Best of Cambodia and Vietnam 13 Days / 12 Nights

Upon arriving at Noi Bai International Airport at 6:25 pm on CX 743 from Hong Kong, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in central Hanoi for check-in. Take the rest of the evening to relax after your flight and begin to absorb the lively energy of Vietnam’s capital. Known for its centuries-old architecture and deep cultural roots influenced by Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French elements, Hanoi captivates with its bustling Old Quarter. Narrow streets organized by traditional trades, small temples like Bach Ma, and the vibrant Dong Xuan Market all paint a rich mosaic of Vietnamese heritage.

Begin your day like a local at Hoan Kiem Lake, joining morning tai chi or aerobics with residents. After visiting Ngoc Son Temple, sip on Vietnamese iced milk coffee (“cà phê sữa đá”) or try the renowned egg coffee at a traditional café. Savor a classic banh mi from a local stall before heading into the Old Quarter to admire Hanoi’s colonial architecture. You’ll visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the historical Hoa Lo Prison, which once housed Vietnamese, French, and American prisoners. Enjoy a Hanoi specialty, Bun Cha, for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and walk along the famous railway tracks that run close to people’s homes. Later, unwind with a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter and raise a glass of local draft beer at a Bia Hoi corner, ending your immersive day like a true Hanoian.

After breakfast, depart for the iconic Ha Long Bay, famed for its emerald waters and limestone islands topped with rainforests. Upon arriving at Tuan Chau Wharf around noon, you’ll board the Paradise Elegance cruise, enjoy a welcome drink, and receive a detailed safety briefing. As the boat sails, a delicious lunch is served while you admire the scenery. In the afternoon, visit the Tung Sau Pearl Farm or opt for kayaking. Later, hike or swim at Titov Island for panoramic views. As evening sets in, enjoy sunset views, Happy Hour, and a Vietnamese cooking class. Dinner will be served on board, and you’ll celebrate Christmas with a special evening amidst the magical bay scenery.

Begin the day with a Tai Chi session on deck or take in the bay’s morning beauty over tea or coffee. After breakfast, explore Sung Sot Cave—the bay’s largest and most impressive cave—climbing 600 steps to view stunning limestone formations and scenic platforms. Return to the cruise for an international brunch while cruising back to the pier. From there, you’ll transfer back to Hanoi and catch your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, continue to Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed ancient town once a bustling international port. Its preserved wooden architecture, traditional street patterns, and cultural richness offer an unforgettable glimpse into Vietnam’s trading legacy.

This morning, drive 35 km to Ba Na Hills and take the world-record-breaking cable car to the hill station. Visit By Night Hill and the Linh Ung Pagoda before arriving at the Golden Bridge—a remarkable architectural feat held aloft by giant stone hands. From the bridge, enjoy sweeping views over Danang’s coastline and mountains. Return to Hoi An and take a guided walking tour through the Old Town’s cobbled lanes, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient houses, pagodas, and lively markets. Later, participate in a lantern-making workshop where you’ll learn the history and craft of these traditional symbols. Choose your favorite design, build your lantern with guidance, and take home a handmade souvenir.

Today offers an immersive look at rural Vietnamese life. Begin with a ride into the countryside, where vast rice fields and water buffalo dominate the scenery. Visit a local organic garden and join farmers in watering and planting vegetables. Next, board a wooden boat and witness fishermen at work before trying your hand at traditional net casting. Climb into a “thung chai” basket boat and paddle through coconut palm waterways—once a Viet Cong hideout during wartime. After lunch with locals, return to your hotel for free time. This experiential day brings you up close with the livelihoods and traditions that define Vietnam’s Central Region.

Enjoy a leisurely morning until your private transfer takes you to the airport for your afternoon flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, your Cambodian guide will greet you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. The evening is yours to relax or take a gentle stroll through Siem Reap’s charming streets.

Begin your day early with a 5:15 am pick-up to witness sunrise over the iconic Angkor Wat. As the first rays of light strike the temple’s silhouette, you’ll be awestruck by the grandeur of this Khmer masterpiece—Cambodia’s spiritual and architectural crown jewel. Return to your hotel for breakfast and a short rest before continuing the day’s explorations.

Next, delve into the ancient city of Angkor Thom, known as the “Great City,” and enter through the majestic South Gate. Your first stop is the enigmatic Bayon Temple, famous for its giant smiling stone faces and complex architectural symbolism. Explore the Elephant and Leper King Terraces and the Baphuon Temple, recently restored after decades of work. After a break for lunch, visit Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots engulf the ruins—made famous by the film Tomb Raider. End the day with a panoramic sunset view from Bakheng Temple before returning to your hotel.

This morning, join a shared half-day trip to the Kulen Elephant Forest—a sanctuary dedicated to the well-being and retirement of working elephants. Depart at 7:30 am and journey to the forest where elephants roam freely. Walk alongside these gentle giants as they forage, socialize, and explore their natural habitat. You’ll gain meaningful insight into elephant care, conservation efforts, and Cambodia’s relationship with these majestic animals. Return to base camp around noon for a traditional Khmer lunch, then head back to Siem Reap for a relaxed afternoon.

Depart the hotel in the morning and journey through picturesque villages and rice fields toward Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Visit Wat Athvea before boarding a boat to explore Kompong Phluk, a floating village with houses on stilts that adapt to seasonal water levels. Witness the daily life of fishermen and their families—an authentic glimpse into Cambodia’s river culture.

Return to Siem Reap in time for your evening flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your Vietnamese guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. The evening is free for you to enjoy the vibrant New Year’s Eve celebrations at your own pace. Saigon is a lively city known for its colonial architecture, buzzing nightlife, and flavorful street food—perfect for ringing in the New Year.

Start the New Year with a journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 60 km from the city. This underground labyrinth played a vital role during the Vietnam War, offering hiding places, living quarters, and supply routes for the Viet Cong. Walk through parts of the tunnel system and learn about the tactics used in guerrilla warfare, traps, and daily life underground.

Return to the city for lunch, then explore Saigon’s cultural layers. Begin with the colorful flower market in the Chinese District, followed by the serene Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the Sea Goddess. Visit the Jade Emperor Temple, a spiritual haven filled with incense, carvings, and statues. Conclude your day at two of the city’s colonial gems—the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office—iconic remnants of French Indochina. It’s a full day of historical depth, cultural discovery, and lively city rhythm.

Today, escape to the peaceful countryside of Ben Tre, a lush province in the Mekong Delta famed for its coconut industry. Visit a coconut workshop to observe traditional methods of processing coconuts into candy, oil, and charcoal. Then stop by a brick kiln still operating using age-old techniques.

Board a sampan to cruise through scenic river canals, passing boats and local homes. You’ll ride a Xe Lam or bicycle to a local garden for honey tea and tropical fruit tasting, followed by a visit to a small family-run workshop making rice paper and rice wine. Take a tranquil rowing boat ride under swaying coconut palms and stroll through fruit orchards before joining a local family for an authentic home-cooked lunch. After this memorable experience, return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Enjoy some free time at leisure until your private driver arrives to take you to the airport for your departure flight at 7:35 pm on CX 764. We wish you a safe journey home and hope the cultural richness, natural wonders, and heartfelt encounters of Vietnam and Cambodia stay with you long after your return.