Vietnam & Cambodia Uncovered
21 days from £1,899 £1,749
Trip Photos
Temples, rice paddies, beaches, and beyond
Exotic, diverse, and brimming with natural beauty, Vietnam and Cambodia are the essence of Southeast Asia. This group trip takes you to the highlights of both countries over 21 dreamy days. Weave your way through rickshaws and fragrant pho stalls on Hanoi’s chaotic streets, step back in time in rural Ninh Binh, where conical hatted farmers work the lush rice fields with water buffalo, cruise the jewel-like waters of Ha Long Bay on an Indochinese junk boat, relax on snow-white beaches on the idyllic island of Koh Rong Samloem, and walk in the footsteps of the Khmer dynasty in the jaw-dropping Angkor Wat complex. Amazing doesn’t even cover it.
Highlights include
Itinerary
Day 1: Hello Hanoi
Xin chào Vietnam! Fly into Hanoi where one of our team will meet you from the airport and whisk you through streets bustling with rickshaws, bikes, and mopeds, to our hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter. Meet your guide and the rest of the group and head out for an ice-cold bia hoi or two.
Day 2: Rickshaw Tour
Get to know the capital with a rickshaw and walking tour today, from the vibrant markets and traditional houses of the Old Quarter to the tranquil shores of Hoan Kiem Lake. This evening, immerse yourself in Hanoi's vibrant nightlife.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay Stay
With towering limestone karsts, jungle-smothered islands, and emerald waters, Ha Long Bay is a special place. Take an unforgettable overnight cruise on a traditional Indochinese junk boat today. Sun yourself on deck, explore by kayak, and cool off in the water before a night under the stars.
Day 4: Ninh Binh Homestay
Head to the green landscapes of Ninh Binh where we'll be staying in traditional riverside bungalows amongst lush rice paddies, limestone mountains, and winding waterways. Kick back in your hammock with a glass of something cold and watch the sun go down.
Day 5: Bikes & Hikes
Experience the rural beauty of the region with a bike tour today. Cycle past rustic villages, water buffalo, and fertile farmland before navigating the network of rivers in a rowboat. Round off with a picturesque hike before boarding an overnight train to Hoi An.
Day 6: Discover Hoi An
Spend today exploring the historic town, with its perfumed temples, ancient Chinese shop houses, and faded ochre buildings. Visit one of the famous tailors for some bespoke clothes, sip an icy Vietnamese coffee by the riverside, or just relax by the hotel pool.
Day 7: Fishing & Cooking
Weave through the coconut groves on a basket boat with a local fisherman as your guide. Try your hand at catching some crabs, before heading back to dry land for a traditional Vietnamese cooking class where you'll learn how to create some of the country's flavourful dishes.
Day 8: Lanterns & Beach Day
Hoi An is known for its colourful Chinese lanterns that light up the streets after dark. Make your own lantern this morning, then take the short bike ride to the coast for a laid-back beach day on the golden sands, and a delicious lunch at a beach club - bliss.
Day 9: Fly to HCMC
Take the short flight south to Ho Chi Minh City. With an explosive energy, lively street markets, and motorbikes zooming through the streets, Ho Chi Minh is beautiful and crazy in equal measures. Spend the rest of the day immersing yourself in its charming chaos, ahead of a night on the town.
Day 10: Mekong Homestay
Leave the city behind and sail into the Mekong Delta. The 'Rice Bowl of Vietnam' is home to lush rice paddies, lotus meadows and atmospheric floating markets. Spend the night in a traditional homestay with a local family, where you'll share dinner and learn all about life in the delta.
Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels
Go underground today in the Cu Chi Tunnels. Get a real insight into life during the Vietnam War, as the resourceful locals used the hand-dug subterranean maze to transport food and weapons and seek shelter. Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh in the afternoon, ready for a final night in Vietnam.
Day 12: Cambodia Bound
Take the bus into Cambodia today, where our destination is Phnom Penh, the humming capital. Take a stroll on the riverside, visit some of the glimmering wats, and soak up the heady atmosphere of this Asian legend. Tonight, sample some authentic Khmer cuisine washed down with rice wine.
Day 13: S21 & Killing Fields
Take a traditional tuk tuk tour of the city's highlights, before learning about Cambodia's tragic history with a haunting visit to S21 Prison and the infamous Killing Fields. Tonight, raise a glass to the past with a night out Phnom Penh style.
Day 14: Kampot Kayaking
Travel to the sleepy riverside town of Kampot where we'll drop our bags at our traditional guesthouse, before exploring the area by kayak. Weave down the river with the gentle splash of your paddle as your soundtrack and breathe in your peaceful surroundings.
Day 15: Sunset Cruise
Kampot is known for producing some of the best pepper in the world. See where it's grown today with an owner-led tour of a local pepper plantation, then learn how to make some of Cambodia's national dishes with a cooking class before taking a golden sunset cruise on the river.
Day 16: Welcome to Paradise
Take the ferry to the idyllic island of Koh Rong Sanloem, where we'll stay in gorgeous beach bungalows owned by the village chief. Park yourself on the white sands under a swaying palm tree, and relaxxxx. Just make sure you're at the Cliff Bar in time for sunset drinks.
Day 17: Snorkelling Cruise
Explore the underwater wonders of the island today with a private long tail boat ride to the best snorkel spots. Swim with thousands of colourful tropical fish, stop at ridiculously beautiful beaches, and sail back with the salt in your hair after the most amazing day.
Day 18: Beaches & Night Bus
Enjoy your last morning on the island, before catching the ferry back to the mainland in time for dinner. Then board the overnight bus bound for Siem Reap. With fully reclining beds and air con, it's a super comfy way to travel.
Day 19: Floating Villages
Wake up as the bus rolls into Siem Reap and get ready to explore the rural areas bordering the city. Think traditional floating villages, lotus flowers, and atmospheric flooded forests. Tonight, discover the city's diverse nightlife, from backpacker bars to high-end cocktail joints.
Day 20: Angkor Wat Tour
Today's a real bucket list moment as we head to one of the oldest and largest temples in the world. Explore the vast site with a local guide, including jungle-cloaked Ta Prohm, where Tomb Raider was filmed. Tonight, get together with the group for a farewell dinner and drinks.
Day 21: See you soon
Your amazing adventure has come to an end. Say your goodbyes and start planning the next one!
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Flights
To get a flight quote use the buttons below or call our fantastic flights team on 01892 277037.
Most expensive: £609 October, 2024
Extra information
Arrive in Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Vietnam, on day 1 of your tour, where a member of the local team will meet you and transfer you to our accommodation in the centre of the city. There are no activities planned today so arrive at a time that suits you.
The trip ends on day 21 in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Return airport transfers are not included so you’ll need to make your own way to the airport. Siem Reap International Airport (REP) is a short taxi ride from the city centre (around 20 minutes depending on traffic) and can be easily arranged. Your tour guide can help with this.
Group sizes range from 4 – 22. Travelling as a group is a great way to meet like-minded people and to share an amazing adventure.
This trip is designed for those aged 18-39. There are some light activities included, from kayaking and snorkelling to walking tours, so you’ll need a moderate level of fitness.
We require a copy of the passport you will be travelling on to be emailed to our operations team in order to confirmation your booking.