21-Day Cultural Tour of Vietnam and Cambodia, Beginning in Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Vietnam consistently ranks among the world’s most attractive travel destinations, offering a wide variety of tours to suit every interest. When you choose Vietnam Shore Excursions to organize your trip, you can rest assured that your Vietnam holiday will be unforgettable. Upon arrival, our dedicated guide and private driver will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Hanoi, the capital city, perfectly balances the charm of old Asia with the energy of modern times. This enchanting city is a harmonious blend of Parisian elegance and vibrant Asian culture, where history and innovation coexist. Unlike many capitals in the region, Hanoi preserves its architectural heritage while embracing growth, creating a unique and inspiring destination. After your arrival, enjoy free time to explore or relax. Overnight in Hanoi.

Vietnam and Cambodia Tour – 21 Days
Discover iconic landmarks such as the One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Begin your day with a hotel pickup and transfer to explore some of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his former residence, followed by the historic One Pillar Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, for a glimpse into the country’s rich educational heritage.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before taking a panoramic rickshaw ride through the bustling 36 Streets of the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake. Conclude your tour with a visit to the serene Ngoc Son Temple. Afterward, transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam

A tour of Ha Long Bay is an absolute highlight of any Vietnam holiday, showcasing some of the country’s most breathtaking natural beauty. The journey begins at 8:00 AM with a scenic three-hour drive (170 km) through the picturesque Red River Delta. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to capture stunning photos of Vietnamese farmers tending the lush green rice paddies. Midway through the drive, we’ll stop to visit a handicraft workshop, offering fine textiles, embroidered paintings, stone carvings, and precious gemstones like star rubies and sapphires sourced from Vietnam.

Our destination is the stunning Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic landscape of nearly 3,000 limestone islands and islets rising majestically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed aboard our luxury junk boat with a glass of wine and a feast of fresh local seafood. As the junk cruises deeper into the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, surrounded by towering cliffs and tranquil scenery, you’ll have time to relax and take in the breathtaking views.

During the cruise, we’ll make stops to explore the mesmerizing Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and relax on the pristine Ti Top Beach. In the evening, the junk will anchor in a quiet area of the bay, providing a peaceful setting for an overnight stay on board amidst the enchanting beauty of Ha Long Bay.

No Vietnam tour is truly complete without experiencing the magic of Ha Long Bay and spending a night aboard a romantic cruise. Often described as majestic, mysterious, inspiring, and awe-inspiring, Ha Long Bay defies words, offering a breathtaking natural wonder crafted by the hand of nature—a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures carved from limestone cliffs.

After breakfast, board a small sampan to explore a hidden lagoon within Ha Long Bay, where the surrounding mountains slowly come alive with the morning light. Following this serene adventure, the cruise continues deeper into the Bai Tu Long Bay, passing remarkable formations such as Human Head Island, Turtle Island, and Duck Islet, before reaching the iconic filming site of the movie Indochine.

By midday, the junk returns to the harbor. From here, you’ll travel back to Hanoi and transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, you’ll be greeted and taken to your hotel. The evening is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. Overnight in Hue.

Embark on a full-day exploration of Hue, the former capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. The journey begins with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, offering insights into the grandeur of Vietnamese royal architecture and culture.

Next, enjoy a picturesque dragon boat ride along the Perfume River, leading to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. Situated on the riverbank, this pagoda is a masterpiece of Hue’s traditional architecture and holds historical significance. It is renowned as the site where Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc staged a self-immolation in 1963 to protest government policies.

The tour continues with visits to the magnificent tombs of King Tu Duc and King Khai Dinh, celebrated as the finest examples of royal architecture from the Nguyen Dynasty. Return to Hue for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, journey to Hoi An, a true gem and highlight of any Vietnam tour. This remarkably well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site was a bustling Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. Its unique blend of indigenous and foreign architectural styles reflects its rich cultural heritage.

The scenic drive takes you through the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co before ascending the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, also known as the Pass of Ocean Clouds.

En route, stop in Da Nang to explore the renowned Cham Museum, which houses the world’s finest collection of Cham sculptures, and visit the iconic Marble Mountain, a spiritual pilgrimage site featuring peaks, caves, tunnels, and ancient temples.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, enjoy free time to stroll through the enchanting ancient town. Overnight in Hoi An.

Start your day with a hotel pickup and transfer to the Bay Mau Water Coconut Forest, where you’ll enjoy a unique experience in a traditional round boat (coracle) and try your hand at crab fishing.

Next, embark on a scenic boat trip along the Thu Bon River, leading to the charming Hoi An Ancient Town. Upon arrival, savor a delightful lunch at a local restaurant in the heart of the ancient town.

In the afternoon, explore the highlights of Hoi An, including the vibrant Hoi An Market, the ornate Fujian Chinese Temple, the historic Tan Ky Ancient House, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. You’ll also have time for some fantastic shopping in this bustling heritage town.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Hoi An. The evening is free for you to enjoy dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Begin your day with a hotel pickup and transfer to Ba Na Hills, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views as you ride the cable car to the summit. Upon arrival, explore the iconic Golden Bridge, famous for its stunning design, and capture memorable photos. Next, visit the enchanting Le Jardin D’Amour, a flower garden showcasing a variety of beautiful blooms.

Take another cable car ride to the French Village, located at an elevation of 1,138 meters, where you can admire the charming European-style architecture. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Fantasy Amusement Park for some fun and entertainment.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before transferring back to your hotel in Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy some free time at leisure until your Vietnam tour guide and driver in Hoi An transfer you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, one of the most exciting destinations in Indochina and home to the magnificent Temples of Angkor.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be warmly welcomed by your private guide and driver, who will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Siem Reap.

This morning, we will start early to witness the breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by a return to the hotel for breakfast. Afterward, we will embark on a full day of exploration at the Angkor Thom temples, including the Victory Gate, Bayon Temple, Baphuon, Phimean Akas, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, Takeo, and Ta Prohm. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the stunning architecture and sculptures of the Angkor Wat complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. To conclude the day, head to Phnom Bakheng for a stunning sunset view over the Angkor complex. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, enjoy a boat excursion on Tonle Sap Lake, taking in the stunning landscape and exploring the unique floating villages of local fishermen. Return to visit Chantie Ecole-Artisan D’Angkor and the Old Market. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Angkor National Museum, where you can learn about Khmer art and history, offering insight into the rich culture of the region.

Later, you will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our guide and driver, and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your day with a visit to the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, Raung Damrei, the National Museum, and Wat Phnom. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, sites that provide a powerful insight into Cambodia’s tragic history.

End your day with a relaxing sunset boat cruise along the Mekong River. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the boat pier for your boat departure to Chau Doc at 12.30pm. Upon your arrival, our tour guide and driver will pick you up and transfer to a local restaurant to have lunch. Then we will take you to your hotel. Overnight in Chau Doc.

After breakfast, embark on a boat trip to explore the floating and fishing villages of Chau Doc, followed by a visit to a unique Cham ethnic minority village. Then, drive to Can Tho, with a stop along the way to visit the famous Sam Mountain and enjoy panoramic views from the summit.

Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to Can Tho, the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time at leisure. Overnight in Can Tho.

In the morning, take a boat cruise to explore the Cai Rang floating market, the largest and most vibrant of its kind, offering a true highlight of any Vietnam tour. Enjoy the stunning scenery while observing the daily activities of locals living along the Mekong canals. Afterwards, take a stroll through the village to visit a rice husking mill and a rice noodle-making shop, offering a fascinating glimpse into the everyday life of the people in the Mekong Delta.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will be transferred to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is a must for anyone traveling to Vietnam, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the country’s history and the Vietnam War. In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Upon arrival, explore the fascinating underground tunnel network, stretching over 200 kilometers and hand-constructed by Vietnamese guerillas during the long struggle for independence. This immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War (or the American War), making it an essential part of any Vietnam tour to learn about both the past and present of the country.

After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring back to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Morning free at leisure until we transfer you to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the short flight to Phu Quoc. Pick you up at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Phu Quoc. Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam’s most captivating destinations, a mountainous and forested island offering a perfect tropical escape. With its soft, secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters in shades of turquoise, the island is a true paradise. Enjoy stunning sunsets, dramatic thunderclouds on the horizon, and palm trees leaning gracefully over the gentle waves.

Phu Quoc is a dream destination for beach lovers and the ideal place to unwind and wrap up your unforgettable Vietnam holiday. Spend your days at leisure, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the island. Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Free day at leisure and overnight in Phu Quoc.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Phu Quoc and transferred to the airport for your flight back to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your tour guide and driver will greet you and begin a sightseeing tour of the city.

Start with a visit to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the fall of Saigon in April 1975. Next, explore some beautiful French colonial architecture, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Central Post Office.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your tour with visits to Thien Hau & Quan Am Pagoda, the Emperor Jade Pagoda, and the War Remnants Museum. End the day with some shopping at Ben Thanh Market.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Free time at leisure for you to wrap up your memorial Vietnam Holiday until we transfer you to the Tan Son Nhat airport with your international flight home with sincere thanks for your travel to Vietnam and with Vietnam Shore Excursions. We hope that you have enjoyed your Vietnam trip and look forward to welcoming you back for your next Vietnam Tours, goodbye and see you again!!!

Check out other tours at: HaNoiTravelBug.vn – discover more exciting journeys waiting for you!