8 Days in Cambodia & Vietnam: Sacred Temples & Legendary Landscapes

Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway to the ancient wonders of Angkor and the starting point of your journey through Indochina.

On arrival at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center, about an hour away, for check-in (standard check-in time from 2:00 PM). The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Meals are on your own.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, set off on a full day among the ancient temples of Angkor. Beginning at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its vast complex is known as the “City of Temples.”

Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most atmospheric temples, left much as it was found and famously embraced by towering tree roots – a location in the film Tomb Raider. Then journey to Angkor Thom, the great walled capital established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, exploring the captivating Bayon Temple with its serene stone faces, along with the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and Baphuon Temple.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Cambodia and a free morning at leisure. For those who love nature, optional excursions are available, such as Phnom Kulen to swim by the waterfall and see the River of a Thousand Lingas, a boat trip among the stilted houses and floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake, or a visit to a lotus farm.

After check-out, transfer to the airport (driver only) for your flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. On arrival, you’ll be met by your driver and guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Meals are on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today’s journey takes you to Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Halong Bay on land” thanks to its dramatic limestone mountains, winding rivers, and rich historical heritage.

At around 8:00 AM, your guide will pick you up from the hotel for a scenic drive to Ninh Binh Province, about 120 kilometers south of Hanoi, with a short comfort break along the way.

Arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of Vietnam. Here, explore the beautifully preserved temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam, built in the 17th century, and absorb the timeless atmosphere of this historic site.

Following lunch at your own arrangement, board a traditional rowing boat through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014 and a filming location for “Kong: Skull Island.” Drift among green rivers and a wonderful system of caves, including Sang Cave (Light Cave), Toi Cave (Dark Cave), and Nau Ruou Cave (Wine-Making Cave), amid peaceful natural scenery.

In the late afternoon, return to Hanoi by private vehicle.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, featuring thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald waters.

In the early morning, your guide will collect you from the hotel for the drive to Halong Bay along the expressway. Arriving around midday at Tuan Chau Harbor, board your day cruise for a journey of several hours among the bay’s striking islets, with lunch served on board.

Visit Sung Sot Cave (the “Surprise Cave”) to admire its remarkable stalactites, then climb Titov Island for a panoramic view over the bay. Later, enjoy kayaking or a bamboo boat ride through Luon Cave to discover its hidden lagoon, followed by a sunset atmosphere with tea and cakes on the sundeck. Return to the harbor and transfer back to Hanoi in the evening.

Please note: swimming at Titov Island depends on the season; the cruise itinerary may be adjusted according to weather and operating conditions.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy free time until your driver transfers you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis.

On arrival, you’ll be met by your driver and guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in (standard check-in time from 2:00 PM). The rest of the day is leisurely relaxing or exploring this energetic city at your own pace.

Meals are on your own.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Known as Vietnam’s “Rice Bowl,” the Mekong Delta is a fertile region where life revolves around rivers, canals, and orchards.

In the morning, set off on a nearly two-hour drive through lush rice fields to My Tho, then board a scenic Mekong River cruise, taking in life along the riverbanks and the four legendary islands of Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix. At Unicorn Island, visit a coconut candy workshop, enjoy a rowing boat ride through natural canals, and sample seasonal tropical fruits to the sound of traditional Southern Vietnamese music. Stop at a local bee farm to taste fresh honey.

In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at Vinh Trang Pagoda, the largest in the Mekong Delta, with its striking blend of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese architecture.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

On the last day of the journey, enjoy free time at leisure until your private transfer to the airport (driver only, without guide) for your departure flight.

Depending on your flight schedule, this final day offers a chance to relax or reflect on the unforgettable experiences gathered throughout your Cambodia and Vietnam journey.

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