Vietnam & Cambodia Encounters Tour

Activities

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Hanoi You visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Vietnam, an important national monument dedicated to the country’s former leader. The complex showcases grand architecture and strong symbolism in the heart of the capital.
• One Pillar Pagoda – Hanoi You stop at the historic One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi, Vietnam, famous for its single stone pillar rising from a lotus pond. The small wooden shrine reflects traditional Vietnamese Buddhist design.
• Presidential Palace – Hanoi You view the French-era Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam from its landscaped grounds. The building’s yellow façade highlights the city’s colonial heritage and modern political life.
• Temple of Literature – Hanoi You explore the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam, originally founded as a Confucian university. Courtyards, pavilions and stone steles honour scholars and the country’s learning tradition.
• Hanoi Old Quarter You take a guided street food walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter in Vietnam, sampling local dishes in narrow lanes. The tour introduces classic flavours and small eateries popular with residents.
• Hanoi Train Street – Hanoi You visit Hanoi Train Street in Hanoi, Vietnam for a cup of egg coffee beside the tracks. The tight alleyway gives a dramatic perspective on passing trains and local life.
• KOTO Van Mieu – Hanoi You dine at KOTO Van Mieu in Hanoi, Vietnam, a social enterprise restaurant training disadvantaged youth. The meal combines Vietnamese dishes with a strong community focus.

Activities

• Hanoi → Halong Bay A road transfer from Hanoi, Vietnam takes you through the Red River Delta toward Halong Bay. Rural villages and rice fields line the highway as you leave the capital behind.
• Halong Bay You board a traditional junk boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam and cruise among limestone karsts and islands. Fresh seafood lunch is served on board as you sail deeper into the UNESCO-listed bay.
• Halong Bay Viewpoint You can hike up a steep viewpoint in Halong Bay, Vietnam to see a panoramic sweep of islands and emerald water. The climb rewards you with one of the most iconic sunset views in the region.

Activities

• Halong Bay You start the day with a Tai Chi session on the junk boat sundeck in Halong Bay, Vietnam. Gentle movements at sunrise add a calm, reflective note to the cruise.
• Luon Cave – Halong Bay You explore Luon Cave by kayak in Halong Bay, Vietnam, paddling through a low natural arch into a sheltered lagoon. The quiet water and steep cliffs create an intimate perspective on the karst landscape.
• Halong Bay You join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on your junk boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam. The class shows how to prepare simple local dishes which you then taste for lunch.
• Halong Bay → Hanoi A road transfer from Halong Bay, Vietnam takes you back inland toward Hanoi. Leaving the coast, you pass farms and villages of the Red River Delta.
• Hanoi You enjoy free time in Hanoi, Vietnam to rest or wander the Old Quarter. A day-use room lets you freshen up before the evening train.
• Hanoi → Hue From Hanoi, Vietnam you board the Reunification Express SE3 overnight train heading south toward Hue. Shared cabins and a relaxed pace give you time to watch the countryside roll by.

Activities

• Hue Railway Station → Hotel A road transfer from Hue Railway Station in central Vietnam takes you to your hotel. The short drive introduces the former imperial city on the Perfume River.
• Hue Imperial Citadel You tour the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel in Hue, Vietnam, once the seat of the Nguyen emperors. Walls, palaces and ceremonial gates reveal the scale of the royal complex.
• Perfume River – Hue You board a traditional dragon boat on the Perfume River in Hue, Vietnam for a gentle cruise. River views show daily life on the banks and the city’s pagodas from the water.
• Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue You visit Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River in Hue, Vietnam. The seven-storey tower and temple grounds are among the city’s most important religious sites.

Activities

• Hue → Hoi An via Hai Van Pass A scenic road transfer from Hue, Vietnam takes you south across the Hai Van Pass toward Hoi An. Coastal views, beaches and mountains line this dramatic section of highway.
• Hoi An Ancient Town You explore the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town of Hoi An, Vietnam on foot. Narrow lanes, assembly halls and riverside houses reflect centuries of trading-port history.
• Family Chapel – Hoi An You visit a traditional Family Chapel in Hoi An, Vietnam used for ancestor worship by prominent local clans. The wooden interior and altars show long-standing family traditions.
• Chinese Assembly Hall / Pagoda – Hoi An You stop at a Chinese-style Assembly Hall or pagoda in Hoi An, Vietnam. Elaborate carvings, incense and courtyards highlight the town’s Chinese merchant heritage.
• Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda – Hoi An You cross the Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda in Hoi An, Vietnam, built in the 16th century to link communities across the canal. Its wooden roof and small shrine make it an iconic town symbol.
• Fukien Association Temple – Hoi An You visit the Fukien Association Temple in Hoi An, Vietnam, once a gathering place for Fujian traders. The richly decorated halls and courtyards honour sea deities and ancestors.
• Hoi An Ceramic Museum You stop at the Ceramic Museum in Hoi An, Vietnam to see historic pottery and trade artefacts. Exhibits illustrate how the town was linked to regional sea routes.
• Chua Ong Temple – Hoi An You visit Chua Ong Temple in Hoi An, Vietnam, dedicated to a revered general from Chinese legend. Colourful statues and incense-filled halls add to the old-town atmosphere.
• Hoi An You join a lantern-making workshop in Hoi An, Vietnam and learn how to craft the town’s famous silk lanterns. Local artisans guide you through framing, covering and decorating your lantern.
• Hoai River – Hoi An You release your handmade lantern onto the Hoai River in Hoi An, Vietnam at dusk. The glowing lights floating along the water create a memorable final scene in the ancient town.

Activities

• Hoi An You have free time in Hoi An, Vietnam to revisit favourite streets, shop or relax by the river. The atmospheric old town rewards slow, unstructured wandering.
• Hoi An → Da Nang Airport A road transfer from Hoi An, Vietnam takes you north to Da Nang Airport. The short coastal drive links the heritage town with the region’s main flight hub.
• Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City A domestic flight departs from Da Nang, Vietnam and heads south to Ho Chi Minh City. The journey quickly carries you from central Vietnam to the country’s largest metropolis.
• Ho Chi Minh City Airport → Hotel A road transfer from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam takes you to your hotel. Traffic, scooters and high-rise buildings signal the energy of Saigon.

Activities

• Ho Chi Minh City → Cai Be A road transfer from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam takes you southwest toward Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. The route passes suburban districts before opening out into flat, fertile countryside.
• Cai Be You board a motorised boat at Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam to explore canals and rivers. Wooden boats, stilt houses and riverside workshops line the waterways.
• Cai Be You visit a local family home in Cai Be, Vietnam to see how rice paper and popcorn cakes are made. The demonstration offers insight into small-scale Mekong Delta food production.
• Cai Be Floating Market You visit Cai Be Floating Market in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam where traders sell produce from their boats. Painted bows and hanging sample goods show what each vessel offers.
• Rice Candy Craft Village – Cai Be You stop at a rice candy craft village near Cai Be, Vietnam to watch sweets being cooked and shaped. Tasting freshly made pieces connects you directly with this local specialty.
• Bee Farm – Tan Phong Island You visit Uncle Tu Dang’s bee farm on Tan Phong Island in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. He explains how the bees are kept and serves you honey tea in a garden setting.
• Tan Phong Island Fruit Orchards You walk through fruit orchards on Tan Phong Island, Vietnam, seeing seasonal crops like durian and jackfruit. At Uncle 5 On’s house you enjoy fresh fruit and traditional folk music performed by locals.
• Tan Phong Island You board a small rowing boat to glide through narrow canals around Tan Phong Island, Vietnam. Low palms and quiet waterways give an intimate feel for Mekong Delta life.
• Mekong Ecolodge You check in at Mekong Ecolodge on Tan Phong Island, Vietnam and stroll through its gardens. Guests can pick and taste fresh fruit while relaxing in the rural setting.
• Mekong Ecolodge You join a “ditch slapping” activity at Mekong Ecolodge on Tan Phong Island, Vietnam to catch fish and harvest vegetables. These ingredients are then used in a hands-on cooking class for dinner.

Activities

• Tan Phong Island Villages You cycle quiet lanes on Tan Phong Island, Vietnam, visiting homes and workshops scattered among orchards. The gentle ride shows everyday Mekong Delta life up close.
• Sister 3’s House – Tan Phong Island You stop at Sister 3’s house on Tan Phong Island, Vietnam to see traditional rice paper rolls being made. Simple tools and local rice flour demonstrate low-tech food production.
• Aunt 4’s House – Tan Phong Island You visit Aunt 4’s house on Tan Phong Island, Vietnam to watch her weave hammocks from banana fibre rope. The craft shows creative use of readily available local materials.
• Ms Thao – Tan Phong Island You meet Ms Thao on Tan Phong Island, Vietnam and learn how she weaves products from dried water hyacinth. Under her guidance you can create a small woven souvenir.
• Ms Hieu – Tan Phong Island You visit Ms Hieu’s home on Tan Phong Island, Vietnam to see how she makes nail files from bamboo sticks. The process highlights practical cottage-industry skills.
• Tan Phong Island Back at the ecolodge on Tan Phong Island, Vietnam you join Ms Tam for a cooking class. You prepare and taste jackfruit leaf cake, a local sweet specialty.
• Tan Phong Island → Hiep Duc A short local ferry ride from Tan Phong Island, Vietnam carries you across the Mekong waterways toward Hiep Duc. Travelling with residents gives the crossing a very authentic feel.
• Hiep Duc → Ho Chi Minh City A road transfer from the Hiep Duc area in Vietnam takes you back to Ho Chi Minh City. You leave the Mekong Delta’s orchards and canals and return to the country’s busiest city.

Activities

• Ho Chi Minh City → Phnom Penh (via Moc Bai Border) Travel by road from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, crossing the international border at Moc Bai/Bavet. The drive follows main highways linking the two capitals.

Phnom Penh Arrival & Leisure Time

Activities

• Phnom Penh Enjoy free time in Phnom Penh, Cambodia to explore night markets and riverside areas at your own pace. Sample local street food or shop for crafts and souvenirs in the evening.

Activities

• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – Phnom Penh Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia to learn about the Khmer Rouge period. The former prison site offers a powerful introduction to the country’s recent history.
• Choeung Ek Killing Fields Memorial – Phnom Penh Explore the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Walk past memorial stupas and mass graves that commemorate the victims of the regime.
• National Museum of Cambodia – Phnom Penh Discover the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, housed in a beautiful Khmer-style building. Browse an extensive collection of sculptures and artefacts from different eras of Khmer history.
• Royal Palace – Phnom Penh Visit the Royal Palace complex in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, official residence of the King. Wander through ornate courtyards and ceremonial halls that showcase traditional Khmer architecture.
• Silver Pagoda – Phnom Penh Step inside the Silver Pagoda within the Royal Palace grounds in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. See the silver-tiled floor and treasured Buddha statues decorated with gold and precious stones.
• Phnom Penh Enjoy free time in Phnom Penh, Cambodia to explore night markets and riverside areas at your own pace. Sample local street food or shop for crafts and souvenirs in the evening.

Activities

• Phnom Penh → Skun Spider Market Travel by road from Phnom Penh, Cambodia towards Skun district in the countryside. Watch city streets give way to rural villages and farmland along the way.
• Skun Spider Market – Skun District Stop at the Skun “spider market” in central Cambodia to see stalls selling fried insects and local snacks. Experience a quirky slice of Cambodian roadside culture.
• Santuk Stone Carving Workshop Visit a stone carving workshop in Santuk District, Cambodia, to watch artisans sculpt traditional Khmer figures. The workshop lies along the highway between Skun and Siem Reap.
• Naga Bridge – Kampong Kdei Explore the ancient Naga Bridge near Kampong Kdei in Cambodia, lined with carved serpent balustrades. Walk across the historic laterite bridge that once carried Angkor-era traffic.
• Kampong Khleang Floating Village – Tonle Sap Lake Board a boat at Kampong Khleang on Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia to explore stilt houses, floating villages and flooded forest. The village is located on the northeastern edge of the lake southeast of Siem Reap.
• Kampong Khleang → Kulen Mountain Resort Drive from Kampong Khleang, Cambodia towards your resort at the foot of Kulen Mountain. Watch the scenery change from flat lake plains to wooded hills.

Activities

• Thisak Resort → Phnom Kulen Mountains Travel by road from Thisak Resort up into the Phnom Kulen Mountains in Cambodia. The road climbs into a protected area used for temple ruins and waterfalls.
• River of a Thousand Lingas – Phnom Kulen Visit the River of a Thousand Lingas on Phnom Kulen in Cambodia, where ancient carvings decorate the riverbed. See Hindu symbols and figures etched into the rock beneath the flowing water.
• Pagoda & Reclining Buddha – Phnom Kulen Explore a hilltop pagoda on Phnom Kulen, Cambodia that houses a large reclining Buddha statue. Take in views across the jungle while learning about the site’s spiritual importance.
• Kulen Waterfall – Phnom Kulen Walk to Kulen Waterfall on Phnom Kulen in Cambodia and cool off by the natural pools. Enjoy time to relax in the shade and appreciate the forest surroundings.
• Phnom Kulen → Tbeng Community Drive from Phnom Kulen down towards the Tbeng community near Siem Reap, Cambodia. The route passes rural farmland and small villages.
• Tbeng Community Visit the Tbeng community near Siem Reap, Cambodia, to see vegetable gardens, livestock areas and local homes. The experience happens in and around a small village setting.
• Damnak Thlork Vea Pagoda – Tbeng Stop at Damnak Thlork Vea Pagoda in the Tbeng area of Cambodia to receive a blessing from a monk. The pagoda complex sits among trees close to village houses.
• Street 60 Night Market – Siem Reap Explore Street 60 Night Market on the edge of Siem Reap, Cambodia, a favourite with local families. Try Khmer street food, fresh fruit and adventurous snacks in a lively evening setting.
• Tbeng → Siem Reap Hotel Drive from the Tbeng area back into Siem Reap, Cambodia, finishing at your hotel. The transfer brings you from rural villages into the city’s hotel district.

Activities

• Angkor Thom South Gate Enter the ancient city of Angkor Thom via its South Gate near Siem Reap, Cambodia, passing under stone faces and guardian statues. The gate stands inside the Angkor Archaeological Park north of town.
• Bayon Temple – Angkor Thom Explore Bayon Temple at the heart of Angkor Thom in Cambodia, famed for its many smiling stone faces. Wander multi-level galleries filled with carvings and bas-reliefs.
• Royal Enclosure & Phimeanakas – Angkor Thom Walk through the Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas in Angkor Thom, Cambodia. See the remains of royal residences and pyramidal temple structures within the former city.
• Elephant Terrace – Angkor Thom Visit the Elephant Terrace inside Angkor Thom, Cambodia, decorated with carved elephant processions. Imagine royal ceremonies that once took place on this long platform.
• Terrace of the Leper King – Angkor Thom See the Terrace of the Leper King in Angkor Thom, Cambodia with its deep relief carvings. Learn about the legends that gave this enigmatic structure its name.
• Angkor Wat Temple Complex Explore Angkor Wat near Siem Reap, Cambodia, the largest temple in the Angkor complex surrounded by moats and causeways. The main entrance faces west and is reached by a long stone walkway.
• Ta Prohm Temple Visit Ta Prohm temple near Siem Reap, Cambodia, where tree roots twist around ancient stone buildings. The temple lies in a forested part of Angkor Archaeological Park east of Angkor Thom.
• Spoons Restaurant – Siem Reap Dine at Spoons Restaurant in Siem Reap, Cambodia, a social enterprise training local youth for hospitality careers. Enjoy Khmer cuisine while supporting a community-focused project.

Activities

• Siem Reap Hotel → Airport Travel from your hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia to Siem Reap International Airport. Your road transfer brings you from the town back towards your departure point.
• Siem Reap International Airport Depart from Siem Reap International Airport in Cambodia at the end of your Tour. Say goodbye to the temples, countryside and communities you have visited.