18 Days Best of Vietnam & Cambodia

After breakfast, our guide pick up at hotel at 8.00AM. Sightseeing today includes explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, start a Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and stilt house), the Presidential Palace, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Temple of Literature; West Lake including the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda; and one of the city’s museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). End the day’s explorations enjoy a traditional water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi. 

After breakfast, we start a 3 hour drive through the Red River Delta, which offers plenty of chances for taking photos of Vietnamese farmers tilling the vast green paddy fields. Stop at half way for taking a short break. Arrive at Halong City, check in and board your junk, enjoy approximately 24 hours journey in the amazing bay: a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as we sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, enjoy some activities in the bay, or just spend some time relaxing on board (Possibility to swim in the bay if weather permits). Dinner is served on board.

Rise early to make the most of Halong Bay’s stunning scenery as you continue your exploration of the bay. Check-out cabin at noon & return to Hanoi. Stroll through the backstreets of the Old Quarter sampling delicious local snacks and drinking beer local-style at a ‘Bia Hoi’ establishment.

Free until transferred to airport for fly to Da Nang. Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up at airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Rest of the day, free at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An

OPTION 1: Hoi An - Cam Thanh Farmer - Buffalo Experience
08:30 – Meet your expert guide at your hotel and cycle along quiet countryside roads to the local fishing village of Cam Thanh. Along the way, stop at rice paddies and fish and shrimp farms.
Meet local farmers working in the fields and join them in traditional farming activities, including ploughing, preparing the soil, and planting young rice seedlings. You will also have the opportunity to ride a water buffalo and help feed it — a truly memorable experience.
Continue to a local fisherman’s home to taste homemade coconut jam and tea while meeting members of the family.
Explore the water coconut palm forest and learn about traditional fishing techniques. Share hands-on experiences with local fishermen as you catch fish and purple crabs using unique fishing nets, and paddle a traditional bamboo basket boat.
Learn more about the Vietnam–American War through interesting and authentic stories shared by locals.
Enjoy lunch at a local home, where you will learn how to make fresh rice milk and cook the traditional Hoi An pancake (Bánh Xèo).
13:00 – Return to your hotel and end of the program. Thank you for choosing our company.
Optional departure:
Guests may also choose an afternoon departure, starting at 14:00 and finishing at approximately 18:30.

OPTION 2: Countryside & Handicraft Villages by Bike and Boat – Half-Day Tour
Morning Tour: 07:30 – 11:30 or Afternoon Tour: 13:30 – 17:30
Start with a bike ride through rice paddies and quiet villages, heading to the harbor. From here, embark on a boat trip along the Thu Bon River to discover Hoi An’s traditional handicraft villages.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Visit this famous village known for its centuries-old pottery traditions. Explore the temple, museum, and join a hands-on pottery-making workshop.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Hear the rhythmic sounds of chiseling and drilling as you walk through this community where woodworking skills have been passed down for generations.
Tra Nhieu Mat-Weaving Village: Learn how locals weave traditional sleeping mats and listen to stories about village life, fishing traditions, and resilience during wartime.
Stop at a local restaurant for lunch (or early dinner for afternoon tours), where you’ll enjoy authentic countryside flavors.
Cycle back to your hotel. Tour ends.

OPTION 3: Tra Que Village – Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Distance (cycling): ~ 4.5 - 5km | Duration: Full day
08:30 AM – Cycle (~15–20 mins) from your hotel to Tra Que Village. Visit herb gardens, meet local farmers, and join light gardening activities using organic methods.
10:00 AM – Ride through rice fields and quiet roads to Van Lang Fisherman Village & Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Visit a local family, enjoy green tea, and row a basket boat through the palm-lined waterways. Learn traditional fishing techniques.
1:00 PM – Herbal foot soak, then join a hands-on cooking class with the host. Enjoy lunch with local dishes: Tam Huu, Banh Xeo, grilled fish, and more.
2:30 PM – Relax before returning to your hotel by ~4:00 PM.
Note: Non-cyclists can join by car/electric buggy (extra charge).

OPTION 4: Coconut Forest - Hoi An Walking Tour - Tailor Streets
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
8:30 AM – Pick-up from your hotel. Transfer to Bay Mau Coconut Forest (Cam Thanh Village), known for its peaceful canals and lush nipa palm groves.
Enjoy a basket boat ride through the waterways, guided by local fishermen. Learn traditional fishing techniques and have fun with basket boat "spinning" performances.
10:00 AM – Head to Hoi An Ancient Town. Begin your walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Old Quarter:

- Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge
- Explore the Fujian Assembly Hall
- Wander through narrow alleys, tailor shops, art galleries & local markets

12:30 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant, featuring Hoi An specialties: Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Banh Mi, etc.

Afternoon & Evening: Free at Leisure
Suggested activities:
- Walk along the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Town
- Take a Thu Bon River boat ride at sunset
- Visit the vibrant Night Market
- Dine at a riverside restaurant
- Watch a traditional show like Ký Ức Hội An

OPTION 5: Lantern Making & Be a Farmer at Tra Que Village – Half-Day Tour from Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast 
Distance: ~3 km (~10-15mins by cycling)
08:00 – 08:30 (Flexible for private tour): Your guide will meet you at your hotel and provide bicycles for the trip. Begin cycling through rice paddies and shrimp farms on the way to Tra Que.

Tra Que Vegetable Village
Arrive at the peaceful Tra Que vegetable village. Stroll through the lush gardens and experience daily farming life. Join the locals in traditional activities such as digging, sowing, planting, and harvesting with centuries-old tools. Refresh yourself with E Water, a Tra Que specialty made from medicinal herbs, and enjoy becoming a farmer for the morning.
Lantern Making Workshop
Continue cycling past rice fields and quiet villages to reach a local lantern-making workshop. Skilled craftsmen will demonstrate how to create colorful lanterns, and under their guidance you will craft your own lantern — a perfect souvenir to bring home.
Return to Hoi An
After the workshop, cycle back to your hotel. The tour ends around 13:30.

OPTION 6: Countryside & Handicraft Villages by Bike and Boat – Half-Day Tour
Morning Tour: 07:30 – 11:30 or Afternoon Tour: 13:30 – 17:30
Start with a bike ride through rice paddies and quiet villages, heading to the harbor. From here, embark on a boat trip along the Thu Bon River to discover Hoi An’s traditional handicraft villages.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Visit this famous village known for its centuries-old pottery traditions. Explore the temple, museum, and join a hands-on pottery-making workshop.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Hear the rhythmic sounds of chiseling and drilling as you walk through this community where woodworking skills have been passed down for generations.
Tra Nhieu Mat-Weaving Village: Learn how locals weave traditional sleeping mats and listen to stories about village life, fishing traditions, and resilience during wartime.
Stop at a local restaurant for lunch (or early dinner for afternoon tours), where you’ll enjoy authentic countryside flavors.
Cycle back to your hotel. Tour ends.

Today, free at leisure

OPTIONAL: Bana Hills with Golden Hand Bridge

7:20 AM – Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. For private tours, pick-up time can be adjusted upon request.
8:00 AM – Meet your guide and depart for Ba Na Hills (~30 km, ~1 hour drive).

Upon arrival, take the Ba Na Hills cable car, one of the longest and highest in the world, reaching the summit in 15–20 minutes. During the ride, enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and forested valleys below.
At the top, visit the key highlights:

• The Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands – an iconic photo spot
• The romantic Le Jardin d’Amour (nine themed flower gardens)
• The historic French Wine Cellar (optional with extra fee)
• The peaceful Linh Ung Pagoda

Continue exploring the French Village, including:

• Campanile Bell Tower, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, and Tombstone Temple
• Linh Phong Monastery, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple, and Tru Vu Tea House
• Watch the colorful Carnival Performance at Du Dome Square

12:00 PM – Enjoy a buffet lunch at a mountaintop restaurant.
1:00–3:00 PM – Free time to explore or join games at Fantasy Park (indoor amusement area).
3:30 PM – Take the cable car down (15–20 minutes) and meet your guide at the base station.
4:30 PM – Transfer back to Da Nang. On the way, stop by the Han Market, where locals shop for fresh produce, dried goods, and souvenirs. A perfect spot to observe daily life and experience the local vibe. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Da Nang/ Hoi An
 

Morning flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check in

Breakfast at hotel, meet our guide at 8.00 & start visiting to the most attractive places in Ho Chi Minh City including Reunification Palace - a special national relic for its historical and architectural values of Vietnam, and the War Remnants Museum. Next, we will explore a little bit about Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office – the French building in Ho Chi Minh City.

Have a lunch at local restaurant before leaving the city for a tour to Cu Chi Tunnels - a man-made maze with the length of almost 250 kilometers. Also, the tunnels were used to serve as communication routes, storage facilities, hospitals and living quarters for Vietnamese fighters in the long period of war. If you are interested in, you can go into the tunnels to discover the harsh living conditions of those whose were used to live there. 

After that, taste the typical boiled tapioca and hot tea before you come back to Saigon.

Be picked up at your hotel at 8h00am and transfer to Cai Be. Start with a bicycle ride around this remote area, ending up at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river. After lunch, start your leisurely cruise on the busy waterways, with stops along the way for glimpses of local cottage industries that provide a living for the river people. Before arriving at Sa Dec, stop to visit a traditional pottery factory where everything is made by hand. Dinner is served on board. Enjoy your first night on board Song Xanh on the Mekong River.

After breakfast served on board step ashore and take a stroll to the outdoor market. Visit the historic house of the real-life character in the novel and film The Lover by Marguerite Duras. Back on board cruise up towards Long Xuyen along a narrow canal, passing several monkey bridges. Lunch is served on board. Upon arrival in Long Xuyen, visit Tiger Island. Dinner is served at a local house. The owner welcomes you and a candlelit dinner is served in this authentic environment. After dinner, return on board and resume your cruise towards Chau Doc. Your boat sails until around 10:00 pm before anchoring for the night. Overnight on board.

Breakfast is served on board while your sampan cruises towards Chau Doc. Close to the border with Cambodia, Chau Doc is the gateway to Phnom Penh. Known throughout Vietnam for its pagodas and temples it is also famous for Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, a superb eucalyptus mangrove. Disembark at Victoria Chau Doc private pier and Overnight at Victoria Resort

Transfer to Con Tien floating market - Tran Hung Dao Street for speedboat to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, meet our tour guide with driver and then transfer to hotel for check-in. Free your own leisure time and stay overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh offers up an array of adventures. Take a cyclo ride from your hotel to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, which astound in their majesty. The National Museum is a fascinating look at Cambodia’s history with art and artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. Reflect on the Khmer Rouge legacy at Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields and gain fascinating insights into Cambodia’s confronting past. End your day at the central market observing the lives of the locals.

we will drive to the rural outskirt 35km from Angkor area to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man. On the way back to Siem Reap we will visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes of Vishnu as well as Krishna legends. Return back and overnight in Siem Reap.

To avoid the big crowd, you will have early breakfast and start at 0730am to visit picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. Then continue to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat - one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. Lunch at local restaruant (own account). After lunch continue exploring the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom. City & Bayon Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further, visit to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lipper King Terrace and Royal Palace Enclosure area. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred by our local guide and private car to Krabei Riel Village where will enjoy walking and ride the ox-cart to visit the daily life and daily activities of the villagers. A short stop to one of the local house, enjoy the fresh seasonal fruits and coconut juice. Transfer back to Siem Reap and check out. In the afternoon you will transfer to southern part of Siem Reap through local villages and along the rice paddy fields to Chong Kneas Floating Village where is home to hundreds of families living on the water. Embark on a local boat for about an hour to visit this floating village. You will have a chance to see the real-life of local people and see how they make for a living. End of the tour, free at leisure

Free at leisure until transfer to airport