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Map of Cambodia & Vietnam Discovery including Cambodia and Vietnam

Experience the highlights of Cambodia and Vietnam in style on this 13-day itinerary

The best of Cambodia and Vietnam is unveiled on this journey from Phnom Penh to Hanoi. Discover the region's culture and beauty as we visit the stunning ancient temples of Angkor, and be immersed in Vietnam's markets and vibrant streets. Add to the adventure an overnight boat stay on Halong Bay, friendly locals and lots of scrumptious food - the only thing left to do is choose when to go.

Start
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Finish
Hanoi, Vietnam
Destinations
Cambodia, Vietnam
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
TKKCC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover just why Halong Bay is so popular as you spend the night on a boat among the evocative karst landscape and indulge in a feast of fresh seafood.

  • Explore the amazing Angkor archaeological complex in depth with your included three-day pass, so as well as guided tours, you have the option to return and explore at your own pace.

  • Be welcomed into a Cambodian village for a tour of their agricultural surroundings and enjoy sunset drinks with a local family in their stilt house.

  • Relax in peaceful rural surroundings while your private chef prepares a delicious spread that celebrates his Hoi An garden's seasonal best.

  • Dine at KOTO in Hanoi, to not only taste delicious local food but also support an organisation promoting and protecting disadvantaged local youth.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The stories and history shared at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are confronting and many travellers will find them upsetting. This is an important part of Cambodia’s recent history that we feel is important for travellers to know. If you would prefer not to join these activities your leader can recommend some optional alternatives. Some further information on visiting the Killing Fields of Choeung Ekcan be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/importance-visiting-cambodia-k...

  • You will visit a number of temples on this trip, and this requires a level of modesty. Be sure to bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

  • While the pace is generally easy, there is some walking involved on this trip, with walking tours in the downtown areas of each city, as well as a walk in the caves at Halong Bay.

  • Lunar New Year is an annual festival that runs for several days. This is a fascinating and rewarding time to see the country, however you do need to be prepared for some businesses to be closed, tourist sites to be very busy and for transport to be packed as many locals are travelling around the country. Please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information.

  • Depending on where you come from, the weather in Vietnam might be hotter and more humid than what you are used to. We recommend checking online for what the typical temperatures will be at the time of the year you are looking to travel to see what to expect - this page might be useful: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/vietnam/weather-in-vietnam

cambodia_angkor-wat_monks-walking
VIETNAM-HANOI-food-dish
vietnam_hanoi_local
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Tree entwines itself in the ruins of Angkor Wat
Traveller looks at lanterns with street vendor in Hoi An

Itinerary
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Sua s'dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll the streets of Phnom Penh, taking in the interesting French colonial architecture. Dinner tonight will be at a riverside local restaurant and may include dishes like beef lok lak or fish amok. Enjoy getting to know your fellow travellers over delicious Cambodian specialties. 
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 day prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Today a full city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh, a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and are closed to the public. You will, however, be able to visit the Silver Pagoda that lies in the palace complex, which is the most sacred temple in the country. Phnom Penh remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles and successes. Your included visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Tuol Sleng is a former school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre, and it’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are home to a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls, marking the site of the infamous location. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng, and standing in this peaceful setting, it's almost unthinkable to imagine that to date nearly 9000 corpses have been exhumed from the area. The visits are major parts of the experience here, but if you don't wish to visit them, please let your leader know. There is an optional visit to Wat Phnom, the temple that gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th century. After today's activities, you may wish to spend this evening relaxing in a cafe by the riverfront.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
  • Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
  • Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
Optional Activities
  • Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom - USD2
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Begin the scenic drive to Siem Reap (approximately 7 hours, including stops). Along the way, swing by a local village restaurant for a tasty lunch. Arrive in the small but expanding town of Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor and the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia, perhaps even in South East Asia. You'll probably notice a change of pace here, so take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere. A visit to the old market is a must, even if you're not looking for souvenirs, wandering through the stalls and surrounding shops the silks, cottons, sarongs, silver and statues are a riot of colour and a feast for the eyes – and there will be one for your stomach too if you try some of the cheap, delicious street food! There's also a long tradition of shadow puppetry in the region, and if you're lucky you might catch a show at one of the local restaurants in the evening, perhaps while you're eating the specialty cuisine of Cambodia – amok, the name given to curry steam-cooked in banana leaves.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siem Reap - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor on a guided exploration. Angkor Wat is the largest and most complete structure, and the only one of Angkor's temples that has its entrance facing west – the others face east. Of all the temples visited today, Bayon is the centrepiece, with over 200 smiling carved faces and more than 50 gothic towers. Visit an ancient monastery where you’ll meet a Buddhist monk and take part in a ritual that has survived for thousands of years. Sit on the floor as the monk chants and sprinkles holy water over you before tying a sacred thread around your wrist, ensuring protection and good luck for the rest of your journey. For lunch you'll visit the Sala Bai Hotel School where disadvantaged local youth learn skills that enable them to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. Afterward, you will head to Ta Prohm, a temple where nature has taken over, as large trees have become embedded in the stone foundations of the structure. End the day with a sunset view of the temples – an extraordinary way to see the sun go down.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siem Reap - Lunch at Sala Bai
  • Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
  • Siem Reap - Temple Blessing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
The Sala Bai Hotel School is closed on public and school holidays, so on these days an alternative restaurant will be used.

Embrace a very early start today if you wish to experience a sunrise visit to the Angkor complex (this is optional). Today you'll visit the temple of Banteay Srei – you'll see it's not a huge temple, but thanks to its intricate stone carvings it is sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art’. Later this afternoon, get an insight into the daily life of Cambodians on a village tour. See the rice fields and family allotment that surround the traditional stilt houses. Be welcomed into a local home as you join together for sunset drinks. This evening, enjoy a final farewell dinner with your fellow travellers and one last night of delicious Cambodian cuisine at a specially chosen restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siem Reap - Banteay Srei Temple visit
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
  • Siem Reap - Village visit
Optional Activities
  • Siem Reap - Khmer traditional massage - USD17
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

You will be transferred back to the airport, where you will say goodbye to Cambodia and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. You will be unescorted on this flight. Upon arrival you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers and your Vietnamese tour leader. This meeting is generally followed by an optional group meal out at one of Ho Chi Minh City's many fantastic eating spots.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.

This morning you’ll tour the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, as well as underground life during the Vietnam War. Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City to grab some lunch if you wish, before a visit to the Reunification Palace. Formerly known as the Presidential Palace, it was the site of South Vietnam's surrender at the end of the war. Afterwards, you can opt to visit the War Remnants Museum where you’ll see old military equipment including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter, or you may like to head back to your hotel to make plans for your evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Say goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City and fly to Danang where you’ll travel in a private vehicle to Hoi An, a captivating city where traditional and modern sit side by side. Late this afternoon, you’re in for a culinary treat. Join your leader and head to Tra Que where you will tour a local chef's garden, selecting fresh herbs and vegetables that will form part of your exclusive group dinner. Relax in the peaceful surroundings while your private chef prepares a delicious spread that celebrates his garden's seasonal best.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hoi An - Garden-to-Table with A Local Chef
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 2 hours.

Your leader will take you on a walk around Hoi An’s Old Town today. The city was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and has various architectural influences from Europe, China and Vietnam. Today the city is being restored and looks exactly like it did over a century ago. The tour will take you to a historic house, the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. The rest of the day is free for you to do some optional activities or soak up the ambience of the city. You may like to wander past street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more or get an outfit made by one of Hoi An’s talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within a few hours.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Optional Activities
  • Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD37
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Vietnam’s charming capital of Hanoi. You’ll be taken on a guided half-day tour of Hanoi, visiting major sites such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. Stop for lunch at the KOTO cafe, an uplifting project that provides vocational training for disadvantaged young people. This afternoon is yours to explore your way, so ask your leader for their advice and tailor your time to perfection. Food, history, culture – whatever you’re most interested in, your leader will be able to help. You may like to take a stroll around the city’s parks and lakes, or hire a bike and cycle around town for the best view of the city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh's stilt house
  • Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
  • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
Optional Activities
  • Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 2 hours.

Travel by private vehicle to famous Halong Bay, one of Vietnam's most spectacular natural wonders. Once you arrive at the bay, take a long, slow cruise through the area, exploring the beautiful green waters and amazing Surprise Cave. Want to get in the water? You may also have the opportunity to go swimming from Ti Top Island beach. Watch the sunset over the limestone karsts and spend the night on the boat which has comfortable twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar where you’ll enjoy all of your meals, including fresh seafood for lunch and dinner.
Accommodation
  • Overnight boat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 4 hours.

It is recommended to pack a smaller overnight bag to take to Halong Bay for ease of boarding and disembarking. You can store your main luggage in Hanoi for tonight.

Kayaking and swimming is restricted to designated zones within the bay.

Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases and once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery, so bring suitable shoes with you.

There are restrictions on the number of boats that are permitted to stay in the bay overnight, sometimes resulting in a shortage. To ensure all Intrepid travellers can enjoy the experience of a night on the water, occasionally you will stay on a larger boat (with approximately 12 cabins) and share your boat with another group. Or your group may be split across different vessels, in which case an Intrepid group leader will be present on each boat, and the route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same. The boat is not likely to be a traditional sailing junk, as many o

You may like to get up early and watch the sunrise before you spend a leisurely morning sailing across Halong Bay and back to the port. Sit back and relax on the drive to Hanoi and get ready to shop until you drop at Dong Xuan market or explore the city. Why not relax at a cafe for an egg coffee or stop for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars in the Old Quarter? Tonight, you may like to join your group for an optional dinner to celebrate the end of your trip.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Hanoi - Water puppet show - VND100000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, you are free to leave at any time, as there are no activities planned today. If you would like to spend some more time in Hanoi, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Boat, Private minibus, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Overnight Boat (1 night)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
  • Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
  • Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
  • Siem Reap - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Siem Reap - Lunch at Sala Bai
  • Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
  • Siem Reap - Temple Blessing
  • Siem Reap - Banteay Srei Temple visit
  • Siem Reap - Village visit
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace
  • Hoi An - Garden-to-Table with A Local Chef
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh's stilt house
  • Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
  • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
  • Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Cambodia & Vietnam Discovery trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip, subject to availability. Please contact your sales agent if you would like to book this. The single supplement excludes Day 11 (Overnight Boat) where you will be in shared accommodation.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight tickets. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
4. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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