Classic Cambodia & Vietnam

Intrepid Travel · 20 days

4.7

14 Reviews

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Duration

20 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From Vietnam to Cambodia, discover incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural beauty. Travel to Cambodia and delve into the dramatic Khmer legacy in Phnom Penh and explore the intricate temples of Angkor Wat.

Highlights

Explore the amazing Angkor archaeological complex in depth with your included one-day pass, so as well as guided tours, you have the option to return and explore at your own pace.
Be treated to an overnight stay on a traditional junk sailing boat in Halong Bay – wake up and feel like you’re still in a dream, surrounded by the incredible limestone karsts and turquoise waters of this magical place.
You’ll take a culinary journey to discover the mouth-watering, achingly fresh delights of Vietnam. From slurping traditional Bun Bo Hue, to digging into a vegetarian feast at a local nunnery, to enjoying a home-cooked lunch with locals in Ninh Binh – your tastebuds won’t be the same again.
Be welcomed into a Cambodian village for a tour of their agricultural surroundings and enjoy sunset drinks with a local family in their stilt house.
Visit Save Vietnam Wildlife, an Intrepid Foundation supported NGO focusing on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of Vietnam's endangered wildlife.

Trip Details

Duration

20 days

Transportation

Boat,Plane,Private vehicle,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Finishes

Hanoi, Cambodia

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Phnom Penh

Sua s'dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll the streets of Phnom Penh, taking in the interesting French colonial architecture. Dinner tonight will be at a riverside local restaurant and may include dishes like beef lok lak or fish amok. Enjoy getting to know your fellow travellers over delicious Cambodian specialties.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Phnom Penh

Today a full city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh, a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and are closed to the public. You will, however, be able to visit the Silver Pagoda that lies in the palace complex, which is the most sacred temple in the country. Phnom Penh remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles and successes. Your included visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Tuol Sleng is a former school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre, and it’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are home to a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls, marking the site of the infamous location. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng, and standing in this peaceful setting, it's almost unthinkable to imagine that to date nearly 9000 corpses have been exhumed from the area. The visits are major parts of the experience here, but if you don't wish to visit them, please let your leader know. There is an optional visit to Wat Phnom, the temple that gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th century. After today's activities, you may wish to spend this evening relaxing in a cafe by the riverfront.

Included Activities:

Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Optional Activities:

Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom (2 USD)
Phnom Penh - Mekong River Sunset Tour (16 USD)
Phnom Penh - National Museum (10 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Siem Reap

Begin the scenic drive to Siem Reap (approximately 7 hours, including stops). Along the way, swing by a local village restaurant for a tasty lunch. Arrive in the small but expanding town of Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor and the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia, perhaps even in South East Asia. You'll probably notice a change of pace here, so take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere. A visit to the old market is a must, even if you're not looking for souvenirs, wandering through the stalls and surrounding shops the silks, cottons, sarongs, silver and statues are a riot of colour and a feast for the eyes – and there will be one for your stomach too if you try some of the cheap, delicious street food! There's also a long tradition of shadow puppetry in the region, and if you're lucky you might catch a show at one of the local restaurants in the evening, perhaps while you're eating the specialty cuisine of Cambodia – amok, the name given to curry steam-cooked in banana leaves.

Included Activities:

Siem Reap - Leader-led orientation walk
Kampong Thom - Santuk Silkfarm visit
Kampong Thom - Lunch prepared by women weavers at the silkfarm

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Siem Reap

Spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor today – this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important historic complexes in all South East Asia and is an absolute must-do experience in Cambodia! If you’re keen to see Angkor Wat at sunrise – the largest and most complete structure and the only temple with a west-facing entrance – your leader can organize an early visit for you before dawn (optional). Later in the morning, your group will tour the complex together. Of all the temples visited, Bayon is the centrepiece, with over 200 smiling carved faces and more than 50 gothic towers. You’ll also visit an ancient monastery, where you’ll meet a Buddhist monk to take part in a ritual that has survived for thousands of years. Sit on the floor as the monk chants and sprinkles holy water over you before tying a sacred thread around your wrist, ensuring protection and good luck for the rest of your journey. For lunch today, you'll visit the Spoons Restaurant and School where disadvantaged local youth learn skills that enable them to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. After, head to Ta Prohm – a temple where nature has taken over, as large trees dominate the stone foundations. If you’re keen to see Angkor Wat in all its glory, you can also opt to end the day with a sunset view of the temples – just organize with your leader.

Included Activities:

Siem Reap - Lunch at The Spoon Restaurant
Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
Siem Reap - Monk Blessing
Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass

Optional Activities:

Siem Reap - Phare Circus Ticket (18 USD)
Siem Reap - Sunrise at Angkor Wat temple - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Siem Reap

Today, reflect on the temples over breakfast. Then, visit the Kampong Phluck lakeside village – the houses here are built on wooden stilts and you can travel by riverboat to explore the village that’s adapted to withstand flooding. See the mangrove forests (season depending) and get an insight into the fascinating ways of the local people. Later this afternoon, learn about the daily life of Cambodians on a village tour in the countryside. See the rice fields and family allotments that surround the traditional stilt houses and be welcomed into a local’s home as you join them for sunset drinks and snacks. This evening, you’ll have a final farewell dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant offering authentic Cambodian cuisine.

Included Activities:

Kampong Phluck - Visit to kampong Phluck lakeside village
Siem Reap - Countryside village walk & sunset drink
Siem Reap - Farewell Dinner

Optional Activities:

Siem Reap - Khmer traditional massage (17 USD)
Siem Reap - Landmine Museum (5 USD)
Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline (from) (54 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City

Today, catch an unescorted flight to Ho Chi Minh City where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore the French infused city at your own pace and perhaps enjoy a banh mi - a short baguette fill with a variety of tasty ingredients.perhaps head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-air market or visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda This evening, there will be a second group meeting to meet your new group and new leader. After that, you’ll make your way out for dinner as a group – expect mouth-watering aromas and the achingly fresh flavours of herbs, lemongrass and rich sauces.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Ho Chi Minh City - Welcome Dinner

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head out of town to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels that make up part of a large war museum outside Ho Chi Minh. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, and offers a glimpse of what life was like during the war. Like an underground maze that stretches over 120km, the tunnels are complete with trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, armoury, hospitals, and command centres. Your trip through history doesn’t stop there, you’ll head back to Ho Chi Minh City to discover the War Remnants Museum where you’ll see old military equipment including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. In the afternoon, you’ll be free to explore the city at your leisure. Perhaps gather some of your newfound travel buddies and explore Notre Dame, the Post Office or Reunification Palace.

Included Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Mekong Delta

This morning you’ll wave goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City for the night and travel south by private bus to Ben Tre. When you arrive, you’ll board a small traditional boat and explore the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta. The delta is known as ‘Vietnam’s rice bowl’ for its abundance of rice paddies, fruit and flower orchards. During the boat trip, you’ll stop to sample some of the fresh tropical fruit and visit a selection of cottage industries in the area. Then, you’ll get your first taste of Vietnamese hospitality and tuck into a home-cooked Vietnamese-style lunch at a local family home. Then, around sunset, you’ll make your way to your guesthouse to spend the night with the locals and enjoy another wonderful meal featuring regional specialties.

Included Activities:

Mekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producers
Mekong Delta - Home-cooked lunch

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy more of the Mekong Delta’s finest fruits over breakfast this morning and then hit the road back to Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon. This evening will be yours to explore, perhaps go in search of the best food with some of your fellow travellers – your group leader will know where to go for meals of any budget. Then, you might like to leave yourself time to check out one of the city’s vibrant rooftop bars.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Hoi An

This morning, you’ll take a short flight to Danang and make your way to your next stop in Hoi An. On arrival in Hoi An, shake off your morning of travel and dig into a traditional Vietnamese lunch to welcome you to the city. Our hot tip – try the mi quang or cao lau noodles that Central Vietnam is famed for. After lunch, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around the World Heritage-listed Old Town. The city was a major trading port with the west during the 16th and 17th-centuries, and has various architectural influences from Europe, China and Japan. Today, the city is being restored and looks much like it did over a century ago. You'll see Chinese temples, Japanese pagodas, French-colonial houses, wooden shop-houses and old canals during your walk. After your walking tour, enjoy free time to participate in optional activities or simply soak up the ambience of the place. You may like to wander Hoi An Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more.

Included Activities:

Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Hoi An

Enjoy a free day to further explore Hoi An and its majestic surrounds. Perhaps rent a bicycle and take a trip out to the nearby Cua Dai Beach. Better yet, why not book into an Urban Adventure, like Hoi An Boat & Bike, which offers a guided tour of the area, including a countryside bike ride and a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River. Vietnam is, of course, known for its delicious food, and Hoi An is no exception. To unlock the flavours of Hoi An's vibrant Old Town on Hoi An Food Adventure. See urbanadventures.com/destination/Hoi-An-tours for more information. Your leader can help arrange optional activities and tours if this interests you.

Optional Activities:

Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (39 USD)
Hoi An - Private Bike, Boat and Dinner Experience (69 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Hoi An

Spend another day as you please in this historic haven. If you can muster an early rise this morning, head to the local produce market to watch animated shoppers haggling over fresh fish, spices and vegetables. Otherwise, if you’d like, your leader can help you arrange an optional Vietnamese cooking class, or a visit to the ruins of My Son – Vietnam's most important Cham site. Set in a verdant valley, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat's Tooth Mountain, the elaborate World Heritage-listed temples here reflect the cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation that flourished in this region between the fourth and 12th-century. There’s plenty to see and do here, this is your opportunity to decide how to spend your day.

Optional Activities:

Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (73 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Hue

Continue your journey north today and drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass – an incredibly scenic and mountainous stretch of highway with views of Lang Co Beach. Make a stop at beautiful Lang Co to buy yourself some lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Hue – Vietnam’s former Imperial capital. Here you’ll take a step into the past as you visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. As the name suggests, The Forbidden Purple City was once reserved only for the personal use of the emperor and his concubines. It was almost entirely destroyed by bomb blasts during the war and now serves as a reminder of centuries past – the crumbling palaces tell a fascinating story if you look carefully. After a little time to explore, the evening will be at your leisure to relax and simply enjoy this poetic place.

Included Activities:

Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Hue

After a local breakfast of bun bo hue – a spiced beef noodle soup – it’s time to really delve into the historical highlights of Hue. You’ll stop off at the Thien Mu Pagoda and get the chance to see an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601. Your adventures will work up an appetite that we’ll quickly fill with a delicious vegetarian feast at a local nunnery for lunch. Feeling full with more Vietnamese delicacies and warm hospitality, you’ll make one final stop at one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, with its lake, frangipani and pine trees. After a big day of exploring beautiful sights, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Our tip – be sure to ask your leader which of Hue’s favourites you should seek out for dinner – it’s not known as Vietnam’s culinary capital for nothing.

Included Activities:

Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
Hue - Vegetarian lunch at a Buddhist nunnery

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Hanoi

After breakfast today, you’ll take a flight from Hue to Vietnam’s charming capital of Hanoi. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. After lunch, take a half-day tour of Hanoi that captures the beauty and the history of the laidback, tree-lined capital. You’ll visit major sights including the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. You’ll also pass by Hoan Kiem Lake and enter the ’36 Streets’ of the historic Old Quarter – a series of interwoven lanes and roads that historically sell a certain product in each street. Silk, bamboo, ceramics, kitchen products – and upwards of 32 more!

Included Activities:

Hanoi - KOTO lunch
Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house
Hanoi - Temple of Literature

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Ninh Binh

You’ll depart Hanoi for the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh this morning. A naturally beautiful area, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains. On arrival, you’ll head straight to the Dinh and Le Temples which were built in the 10th century and dedicated to two of the kings of Vietnam. After exploring the ancient temples, you’ll be welcomed into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Meet the family who live here and enjoy their Vietnamese delicacies... think everything from grilled beef wrapped with guise leaves, to spring rolls, to fried fish with tomato sauce. With a full belly and fuller heart, top off the day in this scenic spot with a rowboat cruise along the wetland of Van Long. As you paddle, you’ll be awed by the surrounding limestone mountain peaks and rice paddy fields, plus enjoy the pastel hues of a lotus pond along your way.

Included Activities:

Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu
Ninh Binh - Home Cooked Lunch
Cuc Phuong NP - Save Vietnam's Wildlife (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Ninh Binh

Wake up without an alarm today as you’ve got the morning to explore at your leisure before a fun, action-packed afternoon to take in Thung Nham ecotourism zone, just outside of Ninh Binh. First up, you’ll take a traditional rowboat to discover the largest natural bird garden in the north of Vietnam. Float peacefully along the calm waters, as you’re surrounded by towering mountains, lush greenery and, of course, a mass of beautiful bird species. Then, you’ll explore the cave system that features, But Cave and Tien Ca Cave. From here, your journey will take you to spiritual sights that include the thousand year-old banyan tree, Gii Dai Temple and Linh Than Mieu. Finally, you’ll get a chance to unwind as you explore the Thung Nham flower paradise, nursery and vegetable garden.

Included Activities:

Ninh Binh - Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone

Optional Activities:

Ninh Binh - Visit to Mua Cave (100000 VND)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Halong Bay

Travel by private minibus to the spectacular World Heritage-listed site of Halong Bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places – a bay of emerald waters flecked with sandstone islands and caves. Here, you’ll go on a cruise to explore Surprise Cave and surrounding rock formations, and in the warmer months perhaps go kayaking or opt for a swim from Ti Top Island. Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases, once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery so be sure to watch your step. This evening, you’re in for a real treat – you’ll spend the night on a traditional cruising boat. The sailing junk (traditional sailing boat) has twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar where you’ll enjoy all of your meals, including fresh seafood for lunch and dinner.

Included Activities:

Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise

Optional Activities:

Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour (250000 VND)

Accommodation:

Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Hanoi

You'd be forgiven for thinking you were still dreaming upon waking up today. Soak up the scenery of Halong Bay from your floating accommodation and take in those turquoise water views one last time before hitting the road toward Hanoi. Along the way, you’ll stop at Dong Trieu Factory to watch locals creating ceramic art pieces. On arrival in Hanoi enjoy a unique water-puppet performance hosted by a local family, who are experts in this art form. Tonight, gather as a group with your leader and tuck into dinner together, perhaps take this chance to try traditional Cha Ca La Vong, a fish dish bursting with flavour, filled with fresh herbs and noodles. Enjoy this evening with your group as you reminisce on the highlights of your Vietnam adventure.

Included Activities:

Hanoi - Old Quarter Tour
Hanoi - Local water puppet performance

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum (30000 VND)
Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison (50000 VND)
Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology (40000 VND)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Hanoi

With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend some more time in Hanoi, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $5,755

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 20 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 11 May 2026

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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

Susan

Traveled, February 2024

03/24/2024

Great trip full of culture and history. Our tour leaders were excellent and made sure we had a great time. And our travelling companions were an enjoyable like minded group.

4.5

LYNELLE

Traveled, February 2024

03/17/2024

We are a couple in early 60's & travelled on Intrepid's Comfort style Classic Cambodia & Vietnam 20 day trip. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip - our accomodation was very good overall, couldn't fault anywhere we stayed. Had 2 lovely guides & inclusions were good & things were well organised every day, although sometimes travel times were longer than anticipated due to traffic.

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

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