12 Days Vietnam & Cambodia: Between Island Days and Ancient Worlds

Welcome to Hanoi. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in (around 14:00–15:00).

After a long journey, the rest of the day is left open, so you can rest properly. If you feel comfortable, you can take a short walk nearby, but there is no fixed schedule for the day.

Overnight in Hanoi.

The day begins with a private transfer from your hotel to Halong Bay, where your coastal experience gently unfolds. Upon arrival, you will check in at the lounge before boarding the cruise.

As the journey begins, enjoy a light breakfast while the cruise glides past thousands of limestone islets across Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, setting the tone for a relaxing day on the water.

The first stop is Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in the bay, known for its impressive formations of stalactites in a variety of shapes. From there, continue to Titov Island, where you can take a refreshing swim in the turquoise water or climb to the top for panoramic views over the bay.

Back on board, lunch is served as the cruise passes by some of Halong Bay’s most scenic landscapes, allowing you to fully take in the surroundings at a comfortable pace.

In the afternoon, visit Luon Cave, where you can choose to explore by kayak or enjoy a peaceful bamboo boat ride (additional cost), taking in the quiet beauty of the area.

As the day continues, you may relax on the sundeck with live music or join a cooking demonstration at the restaurant, adding a light and enjoyable touch to the experience. The cruise returns to the harbor in the late afternoon, after which you will transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi. Dinner is on your own.

Please note: The itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather and cruising conditions. Wi-Fi is available in selected areas on board, though connectivity may be limited.

Today, your journey continues with a short flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, where the atmosphere gradually changes from the cultural charm of the capital to a more relaxed coastal setting.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and take some time to settle into your new surroundings. The change in pace is immediately noticeable, offering a refreshing contrast to the earlier days of your trip.

The remainder of the day is left free, allowing you to unwind at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax at the hotel, spend time by the beach, or simply enjoy the slower rhythm of seaside living, the time is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Your day begins as your guide picks you up and takes you to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where a peaceful countryside experience awaits.

Here, you will explore the water coconut forest on a traditional bamboo basket boat. As you glide through the calm waterways, local fishermen will introduce you to their daily life, including round net and cast net fishing (occasionally). You will also learn how to paddle the basket boat and take part in a fun boat race, followed by a chance to try crab-catching before enjoying a drink at a local fisherman’s house.

In the afternoon, continue to Hoi An Ancient Town, where your guide will lead you through its historic highlights. Visit the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, known for its colorful architecture and cultural significance, then explore either Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House, both over 200 years old. A stop at the Japanese Bridge offers a glimpse into one of the town’s most iconic symbols.

Take some time to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant at your own expense, soaking in the charming evening atmosphere of Hoi An.

As evening falls, enjoy a boat ride along the river and release flower lanterns, sending wishes for luck and prosperity while taking in the magical atmosphere of Hoi An at night. Return to your hotel after the tour.

Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, you will take a scenic journey from the coastline to Ba Na Hills, where the world’s longest Hon Thom cable car ride offers breathtaking views of mountains and lush landscapes.

At the top, you will walk across the iconic Golden Bridge, explore the charming French Village, and enjoy a variety of attractions in a cool, refreshing climate. You also can admire the beautiful Linh Ung Pagoda and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The experience offers a perfect contrast to your beach stay while maintaining comfort and exclusivity.

A carefully arranged lunch with Indian-friendly options ensures a delightful experience before returning to the coast.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Today begins with a half-day tour to step out and see a different side of Da Nang: You’ll be picked up from your hotel to explore some of the city’s well-known natural and cultural sites.

The first stop is Monkey Mountain, where the Lady Buddha statue overlooks the coastline, offering open views and a peaceful setting.

Continue to the Marble Mountains, with a short stop at local stone sculpture workshops along the way. At the site, a round-trip elevator ride is included, allowing easy access to explore caves, pagodas, and viewpoints. Also known as Ngu Hanh Son, this cluster of limestone hills combines natural scenery with spiritual significance.

The journey continues to Am Phu Cave, the largest cave in the area, known for its striking formations and cultural meaning.

After the visit, return to your hotel.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Today, enjoy free time until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Standard hotel check-in time is around 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

The rest of the day is free at leisure. After several days of coastal charm and beachside atmosphere in Da Nang, the journey now transitions into the vibrant southern energy of Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, you will embark on a comfortable journey to My Tho (about 2 hours), passing through lush countryside landscapes. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a scenic Mekong River cruise, where you can observe daily life along the riverbanks and pass by the legendary islands of Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix.

At Unicorn Island, the experience becomes more immersive. You will visit a traditional coconut candy workshop to see how local products are made, followed by a gentle rowing boat ride through narrow, shaded canals. Here, the calm surroundings offer a quiet contrast to the main river. The visit continues with a tasting of seasonal tropical fruits, accompanied by live Southern Vietnamese folk music.

You will also visit a local bee farm, where you can learn about beekeeping and taste fresh honey. On your return, a stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda offers a chance to admire its unique architectural blend and tranquil setting.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

On this day, enjoy some free time in Ho Chi Minh City before continuing your journey beyond Vietnam.

You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you and take you to your hotel for check-in (around 14:00).

The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace, as you begin to experience a new destination with a different atmosphere and cultural setting.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, you’ll set out to explore the Angkor complex, beginning with Angkor Thom – the ancient royal city. Here, you’ll visit Bayon Temple, known for its many smiling stone faces, before continuing to Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots grow over the ruins, creating one of the most atmospheric sites in Angkor.

There will be time for a lunch break inside the archaeological park before continuing to Angkor Wat, the largest and most iconic temple in Cambodia, admired for its grand scale, intricate carvings, and cultural significance.

In the late afternoon, you’ll head to Phnom Bakheng for sunset, where you can enjoy a wide view over the surrounding landscape – a calm and memorable way to end the day before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

The morning begins with a scenic drive through the countryside, where your family can enjoy views of green and golden landscapes depending on the season. Along the way, you will pass villages, schools, pagodas, rice fields, palm trees, as well as mango and cashew farms, before continuing about 58 km north to Phnom Kulen.

Known as Mahendraparvata, this sacred mountain holds deep religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, and is also considered the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, where King Jayavarman II declared independence in 804 CE.

At Kulen National Park, your family will explore both natural and cultural highlights. A large waterfall flows through the forest, attracting many local visitors, while the River of a Thousand Lingas features carvings in the riverbed dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. A short climb leads to the country’s largest Reclining Buddha statue, set on a massive boulder and regarded as one of the holiest sites. From the viewing platform, you can take in wide views over the surrounding jungle and hills.

After the visit, return to your hotel, arriving in the afternoon (around 3:00 – 4:00 pm), with time to rest and unwind.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Enjoy your final moments in Siem Reap at your own pace. You can perhaps enjoy a quiet morning, a last stroll, or simply take in the atmosphere one more time before you leave.

Later, you will then be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

As your journey comes to an end, we hope you leave with more than just photos: memories of places, moments, and experiences that will stay with you long after the trip.

Safe travels, and until the next journey with Vietnamtour.in.