Vietnam and Cambodia Uncovered
Tour Type: Regional Explorer
Brochure Type Asia 2025 v1
Journey from the beauty of Halong Bay to a spine-tingling encounter with the abandoned capital of Angkor Thom, left to ruin in the depths of the dense Cambodian jungle and on to Phnom Penh - a city that has emerged from the past to recapture its reputation as the ?Pearl of Asia'.
Be My Guest
Brochure Type Asia 2025 v1
Journey from the beauty of Halong Bay to a spine-tingling encounter with the abandoned capital of Angkor Thom, left to ruin in the depths of the dense Cambodian jungle and on to Phnom Penh - a city that has emerged from the past to recapture its reputation as the ?Pearl of Asia'.
Be My Guest
- Hue Enjoy lunch at one of the great remaining garden houses of Hue where you will gain insight into the lives of a local family and admire their fascinating collection of artifacts and mementos from the days of the former Royal Empire.
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
- 16 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
- Hanoi Visit Ho Chi Minh's house in Hanoi.
- Ho Chi Minh City Visit the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s.
- Hoi An Join a Lantern Making Workshop or a Fishing Life Tour to learn about the lives of the local fishermen and have a go at casting your own fishing net.
- Hoi An Visit the colorful market of Hoi An.
- Angkor Wat Join your Local Specialist and immerse yourself in the stories of the celestial nymphs and mystical serpents.
- Choeung Ek Genocidal Center Visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, a memorial dedicated to the victims who died under the reign of the Khmer Rouge.
- Ho Chi Minh City Gain insight into a difficult period of Vietnam's history as you join a Vet Cong veteran for a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, developped to protect Viet Cong guerillas.
- Travel by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food.
- Wat Damnak Experience a private blessing with a Monk where a sacred thread is tied around your wrists to protect you against evil spirits.
- Ha Long Bay Start your day on beautiful Ha Long Bay with a yoga class lead by a Local Specialist.
- Hue See Hue by land and water today. Enjoy a cyclo tour past the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda before boarding a local dragon boat.
- My Tho Cruise along the canals of My Tho in a small sampan boat during your visit to this market town.
- Hanoi On a sightseeing tour of the city of Hanoi, see the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.
- Angkor Thom Enjoy a visit to Angor Thom and admire the iconic sites of the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Enclosure and the Temple of Bayon.
- Angkor Wat Discover the Banteay Srei Temple, also known as the "Citadel of Women" where you can admire delicate 10th-century carvings.
- Hanoi Travel past the colorful shopfronts and street food vendors of Hanoi's Old Quarter on a cyclo tour.
- Hoi An Learn about the daily work routines of local farmers at Thanh Dong Organic Village.
- Phnom Penh Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh's famous landmarks, including a visit to the National Museum.
- My Tho After a stroll through the streets of My Tho, meet a local family in their home. Hear stories from your Local Specialist about surviving the Khmer Rouge and learn about the family's handicraft, making paper.
- Ho Chi Minh City Enjoy the sights of the French colonial-era buildings and even a former CIA residential block as you partake in a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City.
- Siem Reap Experience some truly local traditional crafts such as palm leaf weaving. As a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, your visit directly benefits villagers as we contribute a donation to enable the locals to support the school children with uniforms
- Ho Chi Minh City Have dinner at KOTO restaurant, which supports those affected by poverty to provide opportunities and a vocational education in the hospitality sector.
- Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, the Imperial Citadel in Hue, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels, Siem Reap Old Town, the temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Wat Damnak and Ta Prohm, Wat Phnom,
- Explore Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh
- View Ho Chi Minh's House in Hanoi and the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City
- Halong Bay Stay on a traditional style Vietnamese Junk boat for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Flights from Hanoi to Danang, Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Call 1 (888) 828-8747 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18544253
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Duration
- 17 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Hanoi | Welcome to Hanoi: On arrival, we have airport transfers arranged for you at 11:00 and 15:00 to take you to your hotel.Relish the warm embrace of Vietnam and her welcoming people, who will touch you with their humility and entrepreneurial spirit throughout your journey across this intoxicating land. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant Accommodations: Silk Path Hotel |
| Day 2 | Hanoi | A Day to Discover Hanoi Dive Into Culture: This morning is dedicated to the revolutionary leader who fanned the flames of Vietnam's independence. We begin our day with a visit to the final resting place of ?Uncle Ho?, the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. A short walk from here, we'll find Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, where we'll Dive Into Culture exploring the grounds surrounding the humble abode of Vietnam's most famous son. We'll continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, to gain insights into Hanoian culture. This afternoon, we'll take a cyclo tour, weaving through the lively Old Quarter past colorful shopfronts and street food vendors. Enjoy an evening at leisure or consider joining our Optional Experience to taste some delicious local flavors on a foodie tour. Accommodations: Silk Path Hotel |
| Day 3 | Halong Bay | Set Sail for Halong Bay Stays With Stories: We leave the busy streets of Hanoi behind, bound for the serenity of Halong Bay where we'll board a traditional-style Vietnamese Junk boat. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters provide an ethereal backdrop for our leisurely cruise. Once welcomed aboard, enjoy lunch whilst cruising one of the New Seven Natural Wonders. Visit Trung Trang cave on Cat Ba Island, the cave is 300m long through the mountains, possessing a mysterious beauty due to the geological tectonics in million years along with many historical vestiges and stalactites. Followed, weather permitting, by a stop at the quiet Tra Bau beach in Lan Ha Bay with its smooth white sand. You may choose to relax or take a nice swim in the green, emerald waters. We return to our Junk boat for a cooking class with the chef and enjoy a mesmerizing sunset on the top deck before dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in this UNESCO-listed natural wonder. Accommodations: Orchid Cruise |
| Day 4 | Hoi An | Onwards to Danang and Hoi An: It is a perfect time to refresh and indulge yourself in the peaceful beauty of the bay with a Tai Chi session. After breakfast discover the hidden charm of the Ao Ech area by kayak. There will be time to relax on the sundeck and take in the last views of the bays landscape, whilst cruising back to the Wharf before your drive to Hanoi Airport to catch your flight to Danang. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An where you have the evening at leisure. Accommodations: Allegro Hoi An |
| Day 5 | Hoi An | Uncover Historic Hoi An Dive Into Culture: Dive Into Culture this morning, embarking on a walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An. Embrace its charm of yesteryear - the narrow lanes, colorful marketplaces and ancient temples providing insights into the Vietnam of old. See the old merchant houses and 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, before visiting Thanh Dong Organic Village where you'll spend some time helping local farmers and learning about their daily working routines. Kick back and enjoy a relaxing foot massage that will set the pace for the rest of the day and evening at leisure. Accommodations: Allegro Hoi An |
| Day 6 | Hoi An | Local Life in Hoi An Dive Into Culture: Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Hoi An further or simply relax at your hotel. Your choice of activities this afternoon could see you learn how to craft your own colorful lantern or gain insights into life as a local fisherman (subject to weather conditions). Create a work of art to bring your home luck and happiness, or cast your net wide for the catch of the day - the choice is yours. Accommodations: Allegro Hoi An |
| Day 7 | Hue | Head to Hue via Red Beach Dive Into Culture: The healthy flavors of Vietnamese cuisine take center stage as we travel by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. We'll have an opportunity to savor the dishes we've prepared for lunch before returning to Hoi An. This afternoon, our journey takes us over Hai Van Pass en route to Red Beach, where the American Marines first landed in Vietnam during the decades-long war. We continue to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, for our overnight stay. Accommodations: Eldora Hue |
| Day 8 | Hue | See the Sights of Hue Connect with Locals: We'll navigate the busy streets of Hue on the back of a cyclo en route to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, once home to Nguyen emperors. From here, we drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Boarding a local dragon boat next, we cruise along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son where we'll Connect With Locals and meet a family member for a Be My Guest lunch to gain a glimpse of their life in this historic house. The afternoon is ours to enjoy at leisure or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences. Accommodations: Eldora Hue |
| Day 9 | Ho Chi Minh City | Journey to Ho Chi Minh City Make Travel Matter: A short flight this morning brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll enjoy a the iconic sights of Ho Chi Minh revealed on a walking tour of Dong Khoi Street. See the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville. Then, wander up to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, designed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel. Continue to the War Remnants Museum where you'll have a vivid glimpse of the war through the eyes of the locals. Your final stop is Ben Thanh market, one of the earliest surviving structures in old Saigon. Finish with dinner at KOTO restaurant. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience visit supports those affected by poverty to provide opportunities and a vocational education in the hospitality sector. Accommodations: Novotel Saigon |
| Day 10 | Ho Chi Minh City | Meander Along the Mekong Delta: The mighty Mekong beckons today, as we take a day trip to Cai Be town, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. We'll transfer to a charming traditional boat and where we cruise and explore the bustling riverbanks. Visit a beautifully preserved ancient house dating back to the 19th century that has been passed down through many generations of the family. Enjoy a leisurely sampan ride through the narrow canals. topping for a home hosted lunch of delicious Mekong Delta specialties. Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure. Accommodations: Novotel Saigon |
| Day 11 | Ho Chi Minh City | Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels Dive Into Culture: We'll delve into Vietnam's turbulent history from the previous century with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels built to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. We'll explore the underground compounds with a VC veteran and gain an understanding of the history of the tunnels, which once served as living quarters and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City by private speedboat, we'll enjoy some free time this afternoon. Later, we'll Dive Into Culture during a visit to the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, followed by a Farewell Dinner to say goodbye to your Vietnam Travel Director and those guests not continuing on to Cambodia. Accommodations: Novotel Saigon |
| Day 12 | Siem Reap | Continue to Cambodia: Transfer to the airport for the short international flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. On arrival you will meet your local Cambodian Travel Director, the rest of the day is at leisure. Accommodations: Tara Angkor |
| Day 13 | Siem Reap | Amazing Angkor Wat Make Travel Matter: Today, walk through a pyramid-shaped gateway into an ancient world. Serene stone faces watch over us as we cross the causeway suspended over a moat into the spiritual heart of the ancient lost city of Angkor. A Local Specialist and renowned Khmer scholar brings to life the stories behind the intricate carvings and murals of celestial nymphs and mythical serpents along the abandoned hallways of Angkor Wat. Our next stop is the terracotta-hued walls of Banteay Srei Temple - the ?Citadel of Women? dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. We'll have time to admire the 10th-century carvings of women, said to have been too delicate to have been carved by a man, hence the name. This afternoon embark on a guided walking tour of the Old Town. Later we'll visit Wat Damnak and participate in a private blessing ceremony during which a sacred thread will be tied around our wrists to protect against evil spirits. Finishing with a visit to Krabei Riel local village you will have a chance to walk and talk with the villagers who are always keen to share their smiles with you. Learn some of their traditional skills such as palm leaf weaving, your time will be spent truly engaging in a real-life Cambodian Village MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Accommodations: Tara Angkor |
| Day 14 | Siem Reap | Temples of Angkor: Our first stop today is a visit to the fortified Angkor Thom, where we'll see such iconic sites as the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Enclosure and the Temple of Bayon with its giant smiling faces of Buddha. We venture underneath the dense tree canopy to the crumbling, moss-covered ruins of the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm, which featured as the location for the film ?Tomb Raider', exploring its towers, courtyards and corridors to uncover the intricate stone reliefs that are shielded by the surrounding foliage. Continuing with a visit to the Old Market, where the locals shop for fresh fruit, vegetables and spices. Wander past the busy stalls and smell freshly baked baguettes, a remnant of the country's French heritage. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience to learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine or a sunset boat cruise on Tonle Sap Lake.This evening transfer for a wonderful dinner accompanied by traditional Apsara Dancing that will bring ancient Khmer culture to life. Accommodations: Tara Angkor |
| Day 15 | Phnom Penh | Travel to Phnom Penh: This morning we fly to Phnom Penh. Once known as the ?Pearl of Asia', it is one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina. Later we'll embark on a cyclo tour - A Dive Into Culture, exploring the city which boasts a rich blend of Khmer and French colonial architecture. We'll discover the history and catch glimpses of churches and Chinese temples hidden down narrow alleyways. Accommodations: Tribe Hotel |
| Day 16 | Phnom Penh | Delve into Cambodia's History: Indulge in the exotic flavors of Phnom Penh this morning, joining a Local Specialist for an in-depth city tour. Our first stop is Wat Phnom temple where we'll delve into the legend of Lady Penh who discovered the four statues of Buddha deposited on this tree-covered hill. We'll continue to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before visiting the National Museum showcasing centuries-old Khmer art and sculptures. Delving deep into the turbulent, terrifying history of the Khmer Rouge years, we'll travel along a dusty road to the outskirts of the city to visit the former school turned interrogation and execution center of Tuol Sleng. The history of that time is depicted in the thousands of S-21 portraits of victims that are on display at the Museum of Genocide, Finally, take time to reflect on the past with a visit to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, where a large memorial was built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died under the reign of the Khmer Rouge. The evening is free to explore the boutiques in Street 240 area or the many restaurants, cafes, shops along the bustling riverside area. Accommodations: Tribe Hotel |
| Day 17 | Phnom Penh | Farewell Phnom Penh: Airport shuttles have been arranged to depart the hotel at 06:30 and 15:00 for your onward flight on the last day of the tour only. Please speak to your Trafalgar representative for further information. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
