Treasures of Indochina: Vietnam and Cambodia – 14 Days

Classic, Vietnam and Cambodia Tour

Treasures of Indochina: Vietnam and Cambodia – 14 Days

Vietnam

Cambodia

14 days

Classic

Overview

We invite you on a unique cultural journey to discover the living traces of the past in both Vietnam and Cambodia.

Your trip begins with a warm welcome in Hanoi, from where you will gradually travel south through Vietnam before ending your stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Along the way, you will explore the vibrant cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with their colonial architecture; Ninh Binh and its famous “mountain,” site of a historic battle; Hue with its Imperial Court; and Hoi An, whose architecture reflects a blend of cultural influences. Finally, your journey concludes with the breathtaking Temples of Angkor, a truly enchanting finale.

Practical Information

Duration

14 days

Start/End

Hanoi→ Siem Reap

Tour guide language

English

Visited Region

Northern - Central - Southern of Vietnam and Angkor

Bets time to go

All year

Ideal for

Everyone

Difficulty

None

Accommodation

Hotel/Homestay/junk

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1

Hanoi (L, D)

Hanoi is a true open-air museum of colonial architecture along the banks of the Red River. As the capital of unified Vietnam, the city has preserved the nostalgic charm of the French colonial era. The modernization initiated by the French in 1882 continued until 1955, and Hanoi’s face today has changed little since.

Highlights include an outside visit of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his former residence, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.

In the evening, enjoy a dinner featuring Cha Ca, Hanoi’s signature fish dish.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included today: Transfer from the airport to the hotel, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car rental, lunch and dinner, overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

Hanoi - Ninh Binh (B, L)

Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi around 7:30 AM for the drive to Ninh Binh Province. On the program for this first day: a visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, followed by a scenic sampan boat ride through the Trang An eco-tourism complex. Afterwards, relax at your accommodation in Tam Coc.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car rental, entrance fees, overnight at the hotel.

Day 3

Ninh Binh (B, L)

The next morning, rise early to climb the 450 steps to the top of Hang Mua Mountain. Arriving early allows you to avoid the crowds while enjoying the panoramic views. Return to your hotel for breakfast before setting off by bicycle to Bich Dong Pagoda and Thung Nham Bird Park. Lunch in Tam Coc.

In the afternoon, head to Phat Diem Cathedral, the largest and most majestic in Vietnam, where you will learn more about the history of Christianity in the country. Return to your accommodation in Tam Coc by late afternoon.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car and bicycle rental, entrance fees, overnight at the hotel.

Day 4

Ninh Binh - Cat Ba island - Lan Ha bay (B, L, D)

Depart by car with your guide around 7:00 AM for Cat Ba Island. The drive takes about 3.5 hours to reach the ferry terminal, where you will cross over to the island. From there, continue across the island by motorbike (driven by our local colleagues) to reach Ben Beo Harbor at the southern tip.

Enjoy lunch before boarding our traditional junk (Quatre Saisons or Majonq) for a cruise. In the afternoon, take part in kayaking and swimming. Dinner and overnight on board.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car and junk rental, entrance fees to Lan Ha Bay, overnight on board.

Day 5

Lan Ha - Cat Ba - Hanoi - Night train to Hue (B, L)

We recommend waking up early to admire the sunrise from the boat’s sundeck! After breakfast, you can choose between a bike ride to Viet Hai Village or sailing and swimming in a sheltered cove of Lan Ha Bay. You will return to Cat Ba Island around 12:00 PM, where your car will be waiting. Arrival back in Hanoi is expected around 4:30 PM.

Free time in the late afternoon and dinner on your own before being transferred to Hanoi Railway Station.

You will spend the night on the train.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car and junk rental, bicycle rental, train tickets.

Day 6

Hue (B, L)

Your guide will welcome you at the station in the early morning. The day will be dedicated to discovering Hue. Begin with a visit to the Imperial City, followed by a cyclo ride through town, and then a stop at the “garden houses.” Built according to the principles of geomancy, these traditional residences create a harmonious link between nature and the city. Enjoy a typical lunch of bun bo Hue, the city’s signature dish.

In the afternoon, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, a model of traditional Vietnamese art. This is also an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Nguyen dynasty (16th–20th centuries) and the period of French colonial invasion.

End the day with a 2-hour walk along the Perfume River, exploring Hue’s diverse architectural periods and historical landmarks. Visit the Le Ba Dang Art Gallery, dedicated to the renowned Vietnamese painter who lived and worked in Paris.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Hue.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, private car rental with driver, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, overnight at the hotel.

Day 7

Hue – Hoi An (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Hoi An. Your first stop will be a village specializing in incense stick production, a traditional local craft. Enjoy lunch in the village before continuing on to Danang, passing through the famous Hai Van Pass (Cloud Pass), which offers a stunning view over the Lang Co Peninsula. Visit a stone-carving village to admire the skill of the local artisans.

Continue your journey to Hoi An. In the evening, enjoy dinner featuring Banh Vac, also known as “white rose,” a delicate rice dumpling stuffed with shrimp — a specialty found only in Hoi An.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, private car rental with driver, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, activities, overnight at the hotel.

Day 8

Hoi An (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the old quarters including the Fujian Sanctuary, Phuc Thanh Pagoda, the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, traditional wooden houses, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

Lunch in the Old Town.

In the early afternoon, cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village, which supplies fresh produce to Hoi An and its surroundings. Take part in a cooking class, learning how to prepare Banh Xeo, a crispy hot pancake filled with bean sprouts, pork slices, and shrimp.

Return to the Old Town by late afternoon, where you will enjoy a relaxing foot massage.

Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, private car with driver, bicycle rental, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, activities, overnight at the hotel.

Day 9

Hoi An - Danang - flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

After breakfast, transfer by car to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam.

Arrive in the early afternoon, where you will be greeted by your guide and driver. After checking in at your hotel, set out to explore the colonial quarters, including the Central Post Office, the exterior of the Reunification Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included today: Breakfast, transfer to Danang Airport, flight to Ho Chi Minh City, greeting and transfer from Ho Chi Minh City Airport, private car with driver, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, entrance fees, overnight at the hotel.

Day 10

Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong delta tour (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure for My Tho, where a vast network of thousands of canals characterizes life in the Mekong Delta, which stretches over 40,000 km². Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda and a Cao Dai temple.

Then embark on a Mekong Delta cruise. Stop on an island to taste seasonal fruits harvested from local orchards, visit a coconut candy workshop, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village, and enjoy a sampan ride through palm-lined canals for a true sense of escape.

Lunch with a local specialty: Elephant Ear Fish.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon.

Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, private car with driver, activities, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, overnight at the hotel.

Day 11

Ho Chi Minh City - Moc Bai - Phnom Penh (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Moc Bai and cross into Cambodia at the Bavet border.

Meet your Cambodian guide and continue the journey to Phnom Penh, passing over the Neak Loeun suspension bridge, which spans the Mekong River.

Lunch en route.

Arrival in the capital in the early evening.

Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, private car with driver, activities, services of a French-speaking Khmer guide, overnight at the hotel.

Day 12

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B, L)

After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace, the main residence of the King and Queen. Within the palace grounds, discover the Silver Pagoda, home to frescoes inspired by the Ramayana and treasures of the royal court. Continue to the National Museum, built by the French in 1917, which houses an impressive collection of Khmer art. Lunch included.

In the afternoon, travel by road to Siem Reap, passing through Kompong Thom. Along the way, admire beautiful landscapes of rice fields dotted with traditional houses. Arrival in Siem Reap in the early evening.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, private car with driver, activities, services of a French-speaking Khmer guide, overnight at the hotel.

Day 13

Siem Reap - Angkor tour (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel, then discovery of the Angkor site, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The morning is dedicated to visiting Angkor Wat, the symbol of Cambodia, which also appears on the national flag. After lunch, visit the Bayon, famous for its enigmatic smiling faces.

In the late afternoon, explore the Baphuon, a royal temple and one of the largest religious monuments in Cambodia. Its restoration was entrusted to the French School of the Far East.

Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, private car with driver, entrance tickets, services of a French-speaking Khmer guide, overnight at the hotel.

Day 14

Siem Reap - départure (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel, then visit the Old Market and meet the artisans of Angkor. Lunch included. Free time for last-minute shopping in the Psar Chas district. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Siem Reap Airport.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, airport transfer.

FAQ

Is this a private or group tour?

All our tours are private. You will travel with your own vehicle, driver, and guide, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility throughout your journey.

I’m traveling alone — can I book this tour?

Private tours for solo travelers are significantly more expensive, and most guides are unwilling to lead one-person tours. Therefore, this itinerary is available starting from 2 travelers.

If you’re traveling alone, we can offer day trips or short excursions instead.

Le vol international est-il inclus ?

Non, nos circuits commencent à l’arrivée au Vietnam. Nous pouvons toutefois vous conseiller dans la réservation de vos vols internationaux si besoin.

Is the international flight included?

No, our tours begin upon your arrival in Vietnam.

However, we’re happy to assist you in booking your international flights if needed.

When is the best time to do this tour?

You’ll find the ideal travel period in the “Practical Info” section, based on the climate in the regions visited.

That said, this tour is available year-round, with a few adjustments depending on the season.

Who is this tour designed for?

This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking cultural discovery and immersion in nature.

It can be adapted for couples, families, or groups of friends of all ages.

How do I book this tour?

Simply send us a request using the contact form on this page.

One of our travel advisors will get back to you quickly to finalize your itinerary and provide a personalized quote.

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Classic, Vietnam and Cambodia Tour

Treasures of Indochina: Vietnam and Cambodia – 14 Days

Overview

Practical Info.

Photos

Itinerary

FAQ

Destinations

Overview

Practical Information

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

FAQ

Destinations Visited on this Tour

Estimated Budget

Other Tours

Like this tour?

By phone

By email

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