Best of Cambodia & Vietnam

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Bangkok with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. This city has so much to offer, so it’s recommended you stay at least a few extra days – if you have time to explore, maybe take a riverboat to Chinatown to wander the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, visit Wat Pho (home to the country's largest reclining Buddha), wander down neon-lit Khao San Road, or treat yourself to a Thai massage. After the meeting, you might like to gather your fellow travellers and tuck into some world-renowned street food.

Today, you’ll fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap. You’ll be unaccompanied on the flight, but your Thai trip leader will see you off in Bangkok and your Cambodian leader will be ready to welcome you in Siem Reap. Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, is the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia (maybe even in all of South East Asia!). You'll probably notice a change of pace here, so maybe take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere. You could start by hitting the local markets to try some delicious street food – ask your leader for recommendations on the best local specialties to try.

Spend a full day temple-hopping with your local guide, making the most of your visit to the world-famous Angkor complex – built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the dominant influence in South East Asia. The ruins are scattered over some 160 sq km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap. This includes Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. These temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. See the intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs, which make for great photo opportunities. This is sure to be a highlight of your trip, so take your time to soak it all in and make the most of your local guide’s expert insight.

This morning, hop on a private local boat and discover the local life in the floating village of Kampong Phluk on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. The stilt houses here are built about 6-9 meters above the ground to accommodate water level changes between dry and wet seasons. Learn about the fascinating local lifestyle on the water and enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch in one of the stilt houses. This afternoon, return to Siem Reap and enjoy a free evening.

Leave Siem Reap after breakfast and travel to Phnom Penh in a private minibus. The journey is a great opportunity to see rural Cambodia – you’ll make several stops along the way. Visit the cottage industry at Santuk Silk Farm, where local women are provided the opportunity for financial freedom to support their families. You’ll learn about the entire silk-making process, from the lifecycle of a silkworm to the final product. You’ll also stop at Skuon Market, where you might like to sample local specialties like deep-fried spiders. Cambodia's capital is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-influenced architecture. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to discover the city at your own pace. Maybe explore Wat Phnom – a peaceful temple situated on a hill. A great way to see the city's key landmarks is on a cyclo tour, which generally covers the Psar Thmei (Central Market), US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, Independence Monument and Royal Palace.

Phnom Penh stands as a living relic of not only the country’s past successes, but also its struggles. Today, you’ll visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. S21 was formerly a school that was turned into a Khmer Rouge torture centre, and it’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are home to a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls, marking the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. After visiting both sites, you’ll have free time for the rest of the day. Maybe visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Alternatively, the National Museum, housed in a beautiful traditional building, is a great place to see some excellent Khmer craftsmanship. For a relaxing way to spend the late afternoon and evening, you could stroll along the famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many riverside cafes.

This morning, travel by local bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, see the Neak Loeung Bridge, which is the biggest bridge in Cambodia, and then stop for lunch after immigration. You’ll arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Maybe get out and about on a self-guided walk to discover the city’s blend of old and new. Be sure to sample a banh mi (a crusty baguette filled with meat or tofu, vegetables and fresh herbs) or a glass of the famous Vietnamese coffee – both markers of the city's strong French influence.

Today is a free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. You’ll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm. Before then, maybe head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-aired market or take an Urban Adventure with an expert local guide. After the meeting tonight, why not get to know your new fellow travellers over an optional group dinner?

Arrive in Hanoi early this morning and transfer to your hotel. Vietnam’s capital is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks and beautiful Old Quarter. Soak up some free time to relax, then take a walking tour through the city. In your free time, maybe wander through the '36 Streets’ of the historic Old Quarter, chill out by the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, or visit the Fine Arts Museum. This museum plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s ethnic communities.

Travel by private minibus to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places, a secluded bay of emerald waters flecked with limestone islands and caves. Board a private boat and cruise the bay, exploring caves and beaches on the way. If you like, you can also take on an optional kayaking tour of the bay and see the gorgeous natural scenery from a different perspective. On board, there’ll be a dining room and bar where you’ll enjoy your meals, including fresh seafood for lunch and dinner. Spend the night on the boat, maybe having a drink with your fellow travellers at the bar, beneath a sky alive with starlight.

Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay – if you’re keen, you could watch the sunrise from the deck this morning, watching the bay come alive with eagles, fishermen and sunlight. Return by bus to Hanoi. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Hanoi's sights or relax at a cafe. Maybe stop for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars in the Old Quarter. Tonight, there will be a farewell dinner at KOTO restaurant – an organisation that supports disadvantaged youth with careers in the hospitality industry.

Today, your exploration of Vietnam comes to an end. There are no activities planned for today and you can leave at any time after checking out. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Hanoi, and it’s recommended that you do, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.