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Premium Vietnam & Cambodia

Sale!

Premium Vietnam & Cambodia

Was From $ 6,365 AUD
Now From $ 5,720 AUD
Sale!

Description

Immerse yourself in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on a 13-day Premium adventure. Uncover the oriental influences of the historic Asian traders, settlers and indigenous people that have made this part of the world a cornerstone for empires and colonies. From navigating the various fusions of east and west in Hoi An, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, to cruising the natural UNESCO World Heritage listed wonderland of Halong Bay and exploring war time monuments, and experiencing one of the world’s great archaeological treasures at Angkor, this journey will share the best of these countries’ history, nature and tradition.

Trip Name
Premium Vietnam & Cambodia
Last Updated
2024-04-21
Days
13
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore the cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh with your local leaders who will help to uncover the diverse mix of influences and layered histories of each destination.
  • Taste the best of Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine during Exclusive Experiences – dine at a social enterprise aimed at providing vocational and hospitality skills to young workers in Hanoi, and enjoy a privately catered breakfast on the shores of the Srah Srang Lake.
  • Soak up your surroundings during two Feature Stays – an overnight cruise in Halong Bay on a traditional junk-style boat and a 3-night stay at a resort in Siem Reap, offering a tropical oasis escape.
  • Enjoy two days of fully guided temple tours in Siem Reap, with in-depth insights into the history of these extraordinary structures and plenty of time at Angkor Wat, plus an Exclusive Experience morning accompanied by a private photography coach.
  • Gain an understanding of local culture during Exclusive Experiences, including a soul-stirring Hat Xam performance, a visit to a working monastery and a tour of a centuries-old pottery village. 

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital city. You’ll be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm where you’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, Hanoi offers plenty of enticing experiences. Perhaps head to the city’s colourful old quarter and explore the charming jumble of shops and cafés, or check out the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, showcasing ancient through to contemporary Vietnamese art. This evening, join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner at a beautifully decorated restaurant resembling an old-fashioned Vietnamese house. Dive into the exciting world of Vietnamese cuisine as your leader introduces you to a range of classic dishes made with the freshest local ingredients.
Day 2 - Halong Bay
Depart Hanoi and travel to Halong Bay, one of the great natural treasures of Vietnam. Board your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening, a gloriously beautiful and traditionally decorated junk-style boat featuring modern conveniences. Set sail in total comfort as unforgettable views of scattered islands and towering limestone outcrops slowly unfold in front of you. Explore the bay while enjoying a pleasant seafood lunch onboard. Learn about the fascinating geography of the region and its importance to the Vietnamese people, visit Surprise Cave where your leader will point out interesting rock formations, and in the warmer months you can choose a swim from Ti Top Island Beach or take an optional kayaking tour. Sit back with a drink on the upper deck and face out to the spirit-lifting view that will be stamped on your memory of Vietnam. Soak in the stunning surroundings with a candlelit seafood dinner on deck before settling in for a night of stargazing and swapping stories.
Day 3 - Hanoi
Start your day with a peaceful breakfast and perhaps take part in some Tai Chi on board the boat before returning to Hanoi. This afternoon you’ll take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience and sit down to a soul-stirring traditional Hat Xam performance. Hat Xam is an art form of Northern Vietnam dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Originally, this was performed by blind performers, and was enjoyed by local working-class audiences, right up until the late 1950s, when a wave of communism deemed all art forms to be corrupting influences. Today these performances are rare, but you and your group will be taken to a private club house and treated to an exclusive performance in one of the few places where artists still sing acoustically. The performance takes around 60 minutes, and includes possible interaction with guests, so be ready to get involved!
Day 4 - Hoi An
This morning you’ll get to know Hanoi’s charms on a half-day tour with your leader. Discover a captivating city where traditional and modern sit side by side as your leader shares knowledge on the Temple of Literature, an oasis of calm in the heart of town. You'll also visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton" which held American POWs. Today’s lunch is extra special as you will visit the fantastic KOTO café, a social enterprise that provides hospitality training and experience while empowering at-risk and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam – not to mention a creative menu of food made with local ingredients. This afternoon you’ll say goodbye to Hanoi and fly south to Danang. Drive on to Hoi An and take in views of lush scenery along the way. Arrive in Hoi An in the late afternoon and check into your boutique accommodation. The rest of the day is yours – maybe make the most of your hotel’s fabulous pool.
Day 5 - Hoi An
Set off on a tour of Hoi An’s Old Town and discover a blend of traditional treasures and cultural influences from historical traders. Your leader will discuss the city’s history as you wander the pagoda lined streets, visit a Chinese assembly hall, cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, enter the ornately decorated historic house of a former trader and check out a local museum. Hoi An was once a great trading port for pottery, and centuries-old pottery villages still exist to this day. No trip to Vietnam is complete without trying its famed coffee. Your leader will take you to a local coffee shop, where you can savor a delicious coffee of your choice as you watch the hustle and bustle of Hoi An pass you by. Perhaps try a traditional egg coffee - the addition of condensed milk and egg white make this caffeinated beverage into a frothy treat, or a refreshing coconut coffee. Your afternoon is free for your own explorations.
Day 6 - Ho Chi Minh City
The morning is free for you to enjoy more of delightful Hoi An and the surrounding area. Perhaps browse the market for silk and other materials or collect any garments that you might have had crafted by the efficient tailors, or hire a bicycle and ride along the lanes and out to a nice nearby beach. Your leader will have great recommendations for places to eat and drink. In the afternoon, transfer back to Danang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening – the bustling food stalls at Cho Ben Thanh market might beckon you over with the sweet and savoury aromas of pho and bun mam. Delicious!
Day 7 - Ho Chi Minh City
Head out of the city to the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network dug by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. Enter a widened section of the tunnels with your leader who will help you imagine what life underground must have been like and explain how the tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation and schools, and were used for refuge, storage and as a military base for the Viet Cong. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a tour of the dynamic city where daily life plays out on the streets. Your leader will take you to the Reunification Palace, formally the Presidential Palace and the site of South Vietnam’s surrender in 1975, before visiting the War Remnants Museum. In the evening, perhaps spend some time with your fellow travellers and enjoy a final dinner at a local restaurant. Your leader will know of some wonderful options.
Day 8 - Phnom Penh
Sua s'dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital city. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel today. If you arrive early, why not go for a stroll and discover the city’s French colonial architecture or check out the National Museum and its fascinating collection of classic Khmer craftsmanship. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. After, join your group for dinner at Malis Restaurant – an upmarket dining spot that’s committed to preserving and serving Cambodia's traditional cuisine. Maybe cap off the night with a cocktail at the Le Moon Rooftop at Amanjaya Pancam Hotel.
Day 9 - Phnom Penh
Today your leader will introduce you to the sights of Phnom Penh during a full-day city tour. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and closed off to the public, but you can visit the sacred Silver Pagoda in the palace complex. Your included visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek will tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. There is an optional visit to Wat Phnom, the temple that gave rise to the city’s foundation in the 15th century. Tonight is free to grab dinner at your leisure or wander the city’s nighttime atmosphere.
Day 10 - Siem Reap
After breakfast this morning, you’ll go on a journey of discovery from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in a comfortable private vehicle. Discover traditional Cambodian life at Skun Village and learn about the town’s deep-fried tarantulas and other insects, which the locals consume daily. You’ll also visit Santuk Silk Farm to learn about silk production and its work as a social enterprise, employing local women as artisan weavers. Share a simple, rustic local lunch prepared by the weavers before you continue to Siem Reap, stopping to see historic bridges along the way before arriving at your hotel at approximately 5 pm. This tropical oasis boasts three pools and an excellent restaurant with a focus on wellness. Bright and spacious rooms are in harmony with the lush grounds and feature a veranda, private garden and rain showers. Tonight, head out for dinner and a theatre show at Angkor Village Apsara Theatre, where you’ll watch Khmer traditional dance and dine on Khmer favourites.
Day 11 - Siem Reap – Angkor Wat
If you choose, you can embrace a very early start today and experience a sunrise visit to the Angkor complex (optional). After, you'll spend the day discovering the fantastic temples of Angkor. For the first half of the day, you’ll be accompanied by a private Angkor Wat archaeological guide, who will provide expert knowledge and insight along the way. Begin at Angkor Wat – the largest and most complete structure and the only one of Angkor's temples with an entrance facing west. For lunch, visit the Sala Bai Hotel School, where underprivileged local youths learn skills to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. Enjoy a meal prepared by students at the school, then visit Angkor Thom – the 'Great Royal City' – a temple famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. From here, you’ll head out of town to an ancient working monastery to gain a special insight into the life of a monk and Theravada Buddhism. Meet the monks, enjoy a sacred water blessing for good luck and prosperity and have a red band tied around your wrist to keep you safe in your travels. The rest of the evening can be spent exploring the bars of Siem Reap or relaxing in laidback luxury at your resort.
Day 12 - Siem Reap – Angkor Wat
After breakfast, it’s off to the Ta Prohm temple, which has large trees embedded in the stone foundations – powerful symbols of nature. Next, visit Banteay Srei to snap some pictures of the temple’s intricate stone carvings. You can head back to the resort or use your ticket for the Angkor ruins to continue exploring the site. The vaulted corridors of Preah Khan are well worth a visit, or you may prefer to spend the afternoon getting to know the town. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner in the Khmer countryside to say farewell to your group and Cambodia. Amid a rustic and romantic setting, you’ll sit down for a private meal in the rice fields of rural Siem Reap .
Day 13 - Siem Reap
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to extend your stay in Siem Reap, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-04-202409-05-2024AUD $ 5,787-
04-05-202416-05-2024AUD $ 6,670-
11-05-202423-05-2024AUD $ 6,670-
17-05-202429-05-2024AUD $ 6,545-
08-06-202420-06-2024AUD $ 6,605-
15-06-202427-06-2024AUD $ 6,670-
29-06-202411-07-2024AUD $ 6,365-
06-07-202418-07-2024AUD $ 6,730-
13-07-202425-07-2024AUD $ 6,240-
20-07-202401-08-2024AUD $ 6,670-
03-08-202415-08-2024AUD $ 6,365-
24-08-202405-09-2024AUD $ 6,120-
07-09-202419-09-2024AUD $ 6,305-
14-09-202426-09-2024AUD $ 6,365-
20-09-202402-10-2024AUD $ 6,047-
28-09-202410-10-2024AUD $ 6,430-
05-10-202417-10-2024AUD $ 7,000-
12-10-202424-10-2024AUD $ 6,430-
18-10-202430-10-2024AUD $ 6,365-
19-10-202431-10-2024AUD $ 6,685-
23-10-202404-11-2024AUD $ 6,365-
26-10-202407-11-2024AUD $ 7,000-
02-11-202414-11-2024AUD $ 7,000-
06-11-202418-11-2024AUD $ 6,675-
09-11-202421-11-2024AUD $ 7,265-
12-11-202424-11-2024AUD $ 6,605-
16-11-202428-11-2024AUD $ 6,605-
20-11-202402-12-2024AUD $ 6,675-
23-11-202405-12-2024AUD $ 6,605-
30-11-202412-12-2024AUD $ 6,605-
02-12-202414-12-2024AUD $ 6,605-
06-12-202418-12-2024AUD $ 6,605-
13-12-202425-12-2024AUD $ 6,605-
14-12-202426-12-2024AUD $ 6,605-
21-12-202402-01-2025AUD $ 6,935-
30-12-202411-01-2025AUD $ 6,575-
01-01-202513-01-2025AUD $ 6,935-
04-01-202516-01-2025AUD $ 6,935-
06-01-202518-01-2025AUD $ 6,935-
11-01-202523-01-2025AUD $ 6,935-
13-01-202525-01-2025AUD $ 6,685-
18-01-202530-01-2025AUD $ 6,685-
20-01-202501-02-2025AUD $ 6,685-
25-01-202506-02-2025AUD $ 6,685-
27-01-202508-02-2025AUD $ 6,685-
01-02-202513-02-2025AUD $ 6,685-
03-02-202515-02-2025AUD $ 6,685-
08-02-202520-02-2025AUD $ 6,685-
10-02-202522-02-2025AUD $ 6,685-
15-02-202527-02-2025AUD $ 6,685-
17-02-202501-03-2025AUD $ 6,685-
19-02-202503-03-2025AUD $ 6,685-
22-02-202506-03-2025AUD $ 6,685-
24-02-202508-03-2025AUD $ 6,745-
01-03-202513-03-2025AUD $ 6,935-
03-03-202515-03-2025AUD $ 6,935-
08-03-202520-03-2025AUD $ 6,935-
10-03-202522-03-2025AUD $ 6,935-
12-03-202524-03-2025AUD $ 6,935-
15-03-202527-03-2025AUD $ 6,935-
17-03-202529-03-2025AUD $ 6,935-
19-03-202531-03-2025AUD $ 6,935-
22-03-202503-04-2025AUD $ 6,935-
24-03-202505-04-2025AUD $ 6,935-
29-03-202510-04-2025AUD $ 6,935-
31-03-202512-04-2025AUD $ 6,935-
05-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 6,935-
07-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 6,935-
12-04-202524-04-2025AUD $ 6,935-
14-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 6,685-
19-04-202501-05-2025AUD $ 6,685-
21-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 6,685-
26-04-202508-05-2025AUD $ 6,685-
03-05-202515-05-2025AUD $ 5,720-
10-05-202522-05-2025AUD $ 5,720-
17-05-202529-05-2025AUD $ 5,720-
24-05-202505-06-2025AUD $ 5,720-
31-05-202512-06-2025AUD $ 5,720-
07-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 5,720-
14-06-202526-06-2025AUD $ 5,720-
21-06-202503-07-2025AUD $ 5,720-
28-06-202510-07-2025AUD $ 5,720-
05-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 5,720-
12-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 5,720-
19-07-202531-07-2025AUD $ 5,720-
26-07-202507-08-2025AUD $ 5,720-
09-08-202521-08-2025AUD $ 5,720-
16-08-202528-08-2025AUD $ 5,720-
30-08-202511-09-2025AUD $ 5,720-
06-09-202518-09-2025AUD $ 5,720-
13-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 5,720-
15-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 5,720-
20-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 5,720-
27-09-202509-10-2025AUD $ 5,720-
04-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 5,720-
11-10-202523-10-2025AUD $ 5,720-
18-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 5,720-
20-10-202501-11-2025AUD $ 5,720-
25-10-202506-11-2025AUD $ 5,720-
27-10-202508-11-2025AUD $ 6,685-
03-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 6,685-
08-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 6,685-
10-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 6,685-
12-11-202524-11-2025AUD $ 6,685-
15-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 6,685-
17-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 6,685-
19-11-202501-12-2025AUD $ 6,685-
22-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 6,685-
24-11-202506-12-2025AUD $ 6,935-
29-11-202511-12-2025AUD $ 6,935-
06-12-202518-12-2025AUD $ 6,935-
08-12-202520-12-2025AUD $ 6,935-
13-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 6,935-
15-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 6,935-
20-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 6,935-
22-12-202503-01-2026AUD $ 6,935-

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights),Halong Bay overnight boat feature stay (1 night),Siem Reap feature stay (3 nights)

Transport

Boat,Plane,Private Minibus

Map