Vietnam and Cambodia

Highlights

  • Travel to Hoi An by vintage army jeep
  • Discover the magnificent caves of Ha Long Bay
  • Visit the Imperial City of Hue
  • Authentic vietnamese cooking class
From £4701 pp*
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20 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

This once in a lifetime trip takes you to the real Vietnam and experience Cambodia.

See Hanoi like a local, cruise beautiful Ha Long Bay, visit the stunning imperial City of Hue and relax in a hot spring retreat. Get off the beaten track in Hoi An and enjoy wonderful home made food. Explore the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh and visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.

Whilst in Cambodia immerse yourself in temple country like never before and learn the history of this wonderful country.

Summary

Day 1: Arrive into Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi – Lao Chai (overnight train)

Day 3: Lao Chai – Ta van

Day 4: Ta van – Sapa

Day 5: Sapa

Day 6: Sapa – Hanoi (overnight train)

Day 7: Ha Long Bay

Day 8: Ha Long Bay – Hue (flight not included)

Day 9: Hue

Day 10: Hue – Hoi An by Jeep

Day 11: Hoi An

Day 12: Hoi An – Da Nang – Siem Reap (Cambodia) (flight included)

Day 13 & 14: Siem Reap

Day 15: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh (either by bus or flight – depending on choice. Flight not included)

Day 16: Phnom Penh

Day 17: Phnom Penh (Cambodia) – Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) (flight included)

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc (flight not included)

Day 19 & 20: Phu Quoc

Day 21: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

 

*From per person price based on travel for 2 people in 2025. For larger groups or solo travellers please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

*Please note:
All accommodation will be reserved at time of booking. Depending on availability there may be changes to similar accommodation.
This is a private itinerary but on some experiences throughout the tour you may join a small group.

Arrive into Hanoi

Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi.

The ‘city of lakes’ is located on the banks of the Red River, it is one of the most ancient capitals of the world, with elegant colonial buildings, ancient pagodas, and unique museums. It has a French colonial history and is renowned for its delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife, silks and crafts.

Chaotic and noisy, but fascinating, Hanoi traffic is unlike anywhere else. You should always look in both directions before crossing the road in this city, it is often said that “If you can make it through Hanoi rush hour traffic, you can make it anywhere in life”.

Have some time to relax and freshen up, then why not head down to the hustle and bustle of Hanoi 36 Streets area (aka ‘the Old Quarter’).

Accommodation: Tirant Hotel

Meals: None

Hanoi City Tour & Overnight Train to Lao Cai

Hanoi is a great city to explore by foot, although the traffic is insane you can see so much more from a ground level. Today will start with a full-day walking tour of the city and explore Hanoi like a local! By the end of the day you will have a feel for this awesome city. We will start with the Ngoc Son temple, the gem of the Hoan Kiem Lake, have an overview about Vietnamese culture and religion from our local guide. Hop in a traditional red cyclo and get taken through the organized and sometimes not so organized chaos of Hanoi.

Later we will stroll back to the Old Quarter, stop along the train tracks where locals still live and sample a Hanoi institution ‘Bia Hoi’ – this is an amazing fresh beer brewed and served by the friendliest local people. One glass sets you back around 5,000 VND (0.25USD). You’re also encouraged to try some of the best street food Asia has to offer. We suggest diving right in and eating local Vietnamese (such as pho/ banh mi or bun cha. Also worth mentioning is the egg coffee, another Hanoi classic.

In the evening, sit down to a traditional water puppet performance (or the ‘Four Palaces’ cultural show). This northern tradition, dating back nearly a thousand years, is performed alongside traditional Vietnamese music that employs drums, wooden bells, horns and bamboo flutes.

Explore the nightlife in Hanoi at your leisure before your evening departure on the overnight train to Lao Cai departing at 10pm.

Accommodation: Overnight Train

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Walk to Lao Chai & Ta van villages

Depart from Sapa town, we will embark on a lovely walk to Lao chai and Ta van villages – Home to the Hmong people. This is one of the most enjoyable will involving descending into a nearby valley inhabited by a variety of ethnic hill tribes. Once on the valley floor you can really appreciate the wonderful scenery that surrounds you. The walls of the valley are covered with multi – layered rice terraces and scattered villages.

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, then walk the last few 3/4 hours hours through the spectacular villages and mountains.

Tonight, you’ll experience the local dinner at a homestay in Ta van.

Accommodation: Plum Eco House

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Trek to Giang Ta Chai village

After breakfast, we’ll leave Ta Van and trek to Giang Ta Chai village where we can see the Red Dao people. The women of the Red Dao have very colorful red embroideries, coins on their clothing, and on wear red scarves on their heads. Some of the women shave their eyebrows because they believe a hairless face is beautiful.

We’ll stop for lunch before leaving Giang Ta Chai and move to Ecolodge.

Accommodation: Topas Ecolodge

Meals: Breakfast

Free Day

Today enjoy the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Topas Ecolodge

Meals: Breakfast

 

Overnight train to Hanoi

Today is free to enjoy and explore until you are collected from the hotel and transferred back to the train station for your overnight train back to Hanoi which will depart at 9.30pm and arriving into Hanoi at 5.35am (the following day).

Accommodation: Overnight Train

Meals: Breakfast

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

On arrival into Hanoi you will be collected and taken to Ha Long Bay, which is home to about 1,600 islands and islets and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site also famous for its many unique and beautiful caves.

We will make our way leisurely, on arrival to Ha Long international cruise port, you will have a bit of time to relax and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee whilst your captain finishes the registration and then you will be transferred to the boat.

Enjoy a welcome drink and spend a couple of minutes briefing about safety on the boat and activities included then we check in our cabin. Delicious Vietnamese set menu will be served while leisurely cruising further into Lan Ha Bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing. Get back to the boat and enjoys our Sunset party while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage. Sumptuous set dinner on board. Free time to challenge yourself in Vietnamese puzzle games, or gathers for a board game; try your luck with squid fishing or simply have a cocktail and enjoy the quiet night on the bay.

Accommodation: Bhaya Classic

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Ha Long Bay to Hue

Rise early this morning, breakfast will be served whilst we cruise to one of the famous caves in the bay.

Check out around 11.30am, you will then be transferred to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue*.

On arrival into Hue you will be transferred to your hotel to relax and explore the city.

Accommodation: Alba Wellness Resort & Spa by Fusion

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

*Flight not included in the cost

Explore Hue

Explore the majestic Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site: wander through the historic complex, surrounded by ancient walls and gates, to discover the intricate architecture and rich cultural heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Immerse yourself in the opulence of the imperial palaces, pagodas, and gardens, gaining insight into the royal history that defines this cultural gem.

Accommodation: Alba Wellness Resort & Spa by Fusion

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Hue to Hoi An by Open Top Army Jeep

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll travel to Hoi An by open top Army Jeep. These are vintage vehicles used since the war time. On the way you will have lunch by the beach and stop on the top of Hai Van pass and enjoy the breathtaking views there

The Hai Van pass is a 20-kilometre strip of road that joins the city of Da Nang and Lang Co in Hue Province. At 500 metres above sea level, it’s the highest pass in the whole of Vietnam.

As the road curves back and forth, some slight bends, some hairpin turns, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of misty mountains rising high over the South China Sea, deserted sandy beaches, forests and the twinkling lights of far-off cities.

When the Hai Van Tunnel was built in 2005 (now the longest tunnel in Southeast Asia) much of the traffic from the pass was redirected to the shorter and considerably less windy route! Today, the road exists as a scenic alternative, free of any lorries and other heavy vehicles, the quiet road is enjoyed by visitors who come to experience the road by motorbike, jeep or even bicycle!

It will be around a 5-6 hours journey to get to Hoi An. You will start by making our way up the Pass to viewpoints with awesome photo opportunities overlooking the coast and the train tracks and pass by the ruins of majestic French colonial buildings  We will  descend down the other side of the pass and head to the beach for a spot of lunch and maybe even have a swim to cool down.

Once you arrive, check in and relax at your hotel in Hoi An. Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An was a major trading port with the West from the 15th to the 19th century. Today it has been restored to look exactly as it did more than a century ago, giving it an old-world feel full of nooks and crannies to explore.

Accommodation: Hoi An Ancient House Village Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Hoi An Cooking Class

Today you will start the day with a trip to Tra Que Village, where you will immerse yourself in traditional farming practices and lush, scenic surroundings, visit the herb garden of Hoi An where you will meet our local chef and experience an authentic Vietnamese cooking class, where you’ll learn to cook traditional dishes using  locally grown produce, and traditional recipes which have been handed down through generations, and the helping hand of our professional chef.

You will enjoy your delicious lunch in the beautiful and tranquil garden of Tra Que.

Accommodation: Hoi An Ancient House Village Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Fly from Da Nang to Siem Reap

After breakfast, check out and say goodbye to the Central Coast of Vietnam to head to Da Nang Airport and board a flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia*.

Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Siem Reap, spend the rest of the day strolling around the busiest city.

Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban resort and Spa

Meals: Breakfast

*Flight included in the cost

Explore Angkor Wat

You’ll depart in your tuk-tuk around 5:30am in the morning for the sunrise at Angkor. You will arrive at the mystical Srah Sarong or “King’s Bath” just in time for sunrise over the water and temples. The towers of Angkor Wat, silhouetted against the rich, purple sky and reflected in the glassy water are a sight you’ll never forget.

After the beautiful sunrise experience, head across the road and be first at the atmospheric jungle temple of Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is particularly amazing in the early morning, when the only sounds are the chirping of insects and the calls of exotic birds. Without the crowds, you can almost imagine yourself being those first intrepid explorers stumbling across this lost temple deep in the jungle.

The Angkor Archaeological Park is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking, and one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia, if not the world.

You could spend weeks exploring the ruins, but on this day tour, you will be lucky enough to see all the highlights, including an optional 1km walk through the jungle to the hidden temple, where you will visit a few more intriguing temples.

After taking a break for lunch and some well deserved cold drinks, the late afternoon is put aside for a visit to the main temple, Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is one of mankind’s greatest achievements, and the intricate carvings at the temple of Angkor Wat demonstrate the incredible skill of the Khmer builders.

Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban resort and Spa

Meals: Breakfast

Cruise on the Great Tonle Sap

The Great Tonle Sap Lake (Boeung Tonle Sap) is a combination of lake and river systems that make it one of the most spectacular wonders in Asia.

After a morning of relaxation, we explore the great lake of Tonle Sap, checking out the local life with a visit to the Floating Village of Kompong Khleang or Kampong Phluk.

Colourful settlements are scattered on the margins of the great lake, and your guides will show you their very favourite spots, places you would never find without that essential local knowledge.

Add some vibrant markets into the mix and a local style Khmer picnic, if you dare to eat frogs, crickets, grasshoppers, spiders and more, and you have yourself a truly authentic, offbeat day exploring true Cambodian culture

(This is of course voluntary and if it’s not for you, you can take some amazing photos!)

Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban resort and Spa

Meals: Breakfast

Bus or flight to Phnom Penh

After breakfast you will either be transferred to the bus station where you will take the bus to Phnom Penh – this journey is approximately 6 hours.

Or you could opt to take an afternoon or evening flight which is about an hour flight*

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Phnom Penh.

Accommodation: Pavillon Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

*Flight not included in the cost

Phnom Penh

Today explore Phnom Penh, this beautiful historical buildings, aromatic street food around every corner, endless markets and monks passing you by on the streets. Phnom Penh is not just another metropolis – it’s the ancient Asia you dream of. This fascinating city with a dark history of war and turmoil is now filled with vibrancy and warmth. Today we take you to the holy site of Wat Phnom where a 14th century stupa and a small pagoda stands. It is the tallest religious structure in the city. We continue to visit the Tuol Sleng Prison, housed in a high school, to glimpse the devastating horrors that prevailed during Cambodia’s ultra-radical Marxist movement. This excursion may prove distressing for some; it is however an important piece of Cambodia’s recent past. After, take an excursion to Choeng Ek, also known as the “killing fields,”- located just outside of the city. Accommodation: Pavillon Hotel Meals: Breakfast

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam & Cu Chi tunnels

Spend your free time in Cambodia before your transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam*.

Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at the airport and take you to visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels. The tunnels are 75 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, in an area that played an important role during the Vietnam war for independence and reunification. More than 200 km of tunnels were built here by the Vietnamese guerrillas and are often the highlight of South Vietnam touring.

This afternoon you will be able to explore the bedrooms, meeting rooms, air-raid shelters, smokeless kitchens, and experience life underground in this extraordinary tunnel complex.

You will then be transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation: Fusion Suite Saigon

Meals: Breakfast

*Flight included in the cost

Flight to Phu Quoc

Today spend your free time exploring Ho Chi Minh City before being transferred to the airports in time for your flight to Phu Quoc*.

Accommodation: Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort and Spa

Meals: Breakfast

*Flight not included in the cost

Free Time

Spend the next couple of days relaxing and unwinding at the beach.

Accommodation: Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort and Spa

Meals: Breakfast

Departure

Time to say farewell after an amazing trip!

You will be transferred back to Phu Quoc Airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • Airport transfers to your first and from your last accommodation
  • 20 nights accommodation
  • 1 night Hanoi BB*
  • 2 nights on an overnight train
  • 1 night Ta van BB
  • 2 nights Sapa BB
  • 1 night Ha Long Bay FB*
  • 2 nights Hue BB
  • 2 nights Hoi An BB
  • 3 nights Siem Reap BB
  • 2 nights Phnom Penh BB
  • 1 night Ho Chi Minh City BB
  • 3 nights Phu Quoc BB
  • Your local guide for all the activities during of your experience
  • Guided walking tour of Hanoi
  • Guided hike to Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages
  • Guided hike to Giang Ta Chai Village
  • Guided visit to the caves of Ha Long Bay
  • Guided visit of the Forbidden City in Hue
  • Travel to Hoi An by vintage army jeep
  • Authentic vietnamese cooking class
  • Guided visit to Angor Wat
  • Guided boat ride in Tonle Sap
  • Guided tour of Phnom Penh
  • Guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels
  • *BB - Breakfast included
  • *FB - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
  • Flights on day 12 and 17 (between Vietnam and Cambodia)

Accommodation

Tirant Hotel (or similar)

Located in the heart of the historic Hanoi Old Quarter Tirant Hotel offers 85 stylish rooms designed with customers’ utmost convenience and comfort in mind. There is a fitness room, an outdoor swimming pool, and the Tirant restaurant serves a wide-range of local and international dishes. There is a popular rooftop Lounge, and the sanctuary Ciel spa.

Overnight Train - Vietnam Railway

Each cabin is designed for four passengers - you will receive a private cabin based on how many people are in your booking (e.g. if you have made a booking for 2 people our host will book you a private cabin just for you two).

Each cabin is well equipped with a night light, linens, pillow and power pocket.

The toilets are set up at the end of each carriage and cleaned by train staff after each journey.

Plum Eco House (or similar)

Plum Eco House offers accommodation with a garden, a terrace with picturesque views, a restaurant and a bar. Each room has a mountain view. The property is located within 11 km of Sa Pa Lake.

Enjoy home cooked meals either à la carte, continental or American breakfast with Vietnamese hospitality.

Topas Ecolodge (or similar)

Topas Ecolodge is a boutique ecolodge situated atop a beautiful hillside deep in the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park, just 45 minutes outside Sapa in Northern Vietnam.

Nominated as one of the best places to stay if you care about the Earth, Topas Ecolodge provides the perfect setting to indulge in guilt-free modern convenience all while protecting the surrounding environment and local cultures,

The 41 rustic mountain bungalows are built from local white granite in a minimalistic chalet-style, providing a comfortable and relaxing base, while letting the main attraction, the magnificent and raw natural beauty of Vietnam, take centre stage.

Overnight on board the Bhaya Classic - Deluxe Cabin (or similar)

The Bhaya Classic is the best Halong Bay cruise which visits the Surprise Cave, the bay’s largest and most impressive, as well as hidden gems away from the crowds. Enjoy your cabin through panoramic large windows, the ship also has a bar, restaurant and sundesk where you can relax with sundown happy hour.

kayaks are available to during your stay.

Alba Wellness Resort & Spa by Fusion (or similar)

The property includes 26 elegantly decorated, fully equipped luxury rooms, there is a restaurant on site which serves Vietnamese specialties, especially Hue dishes.

Enjoy the Thanh Tan Hot Springs to nurture a healthy body and peaceful spirit. The legendary hot mineral spring was discovered in 1928 by French doctor, botanist, pharmacist Albert Sallet.

Hoi An Ancient House Village Resort & Spa (or similar)

Situated in Cam Chau district, just 1.5 km from Hoi An Ancient Town, Hoi An Ancient House Village Resort & Spa ia a unique fusion of traditional Vietnamese style and modern luxuries.

The hotel has a swimming pool and sun deck, restaurant and bar and wifi throughout the property. There is an on suite spa with a variety of treatments available. The rooms are traditional style decorated with fresh and light decors, all have air conditioning, minibar and balcony and en suite bathrooms, slippers and bathrobes are included.

Lynnaya Urban Resort and Spa (or similar)

Located only 800 metres from the lively Pub Street, Lynnaya Urban River Resort is a beautifully furnished property located in the heart of Siem Reap. It welcomes guests with an outdoor pool and free WiFi access throughout the property.

Guests can unwind with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine at the bar. Relax in the spa and enjoy a treatment.

Palate Restaurant serves up an array of Cambodian cuisines as well as a wide selection of other Asian and international dishes.

Pavillon Hotel (or similar)

Located in central Phnom Penh, The Pavilion offers an adult-only accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property. This property is dedicated in responsible tourism, urban heritage conservation and cultural promotion. It features two poolside bar restaurants. It has both an outdoor and shaded pool and provides in-house spa facilities.

Guests enjoy complimentary use of bicycles to explore the surrounding area. A fitness centre is available for working out or guests can indulge in in-house spa treatments.

The pool bar serves up local Khmer and Western delights, while complimentary light refreshments are available all day at the Sun Pool.

Fusion Suites Saigon (or similar)

Centrally located, the Fusion Suites offer contemporary accommodation with a fitness centre and on-site restaurant serving a range of delectable Vietnamese delights and international dishes at indoor and outdoor seating areas. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows and a kitchenette. The en suite bathroom has either a bath or shower, slippers, bathrobes and free toiletries.

Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort & Spa (or similar)

The property has a private beach area, there is a spa centre, on-site restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre.

Guests can enjoy free WiFi access in all areas.

The resort offers free use of bicycle.

Your local host

Thao

I'm Thao, a seasoned travel specialist with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I am passionate about helping clients plan and book the perfect vacation, whether it's a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a group adventure. My extensive knowledge of destinations and travel options allows me to provide personalized recommendations and find the best deals for you. I am well-versed in various destinations and stays up-to-date on the latest industry trends and promotions.

In addition to my planning and booking expertise, I am an excellent communicator and problem-solver. I always try my best to ensure that my clients' trips run smoothly, and is always available to assist with any issues that may arise during your travels. I spend the time to understand your preferences and needs, and goes above and beyond to ensure that your vacation is everything beyond your expectations.

I'm Thao, a seasoned travel specialist with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I am passionate about helping clients plan and book the perfect vacation, whether it's a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a group adventure. My extensive knowledge of destinations and travel options allows me to provide personalized recommendations and find the best deals for you. I am well-versed in various destinations and stays up-to-date on the latest industry trends and promotions.

In addition to my planning and booking expertise, I am an excellent communicator and problem-solver. I always try my best to ensure that my clients' trips run smoothly, and is always available to assist with any issues that may arise during your travels. I spend the time to understand your preferences and needs, and goes above and beyond to ensure that your vacation is everything beyond your expectations.

Location

This once in a lifetime experience begins in the bustling city of Hanoi, you will take you through Vietnam from North to the Centre, from here you will fly to Cambodia for a few days before heading back to Vietnam and travelling further down south departing from Ho Chi Minh City.

You will fly into Hanoi, and fly out of Ho Chi Minh City.

 

 

FAQs

What clothes should I pack ?

Weather in Vietnam is usually humid and warm, lightweight layers are recommended. Avoid 'short' shorts — even in hot weather, most locals don’t wear them.
For walking /trekking you will need sturdy trainers

Can this tour be tweaked?

Yes you can make minor changes to this itinerary, these will usually affect the price. Please let us know, we are happy to give you a quote.

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