Vietnam and Cambodia Tour 12 Days: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Angkor Wat & Phnom Penh

After breakfast, leave Hanoi and travel through the countryside of the Red River Delta toward Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival at the pier, board your Halong Bay overnight cruise and receive a welcome drink and safety briefing from the crew. As the cruise sails into the bay, enjoy lunch on board while admiring limestone islands, emerald waters and peaceful bay scenery.

In the afternoon, join the cruise program, which usually includes visits such as Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, depending on the selected cruise and operating conditions. You may explore a cave, relax on the beach, swim in calm water or climb to a viewpoint for panoramic bay views.

Return to the cruise in the late afternoon and relax on the sundeck as the sun sets over the limestone scenery. You may also join a short Vietnamese cooking activity before dinner is served on board. The evening is free to relax or try squid fishing with the crew.

Travel time: Approximately 2.5–3 hours, subject to traffic and road conditions.

Overnight in Halong Bay.

Begin the morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, surrounded by the peaceful scenery of Halong Bay. Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast while the cruise continues through the bay.

Later, visit Luon Cave, where you can explore a quiet lagoon by kayak or traditional bamboo boat. Passing beneath limestone cliffs and along calm waterways, this gentle excursion offers a closer look at Halong Bay’s natural setting.

Return to the cruise for check-out, followed by brunch as the vessel sails back to Tuan Chau Harbour. After disembarkation, transfer back to Hanoi Old Quarter.

Please note that the cruise itinerary may change depending on weather, tide levels and operational conditions. After returning to Hanoi, enjoy free time and arrange dinner independently. The rest of the evening is free before your flight to Hue the following day.

Travel time: Approximately 2.5–3 hours from Halong Bay to Hanoi, depending on traffic

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital under the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945.

Upon arrival at Phu Bai Airport, meet your local guide and driver, then transfer to central Hue. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your afternoon sightseeing.

Visit the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty. Walk through ancient gates, royal courtyards and temples while learning about Vietnam’s imperial history.

Continue to Khai Dinh Tomb, one of Hue’s most distinctive royal tombs, known for its blend of Vietnamese and European architectural influences. Following the visit, continue to your hotel and check in.

The evening is free for you to enjoy dinner independently.

Flight note: The Hanoi – Hue flight is required for this itinerary and should be confirmed in your final quotation.

Overnight in Hue.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before boarding a private traditional dragon boat for a peaceful cruise along the Perfume River. Enjoy the tranquil riverside scenery as you make your way to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most iconic spiritual landmarks.

After the visit, continue to Thuy Bieu Village, a quiet riverside area known for its traditional garden houses, pomelo gardens and local way of life. Enjoy a leisurely walk or optional cycling tour through the village, visit local homes and interact with residents for a more authentic cultural experience.

Later, stop at a traditional garden house for a home-hosted lunch featuring Hue specialties. After lunch, relax with a herbal foot bath, a traditional wellness practice often associated with Hue’s peaceful lifestyle.

In the afternoon, visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village, a colorful incense-making village where bright bundles of incense are displayed along the street. Continue to Dong Ba Market, Hue’s most famous local market, before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, depart Hue for Da Nang on a scenic drive via Lang Co Beach and Hai Van Pass. Along the way, enjoy coastal views, mountain scenery and photo stops, depending on local conditions.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, visit the Cham Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Cham civilization. Continue to the Marble Mountains, one of Da Nang’s most famous attractions, where you can explore ancient caves, Buddhist pagodas and viewpoints overlooking the city. If time permits, make a brief stop at Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village at the foot of the mountains.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Hoi An, a historic riverside town and former trading port recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour through Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting the Japanese Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Phung Hung Old Merchant House. After the walking tour, transfer to your hotel and check in.

The evening is free to relax or explore local dining options at your own pace.

Transfer time: Approximately 3–3.5 hours, subject to traffic and sightseeing along the way.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still often called Saigon by locals.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, depending on your flight schedule.

In the afternoon, depending on your flight schedule, begin a guided city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit key landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office and the Reunification Palace. Continue to Chinatown, a lively district known for its markets, local atmosphere and cultural diversity.

After completing the tour, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Flight note: The Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City flight should be confirmed in your final quotation.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, depart from Ho Chi Minh City for a full-day visit to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, a region known for coconut groves, waterways and riverside communities.

Upon arrival at Ham Luong Pier, board a local boat and cruise along the Ben Tre River. Visit a traditional brick-making workshop and a coconut processing workshop to learn how local products are made. Continue to a family-run workshop where sleeping mats are produced, with time to enjoy fruit and tea.

Travel further through the countryside by local transport, bicycle or on foot, depending on the confirmed arrangement. Enjoy lunch at a local family home or garden restaurant before taking a rowing boat through narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms.

Later, return to the pier and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy the evening at leisure, with time to relax or explore independently.

The journey takes: Approximately 2–2.5 hours each way, depending on road and traffic conditions.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, enjoy free time until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, meet your local guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to relax before your first Cambodian cultural experience.

In the evening, depending on your arrival flight time, enjoy a traditional Apsara Dinner Show, combining local cuisine with classical Khmer dance and music. The performance provides an elegant introduction to Cambodian culture before your exploration of the Angkor temples.

Note: The Apsara Dinner Show may be adjusted depending on your arrival flight time.

Flight note: The Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap flight is required for this itinerary and is not included in the base tour price unless stated in your quotation.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Start early with breakfast at the hotel or a packed breakfast arrangement before your guided visit to Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most iconic temple and one of the great architectural achievements of the Khmer Empire. Explore the temple’s galleries, towers and detailed stone carvings while learning about Khmer history, culture and religious symbolism.

Continue to Srah Srang, the royal pool associated with King Jayavarman VII. Enjoy a village walk and a local refreshment experience in a nearby house, where hosts may offer fruit, snacks, coffee and tea.

Next, visit Ta Prohm, often known as the “Tomb Raider” temple. Partly embraced by jungle roots, this atmospheric site offers one of the most memorable scenes in the Angkor complex.

Take a lunch break before continuing your Angkor exploration in the afternoon. Visit Angkor Thom, the former royal city, including Phimeanakas, Baphuon and the iconic Bayon Temple, famous for its carved stone faces.

Weather and site conditions permitting, end the day with sunset views from Phnom Bakheng, overlooking the Angkor plain. Return to your hotel, with dinner arranged independently.

Optional: An early Angkor Wat sunrise visit can be arranged upon request, subject to weather conditions and your preferred travel pace.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at the hotel, prepare for a road journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city. Today is mainly a travel day, with selected cultural stops along the way.

First, stop at Spider Market in Skun, known for its unusual local snacks, including fried spiders. This stop offers a glimpse of Cambodia’s roadside food culture and is especially interesting for adventurous travelers.

Continue to Spean Neak Bridge in Kampong Kdei, an ancient stone bridge dating back to the Angkor period. Its impressive architecture reflects the engineering skill of the Khmer Empire.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route before continuing your drive to Phnom Penh.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, transfer to your hotel and check in. The evening is free for you to relax or enjoy dinner independently. Phnom Penh offers a wide range of dining options, from local Khmer restaurants to international cuisine.

Estimated transfer time: Approximately 5.5–6.5 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and comfort stops.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a short Phnom Penh city tour, exploring some of the capital’s most important cultural and spiritual landmarks.

Visit the Royal Palace complex, home to Cambodia’s royal residence and elegant Khmer-style architecture. Continue to the Silver Pagoda, known for its silver-tiled floor and revered Buddhist treasures, including an Emerald Buddha and other important religious artifacts.

Then visit Wat Phnom, a sacred hilltop temple and one of the most symbolic landmarks in Phnom Penh. This peaceful site is closely linked to the founding legend of the city.

After the tour, you will be transferred to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight.

Your Vietnam and Cambodia Tour 12 Days ends here.

Note: Final-day sightseeing depends on your departure flight time. If your flight departs early, the program may be shortened or adjusted accordingly.