Essential Cambodia and Vietnam 16 Days / 15 Nights

Upon your arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel located in the city center. After checking in, the remainder of the day is free for you to rest and recover from your journey.

This morning, begin your exploration of Phnom Penh with a charming Cyclo ride. Your first stop is the National Museum, home to 5,000 artifacts including pieces from the Angkorian period and the famed Leper King statue. Continue to the grand Royal Palace and its Silver Pagoda, richly adorned with over 5,000 silver tiles. After lunch, visit Wat Phnom and browse the vibrant Central Market. In the afternoon, delve into Cambodia’s painful past with visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison) and Choeung Ek Killing Fields. These solemn sites offer an unflinching look at the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge era. Though emotionally intense, this experience deepens your understanding of Cambodia’s resilience. The evening is at your leisure.

After breakfast, you’ll depart for Mondulkiri, a scenic 6–7 hour drive through the countryside (approx. 355 km). Along the way, stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Upon arrival in the highland town of Sen Monorom, check into your hotel and prepare for a refreshing visit to the Sen Monorom Waterfall. This natural site features three levels of cascading water, surrounded by rubber, coffee, and cashew plantations. Locals gather here during holidays, and the area offers a peaceful glimpse into the region’s agrarian lifestyle. Return to the hotel for a restful evening.

Today promises a memorable experience as you join a full-day shared tour with the Elephant Valley Project. You’ll spend the day observing two elephant families in their natural jungle habitat, guided by passionate conservationists. Learn about the lives of the elephants, the mahouts who care for them, and the broader conservation efforts protecting this fragile ecosystem. The experience is immersive and ethical—there’s no riding, no tricks, only the chance to witness elephants behaving naturally in the wild. It’s a meaningful, slow-paced adventure designed for animal lovers and responsible travelers.

This morning, drive to Kratie (210 km, approx. 2.5 hours). After checking into your hotel and enjoying lunch, head to Kampi, about 15 km north of Kratie, for a special boat excursion on the Mekong River. Here, you’ll seek out the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, gentle creatures that inhabit these waters in small numbers. From your local wooden boat, enjoy the peaceful river scenery and golden light of sunset as you admire these rare mammals. Return to Kratie, a laid-back riverside town known for its preserved colonial architecture and serene ambiance.

After breakfast, set out on a scenic road journey (335 km) toward Siem Reap, passing through the central provinces of Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom. Stop en route for lunch in Prei Pros. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, check in to your hotel and prepare for an afternoon boat excursion to the floating village of Chong Kneas on Tonle Sap Lake. Travel past rice paddies and rural villages to board a boat that takes you into this fascinating aquatic community. Observe how locals adapt to the lake’s seasonal changes, living in stilt houses and floating homes surrounded by rich biodiversity. Return to your hotel in the evening.

Start your day early with a sunrise visit to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most iconic temple and a marvel of Khmer architecture. After sunrise, explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, including the enigmatic Bayon Temple with its serene stone faces, and visit the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the restored Baphuon Temple. After a break for lunch, continue to the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, famously entangled in giant tree roots. Wrap up the day with a return visit to Angkor Wat in the late afternoon to admire its grandeur in a different light, followed by a peaceful sunset at Pre Rup Temple.

This morning, travel east to explore Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple complex largely consumed by the jungle. Built on a similar scale to Angkor Wat but less visited, Beng Mealea offers a more adventurous temple experience with overgrown passageways and ruined galleries. Return to Siem Reap in time for your afternoon flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Vietnam’s capital, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your city hotel to rest after the journey.

Today offers a unique window into local life in Hanoi. Begin early with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals of all ages gather for morning tai chi and exercise. Savor a steaming bowl of pho for breakfast, followed by a visit to a hidden café for egg coffee, while watching the city come alive. Wander the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter, take in the tube houses, and navigate the bustling sidewalks like a local. Stop to sample fresh fruit from street vendors before visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the nearby stilt house. Later, learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology.

After lunch, enjoy Bun Cha and crispy Nem spring rolls at a local eatery. In the afternoon, tour the historic Temple of Literature—the country’s first university—before ending the day with a cold glass of “Bia Hoi” (fresh beer) among the locals at a lively corner bar.

Depart Hanoi for the coastal charm of Halong Bay. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, board your luxurious Paradise Luxury cruise. Settle into your elegant cabin and enjoy a delicious lunch while cruising past iconic limestone karsts and islets.

Your first excursion takes you to Tung Sau Pearl Farm where you can observe traditional pearl cultivation and opt to kayak through the serene waters. Later, explore Sung Sot Cave, the largest grotto in the bay, with its dramatic rock formations and expansive chambers. As the sun sets, unwind with a cocktail on the sundeck or join a Vietnamese cooking class before indulging in a regal Bao Dai dinner. In the evening, enjoy squid fishing, a spa treatment, or a movie on board.

Begin the day with sunrise Tai Chi on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast. Then, take a short hike up Titov Island for sweeping views over the bay or relax with a swim in the emerald waters.

Return to the ship for brunch as you cruise past Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, and the iconic Fighting Cocks Islet. Disembark at Tuan Chau Island and return to Hanoi. The evening is free for you to relax or explore the capital on your own.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, you’ll be driven to the boat pier and board the transfer to Whale Island Resort—a remote tropical paradise known for its tranquility and unspoiled nature.

Nestled in Van Phong Bay, this eco-friendly resort offers rustic bungalows tucked under coconut palms along white sandy beaches. Enjoy your peaceful surroundings and settle in for a quiet night on the island.

These two days are completely yours to unwind and explore the island at your leisure. Swim in crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on pristine beaches, or take part in optional activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or sailing. For those seeking serenity, find a hammock under the palm trees with a good book and listen to the ocean breeze.

Whale Island remains largely untouched, with just one resort nestled among nature. The rest of the island is blanketed in tropical foliage and bordered by coral reefs, creating a haven for those in search of peace and simplicity.

Enjoy a final morning in paradise before your transfer back to the mainland for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure—perfect for a gentle stroll through the vibrant city streets or relaxing at your accommodation.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Depending on your flight time, you might squeeze in some last-minute shopping or explore a nearby market before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Tour ends.