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Vietnam and Cambodia Uncovered
18 Day Vietnam and Cambodia Tour from Hanoi to Phnom Penh
Journey from the beauty of Halong Bay to a spine-tingling encounter with the abandoned capital of Angkor Thom, left to ruin in the depths of the dense Cambodian jungle and on to Phnom Penh - a city that has emerged from the past to recapture its reputation as the ‘Pearl of Asia’.
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Trip code
CTVP
Vietnam and Cambodia Uncovered
18 Day Vietnam and Cambodia Tour from Hanoi to Phnom Penh
Journey from the beauty of Halong Bay to a spine-tingling encounter with the abandoned capital of Angkor Thom, left to ruin in the depths of the dense Cambodian jungle and on to Phnom Penh - a city that has emerged from the past to recapture its reputation as the ‘Pearl of Asia’.
Relish the warm embrace of Vietnam and her welcoming people, who will touch you with their humility and entrepreneurial spirit throughout your journey across this intoxicating land. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetisers.
This morning is dedicated to the revolutionary leader who fanned the flames of Vietnam’s independence. We begin our day with a visit to the final resting place of “Uncle Ho”, the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. A short walk from here, we’ll find Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, where we’ll Dive Into Culture exploring the grounds surrounding the humble abode of Vietnam’s most famous son. We’ll continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, to gain insights into Hanoian culture. This afternoon, we’ll take a cyclo tour, weaving through the lively Old Quarter past colourful shopfronts and street food vendors. Enjoy an evening at leisure or consider joining our Optional Experience to taste some delicious local flavours on a foodie tour.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Hang Trong Painting Experience
Named after one of Hanoi’s specialized streets, Hang Trong paintings belong to one of Vietnam’s dying arts. These festive and vividly eye-catching tapestries became popular from the end of the 19th century through to the start of the 20th century. Take a walk through the narrow alleyways of the old quarter of Hanoi and visit the home of a 66 year old artisan who is devoted to preserving this traditional craft. He is one of seven children from a family who for three generations has specialised in creating Hang Trong paintings. Interact with him and learn about the techniques and the time and effort he is putting into preserving the tradition. On the way back to the hotel make a stop at Hang Trong Street which is part of an artisan neighbourhood and was once famous for selling these paintings. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $20.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Water Puppet Show
Enjoy a traditional evening Water Puppet performance in a local theatre. This northern Vietnamese art form beautifully illustrates scenes of rural life and natural history and began approximately a thousand years ago, possibly in the flooded rice fields of Vietnam. Puppeteers stand in waist-high water and manipulate their charges in such a way that you can’t help but be swept up in the legend being told. Each short sketch in the performance relates to the daily life of the people. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $15.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Afternoon Foodie Tour
Eating on the street is a very typical activity for Hanoians and makes up an important part of the city’s unique culture. Take a leisurely walk with a local foodie to the Old Quarter. Taste the national Vietnamese dish - Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) and then wander around a local market to enjoy the sights, sounds and aroma from the numerous kinds of food on offer. Sample some Banh Duc – cooked rice powder with Vietnamese spices followed by a visit to a little shop selling many different types of traditional Northern cakes such as Com cake (young rice) which is considered to be a part of every Hanoians’ childhood. Continue to a small alley to get an idea of the typical “tube houses” of Hanoi and afterwards stop at Banh My Lan On to try their famous bread with Pâté. Later enjoy some Vietnamese desserts and cap off your walk by tasting a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $30.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Set Sail for Halong Bay
We leave the busy streets of Hanoi behind, bound for the serenity of Halong Bay where we’ll board a traditional-style Vietnamese Junk boat. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters provide an ethereal backdrop for our leisurely cruise. After lunch on board, we’ll take a small boat transfer to the Tien Ong Cave and Cua Van Fishing Village, whose residents still live in traditional floating houses. We return to our Junk boat for a cooking demonstration with the chef or enjoy a mesmerising sunset on the top deck before dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in this UNESCO-listed natural wonder.
The graceful practice of T’ai Chi eases you into your day as is the local custom. Join a Local Specialist on the deck of the Junk boat for a morning class in exquisite natural surrounds. You’ll have time for an early morning swim at one of Halong Bay’s quiet beaches and, if you’re feeling energetic, a brisk walk to catch one last view of scenic Halong Bay before your drive to Hanoi Airport to catch your flight to Danang. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Royal Hoi An
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
Uncover Historic Hoi An
Dive Into Culture this morning, embarking on a walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An. Embrace its charm of yesteryear – the narrow lanes, colourful marketplaces and ancient temples providing insights into the Vietnam of old. See the old merchant houses and 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, before visiting Thanh Dong Organic Village where you’ll spend some time helping local farmers and learning about their daily working routines. Kick back and enjoy a relaxing foot massage that will set the pace for the rest of the day and evening at leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
My Son Temples
My Son is one of the foremost Hindu temple sites in South East Asia. For the Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century, My Son was an important religious site and place of worship. A 1.5-hour drive from Hoi An will bring you to My Son where there are 20 monuments still standing today. The temples are set in a verdant valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by the impressive Cat Tooth Mountain. Stroll around this UNESCO listed temple complex and learn about the Cham culture, architecture and civilisation before returning to Hoi An. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $23.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Local Life in Hoi An
Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Hoi An further or simply relax at your hotel. Your choice of activities this afternoon could see you learn how to craft your own colourful lantern or gain insights into life as a local fisherman (subject to weather conditions). Create a work of art to bring your home luck and happiness, or cast your net wide for the catch of the day – the choice is yours.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Head to Hue via Red Beach
The healthy flavours of Vietnamese cuisine take centre stage as we travel by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. We'll have an opportunity to savour the dishes we've prepared for lunch before returning to Hoi An. This afternoon, our journey takes us over Hai Van Pass en route to Red Beach, where the American Marines first landed in Vietnam during the decades-long war. We continue to Danang for a Dive Into Culture visit to the Cham Museum before arriving in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, for our overnight stay.
We’ll navigate the busy streets of Hue on the back of a cyclo en route to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, once home to Nguyen emperors. From here, we drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Boarding a local dragon boat next, we cruise along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son where we’ll Connect With Locals and meet a family member for a Be My Guest lunch to gain a glimpse of their life in this historic house. The afternoon is ours to enjoy at leisure or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 9
Journey to Ho Chi Minh City
A short flight this morning brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll enjoy some time at leisure before lunch at Blanc restaurant. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit supports a business which proudly employs a team of deaf or hearing impaired staff. You'll temporarily immerse yourself in a world of sign language interaction and communication, and tuck into tasty local dishes during this unique dining experience. The iconic sights of Ho Chi Minh are revealed on a walking tour of Dong Khoi Street next. See the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville. Then, wander up to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, designed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel. Continue to the War Remnants Museum where you’ll have a vivid glimpse of the war through the eyes of the locals. Your final stop today is Ben Thanh market, one of the earliest surviving structures in old Saigon, before arriving at your hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sofitel Saigon Plaza
The mighty Mekong beckons today, as we take a day trip to My Tho, a nearby Delta market town. We’ll transfer to a small sampan boat and navigate the maze of small canals before stopping for a lunch of delicious Mekong Delta specialities. After a short walk along village roads, we’ll visit the house of a former soldier, a Local Specialist who survived fighting the Khmer Rouge. Indulge in the family’s colourful stories and learn how they make a living crafting rice paper, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure.
We’ll delve into Vietnam’s turbulent history from the previous century with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels built to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. We’ll explore the underground compounds with a VC veteran and gain an understanding of the history of the tunnels, which once served as living quarters and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City by private speedboat, we’ll enjoy some free time this afternoon. Later, we’ll Dive Into Culture during a visit to the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, followed by a Farewell Dinner to say goodbye to your Vietnam Travel Director and those guests not continuing on to Cambodia.
Transfer to the airport for the short international flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. On arrival meet your Cambodia Travel Director and check in to your hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - FCC Angkor by Avani
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 13
Amazing Angkor Wat
Today, we venture deep into the Cambodian jungle, through a pyramid-shaped gateway into an ancient world. Serene stone faces watch over us as we cross the causeway suspended over a moat into the spiritual heart of the ancient lost city of Angkor. A Local Specialist and renowned Khmer scholar brings to life the stories behind the intricate carvings and murals of celestial nymphs and mythical serpents along the abandoned hallways of Angkor Wat. Our next stop are the terracotta-hued walls of Banteay Srei Temple – the “Citadel of Women” dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. We’ll have time to admire the 10th century carvings of women, said to have been too delicate to have been carved by a man, hence its name. We’ll return to Siem Reap for some free time and this afternoon embark on a walking tour of the Old Town. We'll witness the revival of Khmer arts and crafts and help support the lives of rural youths during our visit to Artisans d'Angkor; a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Later we’ll visit Wat Damnak and participate in a private blessing ceremony during which a sacred thread will be tied around our wrists to protect against evil spirits. Our final stop today is to the labyrinthine Old Market, where the locals spend their early mornings shopping for fresh fruit, vegetables and spices. Wander past the busy stalls and smell freshly baked baguettes, a remnant of the country's French heritage.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Sunset Boat Cruise
Depart from your hotel and transfer to Chong Kneas, a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake. Board a traditional and comfortable wooden boat, and embark on a relaxing and insightful sunset cruise on the lake. A selection of soft drinks and beer is served while you observe the local lifestyle of the people living on the lake in their floating and stilted homes. Towards the end of the day, the activity on the lake picks up as people return from their fish farms to present and sell their catch at the local market. Continue to the open waters and take in the sunset before returning to the port for a transfer back to Siem Reap town. Note: This trip will not operate during periods of low water which normally occur from April to September. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 14
Temples of Angkor
Our intimate encounter with a lost empire continues today, as we uncover other iconic sites of the ancient abandoned city of Angkor that have been devoured by the Cambodian jungle. We explore its ancient ruins in the company of saffron-clad monks and monkeys that clamber up and over the roots of centuries-old trees that have carved their way deep into the Great City's walls. Our first stop today is a visit to the fortified Angkor Thom, where we'll see such iconic sites as the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Enclosure and the Temple of Bayon with its giant smiling faces of Buddha. We venture underneath the dense tree canopy to the crumbling, moss-covered ruins of the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm, which featured as the location for the film 'Tomb Raider', exploring its towers courtyards and corridors to uncover the intricate stone reliefs that are shielded by the surrounding foliage. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience to learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
TODAY'S INCLUDED HIGHLIGHT EXPERIENCE
Optional Experience
Khmer Cooking Class
Take a short walk through the local market with the Chef and discover the exotic looking fruits, vegetables and spices. Learn about local cooking practices, ingredients and food superstitions. Upon your return to the restaurant, and following a refreshing drink, continue to the kitchen to begin the cooking class. Learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine as you prepare a variety of traditional dishes and later enjoy your creations served up in the restaurant. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 15
Visit Peak Sneng Village
We begin the day in the company of local Khmer villagers with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit to their local school and opportunity to chat to some of the children, who will join us on our walk through the village to see how they spend their day-to-day lives. We’ll Dive Into Culture, gaining insights into their time-honoured craft traditions, such as weaving Cambodia's national hats made from palm leaves, or folding Lotus flowers into delicate works of art. After the rest of the day at leisure, this evening to say farewell to those not continuing on to Phnom Penh tomorrow, we’ll join our Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for a Farewell Dinner with Apsara dance show.
Take the opportunity to Make a Difference to the local community and go for an enjoyable lunch at ‘Marum’. Located in a wooden house with an attractive outdoor patio, it is one of Cambodia’s most well-known hospitality training restaurants. Working in supporting under privileged young people, ‘Marum’ and its parent company ‘Friends International’ donates all profits back into the well-being and education of their students through various programmes, sponsorship and social work across Cambodia. All staff from front of house to the kitchens are supported by the restaurant and are training in hospitality. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a worthy cause. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $18.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 16
Travel to Phnom Penh
This morning we fly to Phnom Penh, once known as the 'Pearl of Asia' it is one of the loveliest French built cities in Indochina. Later we'll embark on a cyclo tour, exploring the city, which boasts a rich blend of Khmer and French colonial architecture. We'll discover the history and catch glimpses of churches and Chinese temples hidden down narrow alleyways.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - La Rose Suites
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 17
Delve into Cambodia's History
Indulge in the exotic flavours of Phnom Penh this morning, joining a Local Specialist for an in-depth city tour. Our first stop is Wat Phnom temple where we’ll delve into the legend of Lady Penh who discovered the four statues of Buddha deposited on this tree-covered hill. We’ll continue to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before visiting the National Museum showcasing centuries-old Khmer art and sculptures. Delving deep into the turbulent, terrifying history of the Khmer Rouge years, we’ll travel along a dusty road to the outskirts of the city to visit the former school turned torture, interrogation and execution centre of Tuol Sleng. The history of that time is depicted in the thousands of S-21 portraits of victims that are on display at the Museum of Genocide, providing insights into the horrors of Cambodia under Pol Pot's rule. Finally, we’ll take a journey back in time to the Cheung Ek Killing Fields, a memorial built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died under the reign of the Khmer Rouge. The rest of the evening is spent at leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Foodie Night Market, Sunset Cocktail and BBQ Dinner
Visit our favorite foodie night market, Psar Chas to try some exotic fruits and local fried snacks such as grilled meatballs or fried banana. Weave in and out of this busy market where the locals go to get the freshest quality from the well-known farmers and butchers. Next up, we take in Sunset over a cocktail, wine or beer from the Eclipse Sky Bar, located on the 23rd floor of the Phnom Penh Tower, the highest rooftop bar in Cambodia. This spot comes alive at nighttime with expats and high end Khmer and is a great way to view the vastness of this sprawling city. As dusk settles, we head to a local BBQ where your Travel Director will order a range of the best BBQ items such as local steak, pork, shrimps and vegetables for your dining experience. Three glasses of beer, water or soft drink are included with the meal. This is a fun, informal way to dine and the standard go-to for local Cambodians! The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $88.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 18
Farewell Phnom Penh
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Hang Trong Painting Experience
Named after one of Hanoi’s specialized streets, Hang Trong paintings belong to one of Vietnam’s dying arts. These festive and vividly eye-catching tapestries became popular from the end of the 19th century through to the start of the 20th century. Take a walk through the narrow alleyways of the old quarter of Hanoi and visit the home of a 66 year old artisan who is devoted to preserving this traditional craft. He is one of seven children from a family who for three generations has specialised in creating Hang Trong paintings. Interact with him and learn about the techniques and the time and effort he is putting into preserving the tradition. On the way back to the hotel make a stop at Hang Trong Street which is part of an artisan neighbourhood and was once famous for selling these paintings. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $20.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Water Puppet Show
Enjoy a traditional evening Water Puppet performance in a local theatre. This northern Vietnamese art form beautifully illustrates scenes of rural life and natural history and began approximately a thousand years ago, possibly in the flooded rice fields of Vietnam. Puppeteers stand in waist-high water and manipulate their charges in such a way that you can’t help but be swept up in the legend being told. Each short sketch in the performance relates to the daily life of the people. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $15.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Afternoon Foodie Tour
Eating on the street is a very typical activity for Hanoians and makes up an important part of the city’s unique culture. Take a leisurely walk with a local foodie to the Old Quarter. Taste the national Vietnamese dish - Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) and then wander around a local market to enjoy the sights, sounds and aroma from the numerous kinds of food on offer. Sample some Banh Duc – cooked rice powder with Vietnamese spices followed by a visit to a little shop selling many different types of traditional Northern cakes such as Com cake (young rice) which is considered to be a part of every Hanoians’ childhood. Continue to a small alley to get an idea of the typical “tube houses” of Hanoi and afterwards stop at Banh My Lan On to try their famous bread with Pâté. Later enjoy some Vietnamese desserts and cap off your walk by tasting a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $30.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
My Son Temples
My Son is one of the foremost Hindu temple sites in South East Asia. For the Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century, My Son was an important religious site and place of worship. A 1.5-hour drive from Hoi An will bring you to My Son where there are 20 monuments still standing today. The temples are set in a verdant valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by the impressive Cat Tooth Mountain. Stroll around this UNESCO listed temple complex and learn about the Cham culture, architecture and civilisation before returning to Hoi An. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $23.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 13
Sunset Boat Cruise
Depart from your hotel and transfer to Chong Kneas, a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake. Board a traditional and comfortable wooden boat, and embark on a relaxing and insightful sunset cruise on the lake. A selection of soft drinks and beer is served while you observe the local lifestyle of the people living on the lake in their floating and stilted homes. Towards the end of the day, the activity on the lake picks up as people return from their fish farms to present and sell their catch at the local market. Continue to the open waters and take in the sunset before returning to the port for a transfer back to Siem Reap town. Note: This trip will not operate during periods of low water which normally occur from April to September. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 14
Khmer Cooking Class
Take a short walk through the local market with the Chef and discover the exotic looking fruits, vegetables and spices. Learn about local cooking practices, ingredients and food superstitions. Upon your return to the restaurant, and following a refreshing drink, continue to the kitchen to begin the cooking class. Learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine as you prepare a variety of traditional dishes and later enjoy your creations served up in the restaurant. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 15
Lunch at Marum
Take the opportunity to Make a Difference to the local community and go for an enjoyable lunch at ‘Marum’. Located in a wooden house with an attractive outdoor patio, it is one of Cambodia’s most well-known hospitality training restaurants. Working in supporting under privileged young people, ‘Marum’ and its parent company ‘Friends International’ donates all profits back into the well-being and education of their students through various programmes, sponsorship and social work across Cambodia. All staff from front of house to the kitchens are supported by the restaurant and are training in hospitality. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a worthy cause. The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $18.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 17
Foodie Night Market, Sunset Cocktail and BBQ Dinner
Visit our favorite foodie night market, Psar Chas to try some exotic fruits and local fried snacks such as grilled meatballs or fried banana. Weave in and out of this busy market where the locals go to get the freshest quality from the well-known farmers and butchers. Next up, we take in Sunset over a cocktail, wine or beer from the Eclipse Sky Bar, located on the 23rd floor of the Phnom Penh Tower, the highest rooftop bar in Cambodia. This spot comes alive at nighttime with expats and high end Khmer and is a great way to view the vastness of this sprawling city. As dusk settles, we head to a local BBQ where your Travel Director will order a range of the best BBQ items such as local steak, pork, shrimps and vegetables for your dining experience. Three glasses of beer, water or soft drink are included with the meal. This is a fun, informal way to dine and the standard go-to for local Cambodians! The price shown is in US dollars.
Adult Price: $88.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
17 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
26 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Welcome Reception, 17 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 1 Dinners, 2 Farewell Dinners
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Enjoy lunch at one of the great remaining garden houses of Hue where you will gain insight into the lives of a local family and admire their fascinating collection of artifacts and mementos from the days of the former Royal Empire.
Stays with Stories
Stay on a traditional style Vietnamese Junk boat for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.
Dive into Culture
Visit the Cham Museum in Danang.
Dive into Culture
Visit the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s.
Dive into Culture
At Peak Sneng Village observe the locals weaving hats from palm leaves or folding Lotus flowers into delicate works of art.
Dive into Culture
Visit Ho Chi Minh's house in Hanoi.
Dive into Culture
Join a cyclo tour around the streets of the Phnom Penh.
Dive into Culture
Join a Lantern Making Workshop or a Fishing Life Tour to learn about the lives of the local fishermen and have a go at casting your own fishing net.
Dive into Culture
Visit the colourful market of Hoi An.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Have lunch at Blanc restaurant, which provides employment to those who are deaf or hearing impaired. You'll interact with the staff and communicate your meal order using sign language during this unique dining experience concept.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Visit Artisans d'Angkor, where our visit contributes to creating job opportunities for disadvantaged rural youths and at Peak Sneng village, meeting local villagers and discovering some traditional Cambodian crafts.
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, the Imperial Citadel in Hue, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels, Siem Reap Old Town, the temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Wat Damnak and Ta Prohm, Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace and the Cheung Ek Killing Fields in Phnom Penh
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View Ho Chi Minh's House in Hanoi and the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Flights from Hanoi to Danang, Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Vietnam and Cambodia Uncovered trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall rating
4.7
Out of 5
Based on 9 independent reviews
Trip rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.7
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
7
4
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2
3
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0
2
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0
1
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0
Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
Good services in Vietnam. Cambodia services could be better.
Trip Rating
Review Star Icon
4
The La Rose Suites were ok, but certainly not of the same standard as some of the other hotels. The Imperial Hotel in Hue was somewhat dated. Dinner at the hotel restaurant was just ok. The coaches had adequate air conditioning, but in a couple of cases, the air was lukewarm. Itinerary: please refer to services comments. 1) In addition, we spent too much time at the coconut production facilities stops in the Mekong Delta. 2) Vespa Foodie tour in Ho Chi Minh City was fun but very dangerous due to the crazy traffic. 3) Cyclo tours are, from my point of view, outdated and somewhat embarrassing to be carted around in that heat by older gentlemen. People stared at us as we would pass by. 4) Transition from Vietnam to Cambodia not well planned. Lost time. 5) As important as the killing fields and prisons are, I feel too much time was spent there. Hour after hour. The Cambodians have to come to grips with this history themselves. We should see it and know the story, but the future is more important now.
The service was quite good in Vietnam. In Cambodia, however, the continuity of the tour was not as well planned. The transfer day from Vietnam to Siem Reap was a lost one, so no service other than the trip to the airport. The day for the transfer to Phnom Penh was strange in that we had to get up very early to fly there, but couldn't check in as it was too early and were left without service until the afternoon cyclo tour. Also, the travel director's accent in Siem Reap, Cambodia, was very thick and sometimes hard to understand. He was a lovely person, however. The tour directors in Vietnam and Phnom Penh spoke very well and were wonderful. The local specialists were for the most part very helpful.
Envolverse en la Historia de ambos paises, leer el pasado, ver el presente y contar con la experiencia y comentarios de los Directores de cada tour fue enriquecedor.
La programación hotelera, la preparación del itinerario, y la excelencia en los Directores de cada Tour. No solo volvere a viajar con Trafalgar sino que la recomiendo a mis conocidos.
Flights: Prices include internal airfares and taxes for flights: Hanoi to Danang, Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
