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Real Vietnam to Cambodia

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Real Vietnam to Cambodia

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Description

Experience all that Vietnam and Cambodia have to offer, from markets, good street food, beaches and temples to ancient sites, homestays and long-tail boat rides – all with a small group of new friends and a knowledgeable local leader by your side. On this 20-day adventure through South East Asia, you’ll traverse the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and paddle through the serene waters of Cat Ba Island. Get active with cycling tours and hiking options and learn about everyday village life in Sambo Prei Kuk. Tour the incredible natural beauty of Ninh Binh and kick back on the beaches of Koh Rong Island. End your adventure in Siem Reap’s Angkor complex – discover this ancient wonder at sunrise and spend a full day wandering this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site.

Trip Name
Real Vietnam to Cambodia
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
20
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Stay in a homestay in rural Sambor Prei Kuk, putting you right in the heart of everyday village life in Cambodia – cycle through the village and see locals working the rice fields or getting stuck into handicrafts.
  • See the sunrise over the incredible Angkor complex and take a guided tuk-tuk tour of all the best sites (including Angkor Wat and jungle-covered Ta Prohm) with a company focused on employing local women in the community.
  • Take in the views of Lan Ha Bay by kayak as you explore the limestone islands during your visit to Cat Ba Island. Who'd have thought green seas and giant mossy rocks could be so pretty?
  • Cycle around the ancient temples and expansive fields in Ninh Binh – a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. With loads of free time, you can hike to Mua Cave or take a boat down in Tam Coc to the nearby caves.
  • Chill out in the cultural mixed bag of Hoi An and hit up the local beach, cycle through rice paddies or get some sweet threads tailor-made. Then, pick your own ingredients for lunch during a garden-to-table experience with a local chef. 

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 and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , 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 Vietnam. Your adventure kicks off in Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, wander these gorgeous streets and see the sights. Tonight, maybe grab your new group and see who’s up for some food and a fresh bia hoi at a roadside stall or watch the motorbikes zoom by. Hanoi is also a great place for local beer and cocktail bars, so maybe hit the nightlife and discover what this city has to offer after sundown.
Day 2 - Hanoi
Today is a free day in Hanoi to explore however you’d like. Maybe check out your reflection in the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, wander along shaded boulevards or relax in a public park with some delicious street food (spring rolls inside rice paper rolls, anyone?). Museum-wise, you could visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, drop into the serene Temple of Literature or get arty at the city's Fine Arts Museum. Maybe head to KOTO for lunch – this organisation is dedicated to developing the hospitality careers of disadvantaged youth. Later, maybe explore the centuries-old architecture as the sun goes down.
Day 3 - Cat Ba
Travel by bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island – the largest island in Lan Ha Bay, connected to the UNESCO-listed Ha Long 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 and enjoy a seafood lunch prepared by your onboard chef. What could be better? This afternoon, hop off the boat to get up close and personal with this other-worldly landscape by kayak. Paddle through serene waters and then watch the sunset over this awe-inspiring landscape.
Day 4 - Ninh Binh
This morning, take a ferry back to the mainland and head to Ninh Binh province – once the site of Vietnam’s capital in the 10th and 11th centuries, which is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Join a local guide on a cycling tour to visit the ancient citadel. This once covered 300 hectares (741 acres) of land, however the passage of time has left few remains of the once glorious capital. You’ll visit the 17th-century temples built in honour of King Dinh and King Le among other temples, pagodas, monuments and lush grounds surrounded by mountains.
Day 5 - Ninh Binh
The day is yours to explore the many other wonders of Ninh Binh. You might like to lace up your hiking boots and trek to Mua Cave. While the cave sits at the base of a mountain, be sure to make the trek up the 500 steps to the mountain peak for amazing views of Hoa Lu and Ngo Dong River. Or maybe get out on the water and take a boat tour past limestone karst peaks, caves, temples and maybe even filming locations from a King Kong movie. Tonight, board an overnight train to Hue.
Day 6 - Hue
Arrive by train in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. You have today free to do as you please. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace that's enclosed within. Maybe jump on board a dragon boat and enjoy a cruise up the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. You could also check out Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and some tasty street food. This is a good place to try the dish that Emperor Nguyen used to feast on – the banh khoai royal rice. If you like being on two wheels, maybe cycle out to one of the royal tombs like the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc (one of the most well-preserved examples of its kind). Tonight, head into the home of a local family and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner. You’ll be chatting and laughing over your chopsticks in no time!
Day 7 - Hoi An
Continue along the coast to Hoi An by private bus. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this unique town which has been influenced over the years by Europe, China, Vietnam and Japan. The town was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and its old-school flavour is written all over its architecture. For a small town, it's pretty lively. The tour will take you down the streets that are being restored and look a lot like they did 100 years ago, then you’ll discover some of the more chilled out spots. Check out a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. Later, maybe play bingo with your leader in a town square – a popular local past time.
Day 8 - Hoi An
Start the day by cycling through the beautiful surroundings of Hoi An to Tra Que Vegetable Village, visiting the organic vegetable and herb garden of a local chef. This village was established over 500 years ago and has become a thriving agricultural hub known for its produce. See, smell and taste what makes Vietnamese food so delicious during a tour of the gardens. Then, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch using some of the ingredients you picked during your tour. Much of the food waste here is composted, recycled or reused. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own exploring. Maybe wander to the Central Market and browse the paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors, so if you’ve been wearing the same shirt every day (who hasn’t), why not hit one of the same-day tailors and get yourself something new? Tonight, maybe wander the lantern-lit streets for some great photo ops.
Day 9 - Quy Nhon City
This morning, say goodbye to Hoi An and drive to Quy Nhon – a coastal city in the Binh Dinh province. When you arrive, you have a free afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace. There are plenty of optional activities you can take on today to explore the beautiful location – maybe visit Banh It Tower, taking in stunning scenery from the top of the hill, or visit the Cahn Tien Tower (Bronze Tower). Take a food tour, trying some local specialities like banh xeo tom nhay (a crunchy pancake with fresh prawn), nem nuong (grilled pork sausage) or bun ca (fish noodle soup). Maybe take a trip to Eo Gio for a hike and coastal views. There are also lots of great local restaurants you can hang out at – ask your leader for recommendations!
Day 10 - Quy Nhon City
Today is a free day in Quy Nhon to take on any optional activities you didn’t get a chance to do yesterday. You might like to head to the Con Chim Ecological Zone, where you can go fishing or stand up paddleboarding. You could also head to Ky Co Beach or take a day trip to Hon Kho Island for a swim in the blue-green waters. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train, so maybe grab some snacks this afternoon for the journey. As you make your way to Ho Chi Minh City, maybe play a few (or many) rounds of cards or get stuck into a good book. As the light changes outside, you can watch the everchanging scenery pass you by, showing you a glimpse into what rural life is like in Vietnam.
Day 11 - Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City early this morning and transfer to your hotel. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a whirl of sights and sounds. You can still see the French influence in the top-notch baguettes and coffee. Compared to the north, the food here is spicier, sweeter and more varied. Maybe take advantage of the early morning by checking out the markets and tucking into a bowl of pho with the local traders. With your group, you’ll visit a local market, where you can browse the street foods – maybe try some banh da xuc hen (fried clams with rice crackers) or banh xeo (savoury stuffed crepes). Then, try the iconic Saigon cafe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) amid the market’s everyday bustle as your leader shares stories about life in Ho Chi Minh City. Tonight, why not get your group together for a meal and some drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street?
Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City
Your day is free to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. Maybe explore the Ben Thanh Market, where you can snack on chao tom (barbecued shrimp paste on sticks of sugar cane) and banh beo (bouncy, savoury steamed rice cakes). Or, if you want to get out of the city, the Cu Chi Tunnels make for an interesting daytrip – learn how this complex underground system was used by the Viet Cong in the long war against the Americans and was instrumental to the Vietnamese victory. You’ll have another meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet the new travellers joining you for the next leg of the trip.
Day 13 - Phnom Penh
Today, travel to Phnom Penh on a public bus – this is a long journey that includes two border crossings and a stop where you can grab some lunch. Have your favourite books or road trip games ready – this is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers better. Your guide will assist with the formalities at both sides of the border. When you arrive, why not treat yourself to a traditional Khmer massage to ease the tension. Look no further than Seeing Hands – a great organisation supporting visually impaired masseurs.
Day 14 - Phnom Penh
Today, you’ll have an authentic local breakfast near one of the markets. Then, the group will head to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 memorial) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – both sobering but important and informative experiences in Cambodia. After, you may like to explore some of the sights at your own pace, like the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, which both offer brighter aspects of Cambodia's past. You might also head for the National Museum or Wat Phnom – a Buddhist temple built in 1372. The main centre of the city sits on the western bank of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. In the evening, you’ll head out with your group for a sunset river cruise and enjoy an included drink as you sail along the water and see the city from a different perspective. Then, you might like to hit up a rooftop bar with some amazing views of the city – there are lots of options to choose from, so just ask your leader for recommendations.
Day 15 - Koh Rong
Today, leave Phnom Penh on a private bus to Sihanoukville. Then, you’ll take a speedboat to the paradise of Koh Rong. You’ll have a couple of days on the island to really bliss out and adjust to island time – this afternoon is for swimming, relaxing on the warm, sandy shores of the beach and walking along the coast in the balmy evening in search of somewhere for dinner (your leader will have some great recommendations).
Day 16 - Koh Rong
Today is another free day to chill at the beach. Soak in the sun, order a cold drink to cool down and go swimming in the serene waters of Koh Rong. If you’re looking for something active, maybe ask your leader for your hiking options, as there are hidden waterfalls and plenty of gorgeous jungle waiting to be discovered inland. Tonight, maybe check out Nest Beach Club – a lively spot known for its nightlife.
Day 17 - Sambor Prei Kuk
This morning, you’ll leave the island behind and head to your homestay in Isanborei – a rural community that maintains a traditional lifestyle. This community lies within Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site with more than 100 ancient temples. The homestay you’ll be staying in is a community-based tourism project involving seven Khmer villages that collaborate to conserve the historic area and provide residents with job opportunities. When you arrive, take a tour of the village with your local guide, who will introduce you to the local people, your homestay and your hosts. Tonight, catch the sun setting over the rice fields before unwinding as you enjoy a traditional homemade Khmer dinner with your host family.
Day 18 - Siem Reap
Enjoy breakfast prepared by your local host this morning. If you didn’t get a chance yesterday, you can visit the nearby Sambor Prei Kuk Temple – some of the oldest ruins in the country (dating back to the sixth century). Maybe opt to cycle over the rural roads through the village, passing locals working in the rice fields, or perhaps try some Sombai Cambodian Liqueur. After a day of exploring, say goodbye to your homestay hosts and travel on towards Siem Reap – home to the bucket list site, Angkor Wat. When you arrive, maybe spend some time looking around the central markets and pick up some delicious local food for dinner tonight.
Day 19 - Siem Reap to Angkor Wat
Early this morning, you’ll visit the mighty Angkor complex at sunrise – this is the largest religious structure in the world, and it’s pretty special to see the sun rise over the temples. Get your phone or camera ready because these 162 hectares (400 acres) are full of picturesque settings. You’ll take a guided tour of the complex on a tuk-tuk with a local social enterprise that focuses on providing employment opportunities for women in the community – and see the larger-than-life Angkor Wat, the grand Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm. Some buildings are over 1000 years old from the Khmer Empire – these architectural marvels were known to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. If you like, try to catch the majesty of the temples at sunset, too – you can even head back to your accommodation after your guided tour for a nap and then re-enter the site in the late afternoon.
Day 20 - Siem Reap
With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to stay in Cambodia for longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-03-202627-03-2026AUD $ 2,135-
15-03-202603-04-2026AUD $ 1,922-
22-03-202610-04-2026AUD $ 1,815-
29-03-202617-04-2026AUD $ 1,922-
05-04-202624-04-2026AUD $ 2,135-
26-04-202615-05-2026AUD $ 2,075-
03-05-202622-05-2026AUD $ 2,075-
10-05-202629-05-2026AUD $ 2,075-
24-05-202612-06-2026AUD $ 2,075-
31-05-202619-06-2026AUD $ 2,075-
07-06-202626-06-2026AUD $ 2,075-
11-06-202630-06-2026AUD $ 2,075-
28-06-202617-07-2026AUD $ 2,075-
05-07-202624-07-2026AUD $ 2,075-
12-07-202631-07-2026AUD $ 2,075-
19-07-202607-08-2026AUD $ 2,075-
26-07-202614-08-2026AUD $ 2,075-
02-08-202621-08-2026AUD $ 2,075-
16-08-202604-09-2026AUD $ 2,075-
23-08-202611-09-2026AUD $ 2,075-
30-08-202618-09-2026AUD $ 2,075-
13-09-202602-10-2026AUD $ 2,075-
24-09-202613-10-2026AUD $ 2,075-
27-09-202616-10-2026AUD $ 2,075-
01-10-202620-10-2026AUD $ 2,075-
04-10-202623-10-2026AUD $ 2,075-
11-10-202630-10-2026AUD $ 2,075-
18-10-202606-11-2026AUD $ 2,075-
22-10-202610-11-2026AUD $ 2,075-
25-10-202613-11-2026AUD $ 2,075-
01-11-202620-11-2026AUD $ 2,135-
05-11-202624-11-2026AUD $ 2,135-
08-11-202627-11-2026AUD $ 2,135-
15-11-202604-12-2026AUD $ 2,135-
19-11-202608-12-2026AUD $ 2,135-
22-11-202611-12-2026AUD $ 2,135-
24-11-202613-12-2026AUD $ 2,135-
26-11-202615-12-2026AUD $ 2,135-
29-11-202618-12-2026AUD $ 2,135-
03-12-202622-12-2026AUD $ 2,075-
06-12-202625-12-2026AUD $ 2,075-
10-12-202629-12-2026AUD $ 2,075-
13-12-202601-01-2027AUD $ 2,075-
17-12-202605-01-2027AUD $ 2,075-
20-12-202608-01-2027AUD $ 2,135-
27-12-202615-01-2027AUD $ 2,135-
31-12-202619-01-2027AUD $ 2,135-
03-01-202722-01-2027AUD $ 2,135-
07-01-202726-01-2027AUD $ 2,135-
10-01-202729-01-2027AUD $ 2,135-
17-01-202705-02-2027AUD $ 2,075-
21-01-202709-02-2027AUD $ 2,075-
24-01-202712-02-2027AUD $ 2,075-
31-01-202719-02-2027AUD $ 2,075-
04-02-202723-02-2027AUD $ 2,075-
07-02-202726-02-2027AUD $ 2,075-
14-02-202705-03-2027AUD $ 2,135-
18-02-202709-03-2027AUD $ 2,135-
21-02-202712-03-2027AUD $ 2,135-
28-02-202719-03-2027AUD $ 2,135-
07-03-202726-03-2027AUD $ 2,135-
14-03-202702-04-2027AUD $ 2,135-
18-03-202706-04-2027AUD $ 2,135-
21-03-202709-04-2027AUD $ 2,135-
28-03-202716-04-2027AUD $ 2,135-
04-04-202723-04-2027AUD $ 2,135-
11-04-202730-04-2027AUD $ 2,075-
15-04-202704-05-2027AUD $ 2,075-
18-04-202707-05-2027AUD $ 2,075-
25-04-202714-05-2027AUD $ 2,075-
29-04-202718-05-2027AUD $ 2,075-
02-05-202721-05-2027AUD $ 2,075-
09-05-202728-05-2027AUD $ 2,075-
13-05-202701-06-2027AUD $ 2,075-
16-05-202704-06-2027AUD $ 2,075-
23-05-202711-06-2027AUD $ 2,075-
27-05-202715-06-2027AUD $ 2,075-
30-05-202718-06-2027AUD $ 2,075-
06-06-202725-06-2027AUD $ 2,075-
10-06-202729-06-2027AUD $ 2,075-
13-06-202702-07-2027AUD $ 2,075-
20-06-202709-07-2027AUD $ 2,075-
24-06-202713-07-2027AUD $ 2,075-
27-06-202716-07-2027AUD $ 2,075-
04-07-202723-07-2027AUD $ 2,075-
08-07-202727-07-2027AUD $ 2,075-
11-07-202730-07-2027AUD $ 2,075-
18-07-202706-08-2027AUD $ 2,075-
25-07-202713-08-2027AUD $ 2,075-
01-08-202720-08-2027AUD $ 2,075-
15-08-202703-09-2027AUD $ 2,075-
22-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 2,075-
29-08-202717-09-2027AUD $ 2,075-
05-09-202724-09-2027AUD $ 2,075-
12-09-202701-10-2027AUD $ 2,075-
16-09-202705-10-2027AUD $ 2,075-
23-09-202712-10-2027AUD $ 2,075-
26-09-202715-10-2027AUD $ 2,075-
03-10-202722-10-2027AUD $ 2,075-
10-10-202729-10-2027AUD $ 2,075-
17-10-202705-11-2027AUD $ 2,075-
21-10-202709-11-2027AUD $ 2,075-
24-10-202712-11-2027AUD $ 2,075-
31-10-202719-11-2027AUD $ 2,075-
04-11-202723-11-2027AUD $ 2,135-
07-11-202726-11-2027AUD $ 2,135-
14-11-202703-12-2027AUD $ 2,135-
18-11-202707-12-2027AUD $ 2,135-
21-11-202710-12-2027AUD $ 2,135-
23-11-202712-12-2027AUD $ 2,135-
25-11-202714-12-2027AUD $ 2,135-
28-11-202717-12-2027AUD $ 2,135-
02-12-202721-12-2027AUD $ 2,075-
05-12-202724-12-2027AUD $ 2,075-
09-12-202728-12-2027AUD $ 2,075-
12-12-202731-12-2027AUD $ 2,075-
16-12-202704-01-2028AUD $ 2,135-
19-12-202707-01-2028AUD $ 2,135-

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Lodge (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights), Multi-share Bungalow (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hostel (2 nights)

Transport

Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus

Map

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