12 Days Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Welcome to Siem Reap! Upon arrival, meet up with the tour guide at the 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 Phnom Penh.

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.

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 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. Second stop will be at the Naga Bridge built in the 12th century. It is well reserved and now still used by local people. Arrive in Siem Reap in the afternoon.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

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.

Flight: Internal flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

In the morning, enjoy a half day excursion to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia. You will take a boat to explore the mangrove forests, rewarded with beautiful lake scenery. Then, visit Kompong Phluk, the biggest village on the lake, to discover the unique lifestyle of the local people who live on the water.

After that, transfer to airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at airport and escort to hotel for check in then rest on your own leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: B

In the morning, 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.

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.

Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

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.

Your guide will transfer you to the airport in Hanoi and take the flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, meet the local guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Hoi An for check in.

Overnight in Hoi An.

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.

Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to airport for a flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to hotel for check in.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore some of the most important sights in Ho Chi Minh City. Start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed by French colonists during their settlement, discover its significance as the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia.

Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building considered one of the main attractions in the city. Then visit the Reunification Palace, home of South Vietnam’s President during the war.

The final stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: B

This morning, drive to remote My Tho. This burgeoning city rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside which is known as the "rice basket of Vietnam".

Firstly, head to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it sets amongst lovely gardens overflowing with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools, and ornate gates that provide entry. Continue on a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages.

After lunch, visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island or explore the island on foot (the island is flat and relatively small).

After that, return back to Saigon and rest of the day is on your own leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Meals: B

Enjoy your relaxing time in the morning until you are picked up from the hotel and transferred to airport. Hope you have a nice trip home and look forward to traveling with you again!

End of services.