Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 23 days

4.5

10 Reviews

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Duration

23 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia, beautiful Bangkok; this journey covers the very best of South East Asia.

Highlights

Cruise a sea of limestone karsts, blue-green waters, mysterious caves and ancient jungle on an unforgettable boat trip in Lan Ha Bay, a less-touristy but equally stunning area to Ha Long Bay.
Get a different view of Vietnam from the back of a motorbike. Take a two-wheeled tour around Hue and enjoy a special lunch spot at a convent or Buddhist monastery for a delicious vegetarian feast.
Hike the hills of nothern Vietnam, stay with Muong people and learn about their farming life; cruise down Mekong River, visit the cottage industries and experience life in the Mekong Delta.
Watch the sun rising over Angkor Wat as it did over 800 years ago with your leader. Wander through the amazing ancient temples on a guided tour and with a three-day Angkor pass to cover your whole time in Siem Reap, you can explore this incredible temple complex as much and as often as you like.

Trip Details

Duration

23 days

Transportation

Boat,Overnight sleeper train,Private minibus,Public Bus,Taxi,Train,Motorbike,Bicycle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Hanoi, Cambodia

Finishes

Bangkok, Cambodia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you'll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not step out onto the streets to explore the leafy capital of Vietnam – Hanoi is best discovered on foot. After the meeting, maybe get to know your fellow travellers over a glass of fresh bia hoi (a foamy, light beer made fresh every day and served in basic, open-walled ‘brew halls’).

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) (355 USD)
Hiking in Sapa (TVAG) (432 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Chien Village

Leave Hanoi after breakfast this morning and drive to Chien Village of Muong people for tonight’s homestay. Around 70 families live here, the area has long been the settlement of Muong people and famous for ancient tangerines, honey and other citrus fruits. You'll enjoy hearty home-cooked flavors during your stay here. After lunch head out on a hike through the Vietnamese highlands, visit local villages, meet people from the ethnic Muong tribe along the way and take in the incredible mountains view along the way. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dancing with local villagers.

Included Activities:

Chien Village - Home-cooked meal
Chien Village - Hilltribe hike
Chien Village - Traditional dancing

Accommodation:

Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Chien Village / Hanoi

This morning, take your time to explore of of this peaceful hamlet. Join the local farmers in their fields and help them planting, weeding or nurturing crops like rice, corns or fruit trees. Then visit a local organic farm, pick fresh vegetables that you'll use for cooking later, learn about the wild fruits that you can eat, and then join the locals and prepare your lunch together. Using bamboo for cooking is a local signature known as lam ong nua and your local cooking masters will show you how to do that and you'll also get to taste fresh brewed tea using bamboo tubes too! After a joyful lunch, drive back to Hanoi. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese performance - a water puppet show.

Included Activities:

Hanoi - Water puppet show
Chien Village - Farming experience
Chien Village - Organic farm visit
Chien Village - Bamboo cooking experience

Accommodation:

Hanoi (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Cat Ba Island

This morning, visit the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation – a community project dedicated to helping underprivileged children and victims of trafficking. Then, hop on the bus heading to Cat Ba Island, stopping for a quick break before today’s ferry. Board the boat and spend the rest of the day cruising the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay. Located in the greater Ha Long Bay area, Lan Ha Bay is one of Vietnam’s most scenic places, where limestone islands and caves rise from the emerald waters. Enjoy lunch on board, then get up close and personal with giant karsts in a kayak. Stay overnight on Cat Ba Island and maybe take a dip at one of the beaches (with a cold beer of course!).

Included Activities:

Hanoi - Blue Dragon visit
Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Hanoi / Overnight Train

Head back to Hanoi this morning. When you arrive, take a city tour to see the city’s diverse past reflected in a mix of Southeast Asian, Chinese and French-influenced architecture. Stop by the aptly named One Pillar Pagoda – the country’s most famous stilt house (former residence of Ho Chi Minh) and the Temple of Literature. Shared hotel rooms will be available if you want to freshen up or organise your luggage for the overnight train tonight. Otherwise, use this time to do some shopping on Hang Gai Street or seek out some delicious street food. Meet back at the hotel lobby at 9 pm where you’ll transfer with the group to the train station.

Included Activities:

Hanoi - Temple of Literature
Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex

Accommodation:

Overnight train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Hue

Arrive in Hue this morning – the hub of Vietnam’s historic past. This former imperial capital is an eclectic mix of busy streets and peaceful beauty. The rest of the morning is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Maybe pick up a classic Hue breakfast of bun bo (a popular Vietnamese soup with vermicelli noodles and beef). After lunch, visit the Imperial Citadel – a sprawling complex of temples, pavilions, moats, gates and walls. See the Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace and the Ancestral Altars from the 19th century. In your free time, you might like to visit Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and street food. This is a good place to try the specialties enjoyed by Emperor Nguyen, such as the banh khoai royal rice cake.

Included Activities:

Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Hue

Today’s adventure will be taken on the back of a motorbike. You’ll have your own driver who will take you first on a drive around 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 remain a testament to its proud history. Here, you'll gain some insight into the horrific damage endured during the war. Next, ride to a special lunch spot at a convent or Buddhist monastery for a vegetarian feast. After lunch, drive to the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set on a lake with frangipani bushes and pine trees. This evening, maybe ask your leader for the best place to try Imperial Street specialties.

Included Activities:

Hue - Highlights & back streets tour by motorbike
Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
Hue - Vegetarian Lunch at Pagoda

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Hoi An

Travelling by bus, head south through coastal rice paddies before stopping at Lang Co Beach. Traverse the dramatic Hai Van Pass along the way – a sometimes bumpy but incredibly scenic stretch of highway with views back to Lang Co Beach and beyond. The spectacular Marble Mountains will be your backdrop as you arrive in Hoi An. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of Southeast Asia's major international ports from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago, and it retains the feel of times past. When you arrive, take a walking tour around the major sites of the Old Town, including a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum.

Included Activities:

Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Hoi An

If you feel like getting active on your free day today, why not hire a bicycle and tour the surrounding countryside – this is one of the best ways to get an insight into rural Vietnam. Maybe take a daytrip to My Son Cham (a UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple complex that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation), or cruise along the Thu Bon River. You may like to wander the Central Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors, who can make items to order within a few hours. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you'll be able to have it copied!

Optional Activities:

Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (73 USD)
Hoi An - Cooking class (33 USD)
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 10: Quy Nhon

Today, enjoy a scenic drive through central Vietnam to the seaside city of Quy Nhon. On the way, visit Bich Hoa Tam Thanh village, famous for its murals and paintings on the wall that show a different side of Vietnam country life. Arrive at Quy Nhon in the early afternoon and head out on an orientation walk with your leader. Then, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own or rest and recharge. This is your perfect chance to relax and put your feet up by the sea.

Included Activities:

Bich Hoa Tam Thanh - village visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Quy Nhon / Overnight Train

This morning, you’ll visit a local family that has practised martial arts for three generations. Meet the master of the family and learn about the secrets of his martial arts practice, learn about the health benefits, watch a demonstration and then try your moves at the master’s guidance. After, continue to the ancient citadel of Do Ban – the last capital of the Champa Kingdom where the Cham Kings lived between the 11th and the 15th centuries. Head back to Quy Nhon, maybe take the chance to freshen up at a hotel room or organise your luggage for the overnight train tonight.

Included Activities:

Quy Nhon - Martial art master visit and demonstration
Quy Nhon - Do Ban ancient citadel

Accommodation:

Overnight train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City early this morning and make use of the shared hotel rooms to refresh up before your day tour. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a fascinating blend of old and new, east and west. The huge number of people rushing about their daily lives in Vietnam's largest city gives it a dynamic atmosphere, and the French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee on offer. Take a guided tour with your leader to get a feel for the city, going past the GPO, Reunification Palace and the Opera House. Stop in at the War Remnants Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral. You have a free evening, so maybe drop by Ben Thanh Market. This is the perfect place to pick up any last-minute snacks, cooking utensils or gifts.

Included Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
Ho Chi Minh City - City tour

Optional Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace (40000 VND)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Mekong Delta

Today, you'll travel south to explore the Mekong Delta. When you arrive, board a boat and explore the intricate waterways. Often referred to as ‘the rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile delta is where rice, tropical fruit and flowers are grown for the whole country. Disembark at Ben Tre and visit a local cottage industry to sample the candy that the region is famous for. You’ll have the opportunity to take a tuk-tuk around this remote village and stop to sample tropical fruit, see a honey farm and learn more about rural life. For lunch, go to a restaurant in the heart of the delta and try regional specialities such as the famous elephant-ear fish. After lunch, board sampans (small rowing boats) and paddle along the canals under the shade of lush water coconut trees. Stay overnight at a guesthouse on the river and swap stories with your hosts.

Included Activities:

Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise and Homestay
Mekong Delta - Guesthouse Dinner
Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise Lunch

Accommodation:

Guest House (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, say goodbye to the Mekong Delta and take the bus back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a free afternoon to see any sights (or sample any delights) that you didn’t get a chance to previously. Maybe spend the final night of your Vietnam adventure with a bowl of pho, celebrating with your new friends and toasting to a trip well-travelled.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a free day in Ho Chi Minh to get out and discover the city at your own pace. Alternatively, why not get an up close and personal history lesson on guerrilla warfare during an Urban Adventures tour to the Cu Chi tunnels. This underground network in the middle of the jungle was used by the Viet Cong during the war. Take the chance to climb into the tunnels and imagine what it would’ve been like to eat, sleep, work and cook – even go to school underground as conflict raged above. Return to Ho Chi Minh where there will be a meeting at 6 pm to welcome any new travellers joining you on the next stage of your adventure. Afterwards, perhaps get to know your new travel buddies over an optional group dinner.

Optional Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace (40000 VND)
Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum (40000 VND)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Phnom Penh

Travel by public bus across the border, through rural Vietnam and Cambodia to Phnom Penh. Cambodia's capital city is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture. If you're looking for a tasty beverage when you arrive, head for a mojito on the rooftop. Or if you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at the art-deco Psar Thmei (Central Market) or travel out to Psar Tuol Tom Pong (the Russian Market) for the best range of local souvenirs.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Phnom Penh

Today, you’ll confront Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) – a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It's estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. You’ll also head out to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls marks the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. After, you may wish to learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history from an optional visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Wat Phnom, shrouded in myth, is equally worth a visit, as is the National Museum with its excellent Khmer collection. Cyclo tours around the city are a great alternative to walking and generally include the Central Market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, the Independence Monument and Royal Palace.

Included Activities:

Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)

Optional Activities:

Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda (10 USD)
Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom (2 USD)
Phnom Penh - National Museum (10 USD)
Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour (4 USD)
Phnom Penh - Khmer massage (8 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Battambang

Travel by private minibus to Battambang today. Break up an otherwise long trip with a visit to the pottery visit in Kampong Chhnang and learn about the craft of pottery making at local workshops. Then continue to Cambodia's second-largest city – a pretty riverside town with French elegance, friendly Khmer people and beautifully preserved colonial architecture, this is a great place to explore on your own. Why not take part in an optional cooking class to learn the secrets of local dishes such as amok, Khmer curry and fried spicy chicken.

Included Activities:

Kampong Chhnang - Pottery village visit

Optional Activities:

Battambang - Cooking Class (12 USD)
Battambang - Phnom Sampov bat caves (15 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Siem Reap

Spend a bit of time riding around the countryside by bike, travelling out to the rural villages around Battambang. This is a great opportunity to get a closer look at what rural life means in Cambodia. Visit local families who have been producing agricultural products the traditional way passed down through generations, like rice paper, dried bananas, and bamboo sticky rice and stop by a Khmer house and relax and enjoy some coconut water while chatting about their life. The Intrepid partner for this activity is a local social enterprise that support training of local youth for their future career. In the afternoon continue by private minibus to Siem Reap, arriving in the evening, and relax as you prepare for your much-anticipated visit to Angkor tomorrow. Perhaps hit the markets for some delicious street food for dinner.

Included Activities:

Battambang - Soksabike social enterprise countryside cycling & local snack tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Make your way to Angkor Wat in the early hours this morning to watch the sunrise over this UNESO World Heritage site. Then, Temple-hop with your local guide through the world-famous complex. The temples, dating back as far as the ninth century, were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photo opportunities at any time of day. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so there will be plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.

Included Activities:

Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass
Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
Siem Reap - Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 21: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Continue your explorations of the Angkor complex this morning. In the afternoon, embark on a private local boat discover the floating villages and local daily lives at Chhong Kneas – a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia.

Included Activities:

Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
Chong Kneas - Tonle Sap floating village visit

Optional Activities:

Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Silver Tour (54 USD)
Siem Reap - Landmine Museum (5 USD)
Siem Reap - Phare Circus Ticket (18 USD)
Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Gold Tour (87 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 22: Bangkok

It's a long drive by private minibus from Siem Reap to Bangkok today. Arrive in Thailand's bustling capital and take in this exciting world of tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Perhaps head out to sample some local specialties as a final farewell with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 23: Bangkok

Your trip comes to an end this morning, with no further activities planned. However, if you have more time, Bangkok is full of things to do, including the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the fascinating Jim Thompson Museum. Just speak to your booking agent if you'd like to extend your stay.

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure (1960 THB)
Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House (200 THB)
Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure (2900 THB)
Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (2500 THB)

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 $4,280

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 23 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia, beautiful Bangkok; this journey covers the very best of South East Asia.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 17 Mar 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

5.0

Yvonne

Traveled, March 2025

03/18/2025

Seriously the best experience, loved every moment including the variety of accommodation and activities.

3.5

Jason

Traveled, November 2024

12/12/2024

Good overview of Vietnam and Cambodia but not Thailand. Wish I could spend more time in Siem Reap and less in Battambang in Cambodia. Wish we could spend more time in Thailand.

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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