Indochina Experience – Vietnam & Cambodia Guided Tour

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Saigon - Phnom Penh - Kompong Thom - Siem Reap

Duration

17 days

Tour Type

Private

Price From

£3,000 pp

Overview: Indochina Experience – Vietnam & Cambodia Tour

This 17-day guided tour offers an immersive journey through Vietnam and Cambodia, combining historic landmarks, cultural traditions, spectacular scenery, and opportunities to experience everyday life. From exploring ancient heritage and learning about local customs to travelling by boat, train, bicycle, and tuk-tuk, the itinerary offers a varied way to discover the character and history of both countries. Along the way, you will experience traditional cuisine, local communities, important historical sites, and some of the region’s most remarkable architectural and natural sights.

Tour Highlights:

Explore Hanoi’s historic landmarks, the Museum of Ethnology, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and a traditional water puppet show
Cruise overnight through the limestone formations of Halong Bay aboard a traditional junk, with meals served on board
Discover Hue’s Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Tu Duc’s tomb, with a scenic journey through the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An
Cycle to Tra Que village to learn about local farming and cooking, followed by a traditional foot massage and an afternoon exploring Hoi An’s historic streets
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels before crossing into Cambodia, then explore Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Tuol Sleng
Discover Cambodia’s ancient heritage at Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Neak Pean, and Angkor Thom, including the Bayon and its famous carved faces

From cultural encounters and historic discoveries to scenic journeys and immersive local experiences, this tour provides a fascinating introduction to the diverse heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Day 1 - UK Departure

Today is the start of your private Indochina holiday by departing London Heathrow for international economy flight to Hanoi.

We can also arrange departures from your local airport at no extra cost.

Day 2 - Hanoi Arrival

Our local guide will welcome you at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) on arrival. A private transfer awaits to the centre of this amazing city for hotel check in.

You are free to relax for the rest of the day.

Day 3 - Hanoi City

Today we will spend a full-day to explore Vietnam’s capital city, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed on every Monday and Friday), his traditional stilt house, the One-Pillar Pagoda, and the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature, also known as the First University of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, visit the Ethnology Museum (closed on every Monday) where you can learn about the costumes, customs and daily life of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. We then continue with Old Quarter Streets and the Hoan Kiem Lake vicinity of Hanoi.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show – a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture.

Breakfast

Day 4 - Hanoi to Halong Bay

We leave Hanoi this morning and head straight to Halong Bay, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site with its 3,000 islands of towering limestone dotting the bay. After arriving at noon, you will board a beautiful junk (ancient Chinese ship) for an overnight cruise on Halong Bay, accompanied with an excellent menu of fresh seafood. Lunch and dinner are prepared by our onboard chef and served on boat.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5 - Halong Bay to Hue (by Train)

Wake up early in the morning to enjoy aquamarine water of the bay at its best. After tea break, the boat continues to cruise quietly through spectacular limestone formations of Halong Bay. Enjoy this more isolated bay’s spectacular and unique islands of the bay.

We return to Halong harbour after a brunch for private transfer to Hanoi station for your overnight soft-sleeper train to Hue.

Brunch

Day 6 - Hue City

On arrival in Hue station, your local guide will be there to meet you and drive to your hotel for a short rest.

Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant and then start to explore Hue city, beginning with the Imperial Citadel of Hue and the traditional Thien Mu Pagoda on the banks of Perfume River.

In the afternoon, we visit Tu Duc tomb – one of the most beautiful tombs in Hue. If time permits, we will also visit a garden house to learn more about the culture of Hue.

Breakfast

Day 7 - Hue to Hoi An

Today we depart by car for Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass, where we will enjoy the spectacular panorama of the central coastline from the summit. We also stop at Lang Co to stretch our legs on the white sands of this peaceful beach.

Upon arrival in Hoi An check in at the hotel and remainder of day free at your leisure. Hoi An is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its historic role in international trade, unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes.

Breakfast

Day 8 - Hoi An / Tra Que

In the morning, you will hop on your bike for cycling through the countryside to Tra Que village (about 20 minutes biking) – transfer by cyclo or by private vehicle are also the options. This village has been known for its special aromatic herbs, mint and basil; leaves of those plants are smaller than usual, however they have a very particular aroma.

Together with local people in their daily work, you will learn how to plant and water vegetables. Then learn to cook some local specialities, for example “Tam Hu” – set of shrimps, pork and aromatic herbs. Of course you will get the opportunity to enjoy your creations after cooking! Then enjoy a local foot massage.

In the afternoon, take a stroll to visit Hoi An town. Set out to explore the quaint cobblestone streets of the town with the more than two-century-old Chinese houses. Sites include the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and Phung Hung Chinese-trading house.

At the end of the day, you will have memorable time for enjoying a cup of tea or coffee at “Reaching Out Tea House” – a very special and unique ancient house where they offer you not only fabulous drinks and snacks but also the soul values.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 9 - Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

You have the morning free at leisure to either relax by the pool, the beach, or grab the opportunity for some independent exploring or shopping.

In the afternoon you will be transferred to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Meet your local guide and driver on arrival and drive to your hotel in the city centre for check in.

Breakfast

Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City

Under the guidance of your local guide, we set out on a city tour of the former capital of French Indochina, once known as Saigon. Historic landmarks include the Old Saigon post office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House, and the War Museum.

In the afternoon, visit the ethnic Chinese district of Cholon with Binh Tay market and Thien Hau pagoda.

Breakfast

Day 11 - Ho Chi Minh / Cu Chi Tunnels to Phnom Penh, Cambodia

This morning we will leave the city by private vehicle to visit the amazing tunnel network of Cu Chi. This incredible system, covering almost 250 km in length was shelter to over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas during the wars. Initially started in 1948 to provide shelter against the French air and ground sweeps, the network went on to serve as communication routes, storage facilities, hospitals and living quarters for Vietnamese fighters throughout the American war. If you are interested (and game) you can even descend into the tunnels to learn more about the harsh conditions faced by Vietcong guerrillas who lived there.

After lunch we transfer to the Vietnam – Cambodia border and cross the Cambodian border. We then drive to the capital of Phnom Penh. Once deemed the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh offers a bustling mix of Asia’s past quickly taking its place amongst the trendy capitals of the region with super restaurants and a number of attractions.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 12 - Phnom Penh

Today we discover Phnom Penh City, capital of Cambodia located at the conjunction of four branches of the Mekong River “Chaktomuk” and historical capital for more than 600 years after Angkor.

We begin our day with Wat Phnom, an ancient pagoda standing up on the hill, followed by the National Museum – built in 1917-18 exclusively dedicated to Khmer arts. There are many artefacts from the Pre-Angkor as well as Angkor Period on display. They are made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood, ceramic and other materials.

We continue to the Royal Palace built in 1866 and Silver Pagoda located within the Royal Palace compound, the majority of treasures on display have been supplied by the King of Cambodia such as gift from various other countries. Among the treasures are a solid gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds and weighing 90 kilos and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.

This afternoon is a reminder of the more recent tragic history, with a visit to Toul Sleng, an ancient school which was used as a prison under the Khmers Rouges time.

Finally today we walk around the Russian market, built into 1937 of a splendid architecture of colonial style.

Breakfast

Day 13 - Phnom Penh to Kampong Thom

In the morning, we leave Phnom Penh for Kampong Thom. En route you will pass a number of villages and visit the temples of Sambor Prei Kuk, which is Angkor’s oldest capital.

After lunch, start to visit the pre Angkorian temples to get an ideal introduction to Angkor. After our visit, continue transfer to Kampong Thom where you will arrive in the afternoon.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 14 - Kampong Thom to Siem Reap

In the morning we leave for Kampong Khleang. Here all the houses are on stilts offering an exceptional natural environment with breathtaking views of floodplains, rice fields and water views as far as the eye can see. Walk through the village meeting the locals and their lovely children.

Afterwards, travel by boat over the canals to a large lake where Vietnamese people live when they are displaced from their homes because of the seasons. Return to the village and have a picnic lunch in a villager’s home.

In the afternoon continue on to Siem Reap by private vehicle and transfer to your hotel in the centre of this unique and fascinating city.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 15 - Siem Reap

Your day starts with a visit to the world-famous Angkor Wat, a world heritage site with soaring towers and extraordinary bas reliefs. It is one of the most amazing man-made monuments in the world, erected in the 12th century in honour of Vishnu. We have the whole morning to walk around this amazing structure!

In the afternoon, leave for Banteay Srei where a most impressive jewel of Khmer art exists. Erected in the 10th century, this small pink sandstone temple is known as the Citadel of Women.

On the way back, visit the ancient Ta Prohm Monastery where immense branches have taken root in the stones – hence the nickname of the Jungle Temple. You will find some splendid sculptured Devatas and an atmosphere that is unique.

Breakfast

Day 16 - Siem Reap

In the morning you leave by tuk-tuk for the northern end of Angkor, beginning the day with Preah Khan Temple, built by Jayavarman VII in 1191 in honour of his father. This monument was both a city and a place for Buddhism studies.

Of the same era is Neak Pean, the only island temple of Angkor, and also known as Entwined Nagas. The large central basin is linked with four smaller basins which represent the four great rivers flowing from the earth’s four cardinal points. One of the most interesting features of this site is the superb statute of Balaha, representing the legendary saviour of shipwrecked boats.

Continue your exploration of Angkor by heading further south to visit the two very beautiful temples – Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda – dating from the 12th century and built during the reign of Suryavarman II. They stand out because of their very beautiful sculptured images honouring Shiva and Vishnu.

In the afternoon, visit Angkor Thom (the Great City) beginning by the south gate and the famous Bayon of the 12th and 13th centuries, dedicated to Buddhism and composed of 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara.

Then, visit the Elephant Terrace, which was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall; and the raised Leper King Terrace, built in the 12th century and which features many beautifully sculptured Apsaras.

Breakfast

Day 17 - Siem Reap Departure

After a truly wonderful holiday it is sadly time to say goodbye and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Breakfast