Vietnam & Cambodia Explorer
19 Days Starting in Hanoi and ending in Siem Reap
Visiting: Hanoi, Cat Ba, Ninh Binh, Ninh Binh – Overnight train, Hue, Hoi An , Hoi An, Overnight Train, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Kampot, Chambok, Siem Reap
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TVRKC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Experience the very best of South East Asia on this awesome adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia. Enjoy a steaming bowl of pho from a street stall in Hanoi, admire the temples of Angkor and get some insight into everyday Khmer life at a rural homestay. With faded elegance in Ho Chi Minh City, the natural beauty of Ninh Binh and bustling Siem Reap, there's a lot to dazzle your senses on this exploration through South East Asia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you happen to arrive early, take the day at your own pace and wander the Old Quarter admiring the city’s French-colonial architecture and manicured parks, or simply enjoy some street food.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning, visit Vun Art center first, a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Hear from them about the great things that they do and then follow your leader to visit the nearby flower and flea market to gain some insights into local life that you'll not see in tourist areas. Then enjoy some free time in Hanoi today. Perhaps check out one of the city’s museums, like the Museum of Ethnology which offers an insight into the different ethnic groups and cultures in Vietnam, or the Fine Arts Museum which houses a collection of more than 2000 pieces, some dating back to the 11th century. Alternatively, you might like to wander the grounds of the Temple of Literature, a historical complex in Hanoi. Tonight, you might like to meet up with some of your fellow travellers and try out a local dish like pho or Bahn Mi – enjoy!
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Day 3: Cat Ba
Location: Cat Ba
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch
An early start is necessary to get the most out of your day. Take a 7.30 am bus ride and ferry transfer to the steep karsts and tiny beaches of Cat Ba Island, arriving before midday – you’ll have a quick stop to stretch your legs en route. The largest of all the islands in World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, charming Cat Ba will be your base for exploring the limestone cliffs and turquoise water that defines this area. Get acquainted with this stunning spot with an afternoon cruise around the bay, enjoying lunch on the boat while floating past the karsts covered in emerald-green foliage. Later, get closer to the water and explore on a kayak, perhaps stopping at one of Cat Ba’s many beaches for a swim. Stay overnight on Cat Ba Island and enjoy the sunset with a cold beer.
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Day 4: Ninh Binh
Location: Ninh Binh
Accommodation: Hotel
Today, you’ll travel to the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh. A naturally beautiful area, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains. Today, you’ll enjoy a cycling tour where you’ll discover Ninh Binh in a fresh way that gets your blood pumping and takes you off the beaten track. You’ll get a chance to explore Hoa Lu – the temple of King Dinh and King Le which were built in the 10th century and dedicated to two the two kings of Vietnam. The ancient citadel once covered 300 hectares of land, however the passage of time has left few remains of this once glorious capital of the Vietnam.
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Day 5: Ninh Binh – Overnight Train
Location: Ninh Binh – Overnight train
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Today, you’ll have a free day to explore Ninh Binh at your leisure. You might like to hike to Mua Cave – located underneath Mua Mountain, this culturally significant and naturally beautiful spot is well worth the visit. If hiking doesn’t take your fancy, a boat trip to Trang An might be just the thing to fill your day. A series of limestone mountains, some 250 million years old, tower over lakes, caves and valleys below. After a day of activities of your own choosing, you’ll meet with your group in the evening to take an overnight train to Hue.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past and is a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Packed with historic monuments, Hue is also perfectly located to explore the surrounding countryside, which features stunning scenery, quaint villages and the peaceful Tam Giang Lagoon. The bustling Dong Ba Market offers a plethora of goods and foods to see and sample, and it's a good place to try some of the specialities that graced the Nguyen emperors' banquet tables, such as the banh khoai – a royal rice cake. Here you have a free day, which you could easily spend exploring Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace enclosed within. Perhaps jump on board a dragon boat and enjoy a cruise up the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu pagoda, or cycle out to one of the Royal tombs such as the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Otherwise, set off on an optional motorcycle tour of the sights in Hue and some surrounding villages.
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Day 7: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Hotel
Continue on your journey and travel to the World Heritage-listed town of Hoi An, where on arrival, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around town. The city was a major trading port with the west from the 17th century onwards, and has various architectural influences from Europe, China and Vietnam. Today, the city is being restored and looks exactly like it did over a century ago. The rest of the day is free for you to do some optional activities or soak up the ambience of the place. You may like to wander Hoi An Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more. It’s also famous for its talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within 24 hours, so be sure to check that out!
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Hotel
Enjoy a free day to further explore Hoi An. Perhaps take a cruise up the Thu Bon River or learn the secrets of cooking delicious Vietnamese dishes. Visit some of the main art galleries or simply wander around the beautifully restored Chinese shop houses. There’s also the option of cycling around the surrounding countryside – a truly relaxing way to get off the beaten track and see rural Vietnam up close. Your leader will be able to suggest activities to help you get the most out of your time.
Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Overnight Train
Location: Overnight Train
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Jump on your train to Ho Chi Minh this morning. This 17-hour overnight train takes your through amazing landscapes in southern Vietnam - grab a book, put your headphone on and go along with the ride.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City very early this morning and transfer to your hotel. Today you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Vietnam’s largest city. Ho Chi Minh City has a busy atmosphere and many French influences. In your free time, it’s recommended to visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. There’s also the historic Dong Khoi Street, and the chaotic markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). Ho Chi Minh City has a different style of cuisine to its northern counterpart Hanoi, so be sure to get out for restaurant meals and street food with your travel crew. Your group leader knows all the best people in the right places, so they’ll know of some delectable places to eat, for any budget.
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Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: hotel
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, get out and discover the city's blend of old and new, East and West and 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 the Reunification Palace (the site of South Vietnam's surrender in April 1975) and the War Remnants Museum. As there isn’t much time to explore Ho Chi Minh City on this tour, it’s highly recommended you spend a day or two extra to get a real taste of this busy city. After your meeting, why not get a taxi and head to the night markets at Ben Thanh – teeming with good food and local handicrafts, it’s a perfect start to your adventure.
Optional Activities:
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Day 12: Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
Travel by local bus through rural Vietnam and Cambodia this morning, making your way to Phnom Penh. With two border crossings and a stop for lunch, this is a long travel day, so maybe have a good book or a road trip game handy. Cambodia's capital city is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture. You may want to take a cyclo tour of the city's sights when you arrive, which includes the central market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong Riverfront, independence monument and Royal Palace. If you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at the art deco Psar Thmei (Central Market) or travel out to Psar Tuol Tom Pong (the Russian Market) for the best range of local souvenirs.
Optional Activities:
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Day 13: Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
Take a day to explore the swirl and bustle of Phnom Penh. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. These serve as sobering reminders of the violent rule of the Khmer Rouge. Here you can learn more about this confronting but important chapter in history – if you'd rather not visit these sites, simply let your leader know. Otherwise, the rest of the day is free for you to explore. You could visit Wat Phnom – a Buddhist temple shrouded in myth – or the National Museum and its excellent Khmer collection. In the evening, maybe head out with your group for a drink overlooking the Tonle Sap River.
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Optional Activities:
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Day 14: Kampot
Location: Kampot
Accommodation: Guest House
Take a local train to Kampot this morning – 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 you’ll either love or hate – try it and see! Follow your leader for a stroll along the riverside and observe the French architecture, learn about the local heritage buildings and maybe have a cup of coffee on the veranda of one of the riverside restaurants to admire the view of the Bokor Mountain Range. A traditional massage is also highly recommended here from the local enterprise Seeing Hands – one of the most enjoyable ways of supporting a local charity, you’ll change into loose cotton pyjamas and then put yourself in the capable hands of one of the blind masseurs. In a country with no social security, the training and support provided by the centres allow blind Cambodians to support themselves. This afternoon, head to the dock at the Kampong Bay River and board a local boat for a serene cruise with a stunning view of the sun setting over Bokor Mountain.
Included Activities:
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Day 15: Kampot
Location: Kampot
Accommodation: Guest House
Enjoy a free day in the chilled-out town of Kampot today. For a unique photo opportunity, head to the centre of the town, where a giant durian statue sits smack in the middle of a roundabout. Maybe browse for some goodies to take home at the covered market. The nearby countryside is also a delight to explore – among fields of Kampot pepper and rice, there’s a salt field and limestone cave. Inside the cave sits the small 7th-century brick temple Phnom Chhnork.
Optional Activities:
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Day 16: Chambok
Location: Chambok
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: dinner
This morning, take a private vehicle into rural Cambodia to the village of Chambok in the Kampong Speu region. 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 when you arrive and will be happy to chat about their community’s history, lifestyle and local ecotourism projects. Meet the families you’ll spend the night with and settle into your homestay before walking around the village and exploring at your own pace. Maybe head to a nearby waterfall – if it's warm enough, you may even opt for a swim! Tonight, 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 – tonight is an unforgettable local experience!
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Day 17: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, take a private transfer to Siem Reap – this small but expanding town is the gateway to the famed Angkor archaeological site. This is the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia (maybe even all of Southeast Asia!). When you arrive, maybe explore the markets – a great place to shop or try some cheap, delicious street food. Tonight, you’re free to fine the best spot for a local feed – your leader is always on hand with great recommendations.
Day 18: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation: Guest House
Today, you’ll visit the world-famous Angkor complex with your local guide. These temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer Empire was the pre-eminent influence in Southeast Asia. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing, and there are some spectacular photo opportunities at any time of day! The ruins are scattered over some 160 square km, but the main cluster of temples are close to Siem Reap. You'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, among others.
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Optional Activities:
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Day 19: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
With no activities planned for today, you can depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you wish to spend some extra time in Siem Reap, just speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Guesthouse (4 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (11 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights) -
Hanoi - Vun Art center visit
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Hanoi - Flower and flea market visit
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Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
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Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
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Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
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Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le
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Ninh Binh - Bike Tour
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Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
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Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk
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Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
- Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
- Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
- Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk
- Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
- Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
- Chambok - Traditional dancing
- Chambok - Homestay and activities
- Chambok - Khmer Dinner
- Kampong Chhnang - Pottery Demonstration
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
- Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
Transport
- OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAINS IN VIETNAM:
- Compartments will be 4 berth to 6 berth depending on seasonal variations and the group configuration. We aim to secure 4 berth compartments where possible. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Passengers of different genders may be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you'll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. On occasion the group may be split between several carriages, however your leader will coordinate and give further information on the trip.
Accommodation
- DAY ROOMS & EARLY CHECK IN
- Please note we include use of day rooms on Days 10 in Ho Chi Minh City. These rooms are provided for shared group use after the overnight train journey. We have some days where we arrive at our destination before check in time, and as this is a budget tour, a day room is not included. If you have booked a single supplement whilst on tour, it will not apply to these day rooms. Your leader may be able to assist you in booking a room for your use (depending on availability) until our group rooms become available for an additional charge. Please talk to your leader at the Group Meeting if this is a service you would like to request.
- HOTELS:
- Most of the accommodation on this trip is in hotels (mostly 2 to 3-star). Facilities are often basic, with some properties not having a continuous supply of hot water on occasion. All rooms are either fan cooled or with air conditioning and twin share with private facilities unless stated otherwise in the daily itinerary. Double beds are not widely available in South East Asia.
- WINDOWLESS ROOMS:
- Some hotels in South East Asia have windowless rooms, or windows that don't necessarily have a view. This is often due to high population density in large cities, however local building standards also do not require rooms to have windows. We do request rooms with windows, however they aren't always available.
Important Information
- 1. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 5,9 (Overnight sleeper train) and Days 16 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
- OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAINS IN VIETNAM:
- Compartments will be 4 berth to 6 berth depending on seasonal variations and the group configuration. We aim to secure 4 berth compartments where possible. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Passengers of different genders may be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you'll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. On occasion the group may be split between several carriages, however your leader will coordinate and give further information on the trip.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Accommodation on this tour is basic – a combination of simple hotels, guesthouses and homestays, where you'll be spending a night with a local family. While the homestay accommodation is shared and basic, this is a great opportunity to connect with the local people (and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals!). Read more about the experience here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cambodia-homestay-experience
We cover a lot of distance on this trip, including on overnight trains. A 19-day trip with a lot of public transport might feel a little taxing now and then. There are some long stretches of travel involved, so be prepared for some bumpy roads (and occasional delays). It's all part of the adventure! For more about what an overnight train is like, see our blog post here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnight.
There is a limited amount of time included in Hanoi. Please consider booking some extra time before and after your trip if you would like more time to explore each of these cities -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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