26 Days Fantastic Vietnam & Cambodia – Mekong Overnight Cruise Trip

Welcome to your holiday with Vietnam Travelette !

Upon arrival at the airport, either Domestic or International arrival, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to the exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding the Vietnam Travelette's signboard with your name on it.

Transfer to the hotel for check-in.

You have free time in Phnom Penh to explore the city.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

You have the whole morning to be free and then check out.

Our car driver will escort you to the harbor for your Mekong Cruise.

At 16:00, Embark on Victoria Mekong Cruise.

Today, Choeung Ek is a memorial with a Buddhist stupa filled with skulls and bones to honor the victims. Before dinner on board, take in a lively performance of Khmer Apsara dancing with the opportunity to meet the performers afterward.

Overnight on the cruise.

After breakfast, go on a walking tour of the village of Koh Chen, where the highlight is meeting a local copper and silversmith. Afterward, travel by coach to Oudong, the ancient capital of Cambodia, with a stop at the fascinating Vipassana Dhura Meditation Center. After having lunch on board, travel by three-wheeled tuk tuk to Silk Island, where you will learn about the process of silk weaving, from worm to loom, with the chance to observe local families weaving the iconic Cambodian krama.

Overnight on the cruise.

This morning, explore the village of Angkor Ban with its wooden stilt houses and local vibe. Enjoy lunch on board as the Victoria Mekong sails to Wat Hanchey. Walk up the steps to this 7th-century hilltop temple built under the Chenla Empire, and take in gorgeous panoramic views over the Mekong River.

Overnight on the cruise.

Disembark from the ship at Kampong Chham and travel through the lush Cambodian countryside. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, gateway to the mystical Angkor Complex, sit down to a final lunch where the cruise program ends.

Our car driver will meet you at the harbor and transfer you to the hotel in Siem Reap.

Check-in hotel and relax.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Beat the crowd early morning by 7 am; visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. And continue to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat - one of the world’s most impressive ruins.  The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom & Bayon. Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance, it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another one, until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further, visit the surroundings of the complex, including the Baphuon, Elephant Terrace, Lepper King Terrace, and Royal Place area.

Return hotel to refresh, overnight in Siem Reap.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

The whole day is free time at your leisure.

Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a popular tourist destination known for its proximity to the Angkor Wat temple complex, but there's much more to explore in this charming city. A "Free & Easy" trip to Siem Reap means you'll have the flexibility to explore at your own pace, without a structured tour.

Khmer Cuisine: Try local dishes such as Amok (a creamy coconut fish curry), Bai Sach Chrouk (grilled pork with rice), and the popular Lok Lak (stir-fried beef).

Street Food: Enjoy the street food scene, with vendors offering fried insects, grilled meats, and fresh

Spa and Wellness: many hotels and resorts in Siem Reap offer traditional Khmer spa treatments. After a day of exploring the temples, treat yourself to a relaxing massage or spa session.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Then, you have free time to relax by yourself before checking out and transferring to the airport for a flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

Then, you are free to explore the city's charming Old Quarter:

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake: This beautiful lake is located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. You can take a stroll around the lake, visit the Ngoc Son Temple, or simply sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Explore the Old Quarter: The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, filled with shops, cafes, and historical sites. You can explore the area and learn about its history, or simply wander around and discover the many hidden gems.

Try the local street food: Hanoi is famous for its delicious street food, and the Old Quarter is the perfect place to try some. From pho (beef or chicken noodle) to banh mi (bread) to Bun Cha (spring rolls)

Try the famous egg coffee: This unique coffee drink is made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and coffee. It's a popular local specialty, and there are many cafes in the Old Quarter that serve it.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

08.30: Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City

Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi, built in the 6th century.

Next, you will visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11th century

Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with many delicious dishes.

Explore Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Situated in the heart of Hanoi, the relic has its outstanding Universal Values which reflect its historical longevity, its continuous role as a seat of power, and its multiple cultural layers. In 2010, with the celebration of Hanoi millennial anniversary, the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

Visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam.

End of tour, return to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

8.00: Our guide will meet you at your hotel and start a 110km modern bus journey through the verdant landscape of country side. Short brake en route.

10.45: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel with Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, dating back to the 17th Century.

12.00: Enjoy lunch at our restaurant with the great local cuisines.

13.30: Leave for the Trang An Grottoes, an outstanding natural beauty of majestic limestone massif at 20 square kilometer rise dramatically out from rice paddy fields. Deep within the linked chains of towering mountains are pristine places of mystical valleys, numerous freshwater ponds, and jungle.

Embark on a traditional sampan gently rowed down the exquisite river through numerous caves: Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, Thanh Truot Cave,... and Cao Sơn Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, Vu Lam Temple…

15.30: Arrive Mua Cave and start an amazing trek up to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain to watch the spectacular rice valley with specious view of nature.

Transfer to your hotel in Hanoi at around 19:30 - 20:00.

Have dinner on your account, and our car will escort you to the Train Station for your train to Lao Cai

Overnight in Hanoi.

Arriving at the Lao Cai Station early in the morning.

You can choose to take a shower or change your clothes in the lounge before being transferred to the hotel. You can leave your luggage at the hotel (If early check-in is not available)

Have lunch at the restaurant.

Next, visit Cat Cat Village, which is located about 3 km from Sapa Town and is home of Black H’mong ethnic people and is located near the bottom of a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak. Our local guide will show you the daily life activities of the locals, trekking down to the valley bottom to the waterfall where the French built a Hydraulic Power Station, a short time for a photo with the bridge and the waterfall, then you will trek up hill to get back to Sapa with very beautiful scenery in the late afternoon.

Return to your hotel and have dinner in your own way.

Overnight in Sapa.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

Hiking to Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages, about 8 km from Sapa town, where black H’mong and Giay people are living, is also the beginning of the valley, which is called Muong Hoa. From a high point of the main road, a great view of the whole villages open wide to offer the marvelous panoramic views, backed by high mountains and facing the river. Here you will enjoy the fresh air, see terrace fields, stream, discover and visit some Black H’mong families. You will have a welcome feeling at any house of the hospitable people there. You can interact them, learn about their culture and customs…

Have lunch in the restaurant.

Northwest Vietnam is not only known for its colorful mountains and terraced rice paddies, but also for the herbal bath by the Red Dao. As experts in the field of herbal medicine, the Red Dao attribute many health benefits to the plants from the forest. Their herbal bath essences contain up to 120 kinds of leaves, bark, and wood. The aromatic bathing water will slowly relax your body and reduce fatigue and joint pain, enhance blood circulation, and leave your skin soft and silky smooth.

Our car driver will escort you to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Sapa.

Sapa, located in the northern highlands of Vietnam, is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Here are some top things to do on your free day in Sapa:

Cable Car to Fansipan Mountain Peak is the highest peak in Vietnam and all of Indochina, standing at 3,147 meters (10,326 feet). You can reach the summit by taking a multi-day trek or, if you prefer a quicker option, a cable car that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The Sapa Market is a great place to experience the local culture. Here you can find traditional handicrafts, textiles, and fresh local produce. The market is especially vibrant on Sundays when ethnic minorities from surrounding villages gather to trade goods and meet.

The Sapa Stone Church, also known as the Holy Rosary Church, is a French-colonial-era building located in the heart of Sapa town. It's an iconic landmark and a peaceful place to visit if you're interested in architecture or local history.

Overnight in Sapa.

Have breakfast at the hotel and check out.

You have the whole morning to be free at your leisure in Sapa.

Sapa is a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, offering activities for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to immerse themselves in the local way of life. Whether you're trekking in the mountains, relaxing by a waterfall, or exploring local villages, Sapa is a place to rejuvenate and discover something new.

Then, you will be picked up by a limousine bus to transfer back to Hanoi.

Lunch and dinner are on your own arrangement.

Overnight in Hanoi.

08.20 – 08.30 shuttle bus will pick you up at the lobby of the hotel and start the journey east to Ha Long Bay, through picturesque rice-farming villages of the Red River Delta, where we see everyday Vietnamese village life. On arrival, we board a beautiful traditional junk and spend a full day and night cruising the bay’s 3000 magnificent limestone islets. In the evening, when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal, and later, there is an opportunity for an evening swim from the side of the boat. Spend the night on a boat.

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast, then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Ha Long. Have brunch on board the boat before returning to Ha Long pier to get back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi at 15.00 – 15.30.

Transferring to the airport for a flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Have breakfast and check out the hotel.

Our guide will meet you at the hotel lobby.

The guide and car will pick you up from your hotel and transfer to Ba Na Hills, you will visit the Golden Bridge that has recently gone viral, a French wine cellar, Le Jardin D’amour (consists of 9 gardens) and Linh Ung pagoda.

Then visit the French Village Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, Linh Phong Monastery, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple & Tru Vu Tea Shop. Watch Carnival Performance Show, Square Du Dome ...Challenge the most popular adventure ride - Alpine Coaster (free ride).

Lunch at the buffet restaurant.

You can join in the game at Fantasy Park before taking the Cable Car to leave Ba Na Hills at 15.30.

Meet our guide at the meeting point, and get on a car transfer back to Da Nang to visit the local Han Market and browse the stalls of this sprawling compound, seeing fresh produce and dried goods unique to the area. This is also a great place to get a glimpse of local life, watching the shoppers and vendors as they negotiate deals.

Have dinner by yourself and stay overnight in Da Nang.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

You have the whole day free at your leisure to wander around the city and relax.

In the afternoon, you can go jogging along the seashore and lie on the shore to admire sunset down to the My Khe Beach.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

09.30: Our tour guide will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to Cam Thanh Village, where you can learn something about the local fishing industry and its local cultural life. You cannot miss visiting the seven-hectare water coconut woods with the unique ecosystem of water coconut trees. This place is a relic of the film revolutionary base during the war between the US army and the Hoi An people. You will be told about the safety instruction how to get balanced on the round basket boat, and how to paddle in it a proper way. Of course, a life jacket will be provided to you, and our local people will help you how to navigate it. We will help you be confident until you can row it by yourself. You also have a chance to see a great round basket performance on the river, which is awesome, as you can only see it once in your lifetime.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Come back to discover the Hoi An Ancient Town, the second UNESCO Site of the day, on a guided walking tour. Soak up the historic atmosphere of the former trading port and visit the vibrant local market, the Ancient House, Fu Jian Assembly Hall, and an 18th-century covered bridge built in Japanese style. Hoi An is also a growing hub of textile manufacture, and you have the option to see where residents tend silkworms and weave fine-quality silk fabric from the cocoons they produce.

End of the tour, return to the hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Have breakfast at the hotel. You have the whole morning to be free

In the afternoon, heading to My Son Sanctuary.

My Son Sanctuary, situated around 50km away from Hoi An, is another Cultural Heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 1999 with 32 epitaphs and 71 monuments. The unique Hindu sanctuary is the perfectly ideal destination for those who want to learn everything about the Champa Ancient Kingdom, including its history, culture, and architecture.

This morning, you will set out on a drive to the southwest of Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary for a My Son half-day tour. This is where the Cham culture in Central Vietnam started in the 4th century, declined in the 13th century, and ceased to exist in the 15th century. The once capital of the Champa Kingdom, dedicated to the worship of the god Shiva, is now a cluster of partially ruined and heavily damaged Hindu temples, with only 20 left, due to age and bombing during the Vietnam War. This unique and majestic sanctuary stands as a witness to a glorious bygone era of the once-thriving Cham culture.

Admire sunset over My Son Sanctuary is a kind of excellent experience.

Transfer back to the hotel, and you are free to explore the city.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

At 8:00, Our Guide will meet you at the hotel’s lobby and start the tour.

We will ride bicycles to Hoi An’s colorful central market. Here you will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later. So make sure your camera is handy.

We continue to cycle to Tra Que vegetable village, where we will have a cooking class.

At Tra Que, we will have a welcome drink for rest. Then, we walk through the vegetable gardens where local farmers work on their fields, using the traditional methods of hundreds of years ago, no electrical machinery here.

You will relax with a foot herbal massage

After the foot massage, it’s time to cook lunch. We will go to the restaurant & work together with the chef. With the instructions of the chef, we will learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food.

After the lesson, enjoy what you have cooked.

Back to your hotel in Hoi An

Tour ends.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Today is time for you to free on your own way. You can visit famous tailor-made shops in here or nearby beaches as An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach by yourself. Enjoy the unique cuisines of Hoi An such as: Cao Lau (a pork noodle dish), Mi Quang (Quang Noodle), Chicken Rice Hoi An, Banh Dap, Mot’s traditional Herbal drink…

*In the evening, Hoi An offers a charming atmosphere with various attractions to explore. Here are my recommendations for places to visit in the evening:

1.  Riverside Restaurants: Enjoy a delightful dining experience at one of the many riverside restaurants. Indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine while enjoying the scenic views of the Thu Bon River. The riverside area becomes even more magical in the evening with lanterns reflecting on the water.

2.  Night Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Hoi An Night Market. Browse through a wide range of stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and local street food. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts and immerse yourself in the local culture.

3.  Traditional Cultural Performances (Ky Uc Hoi An): Catch a traditional performance at one of the cultural centers in Hoi An. Experience captivating shows featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling that showcase the rich heritage of the region.

4.  Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River: Embark on a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and admire the illuminated lanterns along the riverbanks. It's a wonderful way to take in the beauty of Hoi An at night.

Enjoy your evening exploration of Hoi An! Overnight in Hoi An.

Check-out hotel.

Then our driver will pick you up from the hotel to transfer to Hue (no guide). On the way, you will see one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam – Hai Van Pass, and one of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays – Lang Co Beach.

Drop off at the hotel, check in, and relax.

Have lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, our tour guide and car will pick you up, and you will board the Dragon Boat for a cruise on the romantic Perfume River heading out to the countryside.

Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded by ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to the most beautiful tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day. You will enjoy a great view of the Perfume River and the surrounding area. The name of the pagoda derives from a special legend. A long time ago, an old woman appeared on the hill where the pagoda stands today, telling local people that a Lord would come and build a Buddhist pagoda for the country’s prosperity. Lord Nguyen Hoang therefore ordered the construction of the pagoda, the “Heaven Fairy Lady” or Thiên Mụ in Vietnamese (also called Linh Mụ).

Continue visiting Hue Imperial Citadel - the former imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty. It contains the palaces that housed the imperial family, as well as shrines, gardens, and villas for mandarins.

Return to your hotel.

Overnight in Hue City.

Have breakfast in Hue.

Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, is rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. Located on the banks of the Perfume River, it was once the imperial capital under the Nguyen Dynasty. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences.

Here are some of the top things to do in Hue:

Try Hue’s Traditional Cuisine

Hue is renowned for its distinctive and refined cuisine, influenced by the royal court. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Bun Bo Hue: A spicy beef noodle soup with lemongrass, chili, and thick rice noodles.

Banh Beo: Small rice cakes topped with shrimp, pork, and crispy shallots.

Com Hen: A dish made with rice, clams, and various herbs, often served with crispy crackers.

Banh Khoai: A crispy pancake filled with shrimp and vegetables.

Experience Hue’s Lantern Festival

If you're visiting during the full moon, you might get the chance to experience Hue’s Lantern Festival. Held on the 14th day of each lunar month, the festival is a magical time when the streets and river are lit up with colorful lanterns, and the city comes alive with traditional music, performances, and cultural displays.

 Cycle Around Hue’s Countryside

Rent a bicycle and explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Hue. You can cycle along the river, visit local villages, and see traditional farming methods in action. The peaceful rural scenery offers a perfect escape from the bustle of the city.

Overnight in Hue.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

You have some free time walking around the city.

At 10:30 – 11:00, our private car driver will pick you up and transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your international flight back home.

We hope you have taken back many beautiful memories in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Tour ends!