Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport and transferred to your hotel in the city center for check-in and rest. In the evening, enjoy an enchanting water puppetry show at the world-famous Thang Long Theatre—a traditional art form rooted in Vietnam’s rice farming heritage, where skillful puppeteers perform over water using hidden mechanisms. It offers a light-hearted and charming glimpse into the rural spirit of northern Vietnam.
Vietnam and Cambodia Cruise Trip 15 Days 14 Nights
Embark on a mesmerizing 15-day journey through Vietnam and Cambodia, blending cultural discovery, historical intrigue, and immersive river cruising. Begin in Hanoi, where you’ll witness the ancient traditions of water puppetry and savor authentic local cuisine. Dive deep into daily life with Hanoi locals, before flying south to Ho Chi Minh City to explore the contrasting heritage of French colonial landmarks, bustling markets, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Then, set sail on the Aqua Mekong for a luxury cruise through the Mekong Delta and beyond, traveling through remote villages, floating markets, and sacred temples. Cross into Cambodia, where you’ll uncover the cultural vibrancy of Phnom Penh and rural beauty of Tonle Sap Lake before concluding your adventure with unforgettable days exploring the ancient Angkor temple complex and rural life around Siem Reap. This itinerary offers a seamless blend of insightful excursions, elegant cruising, and heartfelt encounters with the region’s history and spirit.
Start your day early by joining locals around Hoan Kiem Lake for morning exercises. Afterward, savor a steaming bowl of Pho and Vietnamese iced coffee at a hidden café. Walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter to admire its tubular houses and colorful market stalls. Learn to bargain like a local and sample tropical fruits. Then, explore Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology, followed by a hearty bowl of Bun Cha and crispy Nem rolls for lunch. In the afternoon, discover the Temple of Literature—Vietnam’s first university—before unwinding with Bia Hoi and street snacks while mingling with Hanoians. Return to your hotel with a deeper appreciation of local life.
(Options available for Day 2: Ky Son Moon Garden Homestay, Duong Lam Ancient Village, or Hanoi Street Food by Scooter)
After breakfast, catch your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, head to the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war. Crawl through narrow passageways, view hidden chambers and learn about the guerrilla strategies used here. Return to the city in the afternoon and enjoy some free time before settling in for the night.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural sites starting with the Fito Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine. Then visit Giac Lam Pagoda and the Lady Thien Hau Temple in Chinatown. After lunch, see the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Post Office, and War Remnants Museum. In the evening, embark on an exhilarating scooter tour through various districts. Sip Vietnamese coffee, taste delicious street food including Banh Xeo and seafood, enjoy live music, and wrap up with a vibrant bar visit—an immersive way to live the Saigon nightlife like a local.
Transfer to My Tho to board the elegant Aqua Mekong Cruise. Settle into your river-facing suite before a welcome briefing and safety drill. Begin your journey through the Mekong by exploring Cai Be’s bustling floating market by sampan. Paddle past wooden boats, visit riverside communities, and experience the rhythm of Delta life.
Walk through Sa Dec’s colonial lanes and lively market before visiting the home of French writer Marguerite Duras. After lunch aboard, cruise to Gieng Islet and explore by bicycle or foot. Visit Cu Lao Gieng Church, built with French materials in 1875, and converse with Sisters or Fathers at the convent to understand religious life along the Delta. Discover traditional wooden homes and pagodas shaded by bonsai trees.
Venture into the Tra Su Cajuput Forest by sampan to observe rare birds and lush wetlands. Continue to Chau Doc and ascend Sam Mountain to visit its hillside pagodas and enjoy sweeping views into Cambodia. Join a private audience with Buddhist monks at Long Son Tu Temple and visit the sacred Lady Xu Temple. End the day by exploring a local wet market alongside the cruise chef.
Sail towards Phnom Penh, stopping to visit Prek Bongkong Pagoda and a silk-weaving village. Watch the entire silk-making process and browse exquisite handmade accessories. In the afternoon, complete border formalities at Vinh Xuong – Kaam Samnor and cruise into Cambodia.
Arrive in Phnom Penh and hop on a tuk-tuk to explore its royal and colonial landmarks. Visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, home to the world’s finest Khmer art collection. In the evening, attend a classical Apsara dance performance—an enchanting expression of Cambodian heritage.
Travel by skiff to Koh Chen, renowned for its silver and copper artisans. Visit a local pagoda and participate in a Buddhist blessing ceremony. Later, explore the floating village of Kampong Chhnang, where stilted homes, conical hats, and ceramic traditions evoke centuries of cultural continuity.
Skiff into the remote village of Chnok Tru to witness floating schools, homes, and fish factories. Continue to Moat Kla, a secluded fishing village, where you’ll meet local residents and attend a sacred blessing ceremony at the village temple—a truly rare and spiritual experience.
Begin the day exploring Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for rare waterbirds. Visit floating houses and observe community-led sustainability initiatives like hyacinth weaving. After lunch, disembark and transfer by road to Siem Reap for your overnight stay.
Rise early to witness sunrise over Angkor Wat—a breathtaking moment. Continue your exploration of the Angkor complex with visits to Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, the Elephant Terrace, Baphuon, Ta Prohm, and Pre Rup Temple at sunset. These UNESCO masterpieces reveal the grandeur and spiritual depth of the ancient Khmer Empire.
Hop on a tuktuk to discover Krabei Real village, visiting a bustling market to gather lunch ingredients. Then ride an ox cart through the rice fields to meet a local family who will host you for a traditional home-cooked lunch. Learn about rural Cambodian life, rattan weaving, and Khmer cooking in an authentic, enriching setting.
This morning, travel east of Siem Reap to explore Beng Mealea, a sprawling temple complex intertwined with jungle vines. Wander through galleries and sanctuaries still hidden beneath centuries of growth. Afterward, return to Siem Reap for your international flight. Tour ends.