Premium Cambodia & Vietnam in Depth

Intrepid Travel · 20 days

4.6

10 Reviews

Duration

20 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover the incredible diversity, cuisines, histories and beauty of Cambodia and Vietnam on a 20-day Premium adventure. Learn about the confronting Khmer legacy in Phnom Penh, enjoy Vietnam's authentic cuisine at a cooking class with a local chef in Hue and explore the grand architecture of Hanoi.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (19), Lunch (9), Dinner (7)
Accommodation: Hotel (18 nights), Overnight boat (1 night)

Highlights

Enjoy two marvellous Feature Stays – an overnight cruise in Halong Bay and a three-night stay at a resort in Siem Reap, offering a tropical oasis escape.
Discover traditional Cambodian life at Skun Village and Santuk Silk Farm, known for training local women to become expert weavers. Learn their stories and make the most of your time with the locals.
Get to the heart of Vietnamese culture with Signature Experiences, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed My Son Sanctuary with an expert cultural researcher and a cooking class with a local chef in Hue.
Uncover the confronting history of the Khmer Rouge regime on a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) in Phnom Penh, then explore the city’s Royal Palace.
Spend two days taking guided temple tours in Siem Reap, with in-depth insights into the history of these extraordinary structures and plenty of time at Angkor Wat, plus a Signature Experience accompanied by a private archaeological guide.

Trip Details

Duration

20 days

Transportation

Boat, Plane, Private Minibus

Guide Language

English

Starts

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Finishes

Hanoi, Cambodia

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Phnom Penh

Sua s’dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital city. You’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, why not go for a stroll and discover the city’s French architecture or check out the National Museum and its fascinating collection of Khmer craftsmanship. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. After, join your group for dinner at Malis Restaurant – an upmarket dining spot that’s committed to preserving and serving Cambodia’s traditional cuisine. Maybe cap off the night with a cocktail at the Le Moon Rooftop at Amanjaya Pancam Hotel.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Phnom Penh - Welcome Dinner

Accommodation:

Anik Palace Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Phnom Penh

This morning, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge, and the Royal Palace, where you can see Throne Hall, topped by a 59 m (193.5 ft) tower inspired by the Bayon at Angkor. Then, your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Wat Phnom – the temple that gave rise to the city’s foundation in the 15th century. Tonight, perhaps grab dinner with your group or wander the city and soak up the nighttime atmosphere.

Included Activities:

Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
Phnom Penh - Royal Palace

Optional Activities:

Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom (2 USD)
Phnom Penh - National Museum (10 USD)
Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour (4 USD)

Accommodation:

Anik Palace Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Siem Reap

After breakfast, journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in a comfortable private vehicle. Discover traditional Cambodian life at Skun Village and learn about the town’s deep-fried tarantulas and other insects, which the locals consume daily. You’ll also visit Santuk Silk Farm to learn about silk production and its work as a social enterprise, employing local women as artisan weavers. Share a simple, rustic, local lunch prepared by the weavers before you continue to Siem Reap, stopping to see historic bridges along the way before arriving at your hotel at approximately 5 pm. You’ll love this boutique hotel’s location in the tree-shaded Royal District and its quiet pools, tropical gardens and art-filled spaces. Tonight, head out for dinner and a theatre show at Angkor Village Apsara Theatre, where you’ll watch Khmer traditional dance and dine on Khmer favourites.

Included Activities:

Santuk - Silk Farm Tour and Lunch
Skun - Village Market Stop
Siem Reap - Khmer Theater Dinner

Accommodation:

Shinta Mani Angkor (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Siem Reap

If you like, head out earlier than the rest of your group to catch sunrise at the Angkor complex. After, you’ll spend the day discovering the fantastic temples with your leader. For the first half of the day, you’ll be accompanied by a private archaeological guide, who will provide expert knowledge and insight beginning at Angkor Wat – the largest and most complete structure and the only one of Angkor’s temples with an entrance facing west. Have lunch, at the Sala Bai Hotel School, where underprivileged local youths learn skills to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. Then, visit Angkor Thom, the ‘Great Royal City’ – a temple famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. From here, you’ll head out of town to an ancient working monastery to gain a special insight into the life of a monk and Theravada Buddhism. Meet the monks, enjoy a sacred water blessing for good luck and prosperity and have a red band tied around your wrist to keep you safe in your travels. The rest of the evening can be spent exploring the bars of Siem Reap or relaxing in at your resort.

Included Activities:

Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass
Siem Reap - Lunch at Sala Bai
Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Archaeologist Guide

Optional Activities:

Siem Reap - Phare Circus Ticket (18 USD)

Accommodation:

Shinta Mani Angkor (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Siem Reap

After breakfast, it’s off to the Ta Prohm temple, which has large trees embedded in the stone foundations – powerful symbols of nature. Next, visit Banteay Srei to snap some pictures of the temple’s intricate stone carvings. You can head back to the resort to explore Siem Reap town or use your ticket for the Angkor ruins to continue discovering the site. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner in the Khmer countryside to say farewell to your group and Cambodia. Amid a rustic and romantic setting, you’ll sit down for a private meal in the rice fields of rural Siem Reap.

Included Activities:

Siem Reap - Banteay Srei Temple visit
Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
Siem Reap - Private Khmer Countryside Farewell Dinner

Optional Activities:

Siem Reap - Khmer massage (17 USD)

Accommodation:

Shinta Mani Angkor (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City

Today, take an unescorted flight to Ho Chi Minh City where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, you’ll have a second meeting at 6 pm to meet your new group and leader. If you arrive with time to spare, why not get out and explore the city at your own pace, maybe grabbing a tasty banh mi along the way (a baguette filled with a variety of fresh herbs, meat and veggies). Tonight, head out for dinner at a restaurant that is now a piece of Vietnamese history – this building was an old opium refinery station built in 1861, and nods to its past are still visible today. Here, you’ll feast on a menu of classic dishes and southern Vietnamese favourites.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Ho Chi Minh City - Welcome Dinner
Fast Track Airport Service on Arrival

Accommodation:

Rex Saigon Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Mekong Delta

Kick off your first full day of the trip with a visit to the Mekong Delta – a network of rivers and canals with floating markets and rice paddies. After breakfast, drive south towards this region via Ben Tre. Here, you’ll board a private boat to cruise the delta, stopping at some coconut gardens to visit a local home where you can sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, return to the waterways of the delta on sampans (small rowing boats) and row past the coconut trees and stilt houses that flank the river. Back on land, take a tuk tuk tour around the villages for a glimpse at rural life and learn how the coconut industry is woven into the community here. Then, visit with the NGO GreenHub to see how Intrepid’s travel choices can create positive environmental impact beyond the trip itself. GreenHub’s initiatives include mangrove protection and plastic waste reduction to protect coastal ecosystems. Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.

Included Activities:

Mekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producers
Mekong Delta – Green Hub Mekong

Accommodation:

Rex Saigon Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, head out on a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network (some 200 km/124 mi) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They housed hospitals, dwellings and schools and were extensively used for refuge, storage and as a military base. Your leader will explain more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to give visitors a feel for what underground life must have been like. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon walk through central Saigon. Pass the City People’s Committee, Opera House, old CIA building viewpoint and Post Office to contrast important landmarks, civic history and modern city life. Tonight, perhaps visit the renowned TV chef Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam House Restaurant for an elevated, modern twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Included Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City – City Tour

Accommodation:

Rex Saigon Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Hoi An

This morning, hop a flight to Hoi An via Da Nang. When you arrive, head to lunch at a local restaurant, then take an Old Town walking tour with your leader. Discover Hoi An’s ancient heritage-listed architecture and unique mix of influences. With its charming low-tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to wander around. Start by visiting an opulently decorated historic house that was once home to a prominent trader. Then, cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, stop by the Chinese Assembly Hall and visit a local museum to learn more about the history you uncovered on the walk.

Included Activities:

Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

Accommodation:

Grand Signature M Village or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Hoi An

Take the morning to enjoy some free time, then after lunch, head to Hoi An, once a significant port of the Champa Kingdom and still home to many Cham descendants. Today, you’ll have an after-hours Signature Experience at the My Son Sanctuary – a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa that date back to the 4th century. Meet with an expert Cham researcher who will explain their work as an archaeologist and monument conservator, give insight into this ethnic group and discuss the significance of My Son. Learn about the ancient architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site and see the craters created by American bombs during the war. After exploring the temples and serene surroundings, return to Hoi An and have free time for dinner.

Included Activities:

Hoi An - My Son Tour with Cultural Researcher
Hoi An – Private Aspara Dance Performance

Optional Activities:

Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (39 USD)

Accommodation:

Grand Signature M Village or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Hoi An

Today is free for you to experience Hoi An at your own pace. You might start with a wander through the Old Town, stopping at assembly halls, heritage houses and quiet backstreets along the Thu Bon River. Maybe head out by bike to nearby villages, visit a tailor for a custom-made piece (the tailors are famous in Hoi An and can sometimes even have your piece ready in 24 hours!) or join a cooking class to get a closer look at central Vietnamese flavours. In the evening, choose a riverside restaurant or see the town lit by lanterns.

Accommodation:

Grand Signature M Village or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Hue

Head for Hue this morning – the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam'’s historic past. On the way, pass through the Hai Van Pass – a scenic, mountainous stretch of highway with views across Lang Co Beach. Arrive in Hue and discover its eclectic mix of busy streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon, visit 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 stand as a testament to its proud history. Here, your leader will share insights into the devastating damage endured during the war.

Included Activities:

Hue – Hai Van Pass
Hue - Imperial City half day guided tour

Accommodation:

Pilgrimage Village Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Hue

Ready your appetite as today you’ll be diving into Hue’s culinary scene. First up, head to An Nhien Garden – a family altar house turned restaurant – for a private cooking demonstration and lunch. Your host will welcome you with cakes and tea, then guide you to the ancestral altar and share stories of family lineage and customs. Next up, using plant-based ingredients, you’ll learn about Hue’s culinary philosophy before sitting down to enjoy the delicious dishes together. Later, you’ll visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani flowers and pine trees, and the Imperial Citadel.

Included Activities:

Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
Hue – Alter house visit and cooking demonstration

Accommodation:

Pilgrimage Village Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Hanoi

This morning, take a flight from Hue to Hanoi. Once settled, head out on a guided half-day visit around the city with your leader, gaining insights into the city’s history during visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary. Enjoy lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially if you're interested in its many lakes and parks. You'll see that this northern capital can be quieter than its southern counterpart, and the West Lake, north of the main city, is an ideal place to interact with the locals and relax by its banks.

Included Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Hotel du Lac Signature or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Mai Chau

Leave Hanoi this morning in a private coach transfer to Mai Chau. This peaceful town is situated in a valley and surrounded by green mountains, making it famous for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hill tribe communities. Admire the views, fuel up over lunch and visit Vun Art – a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Check into your accommodation in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to unwind and relax.

Included Activities:

Mai Chau - Vun Art NGO Visit

Accommodation:

Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Mai Chau

Today, your leader will take you on a walk through a series of Mai Chau villages. Along the way, you’ll pass terraced rice fields and traditional stilted houses, before getting an up-close view of traditional cotton textile-making and hearing a local artisan’s insights into Thai garment craftsmanship. Next, you’ll learn how to make Ruou Can, a traditional fermented rice wine, as well as the cultural significance behind each step of the process. After a lunch hosted by a local family, the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Relax at your hotel or speak with your leader about optional activities in the area.

Included Activities:

Mai Chau - Village Visit
Mai Chau – Rice Wine Producer
Mai Chau – Artisan Textile Workshop
Main Chau – Local Family Lunch

Accommodation:

Mai Chau Ecolodge or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Hanoi

This morning, you’ll drive back to Hanoi from Mai Chau, arriving late morning. Take a leader-led wander along the ancient 36 Streets to discover shop-lined alleys that sell everything from souvenirs to silk clothing. In the afternoon, join your group again for a traditional Ca Tru performance – a Northern Vietnam art form dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Originally, this was performed at Royal Courts and is now included by UNESCO on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. Today, these performances are rare, but you and your group will be taken to an ancient temple and treated to an exclusive show in one of the few places where these artists still sing acoustically.

Included Activities:

Hanoi - Ca Tru Performance
Hanoi - Old Quarter Tour

Accommodation:

Hotel du Lac Signature or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Halong Bay

Today, you’ll drive to Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site where karsts and islets create a spectacular sight. There’s no better way to appreciate the bay’s beauty than by boat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Carefully designed with traditional touches and modern amenities, the boat allows you to sit back in comfort as it weaves through the limestone islets, karsts and caves. The sights you will visit vary, but you may stop at a vibrant fishing village to learn about local life or a cave to appreciate its interesting rock formations with your leader, then you’ll retire to the boat for a seafood lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll have opportunities to swim, kayak or simply relax on the beach. This evening, dine on the boat’s deck and watch the sun go down.

Included Activities:

Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise

Optional Activities:

Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour (250000 VND)

Accommodation:

The Au Co Cruise or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Hanoi

In the morning, enjoy breakfast on the boat and perhaps take part in some optional tai chi to start off the day. Sail back to the port, disembark and travel back to Hanoi. Arriving back in the capital, enjoy some time to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s attractions that you may have missed the first time. You can shop on Hang Gai Street or perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel. In the evening, join your group and leader for a final dinner in a Hanoi restaurant, sharing stories and reflecting on the highlights of your adventure with your newfound friends.

Included Activities:

Hanoi - Farewell Dinner
Halong Bay - Tai Chi

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison (50000 VND)

Accommodation:

Hotel du Lac Signature or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Hanoi

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in Hanoi, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)
Hanoi - Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) (355 USD)
Hiking in Sapa (TVAG) (432 USD)

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 $9,015

(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 01 May 2027

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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

Sheri

Traveled, February 2024

02/29/2024

I was blown away by intrepid, what a great way to travel! You see all the must sees and many things off the beaten path you can't easily find on your own. Intrepid guides are so knowledgeable and add so much about the history and culture. Intrepid makes travel easy and you don't have to think, just enjoy!!

4.5

Rupert

Traveled, February 2024

02/15/2024

Daro, is a truly wonderful leader. I feel blessed that he was my leader. He is now a good friend.

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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