Published on November 29, 2017
Cave in Ha Long Bay. Image courtesy of the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism.
What You’ll Get
A 12-day trip through the exotic wonders and stunning historic cities of Viet Nam and Cambodia.
Highlights
Your first destination is the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, which exudes its own old world charm with its striking colonial architecture and vibrant streets.
Then, head out of town to Halong Bay where you can take in the jaw-dropping view aboard a traditional boat. Your overnight stay onboard will be filled with the sight of more than a thousand limestone islands rising out of emerald waters, hidden coves, and towering cliffs.
You’ll also take a cruise in the old imperial capital of Hue on the scenic Perfume River. Riverside attractions include Thien Mu Pagoda and the intricately designed mausoleums of past emperors. On the way to Hoi An, you’ll make your way up the winding Hai Van pass that overlooks stunning views of peaks and coastline.
More ancient and colonial architecture abound in alluring Hoi An, where you’ll see lovely centuries-old houses and Chinese temples that reflect the blend of different cultures.
From the tranquility of Hoi An, you’ll then get jolted with crowds and motorbikes in the mad rush in Ho Chi Minh City. Aside from visiting the city’s major attractions of historic buildings, temples, and marketplaces, you’ll see the legendary underground tunnels in Cu Chi and navigate around the Mekong Delta’s many rivers and swamps aboard a boat.
Your final stops are Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, where the Cambodian cities provide a captivating glimpse into the country’s history—most notably in the ancient city of Angkor. You’ll have two days exploring enchanting Angkor Wat, Bayon, and the other remnants of the old Khmer empire. A boat trip out on the famed Tonle Sap river completes the excursion.
Hotel de Ville, Ho Chi Minh City. Image courtesy of the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism.
