12 Days in Indochina: Vietnam’s Highlights & the Temples of Angkor

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, featuring around two thousand karst islands rising from emerald waters over a geological history spanning 500 million years.

At around 8:00 AM, a limousine collects you from your hotel in the Old Quarter for the journey to the coast. On arrival, board your overnight cruise and begin sailing among the striking islands, with a lunch of local cuisine served on board.

In the afternoon, join a guided visit to a grotto adorned with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, then continue to a nearby island to relax on the beach or hike to a viewpoint for a panoramic vista over the bay. As the day winds down, take in the sunset before joining a cooking class to learn traditional Vietnamese dishes, followed by dinner featuring local specialties. In the evening, optional activities such as squid fishing are available.

Please note: the cruise itinerary may vary depending on the vessel; a stationed English-speaking guide is available on board.

Overnight on the cruise.

Wake up to the serene beauty of Halong Bay and enjoy the fresh morning air as the cruise continues through the spectacular scenery. After breakfast, take part in the final activities on board, then enjoy a leisurely brunch as the vessel makes its way back to the harbor.

Upon disembarkation, transfer back to Hanoi by limousine, then continue to the airport for your flight to Da Nang, a vibrant city on Vietnam’s central coast. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Meals are on your own.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Around midday, set out for Cam Thanh Coconut Village, gliding through its peaceful coconut forest water aboard a traditional bamboo basket boat. Learn local fishing techniques and enjoy hands-on activities that offer an authentic glimpse of village life.

Continue to Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its timeless charm. Visit the colorful Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, browse the Central Market, and step inside the beautifully preserved Phung Hung or Tan Ky Ancient House, once home to prosperous merchants. Explore the Museum of Folk Culture, enjoy a performance at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House, and pause at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built more than 400 years ago.

As evening falls, enjoy a boat ride on the Hoai River and release a flower lantern in a wish for good fortune, then wander the lantern-lit night market before returning to your hotel in Da Nang.

Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, travel to Ba Na Hills, at an altitude of 1,487 meters, and ascend by a record-setting cable car, taking in marvelous mountain scenery along the way.

Admire the world-famous Golden Bridge, held aloft by giant stone hands, along with Le Jardin D’Amour and Linh Ung Pagoda. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the resort, then explore the French Village, a romantic replica of classical France, and the many rides and attractions of Fantasy Park, including the top of Queen Mountain. Return by cable car to Da Nang in the afternoon.

Please note: certain attractions at Ba Na Hills, including the Wax Museum, wine cellar, and some paid games, are not included.

Overnight in Da Nang.

This morning, travel to the Son Tra Peninsula, where the giant Lady Buddha statue stands against a stunning backdrop of mountains and gardens. Enjoy a gentle walk through this peaceful “garden of heaven,” taking in the fascinating stories and the fresh sea breeze.

Continue to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills resembling five fingers beside the sea, stopping first at a local stone-sculpture village, one of Da Nang’s most impressive craft communities. Climb to the summit (elevator included) to explore its caves, pagodas, and viewpoints, home to Buddhist sanctuaries and Hindu grottoes, then venture into the fascinating Am Phu Cave, the largest in the complex, known for its Buddhist symbolism and remarkable natural formations.

Return to your hotel around midday. With the rest of the day free, you may wish to relax on My Khe Beach.

Overnight in Da Nang.

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

On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in (standard check-in time from 2:00 PM). The rest of the day is leisurely exploring the city at your own pace – browse the iconic Ben Thanh Market, stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, admire the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral (viewed from outside), take in the views from the Saigon Skydeck, or experience the lively nightlife of Bui Vien Walking Street.

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.

This morning, depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels, about an hour and a half away by road. A short introductory video explains how the tunnels were constructed and how people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime, before you explore the remarkable underground network of living quarters, kitchens, storage areas, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers, along with hidden trapdoors and ingenious defenses. Take time to relax or, for those interested, try the shooting range (at your own expense).

In the afternoon, return to the city to explore its highlights, beginning at the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, a landmark designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue past elegant French colonial structures, including the Notre Dame Cathedral (viewed from outside) and the historic Central Post Office, followed by the moving War Remnants Museum, with its extensive displays from the Indochina wars.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy free time until your private transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor and the final country of your journey.

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. Begin at Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer kings, where the Bayon Temple rises adorned with 216 enigmatic stone faces that have gazed serenely over travelers for more than 800 years.

Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most atmospheric temples, where the colossal roots of ancient trees wrap around stone carvings, blurring the line between architecture and jungle – a location in the film Tomb Raider. After lunch at a local restaurant within the Angkor complex, the day culminates at the magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and the crowning glory of Khmer architecture, its galleries lined with the world’s longest continuous bas-reliefs. As evening approaches, make a spirited ascent to the hilltop temple of Phnom Bakheng for one of the most iconic sunsets in Asia.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

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 Vietnam and Cambodia journey.

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