- 12 Days
- Hanoi | Halong | Hoi An | Ho Chi Minh City | Siem Reap
“Explore Vietnam and Cambodia on a luxury tour of culture, history, and natural beauty. “
Tour Highlights
Lantern-Making Class
Ancient Temples and Monks
Meet Local Farmers
French Colonial Landmarks
Overnight Bay Cruise
Wartime Tunnels
about this tour
about this tour
Experience Southeast Asia with Finest Journeys’ Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery Tour, a private luxury journey for travellers seeking authenticity, cultural connection, and memorable experiences. This carefully planned itinerary highlights the heritage, landscapes, and traditions of two remarkable countries through personalised service, expert-guided visits, and elegant accommodations, ensuring every moment is seamless and comfortable. Begin in Hanoi, where history and modern life meet, then travel to Ninh Binh, known for limestone cliffs, winding rivers, and peaceful countryside. Cruise through Halong Bay on a luxury vessel surrounded by striking karst formations, enjoying calm waters and natural beauty. In Hoi An, explore a World Heritage town, join a traditional lantern-making workshop, cycle through Tra Que Village, and enjoy regional cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. Ho Chi Minh City presents a lively contrast with colonial landmarks, vibrant streets, and dynamic culture, complemented by visits to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta to observe rural life along the waterways. The tour concludes in Cambodia, where the ancient temples of Angkor Wat and the floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake reveal the country’s cultural heritage and enduring traditions. This Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery Tour combines luxury travel, authentic experiences, and thoughtful planning for travellers wishing to connect with Southeast Asia’s history, landscapes, and communities.
Join a lantern workshop to learn a traditional Hoi An craft introduced by the Chinese centuries ago. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, create your own lantern using bamboo frames and silk fabric. The process requires patience, careful attention, and a steady hand, allowing you to experience a true local tradition and gain insight into the city’s unique cultural heritage. At the end of the class, you can take your finished lantern home as a personal and meaningful souvenir to remember your time in this historic and charming town.
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Arrival DayWelcome to Hanoi, a city filled with culture, character, and charm. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by your local guide and taken to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to settle in and rest after your journey, or, if you prefer to start exploring straight away, join a Vespa food tour through the heart of the city. Ride through narrow streets lined with small shops and food stalls, stopping to try local dishes and learn about everyday life in Hanoi. The mix of traditional and modern influences gives the city a unique energy that can be felt around every corner. Whether you choose to unwind at your hotel or head out to experience Hanoi’s food scene, this first day offers the perfect introduction to Vietnam’s capital.
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Welcome to Hanoi, a city filled with culture, character, and charm. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by your local guide and taken to your hotel for…2
Temple of Literature and Museum of Ethnology TourIn the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, known locally as Van Mieu. This temple, dedicated to Confucius, was also the site of Vietnam’s first university. The grounds offer a calm atmosphere amid the city, with carefully arranged gardens, water lily ponds, traditional pavilions, and intricately designed gates. Stroll through the courtyards and enjoy the sense of history and culture present in every corner. Afterward, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Established in 1997 during the Francophonie Summit, the museum functions as both a research center and a public space for learning. It presents the lifestyles, traditions, and artifacts of the country’s 54 ethnic groups, giving a clear view of Vietnam’s cultural diversity. Exhibits include traditional clothing, household items, and models of regional architecture, offering insight into daily life across the nation. Together, the Temple of Literature and the museum provide a well-rounded experience of Hanoi, showing both its historical and cultural dimensions. This afternoon allows time to appreciate the city’s heritage while seeing how past and present coexist in everyday life.
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In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, known locally as Van Mieu. This temple, dedicated to Confucius, was also the site of Vietnam’s first university. The grounds offer a…3
Ninh Binh and Tam Coc Day TripAfter breakfast at your hotel, travel for about two hours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, the former capital of Vietnam. Known for its striking limestone mountains and winding rivers, the region is often called “Terrestrial Halong Bay.” On arrival, visit the ancient temples of Hoa Lu, which were built in honor of the Dinh and Le Kings who ruled in the 10th century. Learn about their role in shaping Vietnam’s early history while enjoying the peaceful setting surrounded by rural scenery. In the afternoon, take a leisurely boat trip through Tam Coc on a traditional sampan. The two-hour journey passes through calm waterways lined with rice fields and impressive limestone cliffs, with short passages through natural caves. The quiet pace offers time to take in the scenery and appreciate the area’s natural charm. After the boat ride, return to Hanoi in the evening, where the rest of the night is at your leisure.
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After breakfast at your hotel, travel for about two hours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, the former capital of Vietnam. Known for its striking limestone mountains and winding rivers, the…4
Halong Bay Cruise and Overnight StayToday, travel about two and a half hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most remarkable natural landscapes. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the bay is home to more than 1,900 limestone islands and islets, most of which remain untouched. These formations rise from calm, green waters, creating a striking and memorable scene. On arrival, board your cruise and begin your journey through some of the most scenic parts of the bay. During the trip, enjoy freshly prepared meals featuring local seafood while taking in the surrounding views. The cruise also offers a range of activities to enjoy, from relaxing on deck to optional excursions depending on the weather and route. As night falls, the peaceful atmosphere of Halong Bay creates a quiet and memorable setting to end the day.
Today, travel about two and a half hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most remarkable natural landscapes. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the…5
Halong Bay Sunrise and Transfer to Hoi AnWake early to enjoy the sunrise over the calm waters of Halong Bay. As the day begins, the cruise continues through the bay, allowing more time to take in the scenery before returning to the dock late in the morning. After disembarking, travel back to Hanoi for your flight to Da Nang. On arrival at Da Nang Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel in Hoi An. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. You may choose to relax at the hotel after your journey or take a short walk to see the town in the evening. Hoi An’s quiet streets, glowing lanterns, and riverside setting create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is especially enjoyable at night.
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Wake early to enjoy the sunrise over the calm waters of Halong Bay. As the day begins, the cruise continues through the bay, allowing more time to take in the…6
Hoi An Ancient Town and Lantern-Making ExperienceToday, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved streets and blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French influences. Stroll through the town to see landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall, and the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, each reflecting a different part of Hoi An’s cultural past. Afterward, enjoy a gentle bicycle ride along quiet country paths to Tra Que Vegetable Village, famous for its organic farming and fresh produce. Watch local farmers at work or take part in planting and harvesting. Lunch will feature regional dishes prepared with ingredients from the village. In the afternoon, visit a lantern workshop to learn about one of Hoi An’s most distinctive crafts. Brought to the town centuries ago by Chinese traders, lantern-making has become a symbol of local culture. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you will make your own lantern using bamboo and silk. The process requires care and attention, but the result is a personal souvenir to take home. This day combines history, local life, and hands-on experience, offering a well-rounded look at Hoi An’s charm.
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Today, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved streets and blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French influences. Stroll through the town to…7
Morning at Leisure and Transfer to Ho Chi Minh CitySpend the morning at your own pace. You may choose to relax at the hotel, enjoy a coffee at a local café, or take a stroll along An Bang Beach to enjoy the calm shoreline. In the afternoon, leave Hoi An and travel to Da Nang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet your driver and local guide for a private transfer to your hotel. Once settled, the rest of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace. You could take a short walk around the nearby streets, visit a local market, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City.
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Spend the morning at your own pace. You may choose to relax at the hotel, enjoy a coffee at a local café, or take a stroll along An Bang Beach…8
Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City HighlightsSpend the morning visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about two hours from Ho Chi Minh City. This extensive underground network was originally dug by the Viet Minh in the late 1940s during the French-Indochina War and later expanded by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Walking through sections of the tunnels, you can get a sense of how they were used for living, hiding, and moving supplies during the conflict. After the visit, return to Ho Chi Minh City for the afternoon. In the city, explore several of its key landmarks. Begin with the French colonial Saigon Central Post Office, followed by the Notre Dame Cathedral, a well-known symbol of the city. Continue along Dong Khoi Street, a wide avenue featuring shops, hotels, and historical buildings. Later, visit the War Remnants Museum, which presents exhibits of weapons and vehicles used during the Vietnam War. The museum also includes photographs and displays documenting the impact of the war on Vietnamese civilians, including the effects of chemical agents. This day provides a mix of historical insight and cultural landmarks, offering a deeper understanding of both the past and present of Ho Chi Minh City.
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Spend the morning visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about two hours from Ho Chi Minh City. This extensive underground network was originally dug by the Viet Minh in the…9
Mekong Delta Day Trip and Village ExperienceThis morning, depart from Ho Chi Minh City and travel west to Ben Tre Province in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, board a boat to sail along one of the Mekong’s tributaries. Stop at local workshops to learn about regional specialties, including coconut candy production, and visit a brick factory to see how handmade bricks are created. Along the way, ride a motorized rickshaw, known locally as a xe loi, through villages, rice fields, and vegetable gardens to get a sense of rural life in the delta. At midday, enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional dishes such as elephant-ear fish and freshwater shrimp. In the afternoon, take a bicycle ride along quiet village roads lined with greenery, then visit a workshop that produces handwoven carpets. Continue with a calm sampan ride through narrow canals, observing daily life along the waterways. After the tour, return by car to Ho Chi Minh City. This day offers a balance of cultural insight, hands-on experiences, and scenic views, providing a clear picture of life in the Mekong Delta and the traditions that shape the region.
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This morning, depart from Ho Chi Minh City and travel west to Ben Tre Province in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, board a boat to sail along one of the…10
Flight to Siem Reap and Cultural ShowThis morning, transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temples. Located in the northwest of Cambodia, Siem Reap is also an ideal base for visiting Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, as well as exploring the countryside or more remote temples such as Beng Mealea, Phnom Kulen, and Kbal Spean. On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, spend the evening enjoying a meal at a local restaurant while watching a traditional Cambodian performance. The show features classical Khmer dance inspired by Hindu and Buddhist mythology, reflecting themes of water and cloud spirits. It provides insight into Cambodia’s cultural heritage and artistry, making for a relaxed and enjoyable introduction to the country. This evening offers the perfect balance of local cuisine and cultural experience as you prepare for the days ahead exploring Siem Reap and the Angkor temples.
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This morning, transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temples. Located in the northwest of Cambodia, Siem Reap is also…11
Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat Temple TourBegin your day traveling along a road lined with centuries-old trees that leads to Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Known as the “Great City,” Angkor Thom reflects the scale and skill of Khmer architecture and artistry. At its center stands Bayon Temple, built in the 12th–13th centuries, famous for its 216 stone faces carved into 54 towers. The serene expressions of the faces are one of the defining images of Angkor. After visiting Bayon, continue to Baphuon, an 11th-century temple mountain that has been carefully restored by French architects. Next, see the Terrace of the Elephants, stretching about 350 meters, where royal ceremonies and public events once took place. Nearby, visit the Terrace of the Leper King, known for its intricate carvings of Apsara figures. Later in the day, explore Angkor Wat, the most iconic temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Covering more than 160 hectares, it is the largest religious monument in the world and a masterpiece of Khmer design. Conclude your day at Ta Prohm, a temple partially reclaimed by nature, where giant trees and roots intertwine with ancient stone walls, creating one of Angkor’s most memorable sights.
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Begin your day traveling along a road lined with centuries-old trees that leads to Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Known as the “Great City,” Angkor Thom…12
Departure DayThis morning, visit Kampong Phluk, one of the most scenic floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake. The area is surrounded by mangrove forests that provide a habitat for many species of fish and birds. The village is home to around 3,000 Khmer residents who live in wooden houses built on tall stilts above the water. As you travel through the village by boat, you will see daily life unfold on the lake and gain an understanding of how communities adapt to the changing water levels throughout the year. Lunch will be served at a traditional Khmer house, offering a taste of local cuisine in a peaceful setting. After your visit, return to Siem Reap to relax or enjoy some free time before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. This final day in Cambodia offers a memorable look at the connection between local life and the natural environment of Tonlé Sap Lake.
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This morning, visit Kampong Phluk, one of the most scenic floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake. The area is surrounded by mangrove forests that provide a habitat for many species…
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