Cambodia & Vietnam: 15-Day Cultural Odyssey

A nourishing breakfast prepares you for a day of monumental discovery. We delve first into the antique capital of Angkor Thom, a sprawling complex that speaks volumes of 12th-century Khmer power. We enter through the iconic South Gate, guarded by massive stone faces, leading us to the captivating Bayon Temple. This unique marvel boasts 54 towers, each adorned with over 200 enigmatic, smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, exuding a sense of profound serenity. We continue through the Royal Enclosure, past the Phimeanakas, and along the impressive Elephants Terrace and the enigmatic Terrace of the Leper King. The afternoon brings us to the beloved Ta Prohm, the temple famously left to the embrace of the jungle. Here, the magnificent roots of silk-cotton and strangler fig trees coil around huge stone blocks, creating an oddly haunting, exotic, and unforgettable scene of nature conquering architecture. Finally, we stand before the most famous of all: Angkor Wat. This 81-hectare masterpiece, comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing, is the prime example of classical Khmer art, its five distinctive towers emblazoned on the Cambodian flag. Your day concludes with an exclusive Dinner Show at the Angkor Village Theatre, featuring a delectable Khmer Tapas set menu alongside traditional performance art (Note: Show available only on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday).

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

After breakfast, we escape the tropical heat and drive 48 kilometers north to the spiritual heights of the Holy Kulen Mountains, fondly referred to by locals as "Mountain of the Lychees" (Phnom Kulen). This mountain was the historical sandstone quarry for the massive Angkor Kingdom. Our first sacred stop is The River of a Thousand Lingas, an extraordinary site where hundreds of phallic carvings dating back to the 9th century adorn the sandstone riverbed, symbolizing Hindu devotion. Further downstream, you'll discover large submerged blocks carved with beautiful Apsara dancers and Vishnu figures. Next on the agenda is a gentle wander around the mountain-top pagoda, a sanctuary housing relics, statues, and a massive reclining Buddha. The day’s finale is a refreshing cool-down at the magnificent Kulen Waterfall. The natural pool here is the perfect oasis on a hot day, and serves as our scenic picnic spot before we journey back. We conclude the day with a thoughtful visit to a local village, offering a glimpse into contemporary Cambodian rural life.

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

We begin the final morning in Cambodia with a mesmerizing boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest permanent fresh-water lake in Southeast Asia. This unique ecosystem feeds the Tonle Sap River, which merges with the Mekong in Phnom Penh. Here, we witness a remarkable fishermen's "floating village"—a self-contained community featuring floating schools and even a floating police station—that gracefully moves with the seasonal water levels and current. Afterward, we visit ARTISAN D’ANGKOR, a truly inspiring organization built on the ambitious belief that ancient Khmer Arts & Crafts can be revived, simultaneously improving the lives of thousands in rural communities. Following this cultural exchange, you are transferred to Siem Reap airport for your flight to the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, where your next grand chapter begins.

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

Promptly at 8:00 AM, your driver will collect you from your hotel for the picturesque bus journey to Sapa, following the modern Noi Bai - Lao Cai high-way. This journey is a visual feast, offering glimpses of the breathtaking beauty of the northwest mountains, characterized by spectacular, multi-layered rice terraced fields. After a short 30-minute rest stop en route, we arrive in Sapa. The afternoon is dedicated to an unforgettable trek along buffalo paths and ancient trails, weaving through the hills to the tribal villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. These villages are home to the vibrant Black H'mong and Dzay people. This spectacular walk takes you through stunning scenery and introduces you to some of the friendliest people you could ever meet. Once on the valley floor, the true majesty of the landscape is revealed: the valley walls blanketed with sculpted rice terraces and scattered ethnic villages. The car awaits to return you to Sapa after visiting Ta Van.

Accommodation: Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery, or Silk Path Grand Sapa Resort & Spa.

The morning brings an exciting cultural immersion at one of the lively weekly hill tribe markets in Lao Cai province—the specific market (Bac Ha on Sunday, Coc Ly on Tuesday, or Can Cau on Saturday) depending on your travel day. These markets are a colorful convergence where Flower Hmong, Tay, Nung, and many other hill tribes, dressed in their distinct traditional attire, meet to trade, socialize, and build friendships. The vibrant colors and lively interactions make for incredible memories. After a satisfying lunch, we embark on a gentle walk to observe firsthand how local families produce farming products in their living spaces, offering an authentic insight into mountain agriculture. You return to Sapa feeling enriched by the day's cultural exchange.

Accommodation: Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery, or Silk Path Grand Sapa Resort & Spa.

Today is dedicated to conquering the "Rooftop of Indochina." You will board the Fansipan Cable Car, renowned as the world’s longest and highest three-rope cable car system. This exhilarating ascent takes you from the sleepy Sapa town up to the majestic peak of Fansipan Mountain, currently measured at 3,143 meters high. As you glide upward, you are treated to unbelievable panoramic views of lush, green, subtropical vegetation. Take your time to capture unforgettable pictures from the highest point, absorbing the immense scale and beauty of this incredible mountain before descending back to Sapa. Later, you are transferred back to Hanoi for the evening.

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

We venture outside the city to the Dong Anh district to visit Dao Thuc village, a community famous for preserving the ancient art of water puppetry for over 300 years. This traditional performance is a captivating art form. For lunch, you will enjoy a deeply authentic Vietnamese culinary experience: a warming bowl of Pho or Bun Cha, followed by a classic Vietnamese egg coffee. The afternoon is dedicated to traditional crafts as we visit the famed Bat Trang ceramic village, where artisans continue centuries-old pottery techniques. Returning to the city center, the day concludes with the mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, a vibrant cultural staple where puppets dance gracefully over water, narrating folk tales and daily life.

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

Following breakfast, we journey south to the province of Ninh Binh, often hailed as the "Ha Long Bay on land." Our first stop is Bai Dinh Pagoda, Southeast Asia’s most famous and largest pagoda complex, holding multiple records, including the site of 500 Stone Arhat Statues, a 36-ton bronze Bell, and a 100-ton Buddha Statue. The afternoon’s highlight is a tranquil boat trip through the enchanting Trang An complex. Here, forested limestone mountains rise dramatically from emerald water, creating a mysterious, fairytale-like scene. You will visit a network of 11 caves adorned with beautiful stalactites of all shapes and colors. After this natural wonder, we return to the hotel, taking time to explore the peaceful local village nearby and the revered Vi Temple.

Accommodation: Tam Coc Garden Resort, or Emeralda Tam Coc.

The morning is steeped in history as we visit Hoa Lu, the site of Vietnam’s ancient capital from 968 to 1009. We explore the two preserved temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Kings, surrounded by fragrant hibiscus gardens, lotus ponds, and frangipani. The atmosphere here is airy, reflective, and deeply peaceful. Next, we embark on another exciting boat trip, this time through the iconic Tam Coc (Three Grottoes)—the very place regarded as "inland Ha Long Bay." We row gently through winding streams, passing through three magnificent caves, and continue to the nearby Bich Dong Pagoda. Finally, for an astonishing panoramic view, we visit Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). A climb of nearly 500 steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain rewards you with a breathtaking vista of the entire Tam Coc region below.

Accommodation: Tam Coc Garden Resort, or Emeralda Tam Coc.

Today, we depart for the pinnacle of Vietnamese natural beauty: Ha Long Bay, a designated World Heritage Area. Known as "Dragon descending to the sea," the bay features over 1,000 striking limestone islets rising majestically from the emerald waters. You are picked up between 8:30 and 9:00 AM in Ninh Binh and transferred directly to the harbor. After arriving at the Indochina Junk Office, you are whisked by buggy to the Ha Long International Harbor. Between 12:30 and 1:00 PM, you check in, receive a welcome drink, and have a cruise briefing before settling into your luxury travel agency cabin. Lunch is served as you begin cruising through the magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay. The afternoon includes exploring the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave, followed by relaxing on the white sandy beach of Hon Co Island and enjoying a serene kayaking experience. You return to the junk for a refreshing moment before a sumptuous dinner is served on board.

Accommodation: Dragon Legend Cruise, or Elite of the Sea, or Bhaya Soul, or CYCAD Cruises.

Start your day with a breathtaking morning view of the Bay's landscape, accompanied by a hot cup of tea or coffee, followed by a fresh-air breakfast. Between 8:30 and 9:30 AM, we take a rustic rowboat to visit the Vung Vieng fishing village, where you meet local people and pass by the floating school and fish farms, witnessing a unique way of life. After checking out of the cabin, an A la carte lunch is served as the junk cruises back toward the harbor. You disembark between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM and are immediately transferred to Noi Bai airport for a short flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Da Nang airport, our guide and driver await to transfer you to your coastal hotel.

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

The day begins with a drive 70 kilometers southwest of Da Nang to the My Son Holy Land, the former capital of the once-mighty Champa Kingdom. This complex of ancient ruins dates back 1,700 years and is the most complete example of ancient Champa artistry in Vietnam. We then return to the enchanting merchant town of Hoi An, where we stroll through its historical streets, visiting the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the ornate Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the Phung Hung Old House, the Hoi An Museum, and the Quan Cong Temple. The rest of the afternoon is yours to freely wander the old town, soak in the atmospheric culture, enjoy bespoke tailor shopping for clothing or shoes, admire the myriad lanterns, or simply relax by the beach.

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

We journey to the former imperial capital of Hue today, beginning our visit at the magnificent Hue Royal Complex, the home of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last royal dynasty (1802-1945), and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will explore the ancient and atmospheric walled Citadel, which contains the former Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City. The tour continues to the final resting places of the emperors: the elaborate and beautiful King tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang, and Khai Dinh. En route, we pause to witness the delicate craftsmanship involved in making Vietnam’s famous conical hats, a beautiful local tradition. You return to your Da Nang hotel in the late afternoon.

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

Enjoy your final leisurely breakfast by the sea. The morning is free for last-minute enjoyment or relaxation until the moment you are privately transferred to the airport for your departure flight, bringing this immersive and luxurious journey to a close.