Vietnam & Cambodia Travel Like a Local 13 Days

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, you will be warmly greeted by your guide, who will accompany you to a waiting vehicle for a seamless transfer to downtown Hanoi. As you journey to your destination, your guide will provide you with a brief introduction to this captivating city. Look out for your guide, who will be holding a welcome signboard adorned with the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO & your name. Upon arrival at your hotel, take a moment to settle in and unwind. (Please note that check-in time is typically from 14:00, and early check-in is subject to availability.)

Note: Our flexible approach allows you to switch the itinerary's starting or ending city to suit your preferences.

It is unmissable in terms of its pretty pagodas, ancient temples, enchanting French colonial quarter and cultural institutions. Just as fun, however, is darting down its winding lanes and discovering your own favourite hidden corners.

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, our local tour guide will pick you up to embark on an exploration of Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. With over a thousand years of history, this city is rich with captivating cultural and historical sites. Your itinerary includes visits to the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, home to the preserved body of "Uncle Ho."  and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names. 

You'll also experience the delicate beauty of the One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple are a spiritual and cultural symbol of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. With special features in its structure along with historical values, the temple will surely be a real eye-opener for tourists.

After lunch, continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple. Next is Hoa Lo , a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.

To cap off your day, enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour through the bustling and lively Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant marketplace atmosphere.  Sample delicious dishes like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that reflects Vietnam’s culinary heritage)

Our journey embarks from Hanoi where we'll pick you up for a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of the Red River Delta. Our destination: the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay. Here, you'll embark on a luxurious cruise for an enchanting overnight cruise.

As you relax on board, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking limestone karsts that majestically emerge from the azure waters, surrounded by thousands of jungle-clad islands seemingly suspended on the gentle waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin conceal hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating a timeless and mesmerizing world.

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with breathtaking views and a refreshing drink. Our next destination is a charming fishing village, where locals have ingeniously turned their boats into a floating community. Meet fishermen, explore a stunning lagoon by kayak or rowboat, and unwind on deck as the sun sets. Spend a delightful overnight stay on board!

Kickstart your day with Tai Chi on the top deck or savor the sunrise over the bay. Sip on morning coffee or tea before setting out to explore nearby islands via rowboat.

Upon returning to the junk, witness a fruit carving demonstration and participate in a cooking class, learning to create traditional Vietnamese cuisine from scratch. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch on board as you cruise back to Halong City. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting at the dock to take you to Noi Bai Airport for your short flight to Danang.

Upon arrival in Danang, your tour guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An—a destination that seamlessly blends old-world charm with pristine beaches and luxurious resorts.

Option 1 – Cooking Class: Embark on a culinary adventure that immerses you in the vibrant local culture. Begin with a visit to a colorful local market, where you'll select the freshest ingredients for your culinary masterpiece. Return to your cooking class location and watch as your skilled chef demonstrates the art of crafting typical Vietnamese dishes. Then, roll up your sleeves and try your hand at cooking. Savor the delightful dishes you've prepared for a truly authentic taste of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour of Old Hoi An, a time-capsule town where the fusion of cultures and styles from its days as a major sea port has been masterfully preserved. Wander through traditional Chinese shops, admire opulent French homes, and cross the iconic Japanese Bridge. Hoi An's charming streets feature silk markets, tantalizing Vietnamese food stalls, and captivating street performances that are sure to enchant you.

Option 2 – Vegetable Village: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting off on an active adventure. Hop on a bike and ride to Tra Que Village, where you'll explore a local farm. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into authentic Vietnamese rural life.

Learn about the village's history and discover the daily practices of vegetable farming. Gain insights into the use of vegetables in traditional Vietnamese medicine. Join local farmers in various activities, such as collecting seaweed fertilizer, sowing, raking, watering, and harvesting. Contribute to the preparation of a meal using the vegetables you've helped grow, and savor the flavors of Tam huu (spring rolls) and Bahn xeo (pancakes), among other local specialties. Don't forget to take a relaxing post-lunch nap, just like the locals do.

Return to the fields to learn how to harvest and wrap the produce. In the late afternoon, bid farewell to your newfound friends and venture back to Hoi An for a visit to the charming Old Quarter before returning to your hotel for some well-deserved relaxation.

Option 3 – Countryside Biking or Motor Riding: Embark on a thrilling adventure as you hop on a motorbike, accompanied by your knowledgeable guide. Ride through picturesque Tra Que Village and take a local ferry to Kim Bong Village, renowned for its wood carving and traditional weaving of sleeping mats.

Explore a local family's workshop, where you'll witness the intricate art of weaving sleeping mats, an essential part of traditional Vietnamese culture. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in the process of making banh dap (rice crackers) and explore a small village.

Prepare to experience an adrenaline rush as you embark on a 300-meter bamboo bridge river crossing, offering breathtaking views of the coastal landscape. Your journey continues to Duy Hai Market and Harbour, followed by a delightful lunch at a local homestay in Cam Thanh Village, framed by water coconut palm trees.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with a delightful breakfast at your hotel before your scheduled transfer to the airport. Your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, awaits. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and taken to explore the city's highlights.

Depending on your interests, you have two enticing options. You can embark on an enlightening visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a significant part of the Vietnam-American War and a captivating day trip. Delve into the intricate network of tunnels, discovering hidden doors and once-lethal traps.

Alternatively, you can opt to visit either the War Remnants Museum or the Presidential Palace, tailoring your experience to your preferences. Following this engaging exploration, take a leisurely stroll through the city's colonial streets in the evening, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Continental Hotel, Opera House, and City Hall.

Ben Tre is one the best area of the Mekong Delta that seems to retain the feeling of being a complete backwater, to fascinatingly invite tourists to the untouched and natural landscapes to discover its rustic local life, beautiful canals and traditional activities

After breakfast, your private guide and driver will take you out of Ho Chi Minh City in a private vehicle and onto some beautiful country roads to Ben Tre Town in the Mekong Delta, famous for its vast rice fields, numerous waterways, and beautiful landscapes. Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, this region produces most of Vietnam’s fruit, rice, sugar cane, and coconuts.

Upon reaching Ham Luong Dock, you will board a boat, setting sail along the Ham Luong River, a tributary of the mighty Mekong River. Allow the refreshing breeze from the river and the lush tropical islands to fill you with anticipation for the wonders that lie ahead.

During your excursion, you will have the opportunity to visit various local workshops, where traditional techniques are used to craft an array of fascinating products. Marvel at the creation of activated charcoal, dried coconut, and sturdy coconut husk brooms. Witness the ingenuity of family businesses that utilize coir, or coconut fiber, to create intricate art.

Embark on a journey through the village roads on a "Xe Loi," a local vehicle similar to a motorized rickshaw. Kayak along natural canals, immersing yourself in the peaceful beauty of the Mekong River and its rural life. Savor a delicious lunch at a local host's house.

Following lunch, indulge in moments of relaxation, choosing to either explore the village further, enjoy a fishing experience, or partake in cooking activities with the locals. As evening approaches, dine and experience an overnight homestay, deepening your connection to the local culture.

Awaken early to the serene countryside morning, surrounded by nature's beauty. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and prepare for another day of discovery.

Set out on a boat journey along one of the river's tributaries, taking in the lively activities that unfold along its banks, from fishing to water transfers. Pause to explore a brickwork site, where coconut charcoal is produced, and a coconut husking location. Venture to one of the many coconut processing workshops, where you'll gain insight into the meticulous art of crafting coconut candies. As you travel along the canal, visit the Ms. Lan coconut candy workshop to witness the process firsthand.

Continue your adventure, navigating natural scissor creeks that gradually narrow, offering a sense of intimacy with the village. Take a walk to a family that specializes in making sleep mats. Then, participate in activities alongside the local farmers, from collecting seaweed fertilizer to sowing, raking, watering, and picking.

Cycling enthusiasts can explore the village by bike or experience an adrenaline-pumping motorbike ride. Your journey will lead you to a small village, where you'll have the opportunity to try your hand at making banh dap, a type of rice cracker. Ride across the stunning 300-meter bamboo bridge, which spans a river, before arriving at Duy Hai Market and Harbor. Savor a delightful lunch at Cam Thanh Homestay.

In the late afternoon, you will bid farewell to your gracious hosts and return to Saigon by car, where the city's vibrancy awaits you.

Embrace a leisurely morning with a delightful breakfast at your hotel before embarking on your journey to the next chapter of your adventure. Your destination is Siem Reap, Cambodia.

You will have the morning to relax at your leisure before being transferred to the airport. Your flight to Siem Reap awaits. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transported directly to your hotel. Take this opportunity to unwind and prepare for the experiences that lie ahead.

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at your hotel, preparing you for a day of exploration in the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya. Flourishing in the late 9th and early 10th centuries, this site boasts the earliest temples in the Angkor area, collectively known as the Rolous group. Explore the magnificent temples of Lo Lei, Preah Koh, and Bakhong.

Afterward, enjoy lunch with a local family before embarking on a scenic drive to the rural outskirts, approximately 35 kilometers from the Angkor area. Here, you will visit the awe-inspiring Banteay Srei Temple, a marvel constructed in the 10th century and dedicated to Shiva.

Renowned for its intricate pink sandstone structure, Banteay Srei features striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments, and friezes. Khmer legend has it that this temple must have been carved by women, as the details are deemed too delicate for the hands of a man. On your journey back to Siem Reap, explore the charming Banteay Samre Temple, adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes from Vishnu and Krishna legends.

Begin your day with an early breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a journey into the heart of the Angkor region. At 7:30 AM, set out to explore the captivating Ta Prohm Temple, a sacred site that has nearly succumbed to the relentless embrace of the jungle, creating an eerie and exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of ancient trees, entwined with the temple's massive stone blocks, evoke feelings that will linger in your memory.

Next, venture to the meticulously carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. This temple, adorned with exquisite Apsara carvings, is a testament to Khmer art from the Angkorian era.

Your journey continues with an exploration of the enigmatic Royal City of Angkor Thom. Admire the awe-inspiring Bayon Temple, known for its 54-tower structure that offers an otherworldly sight. As you delve deeper, you will discover a multitude of serene faces gazing out through half-closed eyes, each representing a primitive and distant time.

Explore the surrounding areas, including Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lipper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace Enclosure. You will also visit Preah Khan Temple, an architectural marvel constructed by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. As you meander through the temple, you will witness intricate carvings and learn about its significance in the context of Ta Prohm Temple.

Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast at your hotel, invigorating you for a day of exploration and discovery. Your journey commences with a visit to the local main shrine, Preah Ang Chek/Cham, a place of reverence where locals pray for good fortune.

Stroll along a picturesque bungalow-lined street, a favorite spot for local people to capture cherished moments with family and loved ones. Some come here for exercise in the evening, while others find solace among the trees that house hundreds of fruit bats.

Visit the nearby Angkor National Museum, which opened its doors in November 2007, offering a comprehensive collection of Cambodian artifacts that shed light on the origins of Khmer art, culture, and architecture. With eight galleries in total, the museum delves deep into Cambodia's history and the Khmer Empire, displaying a captivating collection of Buddhist artifacts.

Your exploration continues at Artisans D’Angkor, where you can witness artisans at work, creating intricate handicrafts. This unique workshop focuses on training unschooled rural youth and offers a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship, including wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding, and silk painting.

As evening descends upon Siem Reap, embark on a tuk-tuk tour to experience Cambodia's vibrant nightlife, replete with local customs and activities tailored to tourists. Navigate the lively food market of Road 60m, where you can be daring and sample fried bugs along the way. Explore the market, discovering a play station for kids and a variety of culinary delights.

Your culinary adventure continues as you enjoy dinner with a local beer or soft drink in a charming beer garden. Explore the night market, and if you're feeling adventurous, consider trying a fish foot massage (additional cost). Note that if you prefer not to dine at the beer garden, you can opt for a set-menu dinner (meal only, excluding drinks) at Crystal Restaurant, accompanied by a captivating Apsara performance.

At the conclusion of your evening journey, enjoy a short tuk-tuk ride back to your hotel, savoring the memories of Siem Reap's vibrant atmosphere.