Vietnam and Cambodia Uncovered

Visit Asia

Day 1

Welcome to Hanoi

On arrival, we have airport transfers arranged for you.

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 travellers for a dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2

A Day to Discover Hanoi Dive Into Culture

Ready to step into Vietnam’s past? You’ll visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university from the 11th century.

It’s a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture—and if you’ve got a 100,000 dong note, you’ll spot it right there. Next, hop on a cyclo, a three-wheeled bicycle taxi, and cruise through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its 36 streets once home to artisan guilds. You’ll also view the striking Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and then go inside the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s peaceful wooden house. Then, meet Mr. Liem Phan, a skilled artisan who brings the ancient art of water puppetry to life. Hear the story behind this unique tradition, enjoy a show, and even try your hand at puppet-making. End the day at your leisure, soaking in Hanoi’s charm and culture.

Day 3

Discover Halong Bay and Viet Hai Village

Leave the bustling streets of Hanoi behind as you head to the tranquil waters of Halong Bay.

Board your cruise and enjoy lunch while gliding past limestone karsts and tropical islets through one of the New Seven Natural Wonders. Explore Viet Hai Village in Cat Ba National Park by bike and soak in the surrounding landscapes and conservation projects. Cool off with a swim in Lan Ha Bay or relax by the jade-coloured waters. End your day with a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and uncover the secrets behind this world-famous cuisine.

Day 4

Sunrise at Halong Bay and Trinh Nu Adventures

Start your morning in Halong Bay with a Tai Chi session as the sun rises over this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After breakfast, explore Trinh Nu Cave, known for its impressive rock formations. You can choose to go on a kayak tour or relax on the serene Trinh Nu Beach. Enjoy the final views of the bay as you cruise back to the Wharf, then head to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Transfer to Hoi An, where your evening is free—an ideal time to explore the tailoring capital of the world and its old town.

Day 5

Uncover Historic Hoi An Dive Into Culture

Step into Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with roots as a 15th-century trading port.

Once a bustling hub for merchants from China, Japan, and Europe, this town now welcomes you to explore its rich history and blend of cultures. Stroll through narrow lanes lined with ancient merchant houses, cross the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and admire the intricate carvings of the Chaozhou Assembly Hall. Afterward, visit the market, where you’ll be greeted by the enticing aroma of fresh spices and the shimmer of colourful silk. Browse the market stalls and you’ll certainly find a Hoi An treasure to bring home. Your afternoon is free but why not try one of our Optional Experiences.

Day 6

Local Life in Hoi An Dive Into Culture

Spend the morning at leisure—explore Hoi An at your own pace or relax at your hotel.

Alternatively, join one of our Optional Experiences: visit the ancient My Son Sanctuary or uncover history at the Ky Anh tunnels in Tam Thanh village. In the afternoon, Dive into Culture at the Red Bridge Cooking School. Start with a welcome drink at Hai Cafe, shop for fresh ingredients at the market, then take a boat to your private cooking class, enjoying your creations with a river view.

Day 7

Head to Hue via Red Beach Dive Into Culture

Hoi An’s waterways, a lifeline for villagers and a window into its past.

Visit a fishing village to learn the art of casting Vietnamese fishing nets and try paddling traditional round basket boats through coconut-palm groves. Hear stories of the area’s wartime history as you cruise back with a refreshing drink in hand. This afternoon, cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass, famed for its breathtaking views, and stop at Red Beach, where American marines first landed in Danang. Wrap up the day in Hue, Vietnam’s imperial capital, for an overnight stay steeped in history.

Day 8

See the Sights of Hue Connect with Locals

You’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, you’ll drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Boarding a local dragon boat next, cruise along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son, the daughter of Emperor Dong Khanh. Although the house is no longer owned by royalty, you will meet the current Phan family for a Be My Guest lunch to gain a glimpse of their life in this historic house. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences.

Day 9

Journey to Ho Chi Minh City Make Travel Matter

A short flight this morning brings you to the bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Get ready to uncover its sights on a walking tour along vibrant Dong Khoi Street. Marvel at the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville, then stroll up to the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, crafted by none other than Gustave Eiffel. Take a poignant journey through the War Remnants Museum, offering a glimpse into the war through the eyes of locals, before walking through Ben Thanh market, a treasure trove of history and culture. Later, your Stays with Stories experience at Grand Hotel Saigon is a French colonial gem right in the city’s historic heart. End the day with dinner at KOTO restaurant, where your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

Day 10

Meander Along the Mekong Delta

The mighty Mekong beckons today, as you take a day trip to Cai Be town, in the heart of the Mekong Delta.

You’ll transfer to a charming traditional boat where you will cruise and explore the bustling riverbanks. Visit a beautifully preserved ancient house dating back to the 19th century, passed down through many generations of the family. Enjoy a leisurely sampan ride through the narrow canals, stopping for a home-hosted lunch of delicious Mekong Delta specialities, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure.

Day 11

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels Dive Into Culture

Uncover Vietnam’s fascinating past with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network used by the Viet Cong.

A veteran shares how these tunnels served as homes, hospitals and hideouts. You’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City by private speedboat, with free time to unwind. Later, you’ll step into history at the former home of US Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, followed by dinner to end the day.

Day 12

Continue to Cambodia

Transfer to the airport for the short international flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia.

On arrival you’ll meet your local Cambodian Travel Director, the rest of the day is at leisure. Later, enjoy the best of Cambodian cuisine and be entertained by a traditional Apsara dance performance.

Day 13

Amazing Angkor Wat Make Travel Matter

Today, walk through a pyramid-shaped gateway into an ancient world.

Serene stone faces watch as you cross the causeway suspended over a moat into the spiritual heart of the ancient lost city of Angkor. Be amazed by the sheer size, you’ll be memorised by the intricate carvings and murals of celestial nymphs and mythical serpents along the abandoned hallways of Angkor Wat. Your next stop is the terracotta-hued walls of Banteay Srei Temple – the “Citadel of Women” dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. You will 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. 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.

Day 14

Temples of Angkor Make Travel Matter

Start at Angkor Thom, exploring the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Enclosure, and Bayon Temple’s smiling faces of Buddha.

Next, wander Ta Prohm, its mossy ruins you may recognise from the film ‘Tomb Raider’. Under the canopy, you’ll discover towers, courtyards and stone carvings hidden among the foliage. Visit Artisans d'Angkor this afternoon, supporting Khmer craftsmanship in silk making and wood carving. You’ll join a private blessing at Wat Damnak where a sacred thread is tied around your wrist as protection from evil spirits. End your day with an Optional Experience to join a sunset boat cruise on Tonlé Sap Lake.

Day 15

Travel to Phnom Penh

Depart for Siem Reap, a drive offering a glimpse into Cambodia’s rural life.

From the city outskirts, you’ll see vast fields of rice alongside cassava shrubs and rubber trees. Watch the daily lives of farmers as you travel between two of Cambodia’s key cities.

Day 16

Delve into Cambodia's History

Indulge in the exotic flavours 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 centre 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.

Day 17

Farewell Phnom Penh

Airport shuttles have been arranged on the last day of the tour only.

Please speak to your Trafalgar representative for further information.

Dining Summary

6 Dinner (D)

16 Breakfast (B)

3 Lunch (L)

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 the Phan family and admire their fascinating collection of artefacts and mementos from the days of the former Royal Empire.

Dive into Culture

Hanoi: Enjoy a traditional evening Water Puppet performance in a local theatre. This northern Vietnamese art form beautifully illustrates scenes of rural life and natural history and began approximately a thousand years ago, possibly in the flooded rice fields of Vietnam. Puppeteers stand in waist-high water and manipulate their charges in such a way that you can’t help but be swept up in the legend being told. Each short sketch in the performance relates to the daily life of the people.

Hoi An: Red Bridge Cooking School is a culinary gem in Hoi An. Begin your learning with a welcome drink at Hai Café before you explore the bustling central market with your chef, where you’ll select fresh ingredients. Take a boat to the school to enjoy a private cooking class and dine on your creations overlooking the river. 

Phnom Penh: Positioned along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong Rivers is Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh. Take an off-the-beaten-track tour by cyclo, a bicycle-powered carriage, through Khmer and French colonial streets where you’ll find churches and Chinese temples down the city’s narrow alleys.

Iconic Experience

Hanoi: Visit Ho Chi Minh's house in Hanoi.

Hanoi: On a sightseeing tour of the city of Hanoi, see the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.

Hanoi: Travel past the colourful shopfronts and street food vendors of Hanoi's Old Quarter on a cyclo tour.

Hai Phong: Visit Viet Hai Village - a small village nestled in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. A World Heritage Site that's known for its diverse ecosystem and rare wildlife, including the endangered Cat Ba langur.

Ha Long Bay: Start your day on beautiful Ha Long Bay with a T'ai Chi class led by a Local Specialist. 

Hoi An: Cruise down the scenic Cua Dai River on a local boat and experience the art of casting traditional Vietnamese fishing nets. Guided by friendly fishermen, you'll learn this centuries-old technique, adding an authentic and unforgettable adventure to your journey.

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. 

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.

My Tho: Cruise along the canals of Cai Be in a small sampan boat during your visit to this market town.

Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s.

Ho Chi Minh City: Gain insight into a challenging period of Vietnam's history as you join a Viet Cong veteran on a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, built to protect Viet Cong guerrillas.

Siem Reap: Dine on traditional Cambodian flavours during a performance of local Apsara dancers and musicians. Marvel at vibrant silk costumes and see the symbolic hand gestures of this historic art form. 

Angkor Wat: Join your Local Specialist and immerse yourself in the stories of the celestial nymphs and mystical serpents. 

Angkor Wat: Discover the Banteay Srei Temple, also known as the "Citadel of Women" where you can admire delicate 10th-century carvings.

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.

Wat Damnak: Experience a private blessing with a Monk where a sacred thread is tied around your wrists to protect you against evil spirits.

Phnom Penh: Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh's famous landmarks, including a visit to the National Museum. 

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.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

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. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. 

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 and books, or towards the upkeep of the elderly villagers' home. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh

Visit One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Viet Hai Village in Halong Bay, 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, the Royal Palace and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields in Phnom Penh

View Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh's House in Hanoi and the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City

Stays With Stories

Ho Chi Minh City: Originally opened in 1930 as a charming beverage shop owned by the Editor-in-Chief of a French newspaper, the Hotel Grand Saigon has grown into one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks. Restored to its French colonial glory in 2012, this former meeting point for writers and intellectuals, now offers luxurious rooms and a prime location on Dong Khoi Street, perfect for exploring the city’s vibrant heart.

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