The Best 21 Day Vietnam and Cambodia Tour

The Best 21 Day Vietnam and Cambodia Tour is an ideal choice for those who want to discover the major sites of Vietnam and enjoy a getaway to Cambodia, for a rich overview of this border country. You will get to know North Vietnam by discovering Hanoi capital, but also by making a detour through the mountainous areas bordering China where you will discover ethnic minorities, authentic local markets and typical villages in the remote areas, whose rice terraces are the pride of the country - and the wonder of travelers.

A change of scenery will be made in the center with impressive caves, imperial city and old maritime that will tell you many legends. A detour to the central highland will allow you to get to know other ethnic groups, with a totally different customs and traditions with those in the mountain before taking a seaside retreat at Nha Trang – a coastal city.

For many travelers, Saigon is a surprising destination which is a megalopolis never sleeps. Crossing the Mekong Delta allows you to discover South Vietnam with the peace as well as a taste of Cambodia with its mysterious Angkor temples.

Vietnam and Cambodia 3 week itinerary is a very complete program which can nevertheless be personalized based on your wishes.

Day 01: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)

Day 02: Hanoi - Perfume Pagoda – Hanoi - Lao Cai (B/L/-) – by overnight train

Day 03: Lao Cai - weekly market - Ban Lien (B/L/D)

Day 04: Ban Lien - Hoang Su Phi Lodge – Hikes (B/L/D)

Day 05: Hoang Su Phi Lodge - Nam Nghi - Hanoi (B/L/-)

Day 06: Hanoi – Halong – Bai Tu Long Bay – overnight on cruise (B/L/D)

Day 07: Bai Tu Long Bay – Thien Canh Son cave – Hanoi (B/L/-)

Day 08: Hanoi – Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu – Van Long – Hanoi – Dong Hoi (B/L/-) – by overnight train

Day 09: Dong Hoi – Phong Nha Ke Bang national park – Dong Hoi (B/L/-)

Day 10: Dong Hoi - Hue – City tour (B/L/-)

Day 11: Hue - Danang - Hoi An – walking tour – boat ride on Thu Bon river (B/L/-)

Day 12: Hoian - Danang - Nha Trang (B/L/-) – by flight

Day 13: Nha Trang - Da Lat (B/L/-)

Day 14: Da Lat - Village of Lat - Buon Ma Thuot – Lak Lake (B/L/-)

Day 15: Lake lake - Buon Ma Thuot – city tour – Saigon (B/L/-) – by flight

Day 16: Saigon – Mekong Delta – My Tho – Ben Tre - Tra Vinh (B/L/D)

Day 17: Tra Vinh - Can Tho – City tour (B/L/-)

Day 18: Cai Rang floating market - Chau Doc (B/L/-)

Day 19: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh – city tour (B/L/-) – by speedboat

Day 20: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – city tour (B/L/-) – by flight

Day 21: Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Angkor Wat – Departure (B/L)

Day 01: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)

Arrive at Noi Bai international airport, be welcomed by our guide and driver then transfer to hotel in Hanoi for check-in (at 14.00). Take your time to explore the city on your own way. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Optional: for those who arrive in Hanoi in the early morning (B/L/-)

Start your tour by visiting the notably Hoan Kiem lake (Restored Sword lake) with Thu Huc bridge, Ngoc Son temple and turtle tower which is the symbol of Hanoi, all of which will take you back to the 15^th century by a legendary story from our guide. Then transfer to Women museum which keeps tangible and intangible items about Vietnam history and culture and Vietnamese women. Continue your trip by cyclo ride around the old quarter to get closer to Hanoian to understand more about the culture and daily life of locals, especially the cyclo passing different streets owning their own crafted items. Afterwards, participate in a folk song show (Cheo) or water puppet show. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
 

Day 02: Hanoi - Perfume Pagoda – Hanoi - Lao Cai (B/L/-) – by overnight train

After breakfast, depart for Perfume pagoda which is a large complex of pagodas and shrines built on Huong Tich mountain located in about 60km to the South of Hanoi. Arrive at the pier of Duc, board on a sampan along Yen Vy river passing peaceful rice fields and karst hills. Reach the pier after around 45 minute-ride, then walk the Thien Tru pagoda (locally known as the Heaven kitchen). From here then we can either walk up to the top or take 1 or round trip of cable car to Huong Tich cave which is known as "the most breathtaking cave in the Southern Heaven". Also, we will visit different shrines and pagoda such as Hinh Bong, Tien Son…

Afterwards, drive back to Hanoi railway station for the overnight train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train (shared A/C 4-soft berth cabin)
 

Day 03: Lao Cai - weekly market - Ban Lien (B/L/D)

Arrive at Lao Cai railway station, you will be welcomed and picked up by our guide then transfer to the restaurant close to the station for the relax, shower and breakfast. Afterwards, depart for Bac Ha where you will explore one of the typical weekly markets including Sin Cheng, Lung Phin, Can Cau or Bac Ha. The markets are held once per week and in the morning only. After market visit, do a trek through un-touristic route which offers a deep exploration of ethnic villages in the center of terraced rice fields. After lunch, continue trekking to Ban Lien village which is the land of Tay people and where you will check in and overnight at homestay of Tay ethnic minority.
 

Day 04: Ban Lien - Hoang Su Phi Lodge – Hikes (B/L/D)

Breakfast at homestay, then depart by private car to Hoang Su Phi via Xin Man. Arrive at Hoang Su Phi Lodge around noon, check in a private bungalow with panoramic views of the valleys and mountains. In the afternoon, enjoy a half day trek in the ethnic villages of Nam Hong and Nam Khoa to discover beautiful landscapes and smiling ethnic groups. Nam Hong and Nam Khoa are the land of the Red Dao people. These villages are also known for the beautiful terraced rice fields which have been recognized as the Natural Heritage of Vietnam. Dinner and overnight at Hoang Su Phi Lodge.
 

Day 05: Hoang Su Phi Lodge - Nam Nghi - Hanoi (B/L/-)

After breakfast, spend the last day for the treks from Hoang Su Phi Lodge to Nam Nghi village. After lunch with a family of red Daos, you will trek down the main road where our driver will meet you up for the transfer back to Hanoi. Upon arrival at hotel, check in and overnight in Hanoi.
 

Day 06: Hanoi – Halong – Bai Tu Long Bay – overnight on cruise (B/L/D)

After breakfast, then, head out to Halong Bay which is about 160km from Hanoi. Have some stops on the way for your relaxing and visiting. Arrive in Bai Tu Long around noon. Upon arrival, be welcomed by the cruise and board on a beautiful cruise. Be shortly introduced by the cruise staff about instruction and safety before having lunch during the cruise is towards to the center of the bay where your cruise anchors for visiting Vung Vieng fishing village which is a typical and authentic fishing village in Halong Bay. Afterwards, the cruise sails to the peaceful and calm site in Bai Tu Long Bay for your swimming and kayaking. Return to the cruise to enjoy the sunset on the deck followed by a cooking demonstration of some Vietnamese food. Have dinner and overnight on board.
 

Day 07: Bai Tu Long Bay – Thien Canh Son cave – Hanoi (B/L/-)

Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the beautiful sun coming out the sea and participate in the Tai Chi class to fresh up yourself before a great day tour again. Have a breakfast before visiting the most beautiful cave in Bai Tu Long bay namely Thien Cang Son. Afterwards, back to the cruise for check-out and having lunch while the cruise towards to the harbor. Disembark and get on the car for the return to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check in hotel and overnight in Hanoi.
 

Day 08: Hanoi – Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu – Van Long – Hanoi – Dong Hoi (B/L/-) – by overnight train

After breakfast, then head out to Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh which was the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10^th century. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of countryside along the way. Arrive in Ninh Binh after 2-hour driving, you will see numerous karst mountains which make Ninh Binh famous as the “Halong Bay on land”. Upon arrival at Hoa Lu, visit temples of King Dinh and Le dating in the 11^th century which are mostly still remained its original architectures. After that, transfer to Van Long nature reserve which is a legendary and beautiful land and the largest wet nature reserve land in the North with a diversified ecology. Upon arrival, take a nice boat ride through karst mountains. Afterwards, do a cycling through villages in Van Long to explore the local life deeply before returning to Hanoi railway station for the overnight train to Dong Hoi (Quang Binh).
 

Day 09: Dong Hoi – Phong Nha Ke Bang national park – Dong Hoi (B/L/-)

Arrive at Dong Hoi railway station in the morning, be welcomed and met our guide and driver, then transfer to the local restaurant for your breakfast. Next, head out to Phong Nha Cave which is the land of the most breathtaking caves. Upon arrival, board on a traditional dragon boat to the cave which is named a water cave as it exhibits an underground river. Afterwards, you will discover the 300-meter cave on foot before being taken back by boat. This dry cave is famous for its spectacular rock formations. It has been given names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court”, and the “Buddha. Finally, drive back to Dong Hoi where you can enjoy the sandy beach of Nhat Le - a very beautiful beach in central Vietnam. Overnight at hotel in Dong Hoi.
 

Day 9: Dong Hoi - Hue – City tour (B/L/-)

After breakfast, depart for Hue with a stop at Hien Luong bridge, the Ben Hai river which was the border between North and South of Vietnam during the Vietnam war. Then, continue driving to Hue for visiting Imperial city built under Gia Long dynasty with three parts: Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue capital citadel), Hoang Thanh (royal citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden citadel).

Afterwards, take a boat ride on the Perfume river to Thien Mu pagoda (Heavenly Lady pagoda) before reaching Dong Ba market by car. Dong Ba is the biggest local market in Hue where you can find many local products. Transafer to hotel for check-in and overnight at hotel in Hue.
 

Optional: excursion to Tam Giang lagoon

As soon as arrive in Hue, continue to Tam Giang lagoon where you will do a beautiful boat trip to enjoy the fabulous sunset and discover the daily life of fishermen. You can participate in fishing by laying net with the help of fishermen.
 

Day 11: Hue - Danang - Hoi An – walking tour – boat ride on Thu Bon river (B/L/-)

After breakfast, start your tour today by visiting Khai Dinh mausoleum. Khai Dinh was the 12th king of Nguyen dynasty who was the last king constructing the mausoleum for the death. The mausoleum is an impressive monument situated in an imposing site nestled high on the mountainside. Next, stop at conical hat and incense making workshops for your photos followed by a transfer to Hoi An with stops at Lang Co beach and a village nested under the foot of Marble mountain in Danang. Continue driving to Hoi An located around 30km from Danang. Hoi An was recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritate in 1999 and was used as a busy port of trade with Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese in the 17th century. Upon arrival, do a boat ride on Thu Bon river to enjoy the breathtaking landscape of Hoi An over the boat. Then stroll in the old town of Hoi An to visit Japanese covered bridge, Tan Ky old house, Phuc Kien Assembly hall dating back over 400 years, local market and splendid and colorful alleys. Transfer to hotel for check-in and overnight in Hoi An. 

Optional: visit Cham sculpture museum in Danang

Visit Cham sculpture museum to discover the civilization, history and culture of Champa kingdom. The museum is the largest exhibition of Cham sculpture in the world with about 300 stone-related items dating from 7^th to 15^th centuries.
 

Day 12: Hoian - Danang - Nha Trang (B/L/-) – by flight

After breakfast, enjoy your last day in Hoi An until being transfer to Danang for flight to Nha Trang. Arrive at Cam Ranh airport in Nha Trang, be welcome by our driver and transfer to the hotel in center for check-in and overnight in Nha Trang.

Optional: excursion to My Son sanctuary

In the morning, drive to My Son which is the largest Cham site in Vietnam. If Simhapura (Tra Kieu) was the political capital of Champa kingdom, My Son was the intellectual and religious center constructed from the 4th to 13th century. The temples are dedicated to the worship of the god Shiva, known under various local names, the most important of which is Bhadreshvar.

Day 13: Nha Trang - Da Lat (B/L/-)

Breakfast at the hotel, then, depart by private car from Nha Trang to Da Lat. Upon arrival, explore Da Lat by firstly visit Xuan Huong Lake for romantic love stories, then villa of the emperor Bao Dai – the last king of Vietnam followed by a visit to Da Lat railway station built in 1930s with a unique architecture. We finally complete your tour by a stop for leisure in the market filled with flowers and fruits before return hotel for check in and overnight in Dalat.
 

Day 14: Da Lat - Village of Lat - Buon Ma Thuot – Lak Lake (B/L/-)

Breakfast at the hotel, then discover Da Lat again by visiting Tuyen Lam lake, Truc Lam pagoda, the cathedral, crazy house and Lat village - the village of the Lat ethnic minority and a local hill tribe. Next, depart for Lake Lak in Buon Me Thuot which is about 160km from Dalat. Continue to visit the coffee and pepper farms on the way. Arrive at Lak Lake, check in homestay or hotel. Afterwards, take a canoe ride to discover the lake. Then, enjoy an elephant ride to visit and explore villages of the M’nong and M’nieng ethnic groups followed by a visit long traditional M’nieng houses which are the places for several generations in the families. Overnight at homestay/hotel in Lak Lake.
 

Day 15: Lake lake - Buon Ma Thuot – city tour – Saigon (B/L/-) – by flight

Breakfast at homestay or hotel, then depart for for Buon Ma Thuot to visit ethnology museum and the Dray Sap waterfalls before transferring to Buon Ma Thuot airport for the flight to Saigon. Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport in Saigon, be welcomed by our guide and transfer to the city for the discovery of the former capital of South Vietnam under the Vietnam war. Start the tour by strolling along Dong Khoi street, then visit Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral built in the 19th century and Cho Lon (China town) and its impressive market namely Binh Tay. Drive to hotel for check-in and overnight in Saigon.
 

Day 16: Saigon – Mekong Delta – My Tho – Ben Tre - Tra Vinh (B/L/D)

After breakfast, then drive to My Tho located about 70km from Saigon. Dip into the beauty of rice fields along the way. Firstly, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which is the “must visit” site in Tien Giang. The pagoda is an ancient Southern gem with the combination of Asian and European architecture.

Next, continue to the dock in My Tho where you take a boat trip on Mekong River to visit farmer’s house and garden. Enjoy the beautiful scenery with the fishing ports, floating stilt houses and craft workshops with some stops on islands including Dragon, Phoenix, Unicorn and Tortoise. You will take a horse and carriage ride around villages to explore the local life; taste tropical fruits and honey tea at bee-keeping farm; listen to traditional music and especially, visit a coconut candy workshop. Roam on village path with fruit orchards and bonsai garden. Meet the locals to get deeper understanding about their daily life in the watery area.

After that, drive to Tra Vinh, a beautiful destination out of mass tourism. Arrive at Tra Vinh Lodge in the afternoon, check in a private bungalow overlooking a beautiful pond. Then, do a cycle about 3km through the village's small roads under the shade of coconut trees. In the evening, participate in a cooking demonstration which shows you how to make some local food such as Banh Xeo – a specialty in South Vietnam. Enjoy dinner with dishes prepared by you with the help of the chef. Overnight at Tra Vinh Lodge.
 

Day 17: Tra Vinh - Can Tho – City tour (B/L/-)

Breakfast at Tra Vinh Lodge, then depart for Can Tho. Upon arrival, take boat ride to Son island which is a small but authentic and ecological island as you will do the tour by foot or bike. Visit a peasant family to get better discovery of their life and daily work then they will teach you how to make local cakes. Have lunch with the locals and taste exotic fruits. Return to the city center to visit the old house of Binh Thuy and Ong pagoda before transferring to hotel for check-in and overnight in Can Tho.
 

Day 18: Cai Rang floating market - Chau Doc (B/L/-)

Wake up at early for transferring to Cai Rang floating market where you board on a private boat to visit the market. At the market, we can find various local products such as watermelons, potatoes, squash, cabbage, coconuts, durians…. put on the top of the bamboo poles which can be easily recognized by others. Afterwards, visit the craft workshops including coconut, popcorn, rice cakes, workshops and then a bee farm. Taste exotic fruits and honey tea. Next, drive to Chau Doc. Upon arrival, board on a boat to visit floating houses, raft village to learn the history of development of fishery. A visit to the Chau Doc floating village is truly a fascinating excursion, providing provocative insight into the lives of the Khmer people, one of the oldest ethnic groups in Vietnam. Transfer to hotel for check in and overnight in Chau Doc.
 

Day 19: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh – city tour (B/L/-) – by speedboat

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to the Hang Chau port for speedboat to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Sisowat pier, you will be welcomed by our friendly driver and transfer to hotel for check-in. After that, we visit the private quarters of the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda the most sacred shrine in the country. Continue to the National Museum, dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period (9th to 15th Century), but some date from as early as the 4th Century. Finish your tour by visiting and shopping at Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tompong). Overnight in Phnom Penh.
 

Day 20: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – city tour (B/L/-) – by flight

After breakfast, then depart to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, be welcomed by our guide and transfer to the center for visiting the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya, which flourished in the late 9th and early 10th Centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred as the Roluos group. The three Roluos temples are Bakong Temple Mountain with wonderful carvings on the false doors and lintels, the funerary temple of Preah Ko, Lolei Temple with the Roluos group's most exquisite carvings and inscriptions. take Kong kea boat to Prasat Chrung temple. Kongkear Angkor is a unique Khmer tradition boat service in Siem Reap-Angkor archaeological park. Travel along the water way where history, nature and culture come alive. You will enjoy and view the past and photograph along the great all of Angkor Thom, Royal Secret Path and City Guard Post. You can also see the beautiful sunset at Great wall. Overnight in Siem Reap
 

Day 21: Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Angkor Wat – Departure (B/L)

Breakfast at hotel, then start your today tour of the "Great City" of Angkor Thom, visits include the famous Bayon Temple, Phimeanakas Temple within the Royal Palace enclosure, Baphuon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King and Ta Phrom Temple.

Afternoon dedicated to visit the most famous & magnificent Angkor Vat temple. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. With many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water, carved low-reliefs about Ramayana Story and day-to-day life at the time of Angkor's construction. After that, head out to the airport for the flight to next destination.