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Classic Vietnam & Cambodia

16 days

PRIVATE TOUR: An inspirational 16 day journey through Vietnam and Cambodia! Taking in the limestone peaks of Halong Bay and lush rice paddies along the Mekong. From one capital city to another, visiting farms and floating markets, imperial palaces and ancient temples. Finishing at Siem Reap and the spectacular Angkor Wat!

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

16 days

Starts

Hanoi

Ends

Siem Reap

Range

Private

Tour Guide

Yes - for included sightseeing

Group Size

Minimum age

5 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Any day of the year

Hotel Rating

Superior

Countries

Cambodia, Vietnam

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 15, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 1
Per person from
NZD$5,495.00
Total From
NZD$10,990.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$3,460.00
$9,260.00

Tour Highlights

Hanoi - Take in the highlights of Vietnam's capital including Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ethnology Museum
Halong Bay - Cruise around this beautiful UNESCO Listed region with thousands limestone peaks and islets
Hue - Explore the Imperial City and ancient walled Citadel, visit Royal Tombs and cruise along The Perfume River
Hoi An - Stroll around this enchanting UNESCO Listed former merchant trading post, famed for its beautifully preserved architecture
Ho Chi Minh City - Discover the cosmopolitan and commercial hub of Vietnam, visiting the historic Reunification Palace and the sobering War Remnants Museum
Mekong Delta - Cruise the maze of waterways in a tradition sampan and visit local cottage industries
Phnom Penh - Explore Cambodia's capital city. Visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum
Siem Reap - Stroll around this attractive riverside town, gateway to the Angkor Temple Complex
The Angkor Complex - Marvel at spectacular Angkor Wat, see the many faces of the Bayon Temple and the jungle enveloped 'Tomb Raider' temple of Ta Prohm
Tonle Sap Lake – Cruise on Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and visit the colourful floating villages of Kampong Phluk

Included

Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 1 dinner
14 nights superior hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat in Halong Bay (private en suite cabin). Standard and deluxe hotel options are also available upon request. Accommodation rating – See Trip Notes for details
Guided sightseeing - Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Angkor Temple Complex
Entrance fees to all included sights
Mekong Delta - Private boat cruise and visit to floating markets
Hue - Boat trip on the Perfume River
Hanoi - Vietnamese Cooking Lesson
Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay overnight Junk boat cruise
Siem Reap - Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake
3 economy flights: Hanoi to Hue, Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Speed boat: Chau Doc to Phnom Penh
Local English speaking specialist guides for all sightseeing
An airport arrival transfer day 1 and a departure transfer day 16
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - An entirely personal gesture

Itinerary

Day 1 - Hanoi

Hello Hanoi! Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the today at leisure.

Overnight: Hanoi

Day 2 - Hanoi City Tour

This morning we embark on a tour of Vietnam’s capital. Our first stop is to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, where we gain insight into the life of the President Ho Chi Minh. Continue to the Presidential Palace, the president’s iconic house on stilts, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Our last port of call is to the Ethnology Museum where we learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups (please note: the museum is closed on Mondays). Spend the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take stroll along the ancient streets of the exotic old quarter and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Vietnam's enchanting capital.

Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Halong Bay Cruise

Hanoi - Halong Bay. This morning transfer from your hotel in Hanoi to Halong City, the drive takes approximately 3 hours and you will stop off for a refreshment break en route. Upon arrival meet the crew of the traditional Junk boat at the dock and cruise to the famous islands of UNESCO Listed Halong Bay, exploring the many grottoes and myriad of tiny islands. Back on board we enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by a scrumptious dinner while soaking up an incredible sunset over the bay.

Please note The cruise itinerary is subject to change.

Overnight: Halong Bay - Junk boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Halong Bay

Halong Bay - Hue. Enjoy the fresh air and the gentle breeze of the bay this morning as you relax onboard the Junk. There will be more opportunities to swim and explore hidden caves before returning to port.

Our next stop is Dong Ho Village, famous for its long-preserved art of making pictures. We’ll visit a studio in village, where you can watch the procedure of carving and printing these paintings and learn about the local folk tales represented in the paintings. Onward to Hanoi Airport for our flight to Hue in central Vietnam, where upon arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Imperial Hue

Hue was the Vietnamese capital during the Nguyen Dynasty 1802-1945 and ruins of the city’s regal past can still be seen inside the Citadel and the Imperial City. Created in the 19th century, the Imperial City was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing and holds many palaces and temples inside its giant walls. Your tour begins after breakfast with the ancient walled Citadel containing the former Imperial Palace. After exploring the Citadel, travel on to quaint Thuy Bieu Village, famous for growing Thanh Tra fruit. Here you’ll see garden houses, ancient ancestral temples and have lunch at a local house.

In the afternoon visit the final resting place of the Emperors at one of the most impressive Royal Tombs before enjoying a sunset cruise along the Perfume River.

Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - Hoi An

Hue - Hoi An. This morning, continue south to the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An. The five hour drive takes you along the South China Sea coastline with breathtaking views particularly as the road winds its way up Hai Van Pass (“Pass of the Clouds”).

From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, renowned for its silk and popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century and much of the town is now heritage-listed. This afternoon enjoy a half day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Days 7-8 - Hoi An your way

Free time is offered for days 7 and 8. There is plenty to do and see in this charming town and its surrounds. Opt to take a cycling tour into the countryside, a cooking demonstration, a river cruise to meet and engage with local fisherman, paddle a unique bamboo basket boat, shop till your hearts delight, or simply relax on the beach.

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 9 - Ho Chi Minh City

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to the airport in Danang this morning and catch the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the city is still referred to by all except officials, is Vietnam’s largest city. It is a fast-paced metropolis full of contrasts, with street vendors selling fruit and vegetables next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Amazingly, the city’s history dates back only 300 years. In 1859 the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Cochin China. From 1956 until April 1975 it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is very much the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurial activity. The French left their mark with some fine colonial-era buildings such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Enjoy a guided tour of the city this afternoon. Highlights include the Notre Dame Cathedral (from the outside as renovations are taking place), and the Old Post Office. Dong Khoi Street, which is home to many boutiques and fine restaurants, the Opera House and the beautiful Peoples’ Committee Building. The War Remnants Museum, formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war and the Reunification Palace which is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on 30 April 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

Tonight offers free time to explore the bustling city, or you could opt to join a Taste of Saigon tour, featuring the unique flavours of Ho Chi Minh City’s cuisine. Start your tour at the last street market still remaining in the city centre, walk on one of the city’s oldest bridges, built more than 120 years ago. Taste some local specialties such as goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette) and more, before enjoying lau (hot pot) at a “secret” restaurant. Enjoy a drink and a birds-eye view of a modernizing Ho Chi Minh City from its highest building, before entering the “sleepless streets area” where you can try the local beer and possibly extend your time here exploring more of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife activities.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City free day

Day at leisure to independently explore Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Mekong Delta

Ho Chi Minh City - Chau Doc. Enjoy a cruise on the Mekong Delta today! Ben Tre is famous for its coconut production and quiet, peaceful waterways. Here we enjoy a traditional sampan boat that will take us to visit a brick making shop, a fruit garden and a local family where rice paper made.Vietnam.

We continue to our final stop for the day, Chau Doc.

Overnight: Chau Doc
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 - Phnom Penh city tour

Chau Doc - Phnom Penh. After breakfast, we take a speed boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh, arriving around midday. (crossing at Vinh Xuong/Khaorm Sam Nor Kaoh Roka border gate). Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Cambodia's energetic capital is noted for its beautiful colonial architecture and historic sites. See the highlights of this bustling, vibrant city on a guided tour this afternoon, including the fascinating Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum. You can climb the hill to Wat Phnom, the city’s main temple, where you’ll find throngs of worshippers and troops of monkeys.

We finish today with a stroll along the riverside starting at the Royal Palace. Witness the locals doing their daily exercises and feel free to join in.

An optional sunset cruise is available this afternoon - Travel along the Tonle Sap River towards the Mekong. Relax onboard and enjoy some drinks while watching the sunset over Phnom Penh city.

Overnight: Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 - Tonle Sap Lake

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap. Spend time at leisure this morning before your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. With its picturesque riverside location, colonial and Chinese-style architecture and leafy tree lined boulevards, Siem Reap is an ideal base to explore Cambodia's legendary Angkor Temple complex over the next two days.

This afternoon we drive to the edge of the city through the countryside, until we reach Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake – the Tonle Sap. Here we board a boat and cruise to one of the largest floating villages on the lake, Kompong Phluk, where we witness the fascinating daily lives of the locals. Return to Siem Reap for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Incredible Angkor Wat!

This morning there is an optional visit to the famous Angkor Wat, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, to watch the sun rise. Our first stop is to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire, surrounded by an 8-meter wall. As we walk through the heart of the city, we stop at the12th century masterpiece known as Bayon Temple.

Later, we have some free time to explore Angkor Wat, the most famous and undoubtably best preserved temple within the complex. Continue to Ta Prohm Temple, which unlike most of the other Angkor temples, has not been repaired, restored or preserved but has been left as it was found. The jungle trees and roots growing in, out and through the ruins have made this temple ruin a favourite among visitors. We then explore Angkor Wat further before returning to Siem Reap.

This evening there is an optional excursion to enjoy the Phare Circus performance.

Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - Day at leisure in Siem Reap

Day at leisure to independently explore Siem Reap.

Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 - Siem Reap

Today your exciting Asian adventure comes to an end after breakfast, hotel check out and a transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Reviews

I would recommend this itinerary & private tour. The itinerary had a good mixture of pace. Great hotels-very comfortable, good restaurants, excellent amenities, & helpful staff. All Guides & drivers were excellent &made such a difference to our experience. Especially Ho chi minh city & Siem reap

Tour was excellent. 4 of 5 guides were excellent. Nancy in Hanoi was poor. Didn’t meet us with sign, didn’t have information about history and culture to share. She would benefit from shadowing Sun in Hue who was fantastic. Vi in HCM city was very helpful having suitcase wheels fixed within hours.

We had a fabulous time thanks, ended all too soon. The guides (and their very able assistant drivers), were fantastic. When they dropped you off at your accommodation in the evening, you could ask for advice on where to eat, what else to see etc. Very very good - they loved promoting their home country. A couple of points to note - the 'Junk' - staff and food were great, but the vessel itself - old and rattly. Chau Doc and Phnom Penh (the later - a stunning hotel - best of the lot), would liked to have spent longer in these two places. All very rushed. Maybe need to extend the tour by a couple of days. The printed itinerary we were provided needs updating. I realise it seems to have been printed for a number of different tours but it got a little confusing. Best piece of advice is approximately how much to tip people ie concierge in the hotel. It was a little stressful trying to work it out as we were also relying on the tour guide to assist with that advice. The Vietnamese and Cambodians are beautiful people - calm, happy - a delight. Same with the staff at the hotels - they could not help you enough. Would go back tomorrow if I could. :)

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Bhaya Classic I Junk Boat
Halong Bay

This premier cruise boat offers 18 well appointed cabins with en suite amenities. Cabins are contemporary in design, whilst the finer touches have a distinct oriental influence. All cabins feature large windows creating a bright and airy atmosphere as well as scenic views. Facilities and services onboard include a dining room and bar, a sunbathing area on-deck, masseur and small library.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
Mid Range Junk
Pelican Cruise Junk Boat
Halong Bay

Launched in 2014, this impressive junk boat blends traditional with modern and is a great vessel for exploring the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. Two covered decks are home to the boat's 22 cabins, all featuring large windows, private balconies and tasteful furnishings. Cabins also come equipped with air-conditioning, a minibar, and private bathrooms. The third deck offers sun loungers, a spa, and a restaurant serving Vietnamese and Western cuisine, as well as space for activities such as sunrise tai chi.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 star cruise boat
ÊMM Hotel
Hue

Situated in the heart of the former imperial capital, ÊMM Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Hue’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed sights. Guestrooms are spacious and complete with modern amenities. The hotel's imperial jade and royal purple colour scheme was inspired by ancient Hue itself. Guests can take advantage of the mini-gym, pool-side bar and reading area. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese and international cuisine in the onsite contemporary restaurant.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Romance Hotel
Hue

This 11-storey hotel is just a moment's walk from the Perfume River and offers easy access to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, one of Hue's main attractions. Boasting a rooftop swimming pool, two onsite restaurants (buffet breakfast is served), and three bars, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking. Other amenities include the Romance Spa and a fitness centre. Rooms feature large windows allowing for views over the city and ample light, plus cable TV, minibar, and ensuite bathrooms. Rooms also include air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Silkotel Hoi An
Hoi An

The Silkotel gets its name from the vibrant 15th-century trading hub which this part of Hoi An once was. Today it's the heart of this popular traveller destination, and the hotel is within walking distance of such attractions as the Japanese Bridge and the Hoi An Museum. Each room includes some silk furnishings in a nod to the area's past, and rooms also include king-sized (or twin) beds, ensuite bathrooms, 40" LCD TV, minibar, air-conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The main Chiffon restaurant is open all day and serves a buffet breakfast as well as a good mix of Vietnamese and Western cuisine. And there are two bars, including an outdoor pool bar by the hotel swimming pool.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel
Hoi An

Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel is housed in an elegant white building with a central outdoor swimming pool. There's an additional pool on the rooftop and a bar up here too at which to enjoy a drink. There is also a garden, a shared lounge, and a private beach area nearby. Bikes can be hired free of charge from reception, and there is an onsite restaurant serving a range of local and international cuisine. Rooms feature air-conditioning and a seating area, as well as TV, safe, and ensuite bathrooms. The majority of rooms at the hotel come with a balcony

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Victoria Hotel
Chau Doc

Built in colonial style with low-rise Frencg architectural design, this hotel blends perfectly with its natural surroundings on the banks of the Bassac River. Rooms are elegantly furnished with traditional Vietnamese handicraft with spectacular views of the river and the added bonus of WiFi access. The restaurant offer unique cuisines from all over Vietnam as well as European dishes and the hotel also has a rooftop terrace spa. A number of excellent leisure activities are available including Tai Chi sessions, bicycle rental and martial art exercises.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Duong Chan Hotel
Phnom Penh

Duong Chan Hotel is a great base for exploring the city's attractions, including the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. The rooftop pool and sky bar area is a great place to relax, and there is also a spa and gym onsite. For dining, guests can choose from two onsite restaurants, Chantrea Restaurant and REHU Lounge. Rooms boast elegant Khmer designs with wood-panelled flooring and comfortable furnishings. There are ensuite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi, as well as large windows for enjoying the high-rise view over the city. Rooms are also air-conditioned, with minibar, safe, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, and eco-friendly bathroom amenities.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
The Ohana Hotel
Phnom Penh

Rooms are well-appointed with tea/coffee making facilities and daily seasonal fruits as well as a balcony overlooking the river in this well-located hotel. The hotel's swimming pool and jacuzzi are the ideal place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The restaurant offers exotic Asian food as well as Western dishes whilst the business centre offers internet access.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Tara Angkor Hotel
Siem Reap

This stylish and sophisticated hotel offers luxurious accommodation with elegant dining, fantastic facilities and a perfect location. The spacious rooms are wonderfully finished with smart wood flooring and ensuite bathrooms, plus there is free WiFi access. The hotel's bars and restaurants provide a diverse range of international and local cuisine, with a buffet breakfast served at Tong Tara Restaurant and cocktails served at Lily Lounge and the pool bar. The hotel also features a spa, outdoor swimming pool, complimentary bicycle rental, and for budding chefs - cooking classes in Thai and Khmer food! This hotel is just six kilometres from the Angkor temple complex.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
The Q Hotel
Hanoi

One of the best boutique hotels in Hanoi, The Q Hotel is housed in a cosy French building in the heart of the city. The hotel restaurant is open 24/7 and offers a fine array of local and international cuisine. Rooms are modern, with wood flooring and king-sized beds, as well as ensuite bathrooms and balconies in some rooms. Amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TV, kettle, minibar and safe. There is a bar and fitness centre for guests to use and attractions including the Imperial Citadel and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are within a 30-minute walk.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Muong Thanh Centre
Ho Chi Minh City

Centrally located, yet on a peaceful, tree-lined street, you will find the Muong Thanh Centre. Only a ten-minute walk from top attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Ben Thanh Market, this hotel is a great base for exploring the famous sights of the city. Its guest rooms boast sophisticated designs and panoramic views. Warm and friendly, the Muong Thanh Centre also features a spa and swimming pool for you to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.

Prices are indicative and will vary depending on your chosen hotels, room availability as well as time of travel. Please bear this in mind if comparing prices as we always aim to deliver exceptional value. Please note that discounts will apply if there are more 4 our more people in your travelling party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
24 Nov - 9 Dec
$5,495
$7,055
25 Nov - 10 Dec
$5,495
$7,055
26 Nov - 11 Dec
$5,495
$7,055
27 Nov - 12 Dec
$5,495
$7,055
28 Nov - 13 Dec
$5,495
$7,055
29 Nov - 14 Dec
$5,495
$7,055
30 Nov - 15 Dec
$5,495
$7,055
1 Dec - 16 Dec
$5,495
$7,055
2025
Twin/Double
Single
2 Jan - 17 Jan
$5,765
$7,405
3 Jan - 18 Jan
$5,765
$7,405
4 Jan - 19 Jan
$5,765
$7,405
5 Jan - 20 Jan
$5,765
$7,405
6 Jan - 21 Jan
$5,765
$7,405
7 Jan - 22 Jan
$5,765
$7,405
8 Jan - 23 Jan
$5,765
$7,405
9 Jan - 24 Jan
$5,765
$7,405

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