Best of Vietnam & Cambodia
Experience Overview
Take an unforgettable adventure through two of the most colourful yet contrasting cultures in South East Asia. Starting off in Vietnam, cruise through dramatic karst scenery on a boat tour of Ha Long Bay, step back into the world of the country's last emperors in Hue, soak up the old-world charm of Hoi An and be awed by the endless energy of Ho Chi Minh City. In Cambodia, discover the country's fascinating history and culture in Phnom Penh's heaving streets and in the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor. This is a journey that draws you away from the crowds and into heart and soul of this captivating region, and its equally enchanting people.
Highlights
- Sail through Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts and island caves, visit a centre that turns the bay’s discarded trash into treasures and spend the night checking out the stars on an overnight cruise.
- Travel like a local on a motorbike tour, riding pillion and taking in the historical pagodas, bridges and villages of Hue.
- Watch the sun rising over Angkor Wat as it did over 800 years ago with your leader. Wander through the amazing ancient temples on a guided tour and with a three-day Angkor pass to cover your whole time in Siem Reap, you can explore this incredible temple complex as much and as often as you like.
- Discover the countryside around Battambang on a bike ride around rural farms to meet with local producers, through an Intrepid partner and social enterprise that supports the local communities.
- Experience life on water on a boat tour visiting the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake and understand the deep bond between the late and the local communities.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2851
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Boat,Motorbike,Overnight sleeper train,Plane,Private minibus,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TVSKC
Starts: Hanoi, Cambodia
Finishes: Bangkok, Cambodia
Duration: 18 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (16), Lunch (3), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (15 nights),Overnight boat (1 night),Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,792 ($155 /day)
Itinerary
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at the hotel and is followed by a group dinner at KOTO restaurant. This organisation is dedicated to developing the hospitality careers of disadvantaged youth. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do. Consider booking the Hanoi Street Food Experience at 9 am (see urbanadventures.com/en for details). You'll get to sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine like a true local, stroll through the hidden alleyways and bustling markets and take in a spectacular view of Hoan Kiem lake from a secret café. Or maybe take it at your own pace and wander the Old Quarter to admire the city’s French-colonial architecture.
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - KOTO dinner
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Women's Museum (30000 VND)
- Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology (40000 VND)
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex (80000 VND)
- Hanoi - Hanoi Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (40 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by private minibus to World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, which is dotted with sandy coves, grottoes and 1600 limestone islands formed over millennia by wind and water erosion. Board a private boat and cruise the bay, exploring Surprise Cave and perhaps even enjoying a swim from Ti Top Island Beach during the warmer months. Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases. Once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery. To end the day, spend an evening aboard the boat beneath the night sky. What better way to get to know your fellow travellers than an old school sleepover in an unforgettable location?
Included Activities:
- Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
- Halong Bay - Cave entry
Optional Activities:
- Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour (250000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay, and before you leave the memorable scenery behind, it’s time for one last stop. The Green Life Centre is committed to turning Halong Bay’s trash into treasure by collecting discarded items and skillfully turning them into beautiful handicrafts. Meet the team behind this important cause and learn how to transform rubbish into a useful and reusable bag. After your visit, return by bus to Hanoi. Arrive late this afternoon and enjoy free time until tonight’s train voyage. Be sure to grab a bowl of pho while you’re in town and slurp down this local specialty made from broth, noodles and meat. Maybe chill by Hoan Kiem Lake until you board an overnight train to Hue this evening.
Included Activities:
- Halong Bay - The Green Life Visit
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in Hue this morning and transfer to the hotel. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of the country’s royal past. Enjoy free time in the morning to rest or explore. If you choose the latter (and who can blame you) the bustling Dong Ba Market is a great place to sample some of the specialties that once graced the Nguyen emperors' tables like banh khoai (royal rice cake). Reunite with the group to visit the war-damaged ruins of the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling city-within-a-city which contains the remains of temples, state houses and the emperor’s palace.
Included Activities:
- Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
See Hue like a local – from the back of a motorbike! Straddle the saddle and whiz around town with a local guide, taking in historic and contemporary sights along the way. Stop at Thanh Toan to see the 18th-century covered bridge and villagers shopping at their local market. Visit the 17th-century active Buddhist monastery of Thien Mu Pagoda and see the car that belonged to Thich Quang Duc, the monk who self-immolated in 1963 in protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. For lunch, savour a vegetarian feast in a nunnery. Finish at the lakeside royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc before heading back to town.
Included Activities:
- Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike
- Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
- Hue - Motorbike Tour Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning travel by bus through coastal rice paddies and the spectacular Hai Van Pass. After a photo stop on the way, arrive into Hoi An. Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An was a major international trading port during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of the beautifully-preserved town retain the feel of centuries past. It's also a shopping mecca, famous for its plethora of tailors. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town to visit a handful of the city's major attractions. You’ll also be given a sightseeing pass so you can further explore select attractions at your leisure.
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (44 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to explore Hoi An. Maybe browse the cobbled streets and art galleries or hire a bike and cycle through rice paddies out to Cua Dai Beach. Maybe browse for paintings, ceramics and colourful cloth lanterns in the town’s markets and preserved Chinese shophouses. If you’re craving a new look, you could pay a visit to one of the hundreds of tailors and get something special made. Hoi An is also known for its delicious regional food, so be sure to enjoy a meal at a riverside restaurant or perhaps partake in a cooking class.
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (77 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today take a short, early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a fascinating history and is arguably Vietnam’s capital of commerce and culture. After landing, take a sightseeing tour around the city by bus. Pass the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House, then stop in at the War Remnants Museum to discover some of the sobering stories of the 20-year-long Vietnam/American War.
Included Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
- Ho Chi Minh City - City tour
Optional Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace (40000 VND)
- Ho Chi Minh City - A O show (1050000 VND)
- Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure (36 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning head out on a day trip to explore the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat to Ben Tre to visit the coconut gardens and stop at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, paddle in sampans (small rowing boats) past coconut trees along the Mekong Delta. Take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages and learn about rural life and the industry created around coconut products like brooms and coconut fibre mats. Eat lunch at a restaurant in the heart of the Delta, sampling regional specialties such as the famous elephant ear fish. Cruise the major waterways to Ben Tre boat pier, then return by bus to Ho Chi Minh City. This evening, perhaps head out to sample some local specialties as a final farewell with your fellow travellers and leader.
Included Activities:
- Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour
- Mekong Delta - Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day in Ho Chi Minh to get out and discover the city at your own pace. Alternatively, why not get an up close and personal history lesson on guerrilla warfare during an Urban Adventures tour to the Cu Chi tunnels. This underground network in the middle of the jungle was used by the Viet Cong during the war. Take the chance to climb into the tunnels and imagine what it would’ve been like to eat, sleep, work and cook – even go to school underground as conflict raged above. Return to Ho Chi Minh where there will be a meeting at 6 pm to welcome any new travellers joining you on the next stage of your adventure. Afterwards, perhaps get to know your new travel buddies over an optional group dinner.
Optional Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace (40000 VND)
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum (40000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by public bus across the border, through rural Vietnam and Cambodia and onto Phnom Penh. Cambodia's capital city is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture. If you're looking for a tasty beverage when you arrive, head for a mojito on the rooftop or if you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at the art-deco Psar Thmei (Central Market) or travel out to Psar Tuol Tom Pong (the Russian Market) for the best range of local souvenirs.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, confront Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It's estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. You’ll also head out to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls marks the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. Afterwards, you may wish to learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history from an optional visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Wat Phnom, shrouded in myth, is equally worth a visit, as is the National Museum with its excellent Khmer collection. Cyclo tours around the city are a great alternative to walking and generally include the Central Market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, the Independence Monument and Royal Palace.
Included Activities:
- Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
- Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
Optional Activities:
- Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda (10 USD)
- Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom (2 USD)
- Phnom Penh - National Museum (10 USD)
- Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour (4 USD)
- Phnom Penh - Khmer massage (8 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by private minibus to Battambang today. Break up an otherwise long trip with a visit to the pottery visit in Kampong Chhnang,and learn about the craft of pottery making at local workshops. Then continue to Cambodia's second-largest city. A pretty riverside town of French elegance, friendly Khmer people and beautifully preserved colonial architecture, this is a great place to explore on your own. Why not take part in an optional cooking class to learn the secrets of local dishes such as amok, Khmer curry and fried spicy chicken.
Included Activities:
- Kampong Chhnang - Pottery village visit
Optional Activities:
- Battambang - Cooking Class (12 USD)
- Battambang - Phnom Sampov bat caves (15 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend a bit of time riding around the countryside by bike, travelling out to the rural villages around Battambang. This is a great opportunity to get a closer look at what rural life means in Cambodia. Visit local families who have been producing agricultural products the traditional way passed down through generations, like rice paper, dried bananas, and bamboo sticky rice and stop by a Khmer house and relax and enjoy some coconut water while chatting about their life. The Intrepid partner for this activity is a local social enterprise that support training of local youth for their future career. In the afternoon continue by private minibus to Siem Reap, arriving in the evening, and relax as you prepare for your much-anticipated visit to Angkor tomorrow. Perhaps hit the markets for some delicious street food for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Battambang - Soksabike social enterprise countryside cycling & local snack tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
A very rewarding morning to get to Angkor Wat in the early hours to watch the sun rising over it as it did in the ancient times (weather permitting). Then Temple-hop with your local guide and make the most of your visit to the world-famous Angkor complex. The temples, dating back as far as the ninth century, were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photo opportunities at any time of day. Watching a sunrise or sunset is a must. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so there will be plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.
Included Activities:
- Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
- Siem Reap - Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Continue your explorations of the Angkor complex this morning. In the afternoon, embark on a private local boat discover the floating villages and local daily lives at Chhong Kneas, a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia.
Included Activities:
- Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
- Chong Kneas - Tonle Sap floating village visit
Optional Activities:
- Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Silver Tour (54 USD)
- Siem Reap - Landmine Museum (5 USD)
- Siem Reap - Phare Circus Ticket (18 USD)
- Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Gold Tour (87 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
It's a long drive by private minibus from Siem Reap to Bangkok today. Arrive in Thailand's bustling capital and take in this exciting world of tuk tuks, khlong boats, and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Perhaps head out to sample some local specialties as a final farewell with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end this morning, with no further activities planned. However, if you have more time, Bangkok is full of things to do, including the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the fascinating Jim Thompson museum. Just speak to your booking agent if you'd like to extend your stay.
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure (1960 THB)
- Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House (200 THB)
- Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure (2900 THB)
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Chris - Traveled, March 2024
This was a wonderful trip, which I would highly recommend. We visited some wonderful places and had some amazing experiences. We met local people and learned about their lives, we learned lots about the history of both countries. We traveled in a group of people of from different parts of the world, with a range of background's and ages and found this also to be a life enhancing experience. The itinerary is quite full, but we found there was enough free time and optional activities scheduled to make this manageable. Now on our way home and can hardly believe how much we have seen and done. Thank you Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2024
Stewart - Traveled, March 2024
Well organised and enjoyable with good local knowledge
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
Vicktor - Traveled, March 2024
The trip was great, packed with varied activities from rowing boats to cooking classes, from natural wonders to bustling city centers. It allowed us to see many aspects of Vietnam and Cambodia's history, culture and life. The trip is very well-organized, flexible with free days to explore and provides very good accomodation and transportation. The local group leader was amazing and really made this trip special
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2024
Ian - Traveled, March 2024
Truly an outstanding trip. The pace was good, the sights were fascinating, and the tour leaders were excellent. Really hard to pick highlights in terms of places visited as there were so many. Loved the food, and some yummy and interesting coffee (must try's are egg coffee or coconut coffee in Hanoi and salt coffee in Hue). Made some lovely new friends from across the world as well (where too next people? ;)).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Margot - Traveled, March 2024
This was our first Intrepid trip, partly inspired by the positive experiences that our son had had on several Intrepid holidays. I was very impressed with the level of organisation throughout the trip, quality of our 2 guides and the fascinating places that we visited. There was a big emphasis on supporting local people and businesses and also on trying to minimise environmental impacts. Had a great holiday and would definitely be interested in doing another holiday with Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Sunali - Traveled, February 2024
Great trip and very well organized.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
Mariana Sofia - Traveled, February 2024
I cannot recommend enough this trip! Everything was amazing and it exceed my expectations! I am sure I will remember these moments for the rest of my life and I cannot wait to plan more trips like this in the future with Interprid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2024
Colette - Traveled, February 2024
A fabulous way to see many of the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia while being capably looked after by excellent local guides. We would have missed so much if we had travelled alone, and appreciated the responsible travel principles.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/29/2024
Shannon - Traveled, February 2024
I loved this trip. The itinerary kept us busy and we saw so many wonderful sights and had some once in a lifetime experiences. I love travelling with Intrepid as you actually get to immerse yourself in the local experience. The tour leaders through Vietnam and Cambodia were first class. Both were so helpful and generous in sharing about the local history and culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Richard - Traveled, February 2024
Intrepid organised a memorable trip through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. For me, one of the highlights was seeing countries which have experienced horrendous social upheaval, wars and genocide within living memory, pull themselves by their own boot straps into highly successful countries. With the politest people on the planet.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2024
Sharon - Traveled, February 2024
Amazing! From booking, to on-line questions to Intrepid (who answered quickly and honestly) to the trip itself. Team leaders are so knowledgeable with adorable personalities. We saw things, did things, we laughed, some of us cried, we made great friends... holiday of a lifetime. 11/10 recommended (NOT a typo).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Brian - Traveled, January 2024
The trip was informative and did exactly what it described, it gave a must see insight into other lifestyles, food and cultures and was made extra special by two excellent guides Manh and Long
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2023
Bonnie - Traveled, January 2024
My husband and I recently returned from the Best of Viet Nam and Cambodia trip. It was beyond my expectations! The guides Hung and Bun, were outstanding and with us every step of the way. The boat trip, motorcycle tour, the tuktuk rides, the bicycle tours were so much fun and safe. The terrain is flat so it was easy for me to ride the bike which I don’t normally do. The hotels were exceptional, many with beautiful pools and breakfast buffets. I learned so much about the history of these wonderful countries from the historic sites and museums we visited. The local cottage industries we visited were unforgettable. I love the Intrepid tours!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/01/2024
Bonnie - Traveled, January 2024
My husband and I recently returned from the Best of Viet Nam and Cambodia trip. It was beyond my expectations! The guides Hung and Bun, were outstanding and with us every step of the way. The boat trip, motorcycle tour, the tuktuk rides, the bicycle tours were so much fun and safe. The terrain is flat so it was easy for me to ride the bike which I don’t normally do. The hotels were exceptional, many with beautiful pools and breakfast buffets. I learned so much about the history of these wonderful countries from the historic sites and museums we visited. The local cottage industries we visited were unforgettable. I love the Intrepid tours!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/01/2024
Thomas - Traveled, January 2024
This trip was an extraordinary introduction to the sights, history, and culture of Vietnam and Cambodia. Hung and Bun were exceptional guides whose love of their countries and their people was very evident. This tour was everything we hoped for and more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/01/2024
Joanne - Traveled, December 2023
Intrepid has outdone themselves, we were a bit concerned about travelling with an organised tour group as it’s never been our thing!! But we had a wonderful experience of travelling through Vietnam and Cambodia, the leaders were excellent (they only use local guides). It was a very easy way to travel and see the country, everything and I mean everything was taken care off. Best stress free travelling I’ve ever done, would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2024
- Traveled, December 2023
Just the most amazing holiday. Well organised by Intrepid, brilliant tour guides, the best attractions and incredible experiences all shared with a wonderful group of people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/18/2024
Laura - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing tour with superb guides (especially Channa in Cambodia)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/01/2024
Amanda - Traveled, December 2023
This was our first intrepid trip and it was fantastic. The guides accomadation and food were amazing. Thoroughly loved it. The Bangkok sector was a waste of a day and very little information support upon arrival regarding getting around Bangkok and things to. You get used to a guide so it was a shock to go back to googling.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2023
Anne - Traveled, November 2023
This was my first experience of a group tour and an Intrepid holiday and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences I have had travelling. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their country, the tours were unique and I really felt that I got to experience a lot more than if I had gone on a DIY tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/10/2023
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