Premium Cambodia & Vietnam in Depth - 20 Days

Sua s’dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital city. You’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, why not go for a stroll and discover the city’s French architecture or check out the National Museum and its fascinating collection of Khmer craftsmanship. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. After, join your group for dinner at Malis Restaurant – an upmarket dining spot that’s committed to preserving and serving Cambodia’s traditional cuisine. Maybe cap off the night with a cocktail at the Le Moon Rooftop at Amanjaya Pancam Hotel.

This morning, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge, and the Royal Palace, where you can see Throne Hall, topped by a 59 m (193.5 ft) tower inspired by the Bayon at Angkor. Then, your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Wat Phnom – the temple that gave rise to the city’s foundation in the 15th century. Tonight, perhaps grab dinner with your group or wander the city and soak up the nighttime atmosphere.

After breakfast, journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in a comfortable private vehicle. Discover traditional Cambodian life at Skun Village and learn about the town’s deep-fried tarantulas and other insects, which the locals consume daily. You’ll also visit Santuk Silk Farm to learn about silk production and its work as a social enterprise, employing local women as artisan weavers. Share a simple, rustic, local lunch prepared by the weavers before you continue to Siem Reap, stopping to see historic bridges along the way before arriving at your hotel at approximately 5 pm. You’ll love this boutique hotel’s location in the tree-shaded Royal District and its quiet pools, tropical gardens and art-filled spaces. Tonight, head out for dinner and a theatre show at Angkor Village Apsara Theatre, where you’ll watch Khmer traditional dance and dine on Khmer favourites.

If you like, head out earlier than the rest of your group to catch sunrise at the Angkor complex. After, you’ll spend the day discovering the fantastic temples with your leader. For the first half of the day, you’ll be accompanied by a private archaeological guide, who will provide expert knowledge and insight beginning at Angkor Wat – the largest and most complete structure and the only one of Angkor’s temples with an entrance facing west. Have lunch, at the Sala Bai Hotel School, where underprivileged local youths learn skills to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. Then, visit Angkor Thom, the ‘Great Royal City’ – a temple famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. From here, you’ll head out of town to an ancient working monastery to gain a special insight into the life of a monk and Theravada Buddhism. Meet the monks, enjoy a sacred water blessing for good luck and prosperity and have a red band tied around your wrist to keep you safe in your travels. The rest of the evening can be spent exploring the bars of Siem Reap or relaxing in at your resort.

After breakfast, it’s off to the Ta Prohm temple, which has large trees embedded in the stone foundations – powerful symbols of nature. Next, visit Banteay Srei to snap some pictures of the temple’s intricate stone carvings. You can head back to the resort to explore Siem Reap town or use your ticket for the Angkor ruins to continue discovering the site. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner in the Khmer countryside to say farewell to your group and Cambodia. Amid a rustic and romantic setting, you’ll sit down for a private meal in the rice fields of rural Siem Reap.

Today, take an unescorted flight to Ho Chi Minh City where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, you’ll have a second meeting at 6 pm to meet your new group and leader. If you arrive with time to spare, why not get out and explore the city at your own pace, maybe grabbing a tasty banh mi along the way (a baguette filled with a variety of fresh herbs, meat and veggies). Tonight, head out for dinner at a restaurant that is now a piece of Vietnamese history – this building was an old opium refinery station built in 1861, and nods to its past are still visible today. Here, you’ll feast on a menu of classic dishes and southern Vietnamese favourites.

Kick off your first full day of the trip with a visit to the Mekong Delta – a network of rivers and canals with floating markets and rice paddies. After breakfast, drive south towards this region via Ben Tre. Here, you’ll board a private boat to cruise the delta, stopping at some coconut gardens to visit a local home where you can sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, return to the waterways of the delta on sampans (small rowing boats) and row past the coconut trees and stilt houses that flank the river. Back on land, take a tuk tuk tour around the villages for a glimpse at rural life and learn how the coconut industry is woven into the community here. Then, visit with the NGO GreenHub to see how Intrepid’s travel choices can create positive environmental impact beyond the trip itself. GreenHub’s initiatives include mangrove protection and plastic waste reduction to protect coastal ecosystems. Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.

This morning, head out on a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network (some 200 km/124 mi) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They housed hospitals, dwellings and schools and were extensively used for refuge, storage and as a military base. Your leader will explain more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to give visitors a feel for what underground life must have been like. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon walk through central Saigon. Pass the City People’s Committee, Opera House, old CIA building viewpoint and Post Office to contrast important landmarks, civic history and modern city life. Tonight, perhaps visit the renowned TV chef Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam House Restaurant for an elevated, modern twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

This morning, hop a flight to Hoi An via Da Nang. When you arrive, head to lunch at a local restaurant, then take an Old Town walking tour with your leader. Discover Hoi An’s ancient heritage-listed architecture and unique mix of influences. With its charming low-tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to wander around. Start by visiting an opulently decorated historic house that was once home to a prominent trader. Then, cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, stop by the Chinese Assembly Hall and visit a local museum to learn more about the history you uncovered on the walk.

Take the morning to enjoy some free time, then after lunch, head to Hoi An, once a significant port of the Champa Kingdom and still home to many Cham descendants. Today, you’ll have an after-hours Signature Experience at the My Son Sanctuary – a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa that date back to the 4th century. Meet with an expert Cham researcher who will explain their work as an archaeologist and monument conservator, give insight into this ethnic group and discuss the significance of My Son. Learn about the ancient architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site and see the craters created by American bombs during the war. After exploring the temples and serene surroundings, return to Hoi An and have free time for dinner.

Today is free for you to experience Hoi An at your own pace. You might start with a wander through the Old Town, stopping at assembly halls, heritage houses and quiet backstreets along the Thu Bon River. Maybe head out by bike to nearby villages, visit a tailor for a custom-made piece (the tailors are famous in Hoi An and can sometimes even have your piece ready in 24 hours!) or join a cooking class to get a closer look at central Vietnamese flavours. In the evening, choose a riverside restaurant or see the town lit by lanterns.

Head for Hue this morning – the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam'’s historic past. On the way, pass through the Hai Van Pass – a scenic, mountainous stretch of highway with views across Lang Co Beach. Arrive in Hue and discover its eclectic mix of busy streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins stand as a testament to its proud history. Here, your leader will share insights into the devastating damage endured during the war.

Ready your appetite as today you’ll be diving into Hue’s culinary scene. First up, head to An Nhien Garden – a family altar house turned restaurant – for a private cooking demonstration and lunch. Your host will welcome you with cakes and tea, then guide you to the ancestral altar and share stories of family lineage and customs. Next up, using plant-based ingredients, you’ll learn about Hue’s culinary philosophy before sitting down to enjoy the delicious dishes together. Later, you’ll visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani flowers and pine trees, and the Imperial Citadel.

This morning, take a flight from Hue to Hanoi. Once settled, head out on a guided half-day visit around the city with your leader, gaining insights into the city’s history during visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary. Enjoy lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially if you're interested in its many lakes and parks. You'll see that this northern capital can be quieter than its southern counterpart, and the West Lake, north of the main city, is an ideal place to interact with the locals and relax by its banks.

Leave Hanoi this morning in a private coach transfer to Mai Chau. This peaceful town is situated in a valley and surrounded by green mountains, making it famous for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hill tribe communities. Admire the views, fuel up over lunch and visit Vun Art – a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Check into your accommodation in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to unwind and relax.

Today, your leader will take you on a walk through a series of Mai Chau villages. Along the way, you’ll pass terraced rice fields and traditional stilted houses, before getting an up-close view of traditional cotton textile-making and hearing a local artisan’s insights into Thai garment craftsmanship. Next, you’ll learn how to make Ruou Can, a traditional fermented rice wine, as well as the cultural significance behind each step of the process. After a lunch hosted by a local family, the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Relax at your hotel or speak with your leader about optional activities in the area.

This morning, you’ll drive back to Hanoi from Mai Chau, arriving late morning. Take a leader-led wander along the ancient 36 Streets to discover shop-lined alleys that sell everything from souvenirs to silk clothing. In the afternoon, join your group again for a traditional Ca Tru performance – a Northern Vietnam art form dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Originally, this was performed at Royal Courts and is now included by UNESCO on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. Today, these performances are rare, but you and your group will be taken to an ancient temple and treated to an exclusive show in one of the few places where these artists still sing acoustically.

Today, you’ll drive to Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site where karsts and islets create a spectacular sight. There’s no better way to appreciate the bay’s beauty than by boat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Carefully designed with traditional touches and modern amenities, the boat allows you to sit back in comfort as it weaves through the limestone islets, karsts and caves. The sights you will visit vary, but you may stop at a vibrant fishing village to learn about local life or a cave to appreciate its interesting rock formations with your leader, then you’ll retire to the boat for a seafood lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll have opportunities to swim, kayak or simply relax on the beach. This evening, dine on the boat’s deck and watch the sun go down.

In the morning, enjoy breakfast on the boat and perhaps take part in some optional tai chi to start off the day. Sail back to the port, disembark and travel back to Hanoi. Arriving back in the capital, enjoy some time to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s attractions that you may have missed the first time. You can shop on Hang Gai Street or perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel. In the evening, join your group and leader for a final dinner in a Hanoi restaurant, sharing stories and reflecting on the highlights of your adventure with your newfound friends.

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in Hanoi, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.