trek that takes us through the local villages, meeting people from the ethnic Muong tribe along the way. Stop for lunch at Da Bia before enjoying a scenic 1.5 hour boat cruise on Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir. Arrive at Thung Nai then board a bus transfer to Hanoi (approximately 2 hours). Arrive in Hanoi at around 6.00pm. This evening is free for you to explore this delightful city. Why not relax at a cafe or stop for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars in the Old Quarter?
Meals: B, L
Day 24: Cat Ba Island
Rise and shine for the 7.30 am bus, stop for a quick break, then jump on the ferry. This morning of travel will deliver you to beautiful Cat Ba Island before midday.There's no time to waste, so begin exploring the picturesque waters around Cat Ba. You’ll board a boat and spend the rest of the day cruising the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay. Located in the greater Halong Bay area, Lan Ha Bay is one of Vietnam’s most scenic places, where limestone islands and caves rise from the emerald waters. Enjoy lunch on board, then get up close and personal with giant karsts in a kayak. Stay overnight on Cat Ba Island and enjoy a dip at one of the beaches and a cold beer.
Meals: L
Day 25: Hanoi
Wake up in paradise, maybe starting your morning with a refreshing swim. Make sure you soak up as much sun and sand as possible, because this afternoon it's back to Hanoi via ferry and bus. Tonight you can head out for an optional last dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 26: Hanoi
There are no activities planned for today and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time after check out.

End place: Melia Hanoi

Inclusions

Included

  • Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass (entrance fee and guide included)
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
  • Chambok - Traditional dancing
  • Mekong Delta - Boat cruise and homestay
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Hoi An - Countryside bicycle hire
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
  • Da Bac - Sung Village Homestay and activities
  • Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
  • Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay

  • Transport

    Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Taxi

  • Accommodation

    Guesthouse (4 nights), Homestay (2 night), Hotel (16 nights), Overnight sleeper train (3 nights)

Save up to 50% on tours! Get exclusive access to members-only deals by email.

Subscribe to our newsletter