14 Day - Best of Cambodia & Vietnam Tour - Including Flights!

Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart.

DAY 1, Wednesday - Arrive in Phnom Penh
Depart for Cambodia. Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the new time zone.
Overnight: Phnom Penh

DAY 2, Thursday - Phnom Penh City Tour, Flight to Siem Reap (B, L, D)
Morning visit to the Victory Monument, dedicated to the independence from the French; it now also serves as a memorial to Cambodia's war victims. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom on the site of the old town. Within these walls, visit the Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morakot) with its floor of over 5000 shimmering silver tiles. Other national treasures housed here include solid gold and jewelled Buddha statues and a small 17th century Baccarat crystal Buddha, known as the "Emerald Buddha". Then, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum on the site of a former high school used as the notorious Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge regime. After, depart Phnom Penh and fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor temples. Tonight, enjoy dinner with a traditional Apsara show 
Overnight: Siem Reap 

DAY 3, Friday - Full Day Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat Tour (B, L, D)
Today, you'll understand why the architectural masterpieces of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, are designated as one of the "Seven Wonders of the World". This sprawling city, built by Khmer Kings was once home to more than one million people at the height of the empire. On the tour of the fortified city of Angkor Thom visit the Elephants Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, all adorned with dramatic bas-reliefs. Continue to the mysterious Bayon Temple, highlight of Angkor Thom, replete with beautifully preserved bas-reliefs and more than 172 giant smiling stone faces. On to the monuments of Ta Keo, Prasat Kravan and Srah Srang before arriving at Ta Prohm, where the jungle was left untouched, as it appeared to European explorers. The highpoint of the day is the visit to stunning Angkor Wat, a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. World-famous for its beauty and splendour, Angkor Wat has the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the entire outer gallery walls, narrating stories from Hindu mythology. Stay to experience the unforgettable sunset - a view that cannot be compared to anything you have ever seen! Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight 
Overnight: Siem Reap 

DAY 4, Saturday - Tonle Sap Lake Boat Excursion, Flight to Ho Chi Minh (B)
Depart Siem Reap, driving along the rolling verdant hills of the farm lands, stopping for a ride on an ox-cart, the vehicle still being used today by local farmers. Arrive at Tonle Sap Lake in the heart of Cambodia, with its rich and diverse ecosystem. Embark on a serene boat excursion - observe the local life unfolding and the floating fishing villages that dot the shoreline. Later, visit the National Museum with its multi-media exhibits depicting the Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom. Afterwards, fly to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the largest city in Vietnam; transfer to your hotel 
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh 

DAY 5, Sunday - Ho Chi Minh City Tour (B, D)
Spend the morning at leisure or, join the optional half day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels. They were part of an underground tunnel network built by the Viet Cong to control a large rural area near Saigon. The Cu Chi network includes 125 miles of tunnels with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, weapon factories, hospitals, shelters and other tunnels. In the afternoon, participate in a guided tour in Ho Chi Minh City, which includes the Neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office with its French style architecture, City Hall, and the magnificent Saigon Opera House. From here, visit lively Ben Thanh Market - where an unbelievable assortment of wares and crafts are sold under one roof. Continue to Dong Khoi Street, a major shopping thoroughfare in the centre of the city. In the evening, join your Tour Manager and travel companions for dinner at a local restaurant
Optional: Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels (AM) 
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh 

DAY 6, Monday - Flight to Da Nang, Hoi An Walking Tour
Depart Ho Chi Minh on your flight to Da Nang, one of Vietnam's major ports, situated on the coast of the South China Sea. Travel south to the picturesque ancient town of Hoi An, where people still wear the "ao dais", Vietnam’s traditional dress. The ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was one the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia in the 15th century. Its ancient past is superbly preserved in an enchanting collection of temples, pagodas, shop houses and magnificent private homes in the town's Old Quarter. Walking tour of this artistic jewel, with its century's old architecture includes the gorgeous Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the 400 year old bright-red Japanese Covered Bridge and the Ancient House. Afterwards, continue to dinner at a local restaurant 
Overnight: Hoi An 
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Tuesday - Full Day in Hoi An (B)
Spend a full day at leisure discovering all of the delights of Hoi An independently. Walk through the Old City, stopping at one of the city's many museums, or see artisans using age-old techniques to fashion a variety of crafts. Of special interest are the colourful and elaborate paper lanterns created by lantern artisans for which Hoi An is well-known. Or, join the optional boat trip on the Thu Bon River visiting the Organic Village, including lunch. The boat trip begins at a local pier in the Old Town. You'll cruise down streams and past many fishing areas before arriving in Kim Bong village, home of traditional woodworking and boat building. Return to the mainland and drive to the Traque Organic Village for lunch. Here, you'll meet local farmers and learn about the many vegetables and herbs organically grown to support the people of Hoi An. After a Vietnamese culinary lesson and tasting, return to Hoi An 
Optional: Boat Trip on the Thu Bon River & Organic Village with Lunch 
Overnight: Hoi An 

DAY 8, Wednesday - Travel to Hue, Hue Imperial City Tour (B)
This morning, travel to Da Nang, with stunning views of bowl-shaped Da Nang Bay. Drive by the Marble Mountains, an area well-known for its sophisticated handmade marble products. Journey over the towering mountains to Hue, home to a wealth of palaces, temples, libraries and museums. Take an afternoon tour of this former Imperial capital, modelled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Enter the Ngo Mon Gate, principal entrance to the Imperial Enclosure and the central passageway reserved for use by the Emperor. Continue to the Thai Hoa Palace with its spacious hallways and ornamental roof, the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns, and the ruins of the Forbidden Purple City, once home to the royal family. Tonight, spend time at leisure to explore on your own or, or join the optional tour for a Cyclo Ride (Trishaw) in the city, ending with a multi-course feast at a special restaurant within the Citadel 
Optional: Cyclo Ride with Dinner at the Citadel 
Overnight: Hue 

DAY 9, Thursday - Full Day in Hue (B)
Today is at leisure to explore Hue independently. Or, participate in the not-to-be-missed optional boat excursion on the gentle Perfume River, which explores the life along the banks of the ancient royal capital city. The river, with its shimmering blue colour is dotted with a poetic landscape of boats, gardens, pagodas, towers and temples. The tour continues to the legendary Thien Mu Pagoda, on the north bank of the Perfume River, built in seven successive tiers. Then, a drive to the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, final resting place of Vietnam's longest reigning emperor and to Khai Dinh, the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty. Here, a vegetarian lunch will be prepared by Buddhist nuns of the Dong Thien Pagoda. Return to Hue 
Optional: Perfume River Boat Trip and Lunch at Dong Thien Pagoda 
Overnight: Hue 

DAY 10, Friday - Flight to Hanoi, Sightseeing en route to Halong Bay (B, D)
Depart Hue on the flight* to sparkling Hanoi, cultural centre of the country. Upon arrival, travel overland and through the lush Vietnamese countryside to picturesque Halong Bay, considered one of Vietnam's most celebrated attractions. As you approach, you'll see thousands of limestone islands rising out of the sea creating a truly magical scene. Arrive at your hotel in Halong Bay for overnight stay.
*On some departures, the flight Hue-Hanoi may be changed to depart from Da Nang-Hanoi. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager 
Overnight: Halong Bay 

DAY 11, Saturday - Cruise Halong Bay, Travel to Hanoi (B, L)
Incredible views await you today! Halong Bay is considered one of the most breathtaking places on the planet, added to the list of UNESCO Heritage sites and declared recently as one of the "New Seven Natural Wonders of the World". There are over 3000 islands in the emerald waters and over 1000 have their own names. Numbers of caves and grottos of all sizes and shapes are filled with small waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites. Sail on a traditional wooden boat on the tranquil bay with lunch served on board. Visit to one of the caves. Afterwards, drive to Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital and check into your hotel. This city's history is tied to French colonialism - its architecture, cuisine and local culture still bear evidence of the French influence 
Overnight: Hanoi 

DAY 12, Sunday - Hanoi City Tour & Evening Water Puppet Show (B)
Today, visit the Museum of Ethnology, centre for the preservation and exhibition of cultural heritage for over 50 ethnic groups in Vietnam. In the evening, attend a performance of the world-famous Water Puppet Show, accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra and Cheo (a form of opera). The show depicts a series of ancient Vietnamese folktales, acted out by puppets over a pool of water 
Overnight: Hanoi 

DAY 13, Monday - Full Day in Hanoi (B, D)
Spend a full day at leisure discovering Hanoi on your own, or, take the optional tour to the stunning Thay Pagoda and So Village, including lunch, also known as the "Pagoda of the Master". Nestled against the hillside in Sai Go Village, it shares its compound with the smaller Ca pagoda. Here, you'll also see Thuy Dinh Stage, a water palace on Long Tri Pond, where the ancient form of water puppetry is performed. Continue to So Village, a well-preserved ancient village. Walking tour around the village with its traditional layout and small alleyways in-between the houses. Stop at one of the communal houses to meet villagers who earn their living from making noodles. Tonight, your journey to Cambodia and Vietnam ends with many lasting memories. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers and Tour Manager 
Optional: Thay Pagoda & So Village with lunch 
Overnight: Hanoi 

DAY 14, Tuesday - Depart Vietnam (B)
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight 

Optional Tours listed not included in price.

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Multiple departures are available throughout the year. The below price is based on the 02 May 2020 departure

• Twin share - from $3709 per person
• Solo traveller prices available on request

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to book your holiday.

13 nights First Class accommodation:

• 1 night Phnom Penh
• 2 nights Siem Reap
• 2 nights Ho Chi Minh
• 2 nights Hoi An
• 2 nights Hue
• 1 night Halong Bay
• 3 nights Hanoi

Is This Trip Right for You?

This active program covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect from two-three hours walking on some touring days. The pace is moderate; however, you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. There are 72 steps in the Angkor Wat Temple, 37 of which have a steep incline. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, and people who have knee problems may want to carry a walking stick. A few early wake-ups, as well as some long days of 10-12 hours, are necessary to cover the territory. This is a Classic program. 

Will you need a visa?

CAMBODIA - Visa required. Tourists may obtain a Cambodian visa for US$30 cash on arrival at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major land border crossings. One passport-sized photograph is required. Visa applications can also be submitted online at: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ at least 3 business days in advance. Please note E-Visas are not accepted when entering by cruise into Cambodia. Visas must be purchased locally in cash on board the ship and a passport size photograph is required.

VIETNAM - Australian and New Zealand passports holders require a visa to enter Vietnam. Australian and New Zealand citizens are eligible to apply for an e-visa online. The visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days and is a single entry only. Applications take three days to process after the Vietnam Immigration Department receives the completed application and full e-visa fee of US$25. Please visit https://immigration.gov.vn to apply online for your e-visa. The document must be printed and kept with your valid passport to present to airport officials and custom officers.

How much luggage can you take?

We strongly suggest you use your carry on bag for those necessities you would miss if your checked bags went astray. Items to consider, but not limited to, are prescription medicines, eyeglasses, a change of clothes, mobile phone and charger, valuables (including jewellery and cash), passport, keys, insurance cards, local contact information. We also recommend you bring a change of clothes in your carry on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. 

Intra-Vietnam & Cambodia flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 19kg. per piece of checked luggage with a limit of one piece per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. A lock is recommended for checked luggage while travelling internationally.