Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights

Summary

From the bustling Vietnamese cities, markets and countryside to the ancient relics and temples of Cambodia,  there's much to see and discover on a holiday to Vietnam and Cambodia. Easily combined, the two countries offer stunning sights, a vibrant culture and delicious cuisine amidst fun activities to enjoy. This trip aims to take you through the main highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia over two weeks. It’s aimed at first time travellers to these two remarkable countries who want to explore the main sights in style with fantastic local guides and original excursions whilst staying in charming hotels along the way.

  Duration


16 Days

Price

From £3,815.00 per person based on two adults sharing

Best time to go

Although Cambodia & Vietnam can be visited year round, November - March is the driest, coolest weather and the most pleasant time for sightseeing.


Day 1: UK Departure
Overnight flight to Hanoi.

Day 2: Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi (BB)
Arrive in Hanoi where you’ll meet your driver who’ll whisk you to your hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam's small and pleasant capital city. Hanoi lies at the heart of the northern Red River Delta and is a city of lakes, leafy boulevards and open parks with a French colonial feel. Enjoy your first day at leisure.

Day 3: Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi (BB)
Today you’ll be guided around the streets of Hanoi on a half day city tour, where you’ll be expertly shown around all the main attractions as well as some more off the beaten track gems.

Day 4: Cruise aboard the Violet Junk, Halong Bay (FB)
In the morning you’ll enjoy breakfast before being transferred to Halong City, about a three and a half hour drive. Here you’ll meet your home for the next 24 hours, The Violet. The Violet is a traditional Vietnamese ‘junk’ boat, which has been renovated in traditional Indochinese style to offer it’s guests every possible luxury. The junk has only six suites and is the perfect way to explore the mysteries of the UNESCO world heritage Site of Halong Bay in luxurious style.

Day 5: Anantara, Hoi An (BB)
This morning you have the option to rise early to witness the sunrise over Halong Bay, after which you can participate in a Tai Chi class, swim or kayak. You’ll then enjoy breakfast as the boat cruises back to land where you’ll be transferred to Hanoi airport for the short flight to Da Nang, and from Da Nang you’ll again transfer to your hotel in nearby Hoi An.

Day 6: Anantara, Hoi An (BB)
A morning scooter tour is a great way to experience local life in Cambodia as well as exploring the beautiful hinterland surrounding Hoi An. Hoi An is a charming old town with the centre being quite compact and pedestrianized, you’ll experience all the highlights on a walking tour in the afternoon.

Day 7: La Residence Hotel and Spa, Hue (BB)
Transfer in the morning between Hoi An and Hue via the majestic Hai Van Pass. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 8: La Residence Hotel and Spa, Hue (BB)
Today there’s a full day Hue city tour. In the morning embark on a Perfume River Cruise to the Imperial Citadel and a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda. This is followed by afternoon visits to the Tu Duc and Khai Dinh's Tombs providing you with an in-depth look at the fascinating history and culture of Hue.

Day 9: Park Hyatt, Saigon (BB)
In the morning you’ll be transferred to Hue airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it’s known to the locals. This afternoon you’ll enjoy a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where members of the Vietcong lived underground for years at a time in order to wage guerrilla warfare against the French and later Americans.

Day 10: Park Hyatt, Saigon (BB)
Today there is a full day tour of the Mekong Delta and river-town of Cai Be. Here you’ll explore the bustling markets and waterways by boat and traditional sampan to get a real flavour of Vietnamese culture.

Day 11: Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh (BB)
This morning you’ll be transferred to Saigon airport for the short flight to Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way. In the evening you’ll embark on a sunset cruise along the Mekong.

Day 12: Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh (BB)
To start the day you’ll journey through the streets of Phnom Penh by cyclo, an ancient Cambodian means of transportation. You’ll be taken to all the cities main sites before lunch. In the afternoon you’ll uncover Cambodia’s darker recent history with trips to the Tuol Sleng genocide museum and the Killing Fields. These sites are heart-breaking to visit, but are a must if you wish to understand today's Cambodia.

Day 13: Belmond La Residence D’Angkor, Siem Reap (BB)
In the morning you’ll transfer to Phnom Penh airport for your final short flight to Siem Reap, home to the famous temples of Angkor. You’ll be transferred to your hotel to freshen up then taken to tour the main temple of Angkor Wat. You’ll be expertly guided around the temple complex and will enjoy the iconic sunset behind the temples domes.

Day 14: Belmond La Residence D’Angkor, Siem Reap (BB)
Today you’ll have a guided tour around some of Angkor Wat’s less famous but equally scenic temples. The temple of the faces at Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm made famous by the film Tomb Raider and Bayon are must sees.

Day 15: Belmond La Residence D’Angkor, Siem Reap (BB)
Take a break from temples today for a trip to Cambodia’s biggest lake, the Tonlé Sap. Here you’ll visit floating villages and explore the amazing rural scenery around the lake.

Day 16: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

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Inclusions
All flights, transfers, meals, accommodation and activities as specified, local English speaking guides throughout

Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.

Cleveland Collection tailor makes all itineraries to include highlights of your choice. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.

*We try to keep our 'from prices' as accurate as possible, but please do be aware that when travelling in peak times such as Christmas and school holidays, prices shown will vary considerably.


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