17-Day Cambodia & Vietnam Tour from Siem Reap to Hanoi: Angkor Wat, Hoi An & Halong Bay

After breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of the remarkable Angkor Archaeological Park, one of Southeast Asia’s most important cultural and architectural treasures.

Start at the impressive South Gate of Angkor Thom, the entrance to the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. Continue to Bayon Temple, known for its serene stone faces and distinctive Khmer architecture, before visiting the Terrace of the Elephants, once used for royal ceremonies and public processions. You will also explore Baphuon Temple, a grand temple mountain whose restored structure reflects the engineering skill and religious heritage of the Angkor civilization.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the iconic Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most celebrated temple and the largest religious monument in the world. Walk through its galleries, admire the towering central sanctuary and observe the detailed bas-reliefs that portray mythology, history and spiritual symbolism.

In the late afternoon, enjoy the softer light and peaceful atmosphere around Angkor Wat, subject to weather conditions, before returning to your hotel in Siem Reap. Enjoy the evening at leisure, with time to relax or explore the city on your own.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, continue your discovery of Angkor with a visit to Ta Prohm Temple, one of the most atmospheric sites in the complex. Here, massive tree roots twist through ancient stone walls and courtyards, creating a striking setting that reveals how nature and architecture have become closely intertwined over centuries.

Continue to Banteay Srei Temple, a smaller but exceptionally refined temple built from pink sandstone. Renowned for its delicate carvings and beautifully preserved decorative details, Banteay Srei is considered one of the finest examples of classical Khmer artistry.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before traveling to Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and an important source of livelihood for many Cambodian communities. Take a boat journey to visit a local floating or stilt-house community, such as Kampong Phluk, depending on seasonal water levels and the confirmed local arrangement. Along the way, gain insight into fishing traditions, waterside homes and daily life connected to the changing rhythms of the lake.

Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon, with the evening free at your leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart from Siem Reap for Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital city. Travel by private vehicle through the Cambodian countryside, passing rural villages, rice fields, palm trees and local landscapes that offer a different perspective beyond the temples of Angkor.

During the journey, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Subject to timing and road conditions, a short stop may also be arranged at a local market, village or historic bridge, allowing you to stretch your legs and gain a glimpse of rural Cambodian life along the route.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, check in at your hotel and enjoy time to relax. Located at the meeting point of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers, the city combines royal landmarks, colonial-era influences, riverside life and an important modern history.

In the evening, you may stroll along the riverside promenade, visit nearby cafés or simply relax at your hotel.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, begin your guided discovery of Phnom Penh, a city where royal heritage, Khmer art and Cambodia’s modern history come together.

Start at the Royal Palace, the official residence of Cambodia’s royal family, where elegant Khmer architecture, golden roofs and peaceful courtyards reflect the country’s royal traditions. Continue to the Silver Pagoda, located within the palace complex and home to significant Buddhist and cultural treasures.

Next, visit the National Museum of Cambodia, which houses an important collection of Khmer sculpture and art. The museum provides valuable cultural context after your visits to the Angkor temples in Siem Reap.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue with respectful visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Memorial. These sobering historical sites provide an important understanding of Cambodia’s recent past and are visited with sensitivity and respect for those whose lives were affected.

Return to your hotel after the tour, with the evening free at your leisure.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Techo International Airport (KTI) for your scheduled flight to Ho Chi Minh City, marking the beginning of the Vietnam section of your journey.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s energetic southern metropolis, known for its dynamic street life, colonial-era landmarks, bustling markets and vibrant culinary scene.

The afternoon is free for you to relax after your flight or explore the surrounding area independently.

In the evening, discover the city after dark on a motorbike street food tour. Travel with experienced local drivers through lively streets and local neighborhoods, stopping at selected food spots to sample Vietnamese dishes, street snacks and refreshing drinks. Along the way, gain a closer look at Saigon’s everyday food culture beyond the major sightseeing areas.

After the experience, return to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, leave Ho Chi Minh City for a full-day journey into the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta.

On the way, stop in My Tho to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of southern Vietnam’s best-known Buddhist pagodas. Admire its distinctive architecture, peaceful grounds and cultural details before continuing to Ben Tre, a region known for coconut groves, tropical gardens, riverside villages and traditional local livelihoods.

Upon arrival, travel by boat through the waterways of the delta, passing coconut palms, local houses and quiet riverside scenery. Visit a local workshop to observe how regional products, such as coconut-based goods or handmade crafts, are produced using traditional skills.

Continue with a gentle walk or short cycling experience through village lanes, depending on the arranged program, before enjoying a traditional sampan ride along narrow canals shaded by water coconut trees. This is a rewarding opportunity to experience the slower pace and natural beauty of rural southern Vietnam.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your delta exploration before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Enjoy the evening at leisure, with time to relax or explore on your own.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, depart from Ho Chi Minh City for the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network associated with Vietnam’s wartime history.

During your visit, learn how the tunnels were constructed and used, and see hidden entrances, underground facilities and selected sections of the network. Your guide will provide historical context on the tunnels and their role during the war. Guests who feel comfortable may experience accessible sections of the tunnels more closely.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing with an afternoon city tour.

Visit the Reunification Palace, formerly known as the Independence Palace and closely linked to the conclusion of the Vietnam War. Continue with an outside view of the Notre Dame Cathedral, followed by a visit to the Central Post Office, one of the city’s most recognizable colonial-era buildings.

Later, visit the War Remnants Museum, which offers a powerful and thought-provoking perspective on Vietnam’s wartime history and its lasting effects. Time permitting, stop at Ben Thanh Market to experience its lively atmosphere and browse local products and souvenirs.

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

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your domestic flight to Da Nang, the gateway to Central Vietnam.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to Hoi An, a beautifully preserved heritage town known for its lantern-lit streets, riverside setting and historic merchant houses. After lunch at a local restaurant, begin your guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town.

Stroll through its atmospheric old streets and visit key landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House and the Fujian Assembly Hall. Along the way, learn how Hoi An developed as an international trading port shaped by Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European cultural influences.

Later, join a hands-on lantern-making experience with local guidance. Discover the cultural meaning of Hoi An’s colorful lanterns before creating one of your own to take home as a personal souvenir.

The evening is free for you to enjoy Hoi An’s riverside atmosphere, explore the night market or relax at a local café.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, begin a relaxing countryside discovery around Hoi An. Set out on a scenic bicycle ride through village roads, rice fields and local neighborhoods, with a support vehicle available if required for a more comfortable and flexible experience.

Arrive at Tra Que Vegetable Village, a farming community known for its fresh herbs and traditional cultivation methods. Meet local farmers and learn about their daily work before joining selected hands-on activities, such as preparing the soil or watering the herb gardens.

Continue with a cooking experience using fresh local ingredients. Under local guidance, prepare selected Vietnamese dishes before enjoying your freshly made lunch.

In the afternoon, visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village, also known as the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Board a traditional round basket boat and glide through peaceful waterways lined with water coconut palms while learning about the area’s fishing traditions and riverside life.

Your final visit is Thanh Ha Pottery Village, one of Hoi An’s long-established craft communities. Observe artisans shaping pottery by hand using traditional techniques and, where arranged, try creating a simple pottery item yourself.

Return to your hotel in Hoi An after the visit, with the remainder of the day free at your leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart from Hoi An for Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. The journey follows one of Central Vietnam’s most scenic coastal routes, traveling via Da Nang and the renowned Hai Van Pass.

As you cross the pass, enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, mountain slopes and blue waters below. Stop for a relaxing coffee break and time to appreciate the scenery before continuing toward Lang Co Beach, a tranquil coastal area framed by sandy shoreline, lagoon waters and surrounding mountains.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Hue and visit the Imperial Citadel, part of the UNESCO-listed Complex of Hue Monuments. Explore the former royal city of the Nguyen Dynasty, with its historic gates, ceremonial spaces, temples and palace architecture reflecting Vietnam’s imperial history.

After the visit, transfer to your hotel in Hue for check-in. Enjoy some free time in the evening to relax or discover the surroundings independently.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, begin your guided exploration of Hue with a leisurely boat cruise along the Perfume River. Enjoy the calm riverside scenery before arriving at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the city’s most recognizable spiritual landmarks.

Continue to Thuy Bieu Village, a peaceful countryside community known for its traditional garden houses, pomelo gardens and quiet village lanes. Enjoy a gentle walk or optional cycling experience through the area, observing local life and the slower rhythm of rural Hue.

Visit a traditional garden house to learn more about local architecture and family traditions, followed by a relaxing herbal foot bath using local ingredients. Enjoy lunch in the village, with Hue-style dishes and regional flavors.

In the afternoon, visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village, where brightly colored incense sticks reflect a long-standing local craft tradition. Continue to Khai Dinh Tomb, one of Hue’s most distinctive royal tombs, known for its hillside setting, elaborate mosaics and blend of Vietnamese and European architectural influences.

Following the day’s excursion, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Phu Bai International Airport for your scheduled flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s historic capital.

Meet your local guide upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, then transfer to your hotel for check-in. With its tree-lined boulevards, colonial-era architecture, ancient temples and vibrant street life, Hanoi offers a fascinating contrast to the imperial atmosphere of Hue.

The afternoon is free for you to relax after your flight or begin exploring the surrounding streets at your own pace.

In the evening, join a guided Hanoi street food tour through the lively lanes of the Old Quarter. Stop at local eateries and food stalls to sample signature dishes, traditional snacks and local drinks while learning about Hanoi’s culinary culture and everyday life.

Following the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, begin your full-day guided exploration of Hanoi, discovering the city’s history, local culture and traditional performing arts.

Start at Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist pagodas, beautifully situated beside West Lake. Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where exhibitions and traditional architecture provide insight into the culture and lifestyles of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

If your visit falls on a Monday, when the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is closed, the visit will be replaced by the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, which offers meaningful perspectives on women’s roles in Vietnamese family life, culture and history.

Continue to Hoa Lo Prison, a significant historical site associated with Vietnam’s colonial period and wartime history. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Long Bien Bridge, one of Hanoi’s historic landmarks and a distinctive feature of the city’s riverside landscape.

Later, explore the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter, including Dong Xuan Market and Bach Ma Temple, one of the oldest temples in the city. Join an egg coffee lesson to learn how Hanoi’s famous creamy coffee drink is prepared, then enjoy your own cup.

In the early evening, attend a traditional water puppet show, a distinctive Vietnamese art form inspired by rural village life and accompanied by traditional music.

Return to your hotel after the performance, with the evening free at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart from Hanoi for Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most celebrated natural landscapes and a memorable finale to your two-country journey.

Upon arrival at the cruise harbor, board your overnight cruise and receive a welcome drink while the crew provides a short safety briefing. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch on board as the cruise begins sailing among the dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay.

In the afternoon, visit Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave, one of the bay’s largest and most impressive caves. Continue to Titop Island, where you may relax by the beach or climb to the viewpoint for panoramic views across the surrounding seascape.

Return to the cruise in time to enjoy sunset views from the sundeck. Later, take part in a short Vietnamese cooking activity before enjoying dinner on board.

In the evening, relax at leisure or join optional onboard activities such as squid fishing.

Overnight in Halong Bay cruise in a private cabin.

Note: Cruise activities and timings may vary according to weather conditions, tide levels and the confirmed cruise operator.

Wake early to enjoy the peaceful morning scenery of Halong Bay. Begin the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast on board as the cruise continues through the bay.

Visit Luon Cave, a tranquil area surrounded by limestone cliffs and calm waters. Explore the cave and lagoon by kayak or traditional bamboo boat, depending on the arranged cruise program and local conditions.

After returning to the cruise, freshen up and complete check-out procedures while the boat sails back toward the harbor. Enjoy brunch on board as you take in your final views of Halong Bay.

Disembark from the cruise before transferring back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, with time to relax or enjoy your final evening in Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Note: Cruise activities and schedules may vary according to weather conditions, tide levels and the confirmed cruise operator.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy free time until your scheduled transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight.

Depending on your departure time, you may take a final walk through Hanoi, enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee or shop for last-minute souvenirs before leaving the city.

Your 17-day Cambodia and Vietnam tour from Siem Reap to Hanoi concludes after a rewarding journey through ancient temples, historic capitals, local communities, cultural traditions and some of Southeast Asia’s most memorable landscapes.

Important Notes

Flights

The itinerary includes scheduled flight sectors from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang and Hue to Hanoi. Airfares, baggage allowances and flight schedules should be confirmed in the final quotation before booking.

Accommodation

Accommodation should be provided according to the confirmed quotation. Hotel category and upgrade options can be adjusted according to the traveler’s comfort preference and budget.

Halong Bay Cruise

The itinerary includes one overnight cruise in Halong Bay with accommodation in a private cabin. The selected cruise operator, cabin category and any upgrade options should be confirmed in the quotation.

Activity Level

This itinerary includes walking at heritage sites, boat journeys, optional or light cycling activities, a motorbike street food experience and steps at selected temples, caves or viewpoints. Guests who prefer a gentler pace should inform the travel consultant in advance so suitable adjustments can be discussed.

Authentic Street Food Experience by Motorbike

The evening motorbike street food tour in Ho Chi Minh City is included in the itinerary as described. Guests who are uncomfortable traveling by motorbike should request an alternative food experience before booking, subject to available arrangements.

Dietary Requirements

Vegetarian meals and other dietary requests can usually be arranged with advance notice. Guests should advise Auasia Travel of any dietary needs before the journey begins.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Visa and entry requirements for Cambodia and Vietnam vary according to nationality and travel date. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that their passports, visas and travel documents meet the applicable entry requirements before departure.