1-700-500-516
Asia
Trip Duration
14 days
Recommended season:
November - March
Vietnam & Cambodia - Trip Summary
A customized 14-day Vietnam and Cambodia tour begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, where we’ll explore the city’s bustling streets. We continue to Sapa, a picturesque town founded by the French, visiting nearby villages and meeting local ethnic minorities among rice terraces, mountains, and valleys. Highlights include the vibrant Bac Ha Market and a cable car ride to Mount Fansipan, the world’s longest. Returning to Hanoi, we head to Halong Bay—”the dragon’s landing place in the sea”—for a scenic overnight cruise. We’ll then fly to Hue to tour its ancient city and cruise the Perfume River, followed by a visit to the charming Hoi An. Next, we explore Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and take a Mekong Delta cruise. Flying to Siem Reap in Cambodia, we’ll visit the breathtaking Angkor temple complex, the ancient Khmer capital, enjoy a traditional Khmer performance, and take a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake. This tour reveals a unique blend of stunning landscapes, lively markets, serene villages, and preserved temples. A private, English-speaking guide ensures an unforgettable journey at your pace.
Geographic • Sailing • Ancient Temples
Day 1: Arrival - Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! Upon arrival, you will meet our representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
Hanoi is a beautiful city rich in French colonial architecture, serving as the political center of Vietnam. The city is adorned with ancient gardens, temples, serene lakes, vibrant markets, and wide boulevards, creating a unique blend of history and culture.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi - A Journey Through History and Culture - Sapa
After breakfast, we will embark on a day of exploration in Hanoi. We will start by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where we can learn about the life of the revolutionary leader. Next, we will see his preserved residence and the small lake where he enjoyed walking and feeding the goldfish.
A short walk will take us to the One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus flower rising from the water. Following this, we will visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established in the 11th century.
Our next stop will be the Ethnology Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits dedicated to the diverse ethnic minorities of Vietnam, showcasing their customs and traditions preserved over centuries.
After enjoying a rickshaw ride through the Old Quarter, we’ll take a recommended break for ice cream at a nearby parlor by the lake. We continue to the Ngoc Son Temple, situated on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake.
In the afternoon, we will embark on a 5-hour drive to Sapa. This charming town, established by the French during their colonial rule, lies on the border between China and Vietnam. It’s characterized by its rich tapestry of ethnic groups and ancient cultures, known as the “Montagnards,” who have retained their traditional ways of life. The coming days will be dedicated to visiting local villages, hiking in breathtaking landscapes, and exploring vibrant markets that attract villagers from the area.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 3: Exploring the Enchanting Villages of Sapa
After breakfast, we will embark on a day of exploration in the Sapa Valley and its surrounding villages. Our journey begins with a visit to Ma Tra village, home to the Black Hmong ethnic minority. We’ll enjoy a scenic walk through terraced rice fields, visit the local school, and take in the beautiful agricultural landscapes typical of the region.
Next, we’ll head to Ta Phin village, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains and forests. This village is inhabited by two ethnic groups, the Black Hmong and the Red Dao, who, despite their geographical proximity, have distinct cultural practices and lifestyles.
Continuing on, we will make our way to the center of Sapa Valley, where we’ll embark on a short hike up the mountain. At the summit, we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley below.
Our hike will lead us to a Red Dao village, where we can observe and appreciate the handiwork of local women creating traditional garments, handicrafts, and bags.
After a day of immersion in the vibrant culture and stunning scenery, we will return to Sapa.
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 4: Sapa - Bac Ha Market
After breakfast, we will embark on a two-and-a-half-hour journey to the vibrant Bac Ha market. This market attracts residents from various ethnic tribes in the area for trade, connection with the modern world, and essential goods.
You’ll notice the colorful attire of the different tribespeople and be able to identify their status by the amount of jewelry they wear. Bac Ha is one of the last markets in the world that offers a rich encounter with such a diverse array of ancient cultures that preserve Vietnam’s historical heritage. The market features a vast selection of consumer goods, food, handicrafts, ceramics, and souvenirs.
We will also visit the upper part of the market, which provides a beautiful viewpoint over the market area, where buffalo trade takes place.
Afterward, we will enjoy a boat ride down the Chai River on small boats and visit a village of the Thai ethnic minority. Following this, we will return to Sapa and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 5: Sapa - Cable Car to Fansipan Mountain - Hanoi
After breakfast, a short drive will take us to the cable car station for Fansipan Mountain. This cable car system is the highest, longest (non-stop), and most modern of its kind in the world, having opened in 2016 by a European investor from the Sungroup. Each cabin can accommodate about 30-35 people, and the ride takes approximately 20 minutes from the base of the mountain to its peak at 3,143 meters, offering a scenic journey through a sea of clouds. The summit is referred to as the “roof of Indochina,” providing breathtaking views. In the past, it took two days to trek to the top.
Important: Please bring warm clothing.
After our visit, we will embark on a 5-hour journey back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi - Halong Bay
After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic three-hour drive to Halong Bay, passing through the picturesque landscapes of the Red River Delta. The name “Halong” translates to “where the dragon descends into the sea,” derived from a Vietnamese legend about a dragon that shaped the bay and its islands with its sweeping tail.
At 11:45 AM, we will board a beautiful boat for a magical cruise, with lunch served on board. After enjoying the meal, we will transfer to a smaller boat to explore one of the islands and hike to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the bay.
In the afternoon, we will visit a floating fishing village, either by traditional wooden boat or by kayak, to explore the “Dark Cave” and the “Bright Cave.” After our adventures, we’ll return to our cruise ship and continue our sailing journey.
Dinner will be served on the boat, where seafood dishes will be featured, though alternative options can be requested.
Please note that the order of visits and sites may change without prior notice due to weather conditions and navigation permits.
Overnight on the boat.
Day 7: Halong - Hanoi - Hue
Early risers can join a Tai Chi class on the upper deck of the boat or enjoy kayaking (for an additional fee). Afterward, we will take a boat to visit an impressive karst cave with numerous chambers. Following this, we will return to the boat and enjoy a hearty breakfast.
Afterward, we will start making our way back to the bay, arriving at the port by 11:30. We will then drive back to Hanoi, stopping along the way to visit the villages of Con Son and Lua. We will continue our journey to Hanoi.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Hue, a city beautifully located on the banks of the Perfume River, known for its rich history as the imperial capital of Vietnam and its stunning ancient architecture.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 8: Hue - Perfume River and Imperial City - Hoi An
After breakfast, we will embark on a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River. Along the river, we will glimpse a small fishing village. We will continue downstream to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most iconic structures in Vietnam, and the tomb of Minh Mang.
Next, we will explore the Imperial City, the official residence of Vietnamese emperors. The city consists of three parts, with the inner city housing the “Forbidden Purple City.” Recently, the city has been undergoing renovation and restoration funded by UNESCO. We will visit the tomb of Tu Duc and the surrounding burial caves, followed by a trip to Tu Dam Pagoda, the largest and oldest pagoda in the city.
Afterward, we will drive approximately three hours south to Hoi An. Along the way, we will appreciate the local villages scattered along the route and enjoy the beauty of the ocean. Hoi An was once one of the busiest trading ports in Vietnam. Chinese and Japanese merchants established trading posts here, and soon joined by the Dutch, Portuguese, and French, it became a thriving cosmopolitan port city. Today, it is a charming town filled with atmosphere.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 9: Hoi An – Colors of Hoi An
After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of the ancient town, which features diverse architectural styles and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit the vibrant and colorful market, followed by the iconic Japanese Bridge. Our journey will also take us to the Fukien Assembly Hall.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy a cruise on the Thu Bon River and visit local artisan villages in the surrounding area.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Hoi An is known as the “Tailor Town,” where tailors are eager to create any garment you desire quickly and at reasonable prices. The city is also famous for its local production of colorful textile lanterns. In the evening, it’s recommended to stroll through the ancient town, enjoying the atmosphere at one of the riverside restaurants or cafes.
Day 10: Hoi An – Danang - Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport in Da Nang for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), which served as the capital of South Vietnam until 1975. Following the unification of the country, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. The skyline of Saigon is adorned with modern skyscrapers, yet the city retains its unique character, bustling with temples, vibrant markets, and a lively population, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a city tour. We’ll visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, built in the late 19th century, and stop at the Central Post Office. Next, we’ll explore Ben Thanh Market, a covered market featuring numerous stalls, including souvenirs and local artwork. The itinerary also includes visits to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, the Reunification Palace, the War Museum, Thien Hau Pagoda, and Cholon, the city’s Chinatown.
Afterwards, we’ll transfer to the hotel.
In the evening, enjoy the AO Show, a modern acrobatic performance showcasing scenes from everyday life in Vietnam.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - The Mekong Delta Experience – Can Tho
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Cai Be, nestled in the stunning Mekong Delta, renowned for its beautiful natural scenery and famous for its floating markets and villages. Upon arrival, we’ll set off on a boat ride through the Mekong Delta.
During the cruise, we’ll observe small fishing boats, cargo vessels laden with fruits and vegetables, and experience the unique lifestyle of the locals.
We’ll stop at Tan Phong Island, where we’ll board a small rowing boat for a serene trip through the mangroves along the canal. Next, we’ll visit an ancient house built in the 19th century and explore a local factory producing coconut candies and puffed rice, providing livelihoods for local families.
Finally, we’ll dock and head to the Le Longanier restaurant, where we’ll enjoy lunch. This charming eatery is set in a colonial-style villa within a tropical garden by the river.
After our meal, we’ll take a short walk along the canal towards the Ba Bon Bridge, where we’ll meet our driver for a one-hour journey to Can Tho. This major city in the Mekong Delta serves as an important trade and transit hub, connecting various towns and villages through its network of rivers and canals.
Life along the smaller canals is fascinating, featuring local floating markets that cater primarily to residents rather than tourists.
Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the hotel for the night.
Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 12: Can Tho - Can Rai Floating Market - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap
Early in the morning, we’ll set off to visit the Cai Rang floating market, one of the most beautiful in the region. We’ll witness numerous small boats where locals offer their goods, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.
Afterward, we will drive about 4 hours back to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap, which serves as a base for exploring the Angkor temple complex, the capital of the ancient Khmer Empire.
The city of Angkor Thom was founded in the 9th century and contains a vast array of temples, palaces, and walls adorned with stunning sculptures and bas-reliefs, showcasing one of the wonders of the ancient world. Over the years, the jungles and dense vegetation covered the temples, rendering them hidden from view until they were rediscovered during the French colonial period in Vietnam. Today, Angkor is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 13: Angkor - Exploring the Wonders of Angkor
After breakfast, we will visit the Southern Gate and the Bayon Temple, where hundreds of expertly carved faces seem to watch over visitors. We will then proceed to the Elephant Terrace, named for the elephant figures carved into its walls, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Next, we will explore the magnificent Ta Prohm Temple, known for its intertwining trees and ruins.
Continuing our journey, we will visit the largest temple of all—Angkor Wat. This immense structure embodies the various beliefs and concepts that shaped the builders of the ancient city. Renowned as the most perfect temple in the entire complex, Angkor Wat features exquisite stonework, stunning architecture, and remarkable bas-reliefs that adorn its walls.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 14: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap - Airport
After breakfast, we will set off for a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake, where we can observe the lifestyle of the residents along the river.
Following this, depending on the flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for the flight back home.
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