Vietnam & Cambodia: The Great Discovery

Arrival at Hanoi airport.

Meet and greet by our guide and driver, then transfer to the city (30km ~ 45min drive).
Check in at the hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city.

Your visit begins with a walk followed by a cyclo-rickshaw ride, silently traversing the colonial quarter with its French concessions: the City Opera House, the Hotel Metropole (former residence of the Governors of Indochina), the State Bank (formerly the Bank of Indochina), and the French School of Asian Studies. 

Next, stroll through the narrow streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, home to the 36 guilds, to discover the vibrant capital at a leisurely pace. It will feel like walking through a postcard. Then, you will visit Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword), the symbol of Hanoi, and nearby, Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain), occupying the largest island in Hoan Kiem Lake. With its rich and varied architectural ensemble, it is truly a place of literature and worship to admire and explore.
Meals at your leisure.

Overnight: Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to Phu Tay Ho Temple (dedicated to the holy Mother Lieu Hanh), a major pilgrimage site for locals. You can also enjoy a superb view of West Lake, Hanoi's largest lake, covering nearly 500 hectares.

Next, visit the Museum of Ethnography (closed on Mondays), which vividly displays approximately 1,500 objects representing daily life, customs, and costumes from the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. 

Return to the city and have lunch at an excellent Bun Cha restaurant, a well-known specialty in Hanoi.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Ho Chi Minh district, home to his mausoleum, stilt house, and garden within the grounds of the Presidential Palace (formerly the Governor of Indochina's Palace), and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Next, you will visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in the 11th century (1070), a very important historical and cultural monument in Hanoi and the country. This beautiful Confucian temple is considered the most representative example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

In the late afternoon, you will attend a water puppet show, one of Hanoi's most captivating attractions. 

Dinner is at your leisure.

Overnight: Hanoi

In the morning, depart for Mai Chau (160 km – 4 hours), travelling along a charming road through stunning landscapes of verdant rice paddies, sugarcane fields, and ethnic villages.

Arrive around noon in Mai Chau and be greeted by your host family from the White Thai ethnic group.

In the afternoon, explore the surrounding villages on foot and by bicycle, amidst magnificent scenery. The villages consist only of wooden houses built on stilts, nestled between rice paddies, vegetable gardens, and rolling hills.

This authentic mountain village also offers the opportunity to spend a night in a traditional Thai stilt house with a thatched roof, nestled in a stunning valley of rice paddies.

Overnight stay in a stilt house belonging to the White Thai ethnic group.

Overnight: Mai Chau

After breakfast, depart by car for Mai Hich, a commune located 13km southwest of Mai Chau district. This is a new destination unique in its harmony with nature: fatigue, stress, and daily worries seem to vanish as visitors are immersed in the magnificent mountain scenery, amidst the folk songs and dances performed by the village youth.

You begin an easy hike along the Xia River and through primeval forests to Ban Buoc (approximately 2 hours). Along the way, you will pass through the villages of Den, Ngo, Xum, and Muong.

In the afternoon, transfer to Ninh Binh, the "Halong Bay on land." The province is blessed by nature, with the harmonious blend of mountains, plains, rivers, and the sea creating a picturesque landscape. It is often called the "Halong Bay on land."

Overnight: Tam Coc

In the morning, take a 2-hour rowboat trip on the Ngo Dong River from the Tam Coc site (Tam Coc means "three caves").

We then continue with a bike ride through the surrounding villages and into the heart of the rice paddies. Along the way, you'll discover local life and the region's typical landscapes.
The bike ride continues through the rice paddies and along the paths of Hai Nham village to the Bich Dong pagodas, located on the slopes of Ngu Nhac Mountain. This group of three pagodas, dating back to the Early Le Dynasty, offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area.

Next, we'll travel to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and the early Le Dynasty (980-1009). We'll explore its temples dedicated to Emperors Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. Return to Tam Coc in the afternoon and ascend Mount Hang Mua to admire the stunning scenery. Dinner is at your leisure, and we'll spend the night at the hotel.

Overnight: Ninh Binh

Departure in the morning for Hung Yen province (Thai Binh before 2025). En route, sightseeing the paddie fields and the working locals. 

Lunch at a local restaurant along the way.

Upon arrival, check into your homestay and enjoy a bicycle ride to discover the traditional homes and lifestyle of the delta's farmers and fishermen.

Return to the homestay in the late afternoon and prepare dinner with the locals.

Dinner and overnight stay in a typical Vietnamese house

Overnight: Thai Binh

After breakfast, we will start moving towards Halong Bay. You will travel to one of the most beautiful sites in the world: Halong Bay (meaning “descending dragon”), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will embark on a cruise through the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay. 

Boarding is around noon. Enjoy a welcome drink, meet the crew, and get an overview of your cruise program before settling into your cabin.

Enjoy a seafood lunch on board as the boat begins its journey through the bay, passing thousands of sugarloaf-shaped islets rising from the turquoise waters. The scenery will make you feel like you've stepped into a legendary world.

Afterward, you can go sea kayaking or watch the sunset.

In the late afternoon, return to the boat and enjoy some free time.

Dinner will feature seafood, and you'll spend the night on board in an air-conditioned cabin with a private bathroom.

Overnight: Ha Long Bay

Breakfast on board.

An early wake-up call for breakfast amidst stunning scenery.

The crew sets sail for the floating village of Vung Vieng.

The cruise continues into the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, passing through multi-shaped limestone islets naturally formed by the erosion of air and water. 

Lunch is served on board as the boat returns to the pier. Disembarkation.

Transfer back to Hanoi. Transfer to the train station for the overnight train to Hue. 

Overnight on the train in air-conditioned 4-bed cabins.

Overnight: Hue

Arrival at Hue train station in the morning. You will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to the city.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin a wonderful day exploring Hue.

A former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is considered a vast living museum with numerous historical monuments, imperial tombs, pagodas, and temples.

Late morning, we depart for a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda (Pagoda of the Heavenly Lady), the symbol of Hue.

The Thien Mu Pagoda is situated on a beautiful hill near the Perfume River.

Next, discover "Nha Vuon," or literally "garden house." This term refers to a specific architectural style of Hue in which the house is organically linked to the garden, the plants, and the surrounding landscape, to such an extent that the whole creates a certain spirituality. "Nha Vuon" could even be translated as "garden house" because the garden regulates the house.

In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, built between 1805 and 1832 by Emperor Gia Long. Explore the main monuments of this World Heritage Site: the Flag Tower, the Noon Gate, the Pavilion of Edicts, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, and the Forbidden Purple City.

The day ends with free time for your own exploration.

Dinner at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Overnight: Hue

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, visit the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Nestled among frangipani and pine trees, built according to plans drawn up by the emperor himself, this magnificent tomb remains one of Hue's most beautiful sites. It's also an opportunity to learn about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Afterward, transfer to Hoi An (150km - 3.5 hours drive) via Da Nang, passing through the Hai Van Pass (Pass of Clouds), which offers a superb panoramic view of the central coastline from its summit. Halfway there, ascend the Son Tra Peninsula, a place less frequented by tourists but simply stunning. Visit the Lady Buddha Pagoda, which overlooks the city of Da Bang. Enjoy a hike to the mountain's heights to see the most beautiful panorama of your trip.

Then, a visit to the Champa Archaeological Museum, which houses a large collection of sculptures from the now-extinct Cham Kingdoms.

Arrival in Hoi An in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Hoi An

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Hoi An, formerly known as Faifo, was once a bustling port where Chinese and Japanese merchants had their quarters. Portuguese, Dutch, and French traders came to Hoi An in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its architecture remains unchanged and continues to defy time.

A stroll through the small, narrow streets to visit the city of Hoi An, where you will discover the main points of interest:

+ The Fujian Shrine: dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, protector goddess of fishermen and sailors, this shrine houses statues of the goddess and her 2 assistants.

+ Phuc Thanh Pagoda: the oldest pagoda in Hoi An (1454) founded by a Chinese monk, it contains a statue of Buddha A Di Da and very beautiful ritual objects.

+ The Japanese Bridge: located in the south of the city, this covered bridge, built in 1593, connects two districts of the city. In the middle of this bridge stands a pagoda topped with yellow and green tiles.

+ An old house: the best preserved, two centuries old, it offers a striking example of the integration of Sino-Japanese influences into the local style.

+ The Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum (26 Phan Boi Chau Street, free entry), an extraordinary museum where

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on the Thu Bon River. Along the way, visit the Thanh Ha pottery and Kim Bong woodcarving villages.

Return to Hoi An town, and the rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own.

Overnight: Hoi An

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon. You will be met by your guide upon arrival at Saigon Airport. Transfer to the city. Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City since 1976,

A walking tour to familiarize yourself with the city's historical sites: the former Saigon Post Office with its beautiful iron-framed glass roof, a work by Gustave Eiffel; Notre Dame Cathedral, located in the center of a square and thus prominently displayed; and Dong Khoi Street (formerly Catinat Street during the French colonial period in Indochina) with its luxury boutiques and lively atmosphere.

Check-in at the hotel (room available from 1:30 pm).

In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Traditional Medicine, also known as the FITO Museum. There you will find an incredible collection of instruments and objects related to traditional Vietnamese medicine.

Then, visit Cholon, the Chinese quarter, meaning "Big Market," located 4 km from the center of Saigon, home to half a million Vietnamese of Chinese descent, the Hoa.

Next, you will admire the Temple of Thien Hau, the Celestial Lady, protector of sailors…the oldest Taoist temple in Cholon, whose superb terracotta reliefs were brought piece by piece from China.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Breakfast at the hotel.

At 8:00 AM, depart with your guide for Ben Tre (60 km – 1.5 hours drive) to begin your exploration of the Mekong Delta, formed by the nine branches of this life-giving river. 

Upon arrival in Ben Tre, you will be met by our local guide and then visit a brick kiln. 

Enjoy a boat trip along the river to observe the daily activities of the local people, including coconut processing in Ben Tre. Continue your cruise through the small canals of Coi Son to the Nhon Thanh market, followed by a walking tour of the surrounding village, including a mat-weaving workshop. Sample local fruits and honey tea. Take a ride in a traditional "xe loi" (a type of dugout canoe) through the village.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant where you can try the regional specialty, "elephant ear fish," served with rice pancakes and a typical sauce. 

In the afternoon, enjoy a rowboat cruise along the Vong Canal to explore Cai Coi Cove, where you'll visit a traditional local house. 

Disembark and continue your journey to Can Tho (110km – 2.5 hours).

Dinner at your leisure

Overnight: Can Tho

Breakfast at the hotel.
Early departure from your hotel for a cruise to the Cai Rang floating market, which is busiest in the early morning. Here, seasonal agricultural products are mainly sold, but also various everyday items. Each boat advertises its wares using a pole with the product at the end…

The walk continues through the small canals, meeting local artisans of the Mekong Delta. We'll discover a rice processing workshop, a traditional noodle factory, and then the Le Binh covered market, a bustling fish and vegetable market on the banks of the Mekong.
Next, we'll enjoy a bicycle ride through the countryside, passing through typical villages, off the beaten track, to discover local daily life and interact with the people.

Transfer to Chau Doc (150 km – 3 hours by road). We'll stop along the way for a boat trip to visit floating fish farms, followed by a visit to a Cham village and its mosque.

Overnight: Chau Doc

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Chau Doc pier to board the speedboat to Phnom Penh (5-hour cruise). Upon arrival at Phnom Penh port, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, depart for a tour of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, located at the confluence of the four branches of the Mekong River. On the agenda, you will discover:

• The Independence Monument, commemorating the end of the French protectorate in Cambodia in 1953 and also paying tribute to the souls of the fighters who gave their lives for the country's freedom

• The Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom, consists of various structures grouped within an enclosure, like that of a pagoda

• The Silver Pagoda, housing masterpieces such as a solid gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds and weighing 90 kg, as well as an emerald and Baccarat crystal Buddha dating from the 17th century

• The National Museum of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh, a superb example of Khmer architecture, officially inaugurated in 1920, primarily exhibits sculptures from different periods of Cambodian history.

Dinner at your leisure.

Overnight: Phnom Penh

After breakfast, you'll depart for an excursion to Koh Dach Island. This island of 20,000 inhabitants in the middle of the Mekong River, about fifteen kilometres north of Phnom Penh, is renowned far beyond Cambodia's borders for its silk weaving craftsmanship.

Exploring this island by bicycle (a tuk-tuk is optional if you're unable to cycle) promises pleasant and truly authentic moments, far from the frenetic pace of the capital. Indeed, the ride takes place amidst nature, between fruit trees, fields, and the banks of the Mekong. You'll visit a silk workshop, temples, and the village itself, nestled among plantations and the vibrant colours of the fabrics.

You'll also appreciate the lunch break on this day's tour of Cambodia, which is no exception to the rest of the experience: a meal showcasing local flavours, prepared by a family on the island.

Your return to Phnom Penh will be by boat on the Mekong River, offering stunning scenery.

At the end of the day, you'll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former secondary school transformed into a massive prison under the Khmer Rouge, known as "S-21," where thousands of prisoners were held, tortured, and killed.

Afterwards, you'll visit Wat Phnom, a pagoda built on an artificial hill, topped by a monastery housing sacred relics and a massive stupa of King Ponhea Yat, the founder of Phnom Penh.

Overnight: Phnom Penh

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (approximately a 5-hour drive) via National Route 6. This ancient road, used by the Khmer people centuries ago, will take you to Kompong Kdei, where you'll discover a magnificent Angkorian bridge: Spean Praptos, or Praptos Bridge.

You'll then quickly reach the province of Kompong Thom. En route, you'll pass through the town of Skuon, also known as Spiderville, where you can try the local specialty: fried tarantula.

Arrival in Siem Reap around midday. Check in at the hotel.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own. 

Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

Overnight: Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, departure for Prei Monti Village for an unusual glimpse into Cambodian life. Enjoy a bicycle ride through the heart of the villages, passing vegetable gardens, rice paddies, and a local market.

Then, continue your journey to the vast Tonlé Sap Lake and board your boat to the village of Kompong Phluk. A stop at one of the village houses will allow you to learn more about the lives of the fishermen on Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, a veritable inland sea: fishing techniques and private crocodile farms.

Drive back to Siem Reap around noon.

In the afternoon, continue driving to the rural outskirts, 35 km from the Angkor area, to visit the smaller but magnificent Banteay Srei, built in the 10th century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the cradle of classical Khmer architecture, and its bas-relief work is the finest surviving example of classical Khmer art. On the way back to Siem Reap, we will visit the Banteay Samre temple, adorned with bas-reliefs depicting impressive scenes of Vishnu and the legends of Krishna.

Lunch at your leisure. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Siem Reap

Early in the morning, visit the picturesque Ta Prohm, which had almost disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, a strangely captivating and exotic scene. 

Return to the hotel for breakfast and continue visiting the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat – one of the most impressive relics in the world. 

The temple still houses exquisite Apsara sculptures, a hallmark of Angkorian art. Continue exploring the mysterious royal city of Angkor Thom. 

Visit the area surrounding the complex, including the Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the Royal Place. Also visit another ruin in the Angkor area: the Preah Khan temple, built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, which is in the same style as the Ta Prohm temple.

Meals at your own expense.

Overnight: Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free time until the transfer to Siem Reap airport for the departure flight.