Deep Insight Vietnam and Cambodia 24 days

Morning/Afternoon

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our tour guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.

14:00 is hotel check-in time. Early check-in may be arranged upon request, subject to availability and an additional surcharge.

Evening

After settling into your hotel, enjoy a guided Hanoi Street Food Tour to discover local cuisine and everyday food culture in the city.

17:30: Your local guide will meet you in front of Shinhan Bank on Le Thai To Street, near Hoan Kiem Lake. From there, walk through the alleys and streets of Hanoi Old Quarter while sampling a selection of local dishes.

Depending on the day's specialties and availability, the food selection may include Soup-based favorites like Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup), Bun Thang (Chicken & Egg Noodles), or the central Vietnamese-inspired Bun Bo Hue.

Savory street eats such as Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls), Nem Chua Ran (Fried Fermented Pork Rolls) and the ever-popular Banh Mi. The experience ends on a sweet note with a cup of Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee) - a rich, creamy Hanoi specialty.

NOTE: Please inform us in advance of any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, or food allergies, so we can customize your experience accordingly.

Morning

Begin the Hanoi city tour at 08:00, exploring several of the city’s important historical, cultural, and religious landmarks.

Visit the Temple of Literature, established nearly 1,000 years ago and dedicated to Confucius and traditional scholarship. The complex also reflects Vietnam’s long-standing educational and architectural heritage.

Explore the One Pillar Pagoda, known for its distinctive structure designed to resemble a lotus rising from the water. The pagoda is associated with a legend from the Ly Dynasty.

Pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an important national monument where the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh is preserved.

Continue to West Lake and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temples, with a history spanning more than 1,500 years.

Enjoy lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant, with a selection of traditional dishes. 

Afternoon

Your trip begins with a hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. After a brief introduction, the group will gather at a designated meeting point where you’ll be offered a taste of the iconic Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee) - a smooth, creamy local delight - while listening to a short safety and orientation briefing.

From there, embark on a journey through Hanoi’s spiritual and historical heart. First, head to the Long Bien Bridge, a striking example of colonial-era French architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Enjoy a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful escape nestled in the city center, where locals come for morning exercise and reflection. Along the way, pass the Hanoi Opera House - a neoclassical landmark - before arriving at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, often dubbed the Notre Dame of Hanoi for its Gothic Revival style and its location in the so-called French Quarter.

Leaving the Old Quarter, continue to significant national landmarks including: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison (also known as the "Hanoi Hilton") - a sobering but powerful site that tells the story of Vietnam’s indomitable spirit and struggle for independence.

After the sightseeing tour, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before your driver transfers you back to the hotel.

NOTE:

• The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed to visitors on Mondays, Fridays, and from June to August for maintenance.
• Please note that attractions are only observed from the outside or passed by.

Morning

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before departing Hanoi for Mai Chau, a rural valley known for its rice fields, traditional villages, and Thai ethnic communities.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local village. A vegetarian meal can be arranged upon request.

Afternoon

You can choose to join optional activities at your own expense, such as cycling through the scenic countryside to admire the terraced rice fields and gain deeper insight into the traditional culture and customs of the local people. Enjoy free time for cycling, walking, or shopping at your leisure.

In the evening, savor a delicious dinner featuring traditional dishes prepared in the authentic style of the native Thai people. For groups of more than 5, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Thai dance performance and taste “ruou can” – a local rice wine shared in a communal style.

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before beginning the morning exploration of Mai Chau. 

Visit Na Meo Village and Na Mo Village to learn about the local way of life, traditional customs, and community practices. Continue with a scenic hike through the surrounding countryside, passing rice paddies, green forests, and rolling hills.

Return to the homestay for lunch and some time to rest before check-out. 

Afternoon

After check-out, enjoy some free time to relax at the accommodation.

15:00 - 15:30: Your driver will pick you up for the return journey to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi before departing for Halong Bay by limousine shuttle bus. Upon arrival, complete the cruise check-in and board the vessel.

Settle into your cabin before enjoying lunch on board. After lunch, take some time to rest before the afternoon activities begin.

Afternoon

Participate in a selection of activities designed to introduce you to the scenery of Halong Bay. The exact programme varies by cruise and may include kayaking, swimming, cave visits, or other activities depending on the route and weather conditions.

Join a sunset gathering on board and take in views of the bay as the light changes over the limestone formations. Enjoy dinner on the cruise before spending the night on board. 

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

Morning

Start the day with a Tai Chi session on board, followed by breakfast as the cruise continues through Halong Bay.

Continue enjoying the bay scenery before having a brunch on board. The vessel then returns to the port, where your driver will meet you for the transfer back to Hanoi.

Afternoon

Upon arrival in Hanoi, enjoy some free time to rest or explore the city at your own pace.

Later, transfer to Hanoi Railway Station for the overnight train to Dong Hoi. Settle into your cabin and travel south overnight.

Morning

When reaching Dong Hoi train station, you will be picked up and taken to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading to Phong Nha National Park. 

Once you arrive, you will be escorted on a 25-minute boat ride to Phong Nha Cave. Explore the cave system and observe its limestone formations, underground river, and distinctive natural features.

After the cave visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing the afternoon programme.

Afternoon

At around 14:00, visit Paradise Cave, known for its extensive underground chambers and limestone formations. Walk through the cave to observe its stalactites, stalagmites, and other natural features. 

After the visit, return to Dong Hoi and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. 

Morning

After breakfast, depart from your hotel in Dong Hoi and travel to the Vinh Moc Tunnels, an underground complex built during the Vietnam War.

Explore the tunnel system with a local guide and learn about its construction, wartime functions, and the daily life of the communities who lived there.

Continue to the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) area before travelling to Hue. Enjoy the journey through central Vietnam’s countryside and arrive in Hue later in the day. 

Morning

At 8:00, you are picked up from Hue City Center. Begin the day with a visit to An Hien Garden House, a tranquil gem by the Perfume River, then explore the ancient Thien Mu Pagoda, rich in history and sacred legends.

Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Perfume River, and take part in a meaningful fish-releasing ceremony to support local aquatic life.

Arrive at Thuy Bieu Village. Cycle through grapefruit gardens, visit the village temple and a century-old garden house, then stop by a local artist’s home. Try your hand at painting on silk or conical hats (optional).

Savor a healthy macrobiotic lunch using local garden ingredients.

Afternoon

Learn how to make grapefruit jam before enjoying afternoon tea in the garden. Relax with a 20-minute herbal foot soak before continuing to Tam Giang Lagoon. 

Explore Ngu My Thanh Mural Village, then take a boat trip on the lagoon, enjoy SUP rowing, visit vegetable gardens, and join locals in mini-BBQ seafood tasting. Wrap up with a tree-planting activity for environmental restoration.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing Hue for Hoi An. Transfer to Hoi An by shuttle bus or private car, travelling through the central Vietnamese countryside and enjoying views along the route 

Upon arrival in Hoi An, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You can relax at the hotel or explore the surrounding area independently.

Tour Option: Morning Tour or Sunset Tour

Your journey begins in Hoi An, heading toward the remarkable My Son Sanctuary - a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by lush countryside.

Explore the ancient temple complex at a relaxed pace, as your guide shares stories of the Champa kingdom, complemented by a traditional performance that brings the history to life.

The experience continues with a visit to a local family, where you’ll be guided through the traditional process of making rice paper.

Enjoy tasting your own handmade creation before moving on to another local home for a simple, home-style meal in a peaceful rural setting, complete with fresh dishes and herbal tea.

Note: For the sunset option, this part is replaced with a light local snack such as banh mi and fresh coconut.

Later, board a boat for a scenic return along the Thu Bon River, where gentle breezes and riverside views accompany your journey back. The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel in Hoi An.

Enjoy a free day in Hoi An to explore the town at your own pace. You can walk through the historic area, visit local markets and heritage sites, or simply relax at your hotel.

Optional tours can be arranged at an additional cost:

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An before transferring to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Begin your half-day city tour with a visit to the Reunification Palace, a former presidential residence and workplace of the South Vietnamese government. Explore the building and learn about its architectural features and historical significance.

Continue to the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon and Saigon Central Post Office, two landmarks reflecting the city’s French colonial architectural heritage.

NOTE: The cathedral is currently closed for renovation 

End the tour at a local market, where you can browse everyday products, local goods, and souvenirs while observing the daily activities of local residents.

After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Morning

8:00: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City for the Mekong Delta, travelling through the countryside towards Can Tho.

Continue by small boat through the waterways of the delta, passing fish farms, fruit orchards, rice fields, and wetland areas. Observe local activities along the waterways and gain an introduction to daily life in the Mekong Delta.

Afternoon/ Night

Upon arrival in Can Tho, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You can relax at the hotel, explore the surrounding area independently, or arrange an optional activity.

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the pier. Take a motorboat and sampan to Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the Mekong Delta’s well-known traditional markets. Observe local traders selling fresh produce and other goods directly from their boats, while experiencing the morning activity along the river.

After the market visit, return to the pier and continue by road towards Chau Doc.

Afternoon

Arrive in Chau Doc and check in at your hotel. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing or exploring the surrounding area independently. 

Morning & Afternoon

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Chau Doc before transferring to the pier for your journey to Phnom Penh by speedboat.

Board the speedboat and travel along the waterways connecting southern Vietnam and Cambodia. The journey offers views of riverside communities and the surrounding landscape as you cross the border into Cambodia.

Upon arrival at the pier in Phnom Penh, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You can relax at the hotel or explore the surrounding area independently.

Morning

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and begin a full-day exploration of Phnom Penh, visiting several of the city’s major cultural and historical sites.

Start at the Royal Palace, constructed in 1866 during the reign of King Norodom and still used as a royal residence. Continue to the Silver Pagoda, located within the palace complex and known for its silver-tiled floor and collection of religious treasures.

Visit the National Museum of Cambodia, designed in the early 20th century by French architect and archaeologist Georges Groslier. The museum houses an extensive collection of Khmer art, sculptures, and archaeological artefacts from different periods of Cambodian history.

Afternoon

Delve into Cambodia’s poignant history with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge era. Then continue to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, located about 15 km from the city center - an important memorial site that offers insight into the country’s tragic past.

Your day concludes with a stop at the bustling Russian Market (Psah Tuol Tom Pong), where you can browse a vibrant array of local handicrafts, antiques, jewelry, silk products, and souvenirs. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Morning

At around 08:00, meet your guide and driver for a scenic private overland journey from Phnom Penh to Battambang (approximately 291 km / ~5 hour drive).

En route, stop to explore the historic royal capital of Udong, dating back to the early 17th century. Stand on the hilltop for panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and gain insight into Cambodia’s former royal heritage.

Continue your journey with a visit to Kampong Chhnang, known for its traditional pottery villages. Here, observe skilled artisans crafting ceramics using age-old techniques, and discover the local process of making traditional rice wine.

Arrive in Battambang, a charming riverside town known for its colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in.

Evening

In the late afternoon, visit Phnom Sampov, a limestone hill featuring temples, caves, and historical sites, including the somber “Killing Caves.” As dusk falls (around 17:30 - 17:50), witness a remarkable natural spectacle as thousands of bats stream out of the caves in a continuous, flowing formation across the sky.

After the visit, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Morning

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with an immersive culinary experience at Nary’s Cambodian Food Cooking Class (from 09:00 to 12:00). Start with a guided visit to a lively local market, where you will learn about fresh ingredients and traditional Khmer flavors.

Return to the kitchen and enjoy a hands-on cooking session led by Mrs. Nary, where you will prepare a delicious 4-course Cambodian meal. At the end of the class, savor the dishes you have created and receive recipes to recreate them at home.

Afterward, transfer back to your hotel for some relaxation.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, visit the impressive Phnom Banon, an 11th-century Angkorian temple perched atop a hill. Often compared to a miniature version of Angkor Wat, the temple features five distinctive towers rising into the sky. Climb the steep staircase of over 350 steps, flanked by naga railings, to reach the summit and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere along with panoramic countryside views.

Continue to the Bamboo Train, a traditional local rail experience that travels through Battambang’s rural landscape. Ride along the railway while passing rice fields, villages, and agricultural areas before returning to the city.

Morning

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Battambang Provincial Museum, home to a fascinating collection of Khmer artifacts and sculptures that reflect the region’s rich history.

Continue your journey along the scenic riverbanks to Wat Sangker Slaket Pagoda, once the residence of the provincial Buddhist patriarch. Then, explore local villages along the Sangke River, where you will stop to observe traditional rice paper production and gain insight into rural Cambodian life.

Next, visit the ancient Ek Phnom Temple, an 11th-century Angkorian ruin built during the reign of King Suryavarman I. The temple features well-preserved carvings and a peaceful setting, complemented by the nearby modern pagoda, Wat Ek Phnom.

Afternoon

Depart for Siem Reap, a journey of approximately 170 km (3 - 4 hours). Enjoy the changing landscapes along the way as you travel toward Cambodia’s most iconic destination.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be transferred directly to your hotel for check-in. The evening is yours to relax or explore at leisure.

Morning

After breakfast, depart for Angkor Thom, the former capital of the Khmer Empire. Enter through the South Gate, where monumental statues represent the Hindu story of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

Continue to Bayon Temple, located at the centre of Angkor Thom and recognised for its towers featuring carved faces. Explore other important sites within the ancient city, including Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Continue to Ta Prohm, a temple complex known for its stone structures surrounded by mature trees and vegetation. Explore the site and observe how the temple’s architecture has remained closely integrated with the natural landscape.

Afternoon

Visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and one of the most important surviving examples of classical Khmer architecture.

Explore the extensive temple complex, including its galleries, detailed bas-reliefs, and distinctive five-tower central structure traditionally associated with Mount Meru. The temple dates from the 12th century and remains an important symbol of Cambodia.

After the visit, return to your hotel in Siem Reap in the late afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Morning

After breakfast, travel to Tonle Sap Lake for a boat excursion to Chong Khneas Floating Village. Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and plays an important role in the livelihoods of communities across the region.

Cruise through the waterways and observe floating homes, schools, markets, and other community facilities. The boat journey provides an opportunity to learn about daily life and livelihoods connected to the lake.

Afternoon

Return to Siem Reap and continue with a cultural exploration of the city. Visit Artisans Angkor, where you can observe local craftspeople working with traditional techniques, including stone carving, wood carving, lacquerware, and silk painting.

End the tour at the Old Market, where you can browse local handicrafts, jewellery, textiles, and souvenirs. After the visit, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending your remaining free time in Siem Reap. Relax at the hotel, explore nearby areas, or do some last-minute shopping before check-out.

At the appropriate time, your driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Siem Reap Airport for your departure flight.