Essential Vietnam & Cambodia

Welcome to Hanoi! Once you arrive, please head to our accommodation for check-in. This evening, we’ll meet at 19:00 for a welcome gathering with your tour leader and fellow travellers. If you require accommodation before the tour begins, please reach out to us to arrange it.

During the welcome meeting, you’ll have the chance to introduce yourself to the group and hear more details about the exciting fortnight ahead. For a relaxed start, we recommend a group dinner tonight, and perhaps a bar crawl afterwards - our tour leader will know all the best spots around town.

Today’s itinerary begins with an included visit to Hoa Lo Prison, famously dubbed the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War, providing a fascinating insight into the nation’s complex history.

Next, make your way to Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful spot with a central temple rich in legend, surrounded by broad, French-designed streets at the heart of Hanoi’s historic district. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake, where you’ll see locals gathering for games and activities. If you’re feeling peckish, head to the nearby Old Quarter, brimming with street food options that showcase Hanoi’s diverse cuisine.
Afterwards, enjoy a free afternoon to explore Hanoi’s narrow streets, and perhaps try your hand at crossing the bustling roads like a true local. For a bit of evening entertainment, why not attend a Water Puppet Show for a unique cultural experience (approximately 100,000 VND).

Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay - Halong Bay. Today, we’ll be travelling by bus to Halong Bay. You can leave your main luggage at the hostel and bring only a day bag for our overnight stay at Halong. Upon arrival, we’ll board our Halong Bay cruiser and set sail. Take in the beauty of Lan Ha Bay, with ample opportunities for swimming - don’t miss the chance to dive off the boat into the emerald waters. Lunch and dinner will be provided onboard.

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Phong Nha. Our day begins with an included kayaking tour through the stunning emerald waters of Halong Bay, where we’ll take in the breathtaking scenery of the limestone islands as we paddle.

After an active morning, we’ll come together for a hearty lunch. We’re due back in Hanoi at around 17:00, with time to freshen up at the hostel before setting off for Phong Nha on the overnight bus.

We’ll arrive at our accommodation in Phong Nha early this morning, around 04:00, allowing us some time to rest before beginning the day.

Later, we’ll set off on an included bike ride to Bong Lai village, where we’ll stop at a relaxed pub - an ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing drink, a friendly game of volleyball, and a hearty local meal. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore on your own, or you can ask the guide for recommendations on how to spend your time.

Phong Nha - Hoi An. Today is a day at leisure in Phong Nha, or you may choose to join an optional tour to explore the impressive cave systems, including Paradise Cave and Dark Cave (approximately 1,350,000 VND). Lunch is included on this tour, and don’t forget to bring your swimsuit! This activity must be booked in advance with your tour leader.

This evening, we’ll be travelling to Hoi An on the sleeper bus, so make sure to grab some snacks and download something to watch on Netflix for the journey. We’ll be setting off at around 19:30.

We’ll arrive in Hoi An at around 04:00, allowing you the morning to rest at our accommodation. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture with an included hands-on lantern-making workshop, where you’ll craft one of Hoi An’s iconic creations. Afterwards, enjoy an included guided tour of the ancient town and its picturesque riverfront, discovering Hoi An’s fascinating history as a key trading port shaped by Japanese and Vietnamese influences. Highlights include the Japanese Bridge and other landmarks of the old town. In the evening, you may wish to join the group for an optional dinner to sample some of the region’s unique flavours. And we can enjoy a group night out if everyone fancies it, there's a popular bar in Hoi An based around the British comedy character "Mr Bean"!

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Hoi An at your own pace, or consider a day trip to Ba Na Hills (approximately 1,670,000 VND) – a charming French-style village accessible via the world’s longest cable car. Here, you can wander through Le Jardin, visit old wineries, see remnants of French villas, and admire the tranquil Linh Ung Pagoda. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk across the famous Golden Hands Bridge.

For a closer look at local life, you might visit a nearby farm or hire a bike to discover Hoi An’s beautiful beaches. As evening approaches, indulge in the local cuisine or explore the lively nightlife. For a truly memorable experience, join us for the Hoi An Memories show (approximately 600,000 - 1,200,000 VND) – a captivating live performance that brings Hoi An’s 400-year history to life through stunning lights and sound.

Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City. Begin your morning with a true Vietnamese experience – an optional ride in a traditional coconut basket boat (approximately 450,000 VND). Drift along the waterways in these distinctive, round boats before proceeding to a local farm, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience rural life and farming methods in Vietnam firsthand. After this, it’s time to say farewell to Hoi An and head to Da Nang airport for our included flight to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon. You can choose to relax at the hostel for a quiet evening or join us for a group dinner followed by a bar crawl.

This morning our tour leader will lead a 2.5 hour orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City, which was once the capital of South Vietnam. Our tour ends with an optional group lunch at a local restaurant and the rest of the day is at leisure. We strongly recommend a visit to the War Remnants Museum (approximately 40,000 VND), where you can learn more about the turbulent history of Vietnam and the Vietnam War. You could visit the local night market this evening.

This morning, you have the option to discover the Cu Chi Tunnels (cost varies depending on the size of the group), an impressive underground network that was utilised by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. For an additional fee, you can even try your hand at firing automatic weapons at the shooting range. In the afternoon, consider joining an optional hands-on coffee workshop (approximately 450,000 VND), where you’ll learn the art of making Vietnamese coffee and enjoy tastings in a charming local café. To celebrate a memorable final night in Ho Chi Minh City, we’ll gather with the group at a lively karaoke bar, perfect for sharing laughter and singing along!

Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Today, we will be crossing the border into Cambodia and heading to the capital city, Phnom Penh. You will need USD $40 in cash and a passport photo to obtain your Cambodian visa. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a two-hour orientation walk with our tour leader, and there will be an optional group dinner this evening as well.

For those interested, you can enjoy a bar crawl along Bassac Lane (approximately USD $10), which is the city’s main nightlife hub. You’ll receive a free t-shirt and complimentary shots at each bar.

We have a new tour leader for the final leg of our journey. Take the opportunity to get to know them at a welcome meeting this morning, before we set off on an included visit to S21, also known as Tuol Sleng, and the Killing Fields. This visit is both shocking and educational, as it reveals the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime, which resulted in the massacre of approximately one third of all Cambodians in just a few short years from 1975 to 1979.

In the afternoon, you can choose to unwind at the hostel or join a sunset cruise on the Tonle River with a local guide, which includes unlimited beer and soft drinks. Our tour leader will also be heading out to the night market this evening, should you wish to accompany them.

Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville. We depart at 07:00 for Sihanoukville, where we will board a ferry to Koh Rong Samloem, a peaceful island paradise renowned for its powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and tranquil atmosphere. Arriving around 13:00, you’ll have the opportunity to spend a leisurely afternoon on the beach or choose to partake in an adventurous kayaking experience (approximately USD $15).

As evening approaches, we’ll gather at a cliffside bar to enjoy refreshing cocktails while watching a spectacular sunset. Later, we’ll make our way down to the beach, where we can wade into the water to witness the enchanting glow of bioluminescent plankton beneath the night sky.

This morning, we enjoy an included buffet breakfast at a local cafe.

October - May departuresAt around 10:00, we collect our camping equipment for tonight’s adventure, then stroll to the beach to set up our tents. Once everything is ready, venture through the local fishing village to the stunning Clearwater Bay.

Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim or simply relax on the beach while indulging in a picnic lunch (included). After an hour of leisure, a boat will take you to snorkel the vibrant coral reefs at a nearby island before returning to the village. Please note that this activity is weather dependent, and you’ll be responsible for any drinks purchased on the boat.

After cleaning up, explore the village for dinner before gathering your overnight bag and walking back to your camping spot with your guide for a cozy night under the stars.

June - September departuresAt 11:00, your guide will meet you for a trek to Clearwater Bay, passing through a charming traditional fishing village. Upon arrival, unwind with a swim or relax on the beach while enjoying a picnic lunch (included).

After an hour of leisure, a boat will take you to snorkel the vibrant coral reef at a nearby island before returning to the village. Please note that this activity is weather dependent, and you'll be responsible for any drinks purchased on the boat.

During the rainy season, the tropical rains fill a natural series of cascading rock pools just a 20-minute walk from the village. At 16:00, embark on a scenic jungle walk to these refreshing pools, where you can enjoy a dip in the cool waters before heading back to the village for a free evening. Please note that this activity is also weather dependent, and dinner is not included.

Sihanoukville - Siem Reap. Kickstart your day with a range of exciting options to choose from. If you’re feeling adventurous, join a scuba diving session led by certified SSI instructors and a divemaster, where you can explore the underwater world (approximately USD $50 - 110). Alternatively, you can participate in a beach clean-up, working alongside local islanders to combat marine plastic pollution by collecting debris from the shore (minimum donation of USD $2.50). If you prefer a more leisurely morning, simply relax under the sun and soak up the rays.

After your morning activities, savour a delicious included BBQ lunch on the beach, taking in the beautiful surroundings and playing football, frisbee and other games. In the afternoon, we make our way back to the mainland by speedboat. We are catching the sleeper bus bound for Siem Reap.

We’ll arrive at our hostel bright and early, and you can enjoy a few hours of well-deserved rest.

Late in the morning, head back into the city for an included walking tour that takes us along the riverside, through the Royal Gardens, and to the Made in Cambodia market. During the tour, you’ll also receive a blessing for safe travels at Wat Prum Rat Temple.

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa session at a nearby facility. As evening falls, consider joining your group for a visit to the Phare Circus (approximately USD $18). This remarkable social organization provides free education and arts training to over 1,200 children each year. Their acrobatic performances tell a unique Cambodian story while supporting the development of the arts in the community.

Today is perhaps the most awaited day of your month in Southeast Asia. We wake early for an included visit to Angkor Wat at sunrise, one of the world’s true ancient wonders. With insights from your expert local guide, explore this magnificent temple and uncover the history of the ancient Khmer Empire. Afterwards, continue to the enigmatic Bayon Temple, celebrated for its towering carved faces, and Ta Prohm Temple, known for its atmospheric ruins and giant trees weaving through the stonework - a stunning site made famous by the Tomb Raider film.

In the afternoon, hop on a tuk-tuk for the Apopo Hero Rats Tour (approximately USD $12), where you'll discover how specially trained rats are playing a vital role in Cambodia’s demining efforts, proving to be among the most effective tools in landmine detection.

As evening sets in, you can join a lively 1.5-hour tour on a pedal-pub car, complete with a complimentary drink as you pedal through the city (approximately USD $10). Afterwards, dive into Cambodian culinary culture with the chance to sample local delicacies including crickets, silkworms and frogs.

Start your final full day of the tour with an included half-day cycling trip through scenic lotus fields and an authentic Cambodian village. Along the way, we’ll stop to explore local life up close, visiting a duck farm, learning about traditional rice cultivation, and even sampling some local palm wine.

In the afternoon, for those seeking adventure, there’s an option to visit Cambodia Wake Park (approximately USD $24), where you can spend an exhilarating few hours on the water. Try your hand at wakeboarding, navigate the inflatable obstacle course, or simply relax on their inland beach.

As evening falls, gather with your group for a memorable farewell dinner (not included), a chance to look back on the highlights of your journey and share stories from your adventure.

Siem Reap - Bangkok (Thailand). After an incredible 20 days exploring Vietnam and Cambodia's breathtaking landscapes, today marks the final day of your adventure. It’s time to bid farewell to your travel companions as you make your way to Bangkok. You’ll arrive by bus around 17:00, leaving you with fond memories and a lifetime of stories. Safe travels!