12-Day Cultural and Adventure Tour of Vietnam and Cambodia

Day 1: Hanoi Culture Kickoff

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kafé Pho Co

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese pho and local coffee near Hoan Kiem Lake to start your day with authentic flavors.
VND100000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the serene lake and visit the temple to experience Hanoi's spiritual heart.
VND30000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, discovering traditional shops, street food, and colonial architecture.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty grilled pork dish served with fragrant rice noodles.
VND120000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university, a well-preserved historical site dedicated to Confucius.
VND30000, 1 hour

4:30PM

Water Puppet Theater

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show depicting local folklore; typical duration is around 50 minutes.
VND100000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Delight in Cha Ca, a Hanoi specialty dish featuring turmeric-marinated fish with dill and noodles.
VND150000, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on April 17, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before starting your day’s journey.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Drive approximately 3.5 to 4 hours from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, enjoying scenic countryside views.
Bus fare approximately VND300000, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on Ha Long Bay Cruise

Board a cruise and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch while cruising among limestone karsts and islands.
USD60 per person, 2 hours

2:00PM

Kayaking and Cave Exploration

Explore hidden caves like Sung Sot and paddle through emerald waters on a kayak during the cruise.
Included with cruise, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset Viewing and Dinner on Cruise

Relax on deck as the sun sets, followed by a delicious dinner onboard.
Included with cruise, 2 hours

8:00PM

Overnight on Cruise

Spend the night on the boat surrounded by tranquil waters and spectacular night skies.
Included with cruise, Overnight

Day 3: Hue Imperial History

Hue, Vietnam on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Start the day with a light breakfast while enjoying morning views over Ha Long Bay.
Included with cruise, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hue by flight

Return to Hanoi and take a 1.5 hour flight to Hue; allows time to rest and enjoy convenience.
Approx USD70, 3.5 hours total travel including transfer

1:00PM

Lunch at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Taste refined local and French-Vietnamese cuisine in a charming garden setting.
VND250000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Imperial City (Citadel)

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, exploring palaces, temples, and the Forbidden Purple City area.
VND150000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, rich in historical significance.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Enjoy traditional Hue imperial dishes served in an elegant atmosphere.
VND200000, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Hoi An Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam on April 19, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

A leisurely breakfast before heading to Hoi An.
Included with hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hoi An

Private car or bus transfer from Hue to charming Hoi An (about 3 hours).
VND300000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor Hoi An’s specialties such as Cao Lau noodles in a beautiful setting near the river.
VND150000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Explore the UNESCO-listed old town with lantern-lit streets, historic houses, and tailor shops.
VND120000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Iconic 16th-century bridge notable for its architectural blend and historical significance.
Included in ancient town ticket, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan Com Hue Ngon

Experience authentic central Vietnamese dishes in a cozy, local atmosphere.
VND100000, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a healthy breakfast.
Included with hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a 1.5-hour flight from Da Nang (closest airport to Hoi An) to HCMC.
Approx USD50, 2 hours total including transfer and check-in

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Relish one of the best bowls of pho in Ho Chi Minh City.
VND100000, 1 hour

1:30PM

War Remnants Museum

Gain deep insight into Vietnam’s history through well-curated exhibits and photography.
VND40000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Ben Thanh Market

Explore this bustling market for souvenirs, local snacks, and handicrafts.
Free to browse, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy a cozy meal featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes with a contemporary twist.
VND250000, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Phnom Penh History

Phnom Penh, Cambodia on April 21, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a satisfying breakfast before crossing into Cambodia.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Phnom Penh

Road transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (approx 6 hours including border crossing).
USD40, 6 hours

3:30PM

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Tour the grand Royal Palace complex and the nearby Silver Pagoda, Cambodia's spiritual heart.
USD10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Romdeng

Enjoy Khmer cuisine in a lovely colonial building with a social mission.
USD15, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Phnom Penh Reflection

Phnom Penh, Cambodia on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brown Coffee

Enjoy breakfast with great coffee and pastries; a local favorite spot.
USD8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Visit this former prison transformed into a museum documenting Khmer Rouge atrocities; important historical experience.
USD5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Friends the Restaurant

Delicious modern Cambodian food supporting youth training programs.
USD12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Choeung Ek Killing Fields

Short drive to this sobering memorial site, guided tours recommended for full context.
USD6, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Sunset Walk along the Riverside

Unwind along the Mekong riverfront, perfect to reflect and people-watch.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Malis Restaurant

Celebrate your day with upscale Khmer dishes in a sophisticated setting.
USD20, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Siem Reap Temples

Siem Reap, Cambodia on April 23, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast ahead of a transfer to Siem Reap.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Flight to Siem Reap

Take a one-hour flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap for Angkor temple exploration.
USD60, 1.5 hours including transfer

10:00AM

Visit Angkor Wat

Explore the largest religious monument in the world, marveling at detailed bas-reliefs and grandeur.
USD37 for one-day pass, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Lucky Mall Food Court

Casual dining with a variety of Khmer and international dishes.
USD7, 1 hour

3:00PM

Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple

Walk the ancient walled city including the enigmatic faces of Bayon temple.
Included in Angkor pass, 2 hours

5:30PM

Sunset at Phnom Bakheng

Climb Phnom Bakheng hill for a beautiful sunset view over the Angkor complex.
Included in Angkor pass, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Marum Restaurant

Dine at a socially responsible restaurant serving creative Khmer food.
USD15, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Angkor Temple Adventure

Siem Reap, Cambodia on April 24, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Sister Srey Cafe

Enjoy healthy breakfast options and great coffee before a day of temples.
USD8, 1 hour

8:00AM

Banteay Srei Temple

Explore this pink sandstone temple, famous for its intricate carvings and artistry.
Included with Angkor pass, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Ta Prohm

Wander through the atmospheric ruins intertwined with giant tree roots, featured in films like Tomb Raider.
Included with Angkor pass, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chanrey Tree

Enjoy authentic Khmer flavors in a garden setting near the river.
USD12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Cambodian Landmine Museum

Learn about Cambodia’s history and ongoing efforts to clear landmines, with an insightful guided tour.
USD5, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at hotel or optional spa

Unwind from your temple explorations with a relaxing massage or pool time.
Varies, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Sugar Palm

Dine on traditional Cambodian dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
USD15, 1.5 hours

Day 10: Siem Reap & Departure

Siem Reap, Cambodia on April 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Cambodia before departure preparations.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Angkor National Museum

Learn about the history, culture, and art of the Angkorian period in a modern museum.
USD12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kroma

Enjoy a modern fusion of Cambodian and western cuisine in an artistic atmosphere.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Shopping for Souvenirs at Old Market

Pick up last-minute souvenirs and local crafts.
Free to browse, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Transfer to Siem Reap Airport

Travel to the airport for your onward journey.
USD10, 30 minutes