Vietnam & Cambodia: 14-Day Luxury Journey

  • 14 days/ 13 nights
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Overview

From Mountain Peaks to Ancient Temples and Pristine Beaches.

Experience the ultimate Southeast Asia adventure on this immersive 14-day journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Designed for discerning travelers, this itinerary blend nature, culture, cuisine, and relaxation - taking you from bustling cities and breathtaking bays to spiritual temples and idyllic island getaways.

  • Tour Duration: 14 days 13 nights
  • Style: Boutique, culture, nature, history, moderate activity
  • Group Size: Private tour (no group size limit)
  • Dates: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish
  • Starts/Ends: Hanoi (Vietnam)/Phnom Penh (Cambodia) 

Highlight

  • Cruise the emerald waters of Bai Tu Long Bay
  • Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and feast on street food
  • Experience Vietnam's overnight train journey from Hanoi to the mountain town of Sapa
  • Trek through lush rice terraces in Sapa
  • Discover Angkor Wat at sunrise
  • Meet Elephants in a protected forest sanctuary
  • Unwind on the paradise island of Koh Rong

Itinerary

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Day 1: Hanoi arrival

Arrive in the vibrant capital of Vietnam, where tradition meets modernity. Enjoy a warm welcome and transfer to your hotel. 

Later this afternoon, explore the serene Ngoc Son temple and wind through the Old Quarter by cycle rickshaw. End your first day with a mesmerizing water puppet performance - a cultural treasure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Sights & Overnight Train to Sapa (Meal: B, local food)

We begin a full-day city tour by visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex, including the One Pillar Pagoda, the former leader’s house on stilts and his Mausoleum. Continue, transfer to West Lake to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, known as the oldest pagoda in the city, originally constructed in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De, and then keep walking to Quan Thanh Temple, as one of the Four Sacred Temples of the capital.

Keep forward to the peaceful Temple of Literature - the first university of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, proceed to the Ethnologic Museum, which focuses on the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam, it is widely considered to be the finest modern museum in Vietnam and a tourist attraction in Hanoi.

Later this afternoon, start our street food tour in Ta Hien – Luong Ngoc Quyen – Hang Giay – Dao Duy Tu streets, where shows many kinds of local and traditional dishes. Here, you will have a chance to try Bun Cha (a type of noodle soup with pork BBQ) or Pho (Noodles with beef or chicken).  All the preparation and content are explained by the guide. The guide also tells the daily life of the common Vietnamese, experiencing something that the Vietnamese used a lot in cooking, dried foods, spices, and fresh herbs. You also have a chance to taste Hanoi’s specialties Banh Cuon – the dish that is made from a thin, wide sheet of steamed rice or other local food (subject to availability). This is one of the most famous dishes in Ha Noi and has been along with Hanoian for years. The tour ends with a cup of Egg Coffee at Nguyen Huu Huan Street.

In the evening, transfer to the railway station and board your overnight sleeper train to Sapa, traveling in a private, comfortable cabin as you journey through the northern highlands.

Overnight on the train (Private 4-berth cabin)

Day 3: Ethnic Market Discovery & Journey to Sapa (Meal: B)

After an early arrival in Lao Cai, a historic town near the Chinese border, you'll enjoy breakfast at a local Vietnamese restaurant before heading deep into the northern highlands.

Today’s adventure takes you to one of Vietnam’s vibrant hill tribe markets, depending on the day of the week:

  • Bac Ha Market (Sunday)
  • Can Cau Market (Saturday)
  • Coc Ly Market (Tuesday)
  • Cao Son Market (Wednesday)
  • Lung Khau Nhin market (Thursday) 

Each of these markets offers a rare cultural experience, where hundreds of Flower H’mong women, known for their bright, handmade costumes and exquisite textiles, gather alongside ethnic groups like the Black Hmong, Dzao, Dzay, and others. These markets are more than just places to trade, they are weekly social hubs, where locals meet, share stories, and celebrate their traditions.

After exploring the market, we drive downhill for about half an hour toward Lao Cai, stopping just before reaching the town for a short walk in Trung Do village, home to the Tay people. Here, you will visit a traditional Tay house to experience local customs and lifestyle firsthand. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise upstream along the scenic Chay River, where the lush landscapes on both sides create a tranquil atmosphere. The boat trip concludes at Bao Nhai bridge, where your vehicle will be waiting to take you to Sapa, the mountain town nestled in the Hoang Lien Son range. Check into your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or explore on your own.

Overnight in Sapa

Approximate timing: 5 hours driving. 30 minutes boat cruise/ 30 minutes walking 

Note: If the water level is too low for the boat trip, a buffalo cart ride in Trung Do village will be offered as an alternative.

Optional in the afternoon: If we reach Sapa early, we can take cable car to Fanxipan mountain: US$50/ ticket (cable car & muong hoa train). 

Currently the highest point of Fanxipan is 3,143m high. As you know the cable in Sapa is the world’s longest and highest cable car, running up from sleepy Sapa town to the Peak of Fanxipan Mountain, known as Indochina’s rooftop. Enjoy the view from the highest point of this incredible mountain. The lush green and subtropical vegetation makes this mountain really very beautiful. Take some pictures for unforgettable experience from the top. After taking scenery then get cable car back to Sapa. 
 

Day 4: Sapa Trekking & Return to Hanoi (Meal: B)

Highlights: 

You will have a trek through beautiful landscape surrounded by rice paddy terraces and mountains covered by rain forest under the protection of Hoang Lien National Park. Also, you will hear about the lifestyle and tradition of Back Hmong and Giay minorities.
 
Meet your local guide and driver at your hotel in Sapa for a short transfer to Y Linh Ho village, home to the Black Hmong minority. After a few minutes, begin trekking on a dirt trail through stunning rice paddy terraces. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you walk along a narrow river. Continue toward Muong Hoa Valley, passing through Lao Chai village (Black Hmong minority) and then Tavan village (Giay minority) along a popular trekking route. You will return to Sapa from Tavan by car.

Approx: 0,5-hour driving / 3 -4 hours walking.  

In the afternoon, we take the bus back to Hanoi.

In the afternoon, drive for about 5 hours back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5: Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay (Meal: B, L, D)

  • 09:00: Pick up at your hotel. 
  • 11:20 – 11:50: Arrival and check-in at the Waiting Lounge in Indochina Junk Ha Long Office. 
  • 12:00 – 12:15: Transfer to the port by Electric car.
  • 12:30 – 13:00: Check-in, enjoy welcome drink & cruise briefing.
  • 13:30 – 15:00: Have lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay; admire the fascinating formations on the way.
  • 15:15 – 15:40: Explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.
  • 15:45 – 18:00: Enjoy relaxing on a white sandy beach at Hon Co Island and kayaking.
  • 18:00 – 19:00: Back to junk for refreshing before having dinner on board.
  • 20:00 – 21:00: Relax, enjoy fresh air & overnight on board.
Day 6: Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Da Nang – Hoi An (Meal: B, brunch)

07:30 – 08:00: Morning view of Bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee. Have breakfast in the fresh air.

08:30 – 09:30: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by a rustic rowboat, meet the local people and pass through the floating school and fish farms.

10:00: Check out of the cabin. Start cruising towards the harbor while an A la carte lunch is served.

11:30 – 12:00: Disembark. Drive to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.

On arrival, you are picked up and transfer to the hotel in Hoi An for check-in. free time at your leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An (Meal: B)

In the morning, enjoy the rural Villages Experience by Vespa tour

Explore a unique way to see Hoi An and countryside where there are less travelers. The tour starts at your hotel. Our tour guide and Vespa driver will come to pick you up, then we will explore the countryside around Hoi An on the back of a vintage Vespa and experience something a little different during your stay. We will get to see the countryside and visit some local businesses where you will learn more about the way of life in this part of Vietnam. We will show you a side of Hoi An that most visitors miss out on. We will start the day by driving out of Hoi An city and seeing beautiful scenery including rice paddies and vegetable plantations. The trip includes a stop where you will enjoy Banh Dap (a local rice flour dish) being made and you can give it a go yourself! You will also see local weavers making straw mats, riding on the back of Vespa along the bank of the river, seeing fish farms and amazing to see fish traps and stop to see the people build fishing boats as well as crossing a traditional bridge built completely from bamboo. the bamboo boat you get a chance to see a vast fish farm. Your guides will give you information about some of the history and local traditions. The tour lasts around 5 hours and will have a coffee break along the way. We look forward to showing you another side of Hoi An!  Return to the town after lunch.

This afternoon, we take a walking tour of Hoi An. 

Hoi An is known as an ancient town of meandering narrow streets dating back to the 16th century. This tour offers us a chance to see the Japanese Bridge, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the ancient house Tran Phu, the Hoi An Museum, Hoi An market.

Continuing, visit of a local family making lanterns brings you a chance to make some lanterns for friends and beloved before ending this trip. 

Enjoy shopping with tailor made clothing, lanterns, shoes, food, or relaxation on the beach.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Suggestion for local foods (own account):

Don't forget to try the special local foods in Hoi An, such as Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), Cao Lau, Mi Quang (local noodles), Banh Xeo (pancake), Com Ga (chicken rice), grilled chicken, and grilled fish.
 

Day 8: Hoy An - Marble Mountains & Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia) (Meal: B)

Breakfast at the hotel

In the morning, depart from the hotel to visit Marble Mountain. Climb Thuy Son (‘Water’ Mountain) by the stone stairs and enjoy the panoramic view of the nearby countryside.

Explore Huyen Khong cave before visiting Tam Thai and Linh Ung pagodas, where you will be rewarded with stunning city views and amazed by the main cave housing a beautiful Cham Buddha statue sitting under a natural shaft of light.

Continue to visit Linh Ung Pagoda, where exists the highest Goddess of Mercy Statue of Viet Nam. The pagoda offers stunning views of Danang beach and Cham Islands in the distance. We have free time to visit the fishing village and My Khe beach and enjoy a bowl of traditional Mi Quang.

In the evening, take a flight to Siem Reap at approximately 18:20.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap Int’s Airport, process immigration procedure (visa on arrival is available or obtain in advance via www.evisa.gov.kh), then get your luggage and walk straight to the Exit Gate where our representative is waiting. After being introduced, you’ll transfer to hotel in the city (check in time is 2pm). Time to fresh-up and relax at hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap.
 

Day 9: Angkor Highlight (Meal: B)

We start very early in the morning so we can capture the iconic picture of the pre-dawn facing Angkor Wat temple. Sunrise at Angkor Wat can be a busy venue especially during the months of December, January, February, and March.

After sunrise, we will explore the vast and rich of Angkor Wat temple, taking pictures at different angles, playing with light and shadows and capturing the most beautiful devatas carved in sandstone.

Next destination will be the Ta Prohm "Tomb Raider" fame. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhout in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones, man first conquering nature to create, nature later conquering man to destroy.

Next, at the Golden Hour, there will be the impressive Bayon temple with its 54 towers and 216 faces overlooking the defunct city of Angkor Thom. The final stop will be at one of gate of Angkor Thom to capture sunset over the moat.

We go to local pagoda, where you should change to clothes, we can get wet in as here we will experience the ceremony “Srouch Teok”, which roughly translates into “Water blessing”. A monk will chant in ancient Pali as he splashes water over us, washing away our sins and bad luck so we can start fresh and by being a good person can increase our good luck.

In the evening prepare for a special treat and visit Phare Ponleu Selpak. Phare is a social center and arts school that started in Battambang. The organization offers Cambodian youth a way out of poverty through arts. One of these projects is the Circus.

Overnight in Siem Reap.
 

Day 10: A Morning with Elephants – Fly to Phnom (Meal: B, L)

A Morning with Elephants 

  • Scenic 1-hour drive from downtown Siem Reap to Kulen Elephant Forest. 
  • Introductory briefing. 
  • Elephant meet and greet.
  • Observation trek. (2km)
  • Make enrichment and watch the elephants play by the pond.
  • Khmer-style lunch and cocktails.
  • Return to Siem Reap

Transfer to Siem Reap airport for flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel to check in.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 11: Phnom Penh – Sihanouk Ville – Koh Rong (Meal: B)

After breakfast, pick up by driver (without guide) and drive towards Sihanouk Ville, which has long been a place of relaxation for Cambodians. Arrive in Sihanouk Ville we take fast boat to Koh Rong “Paradise Island”. 

Overnight in Koh Rong.

Day 12: Koh Rong – Free Leisure (Meal: B)

Enjoy a full day of sun or swimming in the warm coastal waters. This is the moment when the dream of going on vacation to an exotic land becomes reality. 

Overnight in Koh Rong.

Day 13: Koh Rong – Free Leisure (Meal: B)

Enjoy a full day of sun or swimming in the warm coastal waters. This is the moment when the dream of going on vacation to an exotic land becomes reality. 

Overnight in Koh Rong.

Day 14: Departure (Meal: B)

We farewell island and take express boat back to Sihanouk Ville. Upon arrival at Sihanouk Ville port, meet your driver (without guide) and drive back to Phnom Penh.

Arrive in Phnom Penh, transfer directly to Phnom Penh airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.

Note: To have enough time, please book a departure flight not earlier than 4pm.

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