Best of Vietnam & Cambodia Explorer

Hanoi

Hanoi begin today's tour as you arrive in Vietnam’s vibrant and bustling city. Check in to your hotel and take some time to rest or explore nearby. Hanoi is a lively mix of old and new, with wide boulevards, lakes, temples, colonial buildings, and energetic streets full of activity. In the evening, take a walk around the historic streets and soak up the atmosphere. Admire the French architecture and street life. For a true taste of local culture, consider joining a street food tour to sample authentic Vietnamese delicacies and experience the vibrant markets. This first day is a gentle introduction to Hanoi’s culture and sets the tone for your journey through Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes and cities.

Hanoi

A local guide will accompany you for the day's sightseeing, providing expert insights and helping you navigate Hanoi's key attractions. Start the day with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house where Vietnam’s national leader used to live. Walk through the peaceful gardens and see the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda by the lake and the Temple of Literature, symbol of Vietnamese learning. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Fine Arts and then Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake. Experience a walking tour through the Old Quarter’s narrow streets, where you can explore vibrant market stalls and soak in the lively atmosphere. End the day with a water puppet show – a traditional Vietnamese art form that’s fun and culturally rich.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hanoi

Halong Bay

Travel to Halong Bay, a stunning UNESCO site with thousands of limestone islands. Lunch before boarding your boat. Cruise through scenic spots like Hon Gai and Cam Pha and visit the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng. Spend the afternoon kayaking or swimming in the calm emerald waters. Take in the beauty of the bay as your boat glides between the cliffs. Dinner on board and relax under the stars. This overnight cruise lets you fully experience one of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural wonders. In the morning, wake up to the fresh morning breeze on Halong Bay, enjoying the serene and peaceful start to your day.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Halong Bay

Start the day with Tai Chi on the deck as the sun rises over the bay. Cruise to Lan Ha Bay, known for its quiet beauty and clear waters. Bike or kayak to Cat Ba Island and swim at Three Peach Beach. Lunch on board then visit Ho Ba Ham Islet, one of the bay’s most untouched areas. In the evening, back on the boat, enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and learn how local dishes are made. Dinner and relax with the sound of water all around you.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hanoi

Start the day with another Tai Chi session then cruise past famous landmarks like Trong Grotto and Trinh Nu Caves. Visit Coc Ngoi Islet and the impressive Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Halong Bay, known for its dramatic rock formations. Back to the harbour and drive back to Hanoi. Check back into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. You might want to visit a favourite restaurant, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or do some last minute shopping in the city’s bustling streets. A relaxing return to the capital after time on the water.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hanoi

Mai Chau

Leave Hanoi for Mai Chau, a peaceful valley surrounded by green mountains and rice fields. Scenic drive and local lunch. Check into a homestay in a traditional local village. Spend the afternoon walking or biking around nearby local villages, meet locals and learn about their way of life. You may also visit a local market to experience the vibrant community atmosphere and see local crafts. The calm setting, fresh air and welcoming community make Mai Chau feel like a world away from the cities. Dinner with your hosts and sleep in a wooden stilt house.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Son La

Drive from Mai Chau to Son La, passing tea plantations, rice fields and small mountain villages. Visit local markets and see the homes of the Black Tai people. Continue to higher ground where cool air and forested slopes surround you. Along the way, meet the Hmong community, known for their colourful clothing and strong traditions. Arrive in Son La in the evening and check into your hotel. The region is known for its natural beauty and cultural mix, a slower pace and another side of Vietnam.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dien Bien Phu

Drive to Dien Bien Phu, a place deeply connected to Vietnam’s struggle for independence. Visit the Army Museum where you’ll learn about the 1954 battle between Vietnamese and French forces, as well as exhibits on the Vietnam War and the role of the Viet Cong in the country’s military history. Continue to A1 Hill, a key battlefield now with peaceful views of the city below. Walk to the top and take in the surroundings where history changed the course of the country. A day for reflection and learning in a quiet town surrounded by green hills and national pride.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sapa

Drive to Sapa (8 hours) and enjoy the scenic views of valleys, rivers and peaks. Arrive in Sapa by late afternoon and check into your hotel. The area is home to many ethnic minority groups, each with their own customs and dress. In the evening, stroll around town or relax in the cool mountain air. This is the starting point for trekking, village visits and stunning scenery. Tomorrow you’ll discover more of Sapa’s cultural richness.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sapa

Overnight Train

Visit Ban Khoang village and experience life in the mountains. Continue to Ta Giang Phin Valley where the Black Hmong people live and work. Watch families sew traditional clothes and harvest their crops. Back to Sapa and a final walk around the town’s market or local cafes. In the evening, transfer to the train station for your overnight journey back to Hanoi. Check into your sleeper cabin and reflect on your time in Vietnam’s rural north where traditions are strong and landscapes are breathtaking.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Siem Reap

Arrive in Hanoi and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. You may want to visit the Angkor National Museum to experience the national museum's fascinating exhibition, which showcases Khmer art dating from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum’s exhibits will prepare you for exploring Angkor’s ancient wonders. In the evening, relax at your hotel or explore the nearby streets where shops, cafes and local markets offer plenty to see and do. Siem Reap’s charm and energy is a warm welcome to your Cambodian journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Siem Reap

Begin your day as you explore Angkor Wat, one of the world’s largest and most impressive temple complexes. For those interested, there is an optional early morning departure around 4:30 am for a sunrise visit, offering the unforgettable experience of witnessing Angkor Wat at dawn. Continue to Angkor Thom, enter through the South Gate and see the Bayon Temple with its many carved faces. Explore the Royal Enclosure and the Elephant Terrace, a highlight of ancient Khmer architecture. As the day ends, take a peaceful boat ride along the ancient moat and watch the sunset over the ruins. A beautiful and memorable way to end your day in this magical UNESCO site.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Siem Reap

Siem Reap

Visit Banteay Srei, a small temple famous for its pink stone carvings. Then head to Beng Mealea, a large temple swallowed by jungle. Enjoy a picnic lunch nearby and continue to Koh Ker, a remote site with ancient ruins and few tourists. These hidden temples offer a more off the beaten path experience of Cambodia’s history. Back to Siem Reap in the evening with a deeper understanding of the country and the quiet beauty of these lost cities.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Siem Reap

Take a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake to visit Chong Khneas, a floating village where life is lived on water. Back to land to visit Chantier Ecoles, a local craft centre supporting young artisans. Browse the market for handmade goods or relax. For lunch, try one of the local restaurants serving authentic Khmer cuisine — fresh, delicious and unique to Cambodia. This last full day is a chance to reflect, enjoy, and take in the Siem Reap rhythm before your journey ends. In the evening, consider attending a traditional Apsara dance performance and a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your trip.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Siem Reap - Departure

On your last day visit the Angkor Silk Farm to see how silk is made from start to finish, from cocoon to fabric. A great way to appreciate Cambodia’s traditional skills and artistry. Then transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight home, with memories of two wonderful countries, nature, heritage and heart.

Meals Included: Breakfast