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Epic Cambodia to Vietnam

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Epic Cambodia to Vietnam

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Description

Come for Angkor Wat, stay for the pho/amok/spring rolls (we could go on). This trip has it all. Scramble over the mighty ruins of Angkor in Siem Reap, discover history in Phnom Penh, and slurp pho in Ho Chi Minh City on this wild, 24-day trip.

Trip Name
Epic Cambodia to Vietnam
Last Updated
2019-07-14
Days
24
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Spend a whole day at the biggest (and one of the most awesome) monuments in the world at Angkor
  • Get some quality time with the locals in Cambodia and Vietnam during your homestays in each country. It's these experiences that'll stick with you for years to come
  • Soak up the rays during your beach time at the beautiful town of Tuy Hoa
  • Get a better look at Hoi An than other travellers – from the seat of a bicycle
  • It's taken 400 miliion years for Phong Nha to get this good looking, so you'd better take advantage – explore a spectacular scene of caves, underground rivers, and caverns big enough to cruise into
  • Limestone karsts, blue-green waters, mysterious caves and super ancient jungle – Lan Ha Bay feels a lot like paradise

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 is important that you print and review a final copy prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any changes once on tour. TRAVELLERS ON THE 31 DECEMBER 2019 DEPARTURE: This is a combination trip, consisting of Essential Cambodia (TKYA) and Real Vietnam (TVYB). As this departure commences in December and concludes in January, the first trip from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City will be running on the 2019 itinerary. The second trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi will be running on the 2020 itinerary. There will be changes to the second section of the trip: Tuy Hoa will be removed, and a homestay and hike in the Da Bac region will be added. For full details of the second section of this departure, please view the 2020 itinerary on this page and review the Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi days of the trip. Please note: this departure date is not affected by any change in duration. 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 only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability. 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 leader know you are interested 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 leaders 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 - Bangkok
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. Bangkok has so much going on if you've got time to explore. Why not hit the canals for a riverboat trip to Chinatown? Visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha? Or indulge in some Thai massage?
Day 2 - Siem Reap
Brace yourself for a long day of travel as you board a private minivan to Siem Reap (approximately 10 hours, including border crossing and lunch). Say 'Laew phop gun' to Thailand as you exit at Aranyaprathet, and enter Cambodia at Poipet. When you arrive in Siem Reap (150 km or so past the border), the markets are a great place to start practicing those haggling skills. Better yet, try some cheap and tasty street food. Get some rest and relaxation tonight before your Angkor visit tomorrow.
Day 3 - Siem Reap – Angkor Wat
Time to visit the mighty Angkor complex with your guide. Get that camera ready, because it's going to be oh-so-pretty. Some of these temples are over a thousand years old, going back to the days when the Khmer Empire was top dog in South East Asia. These beauties were known to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. Let your mind be blown as you roam around the complex with your leader. Don't even think about missing the sunset. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160-square-kilometres, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so you'll have plenty of time to get to grips with the larger-than-life Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.
Day 4 - Siem Reap
Today is a free day for you to experience Siem Reap in your own way. If you're all templed out, but still feel like something pretty out-there, you can opt for an Angkor zip-line course, which will have you soaring like an eagle over the rainforest (and perhaps getting that ticker started again, if Angkor Wat made it stop).
Day 5 - Kampong Cham
Jump on a bus and head to Kampong Cham (approximately 5 hours). It's a public bus, which means you'll reaaally travel like a local. When you arrive, you might notice how chilled out this town is. It used to be an important trading hub in the area. Mingle with the locals and enjoy the change of pace. It's a slice of small-town Cambodia with plenty to see and do. You can explore the 11th-century Wat Nokor (also very chill, some might say 'tranquil'). You can hire a bike to explore the rural island of Koh Paen, linked to Kampong Cham by a fancy bamboo bridge (in the wet season you'll have to take a ferry over). The locals here make their living fishing and growing tobacco and sesame, so it's an awesome place to go for a closer look at some of Cambodia's cottage industries. A little further afield are the twin 'mountain temples' of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei.
Day 6 - Homestay
Travel by private vehicle (approx. 5 hours) into countryside Cambodia to the region of Kampong Speu and the village of Chambok. Chambok is right next to the beautiful Kirirom National Park, so you can imagine how serene it is here. A homestay tonight is your chance to really immerse yourself in everyday life. Weather permitting, you might be able to trek to the awesome 40-metre waterfall nearby today too (this is optional). Not to mention feast on a traditional Khmer dinner, prepared by the talented women of the community.
Day 7 - Phnom Penh
Catch a private bus to the capital city of Phnom Penh (approximately 3 hours). Cambodia's capital is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some mighty fine examples of French-inspired architecture. Top of the list of things to do: head out to the Choeung Ek Memorial, and the infamous Killing Fields where a stupa made of some 8000 human skulls lies. Confronting but important to see, these sites are places to learn about the dark legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to learn about brighter parts of Cambodian history. You can also explore Wat Phnom, check out the National Museum, take a cyclo tour of the city's key sites, or hit the pretty art-deco Psar Thmei aka Central Market (it's pretty AND pretty art-deco). Tonight, tuck in at the Friends International restaurant – not only will you get a serious taste of delicious local food, you'll also support an organisation that helps vulnerable local children.
Day 8 - Phnom Penh
The perfect way to cap off your time in Phnom Penh would be to take an optional traditional massage at the Seeing Hands Massage Centre. The visually impaired masseurs here are some of the best in town, and it's a great cause to support. Also, let's be honest, after a week on Asia's bumpy roads you could probably use a little limbering up. Tonight will be your last night in Cambodia before you move on to Vietnam.
Day 9 - Ho Chi Minh City
Travel by local bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (approx. 10 hours including two border crossings and lunch). You'll exit Cambodia at Bavet and enter Vietnam at Moc Bai. Your leader knows the drill, so they'll assist you with border crossing procedures. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and get your first taste of this fast-paced, fun city. You'll see it's a combo of all kinds of flavours, old and new, East and West. Get a French baguette, best taken with a cup o' joe (the coffee is excellent here). Don't miss Reunification Palace. And there are some fascinating things to see at the War Remnants Museum.
Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City
Today you may be required to move to a different hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for the next section of your trip. Your leader will let you know if this is the case, and will help with the transfer to the next hotel. You have a free day to consider many optional activities. Some of the Urban Adventures available in Ho Chi Minh City include Mekong Discovery, Cyclos & Markets, Cu Chi Experience and Saigon Street Food by Night. Your leader can help you book on the tour of your choice. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting this evening to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet any new travellers joining your group.
Day 11 - Mekong Delta
Head down to the Mekong Delta and visit unexplored Ben Tre where coconut is everything and anything. The fertile delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits and flowers as well as boating along the canals. On arrival, we board our private boat and cruise along the maze of waterways to visit some local cottage industries. Then head to our overnight local guesthouse along the water.
Day 12 - Mekong Delta - Overnight Train
Rising early to the sounds of the delta coming alive, we enjoy a simple breakfast before boarding our boat, and catching a bus back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy some free time in Ho Chi Minh City to go check out a few more sites or some tasty street food snacks. Late this afternoon board an overnight train to Tuy Hoa, a beach town on the central coast (approx 11 hours). Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are all part of the experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals.
Day 13 - Tuy Hoa
Arrive in Tuy Hoa early this morning for two days by the beach. Though Tuy Hoa is much quieter than its southern neighbours, you'll still find the perfect spot of sand to lay down a towel and plenty of dining options. Check out the Eglise de Mang Lang and Da Dia Reef, or head south to the Mui Dien lighthouse for a nature fix.
Day 14 - Tuy Hoa - Overnight Train
Today is all yours! Soak up some more free time on the beach. Board an overnight train late in the evening bound for Danang (approx. 8 hours).
Day 15 - Hoi An
Arrive in Danang and travel by minibus to Hoi An (approx 1 hr). Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago and it retains the feel of centuries past, making it the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it. It's also a shopping mecca – with much to browse and buy. Choose from original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring, with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you'll be able to have it copied.
Day 16 - Hoi An
There's no better way to explore the peaceful countryside of Hoi An than by bike. For a true insight into country living in Vietnam, join your leader in cycling past green rice paddies, over small creeks and through rural villages.
Day 17 - Hue
Departing Hoi An, we can pass by My Khe Beach before crossing the dramatic Hai Van Pass to the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co. After a quick stop, continue on to Hue (approx. 5 hours including stops). As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past and is a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Your afternoon is free to go exploring. The Dong Ba market, which sells everything imaginable, is a great place to spend some time. Visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric and the gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the destruction wreaked upon the country during the war.
Day 18 - Hue
Today is a free day. You may like to take a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River, and a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue. It's an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. One of the most poignant displays is a car belonging to a former monk who, in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime.
Day 19 - Phong Nha
Jump on the bus and make your way to Quang Tri. If you’re keen, it’s just a small fee to visit the Hien Luong Bridge and Vinh Moc tunnels. Hien Luong Bridge separated the North from the South during the war. The tunnels at Vinh Moc are an expansive network of limestone tunnels that locals used as shelters from the bombing. Travel onwards to Phong Nha and spend the afternoon exploring your surroundings. You'll stay just outside Phong Nha Town, which is near Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, an amazing landscape riddled with caves and underground rivers.
Day 20 - Phong Nha - Overnight train
Enjoy a free day to explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. At 400 million years old, this World Heritage site is the oldest karst mountain range in Asia. You might like to take a boat through Phong Nha Cave, or check out the spectacular cavern of Paradise Cave. If caves aren’t your thing, chat with your leader about a kayaking adventure in Suoi Mooc. Otherwise chill out with a coffee and soak in the river views. Later today you'll head back to Dong Hoi and hop back on a sleeper train (approximately 8 pm to 5.50 am) – you'll be a pro at this by now.
Day 21 - Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi very early (approx. 5.30 am) and transfer to your hotel. Then leave your gear in a day room at the hotel. The capital of Vietnam is a charming city with a population of over six million. Hanoi is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and its thriving Old Quarter, which is an architectural museum piece with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. As Vietnam develops to compete with other South East Asian countries, the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake reflects the contrasts of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and the tangle of ancient streets in its still surface. Take a walking tour of the Old Quarter. You'll visit the Dong Xuan market, the biggest wholesale market in northern Vietnam, stroll through the ancient '36 streets' where you can discover an amazing selection of shops selling everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, beautifully embroidered tablecloths. Your leader will point out some of the unique architecture around Hoan Kiem Lake and the myths and legends of the lake.
Day 22 - Cat Ba Island
Travel by bus and ferry (approximately 3.5 hours) to Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. With thousands of little limestone islands scattered around, this area is one of those quintessential Vietnamese scenes in which bright green water is dotted with traditional junk boats and limestone karsts. Take a cruise around Lan Ha Bay with lunch on the boat, then get up close and personal with this other-worldly landscape by kayak. Stay overnight on Cat Ba Island and enjoy a dip at one of the beaches and a cold beer.
Day 23 - Hanoi
Wake up in paradise, maybe starting your morning with a refreshing swim. Make sure you soak up as much sun and sand as possible, because it's back to Hanoi this afternoon via ferry and bus. Tonight you can head out for an optional farewell dinner with your new friends and spend the evening swapping stories and contact details for the inevitable post-trip catch-up. 
Day 24 - Hanoi
The trip ends this morning. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-08-201929-08-2019AUD $ 2,110-
13-08-201905-09-2019AUD $ 1,881-
10-09-201903-10-2019AUD $ 2,090-
05-11-201928-11-2019AUD $ 2,170-
12-11-201905-12-2019AUD $ 2,255-
10-12-201902-01-2020AUD $ 2,255-
31-12-201923-01-2020AUD $ 2,275-
15-01-202006-02-2020AUD $ 2,425-
05-02-202027-02-2020AUD $ 2,425-
12-02-202005-03-2020AUD $ 2,425-
19-02-202012-03-2020AUD $ 2,425-
04-03-202026-03-2020AUD $ 2,335-
18-03-202009-04-2020AUD $ 2,335-
07-04-202029-04-2020AUD $ 2,335-
06-05-202028-05-2020AUD $ 2,335-
20-05-202011-06-2020AUD $ 2,245-
10-06-202002-07-2020AUD $ 2,245-
17-06-202009-07-2020AUD $ 2,245-
01-07-202023-07-2020AUD $ 2,245-
08-07-202030-07-2020AUD $ 2,245-
05-08-202027-08-2020AUD $ 2,245-
12-08-202003-09-2020AUD $ 2,245-
16-09-202008-10-2020AUD $ 2,245-
07-10-202029-10-2020AUD $ 2,335-
14-10-202005-11-2020AUD $ 2,335-
21-10-202012-11-2020AUD $ 2,335-
28-10-202019-11-2020AUD $ 2,335-
04-11-202026-11-2020AUD $ 2,425-
11-11-202003-12-2020AUD $ 2,425-
18-11-202010-12-2020AUD $ 2,425-
09-12-202031-12-2020AUD $ 2,425-
16-12-202007-01-2021AUD $ 2,425-

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 nt),Homestay (2 nts),Hotel (16 nts),Overnight boat (1 nt),Overnight sleeper train (3 nts)

Transport

Boat,Overnight sleeper train,Local bus,Private minibus,Remork (tuk tuk)

Map

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