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17-Day Grand Discovery Vietnam and Cambodia by Land & River

0/5
Duration

17 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

Tour Route: 

  • Vietnam: Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta (My Tho, Vinh Long, Cai Be, Sa Dec, Chau Doc)
  • Cambodia: Phnom Penh → Koh Chen → Kampong Tralach → Kampong Chhnang → Tonle Sap Lake → Siem Reap → Angkor Temples

Start/ End: Hanoi – Siem Riep

Embark on an unforgettable 17-day journey through the cultural heart and soul of Vietnam and Cambodia. This immersive itinerary combines guided land tours with a luxurious Mekong River cruise, offering a seamless blend of historical exploration, natural beauty, and local encounters. From the imperial relics of Hue and the timeless charm of Hoi An to the majestic temples of Angkor and the tranquil waters of the Mekong, each day unfolds a new story waiting to be told.

Who This Tour is For:

  • Mature, English-speaking travelers seeking a mix of culture, history, and soft adventure
  • Cruise lovers who enjoy boutique river cruising with curated onshore excursions
  • First-time visitors or repeat travelers to Southeast Asia who want to connect with local life beyond the usual tourist routes
  • Individuals or couples who appreciate comfort, authentic experiences, and slow-paced travel
  • Nature lovers, photographers, and history enthusiasts

No strenuous physical activity is required, but moderate walking and some boat transfers are part of the experience. The tour offers an excellent balance of guided exploration and relaxing onboard time.

Highlights

  • Traditional water puppet show in Hanoi
  • Overnight luxury cruise in scenic Halong Bay
  • UNESCO-listed Imperial City of Hue and ancient ruins of My Son
  • Colonial architecture and lantern-filled streets of Hoi An
  • Vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi Tunnels
  • 8-day deluxe Mekong River cruise through floating markets and riverside villages
  • Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Khmer Rouge memorial sites
  • Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the jungle temple of Ta Prohm
  • Local handicraft workshops and traditional Cambodian circus performance

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival & Exploration

Begin your journey in Vietnam’s charming capital, Hanoi, with a full-day exploration of its rich cultural and historical landmarks. Stroll through the bustling Old Quarter, witness the colonial elegance of French architecture, and absorb the city's unique rhythm.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppetry performance—a quintessential northern Vietnamese art form that tells folklore tales through wooden puppets dancing over water. You'll spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay

After breakfast, we depart Hanoi and head east to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours through picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival, we’ll board a luxurious junk-style cruise and be greeted with a welcome cocktail.

Spend the day cruising past thousands of limestone islets rising dramatically from emerald waters. Enjoy the peaceful scenery and onboard amenities before settling into your cabin for an unforgettable night on the bay.

Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue

Start your morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, soaking in the tranquility of the bay. Then, we’ll disembark for a guided visit to one of Halong Bay’s most stunning caves, filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Following a leisurely brunch on board, we cruise back to port and transfer to Hanoi. From there, a short flight takes us to the former imperial capital of Hue. You’ll spend the night at a hotel in the city, ready to explore its regal heritage.

Day 4: Hue

Today’s full-day tour immerses you in Hue’s imperial past. Visit the ornate tombs of Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, each a masterpiece of Nguyen Dynasty architecture nestled in serene surroundings.

Continue to the Tu Hieu Pagoda, a peaceful haven where monks still live and meditate. In the afternoon, stroll through the Imperial City - Hue’s ancient citadel and palace complex, before ending your day at the bustling Dong Ba Market. Overnight in Hue.

Day 5: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An

Journey along one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal roads toward Da Nang. Stop at the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady, perched on the Perfume River, and visit the charming village of Kim Long, once home to mandarins and nobility.

In Da Nang, explore the Cham Sculpture Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts. By evening, arrive in Hoi An, a beautifully preserved trading town, where you'll settle in for the night at a local hotel.

Day 6: Hoi An – My Son

Travel inland to the lush jungle-shrouded ruins of My Son, the spiritual center of the Champa Kingdom. These ancient Hindu temple structures, though weathered by time and war, remain powerful symbols of Vietnam’s cultural depth.

Return to Hoi An for lunch, followed by a walking tour through its lantern-lit streets, exploring traditional merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Fujian Assembly Hall. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City

Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling economic hub. Dive into its dynamic atmosphere with a guided tour of historical and cultural sites, including Ben Thanh Market and the Thien Hau Temple in Chinatown.

Later in the day, we’ll transfer you to your river cruise vessel. After settling into your cabin, enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner on board. The ship remains docked overnight in the heart of Saigon.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, we journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Discover how life was sustained in these tunnels and the resilience they represent.

Return to the ship for lunch, then visit the Museum of Vietnamese History for a deeper understanding of the country’s past. In the evening, we begin cruising toward the Mekong Delta via the Chao Gao Canal. Overnight on board.

Day 9: Cho Gao – My Tho – Vinh Long – Cai Be

Sail through the narrow and scenic Chao Gao Canal toward the heart of the Mekong Delta. In My Tho, visit a bee farm and enjoy a tasting of local honey and tropical fruits.

Hop aboard sampans for a peaceful ride along canals lined with coconut palms and stilt houses. Later, explore a brick and pottery factory and observe the making of puffed rice, rice paper, and rice wine. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 10: Sa Dec

This morning, we arrive in the quaint riverside town of Sa Dec. Visit the former home of Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration for the protagonist in Marguerite Duras’s famous novel The Lover.

Afterward, enjoy some free time to wander the local market or simply soak in the laid-back vibe. Return to the ship for lunch as we begin our journey upstream toward the Cambodian border. Overnight on board.

Day 11: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

Arrive in Chau Doc, a lively border town known for its ethnic diversity and fish farming. Visit Tay An Pagoda, a unique fusion of Vietnamese and Indian architecture, and Ba Chua Xu Temple, a pilgrimage site for locals.

Back on board, we sail to Phnom Penh. In the evening, enjoy a brief tuk-tuk ride through the capital’s illuminated streets. Dinner and overnight on board in port.

Day 12: Phnom Penh

Explore Phnom Penh’s regal and tragic past with visits to the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the impressive National Museum. After lunch, reflect at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a Khmer Rouge prison.

Later, enjoy some free time at a local market before returning to the ship for a traditional Apsara dance performance. Dinner on board and overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 13: Koh Chen – Kampong Tralach

This morning, visit the silversmithing village of Koh Chen, where artisans craft intricate copper and silver items by hand. Learn about their traditional techniques and community life.

Continue to Kampong Tralach and travel through lush rice paddies to reach Wat Kampong Tralach Leu, a remote and tranquil pagoda. Return to the ship for dinner. Overnight on board.

Day 14: Kampong Chhnang – Tonle Sap River

Explore Kampong Chhnang, a vibrant port town known for floating villages and traditional pottery production. Sample some local specialties before returning to the ship.

We continue cruising along the Tonle Sap River. In the evening, enjoy a farewell cocktail and gala dinner on board. Overnight at anchor.

Day 15: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples

Disembark and transfer to Siem Reap by road or continue cruising across the Tonle Sap Lake (depending on season). After hotel check-in, visit the majestic Angkor Wat temple, the world’s largest religious monument.

As the sun sets, explore the lively Angkor Night Market and its array of handicrafts and street food. Overnight at a hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 16: Siem Reap

Take a morning boat trip to discover the floating villages of Tonle Lake and observe the rhythms of daily life on water. After lunch, visit Senteurs d’Angkor, where local products like spices, soaps, and teas are made.

This evening, be dazzled by Phare, the Cambodian Circus, an energetic performance blending theater, acrobatics, and storytelling. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 17: Angkor Temples – Departure

Conclude your journey with a visit to the jungle-clad Ta Prohm temple, made famous by the movie Tomb Raider. Continue to Angkor Thom, including the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

After lunch, bid farewell to your fellow travelers. Please ensure your flight is scheduled no earlier than 5:00 p.m. to allow for a smooth transfer to the airport.

Included/Excluded

  • First-class services
  • Accommodations
  • Transfer transportation
  • Entrance fees
  • Refined local cuisine
  • Onboard activities and/or lectures
  • Local tour guides
  • International and domestic airfare
  • Vietnam and Cambodia visa fees
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Gratuities for guides and crew
  • Personal expenses (laundry, minibar, etc.)
  • Optional activities not included in the main program
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary

Tour's Location

from 6,125

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