Discover the best of Vietnam and Cambodia on our 15-day trip… Venture into the heart of Indochina as you explore Vietnam's frenetic capital city of Hanoi and the unparalleled beauty of Halong Bay. Continue the adventure as you visit Cambodia's ancient city of Angkor where the mighty Khmer Empire that once ruled the region was seated.

Cruise Halong Bay in style: Sail around the sparkling emerald waters of Halong Bay on a premium boat among the massive rock structures jutting out of the water.

Travel like a local: Hop on the back of a motorbike with expert drivers to see the real Hanoi as you sip bia hoi alongside the locals.

Get your Tomb Raider on!: Hop in a tuk-tuk as you explore the city of Angkor including the infamous Ta Prohm where the jungle is slowly devouring the ancient temple.

Welcome to Vietnam! The immense population of Hanoi is immediately visible in its crowded streets that are packed with bicycles, tuk-tuks, motorbikes, cars, and pedestrians. It is absolute transit madness and really is an attraction in itself. You can pop a squat at a sidewalk cafe and be entertained by hours as you witness the spectacle of motorbikes whizzing by with goods piled up high. Navigating the maze of small alleys is how most people prefer to spend their time in Hanoi which is just as fun as any purpose-built tourist attraction.

If you're not too jet lagged upon arrival, you can explore the area as the hotel is conveniently located in the Old Quarter making it easy to explore on your own. Otherwise, you can just relax at the hotel's spa which offers foot massages, full-body herbal massages, rice scrubs, and facials; a nice way to unwind after your flight. There is also a pool with a spectacular view of the city to relax in or grab a drink on the rooftop bar at the end of the day.

Included:

• Activities: Arrival (at your own expense); Free time
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Start your day with a tour of Hanoi where you’ll stop at some of the city's most well-known sites; most notably Hoa Lo Prison where POWs were detained during the Vietnam War. Afterward, you’ll have some free time to do as you wish.

This evening, hop on the back of a motorbike and get ready to eat your way through Hanoi! The street food scene is thriving here and it is a fun way to explore the city. It is also a great way to get a feel for how the locals live and eat. During the food tour, you’ll sample some local specialties in the never-ending hidden alleys of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

After sampling some of Hanoi's street treats, head to one of the local watering holes on the street serving bia hoi (fresh beer), a small batch of homemade beer that is brewed fresh every day. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect after a hot and steamy day in Hanoi. It is delivered daily and sold for around 30 cents per glass. Even if you are not a beer drinker, it is still fun to experience this very typical Hanoi scene. You'll be immersed in local life next to workers who like to come here after a hard day’s work for some cheap drinks and good company.

Included:

• Activities: Hanoi city tour; Free time; Street food tour by motorbike
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (street food tour)
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Halong Bay is a beautiful turquoise bay with more than 3,000 islands in all shapes and sizes. It is most known for its iconic limestone cliffs covered in green vegetation protruding from the water's surface. Halong means “descending dragon”, a suitable metaphor to describe the thousands of islands with bizarre rock formations found within this bay. Halong Bay offers a much more tranquil setting than the clamor of Hanoi. Upon arrival, you’ll board a 5-star junk boat to start cruising.

Enjoy lunch on board the boat as you set sail to the less-visited area of Lan Ha Bay. In the afternoon, you will have the option to visit Sang Toi cave followed by time for swimming and kayaking. You can also just hang out on the boat and take in the scenery if you prefer. If you would rather relax, there's a masseuse on board and you can book a massage. Almost all activities on the boat are optional but included in the cost.

Before dinner, there will be a cooking demonstration on the sundeck as well as a happy hour before you dine. This is a sunset you definitely do not want to miss. After dinner, you’ll have the option to do some nighttime fishing for squid with the boat crew.

*NOTE: We recommend bringing an overnight bag to Halong Bay rather than lugging your bulky suitcases with you on the cruise. Your main luggage will be safely stored at the Hanoi hotel. You can collect them when you return to Hanoi on Day 4.

Included:

• Transfers: Hanoi - Halong Bay by van (approx. 3 hours)
• Activities: Sang Toi Cave; Swimming; Kayaking; Cooking demonstration; Free time on boat; Squid fishing
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Premium cruise ship

This morning, you have the option of rising early to witness the bay at its best during a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck followed by breakfast. If you're not an early bird, you can wake up at your leisure and soak in a bubble bath as you take in the views of the bay from the large windows in your cabin. Later in the morning, head out in kayaks to explore the bay. After kayaking through a dark grotto, get ready for a hidden paradise surrounded by huge limestone cliffs. You're also welcome to relax on the boat's sundeck if you don't want to participate in any of the activities. Thereafter, there'll be a brunch as you cruise back to shore.

After returning to land, you'll transfer back to Hanoi where you'll have the rest of the day free to grab a coffee on Train Street, go out for another round of bia hoi, or just relax at the hotel.

Included:

• Transfers: Halong Bay - Hanoi by van (approx. 3 hours)
• Activities: Tai Chi class; Grotto by kayak; Hanoi free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Your journey continues today to Hoi An whose maritime importance dates back as early as the 2nd century BC. It has seen occupation by the Chinese, Japanese, and Europeans. Their influences are visible throughout the old town, especially in the temples and houses built by merchants who ended up settling down here. Towards the end of the 18th century, the river slowly silted up which led to the end of trade but the town's charm is still well-preserved.

Arrival in Hoi An will be in the afternoon and then, you'll have some free time. The hotel is situated in the old town so you can easily walk around Hoi An to familiarize yourself with this charming town.

Included:

• Transfers: Hanoi - Hoi An by plane and van (approx. 2.5 hours)
• Activities: Free time
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Discover the city this morning and visit a local market in Hoi An full of seasonal fruits, noodles, herbs, vegetables, meat, and fish. Talk to the vendors and get some tips from your local guide on how to bargain. You'll also have the chance to meet a local Cham family and hear about their way of life as well as the traditions that have been passed down through the generations. Then, cruise down the Thu Bon River in bamboo basket boats and paddle through the water coconut palms. You will also have the option of learning how to fish like a local with a fishing net, listening to traditional folk songs, and shopping for handmade souvenirs made of palm leaves. Afterward, get a hands-on lesson in Vietnamese cooking after which you'll dine on your own culinary creations for lunch.

Later in the day, try your hand at making lanterns like the ones you see covering the buildings of the old town. After the class, you'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to relax at the hotel or explore the town's endless hidden alleys and passages.

Included:

• Activities: Hoi An city tour; Morning market; Cham family visit; Bamboo basket boat ride; Cooking class; Lantern making class
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (cooking class)
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

The best way to discover Hoi An is to simply wander. Temples, museums, and preserved houses are plentiful in the maze of streets that wind throughout the town. There are hundreds of historic buildings and the best way to get a feel for the town is to stroll through the small alleys. As with everywhere in this country, the real Vietnam is to be found in unexpected places such as a hidden back street, an unexpected alley, or talking in broken English to an old lady selling Chinese scrolls. In hidden nooks and crannies, you’ll stumble upon art galleries, gastronomic gems, and shops filled with lanterns and silk for which the town is famed, woodworkers and carvers, artists at work, and handicrafts galore.

You have the day to do as you would like and your tour leader will be there to recommend optional activities!

Included:

• Activities: Free day (optional activities at your own expense)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Say goodbye to Vietnam as you make your way to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap is a busy little town thanks to its prime location next to the Angkor temple complex. There are a plethora of local cafes, street food stalls, and restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines if you'd like to mix it up. Pub Street comes alive at night and it is the spot to get a fish spa pedicure, grab a drink, or get your groove on!

Upon arrival at the Siem Reap airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel. There'll be a quick briefing with your tour leader about the schedule in the days to come.

Later, gather for an early dinner with your tour leader at a local restaurant that provides training in the food and beverage industry to young adults from the area so that they may have practical skills for a happier and more secure future.

Included:

• Transfers: Hoi An - Siem Reap by van and plane
• Activities: Meet with tour leader; Free time; Welcome dinner
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Today is all about temples as you delve into the remnants of the Khmer Empire's former glory. Stepping foot on these sacred grounds is to step back in time. First up is the main temple of Angkor Wat, the best preserved of all the temples in the complex which is nearly 1,000 years old! Your guide will walk you through the temple and explain the fascinating history of this bucket list site. Up next is Bayon, one of the most richly decorated temples in the area. You could get lost and wander its many passages for hours as you admire the many stone-carved murals depicting ancient life. As always, your guide will be there to provide you with all the important information about this popular temple.

After a morning of temples, you're welcome to explore more temples and catch your own tuk-tuk back to the hotel. Or you can head back with the tour leader and take a dip in the hotel pool after a hot day under the Cambodian sun.

This evening, there'll be dinner and a show at a local theater. You'll be treated to an Apsara (traditional Khmer dance) performance at a beautiful theater.

Included:

• Activities: Angkor Wat & Bayon Temples; Free time; Apsara show + dinner
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

This morning, you'll head to the Landmine Museum of Banteay Srey on the outskirts of Siem Reap and the Angkor complex where you'll learn about the devastating effects of landmines and UXOs in Cambodia as well as the efforts being made to demine the country. The stories of the founder, Aki Ra, and those affected by these horrible devices are heartbreaking but an integral part of Khmer society, past and present. Then, have lunch together followed by some free time.

This evening, get ready for a show with Cambodian theater, acrobatics, traditional dance, and more! Phare Circus is a local arts and culture project that started in the city of Battambang and gives Cambodians from difficult backgrounds the opportunity to receive education in the arts. Arrive at the circus grounds in time for happy hour. Then, the big top will open its doors and you'll be shown to your front-row seats for the main event!

Included:

• Activities: Banteay Srey Landmine Museum; Lunch at training restaurant; Free time; Phare circus
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Head to Angkor once again this morning as it is impossible, not to mention exhausting, to try to squeeze everything into one day. Today, you'll visit the temple of Ta Prohm which became famous thanks to its appearance in one of the Tomb Raider films. Here, the sight of the jungle devouring the ruins of the temple is one to surely amaze. You'll have lunch together at a local training restaurant whose goal is to train young underprivileged Cambodians in the hospitality industry, free of charge. Over 1,850 students have been trained here and found a job in one of Cambodia's fastest-growing economic sectors, enabling them to achieve economic independence and improve the living conditions of their families.

The afternoon is free to relax or do some sightseeing and souvenir shopping around town if you'd like.

Reunite this evening to discover Siem Reap's street food scene. Your tour leader will recommend dishes and you'll eat like a local for dinner. Thereafter, we suggest a night out on Pub Street to see Siem Reap's nightlife and how it likes to get down once the sun sets!

Included:

• Activities: Ta Prohm Temple; Free time; Street food tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (street food tour)
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Today is a free day to do as you'd like. Siem Reap is chalked full of things to do and see.  If you're interested in exploring the vast Angkor complex some more, your tour leader can help you hire a tuk-tuk and a guide. We recommend the Apopo Landmine project where rats are trained to sniff out landmines. You could also try your hand at Khmer cuisine at a cooking class including a morning market visit. Another option is a tour of the Sombai distillery where you’ll learn how this Cambodian liqueur is made along with a Khmer cocktail tasting. You could also go for a boat ride around Kampong Phluk floating village and see stilted houses over a lake. It's up to you! Your tour leader will be there to point you in the right direction based on your interests.

Included:

• Activities: Free time (optional activities at your own expense)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Bid farewell to Siem Reap and catch a flight to Phnom Penh. Once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh was once one of the better-preserved French colonial towns in Southeast Asia. However, the last 30 years have seen an onslaught of new construction projects which have resulted in many of Phnom Penh’s relics and its unique architecture falling to the wrecking ball, only to be replaced by characterless glass and brass affairs. The result is a hodge-podge of stunning French colonial buildings, quirky modernist buildings, and concrete eyesores.

The rest of the evening is yours to do as you'd like. Your hotel is located within walking distance of many great restaurants and pubs where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink at the end of the day.

Cambodian cities are not going to win any awards for being the most beautiful but it is important to step back and imagine what the people and their country have been through, one of the largest mass genocides known in history. This was less than 50 years ago and the country is still being ruled by a former commander of the Khmer Rouge. Foreign investment is plundering the country to keep the dirty politicians’ pockets lined. Sadly, corruption and bribery run rampant, and even with all of these horrific things happening, the Khmer people are some of the friendliest in Southeast Asia. To have such optimism with so many setbacks and misfortunes shows that the Khmer people are some of the most resilient and resourceful in the world!

Included:

• Transfers: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh by plane (approx. 1.5 hrs)
• Activities: Free time
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Start the day exploring Phnom Penh on a rickshaw bicycle tour as you leisurely experience the city's French colonial architecture and bustling streets. 

Continue to the most visited attraction in Phnom Penh which will leave you in tears but also give you insight into life during the Khmer Rouge’s horrendous reign. The killing fields are synonymous with torture and mass murder. This is a tear-jerking yet integral part of Khmer history and something that must be visited to understand the current state of Khmer politics and society. There is not one family that was not affected by the Khmer Rouge in some way. Approximately 25% or more of Cambodia's population died at the hands of this horrific regime.

After this emotional visit, reset your mind with an authentic Cambodian lunch at a local restaurant, and then, the rest of the afternoon is free. 

In the evening, meet again for a nice dinner to enjoy your last evening with your new friends before the end of the tour.

Included:

• Activities: Rickshaw tour; Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (killing fields); Free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Bid farewell to Southeast Asia and all of its treasures! Depending on your flight time, you will have free time on your own before catching your flight back home.

Included:

• Activities: Departure (at your own expense); Free time
• Meals: Breakfast

*Itinerary is subject to change.