Cambodia & Vietnam Adventure: 24 Nov – 5 Dec 2025

Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh

Morning: Land at Phnom Penh International Airport and transfer to your boutique hotel in the Riverside district. Freshen up and enjoy a light breakfast while soaking in the bustling city vibe.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Royal Palace and its dazzling Silver Pagoda, then stroll to the nearby National Museum for a glimpse of Khmer art.

Evening: Dine on authentic Khmer cuisine at a riverside restaurant, followed by a leisurely walk along the Mekong promenade to watch the sunset.

Day 2: Phnom Penh – History & Culture

Morning: Visit the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and learn about Cambodia’s recent past. A knowledgeable guide will provide context for the exhibits.

Afternoon: Cross the river to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a moving tribute to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Evening: Experience the lively Night Market on Sisowath Quay, sampling street food and picking up handmade souvenirs.

Day 3: Travel to Siem Reap

Morning: Take a short domestic flight to Siem Reap and check into a charming guesthouse near Pub Street.

Afternoon: Begin your Angkor adventure with a visit to Angkor Wat, marveling at its intricate bas-reliefs and soaring towers.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance accompanied by a Khmer dinner at a local restaurant.

Morning: Watch sunrise over Angkor Wat for a magical start, then head to Ta Prohm, famous for its tree‑wrapped ruins.

Afternoon: Explore the majestic Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom, admiring its enigmatic smiling faces.

Evening: Relax with a foot massage in town and browse the night bazaar for artisan crafts.

Day 5: Siem Reap – Culture & Relaxation

Morning: Visit the lively Old Market (Psar Chas) for fresh fruit and local snacks.

Afternoon: Take a half‑day boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to the floating village of Kompong Phluk, observing daily life on the water.

Evening: Savor a riverside dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Siem Reap waterfront, trying the famous fish amok.

Day 6: Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam

Morning: Depart Siem Reap for Hanoi via a short flight, then settle into a centrally‑located hotel in the Old Quarter.

Afternoon: Wander the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, sampling street‑food delights like bánh mi and pho.

Evening: Attend a traditional water‑puppet show at Thăng Long Theatre, followed by a nightcap at a rooftop bar.

Day 7: Hanoi – History & Gardens

Morning: Tour the solemn Hoa Lư Memorial and the Presidential Palace, learning about Vietnam’s modern history.

Afternoon: Relax in the serene Hoan Kiem Lake area, visiting Ngọc Sơn Temple and watching locals practice tai chi.

Evening: Dine on “chả giò” (spring rolls) at a local eatery and explore the night market along Hang Dao.

Day 8: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Morning: Transfer to Ha Long Bay and board a comfortable cruise ship for an overnight adventure among limestone karsts.

Afternoon: Kayak into hidden caves, visit Ti Cung Island for a panoramic viewpoint, and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on deck.

Evening: Participate in a cooking class on board, learning to prepare classic Vietnamese spring rolls before a starlit dinner.

Day 9: Return to Hanoi – Flight to Hue

Morning: Complete the cruise with a visit to Sung Sot Cave, then return to the harbor and travel back to Hanoi.

Afternoon: Fly to Hue, the former imperial capital, and check into a historic boutique hotel near the Perfume River.

Evening: Stroll along the riverfront, sampling local specialties such as bánh bèo and chè hạt dẻ.

Day 10: Hue – Imperial Heritage

Morning: Explore the sprawling Imperial City (Citadel), wandering its palaces, gates, and the Thai Hoa Royal Tombs.

Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the Perfume River to visit the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda, perched on a hilltop.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of “cơm hến” (baby clams rice) at a riverside restaurant, followed by a leisurely walk across the iconic Dragon Bridge.

Day 11: Hoi An – Ancient Town & Beaches

Morning: Travel by private car to Hoi An, stopping at the scenic Hai Van Pass for photos.

Afternoon: Wander the UNESCO‑listed Ancient Town, admiring lantern‑lit streets, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and historic merchant houses.

Evening: Relax on Cẩm Thanh Beach, then dine on fresh seafood while the town’s lanterns glow overhead.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Finale

Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and settle into a stylish hotel in District 1.

Afternoon: Visit the War Remnants Museum for a poignant look at recent history, then explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market.

Evening: Celebrate the final night with a rooftop dinner overlooking the Saigon River, tasting the city’s famous “cơm tấm” (broken‑rice) dishes.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Royal Palace (Phnom Penh) – 2 hrs – $12 entrance
• Tuol Sleng Museum – 2 hrs – $6 entrance
• Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) – 2 hrs – $5 entrance
• Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour – 4 hrs – $37 entrance + $15 guide
• Ta Prohm – 2 hrs – included in Angkor pass
• Bayon Temple – 2 hrs – included in Angkor pass
• Tonle Sap Boat Trip – 3 hrs – $20
• Old Quarter (Hanoi) – 3 hrs – free
• Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple – 2 hrs – $2 entrance
• Ha Long Bay Cruise (2‑night) – 2 days – $180 (incl. meals & activities)
• Imperial City (Hue) – 3 hrs – $7 entrance
• Thien Mu Pagoda – 1 hr – free
• Hoi An Ancient Town – 4 hrs – $6 lantern fee
• Ben Thanh Market (Saigon) – 2 hrs – free
• War Remnants Museum – 2 hrs – $2 entrance
• Transportation (flights, trains, private cars) – 12 hrs – $550
• Accommodation (12 nights, mid‑range) – 12 nights – $720
• Meals & Miscellaneous – 12 days – $360
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,895

Tips

If you have extra time, add a day in Siem Reap to explore the lesser‑known temples of Banteay Srei and Preah Kong. To shorten the trip, consider flying directly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and skipping the Ha Long Bay cruise, which reduces travel time while still covering the highlights of both countries.