Best of Vietnam & Cambodia Tour 14 Days

Upon your arrival, a courteous guide will be waiting outside the baggage claim area to escort you to a comfortable vehicle. As you journey to the city center, your guide will provide a brief introduction to the fascinating sights of Hanoi.

Look for the distinctive ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO & your name on a welcome signboard held by your guide. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Hanoi's tree-lined boulevards, admire its French Indochinese architecture, and relax by the tranquil lakes that grace this unique city.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, celebrated its 1,000-year anniversary in 2010 and boasts countless captivating cultural and historical sites. On this comprehensive day tour, you will explore the city's highlights.

You'll have the opportunity to view the grand and solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (please note it is closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as from October to November). Discover the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, the enchanting Temple of Literature, the serene Tran Quoc Temple by West Lake, and the intriguing Quan Thanh Pagoda. Your journey will also take you to the captivating Ethnology Museum, the bustling Old Quarter, and, to end the day on a high note, a captivating water puppet performance.

Your day begins with an 8:00 AM pickup in Hanoi as we journey through the lush Red River Delta to reach the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay. Here, you'll board a luxurious junk ship for an overnight cruise, allowing you to relax while marveling at the breathtaking limestone karsts that emerge from the sea. The bay boasts thousands of jungle-covered islands that appear to float on the azure waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, creating a truly enchanting and timeless setting.

While onboard, you'll be treated to a delectable seafood lunch, savoring the remarkable view with a drink in hand. A visit to a traditional fishing village, where locals have established their entire town on boat decks, offers an insightful glimpse into their unique way of life. Explore the Tien Ong Cave before returning to the cruise for cocktails, canapés, and a mesmerizing sunset. Your day concludes with a romantic candlelit dinner.

Commence the day with a Tai Chi class on deck, set against the backdrop of the early morning mist or simply revel in the beauty of the sun rising over the azure waters. You have the option of embarking on an excursion to a secluded island with a sandy beach for swimming or joining the ship's chef for a cooking demonstration to deepen your knowledge of Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely brunch while cruising through Halong Bay, passing by charming islets and intriguing caves before returning to the dock.

Upon disembarking, your driver will meet you, and you'll be transferred to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, our team will be there to greet you and transport you to your hotel.

Hue served as the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty that reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. Despite the heavy bombing during the Vietnam-American War, numerous historic monuments from this era remain, preserving the city's royal past. Hue is a city that bears the unmistakable marks of its imperial history, with its emperor's tombs, ancient pagodas, and the remnants of the Citadel.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a tour of the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945, and explore the tomb of Tu Duc. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Perfume River to visit Mu Pagoda, which offers picturesque views overlooking the river. Conclude the day with a visit to Khai Dinh's Tomb, a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese design with European influences, setting it apart from other tombs in Hue. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Following breakfast at your hotel, you have free time for relaxation on the beach or shopping until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel, where you'll have free time.

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Following lunch in Cu Chi, return to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, depending on your preference, visit either the War Remnants Museum or the History Museum, as well as the former Presidential Palace. Conclude the day with a stroll around the city's colonial architecture, including the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House, and City Hall.

Leave Ho Chi Minh City and embark on a scenic journey along the National Highway, flanked by lush rice fields. Upon reaching My Tho, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda and embark on a leisurely boat ride along the river. Marvel at stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages along the riverbank.

Proceed to Tortoise Islet, where you will enjoy lunch in an orchard garden. Following lunch, take a boat ride to An Khanh, a less touristy area in Ben Tre. Here, you can cruise on a hand-rowed sampan under the shade of water coconut trees along natural canals. If time permits, enjoy a short cycling tour. Then savor seasonal fruits and honey tea while listening to "Southern Vietnamese folk music" performed by the locals.

Visit a family-run business that embodies the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste delicious coconut candy, and observe pastoral life as you wander through fruit plantations and villages. Finally, transfer to Can Tho, where you'll have free time.

Embark on a leisurely boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River). Proceed to Cai Rang floating markets, the liveliest markets in the entire region. You'll also have the chance to taste Vietnamese vermicelli soup. Wander around the village, meet friendly locals, and experience crossing a "Monkey bridge," constructed from a single bamboo stem. Visit an orchard garden and enjoy lunch before continuing to Chau Doc.

Upon arrival in Chau Doc, admire the landscape from Sam Mountain's summit, which offers panoramic views of the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. Visit the Cave Pagoda before overnighting in Chau Doc.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then take a morning speedboat ride, approximately 4.5 hours, to Phnom Penh. Visa-on-arrival services are available at the Cambodia border (USD 20 each, with one 3x4cm photo). A local Cambodian guide will meet you at the Phnom Penh boat pier and transfer you to your hotel.

After lunch, visit the Killing Fields and Wat Phnom, the historical capital of Phnom Penh. Proceed to the Independence Monument, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the peaceful stretch of green fields at Cheung Ek, known as the Killing Fields. After this emotionally charged tour, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel.

Begin your day at 7 AM and beat the crowds by visiting the enchanting Ta Prohm temple. This remarkable temple, nearly consumed by the jungle, presents an oddly haunting and exotic spectacle. The magnificent tree roots embracing the temple's massive stone blocks create a scene you'll never forget.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the intricately carved Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat, one of the world's most awe-inspiring architectural wonders. The temple boasts fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.

Lunch is on your own account, and in the afternoon, you'll explore the mysterious Royal City of Angkor Thom. Marvel at the 54-tower temple of Bayon, which at first appears to be a shapeless mass of stone. However, a closer look reveals the enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring from a primitive and distant time. Visit other significant sites within the complex, including Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lepper King Terrace, and the Royal Place area.

This morning, visit the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya, which flourished in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are collectively referred to as the Rolous group (Lo Lei, Preah Koh, and Bakhong Temples). After a local family lunch, drive to the rural outskirts, approximately 35 km from Angkor, to visit the smallest yet magnificent Banteay Srei Temple, constructed in the 10th century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple features intricate pink sandstone structures with striking sculptures, lintels, pediments, and friezes. On your return to Siem Reap, visit the Banteay Samre Temple, adorned with impressive reliefs depicting Vishnu and Krishna legends.

This morning we visit the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group (Lo Lei, Preah Koh, and Bakhong Temples). Lunch with the local family and then we will continue to drive to the rural outskirt 35km from Angkor area to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man. On the way back to Siem Reap we will visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes of Vishnu as well as Krishna legends

Your time will be your own until your private car and driver arrive to take you to the airport for your flight to your next destination. Finish the unforgettable Vietnam & Cambodia Tour with Asia Tour Advisor. Goodbye & see you the next time! AsiaTourAdvisor can arrange additional customized trips if the above itinerary does not match your expectations.