Tour Vietnam & Cambodia Explorer | Visit Viet Nam, Thailand

Others

Halong Bay - Overnight boat cruise Hoi An - Old Town walking tour Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk Chambok - Traditional Dancing Siem Reap - 1 day Angkor Pass Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

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. Guesthouse (2 nights),Homestay (1 night),Hotel (15 nights),Overnight sleeper train (3 nights)

Transport

Overnight Sleeper Train,Local bus,Private Minibus 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.

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Optional

Hanoi - Citadels, Karsts & Cycle Urban Adventure - USD88 Hanoi - Village Discovery by Bike Urban Adventure - USD33 Hanoi - Hanoi Highlights Urban Adventure - USD40 Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000 Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology - VND40000 Hue - Perfume River cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda - VND220000 Hue - Royal tomb - VND136000 Hue - Imperial Citadel - VND150000 Hue - Motorbike trip including lunch - VND540000 Hue - Hue Royal Street Eat by Cyclo Urban Adventure - USD40 Hoi An - Hoi An Boat & Bike Urban Adventure - USD51 Hoi An - Hoi An Walking & Cooking Class Urban Adventure - USD49 Hoi An - My Son Cham day trip - USD35 Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000 Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000 Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour - USD4 Phnom Penh - Traditional Khmer massage - USD8 Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom - USD2 Phnom Penh - National Museum - USD10 Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda - USD10 Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Prison Museum (S21) - USD5 Phnom Penh - Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) - USD3 Sihanoukville - Island Boat Trip & Snorkelling - USD20 Kompong Cham - Wat Nokor - USD1 Kompong Cham - Bicycle hire - USD2 Kompong Cham - Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei - USD10 Siem Reap - Remork transport to Tonle Sap Lake - USD10 Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake Boat Trip - USD15 Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline - USD129 Siem Reap - Khmer Cooking Class - USD25 Siem Reap - Three Day Angkor Pass - USD62 Siem Reap - Remork transport to Angkor complex - USD20 Bangkok - Bangkok Chinatown Food Discovery Urban Adventure - THB2149 Bangkok - Bangkok by Bike Urban Adventure - THB1904 Bangkok - Bangkok Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB1790 Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure - THB2465

Others

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Hanoi

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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 Day 2: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Hanoi

Enjoy a free day 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!
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 Day 3: Cat Ba
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Cat Ba

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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 4 Day 4: Ninh Binh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Ninh Binh

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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 5 Day 5: Ninh Binh – Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Ninh Binh – Overnight 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.
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Day 6 Day 6: Hue
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Hue

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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 7 Day 7: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Hoi An

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!
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 Day 8: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Hoi An

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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9 Day 9: Hoi An – Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Hoi An – Overnight Train

Make the most out of another free day in Hoi An. Perhaps do some of the activities you couldn’t fit into your schedule over the past couple of days, or go pick up your fresh threads from the tailors. There’s also Cua Dai Beach nearby – the perfect place to rest up before continuing on your way. This evening, board another overnight train bound for Ho Chi Minh. Remember, it’s always a good idea to have some snacks and a book on hand.
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Day 10 Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 11 Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City

You’ll enjoy a free day in Ho Chi Minh City today before joining your group for a 6 pm meeting this evening where you’ll meet your new group leader and travel companions. Until then, the day will be all yours to explore as you wish. You might even like to check out one of Intrepid’s Urban Adventures in Ho Chi Minh - you could embark on a Cu Chi Experience or explore the Mekong Delta! Alternately, why not simply wander the vibrant streets and let your belly lead the way to some of the best eats in the city. Banh mi, anyone?
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 12 Day 12: Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Phnom Penh

Travel by public bus through rural Vietnam and Cambodia to Phnom Penh (approximately 10 hours including two border crossings and lunch). 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, including the central market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong river front, 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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 13 Day 13: Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Phnom Penh

Take a day to explore the swirl and bustle of Phnom Penh. Included today is a visit to 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. Perhaps indulge in a traditional massage at Seeing Hands – a great social enterprise supporting visually impaired masseurs. A traditional Cambodian massage may be a little different than you are used to – it’s generally an oil-free, fully-clothed affair. In the evening, perhaps head up to the Foreign Correspondent’s Club bar with your group for a drink overlooking the Tonle Sap River.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 14 Day 14: Chambok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Chambok

Travel by private vehicle (approximately 3.5 hours) into rural Cambodia to the region of Kampong Speu and the village of Chambok. 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 and be happy to chat about their community’s history, lifestyle and local ecotourism projects. Meet the families your group will spend the night with and settle into your homestay accommodation. In the afternoon, take a walk around the village and perhaps head to a nearby waterfall. If it’s warm enough, you may even opt for a swim! In the evening, 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 experience that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
Accommodation: Homestay
Day 15 Day 15: Kampong Chhnang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Kampong Chhnang

Say goodbye to your homestay hosts and head in a private vehicle to Kampong Chhnang (approximately 4–5 hours). Kampong Chhnang is a central province of Cambodia and borders South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap. After you’ve arrived, head to a pottery workshop demonstration where you’ll see how the locals use this craft, plus try it out, if you want! Otherwise, you could book on a boat trip on Tonle Sap lake, passing by the floating villages and fishing boats. This evening, there is also an optional (but highly recommended) experience to have dinner in a local home – you’ll never get over that traditional Cambodian hospitality.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 16 Day 16: Battambang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Battambang

Onwards to Battambang. Take a private vehicle for about 4 hours towards the Thai border, and you’ll hit this town on the Sangkae River. This afternoon is free for you to do as you please. Perhaps head to Wat Banan – an Angkor-era temple perched high about the river overlooking the surrounding region. With around 300 stairs to climb to the temples, it’s worth the exercise, as the largely untouched temples are a sight to behold, and the 360-degree panoramic views over the province are stunning, especially on a sunny day. Otherwise, Battambang’s Killing Fields of Phnom Sampeau are also a sobering reminder of how the Khmer Rouge affected this area. At sunset, an extraordinary sight occurs with thousands of bats emerging and streaming out from the nearby caves, sometimes for over half an hour. If you do decide to go to Phnom Sampeau, be sure to time your visit for this.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 17 Day 17: Battambang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Battambang

With another free day in Battambang, consider one of the optional activities. If you’re feeling active, there’s a cycling tour which takes you around to visit local producers of traditional foods, plus you get a different look at the countryside, with the fresh air cooling you as you ride. Instead, there may be a chance to book into a cooking class in a local home, or head out in the evening for a street food tour – best to ask your group leader, as they know all the best people in the right places.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 18 Day 18: Siem Reap
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Siem Reap

Take a public bus to Siem Reap (approximately 3.5 hours). The small but expanding town of Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor archaeological site. This is the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia, perhaps even in South East Asia. The markets are a great place to shop or to try some cheap, delicious street food. Included today is a visit to an organization that provides employment opportunities to local women through an enterprise focused on traditional Cambodian water hyacinth weaving. Pick up a trick or two and weave your own creation.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 19 Day 19: Siem Reap
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Siem Reap

Today you will visit the world-famous Angkor complex with your guide. These temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South East 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 spectacular photographic opportunities at any time of day – seeing them at sunrise or sunset is highly recommended. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square kilometres, but the main cluster of temples is 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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 20 Day 20: Siem Reap
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Siem Reap

Today there may be a chance (depending on the season) to visit Tonle Sap Lake for a look at local life. If you feel like some adventure, another option is to do the Angkor zip-line course, which gives you a birds-eye view of the beautiful rainforest and an adrenaline rush, of course. Otherwise you could visit the sobering Landmine Museum. It’s located a little further afield but is well worth the journey. You may also take the opportunity to spend a second day at the Angkor complex to explore parts of the site you may have missed yesterday. Please note that if you choose to return to Angkor, an extra day pass will be at your expense.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 21 Day 21: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Bangkok

It’s a long drive from Siem Reap to Bangkok (approximately 10 hours in a private minibus including two border crossings and lunch), so strap in and have some car games at the ready. Once arrived, embrace Thailand’s bustling capital by getting out amongst it – a world of tuk tuks, khlong (canal) boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Head out with your new crew for an optional group dinner and find out why this city never sleeps.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 22 Day 22: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Bangkok

With no activities planned for the final day, you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! Bangkok is a bustling hub of food, culture and chaos, so we recommend you spend at least another day here to explore. Better yet, book into one of the many Urban Adventure tours on offer – they take you around the best places with a knowledgeable local guide. If you would like to spend more time in Bangkok, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

+19

19 days tour

Vietnam & Cambodia Explorer

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Vietnam & Cambodia Explorer

Day 1: Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi

Day 3: Cat Ba

Day 4: Ninh Binh

Day 5: Ninh Binh – Overnight Train

Day 6: Hue

Day 7: Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An

Day 9: Hoi An – Overnight Train

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12: Phnom Penh

Day 13: Phnom Penh

Day 14: Chambok

Day 15: Kampong Chhnang

Day 16: Battambang

Day 17: Battambang

Day 18: Siem Reap

Day 19: Siem Reap

Day 20: Siem Reap

Day 21: Bangkok

Day 22: Bangkok

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