Vietnam and Cambodia Grand Journey - 26 Days

From the wonders of Angkor to charming Halong Bay, from the stunning Sapa mountainous area to pristine Phu Quoc Island, take this Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary 4 weeks which is filled with cultures, tradition, history, and amazing landscapes. Get a closer look at Cambodia's past in Phnom Penh before cruising into Vietnam vibrant Mekong Delta of riverine scenery and local ways of life.

Tour Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Sapa - Hue - Hoi An - Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake - Phnom Penh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Phu Quoc Island
Duration: 26 Days/ 25 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Hanoi/ Saigon
Tour Type: Landscape, Nature, History, and Culture
Tour Category: Vietnam Cambodia Tours
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Active Level: Regular itinerary, Moderate walking & Trekking

Brief Itinerary

North & Central Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days
Day 01: Hanoi Arrival
Day 02: Hanoi City Tour
Day 03: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Day 04: Halong Bay
Day 05: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Sapa
Day 06: Sapa Trekking Tour
Day 07: Fansipan by Cable Car – Hanoi
Day 08: Hanoi – Hue - City Tour
Day 09: Hue - Danang - Hoi An - Walking Tour
Day 10: Hoi An Farming & Fishing Tour
Cambodia Itinerary 5 Days
Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Siem Reap
Day 12: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
Day 13: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake
Day 14: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh
Day 15: Phnom Penh
South Vietnam Itinerary 11 Days
Day 16: Phnom Penh - Chau Doc
Day 17: Chau Doc - Can Tho
Day 18: Cai Be -  Mekong Cruise
Day 19: Mekong Cruise - Saigon
Day 20: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 21: Saigon - Phu Quoc Island
Day 22: Phu Quoc Island
Day 23: Phu Quoc Island
Day 24: Phu Quoc Island
Day 25: Phu Quoc Island
Day 26: Phu Quoc Island - Saigon Departure

North & Central Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Upon Hanoi arrival, you will be welcomed by Viet Vision Travel’s tour guide and driver then transferred to hotel for check-in and repose. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour: Train Street – Cyclo Tour – Water Puppet Show (B, L)

After breakfast, move to the Ho Chi Minh complex where we will spend time at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, his former stilt-house, the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda. Later, discover the Temple of Literature, which originally built as a temple to Confucius and the first Vietnam National University.

In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Ethnology acknowledged as the best display of cultures and traditions from Vietnam's 54 Ethnic minority peoples then the infamous Hoa Lo Prison Museum which is also known as the ‘’Hanoi Hilton’’ in the French colonial period. After that, reach the hidden Tran Phu train street to enjoy a cup of coffee here and feel the steady lifestyle of local people here who differ with the bustle streets outside.

In the late afternoon, participate in a 1-hour cyclo tour at Hanoi Old Quarter where you will be free for shopping ranging from designer boutique stores to amazing contemporary art galleries. In the evening, watch a traditional performance of the city’s famous Water Puppet Show. Overnight in Hanoi

Remarks:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays & Fridays.
• Hanoi Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays.
• The Museum can be replaced by your favorite museums in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D)

Upon arrival in Tuan Chau Island then you will have time to refresh yourself after the long drive from Hanoi. After transferring to a cruise ship, check-in and enjoy welcome drink and lunch while beholding the stunning views of this majestic landscape.

After lunch, you can opt for an afternoon of pampering and indulgence at the cruise ship's spa. Then start your first excursion at Halong Pearl Farm dedicated to growing pearls and practicing a handmade technique. It is also an ideal destination for kayaking and swimming. The second stop of the day is the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you will be surprised by the breathtaking panoramic view of the largest cave in Halong Bay with the stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

The ship will anchor overnight at Coconut Tree Island so it is a perfect time for you to enjoy a cocktail at the sunset. In the evening, dress up as kings and queens for the Royal Emperor Bao Dai dinner at the restaurant. The evening is time for you to relax at the bar, go squid fishing or enjoy a spa treatment.

Day 4: Halong Bay (B, L, D)

In the morning, practice Tai Chi on the at the magnificent sunrises of Halong Bay. After breakfast at the restaurant, go deeper into the Bay by visiting Titov Island then where you can go swimming or hiking to the top of the mountain for a stunning panoramic view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The next stop will be Trong Cave in Bo Hon Island where you will be surprised by so many stalactites and hidden corners. After lunch, take a boat trip to Cua Van Floating Village to get a closer look at the floating life of local people. Return to the ship then enjoy the sunset cocktails and join in the cooking demonstration. The evening is your leisure time. Overnight on the cruise.

Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Night train to Sapa (B, L)

Begin your last day in Halong Bay with the second Tai Chi session on the sundeck then enjoy a light breakfast, coffee and pastries. It is your free time to relax on the ship or swim at the beach. After disembarking from the Cruise, return to Hanoi by shuttle bus with a light lunch. After taking short rest, transfer to the train station for the private night train to Sapa, Lao Cai.

Day 6: Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Sapa (B, L)

Upon arrival in Lao Cai, you will be picked up at the train station and transfer to Sapa town for breakfast. After that, visit Y Linh Ho village of the Hmong people. After lunch, head to the Muong Hoa Valley through the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van where you will meet friendly local people. Get back to Sapa for overnight.

Day 7: Fansipan by Cable Car - Cat Cat village - Hanoi (B, L)

After breakfast at hotel, take a 4-minute Mountain Train through valleys, viaducts, and tunnels offering beautiful views of surrounding nature. Get off the train and enjoy another 20 minutes cable car riding up to the peak of Mount Fansipan, the rooftop of Indochina.

Next, challenge yourself with 636 high steps up to Fansipan Summit and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Hoang Lien Mountain range with immense lush green forest. Get back to Sapa town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Cat Cat village of spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. Then enjoy free time wandering around Sapa town before transferring to Lao Cai train station for the night train back to Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi - Fly to Hue - City Tour (B)

After breakfast, travel by private car to the airport for a domestic flight to Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel to take a rest before starting the city tour in the afternoon. After lunch, visit the former imperial capital of Vietnam at the Imperial Citadel to explore the living place of Nguyen Emperors in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

Then head to the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum which has been preserving the former Dien Long An Royal Palace. Next, join in a dragon boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River to reach Hue best-known religious site, the Thien Mu Pagoda. Overnight in Hue

Day 9: Hue - Danang - Hoi An - Walking tour (B)

In the morning, travel to Hoi An along scenic highway 1A. Along the way, stop to contemplate the stunning views at Hai Van Pass and Lang Co beach. Upon arrival in Danang, have a brief visit at Cham Museum – the houses to the most complete collections of Cham Artifacts in the world; relax at China Beach and the Marble Mountain reflecting the five elements of the Universe (water, wood, air, fire, and earth).

Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon. After a short rest, start the walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street, the Chinese-style temples, and pagodas. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An Farming & Fishing Tour (B, L)

Prepare for an early start this morning as heading to Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour. At Tra Que Village, get an insight into the local farming and support farmers prepare the land for sowing, fertilize the garden and water it.

Following this, cycle through the countryside and witness local Vietnamese rural life. After that, board to Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a river cruise to meet and see local fishermen working their craft, before trying a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. Sit on a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat for a quick race and ride down coconut palm-lined waterways. Lunch will be served with vegetables picked earlier at Tra Que Village. Then have some free time to wander around Hoi An town center before heading back to the hotel. Overnight in Hoi An

Cambodia Itinerary 5 Days

Day 11: Hoi An – Da Nang - Fly to Siem Reap (B, L)

Today, leave Hoi An and move to Danang airport for an international flight to Cambodia. Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, meet our driver and guide then transfer to hotel for check-in and relaxation. Remain of the day is free and overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 12: Siem Reap - Angkor Temple Complex - Dinner Show (B, L, D)

After breakfast, proceed to visit Angkor Thom - the great city of the Ancient Khmer Empire. including the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, and the picturesque Ta Prohm among jungles.

In the afternoon, continue to see the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat. Stroll around this massive monument, explore many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and ponds. End this day with a climb to the summit of Bakheng Hill to marvel at the spectacular sunset over Angkor Wat. Your dinner today will be accompanied by a classical Apsara dance. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 13: Siem Reap - Banteay Srei - Tonle Sap Lake - Cambodia Phare Show (B)

In the morning, explore the temple of Banteay Srei temple considered a classic pearl in the crown of Khmer art. On the way back, stop at a traditional village to see the collect and taste of the sugar palm juice and the making of the palm sugar (seasonal). Then reach Banteay Samre which was established in the 12th century

In the afternoon, embark on an interesting boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake where you can experience the unique floating life at Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Board a local boat to visit Kampong Phluk where you will see traditional stilt houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water.

Tonight, see the remarkable Phare troupe performing a live show that blends circus arts with music and riveting dance which will tell you unique Cambodian tales of history, as well as cultures. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 14: Siem Reap – Fly to Phnom Penh (B, L)

After breakfast, feel free until being transferred to the airport and take a short flight to Phnom Penh. The rest of the day is your leisure to explore Cambodian capital. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 15: Phnom Penh City Tour (B, L)

This morning, discover Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia with wonderful visits to Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum.

In the afternoon, witness a dark chapter of Cambodian history by a visit to sites related to the Khmer regime. Explore the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Field which was used as a prison and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Later, you will have some time to explore the Russian Market. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

South Vietnam Itinerary 11 Days

Day 16: Phnom Penh – Speedboat to Chau Doc (B)

Feel free and easy today before taking the speedboat to Chau Doc. Upon arrival in Chau Doc, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Chau Doc

Day 17: Chau Doc – Tra Su & Villages – Drive to Can Tho (B, L)

After breakfast, move to visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest which is famous for its almost-untouched natural beauty as well as its sanctuary of flora and fauna. Take a boat trip into the forests and see impressive pictures of cajuput, enjoy the fragrance of flowers along with sweet sounds of birds, insects, and animals. In the afternoon, travel to Can Tho city, the heart of Mekong Delta. You have free time to explore this city. Overnight in Cai Be

Day 18: Cai Be – Mekong Eyes Cruise (B, L, D)

In the morning, travel the cruise vessel and check-in. Then enjoy the welcome lunch with the stunning surrounded views.

Later join in a land excursion to walk in fruitful orchards and small rustic villages. Return to the boat for refreshment and enjoying the sunset on the top deck. Dinner and overnight on board

Day 19: Mekong Eyes Cruise – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Today, enjoy morning tea break served on board. Continue the trip by an excursion on a long sampan to Cai Rang floating market and noodle producing family. At noon, disembark in Saigon.

This afternoon is your repose for an amazing Saigon Vespa tour in the evening. See hidden corners in Saigon, try the world’s best street foods, and sip your favorite drinks in unique coffee shops with live music shows. Overnight in Saigon

Day 20: Ho Chi Minh City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)

After breakfast, head to the Cu Chi tunnels (a.k.a the "Iron Triangle" or "Iron Land"). Before entering the tunnels, watch a short video showing how they were constructed and witness various mantraps, an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters dropped by American troops. Later, transfer back to Saigon for lunch.

In the after, travel to the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace of the puppet South Vietnam government and War Remnant Museum to see a lot of artifacts, photos and evidence about the Vietnam War. Then stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post office to get good shots for the old French architectures. Visit Buu Long Pagoda - the magnificent pagoda in town before returning to the hotel.

In the evening, visit Ben Thanh market, the biggest traditional market in town where you can purchase some souvenirs and find some wonderful foods for dinner. Overnight in Saigon

Day 21: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Phu Quoc Island (B)

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel to the airport for a domestic flight to Phu Quoc island. Check-in resort in Phu Quoc then relax on the beach. Overnight in Phu Quoc Island

Day 22: Phu Quoc Island Vacation (B)

After breakfast, visit a Pearl farm to observe the growing and harvesting process of this famous product in Phu Quoc Island. Next, explore Phu Quoc Prison, the hell on earth during the Vietnam War to imprison political prisoners of Vietcong and see evil torture types such as tiger cages and alive burning.

Before lunch, travel to Ho Quoc Pagoda situated along the eastern coast overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and just north of Sao Beach. In the afternoon, relax at Sao beach, one of Phu Quoc’s most beautiful beaches, for swimming and water-based activities. On the way back to hotel, stop at Sim wine factory and a pepper farm, two of the most famous specialties of Phu Quoc island. Overnight in Phu Quoc Island

Day 23: Phu Quoc Island – Gulf of Thailand (B, L)

Today, travel 30 minutes toward the South of Island to reach An Thoi port where you will take a boat ride of 1 hour alongside the waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Enjoy unique moments when the boat stops at some islets fishing, snorkeling, and admiring the great coral reefs. Then taste the perfect lunch with seafood on boat. Spend time sunbathing on the sundeck before getting back to the dock and transferring back to hotel.

Remark: Islets included: Thom Islet, Gam Gi Islet, Finger Islet, Roi Islet (Itinerary can be changed due to weather condition)

Day 24: Phu Quoc Island Exploration (B)

Today, visit the fish sauce factory where you will see a lot of giant barrels used to distill this special cooking liquid. Travel to Nguyen Trung Truc temple to learn more the famous person in Vietnamese history. After lunch, explore Phu Quoc Bee Farm to listen to all explanations about the honey bee, useful information about the value of honey bee, and understand why needs to protect the health of pollinators, especially honey bees. Enjoy a drink with honey then

Afterward, move to Cua Can River for kayaking and exploration the river. Adventure the natural forests of Cua Can and see if you can spot the various wildlife inhabit the area. Overnight in Phu Quoc Island

Day 25: Phu Quoc Free & Easy (B)

Free and easy. Overnight in Phu Quoc

Day 26: Phu Quoc Free & Easy – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

We will have free time before transferring to the airport to take a flight back to Saigon. Take a short rest before moving to the airport for the flight home. See you again in the next Vietnam tour packages.