South Vietnam and Cambodia 9 Days

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll set off for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, located just outside the city. This underground world once served as a base of operations during the resistance war against the United States. Crawling through the narrow passageways and hidden chambers offers a rare look into how Vietnamese fighters and civilians lived, fought, and survived during this pivotal period in the nation's history. In the afternoon, return to the city for a guided tour of its most iconic landmarks. You’ll begin at the Independence Palace—also known as the Reunification Palace—which played a central role in the events of April 1975. Next is the tranquil Jade Emperor Pagoda, a peaceful space filled with rich carvings and spiritual ambience. End the day by wandering through Binh Tay Market in Cholon, where you’ll experience the energy of the city’s bustling Chinatown district.  

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City 

Meals: breakfast 

After breakfast, you’ll leave the city behind and head south to Ben Tre, a peaceful province nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta. When arriving at Hung Vuong pier, you’ll get on a boat and start to cruise along the gentle Ben Tre river. Along the way, you’ll see how the locals make bricks using centuries-old methods, and stop by a family-run coconut candy workshop to learn how this signature sweet is handcrafted. Continue your journey deeper into the countryside, where you’ll sample fresh honey tea and enjoy the quiet charm of village life. You’ll have the option to walk or cycle along shady paths that wind through coconut groves and lush rice paddies—a great way to soak in the slow rhythm of rural Mekong living.  In the afternoon, transfer by road to Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta, where you’ll spend the night.  

Overnight in Can Tho 

Meals: breakfast 

Your tour guide will pick you up early this morning, around 5:30, for one of the most exciting highlights of the trip – a visit to the bustling and lively Cai Rang Floating Market. Hop on a boat and cruise along the river, where you'll see dozens of boats gathering to trade fresh fruits, vegetables, and all kinds of local specialties. One charming detail to look out for is the beo pole – a bamboo stick displayed on each boat, showing what the sellers have for sale to attract passing customers. The river comes alive with the hum of boat engines, cheerful chatter, and the enticing aroma of ripe tropical fruits, morning dishes, and strong local coffee filling the air. It’s more than a market, it’s a joyful, authentic, and completely unique window into daily life in the Mekong. After the market, you’ll visit Binh Thuy Ancient House, a beautiful riverside villa with a touch of old-world charm and fascinating architecture. In the afternoon, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.   

Overnight in Can Tho 

Meals: breakfast 

Travel through the Mekong Delta to Chau Doc, a town close to the Cambodian border. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore the riverside setting. 

Overnight in Chau Doc.

Meals: breakfast 

Board a speedboat and travel along the Mekong River to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Meet your local guide on arrival and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to relax or take a first look at the city. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: breakfast 

Begin your exploration of Phnom Penh with a visit to the Royal Palace first. This was constructed in the 19th century when the capital moved from Oudong to Phnom Penh, and has been the home for the Kings of Cambodia since 1866. The palace is a testament to Khmer architectural and aesthetic proficiency so prevalent in their royal and religious monuments. Within the royal palace is the Silver Pagoda, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. Continue to the National Museum, one of Phnom Penh's true architectural gems. It was designed in Khmer style in 1917 by famed French architect Georges Groslier and Ecole Des Arts Cambodgiens.   

In the afternoon, depart by road for Siem Reap, pausing at the historic Kompong Kdei Bridge—an impressive laterite structure from the Angkor period and among the longest of its kind still standing in Cambodia. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to settle in after the journey. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: breakfast

Today you will explore the main temples of this world heritage site by Tuk Tuk (each Tuk Tuk accommodates 2 guests). We begin with a visit to Angkor Thom, the ancient capital built in the 12th century. Highlights include the South Gate, with its impressive statues illustrating the churning of the ocean of milk; the Bayon Temple, famous for its 54 towers adorned with more than 200 serene faces of Avalokitesvara; Phimeanakas; the Royal Enclosure; the Terrace of the Elephants; and the Terrace of the Leper King. Afterwards, continue to Ta Prohm, one of the most enchanting temples, left largely as it was found and still wrapped in mystery. In the afternoon, explore Angkor Wat, the most iconic of all the Angkor temples. Spanning 81 hectares—comparable to Beijing’s Imperial Palace—this 12th-century masterpiece is crowned by five towers, which also appear on Cambodia’s national flag. Angkor Wat is regarded as the finest example of classical Khmer art and architecture. If time allows, end the day with a stop at the Old Market to shop for souvenirs for friends and family. The tour concludes with a return to the hotel for rest and overnight stay.  

Overnight in Siem Reap 

Meals: breakfast

Treat yourself to a good breakfast at the hotel before setting out on a memorable boat trip across Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Visit Kampong Phluk, a fascinating floating village where entire communities live on the water—houses, schools, and even a police post shift with the seasons as water levels change. A traditional lunch at a local restaurant is included. (During the dry season, from April to May, the excursion will be arranged instead to Chong Kneas Floating Village.). Return to Siem Reap for your transfer to the airport and departure flight.

Meals: breakfast