12 Days Classic Vietnam and Cambodia Tour

Day 1 Siem Reap Arrival

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Welcome to Siem Reap! Upon arrival, meet up with the tour guide at Siem Reap International Airport. Then, your will be transferred to the hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2 Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat

Meals: B

Today, begin your exploration of the remains of Khmer Empire that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Angkor served as the seat of the empire.

In the morning, tour the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Huge silk-cotton trees and strangler figs grow over, around, and through the ancient stone blocks. The temple would make you feel as if you are in an adventure movie set.

Then, visit Banteay Kdei, a kind of smaller version of Ta Prohm. Continue to Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King, Royal Palace, Baphuon Temple and Bayon Temple. Bayon sets itself apart with its 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcomed. With winding tunnels, chambers, and climbs, Bayon offers many exciting moments to keep your camera busy.

In the afternoon, head to visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Angkor Wat possesses some of the longest and most intricate stone carvings. Spend the afternoon fully exploring the passages, levels, and chambers that once housed many treasures of the flourishing kingdom.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3 Banteay Srei, Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Phluk

Meals: B

In the morning, head towards the deep jungle to visit Banteay Srei. The temple is carved from red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to elaborate wall carvings, which are well preserved to this day.

After lunch, take a half day excursion to the biggest Southeast Asia’s largest fresh water lake - Tonle Sap Lake. You’ll take a boat trip to enjoy the beautiful lake views and mangrove forests. Then, tour Kompong Phluk, the largest village on the lake, to discover the fascinating daily lifestyle of the local people who live on the water.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4 Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Meals: B

After breakfast, drive from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, taking about 7.5 to 8 hours including the stops to visit some attractions along the way.

En route, you will first stop to visit the Naga Bridge built in the 12th century. It is well reserved and now still used by local people. Second stop will be around lunch time in Kompong Thom town to visit the ruined temples in Sambor Prei Kuk, the ancient capital of the Khmer between the 6th and 7th century. Arrive in Phnom Penh in the afternoon.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 5 Phnom Penh City Highlights

Meals: B

Start the day with a Tuk-tuk ride to visit the Silver Pagoda which is decorated with about 5000 silver tiles on the floor and the Royal Palace where the Khmer royal family lives. After that, tour the National Museum where you can see a large collection of Khmer history, arts and architecture.

In the afternoon, head straight to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to delve into the sad past of Khmer people. Accompanied by the knowledgeable guide, you will see the exhibitions in the museum and then pay a visit to Choueng Ek Memorial, a pagoda constructed out of over 8000 human skulls excavated from the Killing Fields.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 6 Phnom Penh to Saigon

Flight: Internal flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

Enjoy your free time this morning. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to airport to take a flight to Saigon, Vietnam. This bustling metropolis, commonly referred to as Saigon, is jam-packed with historic landmarks, busy markets, and enticing street stalls making it an excellent city break destination.

Upon arrival, your guide and driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to hotel for check-in. The rest of today is at leisure for your own.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 7 Saigon City Highlights, Flight to Hoi An

Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

Today, you will explore some of the most important sights in Saigon. Head to Notre Dame Cathedral, constructed by French colonists during their settlement. It is the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia. Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architecture considered one of the main attractions in the city.

After that, visit the Reunification Palace, home of South Vietnam's President during the war. The next stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the thickly settled district that is rife with tea-houses and pagodas. It's the home to the famous Binh Tay Market. Then pay a visit to the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise Pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be one of the finest places to see in Saigon.

In the late afternoon, take a flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the local hotel to check in.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8 My Son Holy Land, Hoi An Ancient Port Town

Meals: B

This morning, you will travel to the 4th century My Son Holy Land that is tucked in the mountains. The winding roads up to the sight has serene views to offer. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden for living or development. So the ruins lie in the beautiful mountains are well-protected. You can enter the temples to hear the histories and stories of this holy site and the Cham people.

In the afternoon, continue your trip to the ancient capital of Hoi An, which features the 16th-century port town in its preserved state. The town is a perfect mixture of ancient architecture, houses, and temples as well as modern western restaurants and cafes. Take your time to visit the Japanese Bridge, a renowned Chinese Temple, and former Vietnamese merchants' houses.

Later, take a boat trip along the Huai River to Thanh Ha Pottery Village and see how local people work on their crafts. In the evening, the town will become quite romantic when the lights come on, and you can see colorful lanterns everywhere, some flower lanterns floating on the river.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 9 Hoi An to Hanoi, Hanoi City Tour

Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

In the early morning, transfer to Da Nang for a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the shores of West Lake. With amazing Buddhist symbolism, you can take some time to deeply explore the pagoda.

Then, head to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnamese great father - President Ho Chi Minh. He lived here on and off from 1958 to 1969.

The next destination is One Pillar Pagoda, a group of structures consisting of a pagoda and a tower built in the middle of a square lake. Leaving the pagoda, go to the Temple of Literature that is the first college in Vietnam.

In the afternoon, you need to choose one of Hanoi's museums (History Museum or Ethnology Museum) to visit. After that, drive to admire Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

Then take a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets. The bustling narrow streets are home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10 Hanoi to Halong Bay, Full Day Halong Bay Cruise

Meals: B / L / D

After breakfast, drive about 3 hours to Halong Bay, one of the Wonders of the Orient. Around noon, your Halong Bay Cruise starts from Tuan Chau Island, the gateway of Halong Bay.

In the afternoon, explore the treasures spread across the Halong Bay, covering some stunning caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, and fantastic rock formations rising up out of the emerald water.

While onboard, you can enjoy the services of Spa and Massage. Another highlight of the cruise is the innovative and varied cuisine offered in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages. You can watch the chef's cooking demonstration and try to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese cooking.

Overnight on Halong Bay Cruise.

Day 11 Halong Bay to Hanoi

Meals: B

Wake up to experience Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and then continue cruising the beautiful Halong Bay. The breakfast buffet will be served in the dining room. After a visit to a limestone grotto, you will then disembark the cruise in Halong City around noon.

Return back to Hanoi and enjoy your leisure time.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 12 Farewell from Hanoi!

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Meals: B

Today, the guide will transfer you to the airport. Hope you have a nice trip home and look forward to traveling with you again!

End of service.