Two countries, one extraordinary journey via the Mekong
This epic 18-day journey combines the very best of Vietnam and Cambodia, two countries united by history, culture, and the mighty Mekong River. Travel from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the ancient temples of Angkor, experiencing an incredible diversity of landscapes, traditions, and flavors along the way.
Begin in Vietnam, exploring Hanoi's thousand-year heritage and cruising among the limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay. Journey south through the imperial capital of Hue and the charming ancient town of Hoi An, before discovering vibrant Saigon and the waterways of the Mekong Delta.
Cross into Cambodia via the Mekong River, arriving in Phnom Penh to discover the grandeur of the Royal Palace and the country's complex history. The journey culminates in Siem Reap, where you'll witness the unforgettable sunrise over Angkor Wat and explore the mysterious temples of the ancient Khmer Empire.
International flight, welcome, first evening
Welcome at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a first stroll through the lively streets and perhaps sample some local street food. Trip briefing with your guide.
π¨ Night in Hanoi - 4* Hotel
Historic sites, temples, water puppets
Full day exploring the thousand-year-old capital. Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature. Walk around scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the 36 streets of the Old Quarter. Evening water puppet performance.
π¨ Night in Hanoi - 4* Hotel
2 days / 1 night among the karsts
Drive to Ha Long Bay and board a traditional wooden junk. Cruise among nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets. Visit caves, kayak through floating villages, and enjoy fresh seafood on board. Night on the junk under a canopy of stars. Morning tai chi, sunrise, and return to Hanoi.
π₯οΈ Day 3 night on junk - Private cabin
π¨ Day 4 night in Hanoi - 4* Hotel
Flight south, Imperial Citadel
Morning flight to Hue, the former imperial capital. Visit the magnificent Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. Sample Hue's famous royal cuisine for dinner.
π¨ Night in Hue - 4* Hotel
Royal tombs and scenic coastal road
Morning visits to the elaborate royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Scenic drive to Hoi An via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, with stops at Lang Co beach and the Marble Mountains. Arrive in Hoi An late afternoon.
π¨ Night in Hoi An - 4* Boutique Hotel
Old Town, cooking class, free time
Day 7: Cooking class beginning at the local market. Walking tour of the UNESCO-listed ancient town: Japanese Covered Bridge, old merchant houses, Chinese assembly halls. Evening stroll through lantern-lit streets. Day 8: Free day to relax on the beach, explore by bicycle, or visit tailors.
π¨ Nights in Hoi An - 4* Boutique Hotel
Flight to Saigon, colonial heritage
Flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Afternoon tour of colonial Saigon: Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace. Explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market and enjoy dinner in the Dong Khoi district.
π¨ Night in Saigon - 4* Hotel
War tunnels and delta journey
Morning visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, a remarkable underground network from the Vietnam War. Continue to the Mekong Delta and Ben Tre region. Check into a riverside homestay for an authentic delta experience.
π Homestay - Mekong Delta
Floating markets, journey to border
Early morning visit to Cai Rang floating market by sampan. Watch the colorful trading of fruits and vegetables from boat to boat. Continue by road to Chau Doc near the Cambodian border, visiting local workshops along the way.
π¨ Night in Chau Doc - 3* Hotel
Scenic Mekong crossing to Cambodia
Board a speedboat for the scenic journey up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh. Cross the border at Vinh Xuong/Kaam Samnor. Watch daily life along the riverbanks as you enter Cambodia. Arrival in Phnom Penh late afternoon.
π¨ Night in Phnom Penh - 4* Hotel
Royal Palace, museums, history
Full day exploring Cambodia's capital. Visit the glittering Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Explore the National Museum's superb Khmer art collection. Moving visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Sunset stroll along the riverfront.
π¨ Night in Phnom Penh - 4* Hotel
Road journey, Kompong Thom
Drive north to Siem Reap through the Cambodian countryside. Stop at Kompong Thom to visit the pre-Angkorian temple of Sambor Prei Kuk. Continue to Siem Reap with arrival in the late afternoon. Evening walk through Pub Street.
π¨ Night in Siem Reap - 4* Hotel
Dawn at the iconic temple
Early morning to witness the magical sunrise over Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument. Spend the morning exploring this architectural masterpiece. Afternoon rest, then sunset from Phnom Bakheng hill overlooking the temples.
π¨ Night in Siem Reap - 4* Hotel
Ancient city and jungle temple
Explore Angkor Thom: enter through the South Gate, discover the Bayon with its 216 smiling faces, Baphuon, and the Elephant Terrace. Afternoon visit to atmospheric Ta Prohm, where giant tree roots embrace ancient stones. Evening Apsara dance performance.
π¨ Night in Siem Reap - 4* Hotel
Pink temple and floating village
Morning excursion to Banteay Srei, the "Citadel of Women," famous for its intricate pink sandstone carvings. Afternoon boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake and its floating villages. Farewell dinner at a restaurant overlooking the rice fields.
π¨ Night in Siem Reap - 4* Hotel
Return flight
Free time depending on your flight schedule. Last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport. End of your Vietnam and Cambodia adventure.
βοΈ Return flight