Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Family Sabbatical in Southeast Asia A Month-Long Trip to Vietnam and Cambodia
Vietnam - Cambodia
Begin with a week in Northern Vietnam, travelling from the chaotic capital of Hanoi to the lesser-known gem of Mai Chau and the peaceful UNESCO-protected Trang An. Along the way, hike through verdant forest, enjoy traditional performances and sample some of the country’s specialities – pho, anyone?
Next, enjoy a few days of downtime in the coastal haven of Hoi An, only stepping off the sand to visit UNESCO-listed My Son, a temple complex perfect for a game of historical hide-and-seek.
Then, it’s onto Cambodia, where even more temples and culture await. Begin in Siem Reap, where you can enjoy a family scavenger hunt in the ancient Khmer city of Angkor Thom. Then, head to Phnom Penh to indulge in authentic cuisine and explore the peaceful surrounding countryside, before spending three days on a floating lodge on the scenic Tatai River, set in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains.
Round off your sabbatical in Kep, a pretty coastal town in southern Cambodia. Here, enjoy fresh seafood, incredible sunsets and beachside cocktails, broken up with a few cooking classes and island adventures – now that’s what you call quality family time.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your luxury family sabbatical starts with a week-long trip around Northern Vietnam.
After an overnight flight from the UK, begin in the buzzing capital, Hanoi, where you'll have the chance to browse street stalls, explore the labyrinthine Old Quarter and introduce the little ones to banh cuon (steamed rice paper stuffed with pork and mushrooms) and pho (Vietnamese noodle soup). Then, leave the crowds behind and head out of town to a southern suburb, where you’ll enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a friendly local family.
Next, it's on to Mai Chau, one of Vietnam's lesser-known gems. Here, spend your days enjoying family bike rides through the surrounding villages and guided walks to meet local tribes, then come evening marvel at traditional music and dance performances (complete with a cocktail for the adults, of course).
Continue your immersion in rural Vietnam with a trip to Ninh Binh, a small city in the Red River Delta, where you'll learn about culture and cuisine at bamboo weaving and cooking classes. Afterwards, finish in UNESCO-protected Trang An, exploring vast caves and drifting along the river aboard a private sampan (flat-bottomed boat).
After a week in Northern Vietnam, it’s time to venture to the soft sands of Hoi An’s coast, in the centre of the country. Over the next four days, simply slow down and bask in some quality time as a family, whether you’re lazing on a sun lounger, cooling off in the sea or building towering sandcastles.
For a break from the beach, head out to explore the sleepy old town of Hoi An on a guided walking tour. Along the way, browse for gifts in the markets and admire the quaint wooden-fronted houses before heading to a local restaurant (recommended by your guide) to refuel. Later, treat the whole family to a sunset cruise down the Thu Bon River.
Break up your stay in Hoi An with a trip to My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site comprised of dozens of ruins. Your expert guide will fill the little ones' heads with fascinating stories about the majestic brick structures, built during the Champa era and dedicated to the Hindu gods.
Wave goodbye to Vietnam as you hop across the border into Cambodia for two weeks of impressive temples and rich culture.
Start in Siem Reap, where you’ll saddle up for a cycling tour of the Temples of the Forest. Beginning at Srah Srang reservoir, pedal to the gate of Ta Prohm, then continue on foot to marvel at the giant kapok roots that wind through the temple's stones. Refuel with a picnic before delving into Angkor Thom, an ancient Khmer city, where we've arranged a family scavenger hunt, following clues that will lead you to iconic landmarks.
Next, set off towards the Thai border to see the remote Banteay Chhmar temple, often referred to as the Citadel of the Cat. After exploring the ruins, pay a visit to a local silk centre, where you can learn how this luxurious fabric is woven and dyed. You'll then have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal and overnight stay with a local. It doesn’t come much more authentic than this…
The next leg of your journey takes you south to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's busy capital. Spend some time exploring the city before swapping its bustling streets for the tropical landscapes of the Tatai River, which winds its way through the scenic Cardamom Mountains. Hop aboard a bike and pedal through the tranquil countryside, then head back into the city for a guided tour, marvelling at the 19th-century Royal Palace and the National Museum.
Next, head west for three days in a luxurious floating lodge on the banks of the Tati in the Cardamom Mountains. Your time here is dedicated to the water – explore Southeast Asia's largest coastal mangrove and cruise along the Tatai River, passing by thundering waterfalls and rugged mountains. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the endangered creatures that call the area home, including Indochinese tigers and sun bears. This calls for a round of I-Spy…
End your family sabbatical in style with four days in coastal Kep, a former French settlement. Often described as the jewel in the crown of Cambodia's colonial towns, Kep draws in travellers with its sensational seafood and sunsets. Sound good?
Your time here won’t just be sunbathing and swimming, though (although there’ll be plenty of that too). Don your aprons for a family cooking class, where you and the little ones can try your hand at crafting some delicious Khmer-style dishes. You’ll also have the chance to hike to the top of Kep Hill for picturesque views over the Gulf of Thailand and live out your castaway fantasies on a trip to Koh Tonsay, endearingly known as Rabbit Island.
In between adventures, savour the flavours of Cambodia at the rows of crab shacks lining the beach. Finally, round off your trip with a bang with an evening meal at the end of the Knai Bang Chatt Sailing Club's jetty, soaking up the fabulous beachfront views and toasting to the success of your unforgettable family adventure.
Your journey home will begin with a transfer back to Phnom Penh, where you’ll catch an overnight flight home, via an Asian hub city. There’ll be plenty of time on board to start plotting your next family foray…
Why visit Cambodia with Original Travel ?
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 nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Cambodia
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
Why visit Vietnam with Original Travel ?
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 nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Vietnam
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
