Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Cambodia – Vietnam – Siem Reap – Hanoi – Sapa – Hue – Hoi An
100% customisable for you
Head to the airport, whizz through security and settle in for some nibbles in the lounge: your Cambodia and Vietnam combo begins today. With a speedy stopover, your overnight journey to Siem Reap will take around 17 hours, landing the next morning.
When you land, you’ll be met and privately transferred to your hotel, your home for the next four nights. After you’ve settled in, head straight back out for an afternoon tour of the Angkor Thom complex.
Once the world's largest city and capital of the Angkorian Empire, this captivating complex boasts five impressive gates adorned with giant faces. With a private guide, discover the incredible temples beyond the gates and learn about the history and religious background of each site.
Begin at the Bayon temple, which houses dozens of portrait sculptures, then continue to Baphuon, a temple-mountain built to honour the god Shiva, and the 1,000ft-long Terrace of Elephants, complete with a stone procession of these gentle giants. Talk about hitting the ground running…
Rise before dawn today and set off to visit the world-famous Angkor Wat. From a nearby viewpoint, watch as the UNESCO-listed temple complex is bathed in the golden light of sunrise – now that’s holiday album material.
Suitably wowed, enjoy a tasty picnic breakfast overlooking Angkor Wat before heading down to explore the complex with an expert guide. Wander along the magnificent ruins, stopping to marvel at fascinating temples and ornate grounds along the way.
Later, swap culture for countryside as you join a private driver-guide for a tour of Siem Reap’s surroundings by scooter. As you weave between rice paddies, through woodland and across back gardens, soak up views over the lush countryside, stopping to marvel at iconic temples, visit traditional workshops and enjoy a tasty Cambodian lunch. Amok (coconut fish curry), anyone?
After a fuelling breakfast this morning, meet a friendly local guide for a bicycle tour across Angkor. Begin at Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist temple built between the mid-12th and early 13th century, before pedalling to Ta Prohm, a mysterious temple shrouded in lush vegetation.
Next, follow your host to the temples of East Mebon, Pre Rup, Preah Khan and Neak Pean, the last of which are located on a peaceful artificial island. Round off the day with a visit to some local rice fields, before stopping at Srah Srang, a scenic reservoir once used as a royal pool.
This evening, we’ve secured you front-row seats at the internationally acclaimed Phare Circus. Established by a Cambodian NGO to aid Khmer refugees, this spectacular circus sees tightrope walkers, contortionists and acrobats take the stage for a dynamic artistic spectacle blending visual arts, traditional music, modern dance and classic circus skills. Prepare to be amazed…
Rise bright and early this morning for the private transfer out into rural Cambodia. Once you’ve arrived at the iconic Tonle Sap Lake, step aboard a traditional boat and glide across the water to Prek Toal, a traditional floating village complete with a church, school and small shops.
Once you’ve gained an insight into local life, sail onto Prek Toal’s bird sanctuary, keeping your eyes peeled for spot-billed pelicans, storks and black-headed ibis. Armed with some stellar wildlife shots, stop for lunch at a floating restaurant before heading to a traditional workshop to learn the art of water hyacinth weaving, a practice that originated to prevent this virulent plant from clogging up Prek Toal’s waterways.
Later, return to your hotel, don your glad rags and head out for one final dinner in Cambodia – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend some hidden gems.
After a leisurely morning by the pool or a spot of last-minute gift shopping – our detailed destination Dossier offers plenty of shopping suggestions – it's time to say goodbye to Cambodia. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your one-hour-and-45-minute flight to Hanoi, Vietnam.
When you touch down, you'll be met and whisked away to your new home away from home. It’ll be evening by the time you arrive, so head straight out for your first taste of Vietnamese pho, a steaming rice noodle soup topped with beef, chicken or vegetables.
Dive headfirst into Hanoi this morning as you set off to explore the city accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.
Begin with a stroll through the Presidential Palace gardens before heading to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you’ll have the chance to learn about modern Vietnamese history and observe locals passing by to pay their respects. Then, it’s onto the One Pillar Pagoda, a distinctive Buddhist temple set within a picturesque garden.
Next up, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which offers insight into the country’s diverse ethnic groups, and the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Then, swap history for culture at a local market in the Old Quarter before rounding off the day at Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch in a local restaurant and a tasting of traditional Vietnamese egg coffee, made with strong espresso and a sweet, creamy egg-based foam. Yum…
This morning, swap the bustling city streets for countryside calm as you meet your private driver and head north to Sapa, a five-hour drive away. En route, gaze out of the window and admire the lush green rice fields and small rural villages drifting past.
When you arrive, settle into your countryside lodge, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights. Spend the rest of the afternoon soaking up your new surroundings before enjoying a delicious dinner overlooking the greenery.
Immerse yourself in rural life this morning with a visit to a local market in Lao Cai, where the Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay and Nung hill tribe groups gather. Here, you’ll have the chance to interact with friendly locals from lesser-known communities and see what countryside markets have to offer, from a variety of local produce to pot-bellied pigs (yes, really).
After exploring the stalls and soaking up the rural buzz, set off on a leisurely walk to a hill-tribe village. While here, visit traditional homes and meet more friendly residents to learn about the daily life of these tribes, as well as their fascinating culture and traditions.
After a fuelling breakfast this morning, spend the day trekking in the largely unexplored valleys and mountains around Sapa.
Alongside a local guide, you’ll be whisked deep into Hoang Lien National Park, where you’ll follow the trail to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu. Here, savour a cup of green tea with some local villagers, learning more about their customs and way of life.
As you leave the village behind, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of terraced rice paddies and winding rivers. Continue to Nam Cang village for a tasty lunch – well-deserved after a morning of hiking.
After lunch, continue exploring the village, gaining an insight into how the locals make rice paper, jewellery and embroidery. Then, meet a few more Red Dao women and enjoy a refreshing swim in the river before heading back to your lodge for a leisurely evening and a good night’s sleep.
Wake up to the mountaintop views for one last time today as you prepare to hit the road back to Hanoi. After another scenic five-hour private transfer, spend a few hours exploring independently before meeting a passionate local guide for a street food tour of the city.
Wander along the Old Quarter's small lanes, winding backstreets and hidden alleys, where vendors set up their stalls along the roadside. Stop at different spots for a few of Hanoi’s specialities, including another tasty bowl of pho, banh cuon (steamed rice rolls filled with pork and mushrooms), banh mi (a baguette filled with meat and crunchy vegetables) and local ice cream. End the night with a cold Bia Hoi (local draft beer) in hand as you watch the city’s vibrant nightlife unfold.
Leave the bustling capital behind today as you’re transferred to the airport for the one-hour-and-15-minute domestic flight to Hue. When you land, you'll be met and whisked to your hotel – your home away from home for the next two nights.
Spend the afternoon however you please, whether you’d rather sit back and relax at your hotel or head out to explore. Set on the banks of the Perfume River, Hue is dotted with dozens of pagodas and temples dating back to the 19th century, perfect for exploring on foot.
This evening, it’s another exciting foodie tour, this time aboard a traditional tuk-tuk. With a friendly guide, travel over the historic Trang Tien Bridge to the Dong Ba Market, where you can sample banh xeo (a crispy pancake stuffed with pork or shrimp), fluffy bao buns or yet another tasty bowl of pho (no judgement…).
Fuel up with a tasty breakfast today before heading out to explore Hue with a local guide, beginning with a leisurely stroll along the Perfume River’s shaded paths. Then, swap two feet for two (or three) wheels to marvel at the city’s colonial houses, quaint churches, tranquil gardens and Xuan Vien Tieu Cung, a picturesque house that once served as the residence of a Nguyen Minister.
Then, pay a visit to the UNESCO-listed Citadel, a large fortress on the banks of the Perfume River. Venture within the fortified walls to the ancient Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City, reserved specifically for the emperor. Despite substantial damage sustained during the 1968 Tet Offensive, this incredible complex still retains much of its former glory, boasting palaces, temples and ceremonial buildings.
After a quick visit to the Dong Ba Market, leave the city centre behind and travel to the tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, both of which offer insight into Vietnam’s storied Nguyen dynasty.
It's back on the road this morning, so meet your private driver and set the sat nav for Hoi An, three and a half hours south of Hanoi. En route, gaze out of the window at the scenic Hai Van mountain pass, soaking in the stunning views over cloud-dusted peaks.
When you arrive in Hoi An, check into your hotel for a three-night stay and spend the rest of the afternoon settling into this enchanting riverside town.
Come evening, head out for a scenic sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River aboard a traditional bamboo boat. After sailing past UNESCO-protected ancient trading houses, leafy banks and local farmers and fishermen, stop at a riverside restaurant for a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes, washed down with some refreshingly cool cocktails. You are on holiday, after all…
Today's adventures begin with a trip to My Son, a UNESCO-listed religious centre set in the heart of the tranquil countryside just west of Hoi An. Built by the Champa Kingdom over a whopping ten centuries, this sacred site has been compared to the likes of Angkor Wat thanks to its ancient brick structures and atmospheric relics.
After a tasty lunch back in Hoi An, spend the afternoon exploring the city’s Ancient Town on a guided walking tour. 200 years on, the centre of Hoi An retains the hustle and bustle of its heyday, when it traded widely across the globe.
Along the way, stop at the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Temple and Tan Ky trading house, learning about the town’s melting pot of cultures, before heading to a local lantern-making workshop to try your hand at this traditional skill. There’ll be no need for souvenir shopping after today…
Your last day in Vietnam calls for something special – and what’s more special than a country’s cuisine? This morning, cycle to a local market to meet a knowledgeable chef, explore the stalls piled high with fresh herbs, discover traditional ingredients and get a glimpse into local market life along the way.
Then, continue to a nearby kitchen, where you’ll learn the basics of Vietnamese cooking and chop, stir and season your way to a traditional feast. After working up a healthy appetite, sit down to taste your creations, savouring the subtle aromas and delicate flavours that characterise Vietnamese cuisine.
With your stomachs now full, head back to your hotel for a few hours of relaxation or enjoy one last lazy wander around the city centre.
With temples, treks and tuk-tuk rides aplenty under your belt, it's time to begin the (metaphorical) trek home. After one last leisurely morning in Hoi An, you'll be privately transferred to Da Nang airport, where you'll board your overnight flight home.
With a quick connection in a Southeast Asian hub, the journey will take around 19 hours in total, and you’ll touch down the next morning, ready to compile a pretty epic holiday album.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
