Grand Vietnam & Cambodia Journey 21 Days

Morning

Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, meet our tour guide at the meeting point and transfer directly to your hotel in Hanoi. 

Note: Standard hotel check-in is at 14:00. Early check-in may be arranged for an additional surcharge, subject to availability.

The rest of the day is free for you to unwind or explore Hanoi independently. Alternatively, choose one of our optional experiences to discover the city through its food and culinary traditions:

Morning

Have breakfast at the hotel before exploring Hanoi attractions with our tour guide.

Begin at the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong and later developed as Vietnam’s first national university. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist landmark known for its distinctive architecture.

Next, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an important historical site associated with the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. Continue to West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temples, situated on a small island overlooking the lake.

Enjoy lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant before departing Hanoi.

Afternoon

Transfer to Sapa by comfortable bus, travelling through the changing landscapes of northern Vietnam. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore Sapa independently.

At around 09:30, meet your local guide and begin a scenic trek through the Muong Hoa Valley. Follow the trail to Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai, passing mountain landscapes, terraced rice fields, and rural paths along the way.

In Lao Chai, a village associated with the Black Hmong community, gain a closer look at traditional lifestyles and local customs. Continue trekking towards Ta Van Village, situated at approximately 1,200 metres above sea level and home to the Zay ethnic community.

Along the route, enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and rice terraces while learning about the communities that live in the valley. After completing the trek, return to Sapa by car.

Evening

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You can relax at the hotel or explore Sapa town independently. 

Morning

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and meet your guide at 09:00. Walk southwest from Sapa town to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black Hmong community.

Along the way, admire the surrounding mountain scenery, visit a local waterfall, and see the remains of a hydroelectric power station built during the French colonial period. After exploring the village, enjoy a picnic lunch beside the river.

Afternoon/ Night

At 13:30, continue with a 3-km trek to Sin Chai Village, located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, known as the “Roof of Indochina”. Take in views of the surrounding mountains and valleys before returning to the main road.

Transfer back to Sapa town by jeep for approximately 3 km, then depart for Hanoi by shuttle bus between 15:00 and 15:30.

Morning

From 07:30 to 08:00, our guide will meet you at your accommodation to begin a 120 km journey on a comfortable limousine bus through lush landscapes, with a rest stop along the way.

At 10:30, we will arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, the former capital of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, renowned for its historical significance and connection to three successive Vietnamese dynasties. The visit includes Dinh King Temple, dating back to the 17th century, featuring meticulous wood and stone carvings.

Enjoy a lunch of delectable local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.

Afternoon

At 14:00, embark on a sampan boat trip rowed by locals along the Ngo Dong River, where you will be treated to stunning views of charming rice paddy fields. Continue by exploring the enormous Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba caves, home to striking stalactites in varied shapes.

At 16:00, arrive at Mua Cave and begin a trek to the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain, where a breathtaking panorama of Tam Coc awaits. Along the path, admire stone animal sculptures reflecting Vietnamese spiritual architecture.

By 17:30, return to the limousine bus for the journey back to Hanoi. Arrive at your hotel around 20:30, concluding the day’s tour.

Morning

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and depart Hanoi for Halong Bay by comfortable transfer. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bay is known for its emerald waters, limestone islands, and distinctive karst landscapes.

Once you arrive, you'll embark on a cruise to explore the magnificent sightseeing spots of the bay. Some of the highlights of the cruise include Tuan Chau, Titop Islands, Dau Go, and Luon Caves, among others. These beautiful locations offer stunning views of the bay and are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Enjoy lunch with local seafood on board while taking in views of the surrounding islands.

Afternoon

Continue discovering Halong Bay through activities arranged by your cruise. Depending on the itinerary and weather conditions, you may explore caves, kayak through calm waters, or enjoy a swim in the bay.

Night

After the day’s activities, relax on board and enjoy dinner while surrounded by the tranquil scenery of Halong Bay. Spend the night in your comfortable cabin, with the gentle movement of the boat providing a peaceful end to the day. 

NOTE: The itinerary may vary depending on the cruise you book.

Morning/ Afternoon

Start your morning with a Tai Chi session on board, followed by breakfast while enjoying the peaceful scenery of Halong Bay. Continue with a final exploration of the bay, visiting caves or other attractions included in your cruise itinerary.

Enjoy an early brunch on board as the cruise returns to the main harbour. After disembarkation, transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, allowing time to relax after your journey from Halong Bay.

Morning

Begin the day with a guided visit to Hoi An Local Market, where colourful stalls display fresh fruits, herbs, and spices. Learn how these ingredients feature in traditional Vietnamese cuisine and discover their culinary and traditional uses with your local guide.

Next, embark on a scenic boat ride along the peaceful Thu Bon River Delta, cruising past riverside homes and lush countryside. You’ll arrive at a charming riverside village nestled within the delta. Then you will be welcomed into the family’s ancestral home and introduced to the guide’s grandmother.

In the peaceful, cool garden, you will learn how to make your own rice cakes. Your guide will share insights into the traditional cuisine of Central Vietnam while you prepare each dish yourself. Afterwards, you will sit beneath the coconut trees to enjoy the meal you’ve created. The cooking class includes four dishes:

• Marinated pork skewers
• Banh Xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes)
• Green papaya salad
• Vietnamese-style fish

NOTE: A vegetarian menu is available upon request, and dishes may vary depending on the season.

Afternoon

After savoring the meal you’ve proudly created, continue your journey with a leisurely bicycle ride through the picturesque countryside. Pedal from one peaceful island to another, weaving through emerald rice fields and sleepy villages as you make your way back to Hoi An.

As you follow narrow village paths, you will visit traditional shipyards where wooden boats have been crafted the same way for centuries. You will also learn how woven cane mats are made, discover the daily work involved in the rice fields, observe the process of rice wine production, and much more.

Have free time exploring Hoi An by yourself, or join in one of our following optional activities:

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your driver for the road transfer from Hoi An to Hue by shuttle bus or private car. Enjoy the changing scenery along the way as you travel from Central Vietnam’s coastal countryside towards Hue.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Explore Hue independently, relax at the hotel, or simply enjoy a slower pace before the next day’s sightseeing.

Morning/ Afternoon

After breakfast, begin your half-day city tour of Hue.

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most recognisable Buddhist landmarks, situated along the banks of the scenic Perfume River. Continue to the Imperial Citadel, the former royal residence of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty.

Explore key landmarks within the citadel, including the Front Gate, Flag Tower, and King’s Palace, gaining an insight into Hue’s imperial history and cultural heritage.

Next, visit Dong Ba Market, Hue’s largest traditional market. Browse the lively stalls, observe local vendors going about their daily trade, and look for interesting souvenirs while experiencing a more everyday side of the city.

Night

After the tour, your driver will return you to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, whether relaxing at the hotel or exploring the surrounding area independently.

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel before checking out and saying goodbye to Hue. Your driver will then transfer you to Phu Bai Airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, with time to relax or begin exploring the vibrant city at your own pace.

Morning

Get ready for an exciting day exploring the Mekong Delta! This tour will take you on an adventure through the local life of the villages in the area, where the rivers and canals that make up the delta are central to daily life.

Experience the diversity and tranquility of the Mekong countryside, which is still largely untouched by tourism. You'll have the chance to explore fish farms and exotic fruit farms, visit orchards, paddy fields, and swamplands of the Mekong Delta.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of the region while enjoying a day of adventure and exploration. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!

Afternoon/ Night

After exploring the Mekong Delta, you'll be transferred to Can Tho, where you'll stay overnight. Can Tho is a charming city located on the banks of the Hau River and is known for its floating markets and traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Your day begins with a short transfer from your hotel to the pier, where you’ll set off on a wooden boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market, one of the busiest markets in the Mekong Delta.

As you navigate the waterways, you’ll have the chance to observe how local people live and work along the river, selling and trading from their boats.

During the trip, you’ll visit a small noodle workshop to see traditional noodles being made and enjoy tasting some fresh tropical fruits. This cruise offers a close-up look at daily life in the delta, giving a sense of the region’s unique culture and atmosphere.

After the market visit, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping for lunch at the Mekong Rest Stop before concluding the tour.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend some free time relaxing before check-out. At the scheduled time, meet your driver for a comfortable transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, with time to relax after your journey or begin exploring the Cambodian capital independently.

Morning

Meet your guide at the hotel and begin a full-day exploration of Phnom Penh. Start at the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, and visit the Silver Pagoda, named after its floor of 5,000 silver tiles.

Inside the pagoda, see notable national treasures, including a 90-kg solid gold Buddha decorated with diamonds and a rare 17th-century Buddha made from emerald and Baccarat crystal.

Continue to the National Museum, designed in 1917 by French archaeologist and painter Georges Groslier in a traditional Khmer architectural style. Explore its extensive collection of Khmer art and ancient sculptures representing different periods of Cambodian history.

Afternoon

Your journey continues with a sobering visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), followed by the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, located about 15 km from the city. These sites offer powerful insight into Cambodia’s tragic modern history and honor the memory of those who suffered.

Afterward, head to the lively Russian Market (Psah Tuol Tom Pong), where you can browse an array of items including antiques, silver and gold jewelry, gemstones, silk, kramas, wood and stone carvings, clothing, CDs, and unique souvenirs.

At the end of the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Morning

At 08:00, your guide and driver will pick you up for a private overland transfer to Battambang Province (approximately 291 km – around 5 hours of driving).

Along the way, you will stop to explore the abandoned royal city of Udong, Cambodia’s former capital in the early 17th century. Enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and ancient stupas scattered across the ridge from the top of the hill.

Continue toward Kampong Chhnang, where you will visit a traditional pottery village to observe different stages of pottery-making, a craft deeply rooted in local culture. You will also discover how traditional rice wine is produced, offering an insight into rural Cambodian life.

Proceed to Battambang, a charming provincial town known for its peaceful atmosphere and French colonial architecture. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

Evening

In the late afternoon, visit Phnom Sampov, a hilltop site home to temples, shrines, and the Killing Caves, a significant reminder of Cambodia’s past (evening at dusk around 17:30 - 17:50), thousands of bats stream out of the cave, forming an endless ribbon across the sky.

Return to your hotel for the night in Battambang.

Morning

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your morning with a hands-on cultural experience as you join Nary’s Cambodian Cooking Class from 09:00 to 12:00. Start with a guided visit to the local market, where you’ll discover fresh ingredients essential to Khmer cuisine.

Under the warm guidance of Mrs. Nary, you will learn how to prepare a 4-course Cambodian meal, with step-by-step instructions and recipes to take home. After the class, enjoy the delicious dishes you’ve cooked.

Return to the hotel for a short rest.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to Phnom Banan, an 11th-century Angkorian mountaintop temple. As you approach, the five iconic towers come into view - resembling a smaller version of Angkor Wat.

At the foot of the hill, a steep laterite staircase flanked by Naga balustrades leads you upward. After climbing more than 350 steps, you will be rewarded with a tranquil setting and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The temple was built under King Udayadityavarman II, son of Suryavarman I, and remains one of Battambang’s best-preserved ancient sites.

End your day with a ride on the Bamboo Train, a fun and uniquely Battambang experience. This light wooden platform glides along old railway tracks, offering a playful ride and a perfect chance to admire the rural landscape - especially beautiful at sunset.

Return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. 

Morning

After breakfast, begin your morning with a visit to the Battambang Provincial Museum, home to a collection of archaeological artifacts that reflect the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region.

Continue your journey with a scenic drive along the picturesque river toward Wat Sangker Slaket Pagoda, once the residence of the provincial Buddhist patriarch. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and traditional Khmer architecture.

Next, visit a local village along the Sangke River, where you will stop by a small countryside workshop that produces rice paper - an essential ingredient in many Cambodian dishes. This stop offers a fascinating glimpse into daily rural life and traditional craftsmanship.

Your final visit in Battambang is the Temple of Ek Phnom, an 11th-century Angkorian ruin built under King Suryavarman I. The temple features a series of prasats on a raised platform, with carvings that remain in relatively good condition. Right beside the ancient ruins stands Wat Ek Phnom, a modern pagoda that creates a striking contrast between old and new.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, depart Battambang for your journey to Siem Reap. The drive covers 170 km, taking approximately 3 - 4 hours. Upon arrival, transfer directly to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Morning

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your exploration of the ancient Khmer Empire with a visit to the great city of Angkor Thom (12th century). Enter through the impressive South Gate, where massive stone statues line the causeway, depicting the mythical “Churning of the Ocean of Milk.”

Continue to the Bayon Temple, famed for its 54 towers adorned with more than 200 enigmatic and smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Your visit also includes key sites within Angkor Thom, such as Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King, each revealing centuries of Khmer history and architectural mastery.

Next, explore Ta Prohm, one of Angkor’s most atmospheric temples. Left largely unrestored since its discovery, Ta Prohm is embraced by giant tree roots, giving it a mysterious, jungle-temple character that has made it one of the most iconic sites in the complex.

Afternoon

Continue to Angkor Wat, the most famous and best-preserved temple in the Angkor region. Covering an immense 81 hectares, this architectural masterpiece rivals the scale of the Imperial Palace in Beijing.

Its five distinctive lotus towers - proudly displayed on the Cambodian flag - symbolize the summit of classical Khmer art and architecture. Take your time exploring the long bas-reliefs, intricate carvings, and grand galleries that make Angkor Wat a true wonder of the world.

Morning

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. As the lake expands and contracts with the seasons, it sustains countless communities that have built their lives entirely on water.

Visit Chong Khneas Floating Village, where you’ll see schools, houses, shops, and even a police station floating gently on the lake. This is a unique opportunity to witness the daily life of local fishermen and understand how communities adapt to the lake’s ever-changing water levels.

Afternoon

Continue your day with a visit to Artisans d’Angkor, a celebrated center dedicated to preserving and cultivating Cambodia’s traditional arts. Gain insight into local craftsmanship as you observe skilled artisans working on stone carving, wood sculpture, lacquerware, silk painting, and furniture production. This stop offers a closer look at how young Cambodians are trained and empowered to carry on these beautiful heritage arts.

Before returning to your hotel, explore the lively Old Market (Psar Chas). Here, you can browse a wide variety of souvenirs - handicrafts, jewelry, silk, carvings, clothing, CDs, and more - making it the perfect place to pick up memorable gifts and keepsakes.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend the morning at leisure until check-out. Standard hotel check-out is at 12:00 noon.

After check-out, meet your driver for a transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your Vietnam and Cambodia journey.