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Vietnam & Cambodia Explorer

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Vietnam & Cambodia Explorer

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Description

Experience the very best of South East Asia on this awesome adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia. Enjoy a steaming bowl of pho from a street stall in Hanoi, admire the temples of Angkor and get some insight into everyday Khmer life at a rural homestay. With faded elegance in Ho Chi Minh City, the natural beauty of Ninh Binh and bustling Siem Reap, there’s a lot to dazzle your senses on this exploration through South East Asia.

Trip Name
Vietnam & Cambodia Explorer
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
19
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • This trip gives you plenty of free time – perfect for the traveller who appreciates a bit of independence. Food crawl in Hue? An extra day exploring the acclaimed Angkor complex? You decide!
  • Explore the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh - a naturally beautiful area, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains.
  • Confront the sobering but important Khmer history, with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek in Phnom Penh.
  • A homestay in Chambok puts you right in the heart of everyday life in Cambodia. Enjoy a village walk and waterfall visit and join in for a local dinner and cultural performance at night.
  • Lan Ha Bay is a beautiful enclave of green waters and strange rock formations. Explore them by boat and kayak, then spend the night on nearby Cat Ba Island.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you happen to arrive early, take the day at your own pace and wander the Old Quarter admiring the city’s French-colonial architecture and manicured parks, or simply enjoy some street food.
Day 2 - Hanoi
This morning, visit Vun Art center first, a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Hear from them about the great things that they do and then follow your leader to visit the nearby flower and flea market to gain some insights into local life that you'll not see in tourist areas. Then enjoy some free time in Hanoi today. Perhaps check out one of the city’s museums, like the Museum of Ethnology which offers an insight into the different ethnic groups and cultures in Vietnam, or the Fine Arts Museum which houses a collection of more than 2000 pieces, some dating back to the 11th century. Alternatively, you might like to wander the grounds of the Temple of Literature, a historical complex in Hanoi. Tonight, you might like to meet up with some of your fellow travellers and try out a local dish like pho or Bahn Mi – enjoy!
Day 3 - Cat Ba
An early start is necessary to get the most out of your day. Take a 7.30 am bus ride and ferry transfer to the steep karsts and tiny beaches of Cat Ba Island, arriving before midday – you’ll have a quick stop to stretch your legs en route. The largest of all the islands in World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, charming Cat Ba will be your base for exploring the limestone cliffs and turquoise water that defines this area. Get acquainted with this stunning spot with an afternoon cruise around the bay, enjoying lunch on the boat while floating past the karsts covered in emerald-green foliage. Later, get closer to the water and explore on a kayak, perhaps stopping at one of Cat Ba’s many beaches for a swim. Stay overnight on Cat Ba Island and enjoy the sunset with a cold beer.
Day 4 - Ninh Binh
Today, you’ll travel to the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh. A naturally beautiful area, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains. Today, you’ll enjoy a cycling tour where you’ll discover Ninh Binh in a fresh way that gets your blood pumping and takes you off the beaten track. You’ll get a chance to explore Hoa Lu – the temple of King Dinh and King Le which were built in the 10th century and dedicated to two the two kings of Vietnam. The ancient citadel once covered 300 hectares of land, however the passage of time has left few remains of this once glorious capital of the Vietnam.
Day 5 - Ninh Binh – Overnight train
Today, you’ll have a free day to explore Ninh Binh at your leisure. You might like to hike to Mua Cave – located underneath Mua Mountain, this culturally significant and naturally beautiful spot is well worth the visit. If hiking doesn’t take your fancy, a boat trip to Trang An might be just the thing to fill your day. A series of limestone mountains, some 250 million years old, tower over lakes, caves and valleys below. After a day of activities of your own choosing, you’ll meet with your group in the evening to take an overnight train to Hue.
Day 6 - Hue
As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past and is a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Packed with historic monuments, Hue is also perfectly located to explore the surrounding countryside, which features stunning scenery, quaint villages and the peaceful Tam Giang Lagoon. The bustling Dong Ba Market offers a plethora of goods and foods to see and sample, and it's a good place to try some of the specialities that graced the Nguyen emperors' banquet tables, such as the banh khoai – a royal rice cake. Here you have a free day, which you could easily spend exploring Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace enclosed within. Perhaps jump on board a dragon boat and enjoy a cruise up the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu pagoda, or cycle out to one of the Royal tombs such as the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Otherwise, set off on an optional motorcycle tour of the sights in Hue and some surrounding villages.
Day 7 - Hoi An
Continue on your journey and travel to the World Heritage-listed town of Hoi An, where on arrival, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around town. The city was a major trading port with the west from the 17th century onwards, and has various architectural influences from Europe, China and Vietnam. Today, the city is being restored and looks exactly like it did over a century ago. The rest of the day is free for you to do some optional activities or soak up the ambience of the place. You may like to wander Hoi An Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more. It’s also famous for its talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within 24 hours, so be sure to check that out!
Day 8 - Hoi An
Enjoy a free day to further explore Hoi An. Perhaps take a cruise up the Thu Bon River or learn the secrets of cooking delicious Vietnamese dishes. Visit some of the main art galleries or simply wander around the beautifully restored Chinese shop houses. There’s also the option of cycling around the surrounding countryside – a truly relaxing way to get off the beaten track and see rural Vietnam up close. Your leader will be able to suggest activities to help you get the most out of your time.
Day 9 - Overnight Train
Jump on your train to Ho Chi Minh this morning. This 17-hour overnight train takes your through amazing landscapes in southern Vietnam - grab a book, put your headphone on and go along with the ride.
Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City very early this morning and transfer to your hotel. Today you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Vietnam’s largest city. Ho Chi Minh City has a busy atmosphere and many French influences. In your free time, it’s recommended to visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. There’s also the historic Dong Khoi Street, and the chaotic markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). Ho Chi Minh City has a different style of cuisine to its northern counterpart Hanoi, so be sure to get out for restaurant meals and street food with your travel crew. Your group leader knows all the best people in the right places, so they’ll know of some delectable places to eat, for any budget.
Day 11 - Ho Chi Minh City
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, get out and discover the city's blend of old and new, East and West and sample a baguette or some of the excellent coffee on offer – both markers of the city's strong French influence. Equally essential are visits to the Reunification Palace (the site of South Vietnam's surrender in April 1975) and the War Remnants Museum. As there isn’t much time to explore Ho Chi Minh City on this tour, it’s highly recommended you spend a day or two extra to get a real taste of this busy city. After your meeting, why not get a taxi and head to the night markets at Ben Thanh – teeming with good food and local handicrafts, it’s a perfect start to your adventure.
Day 12 - Phnom Penh
Travel by local bus through rural Vietnam and Cambodia this morning, making your way to Phnom Penh. With two border crossings and a stop for lunch, this is a long travel day, so maybe have a good book or a road trip game handy. 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. You may want to take a cyclo tour of the city's sights when you arrive, which includes the central market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong Riverfront, independence monument and Royal Palace. 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.
Day 13 - Phnom Penh
Take a day to explore the swirl and bustle of Phnom Penh. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. These serve as sobering reminders of the violent rule of the Khmer Rouge. Here you can learn more about this confronting but important chapter in history – if you'd rather not visit these sites, simply let your leader know. Otherwise, the rest of the day is free for you to explore. You could visit Wat Phnom – a Buddhist temple shrouded in myth – or the National Museum and its excellent Khmer collection. In the evening, maybe head out with your group for a drink overlooking the Tonle Sap River.
Day 14 - Kampot
Take a local train to Kampot this morning – one of Cambodia's most attractive old towns. Famous for its pepper, Kampot supplied most French restaurants with this vital spice for many years during colonial rule. Today, the region is more renowned for its plantations of durian – a spiky, pungent fruit that you’ll either love or hate – try it and see! Follow your leader for a stroll along the riverside and observe the French architecture, learn about the local heritage buildings and maybe have a cup of coffee on the veranda of one of the riverside restaurants to admire the view of the Bokor Mountain Range. A traditional massage is also highly recommended here from the local enterprise Seeing Hands – one of the most enjoyable ways of supporting a local charity, you’ll change into loose cotton pyjamas and then put yourself in the capable hands of one of the blind masseurs. In a country with no social security, the training and support provided by the centres allow blind Cambodians to support themselves. This afternoon, head to the dock at the Kampong Bay River and board a local boat for a serene cruise with a stunning view of the sun setting over Bokor Mountain.
Day 15 - Kampot
Enjoy a free day in the chilled-out town of Kampot today. For a unique photo opportunity, head to the centre of the town, where a giant durian statue sits smack in the middle of a roundabout. Maybe browse for some goodies to take home at the covered market. The nearby countryside is also a delight to explore – among fields of Kampot pepper and rice, there’s a salt field and limestone cave. Inside the cave sits the small 7th-century brick temple Phnom Chhnork.
Day 16 - Chambok
This morning, take a private vehicle into rural Cambodia to the village of Chambok in the Kampong Speu region. There's a lot of natural beauty to discover here and the Chambok community is renowned for its ecotourism. A member of the Chambok community will take you on a village walk when you arrive and will be happy to chat about their community’s history, lifestyle and local ecotourism projects. Meet the families you’ll spend the night with and settle into your homestay before walking around the village and exploring at your own pace. Maybe head to a nearby waterfall – if it's warm enough, you may even opt for a swim! Tonight, head to the community centre to enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner prepared by women from the community. You'll also be treated to a traditional dance performance – tonight is an unforgettable local experience!
Day 17 - Siem Reap
Today, take a private transfer to Siem Reap – this small but expanding town is the gateway to the famed Angkor archaeological site. This is the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia (maybe even all of Southeast Asia!). When you arrive, maybe explore the markets – a great place to shop or try some cheap, delicious street food. Tonight, you’re free to fine the best spot for a local feed – your leader is always on hand with great recommendations.
Day 18 - Siem Reap
Today, you’ll visit the world-famous Angkor complex with your local guide. These temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer Empire was the pre-eminent influence in Southeast Asia. The temples 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 some spectacular photo opportunities at any time of day! The ruins are scattered over some 160 square km, but the main cluster of temples are close to Siem Reap. You'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, among others.
Day 19 - Siem Reap
With no activities planned for today, you can depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you wish to spend some extra time in Siem Reap, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-12-202423-12-2024AUD $ 2,074-
19-12-202406-01-2025AUD $ 2,115-

Accommodation

Guesthouse (4 nights),Homestay (1 night),Hotel (11 nights),Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)

Transport

Overnight Sleeper Train,Local bus,Private Minibus,Boat,TuK tuk,Train

Map

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