12-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Vietnam and Cambodia

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with authentic Vietnamese pho, a flavorful noodle soup famous in Hanoi. Pho Bat Dan opens early to serve a fresh and rich breakfast to locals and tourists alike.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island, learning about local legends.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Discover the vibrant streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter with its colonial architecture, street vendors, and unique crafts. This area is perfect for experiencing local culture.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha, a signature Hanoi dish of grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs, in a restaurant made famous by a visit from President Obama.
VND80000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Tour the historic site where the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh is preserved and visit the nearby One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace grounds.
VND40000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, a unique cultural art form, at a well-known theatre near the Old Quarter. Shows start around 5pm and last approximately an hour.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Dine on the iconic Hanoi fish dish 'Cha Ca' featuring grilled turmeric fish served with dill and noodles, an authentic specialty best enjoyed here.
VND150000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Adventure

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

Travel by car or shuttle bus (around 3.5-4 hours) to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay renowned for its limestone karsts and emerald waters.
VND500000, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on Halong Bay Cruise

Board a traditional junk boat and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while cruising among the famous limestone islands and caves of Halong Bay.
USD50, 1h30m

1:30pm

Explore Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island

Visit the spectacular Sung Sot Cave and take a short hike on Ti Top Island for panoramic views of the bay’s majestic scenery.
Included in cruise price, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return and Overnight on Boat

Relax onboard your cruise as the boat anchors for the night; optional activities include squid fishing or enjoying the sunset from the deck.
Included in cruise price, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner on Board

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes prepared by your onboard chef.
Included in cruise price, 1h30m
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Day 3: Halong Bay to Hanoi

Halong Bay to Hanoi, Vietnam on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Morning Tai Chi and Breakfast on Boat

Start your day with a relaxing Tai Chi session on deck as the sun rises, followed by breakfast onboard the cruise.
Included in cruise price, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Floating Villages and Kayaking

Explore the local floating fishing villages or enjoy kayaking amid the limestone islets, experiencing the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay.
Included in cruise price, 2h0m

11:00am

Return to Halong Port and Transfer to Hanoi

Disembark from your cruise and begin the return journey to Hanoi by shuttle or private car.
Included in cruise price for transfer, 4h0m

3:30pm

Check-in and Rest at Hanoi Hotel

Relax and freshen up at your hotel upon arrival back in the city.
Varies, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a wide array of traditional Vietnamese street foods and dishes in a charming setting inside a colonial villa.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee, a creamy, sweet creation unique to the city, served at the historic Cafe Giang.
VND40000, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a mid-morning flight (approx 2h) to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis.
USD70, 2h0m

11:30am

Check-in and Light Refresh at Hotel

Settle into your accommodation and rest briefly.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy a flavorful bowl of southern-style pho at one of the oldest and most beloved pho restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about the Vietnam War’s impact through poignant exhibits at this important museum, open from 7:30am to 6pm daily.
VND40000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and street food in this lively market open till evening.
Free to enter, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Dine riverside with upscale Asian fusion cuisine, perfect for a relaxing night after a busy day.
VND400000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Cu Chi Tunnels & City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at L’Usine

Start your day at this chic cafe with excellent coffee and western-style breakfast options.
VND120000, 1h0m

8:00am

Tour Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a half-day guided tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network used during the war, open from 7am to 5pm.
USD25 including transport, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Banh Xeo 46A

Enjoy delicious Vietnamese savory crepes called banh xeo, popular in southern Vietnam.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture at two iconic Ho Chi Minh City landmarks.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Unwind and people-watch in this green oasis in the city center.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P’s

Indulge in some of the best wood-fired fusion pizzas, a local favorite with a unique twist.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Fly to Siem Reap

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Workshop Coffee

Enjoy expertly brewed coffee and pastries in a modern, industrial neighborhood café.
VND120000, 1h0m

9:30am

Flight to Siem Reap

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap (approx 1.5-hour flight), gateway to the Angkor temple complex.
USD80, 1h30m

11:30am

Check-in Siem Reap Hotel

Settle into your hotel and relax after the flight.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Khmer Kitchen Restaurant

Try authentic Khmer cuisine, featuring dishes like fish amok and beef lok lak.
USD10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Angkor National Museum

Gain historical context about Angkor Wat and Khmer culture through engaging exhibits, open 8am-6pm.
USD12, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax or Explore Pub Street

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Pub Street with cafes, bars, and street performers as the sun sets.
Free to explore, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Marum

Dine at this social enterprise restaurant serving creative Khmer dishes while supporting local youth programs.
USD15, 1h30m
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Day 7: Angkor Temple Tour

Siem Reap, Cambodia on June 27, 2025

5:00am

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Witness a breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat, starting early to secure a good viewing spot before the crowds arrive.
USD37 for 1-day pass, 2h0m

7:30am

Breakfast at Blue Pumpkin

Enjoy breakfast at this popular café offering fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee near Angkor Wat entrance.
USD8, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple

Visit the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, including the famous Bayon temple known for its stone faces.
Included in Angkor pass, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Ta Prohm

Tour the enchanting Ta Prohm temple, famous for trees growing through ancient ruins, featured in films.
Included in Angkor pass, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Khmer Family Restaurant

Taste traditional home-style Khmer cooking in a charming local setting.
USD10, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Preah Khan Temple

Explore this large, partially ruined temple complex with intricate carvings and fewer tourists.
Included in Angkor pass, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax back at Hotel or Massage

Take time to unwind at your hotel or enjoy a traditional Khmer massage in town (massage from 10am-9pm).
USD15 for massage, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuisine Wat Damnak

Experience fine dining featuring reinterpretations of traditional Cambodian recipes in an elegant atmosphere.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Tonle Sap & Departure

Siem Reap, Cambodia on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sister Srey Café

Enjoy ethically sourced coffee and healthy breakfast options at this popular local café.
USD6, 1h0m

9:00am

Boat Tour on Tonle Sap Lake

Take a guided boat trip to see floating villages on Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, learning about local life.
USD15, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mahob Khmer Cuisine

Enjoy modern twists on Khmer dishes in a contemporary setting, known for excellent food and service.
USD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Last-minute shopping and exploring Siem Reap

Stroll local markets or visit Artisans Angkor for handmade souvenirs before departure.
Free to explore, 2h0m

4:00pm

Departure from Siem Reap Airport

Head to the airport for your onward journey with memories of Cambodia and Vietnam’s cultural riches.
Varies, Until flight
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