A 26-Day Grand Journey Through Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

Following a delightful breakfast, immerse yourself in the profound history of Vietnam with a full-day city tour. Begin at the Temple of Literature, the serene, centuries-old first university of Vietnam, before capturing the iconic beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake and its jewel, Ngoc Son Temple. The afternoon melts into the charming, narrow streets of the Old Quarter, culminating in a captivating performance of the unique Water Puppet Show. As dusk settles, your adventure takes a delicious turn: a specialized street-food tour. Your local guide illuminates the culture behind the cuisine as you sample Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles) and the delicate Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls). The evening finds its perfect conclusion with a decadent cup of velvety Egg Coffee on Nguyen Huu Huan Street.

Accommodation: Apricot Hotel, or Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel.

Today, escape the capital's bustle for the tranquil western outskirts, driving 35 minutes to Xuan Phuong vegetable village. Here, your local host welcomes you for an intimate experience. You’ll be ushered into a local market dating back to the Le King Dynasty, a bustling, colorful hub that truly pulses with traditional life. Witness villagers trading goods and marvel at elderly women chewing betel nuts under the canopy of ancient trees. Adjacent to the market are the vegetable farms themselves, where you’ll tour fields growing seasonal produce (bitter melon, corn, tomatoes, etc.) and even have the opportunity to assist a farmer. The afternoon culminates in a hands-on, traditional cooking class at your host's home, learning simple, time-honoured Vietnamese recipes and enjoying your freshly prepared lunch before returning to Hanoi, rich with new culinary knowledge.

Accommodation: Apricot Hotel, or Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel.

After breakfast, your private transfer whisks you to the dramatic, scenic province of Ninh Binh, often called "Halong Bay on Land." Your exploration begins at Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital (968–1009), where you will discover the two beautifully preserved temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Kings, surrounded by fragrant gardens and reflective ponds. The journey continues with an unforgettable boat trip through Trang An, where you are silently rowed through winding streams, past forested limestone karsts, and into a network of 11 breathtaking caves adorned with luminous stalactites. The grand finale of the day is a challenging yet rewarding climb up nearly 500 steps to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain at Mua Cave, where a mesmerizing, panoramic view of the Tam Coc river landscape awaits.

Accommodation: Emeralda Ninh Binh, or Nham Village, or Tam Coc Garden Resort.

The morning begins with a transfer to Van Long, where you are welcomed into the home of a typical three-generation rural family for an intimate conversation over local tea, gaining authentic insight into their idyllic lives. You then embark on a picturesque 15 km bike ride (optional) or walk along the dike, revealing gorgeous landscapes of rice fields and limestone peaks, perfect for photography. The journey includes a visit to the 11th-century Thung La Temple, featuring an authentic 20-minute drum show. The afternoon’s highlight is a serene sampan boat trip through the Van Long Nature Reserve, where you might spot rare white monkeys and egrets. Conclude your cultural immersion at an embroidery village, where a local craftswoman will guide you through the techniques of her traditional art. Upon returning to your hotel, the ultimate treat awaits: a relaxing 1-hour spa treatment to soothe your muscles and restore your mind.

Accommodation: Emeralda Ninh Binh, or Nham Village, or Tam Coc Garden Resort

Savor your final breakfast surrounded by Ninh Binh’s peaceful karst scenery. Your driver will then transfer you across the landscapes to the coastal gateway of Cat Ba Island. Optional Evening Adventure (Extra Charge, Weather Dependent): For those seeking a truly magical experience, you may opt for the Night Kayaking Tour on Lan Ha Bay. This small-group adventure includes a boat cruise past the ancient floating village of Cai Beo, a magnificent sunset view, a BBQ dinner on a floating house or beach, and the unique opportunity to kayak through areas dense with Bioluminescence Plankton, swimming in water that sparkles around you. The tour concludes around 9:00 PM, returning you to your hotel.

Overnight on Cat Ba Island.

Today, immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Lan Ha Bay aboard the Serenity Premium Cruise. After being picked up, you check in and are greeted with welcome drinks. The captain steers the cruise through the tranquil, ancient floating fishing village of Cai Beo, a 7,000-year-old community nestled against the mountainside. The vessel ventures deep into the less-touristy heart of the bay, reaching the prime kayaking spot near Dark and Bright Cave (Sang – Toi Cave). You will spend 1.5 hours kayaking through the magnificent limestone formations and natural habitat. A sumptuous lunch featuring fresh seafood and Vietnamese traditional dishes is served onboard. The afternoon is dedicated to finding the perfect spot for swimming, boat jumping, and unwinding before the journey concludes with a delightful Sunset Party of fresh fruit and cookies on the return trip.

Overnight on Cat Ba Island.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Hai Phong Airport for your flight to the Central Coast, arriving in Da Nang. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by your local guide and driver. The day is packed with sensory experiences, beginning with the vast stretch of My Khe Beach and a contemplative visit to Marble Mountain. As evening descends, the focus shifts to cuisine: a dynamic Da Nang street-food tour introduces you to local delicacies, followed by a stroll through the Son Tra Night Market and a view of the spectacular Dragon Bridge. Note the famous Dragon Bridge fire show is visible Friday to Sunday evenings.

Accommodation: Hilton Da Nang, or Furama Resort Da Nang, or TIA Wellness Resort.

Today is an unparalleled blend of high-energy adventure and quiet cultural exploration. Your morning is spent exploring the Hoi An countryside by Jeep and classic Vespa—a truly boutique travel agency experience. You zip through picturesque rice paddies and vegetable plantations, visiting local businesses to see straw mats being woven, learning how Banh Dap (local rice flour dish) is made, and riding along the riverbank to see fish farms and fishing boat construction. Your guides enrich the 5-hour tour with historical insights. In the afternoon, you settle into a gentle pace with a walking tour of Hoi An's enchanting Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, the well-preserved Tan Ky Old House, and vibrant Chinese congregation halls and markets, followed by an elegant dinner.

Accommodation: Little Oasis Hoi An, or Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection, or Namia River Retreat Hoi An.

After a relaxing breakfast, the morning is dedicated to self-care: enjoy free time followed by a rejuvenating 1-hour Spa treatment at your hotel, a perfect inclusion from your luxury travel agency. In the afternoon, the culinary journey resumes. You drive to Hoi An's colorful market to experience the lively atmosphere and purchase fresh ingredients with your guide. You then board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely, 25-minute cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. The 2-hour hands-on lesson begins with a tour of the herb and vegetable garden, followed by a detailed demonstration of Vietnamese dishes. You will prepare and then feast upon the dishes you have cooked, concluding with an introduction to Vietnamese food carving.

Accommodation: Little Oasis Hoi An, or Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection, or Namia River Retreat Hoi An.

A morning transfer takes you to the airport for your flight south to Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon. Once again, Fast Track immigration services ensure a smooth arrival. Your city tour focuses on Vietnam’s modern history, beginning at the Reunification Palace, the poignant site where the North Vietnamese army took control in 1975. You will explore the War Room and presidential quarters. The tour continues to the cultural heart of the city: the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral and the classic colonial architecture of the Old Post Office, before a stop at the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Accommodation: La Siesta Premium Saigon, or Park Hyatt Saigon, or Fusion Original Saigon Centre

Midday, your private driver transfers you to the central Saigon meeting point, where you are introduced to the crew of the magnificent Pandaw vessel. Step aboard your home for the next seven nights and relax on the spacious sundeck as the vessel sails past Saigon's towering skyline and into the peaceful expanse of the Mekong Delta. After lunch and a crew meet-and-greet, enjoy local entertainment on deck as you sail toward the Vam Co River, where you will moor overnight, embraced by the tranquility of the Delta.

Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise.

The day begins with a sail through the Cho Gao Canal, a vital, historic French-built waterway. Reaching Ben Tre, you transition to traditional sampans to navigate through tranquil mangroves and bamboo forests, arriving at fruit orchards and villages. This region, the agricultural engine of Vietnam, is home to a rich artisanal culture, which you will witness firsthand at a local handicraft village. After returning to the Pandaw, you sail deeper into the Delta, heading toward Chau Doc, enjoying the serenity of dinner and overnight mooring on board.

Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise.

Explore the Vietnamese river town of Chau Doc. A short ride takes you to Sam Mountain, where a climb to the Hang Pagoda rewards you with stunning views across the vast Mekong floodplain. Alternatively, explore the bustling local market. The cultural immersion continues with a visit to floating fish farms by sampan, followed by a private Lion Dance performance in a local village. Upon returning to the ship, the vessel navigates a complex web of canals before anchoring at the Vietnam/Cambodia border for necessary immigration formalities. Note: High water periods may necessitate replacing the Chau Doc excursion with a visit to Long Thuan.

Note: During high water periods (October–November), this day’s activities may be replaced with a visit to Long Thuan.

Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise.
 

Awaken in Cambodia's captivating capital, Phnom Penh. Your morning begins with a memorable city orientation by cyclo, visiting the grandeur of the Royal Palace and the glistening Silver Pagoda, followed by the National Museum and its exquisite collection of Angkorian statuary. The afternoon is dedicated to a poignant, necessary history lesson: visits to the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum to learn about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Docking overnight in the city port, you are free to explore Phnom Penh’s lively bars and restaurants before returning to the peaceful sanctuary of your floating hotel.

Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise.
 

The Pandaw leaves Phnom Penh early, sailing up the winding Tonle Sap River toward Kampong Tralach. Here, you trade the river for land, traveling by traditional oxcart around the riverside villages, markets, and temples, capturing an authentic sense of life in rural Cambodia. In the evening, the bespoke travel planner experience shines: enjoy sunset cocktails served around a fire pit at a small fishing village, where local residents join you to share tales and perform traditional Cambodian dancing.

Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise.
 

Travel by coach this morning to Oudong, the ancient capital, and visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre. Walk among the impressive Khmer architecture and participate in a short meditation class to quieten your mind. You rejoin the ship at Prek Kdam, sailing back onto the mighty Mekong. In the afternoon, you step ashore at Pak Russei, a small, remote village, to explore on foot, witnessing local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles. Before returning, you are treated to a private performance of Bokator, an ancient Cambodian martial art.

Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise.
 

Begin your final full day on the river with an optional Tai Chi session as the sun rises. The ship takes you to Peam Chi Korng, a captivating, untouched hub of Cambodian pottery. After a short tuk-tuk ride, you witness local potters at work, explore the village, and test your language skills at the fresh market. The afternoon is spent sailing toward Steung Trang. The evening culminates with special onboard entertainment and a magnificent farewell dinner, prepared by the culinary team to celebrate your incredible river journey.

Accommodation: Pandaw Cruise.

Disembark after breakfast at Steung Trang and travel by coach through the stunning Cambodian countryside to Siem Reap, arriving between 12:00 – 1:00 PM. After a warm welcome by your local guide and hotel check-in, you are ready for the afternoon's highlight: the magical Ta Prohm Temple. This temple has been deliberately left partially overgrown by the jungle, allowing the magnificent roots of silk-cotton trees to embrace the huge stone blocks—an oddly haunting and unforgettable scene. The day concludes with an exquisite Dinner with Apsara Dance show at the Apsara Theater, witnessing the graceful, storytelling movements of this classical Khmer dance-drama.

Accommodation: Angkor Village Hotel, or FCC Angkor by Avani.

Today is dedicated to detailed beauty and poignant social history. You drive 35km to the rural outskirts to visit Banteay Srei, the "Citadel of Women." This small but magnificent 10th-century temple is renowned for the exquisite detail of its pink sandstone carvings, considered the finest example of Khmer classical art. On your return, you stop at Pradark Village to meet families producing palm sugar, witnessing the struggles and traditions of countryside life. The afternoon brings a unique and inspiring visit to the APOPO HeroRat Visitor Center, where you learn about the realities of humanitarian demining and how trained rats are saving lives in Cambodia. The day concludes with a relaxing 1-hour spa treatment back at your hotel.

Accommodation: Angkor Village Hotel, or FCC Angkor by Avani.

The most iconic morning of your tour begins at 05:00 AM. You drive in darkness to the majestic Angkor Wat to witness the unforgettable sunrise, watching the temple emerge from the shadows into the light. At 08:00 AM, you travel to the picturesque Srah Srang baray (ancient reservoir), where a lavish champagne breakfast is served at a tranquil, quiet corner of the lake. The sightseeing continues at Angkor Thom, the masterpiece of King Jayavarman VII. You explore the famous multi-faced towers of Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the Terrace of Elephants. After a break, the evening provides an exclusive JOIN-IN TOUR: A Countryside Explorer with Fine-Dining. You travel by boat across the vast Western Baray to Villa Chandara, a charming private villa located amidst rice paddies and landscaped gardens. Here, away from the tourist crowds, you enjoy sunset cocktails before a special fine-dining experience by candlelight.

Accommodation: Angkor Village Hotel, or FCC Angkor by Avani.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you are again met by our dedicated Fast Track Immigration Representative, ensuring a swift, VIP entry. After checking into your luxurious hotel, the real excitement begins at 6:00 PM: a Private Tuk Tuk Foodie Tour. Your open-air journey takes you past stunningly illuminated temples and bustling markets. You’ll visit the iconic red-fenced Wat Prayoon and pass the Memorial Bridge. You’ll learn about Brahmanism at the Giant Swing and soak up the fragrant chaos of the Flower Market. The evening culminates in the heart of Yaowarat Road (Chinatown), where you sample exotic snacks and the classic dessert, mango sticky rice.

Accommodation: Riva Surya Bangkok, or Kimpton Maa Lai Bangkok.

Your morning begins with a 10:00 AM meeting with your guide for a cultural immersion. First, visit Wat Pho, home to the magnificent Reclining Buddha and regarded as Thailand’s first university, where mural paintings and statues taught various ancient subjects. Next, board a traditional long-tail boat for a half-day trip along the bustling Chao Phraya River and the quiet Klongs (canals) of Thonburi, offering a serene glimpse of traditional Bangkok life, far from the skyscrapers. You also stop at the iconic “Temple of Dawn” (Wat Arun). The afternoon is dedicated to the nation’s most revered landmark: the Royal Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple. Please note the strict attire requirements for this national shrine (no bare shoulders or knees).

Accommodation: Riva Surya Bangkok, or Kimpton Maa Lai Bangkok.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the tropical paradise of Koh Samui. Upon clearing formalities, your guide meets you for a scenic Samui Half-Day Tour. You’ll visit the most memorable landmarks, including the peaceful Big Buddha Temple and the picturesque panoramic view from Lad-Koh View Point. You will marvel at the twin Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai) on the shore, shop for signature Samui souvenirs, and explore the Namuang Waterfall 1. The final stop is Nathon, the island's main town, before checking into your handpicked luxury resort (U Samui or Anantara Lawana).

Accommodation: U Samui, or Anantara Lawana Koh Samui.

Today is dedicated to the sapphire waters of Ang Thong National Marine Park. Transfer to the speedboat pier and enjoy a light breakfast before setting off. The sightseeing begins immediately with the breathtaking scenery of the archipelago. Your adventure includes a walk up to a viewpoint to experience the striking Emerald Green Lake (Koh Mae Koh). After a delightful buffet lunch (Thai style), you arrive at Koh Wua Ta Lup, the main island, where you can choose to relax, kayak (first come, first serve), or walk up to the Pha Chancharat Viewpoint for commanding views. You return to the serenity of Koh Samui in the late afternoon, concluding an exhilarating day of ocean discovery.

Accommodation: U Samui, or Anantara Lawana Koh Samui.

Savor a final breakfast in your tropical sanctuary. The day is yours for last-minute relaxation or souvenir shopping until your private transfer takes you to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your majestic, 26-day journey across the wonders of Southeast Asia.