Accommodation

HOTELS: Most of the accommodation on this trip is in hotels (mostly 2 to 3-star). Facilities are often basic, with some properties not having a continuous supply of hot water on occasion. All rooms are either fan cooled or with air conditioning and twin share with private facilities unless stated otherwise in the daily itinerary. Double beds are not widely available in South East Asia. WINDOWLESS ROOMS: Some hotels in South East Asia have windowless rooms, or windows that don’t necessarily have a view. This is often due to high population density in large cities, however local building standards also do not require rooms to have windows. We do request rooms with windows, however they aren’t always available. DAY ROOMS : & EARLY CHECK IN: Please note in some destinations we will provide use of day rooms. These rooms are provided for shared group use before or after overnight train journeys. We have some days where we arrive at our destination before check in time and a day room is not included. If you have booked a Single Supplement for your trip, it will not apply to these day rooms. Your leader may be able to assist you in booking a room for your sole use (depending on availability) until our regular trip rooms become available for an additional charge. Please talk to your leader at the Welcome Meeting if this is a service you would like to request. Guesthouse (1 night), Homestay (1 nights), Hotel (18 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)

Others

Da Bac - Homestay Dinner Da Bac - Homestay Lunch Da Bac - Sung Cave & Village Tour Da Bac - Sung village to Da Bia hike Da Bac - Da Bia Lunch Da Bac - Hoa Binh Reservoir Cruise Hanoi - Water puppet show Hanoi - Blue Dragon visit Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch Cat Ba Island - Kayaking Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay Hanoi - Temple of Literature Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc Hoi An - Old Town walking tour Bich Hoa Tam Thanh - village visit Quy Nhon - Martial art master visit and demonstration Quy Nhon - Do Ban ancient citadel Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum Ho Chi Minh City - City tour Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise and Homestay Mekong Delta - Guesthouse Dinner Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise Lunch Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) Kampong Chhnang - Pottery village visit Battambang - Soksabike social enterprise countryside cycling & local snack tour Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour Siem Reap - Sunrise at Angkor Wat Chong Kneas - Tonle Sap floating village visit

Meals

19 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Transport

OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAINS IN VIETNAM: Compartments will be 4 berth to 6 berth depending on seasonal variations and the group configuration. We aim to secure 4 berth compartments where possible. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Passengers of different genders may be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you’ll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. On occasion the group may be split between several carriages, however your leader will coordinate and give further information on the trip. Boat , Overnight sleeper train , Private minibus , Public Bus , Taxi , Train , Motorbike , Bicycle

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Optional

Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery - USD77 Hoi An - Cooking class - USD33 Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD44 Hoi An - Private Hoi An: Boat & Bike with Local Dinner Experience Urban Adventure - USD85 Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000 Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000 Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda - USD10 Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom - USD2 Phnom Penh - National Museum - USD10 Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour - USD4 Phnom Penh - Khmer massage - USD8 Battambang - Cooking Class - USD12 Battambang - Phnom Sampov bat caves - USD15 Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Silver Tour - USD54 Siem Reap - Landmine Museum - USD5 Siem Reap - Phare Circus Ticket - USD18 Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Gold Tour - USD87 Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure - THB1960 Bangkok - Jim Thompson’s House - THB200 Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure - THB2900 Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not step out onto the streets to explore the chaotic capital of Vietnam. Hanoi is an alluring city of contrasts, best discovered on foot. Tonight, maybe get to know your new travel buddies over a glass of fresh bia hoi. This is a foamy, light beer made fresh every day and served in basic, open-walled ‘brew halls’ – take up a brightly coloured plastic chair and sip your tasty brew.
Day 2 Day 2: Da Bac
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Da Bac

Leave Hanoi after breakfast this morning and make the drive to Sung village. Around 70 families live at Sung Village and the majority are Dzao ‘Tien’ people. Farming and forest plantation are their main source of income. Enjoy lunch at your homestay, then take an introductory walk around the village. After getting to know the village better, take a short trek to the alluring Sung Cave and visit a 100-year-old tea plantation. The trek has some steep and slippery sections, so ensure you have suitable footwear. After a handicraft workshop, return to your homestay accommodation for a nice hot shower and a delicious dinner.
Day 3 Day 3: Da Bac/Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Da Bac/Hanoi

This morning, you’ll have the opportunity to take in more of the Vietnamese highlands on a 10 km trek from Sung Village to Da Bia. The first 8 km of the trek is mostly flat ground along well-worn buffalo tracks. The final 2 km gradually inclines and there are some steps. Keep an eye peeled for the monumental stone at the peak of Da Bia Mountain during the hike that takes you through the local villages, meeting people from the ethnic Muong tribe along the way. Stop for lunch at Da Bia before enjoying a scenic 1.5-hour boat cruise on Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir. Arrive at Thung Nai, then board a bus transfer to Hanoi. When you arrive, enjoy a water puppet show in the evening.
Day 4 Day 4: Cat Ba Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Cat Ba Island

This morning, visit the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation – a community project dedicated to helping underprivileged children and victims of trafficking. Then, hop on the bus heading to Cat Ba Island, stopping for a quick break, then jump on the ferry. Board a boat and spend the rest of the day cruising the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay. Located in the greater Ha Long Bay area, Lan Ha Bay is one of Vietnam’s most scenic places, where limestone islands and caves rise from the emerald waters. Enjoy lunch on board, then get up close and personal with giant karsts in a kayak. Stay overnight on Cat Ba Island and enjoy a dip at one of the beaches (with a cold beer of course).
Day 5 Day 5: Hanoi/Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Hanoi/Overnight Train

Head back to Hanoi this morning and enjoy a city tour in the afternoon where you’ll see the city’s diverse past reflected in a mix of Southeast Asian, Chinese and French-influenced architecture. Stop by the aptly named One Pillar Pagoda – the country’s most famous stilt house (former residence of Ho Chi Minh) and the Temple of Literature. Shared hotel rooms will be available if you want to freshen up or organise your luggage for the overnight train tonight. Otherwise, use this time to do some shopping on Hang Gai Street or seek out some delicious street food. Meet back at the hotel lobby at 9 pm where you’ll transfer with the group to the train station. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a rewarding experience in Vietnam.
Day 6 Day 6: Hue
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Hue

Arrive in Hue this morning – the hub of Vietnam’s historic past. This former imperial capital is an eclectic mix of busy streets and peaceful beauty. The rest of the morning is free for you to relax. Maybe pick up a classic Hue breakfast of bun bo – a popular Vietnamese soup with vermicelli noodles and beef. After lunch, visit the Imperial Citadel – a sprawling complex of temples, pavilions, moats, gates and walls. The Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace and the Ancestral Altars are still very impressive, and the complex must have been awe-inspiring during its heyday in the 19th century. In your free time, you might like to visit Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and tantalising street food. This is a good place to try the specialties enjoyed by Emperor Nguyen, such as the banh khoai royal rice cake.
Day 7 Day 7: Hue
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Hue

Today’s adventure will be taken on the back of a motorbike. You’ll have your own driver who will take you first on a drive around the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins remain a testament to its proud history. Here, you’ll gain some insight into the horrific damage endured during the war. Next, ride to a special lunch spot at a convent or Buddhist monastery for a delicious vegetarian feast. After lunch, drive to the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set amid a lake, frangipani bushes and pine trees. This evening, maybe ask your leader for the best place to try Imperial Street specialties.
Day 8 Day 8: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Hoi An

Travelling by bus, head south through coastal rice paddies before stopping at Lang Co Beach. Traverse the dramatic Hai Van Pass along the way – a sometimes bumpy but incredibly scenic stretch of highway with views back to Lang Co Beach and beyond. The spectacular Marble Mountains will be your backdrop as you arrive in Hoi An. Declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of Southeast Asia’s major international ports from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago, and it retains the feel of times past. When you arrive, take a walking tour around the major sites of Hoi An’s charming Old Town, including a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. You’ll notice a distinctly Chinese appearance to the pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. A sightseeing pass is included in your tour for you to visit a selection of the major sights at your own pace.
Day 9 Day 9: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Hoi An

If you feel like getting active on your free day today, why not hire a bicycle and tour the surrounding countryside? This is one of the best ways to get an insight into rural Vietnam. Maybe take a day trip to My Son Cham (elaborate World Heritage-listed temples that reflect the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation), or cruise along the Thu Bon River. You may like to wander the Central Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors, who can make items to order within a few hours. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you’ll be able to have it copied!
Day 10 Day 10: Quy Nhon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Quy Nhon

Today, enjoy a scenic drive through central Vietnam to the seaside city of Quy Nhon. On the way, visit Bich Hoa Tam Thanh village, famous for its murals and paintings on the wall that show a different side of Vietnam country life. Arrive at Quy Nhon in the early afternoon and head out on an orientation walk with your leader. Then, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own or rest and recharge. This is your perfect chance to relax and put your feet up by the sea.
Day 11 Day 11: Quy Nhon/Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Quy Nhon/Overnight Train

This morning, enjoy a special visit to a local family that has practised martial arts for three generations. Meet the master of the family and learn about the secrets of his martial arts practice, learn about the health benefits, watch a demonstration and then try your moves at the master’s guidance. After, continue to the ancient citadel of Do Ban – the last capital of the Champa Kingdom where the Cham Kings lived between the 11th and the 15th centuries. Head back to Quy Nhon, maybe take the chance to freshen up at a hotel room or organise your luggage for the overnight train tonight.
Day 12 Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City early this morning and make use of the shared hotel rooms to refresh up before your day tour. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a fascinating blend of old and new, east and west. The huge number of people rushing about their daily lives in Vietnam’s largest city gives it a dynamic atmosphere, and the French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee on offer. Take a guided tour with your leader to get a feel for the city, going past the GPO, Reunification Palace and the Opera House. Stop in at the War Remnants Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral. With free time this evening, maybe drop by one of Vietnam’s most pulsing markets – Ben Thanh. This is the perfect place to pick up any last-minute snacks, cooking utensils, ingredients or gifts. Tonight, maybe enjoy some of the market’s fare for dinner as you shop or meet up with your group for a drink.
Day 13 Day 13: Mekong Delta
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Mekong Delta

Today, you’ll travel south by private bus to explore the Mekong Delta. When you arrive, you’ll board a boat and explore the intricate waterways. Often referred to as ‘the rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile delta is where rice, tropical fruit and flowers are grown for the whole country. Disembark at Ben Tre and visit a local cottage industry to sample the candy that the region is famous for. You’ll have the opportunity to take a tuk-tuk around this remote village and stop to sample tropical fruit, see a honey farm and learn more about rural life. For lunch, go to a restaurant in the heart of the delta and try regional specialities such as the famous elephant-ear fish. After lunch, board sampans (small rowing boats) and paddle along the canals under the shade of lush water coconut trees. Stay overnight at a guesthouse on the river and swap stories with your hosts.
Day 14 Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, say goodbye to the Mekong Delta and take the bus back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a free afternoon to see any sights (or sample any delights) that you didn’t get a chance to previously. Maybe spend the final night of your Vietnam adventure with a bowl of pho, celebrating with your new friends and toasting to a trip well-travelled.
Day 15 Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Ho Chi Minh City. If you have free time before the meeting, get out and discover the city’s blend of old and new, East and West at your own pace. The Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum are great sites to learn more about Vietnam’s history. If you arrive a day or two early, the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta make for excellent and insightful day trips from the city. After your meeting tonight, why not grab your group and head out for dinner.
Day 16 Day 16: Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Phnom Penh

Travel by public bus across the border, through rural Vietnam and Cambodia and onto Phnom Penh. 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. If you’re looking for a tasty beverage when you arrive, head for a mojito on the rooftop or 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 17 Day 17: Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Phnom Penh

Today, confront Cambodia’s tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. You’ll also head out to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls marks the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. Afterwards, you may wish to learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history from an optional visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Wat Phnom, shrouded in myth, is equally worth a visit, as is the National Museum with its excellent Khmer collection. Cyclo tours around the city are a great alternative to walking and generally include the Central Market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, the Independence Monument and Royal Palace.
Day 18 Day 18: Battambang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Battambang

Travel by private minibus to Battambang today. Break up an otherwise long trip with a visit to the pottery visit in Kampong Chhnang,and learn about the craft of pottery making at local workshops. Then continue to Cambodia’s second-largest city. A pretty riverside town of French elegance, friendly Khmer people and beautifully preserved colonial architecture, this is a great place to explore on your own. Why not take part in an optional cooking class to learn the secrets of local dishes such as amok, Khmer curry and fried spicy chicken.
Day 19 Day 19: Siem Reap
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Siem Reap

Spend a bit of time riding around the countryside by bike, travelling out to the rural villages around Battambang. This is a great opportunity to get a closer look at what rural life means in Cambodia. Visit local families who have been producing agricultural products the traditional way passed down through generations, like rice paper, dried bananas, and bamboo sticky rice and stop by a Khmer house and relax and enjoy some coconut water while chatting about their life. The Intrepid partner for this activity is a local social enterprise that support training of local youth for their future career. In the afternoon continue by private minibus to Siem Reap, arriving in the evening, and relax as you prepare for your much-anticipated visit to Angkor tomorrow. Perhaps hit the markets for some delicious street food for dinner.
Day 20 Day 20: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

A very rewarding morning to get to Angkor Wat in the early hours to watch the sun rising over it as it did in the ancient times (weather permitting). Then Temple-hop with your local guide and make the most of your visit to the world-famous Angkor complex. The temples, dating back as far as the ninth century, 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 spectacular photo opportunities at any time of day. Watching a sunrise or sunset is a must. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so there will be plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.
Day 21 Day 21: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Continue your explorations of the Angkor complex this morning. In the afternoon, embark on a private local boat discover the floating villages and local daily lives at Chhong Kneas, a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia.
Day 22 Day 22: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Bangkok

It’s a long drive by private minibus from Siem Reap to Bangkok today. Arrive in Thailand’s bustling capital and take in this exciting world of tuk tuks, khlong boats, and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Perhaps head out to sample some local specialties as a final farewell with your fellow travellers.
Day 23 Day 23: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Bangkok

Your trip comes to an end this morning, with no further activities planned. However, if you have more time, Bangkok is full of things to do, including the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the fascinating Jim Thompson museum. Just speak to your booking agent if you’d like to extend your stay.

+20

23 days tour

Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure (15 Destinations)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure (15 Destinations)

Day 1: Hanoi

Day 2: Da Bac

Day 3: Da Bac/Hanoi

Day 4: Cat Ba Island

Day 5: Hanoi/Overnight Train

Day 6: Hue

Day 7: Hue

Day 8: Hoi An

Day 9: Hoi An

Day 10: Quy Nhon

Day 11: Quy Nhon/Overnight Train

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13: Mekong Delta

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 16: Phnom Penh

Day 17: Phnom Penh

Day 18: Battambang

Day 19: Siem Reap

Day 20: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Day 21: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Day 22: Bangkok

Day 23: Bangkok

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