Cambodia & Vietnam Experience

Intrepid Travel · 19 days

4.7

7 Reviews

Duration

19 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Prepare for an epic adventure loaded with ancient sights and natural beauty as you travel from the hustle of Bangkok to the bustle of Hanoi.

Includes

Meals: Lunch (1),
Accommodation: Basic Hotel (16 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)

Highlights

Temple-hop around the renowned Angkor complex – one of South East Asia's most impressive attractions. Spend a full day exploring the site on a tuk-tuk with a driver from a social enterprise creating employment opportunities for local women.
Spend two days on Cat Ba Island relaxing on tiny beaches, hiking through verdant jungle and kayaking around karst-studded Lan Ha Bay. It’s just like Ha Long, but with fewer tourists!
Wander the charming streets of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An, stroll along the Mekong River in Phnom Penh at sunset and explore the 36 streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Visit Vun Art, an organisation providing people with disabilities with job training and employment opportunities. Learn how the artisans recycle old silk scraps to create handicrafts.
Eat well wherever you go – there's no shortage of mouth-watering food markets to explore, whether you’re grabbing a bite in Bangkok's Chinatown or tucking into a banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City.

Trip Details

Duration

19 days

Transportation

Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus, Taxi, Tuk tuk, Bicycle, Plane

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bangkok, Cambodia

Finishes

Hanoi, Cambodia

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Explorer, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok

Sawasdee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Bangkok with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, you could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down Khao San Road or indulge in a Thai massage – there’s plenty to keep you occupied in this exciting city. After your meeting, why not head out with the group to try some of Bangkok’s famous street food – pad thai anyone?

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
Bangkok - Wat Pho (300 THB)
Bangkok - Thai Massage (300 THB)
Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House (250 THB)

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Siem Reap

Take a flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap. The flight is unescorted, but your Thai trip leader will get you to the airport in Bangkok and your Cambodian leader will be ready to greet you in Siem Reap. When you arrive, take an orientation walk with your leader and you’ll have a free evening to explore this small but bustling town. You might want to head to Pub Street to grab a bite to eat and get a taste of the city’s nightlife. Or, maybe rest up in preparation for tomorrow’s visit to Angkor Wat.

Included Activities:

Siem Reap - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Siem Reap

Today, you'll visit the incredible Angkor complex. If you’re keen, this place is best seen at sunrise, so you can get up early and head to the complex on your own before your included tour. You’ll explore the site on a tuk-tuk with an all-female crew from Driver Srey – a social enterprise with a mission to support local women with sustainable incomes. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor complex was built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South East Asia. The ruins are scattered over some 160 sq km – the biggest religious monument in the world! The central cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so you'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the main archaeological sites, including Angkor Wat – the astounding main temple – Bayon and Ta Prohm – a series of smaller temples covered in tree roots and jungle. Your local guide will bring ancient history to life with their extensive knowledge of the site.

Included Activities:

Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Siem Reap

Today is a free day for you to explore Siem Reap at your own pace. Ask your local leader about the range of optional activities on offer. You might opt to take a boat tour to explore the Chong Kneas floating village on Tonle Sap Lake – the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia – or you could take a Khmer cooking class. You could also explore local markets or maybe check out a Phare Circus performance tonight.

Optional Activities:

Siem Reap - Chong Kneas floating village boat tour by tuk-tuk (56 USD)
Siem Reap - Chong Kneas half day cycling and boat tour (minimum 2 persons) (59 USD)
Siem Reap - Khmer cuisine cooking class (25 USD)
Siem Reap - Angkor National Museum (12 USD)
Siem Reap - Phare Circus performance (18 USD)

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Phnom Penh

Say goodbye to Siem Reap and take a local bus to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Cambodia's capital is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation, then join your leader for a walk along the Mekong River at sunset. For dinner, maybe round up your group and head to a restaurant on the riverfront.

Included Activities:

Phnom Penh - Sunset Mekong River walk

Optional Activities:

Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pogoda (10 USD)

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Phnom Penh

Spend a full free day exploring Phnom Penh however you like. Maybe visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Wat Phnom, shrouded in myth, is equally worth a visit, as is the National Museum with its extensive Khmer collection. Cyclo tours around the city are a great alternative to exploring by foot. These tours generally include the art deco Psar Thmei (Central Market), US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, Independence Monument and Royal Palace. Or, you could learn more about Cambodia's tragic history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – two sites that tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge.

Optional Activities:

Phnom Penh - Half day tour of Tuol Sleng Musuem & Killing field (76 USD)
Phnom Penh - The Mekong Island cycling tour (33 USD)
Phnom Penh - Sunset Mekong Cruise (Join-in) (16 USD)

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City

Travel by local bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. Your leader will assist you with border crossing procedures and you’ll make a stop for lunch. When you arrive, head out to discover Ho Chi Minh City's blend of old and new. Be sure to sample a baguette or some of the excellent coffee on offer – both markers of the city's strong French influence. Tonight, maybe hit one of the hole-in-the-wall bars and explore the nightlife. Ask your leader for the best restaurants and bars in the area – maybe gather your group for a toast to a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City

Today is a free day for you to experience Ho Chi Minh City however you like. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your new trip leader and group. In the meantime, you might like to head out to see the ancient pagodas and cathedrals near the former Presidential Palace, the historic Dong Khoi Street and the chaotic markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). After your meeting tonight, why not head out with your new fellow travellers for an optional dinner and tuck into some delicious local cuisine.

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City

Get to know the streets of Ho Chi Minh City with your leader on an orientation walk this morning. You’ll check out some of the city’s highlights, like the Saigon Post Office and the War Remnants Museum, which holds sobering stories of the 20-year-long Vietnam War. The rest of the day is free for you to choose your own adventure. Maybe visit the Reunification Palace, watch the A O Show (a circus performance with a distinctive bamboo set design) at the Saigon Opera House or explore the vibrant local food scene.

Included Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - Leader-led city walking tour
Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnant Museum

Optional Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure (29 USD)
Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace (40000 VND)
Ho Chi Minh City - A O show (from) (800000 VND)

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An

Today is a free day for you to choose from the optional activities on offer. There’s the option to go on a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels – this former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, as well as underground life during the Vietnam War. Or, you could go on a daytrip to the Mekong Delta. If you opt into this day trip, you’ll board a private boat to Ben Tre to visit the coconut gardens and stop at a local home to sample some tropical fruits and coconut jams. You’ll then paddle along the delta in sampans (small rowing boats) and go on a tuk-tuk tour of the local villages to learn about rural life. The day trip also includes a lunch of regional specialties at a restaurant in the heart of the delta. This evening, you’ll board an overnight train to Hoi An.

Optional Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - Urban Adventure - Cu Chi Experience (39 USD)
Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure (59 USD)

Accommodation:

Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Hoi An

Arrive in Da Nang by train and travel by minibus to Hoi An – a UNESCO World Heritage site that continues to undergo restoration work today. It was a major trading port with the West between the 15th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago. Your leader will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town to visit some of the city's major attractions. A sightseeing pass is included in your trip, so you can visit a selection of the major sights. Hoi An is also a great spot for shopping, so head down to the markets and street stalls to browse paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Don’t miss the excellent local cuisine – you could book yourself in for a cooking class to take some culinary secrets home with you. Most local guided tours include a trip to the local food markets, and some take you on a short boat journey along the Thu Bon River. Let your local leader know what you'd like to see and they will be able to recommend some activities to suit your interests.

Included Activities:

Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

Optional Activities:

Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (39 USD)
Hoi An - Cooking class (35 USD)
Hoi An - Bike Rental (70000 VND)

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Hoi An

Wake up for a free day to do as you please. This is a great opportunity to take a trip out to the My Son temples – a UNESCO World Heritage site constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation. In the afternoon, maybe hire a bike for a ride through the countryside near Hoi An. There's no better way to explore this peaceful area than on two wheels – you’ll see places few tourists get the chance to visit and the green rice paddies and small creeks will give you a true insight into rural life in Vietnam. Otherwise, you could spend today relaxing on An Bang or Cua Dai Beach.

Optional Activities:

Hoi An - Private Hoi An: Bike, Boat and Dinner Experience tour (79 USD)
Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (69 USD)

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Hue

Bid farewell to Hoi An this morning and make the drive to Hue. You’ll be travelling on the incredible Hai Van Pass, through lush mountains and past scenic lookouts, and there’ll be some good places for a photo stop. When you arrive in Hue, head out with your leader for an orientation walk, then the afternoon is free for you to explore. Hue was once Vietnam’s imperial capital and has a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil enclaves. Maybe visit the Dong Ba Market, which sells everything imaginable and is a great place to spend some time browsing. Hue is renowned for its cuisine, with some delicious dishes originating from this region, including bun bo Hue (Hue’s delicious take on pho) and banh khoai (a filled turmeric crepe) – it’s time to give your tastebuds a workout!

Included Activities:

Hue - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Hue - Art & Craft (40 USD)
Hue - Cooking Class (35 USD)

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Hue to Hanoi

Enjoy a free day in Hue. Maybe visit the Imperial Citadel which includes the Forbidden Purple City that was almost completely destroyed during the Vietnam War. The gaping holes left by bombs give you an idea of how much destruction occurred in this country. If you'd rather take to the water, hop on a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River and then visit Thien Mu Pagoda – the unofficial symbol of Hue. Here, you’ll see an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601 and a car belonging to the monk who tragically set himself alight in public to protest the treatment of Buddhists. You might also opt to visit the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. This evening, take another overnight train, bound for Hanoi.

Optional Activities:

Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) (23 USD)
Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) (28 USD)
Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda - Free
Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour (69 USD)
Hue - Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb (150000 VND)

Accommodation:

Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Cat Ba

Arrive in Hanoi at about 5 am, then take a bus followed by a ferry to Cat Ba Island. When you arrive, you’ll begin exploring the stunning waters of Lan Ha Bay. Located in the greater Ha Long Bay area, Lan Ha Bay is one of Vietnam’s most scenic spots, where limestone islands and caves rise from emerald waters. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace – maybe get active on a hike or go for a dip at one of the beaches. You’ll have a free evening to relax and soak up the peaceful island vibes.

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Cat Ba

Enjoy a full day of relaxing with a boat trip on the beautiful Lan Ha Bay. Cruise past limestone islets and tuck into a delicious lunch on board before taking to the water in kayaks for an unforgettable adventure.

Included Activities:

Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Hanoi

Make the journey to Hanoi today. On the way, you’ll stop to visit Intrepid Foundation partner Vun Art – a local organisation providing people with disabilities with job training and employment opportunities. See how the artisans produce tote bags and art pieces from the discarded silk that comes from Van Phuc Silk Village. Then, continue to Hanoi, arriving in the mid-afternoon. Go on a walking tour with your leader in the Old Town to get your bearings, then the rest of the day is free.

Included Activities:

Hanoi - Vun Art center visit
Hanoi - Leader-led old quater walking tour

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Private Hanoi After Dark Mixology Experience tour (95 USD)
Hanoi - Hanoi Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)
Hanoi - Water puppet show (200000 VND)

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Hanoi

Explore Hanoi at your own pace with a full free day today. You might like to visit the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary – Ho Chi Minh – or go on a daytrip to Ninh Binh, a small city in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam, popular for its natural beauty. Chat to your leader about how you’d like to spend the day – they’ll be ready with some excellent recommendations.

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House (50000 VND)
Hanoi - Private Ninh Binh Day Trip Adventure (179 USD)

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Hanoi

There are no further activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. With so much to see and do in Hanoi, it’s highly recommended you extend your stay – just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,345

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 19 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Prepare for an epic adventure loaded with ancient sights and natural beauty as you travel from the hustle of Bangkok to the bustle of Hanoi.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 27 Feb 2027

View Map

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Mary

Traveled, February 2024

03/19/2024

This was an excellent trip that allowed me to learn so much more about these countries. As a solo female I felt completely safe.

5.0

Raymond

Traveled, November 2023

12/01/2023

I love Intrepid basix tours you get to see the real side of the country that you're touring. Don't expect 1st class but do expect excellent value for your money

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Book Now