Your Itinerary
Begin your Vietnam and Cambodia tour with an unforgettable adventure! Discover Vietnam’s stunning landscapes and rich history as you journey from bustling cities to serene natural wonders. Explore Cambodia’s majestic temples and vibrant culture, with ample time to immerse yourself in the beauty and heritage of both countries.
This itinerary is designed to let you fully experience each destination, with plenty of time to relax, unwind, and soak in the wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia.
"In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take." - Anonymous
DAY 1: HANOI (1 NIGHT)
Chao ban! Welcome to vibrant Hanoi! You'll be picked up from the airport and whisk you away to your hotel right in the heart of the city, where the excitement never stops. Once you’ve settled in, you’re free to explore the wonders of Hanoi at your own pace. Enjoy your adventure!
Wander through Hanoi's Old Quarter where every street has unique character like Silk Street
DAY 2: HALONG BAY (1 NIGHT)
You’ll be picked up from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel and taken to Ha Long Bay. At Tuan Chau Marina, stretch out while we handle registration. Board the LE JOURNEY CRUISE and enjoy a welcome drink and briefing.
Savor lunch as we cruise past stunning limestone formations. Explore Sung Sot Cave, then visit Ti Top Island for panoramic views or a swim. End the day with drinks, snacks, and a sumptuous local dinner on the sundeck.
Sail through limestone cliffs in Halong Bay
After dinner, various activities including karaoke, and squid fishing are organized. Or you can just laze around with exhilarating drinks from our bar. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure.
DAY 3: HANOI (1 NIGHT)
Enjoy breakfast with the stunning sunrise over Ha Long Bay. As you approach the Natural Preservation Area, join a guided trip to Luon Cave, where you can kayak and marvel at the unique karst formations. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys along the cliffs!
After returning to the LE JOURNEY CRUISE, it's time to check out and savor a delightful lunch. You'll cruise back to Tuan Chau Marina, where you’ll disembark and return to your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel via shuttle.
DAY 4: HANOI – BUS TO SAPA – CAT CAT VILLAGE (1 NIGHT)
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and board a bus to Sapa. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the vibrant traditional costumes of the H’mong, Dzao, and Tay ethnic groups. Your tour guide will meet you at the bus station and lead you to your hotel for check-in and a lunch of delicious local Vietnamese dishes.
Cat Cat Village, Sapa
After lunch, embark on a short trek to Cat Cat village, home to the Black H’mong people, nestled at the base of Fansipan Peak. Your guide will introduce you to local life as you hike down to a waterfall and a historic French hydraulic power station. Enjoy photo stops with the scenic bridge and waterfall before returning uphill to catch the bus back to Sapa. The trek covers approximately 3.5 km and takes about 2 hours.
The rest of the day is yours to explore Sapa Town at your leisure.
DAY 5: SAPA – Y LINH HO – LAO CHAI – TA VAN – HANOI (1 NIGHT)
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel and prepare a light pack for trekking. Begin your trek from Sapa to Y Linh Ho, then continue through rice terraces and along Muong Hoa Stream to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai, where you'll take in the stunning Hoang Lien Son Mountain views. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Lao Chai Village.
Next, head to Ta Van village, home of the Dzay ethnic people. From Ta Van Bridge, catch a bus back to Sapa. Your trek covers about 12 km and takes approximately 4.5 hours. Your tour guide will assist you to the bus stop, and you’ll arrive back in Hanoi later in the day.
DAY 6: SLEEPER TRAIN TO DA NANG (1 NIGHT)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the day at your leisure. Later, return to the hotel where you’ll be transferred to the train station. Board your train for an overnight journey to Da Nang.
Sleeper train experience to Da Nang
Taking the overnight train to Da Nang, Vietnam is an adventure in itself! As you settle into your cozy soft sleeper cabin, you'll watch the stunning Vietnamese landscape unfold through the window. This classic train journey blends comfort with charm, offering a restful ride while showcasing the beauty of the countryside. Waking up in Da Nang, ready to explore its gorgeous beaches and vibrant culture, is a fantastic start to your adventure. It’s not just travel—it’s a memorable experience!
DAY 7: HOI AN (2 NIGHTS)
Upon arrival at Da Nang station, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An. Enjoy your free time to explore and relax at your own pace.
Hoi An's well-preserved ancient town
You can simply walk through Hoi An's Ancient Town to admire its architecture and vibrant streets or visit the lively Central Market to experience local life and colorful goods. In the evening, stroll along the lantern-lit Thu Bon River and enjoy live street music.
DAY 8: MY SON HOLY LAND
A bus and tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you from Hoi An to My Son Holy Land, located 48km west of Hoi An amidst stunning mountains. My Son, established in the late 4th century under Cham King Bhadravaman, is a vast religious complex featuring over 70 towers and temples with intricate Cham carvings. Spend two hours exploring the ancient Champa Kingdom's architectural marvels with our guide.
My Son and Holy, Vietnam's Angkor Wat
Next, head to Cau Lau boat station for a scenic boat trip on the Thu Bon River. Enjoy a soft lunch while taking in the fresh air and local life. The boat trip includes a stop at Kim Bong Carpentry Village, renowned for its traditional craftsmanship. The tour concludes at the boat station, where a taxi will take you back to your hotel.
DAY 9: FREE DAY AT HOI AN
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out to explore Hoi An at your leisure. Wander through the enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town, soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Tra Que Green Village, or, if the weather permits, escape to the picturesque Cham Island. Embrace the freedom to tailor your adventure and fully immerse yourself in the local charm and beauty.
DAY 10: FLY TO HO CHI MINH (3 NIGHTS)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel and check in, ready to dive into the vibrant energy of this bustling metropolis.
Bustling city of Ho Chi Minh
DAY 11: MEKONG DELTA – MY THO – BEN TRE
Escape the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City as you head to My Tho, nestled along the Mekong River. Start your visit at the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, dating back to the late 19th century. Board a sampan for a scenic cruise around the four enchanting islands—Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise.
On Unicorn Island, stroll country lanes, explore orchards, savor tropical fruits, and enjoy traditional folk songs performed by locals. Visit a fruit plantation, take a hand-rowed sampan ride through Thoi Son Canal, and discover a honey-bee farm with honey tea and a coconut candy workshop. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy some free time. In the afternoon, cycle around Tan Thach Village to experience Mekong Delta life, or relax in a hammock if cycling isn’t for you. Return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City to unwind.
The "rice-bowl" of Vietnam, Mekong Delta
DAY 12: CU CHI TUNNEL
You’ll be picked up from your hotel for a scenic one-and-a-half-hour bus ride to Cu Chi. Upon arrival, start with an introduction and a video explaining the construction of the tunnels and how people survived during wartime.
Explore the intricate tunnel systems, including living quarters, kitchens, storage areas, weapon factories, field hospitals, and command centers, all designed to meet the basic needs of those living underground. Discover hidden trap doors and dangerous traps used for security during the war. Enjoy a serving of traditional tea and cassava, the guerrilla’s wartime food. After a break, you can opt to try shooting real guns. Finally, return to your hotel in Saigon.
Vientam's hidden history in Cu Chi Tunnels
DAY 13: BUS TO PHOM PENH (2 NIGHTS)
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before our driver picks you up around 7:30-8:00 AM to head to the bus station. Embark on an exciting 6-hour journey to Phnom Penh, complete with a border crossing adventure. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as you make your way to Cambodia’s vibrant capital.
DAY 14: PHNOM PENH – CHOEUNG EK – RUSSIAN MARKET
Today you have the option of a historical tour of the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and infamous Choeung Ek, offering a profound insight into the harrowing Khmer Rouge era.
Khmer Rouge history in Cambodia
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then spend the afternoon exploring Psar Toul Tom Pong, also known as the “Russian Market,” where you can find a wide array of goods. Later, unwind with a relaxing one-hour boat cruise on the Mekong River.
DAY 15: BUS TO SIEM REAP (3 NIGHTS)
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic 6-hour bus journey to Siem Reap. Once you arrive, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace—unwind, discover hidden gems, or simply relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming city. Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for sightseeing suggestions.
DAY 16: ANGKOR WAT
After breakfast, dive into the wonders of the Angkor Thom Area, exploring the South Gate, Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, Phimean Akas Temple, Elephants Terrace, Leper King Terrace, Royal Palace, and the Woman and Man Pond.
Cambodia's ancient wonder, Angkor Wat
Next, visit the enchanting Ta Prohm Temple. After a delicious lunch, marvel at Angkor Wat Temple, a stunning architectural masterpiece from the 9th to 13th centuries and one of the world’s seven greatest wonders. Conclude your day with a visit to Bakheng Hill for panoramic views and a perfect end to your tour.
DAY 17: TONLE SAP LAKE BOAT TOUR
After breakfast, embark on a boat trip to the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake, then visit Les Artisan D'Angkor, a unique art school that trains rural youth in traditional crafts like stone carving, woodcarving, lacquer, and silk weaving. Enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by a visit to Angkor Silk Farm, where you can learn about silk production. Finish your day with a stroll through the local market, soaking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant community.
DAY 18: RETURN TO AUSTRALIA
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel, then relax as our driver arrives to take you to the airport. As your journey comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you've made. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again on your next adventure!