11-Day Cambodia and Vietnam with Halong Bay Cruise

Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's industrious capital! Upon arrival, a friendly local guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this bustling and cultural city.

After breakfast, your experience of this city rich in history begins with a stroll around the pristine gardens of the Royal Residence, before taking in the impressive collection of sculpture, relics and prehistoric artefacts in the National Museum of Cambodia. Next you’ll marvel at the soaring spires and golden nagas of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, glinting in the mid-morning sun.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll spend a reflective afternoon touring the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Cambodia’s recent tragic history is well-known, yet you can’t truly appreciate the great strides forward this quaint Kingdom has made without understanding the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge, committed less than 40 years ago. The evening is your own to indulge in all this now rejuvenated city has to offer.

Today you’re free to explore this lively city on your own, soaking in the breathtaking natural scenery and the rich culture. Indulge your senses with the fascinating new sounds, smells, and sights of the capital. When it’s time to leave, your guide will collect you and take you to the airport for your ongoing flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the enigmatic jungle temples of Angkor. 

Upon arrival, a friendly local guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the quaint yet bustling town of Siem Reap, a hidden gem of word-class wining and dining, kind locals, and charming markets.

After breakfast at your hotel, your awe-inspiring tour of Angkor begins. Entering through the grand South Gate, you’ll explore Angkor Thom, the last capital of the once great Khmer Empire, with the 216 enigmatic faces of The Bayon at its centre. Still within the ancient city walls, you’ll marvel at the view from the summit of Baphuon, the enormous temple mountain, affording unspoiled views over the surrounding ruins. You’ll round off the morning poring over the intricate bas-relief of the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, before having lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you’ll venture deeper into the jungle to the crumbling ruins of Ta Prohm. Here you’ll witness the monstrous jungle vines and sprawling tree roots that seem intent on claiming the ruins as their own. We cap off our day of adventuring with a delicious welcome dinner at a traditional Apsara dance performance at Angkor Village Resort.

After breakfast, you will witness the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site,  Angkor Wat, in all its glory. This incredible twelfth century monument stands testament to the dedication and skill of the ancient Khmer people and is truly a wonder of the world.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll savour the remote peace of Banteay Srei, or the ‘Citadel of Beauty,’ some 20 km away. This less-frequented woodland temple is beautifully preserved and is incomparable with any other in Angkor. En route to your hotel, we stop at a rural Khmer village to give you insight into the everyday lives of the friendly local people. The evening is yours to explore Siem Reap some more.

After breakfast you’ll head for the Tonlé Sap, dominating the map of Cambodia as the largest freshwater lake in southeast asia. While here, you’ll observe life on the lake for the fishermen and their families who make their homes on the stilt-housing in the water. Once back on dry land, you’ll have the chance to stroll through Psar Chas, a bustling old market, where you’ll find your pick of souvenirs to treat loved-ones back at home.

After lunch, you’ll be taken to the airport for your short flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, your friendly local guide will greet you at airport and then take you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax, settle in and, if jet lag permits, do a little exploring on your own. An irresistible balance of big city and cultural charm, this lively city is the heart and soul of Vietnam.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a lovely morning touring around Hanoi city. You will begin with a visit to The Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Stilt House, Presidential Palace and Museum. Then, you will discover the One Pillar Pagoda, a temple which rises from the centre of one pillar and is said to be have been built in the shape of a lotus. Finish your day with a stroll around the Fine Arts Museum; showcasing pieces from a range of historical periods.

Following a delicious local lunch, your afternoon will be spent at the fascinating Ethnologic Museum, where you can learn a bit about the many different ethnic minorities in Vietnam. After this, you'll be taken to visit the ancient Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals enjoy practicing their Tai Chi and Vietnamese aerobics. Today’s tour ends with a special tour where you may discover the picturesque Old Quarter by cyclo or rickshaw.

Return to your hotel to freshen up and relax. This evening, enjoy a cultural treat! You will be attending a famous Water Puppet Show at the theatre. After the performance, you will be transferred by your local guide to the train station for an overnight train to Sapa, a bewitching mountain town famous for it's fine, rugged scenery and it's cultural diversity. Overnight aboard the train to Sapa.

In the early morning, you will arrive at Lao Cai train station. Here, you will be met by your private guide who will kindly transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, you'll have the chance to eat some breakfast and have a short rest.

Once you feel rested and refreshed, you will begin your tour of this breathtaking city. The first stop will be a visit to a hill-tribe village and the stunning surrounding paddy terraced fields. Your guide will happily teach you about their rich and unique culture.

After lunch, you will have the opportunity to take a trek through this amazing pastoral region and visit a small local market. Marvel at the water buffalo as they graze and relax in the distance. You may spend the rest of the day hiking or exploring on your own. Overnight in Sapa.

The morning is yours to fully admire and appreciate the tranquil and awe-inspiring natural beauty that surrounds you. Today you will continue on into the hills to discover the ethnic minority villages such as the Black H’mong villages of Sin Chai and Cat Cat, Ta Van village of the Dzay.

Next, hidden amongst the majestic mountains, you will find the dramatic Thac Bac Waterfall, also known as Silver Falls. Wander over to the gorgeous waters, and marvel at its beauty. You will then enjoy a lovely last meal in Sapa before returning to your hotel to gather your belongings. This evening, you’ll be taken back to Lao Cai train station for your overnight train to Hanoi.

Today, you will be whisked away early in the morning to Halong Bay where you will board your Bhaya Cruise!  Settle into your cabin and prepare for a breathtaking day-long journey. After a brief check-in and orientation, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as we set sail into the mystical Halong Bay.

You will be given a buffet lunch as the boat cruises southeast, passing by Trong Mai Islet and Titov Island. You will then transfer to a small local sampan boat to discover the floating village of Vung Vieng. Once returning to the ship, if weather permits, you will be given kayaks to further explore the surrounding area.

Next, you will enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck. The bar opens at 17:30 with a “buy one get one free” happy hour. A set menu dinner will be served in the restaurant. The rest of the evening is yours to relax, watch a movie in the restaurant, or enjoy a 30% discount at the bar. Overnight on cruise at Halong Bay.

Today, you will begin your early morning with some spiritual and relaxing Tai Chi on the sundeck. Complimentary tea and coffee will be served as your ship cruises through the mysterious and majestic caves of Trong, Trinh Nu, Me Cung, and Sung Sot, along with the islet of Coc Ngoi.A buffet brunch will be served on board as the ship cruises back towards the harbour. You will disembark at Tuan Chau Marinawhere you will be transferred back to Hanoi by your private guide.When the time comes, your guide will take you to the airport to continue your onward journey. Vietnam is a unique cultural experience and hopefully you will have a newfound appreciation for this incredible country and it's people.