Classic Vietnam & Cambodia - 16 days
Classic Vietnam & Cambodia - 16 days
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through Vietnam and Cambodia with the "Classic Vietnam & Cambodia" tour. Begin in Hanoi, exploring the city's rich history and culture, before cruising the stunning limestone peaks of Halong Bay. Discover the ancient Imperial City of Hue and the charming streets of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta. Cross into Cambodia to explore the bustling capital of Phnom Penh and the awe-inspiring Angkor Temple Complex in Siem Reap. Enjoy guided sightseeing, local culinary experiences, and comfortable accommodations, including a night aboard a deluxe junk boat. This small group cultural tour offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and local traditions, ensuring an unforgettable adventure through Southeast Asia. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Hello Hanoi! Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the today at leisure.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we embark on a tour of Vietnam’s capital. Our first stop is to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, where we gain insight into the life of the President Ho Chi Minh. Continue to the Presidential Palace, the president’s iconic house on stilts, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Our last port of call is to the Ethnology Museum where we learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups (please note: the museum is closed on Mondays). Spend the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take stroll along the ancient streets of the exotic old quarter and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Vietnam's enchanting capital.
Day 3: Halong Bay
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: Halong Bay - Junk boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hanoi - Halong Bay. This morning transfer from your hotel in Hanoi to Halong City, the drive takes approximately 3 hours and you will stop off for a refreshment break en route. Upon arrival meet the crew of the traditional Junk boat at the dock and cruise to the famous islands of UNESCO Listed Halong Bay, exploring the many grottoes and myriad of tiny islands. Back on board we enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by a scrumptious dinner while soaking up an incredible sunset over the bay.
Please note The cruise itinerary is subject to change.
Day 4: Halong Bay
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Halong Bay - Hue. Enjoy the fresh air and the gentle breeze of the bay this morning as you relax onboard the Junk. There will be more opportunities to swim and explore hidden caves before returning to port.
Our next stop is Dong Ho Village, famous for its long-preserved art of making pictures. We’ll visit a studio in village, where you can watch the procedure of carving and printing these paintings and learn about the local folk tales represented in the paintings. Onward to Hanoi Airport for our flight to Hue in central Vietnam, where upon arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel.
Day 5: Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Hue was the Vietnamese capital during the Nguyen Dynasty 1802-1945 and ruins of the city’s regal past can still be seen inside the Citadel and the Imperial City. Created in the 19th century, the Imperial City was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing and holds many palaces and temples inside its giant walls. Your tour begins after breakfast with the ancient walled Citadel containing the former Imperial Palace. After exploring the Citadel, travel on to quaint Thuy Bieu Village, famous for growing Thanh Tra fruit. Here you’ll see garden houses, ancient ancestral temples and have lunch at a local house.
In the afternoon visit the final resting place of the Emperors at one of the most impressive Royal Tombs before enjoying a sunset cruise along the Perfume River.
Day 6: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hue - Hoi An. This morning, continue south to the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An. The five hour drive takes you along the South China Sea coastline with breathtaking views particularly as the road winds its way up Hai Van Pass (“Pass of the Clouds”).
From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, renowned for its silk and popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century and much of the town is now heritage-listed. This afternoon enjoy a half day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Day 7-8: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free time is offered for days 7 and 8. There is plenty to do and see in this charming town and its surrounds. Opt to take a cycling tour into the countryside, a cooking demonstration, a river cruise to meet and engage with local fisherman, paddle a unique bamboo basket boat, shop till your hearts delight, or simply relax on the beach.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to the airport in Danang this morning and catch the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the city is still referred to by all except officials, is Vietnam’s largest city. It is a fast-paced metropolis full of contrasts, with street vendors selling fruit and vegetables next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Amazingly, the city’s history dates back only 300 years. In 1859 the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Cochin China. From 1956 until April 1975 it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is very much the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurial activity. The French left their mark with some fine colonial-era buildings such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
Enjoy a guided tour of the city this afternoon. Highlights include the Notre Dame Cathedral (from the outside as renovations are taking place), and the Old Post Office. Dong Khoi Street, which is home to many boutiques and fine restaurants, the Opera House and the beautiful Peoples’ Committee Building. The War Remnants Museum, formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war and the Reunification Palace which is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on 30 April 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.
Tonight offers free time to explore the bustling city, or you could opt to join a Taste of Saigon tour, featuring the unique flavours of Ho Chi Minh City’s cuisine. Start your tour at the last street market still remaining in the city centre, walk on one of the city’s oldest bridges, built more than 120 years ago. Taste some local specialties such as goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette) and more, before enjoying lau (hot pot) at a “secret” restaurant. Enjoy a drink and a birds-eye view of a modernizing Ho Chi Minh City from its highest building, before entering the “sleepless streets area” where you can try the local beer and possibly extend your time here exploring more of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife activities.
Day 10: The Mekong Delta
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day at leisure to independently explore Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11: Can Tho
Location: Chau Doc
Accommodation Name: Chau Doc
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Ho Chi Minh City - Chau Doc. Enjoy a cruise on the Mekong Delta today! Ben Tre is famous for its coconut production and quiet, peaceful waterways. Here we enjoy a traditional sampan boat that will take us to visit a brick making shop, a fruit garden and a local family where rice paper made.Vietnam.
We continue to our final stop for the day, Chau Doc.
Day 12: Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Chau Doc - Phnom Penh. After breakfast, we take a speed boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh, arriving around midday. (crossing at Vinh Xuong/Khaorm Sam Nor Kaoh Roka border gate). Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Cambodia's energetic capital is noted for its beautiful colonial architecture and historic sites. See the highlights of this bustling, vibrant city on a guided tour this afternoon, including the fascinating Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum. You can climb the hill to Wat Phnom, the city’s main temple, where you’ll find throngs of worshippers and troops of monkeys.
We finish today with a stroll along the riverside starting at the Royal Palace. Witness the locals doing their daily exercises and feel free to join in.
An optional sunset cruise is available this afternoon - Travel along the Tonle Sap River towards the Mekong. Relax onboard and enjoy some drinks while watching the sunset over Phnom Penh city.
Day 13: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Phnom Penh - Siem Reap. Spend time at leisure this morning before your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. With its picturesque riverside location, colonial and Chinese-style architecture and leafy tree lined boulevards, Siem Reap is an ideal base to explore Cambodia's legendary Angkor Temple complex over the next two days.
This afternoon we drive to the edge of the city through the countryside, until we reach Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake – the Tonle Sap. Here we board a boat and cruise to one of the largest floating villages on the lake, Kompong Phluk, where we witness the fascinating daily lives of the locals. Return to Siem Reap for an evening at leisure.
Day 14: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning there is an optional visit to the famous Angkor Wat, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, to watch the sun rise. Our first stop is to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire, surrounded by an 8-meter wall. As we walk through the heart of the city, we stop at the12th century masterpiece known as Bayon Temple.
Later, we have some free time to explore Angkor Wat, the most famous and undoubtably best preserved temple within the complex. Continue to Ta Prohm Temple, which unlike most of the other Angkor temples, has not been repaired, restored or preserved but has been left as it was found. The jungle trees and roots growing in, out and through the ruins have made this temple ruin a favourite among visitors. We then explore Angkor Wat further before returning to Siem Reap.
This evening there is an optional excursion to enjoy the Phare Circus performance.
Day 15: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day at leisure to independently explore Siem Reap.
Day 16: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today your exciting Asian adventure comes to an end after breakfast, hotel check out and a transfer to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Standard, Superior or Deluxe -
Guided sightseeing
Guided sightseeing in Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Angkor Temple Complex is included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to all included sights are covered.
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Mekong Delta cruise
A private boat cruise and visit to floating markets in the Mekong Delta are included.
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Perfume River boat trip
A boat trip on the Perfume River in Hue is included.
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Vietnamese Cooking Lesson
A Vietnamese cooking lesson in Hanoi is included.
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Halong Bay cruise
An overnight Junk boat cruise in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay is included.
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Tonle Sap Lake boat trip
A boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap is included.
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Economy flights and speed boat
Three economy flights: Hanoi to Hue, Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, and Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, as well as a speed boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh, are included.
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Local guides
Local English-speaking specialist guides for all sightseeing are included.
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Airport transfers
An airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 16 are included.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
Age Policy
Minimum age 5 for SEA private tours.
Mode of Transport
Travel in private air-conditioned vehicles with airport transfers on day 1 and day 16. Enjoy three economy flights within Vietnam and Cambodia, and a speed boat ride from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 14 nights in superior hotels and 1 night aboard a deluxe junk boat in Halong Bay, with private en suite cabins. Standard and deluxe hotel options are available upon request, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 14 nights in superior hotels and 1 night aboard a deluxe junk boat in Halong Bay with a private en suite cabin. Standard and deluxe hotel options are also available upon request.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily, 4 lunches, and 1 dinner.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes all relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles, as well as 3 economy flights and a speed boat ride from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, guided sightseeing is included in Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and the Angkor Temple Complex with local English-speaking specialist guides.
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What activities are available during the free time in Hoi An?
During the free time in Hoi An, you can opt for a cycling tour into the countryside, a cooking demonstration, a river cruise to meet local fishermen, paddle a bamboo basket boat, shop, or relax on the beach.
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Is there an age restriction for this tour?
The minimum age for SEA private tours is 5 years old.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Halong Bay?
The highlight of the visit to Halong Bay includes cruising around the beautiful UNESCO Listed region, exploring grottoes and islands, and enjoying a cooking demonstration and dinner on a traditional junk boat.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Angkor Temple Complex?
During the visit to the Angkor Temple Complex, you will explore Angkor Wat, the Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm Temple, which is known for its jungle-enveloped ruins.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
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Classic Vietnam & Cambodia - 16 days
16 Days Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Visiting: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
Tour operator:
Tour code:
847/CVC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
5-