A 17-night trip through Vietnam & Cambodia with some extraordinary culinary experiences and luxury hotels.
This trip begins in the south of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. In this sprawling city your guide will teach you about the country’s dark wartime history and see the mix of skyscrapers and classic French colonial architecture and take you on a street food tour. You’ll also enjoy a full day tour out to the Mekong Delta by speedboat. Fly up to Da Nang and spend three nights by the beach in Hoi An with its well-preserved ancient centre, intersected with canals and learn about the city’s melting-pot of history where wooden Chinese shophouses and temples mix with colourful French colonial buildings. Here you’ll learn all about Vietnamese cuisine on a cooking course. Next stop is beautiful Hue, the city that was the seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors, and here you’ll be taken on a private tour of Hue Citadel, the Forbidden City & Tombs of The Nguyen Dynasty. You’ll fly up to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. At its heart is the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade and a private full day tour plus a street food tour will showcase the best of the city. Leaving Vietnam behind you will fly down to Cambodia to Siem Reap where you will spend four nights. You’ll explore the incredible temples of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the historical sights around Siem Reap with private dining experiences and night street food tours. Finish in ultimate relaxation on the exclusive Song Saa island before flying home.
Trip Highlights
Explore Ho Chi Minh’s historic heart including the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and the vibrant Binh Tay Market in Cholon.
Enjoy a scenic speedboat journey through the Mekong Delta.
Taste your way through Hoi An, experiencing local culinary delights amid lantern-lit streets and countryside.
Tour the vast Hue Citadel and Forbidden City, followed by a peaceful Perfume River cruise past iconic pagodas.
Witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat and explore the ancient temples of Angkor Thom.
Relaxing on Song Saa Private Island with pristine beaches and tropical reefs.
When to go
Cambodia and Vietnam are generally year-round destinations thanks to their tropical climates, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April when the weather is cooler and less humid. The rainy season from May to October can bring heavy showers, which may affect travel plans but also offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
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Our tailor-made trip to Cambodia exceed all our expectations. What really stood out was the intimate village homestay where we shared stories and meals with a local family. It felt like we were discovering a hidden side of Cambodia that few travelers get to see.
– Humboldt Client
Day by Day Itinerary
A private guide will collect you from the airport and take you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh, where you'll spend the next three nights.
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In the morning, explore Saigon’s historic heart with visits to the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office, before delving into Cholon’s bustling Binh Tay Market and the ornate Thien Hau Pagoda. In the afternoon, uncover the city’s wartime past at the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, where powerful exhibits portray the Vietnam War’s turbulent history.
In the morning, speed through the Mekong Delta by boat, visiting vibrant markets, local workshops, temples and family homes while enjoying regional dishes like fried elephant ear fish and freshly cut coconuts.
In the evening, join a private street food adventure with local chef Ms Ky, exploring Saigon’s hidden districts by motorbike and sampling a feast of authentic Vietnamese flavours.
Transfer to Hoi An, your next stop for the next three nights.
In the evening, enjoy cycling tour allowing you to savor Hoi An’s renowned culinary delights while exploring the old quarter, countryside and riverside under twinkling lanterns.
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Start the day with an immersive cooking master class at Vy’s Market Restaurant, including a boat trip to Hoi An’s vibrant central market to learn about fresh ingredients and traditional dishes before preparing and enjoying a multi-course Vietnamese meal.
In the afternoon, take a walking tour through Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, exploring historic sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge and ancient merchant houses while soaking in the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Embark on the scenic road journey to Hue, stopping off at some stunning landscape views along the way.
Enjoy dinner at Ben Xuan Garden House, one of the most delightful settings in Vietnam.
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In the morning, explore the stunning Minh Mang tomb and visit a private workshop to discover the unique Phap Lam ceramic enamel art.
In the afternoon, tour the vast Hue Citadel and Forbidden City before finishing with a scenic Perfume River cruise past historic pagodas and landmarks, including the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda.
If flight times allow, enjoy an evening Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre in Hanoi.
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Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap.
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In the morning, explore the serene temples of Ta Prohm, Ta Nei, and Ta Keo, enjoying peaceful walks through the forest and admiring unique temple architecture.
In the afternoon, discover the vast 12th-century city of Angkor Thom, visiting iconic sites like Bayon and Baphuon before ending the day with sunset drinks on a tranquil boat ride around the ancient city moat.
After a morning relaxing at your leisure, in the afternoon, you will travel through rural Cambodia to visit the Port of Mechrey, a small fishing village on the edge of the great lake, before zipping across the water to Prek Toal, a permanent floating settlement with a church, school and village stores.
See the tropical sun emerging from behind the iconic lotus towers of Angkor Wat. Explore the temple’s intricate galleries and bas-reliefs in the tranquil early hours, experiencing Cambodia’s most celebrated monument at its most magical, before the crowds arrive.
In the afternoon, visit more local communities, rice paddies and take an ox cart ride for a true Cambodian cultural experience.
Today, your guide will collect you from your hotel to take you to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh. From here, you will take a 45-minute speedboat to your accommodation for the next three nights.
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Where to stay
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