Vietnam & Cambodia Signature 13 Days

After breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of the capital’s cultural treasures at the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence on September 2, 1945. Nearby stands the elegant French-colonial Presidential Palace and the simple stilt house where “Uncle Ho” lived and worked. Continue to the unique One Pillar Pagoda, a small yet striking structure built atop a single stone pillar, often regarded as a symbol of Hanoi’s spiritual heritage. Next, step into the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, founded in the 11th century and dedicated to Confucian ideals. With its shaded courtyards, carved stone steles, and traditional architecture, the temple offers a serene glimpse into the country’s scholarly past. Enjoy lunch at your own arrangement. In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi’s notable museums—choose between the Military History Museum, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, or the Museum of Ethnology. Later, head to the Thang Long Theater for a traditional water puppet performance, a uniquely Vietnamese art form that originated in the Red River Delta.

Overnight in Hanoi 

Meals: breakfast 

Leaving Hanoi behind, you will set out on a day trip to Ninh Binh – a serene destination often hailed as “Halong Bay on land” with its dramatic limestone peaks and meandering rivers. The first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Here, the remnants of a once-thriving dynasty can still be seen in the historic relics and the solemn temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le. Afterward, enjoy lunch at your own arrangement. In the afternoon, continue to Thung Nham Bird Park, a haven for nature lovers. Glide across Tien Lake by boat, surrounded by lush greenery, and watch storks, herons, and colorful kingfishers in their natural habitat. Listening to the gentle birdsong and soaking in the peaceful landscape, you’ll feel a deep sense of tranquility. As the day winds down, return to Hanoi where you will stay overnight.

Meals: breakfast 

Today, you’ll leave the city behind and head to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking seascape of limestone karsts, emerald waters and thousands of scattered islands. After a comfortable drive, board your boat and enjoy a welcome drink as you settle in and get ready for your overnight cruise. Lunch is served as the boat begins to glide through the bay’s beautiful limestone islands—an ever-changing view that’s perfect for kicking back and soaking it all in. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a cave and have time for a swim if the weather’s right. Then, return to the boat for a relaxing break, or join a casual cooking session where you’ll try your hand at making a Vietnamese dish. Happy hour is a great chance to grab a drink and catch the sunset from the deck. Dinner is served onboard, followed by optional evening fun—maybe a drink at the bar, a bit of squid fishing, or simply enjoying the peaceful night on the water.  

Overnight on cruise in Halong Bay

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Awaken to the gentle sunrise over Halong Bay and breathe in the fresh sea air while taking in the stunning scenery. Enjoy a light breakfast before visiting a nearby fishing village to see local life on the water. Return to the cruise for check-out, with lunch served around 10:00 am. After disembarking, transfer back to Hanoi to catch your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, your driver will pick you up and drive you to Hoi An ancient town. Check in your hotel and take a rest after the flight.   

Overnight in Hoi An 

Meals: breakfast, brunch

Enjoy breakfast before setting out on the one-hour drive to My Son Sanctuary, a sacred site of the Champa Kingdom dating back more than a thousand years. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, My Son is home to remarkable architectural remains. Its red-brick towers, decorated with intricate carvings, reflect the spiritual symbolism and refined artistry of the ancient Cham civilization. Later, return to Hoi An for lunch at your own expense. In the afternoon, travel to the tranquil Cam Thanh Coconut Village, an ecotourism haven where you’ll enjoy an authentic basket-boat ride through swaying water coconut groves. Back in town, embark on a guided walking tour: Cross the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, famously depicted on the 20,000 VND banknote; step inside the Phung Hung Ancient House, with its blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese influences; and admire the ornate Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau. As night falls, lanterns light up the streets of Hoi An, casting a magical glow over the town.

Overnight in Hoi An 

Meals: breakfast 

Depart Hoi An for Da Nang. Firstly visit the Cham Museum - home to the world’s richest collection of Cham sculptures that showcase the legacy of the Champa civilization. Continue to Son Tra Peninsula, a green reserve with sweeping sea views, and stop at Linh Ung Pagoda, where the 67-meter Lady Buddha towers over the coastline. Later, you will be transferred to Da Nang International Airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. As landing, a private transfer will be arranged to take you to your hotel in the city center. Check into your room and spend the evening at leisure.   

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City 

Meals: breakfast 

After breakfast, your guide will take you to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 70 kilometers northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City. Hidden beneath dense jungle, this astonishing underground network once served as shelter, command centers, supply routes, and even field hospitals during the resistance against American forces. As you explore a preserved section of the tunnels, you’ll gain a vivid sense of the harsh conditions and extraordinary resilience of those who lived and fought here. Whether crouching through narrow passageways or observing from above, it’s a powerful window into a remarkable chapter of Vietnam’s past. Return to the city for a break and enjoy lunch at your own pace.   In the afternoon, visit some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks. Begin with the War Remnants Museum, which is divided into themed sections that display documents, photographs, and artifacts about Vietnam’s resistance against the United States from 1954 to 1975. Continue to Notre Dame Cathedral, a red-brick landmark from the late 1800s that reflects the city’s French colonial heritage. Just opposite, admire the Central Post Office, a striking public building with arched ceilings, decorative tiles, and vintage maps lining the walls. Conclude with a stroll through Ben Thanh Market, one of Saigon’s oldest and most vibrant bazaars, where colorful stalls are packed with textiles, handicrafts, fresh produce, and local delicacies.  

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City 

Meals: breakfast 

Departing from Ho Chi Minh City in the morning, you'll head to Tiền Giang Province to begin your exploration of the Mekong Delta. The first stop is Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda, a well-known Buddhist site built in the early 19th century, noted for its blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. From the pier, board a boat for a short cruise on the Mekong River, passing by floating houses where fish are raised underneath. You’ll then arrive at Unicorn Island, where a short cart ride brings you to a shaded garden. Here, you can listen to traditional Southern folk music and taste a variety of fresh tropical fruits. Continue with a peaceful hand-rowed sampan trip along narrow canals lined with water coconut trees, giving you a closer view of local life along the waterways. In the afternoon, visit a small bee farm, where you can enjoy a cup of honey tea and learn a bit about local beekeeping practices. Before lunch, stop by a family-run coconut candy workshop, where the process of making this local treat is demonstrated, and samples are offered. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.  

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: breakfast 

Today you will check out the hotel in Ho Chi Minh city and take a flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Depending on your flight schedule, your driver will escort you to the Airport accordingly. When you land at SAI, your guide and driver in Siem Reap will be there for a warm welcome and transfer to the accommodation in town. Spend the rest of the day at your own pace.   

Overnight in Siem Reap 

Meals: breakfast 

Today you will explore all the main temples of world heritage by Tuk Tuk (1 Tuk Tuk = 2 pax):  At first, we will start to visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom (12 century) : the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to visit Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor, Angkor Wat, the temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. If time and energy permit, visit the Old market for some souvenirs for friends and families. After the tour, return to the hotel for rest and overnight.

Overnight in Siem Reap 

Meals: breakfast 

After breakfast, drive out to Banteay Srei, the “jewel of Khmer art.” Though small in scale, its pink sandstone walls and intricate carvings are among the finest in Angkor. Continue to Banteay Samre, a beautifully preserved 12th-century temple with elegant galleries and quiet charm. On the way, stop at Pradak Village to see locals making palm sugar and simple handicrafts—a glimpse of rural life unchanged for generations. In the afternoon, visit the Grand Circuit temples. Wander through the sprawling halls of Preah Khan, then see Neak Pean, a unique island temple surrounded by a tranquil pond. Conclude your day with a visit to Pre Rup Temple. Built in the 10th century under King Rajendravarman, this is a classic temple-mountain of Angkor, constructed from brick, laterite, and sandstone. Its soaring tiers and five elegant towers evoke the sacred Mount Meru, while the summit offers one of the most breathtaking sunset views over the Cambodian countryside.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals: breakfast

Your journey through Vietnam and Cambodia comes to a close today. Delight in the local cuisine for your morning meal before transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight back home.   

Meals: breakfast