Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia - 9 days
Hanoi, Vietnam
Siem Reap, Cambodia
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Duration: 9 days
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Destinations: Vietnam, Cambodia
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Start: Hanoi, Vietnam
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Finish: Siem Reap, Cambodia
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Tour type: Private tour
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Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Discover the essence of Indochina on this 9-day journey through Vietnam and Cambodia — two lands rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Begin in Hanoi with its centuries-old architecture, tranquil lakes, and flavorful street food, then venture to Ninh Binh’s limestone landscapes and cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Continue to charming Hoi An, where lantern-lit streets and hands-on village experiences reveal the heart of local life. In Cambodia, explore the legendary temples of Angkor — from majestic Angkor Wat to mystical Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei — and witness the vibrant floating communities of Tonle Sap Lake. A seamless journey through two captivating worlds.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Hanoi’s cultural treasures, Old Quarter, and traditional Water Puppet Show.
- Cruise through Halong Bay’s limestone karsts on an overnight boat.
- Visit ancient Hoa Lu and take a sampan ride through Tam Coc’s scenic caves.
- Experience local village life in Hoi An with a basket-boat and farming tour.
- Discover Hoi An’s charming streets and Japanese Covered Bridge.
- Marvel at the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm in Siem Reap.
- Visit Banteay Srei and cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see floating villages.
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Travel style:
Cultural & Classic
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Your guide:
English speaking
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Meals:
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
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Tour type:
Private tour
You will visit
Route map
Itinerary
B(breakfast), L(lunch), D(dinner)
Warm welcome at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi. After a brief itinerary introduction, transfer to the city centre. You have a short break before your city tour. First visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established during the early days of the capital. The university operated for nearly 700 years; its peaceful gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Continue to the picturesque West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and the famous Train Street. In the afternoon, explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and attend a traditional Water Puppet Show — a unique and charming example of Vietnamese performing arts. Conclude the day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Dinner
Private car & guide
Depart early from Hanoi for a two-hour drive south to Ninh Binh, home to Hoa Lu – the ancient capital of Vietnam. Visit the 1,000-year-old temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties. The first temple honors Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang (Dinh Bo Linh) of the Dinh Dynasty, while the second commemorates the rulers of the Le Dynasty.
Continue to Tam Coc for lunch, with short stops along the way to capture photographs of the peaceful countryside and local villages. After lunch, embark on a relaxing sampan boat trip along the Ngo Dong River to explore Tam Coc, often called “Halong Bay on land.” The area features three limestone caves — Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba — stretching along the tranquil river. As you glide through the calm waters, enjoy views of towering karsts, green rice paddies, and riverside temples.
After the boat trip, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a beautiful complex of ancient pagodas nestled on a mountainside and surrounded by lush greenery. Climb up the stone steps to explore its three levels — Ha Pagoda (Lower), Trung Pagoda (Middle), and Thuong Pagoda (Upper) — and admire the peaceful atmosphere along with panoramic views of the Tam Coc valley below.
Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Private car & tour guide
At 08:30, your driver will pick you up for the scenic drive to Halong Bay, arriving around midday to board your cruise for an overnight stay. Halong Bay is celebrated as one of the world’s natural wonders, with thousands of towering limestone pillars sculpted by sea and wind.
After lunch on board, explore several of the bay’s impressive caves and visit a floating fishing village. Later, the captain will anchor in a secluded spot where you can swim, relax on the sundeck, or try kayaking (subject to weather conditions). In the evening, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on board.
Accommodation: Cruise on Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private car & guide on cruise
Enjoy an early morning swim (in season) and a leisurely breakfast as the cruise navigates more of Halong Bay’s spectacular scenery. The cruise will arrive at the harbour by noon. You will be transferred to Hanoi’s airport for your flight to Da Nang.
Upon arrival in Da Nang, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in Hoi An. Check in and enjoy free time to relax or explore the ancient town at your own pace.
The detailed cruise itinerary will be provided once guests select the preferred cruise category.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Private car & guide in Hoi An
This morning your guide and driver will transfer you to Cam Thanh Coconut Village. Enjoy a basket-boat ride along tranquil waterways lined with verdant coconut palms and receive a brief introduction to the village’s history. Join local fishermen for hands-on river activities: try round-net and cast-net fishing, explore coconut waterways, and — if available — take part in a basket-boat race.
After the boat trip, proceed to Tra Que Village, a famous organic vegetable village near Hoi An. Walk through the vegetable gardens and join local farmers in traditional tasks such as preparing the land, fertilizing with local seaweed, raking, sowing, watering, and harvesting. Lunch is served with a local family.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour through Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting highlights including the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, former merchants’ houses, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Free time for shopping and tailor fittings.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Private car & guide
Today, you will leave Hoi An and then transfer to Da Nang airport for the flight to Siem Reap. On the way, you have a chance to visit Marble Mountain, a landscape of limestone and marble featuring caves, pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints. Discover notable sites such as Xa Loi Tower, Tam Thai Pagoda, Tang Chon Cave, Hoa Nghiem Cave, and Huyen Khong Cave. There are 108 steps to the summit — an elevator is available for those who prefer not to climb.
After that, go directly to Da Nang airport for a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, your guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
If you are an early riser, consider watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat — a truly memorable experience (note: it can be crowded). Continue exploring Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most magnificent temples, renowned for its intricate Apsara carvings and superb Angkorian-era art. Return to the hotel for a late breakfast.
In the afternoon, visit Ta Prohm, the atmospheric temple entwined with massive tree roots — a haunting and photogenic site. Then proceed to the South Gate of Angkor Thom and explore Bayon, famed for its many serene, smiling stone faces. Wander through the ancient Royal City of Angkor Thom, and take in the remarkable scale and artistry of these Khmer monuments.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
Your guide will pick you up for a visit to Banteay Srei, the “jewel” of Khmer art located about one hour from Siem Reap. This red-sandstone temple is famed for its elaborate and exceptionally well-preserved carvings. On the way back, stop at a sugar-palm village to observe traditional sugar production and palm-leaf weaving.
After lunch, visit Preah Khan, part of the Grand Circuit and often less crowded — its secluded atmosphere makes it a special place to explore. From there continue to Neak Pean (subject to the itinerary) before heading to the Tonle Sap area.
Finish the day with a 2-hour boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Observe how local communities live and work on the lake — floating schools, markets, stilt houses, and daily life all offer a vivid glimpse into local culture. After the Tonle Sap visit, transfer back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
You have free time until be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. End of the trip. Thank you for using our service.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast
Private car
Inclusions
- Accommodation with daily breakfast
- Experienced station English speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary
- Private transportation with AC
- Flight tickets Hanoi – Da Nang, Da Nang – Siem Reap (the rate may be changed because of the availability)
- All sightseeing tickets
- Lunches and dinners as indicated in the itinerary
- Taxes and services charges
Exclusions
- International flight tickets and airport tax.
- Visa stamping fee.
- Early check in and late check out.
- Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
- Insurance.
Notes
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Tour Price
The tour rate is based on twin/double sharing rooms at 3* hotel category, quoted for a private group of 6 guests. The price will vary slightly depending on the number of people in your group. For an accurate tour price, please click the "INQUIRE NOW" button to discuss with our sales consultant.
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Deposit & Payment
After you have agreed on the tour itinerary and pricing, we will send you an email to confirm and provide information on our payment policy. You can choose your preferred payment method and make payment to us according to the following regulations:
- With tour bookings, you do not need to pay total in advance, we just need 30% for deposit. The balance will be settled before your trip or upon arrival.
- With flight, hotel or train ticket bookings, we require 100% total payment in advance.
The balance will be settled before or upon arrival by cash, credit card or bank transfer. We accept major credit cards such as Visa, Master, JCB and Amex. If you pay by credit card, please add 3% of bank commission.
After receiving your deposit, our team will process your booking and send you the confirmation by email within 1 - 2 working days.
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Food Requirement
If you have any specific food requirement (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies, etc.) please inform us in advance, we will provide notices to our restaurants, tour guides and partners so they would be able to serve you the best.
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Cancellation
We apply non refundable deposit of 10 USD for hotel, air ticket booking, 100 USD/per person for tour package upon service confirmation. Cancellations will be charged as following:
- 30 days before arrival: No cancellation charge.
- 29 - 14 days before arrival: 10% of the tour cost is forfeited.
- 13 - 7 days before arrival: 40% of the tour cost is forfeited.
- 6 days before arrival: 100 % of the tour cost is forfeited.
- No show: 100% of the tour cost is forfeited.
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Child Policy
- Infant under 2-years-old free of charge land tour and 25% of airfare.
- Child under 12-years-old sharing room with adult without extra bed charge 50% of adult land tour and 75% of airfare.
- Child under 12-years-old sharing room with adult with bed charge 80% of adult land tour and 75% of airfare.
- Upon 12-years-old - 100% charge of tour cost.
