Compare Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs 18-Day Colorful Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam by Indochina Odyssey Tours

Day 1 Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not step out onto the streets to explore the chaotic capital of Vietnam. Hanoi is an alluring city of contrasts, best discovered on foot. Tonight, maybe get to know your new travel buddies over a glass of fresh bia hoi. This is a foamy, light beer made fresh every day and served in basic, open-walled ‘brew halls’ – take up a brightly coloured plastic chair and sip your tasty brew.

Day 2 Da Bac

Leave Hanoi after breakfast this morning and make the drive to Sung village. Around 70 families live at Sung Village and the majority are Dzao ‘Tien’ people. Farming and forest plantation are their main source of income. Enjoy lunch at your homestay, then take an introductory walk around the village. After getting to know the village better, take a short trek to the alluring Sung Cave and visit a 100-year-old tea plantation. The trek has some steep and slippery sections, so ensure you have suitable footwear. After a handicraft workshop, return to your homestay accommodation for a nice hot shower and a delicious dinner.

Day 3 Da Bac/Hanoi

This morning, you’ll have the opportunity to take in more of the Vietnamese highlands on a 10 km trek from Sung Village to Da Bia. The first 8 km of the trek is mostly flat ground along well-worn buffalo tracks. The final 2 km gradually inclines and there are some steps. Keep an eye peeled for the monumental stone at the peak of Da Bia Mountain during the hike that takes you through the local villages, meeting people from the ethnic Muong tribe along the way. Stop for lunch at Da Bia before enjoying a scenic 1.5-hour boat cruise on Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir. Arrive at Thung Nai, then board a bus transfer to Hanoi. When you arrive, enjoy a water puppet show in the evening.

Day 4 Cat Ba Island

This morning, visit the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation – a community project dedicated to helping underprivileged children and victims of trafficking. Then, hop on the bus heading to Cat Ba Island, stopping for a quick break, then jump on the ferry. Board a boat and spend the rest of the day cruising the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay. Located in the greater Ha Long Bay area, Lan Ha Bay is one of Vietnam’s most scenic places, where limestone islands and caves rise from the emerald waters. Enjoy lunch on board, then get up close and personal with giant karsts in a kayak. Stay overnight on Cat Ba Island and enjoy a dip at one of the beaches (with a cold beer of course).

Day 5 Hanoi/Overnight Train

Head back to Hanoi this morning and enjoy a city tour in the afternoon where you’ll see the city’s diverse past reflected in a mix of Southeast Asian, Chinese and French-influenced architecture. Stop by the aptly named One Pillar Pagoda – the country’s most famous stilt house (former residence of Ho Chi Minh) and the Temple of Literature. Shared hotel rooms will be available if you want to freshen up or organise your luggage for the overnight train tonight. Otherwise, use this time to do some shopping on Hang Gai Street or seek out some delicious street food. Meet back at the hotel lobby at 9 pm where you’ll transfer with the group to the train station. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a rewarding experience in Vietnam.

Day 6 Hue

Arrive in Hue this morning – the hub of Vietnam’s historic past. This former imperial capital is an eclectic mix of busy streets and peaceful beauty. The rest of the morning is free for you to relax. Maybe pick up a classic Hue breakfast of bun bo – a popular Vietnamese soup with vermicelli noodles and beef. After lunch, visit the Imperial Citadel – a sprawling complex of temples, pavilions, moats, gates and walls. The Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace and the Ancestral Altars are still very impressive, and the complex must have been awe-inspiring during its heyday in the 19th century. In your free time, you might like to visit Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and tantalising street food. This is a good place to try the specialties enjoyed by Emperor Nguyen, such as the banh khoai royal rice cake.

Day 7 Hue

Today’s adventure will be taken on the back of a motorbike. You’ll have your own driver who will take you first on a drive around the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins remain a testament to its proud history. Here, you'll gain some insight into the horrific damage endured during the war. Next, ride to a special lunch spot at a convent or Buddhist monastery for a delicious vegetarian feast. After lunch, drive to the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set amid a lake, frangipani bushes and pine trees. This evening, maybe ask your leader for the best place to try Imperial Street specialties.

Day 8 Hoi An

Travelling by bus, head south through coastal rice paddies before stopping at Lang Co Beach. Traverse the dramatic Hai Van Pass along the way – a sometimes bumpy but incredibly scenic stretch of highway with views back to Lang Co Beach and beyond. The spectacular Marble Mountains will be your backdrop as you arrive in Hoi An. Declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of Southeast Asia's major international ports from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago, and it retains the feel of times past. When you arrive, take a walking tour around the major sites of Hoi An’s charming Old Town, including a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. You’ll notice a distinctly Chinese appearance to the pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. A sightseeing pass is included in your tour for you to visit a selection of the major sights at your own pace.

Day 9 Hoi An

If you feel like getting active on your free day today, why not hire a bicycle and tour the surrounding countryside? This is one of the best ways to get an insight into rural Vietnam. Maybe take a day trip to My Son Cham (elaborate World Heritage-listed temples that reflect the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation), or cruise along the Thu Bon River. You may like to wander the Central Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors, who can make items to order within a few hours. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you'll be able to have it copied!

Day 10 Quy Nhon

Today, enjoy a scenic drive through central Vietnam to the seaside city of Quy Nhon. On the way, visit Bich Hoa Tam Thanh village, famous for its murals and paintings on the wall that show a different side of Vietnam country life. Arrive at Quy Nhon in the early afternoon and head out on an orientation walk with your leader. Then, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own or rest and recharge. This is your perfect chance to relax and put your feet up by the sea.

Day 11 Quy Nhon/Overnight Train

This morning, enjoy a special visit to a local family that has practised martial arts for three generations. Meet the master of the family and learn about the secrets of his martial arts practice, learn about the health benefits, watch a demonstration and then try your moves at the master’s guidance. After, continue to the ancient citadel of Do Ban – the last capital of the Champa Kingdom where the Cham Kings lived between the 11th and the 15th centuries. Head back to Quy Nhon, maybe take the chance to freshen up at a hotel room or organise your luggage for the overnight train tonight.

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City early this morning and make use of the shared hotel rooms to refresh up before your day tour. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a fascinating blend of old and new, east and west. The huge number of people rushing about their daily lives in Vietnam's largest city gives it a dynamic atmosphere, and the French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee on offer. Take a guided tour with your leader to get a feel for the city, going past the GPO, Reunification Palace and the Opera House. Stop in at the War Remnants Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral. With free time this evening, maybe drop by one of Vietnam’s most pulsing markets – Ben Thanh. This is the perfect place to pick up any last-minute snacks, cooking utensils, ingredients or gifts. Tonight, maybe enjoy some of the market’s fare for dinner as you shop or meet up with your group for a drink.

Day 13 Mekong Delta

Today, you'll travel south by private bus to explore the Mekong Delta. When you arrive, you’ll board a boat and explore the intricate waterways. Often referred to as ‘the rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile delta is where rice, tropical fruit and flowers are grown for the whole country. Disembark at Ben Tre and visit a local cottage industry to sample the candy that the region is famous for. You’ll have the opportunity to take a tuk-tuk around this remote village and stop to sample tropical fruit, see a honey farm and learn more about rural life. For lunch, go to a restaurant in the heart of the delta and try regional specialities such as the famous elephant-ear fish. After lunch, board sampans (small rowing boats) and paddle along the canals under the shade of lush water coconut trees. Stay overnight at a guesthouse on the river and swap stories with your hosts.

Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, say goodbye to the Mekong Delta and take the bus back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a free afternoon to see any sights (or sample any delights) that you didn’t get a chance to previously. Maybe spend the final night of your Vietnam adventure with a bowl of pho, celebrating with your new friends and toasting to a trip well-travelled.

Day 15 Ho Chi Minh City

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Ho Chi Minh City. If you have free time before the meeting, get out and discover the city's blend of old and new, East and West at your own pace. The Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum are great sites to learn more about Vietnam's history. If you arrive a day or two early, the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta make for excellent and insightful day trips from the city. After your meeting tonight, why not grab your group and head out for dinner.

Day 16 Phnom Penh

Travel by public bus across the border, through rural Vietnam and Cambodia and onto Phnom Penh. Cambodia's capital city is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture. If you're looking for a tasty beverage when you arrive, head for a mojito on the rooftop or if you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at the art-deco Psar Thmei (Central Market) or travel out to Psar Tuol Tom Pong (the Russian Market) for the best range of local souvenirs.

Day 17 Phnom Penh

Today, confront Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It's estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. You’ll also head out to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls marks the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. Afterwards, you may wish to learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history from an optional visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Wat Phnom, shrouded in myth, is equally worth a visit, as is the National Museum with its excellent Khmer collection. Cyclo tours around the city are a great alternative to walking and generally include the Central Market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, the Independence Monument and Royal Palace.

Day 18 Battambang

Travel by private minibus to Battambang today. Break up an otherwise long trip with a visit to the pottery visit in Kampong Chhnang,and learn about the craft of pottery making at local workshops. Then continue to Cambodia's second-largest city. A pretty riverside town of French elegance, friendly Khmer people and beautifully preserved colonial architecture, this is a great place to explore on your own. Why not take part in an optional cooking class to learn the secrets of local dishes such as amok, Khmer curry and fried spicy chicken.

Day 19 Siem Reap

Spend a bit of time riding around the countryside by bike, travelling out to the rural villages around Battambang. This is a great opportunity to get a closer look at what rural life means in Cambodia. Visit local families who have been producing agricultural products the traditional way passed down through generations, like rice paper, dried bananas, and bamboo sticky rice and stop by a Khmer house and relax and enjoy some coconut water while chatting about their life. The Intrepid partner for this activity is a local social enterprise that support training of local youth for their future career. In the afternoon continue by private minibus to Siem Reap, arriving in the evening, and relax as you prepare for your much-anticipated visit to Angkor tomorrow. Perhaps hit the markets for some delicious street food for dinner.

Day 20 Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

A very rewarding morning to get to Angkor Wat in the early hours to watch the sun rising over it as it did in the ancient times (weather permitting). Then Temple-hop with your local guide and make the most of your visit to the world-famous Angkor complex. The temples, dating back as far as the ninth century, were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photo opportunities at any time of day. Watching a sunrise or sunset is a must. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so there will be plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.

Day 21 Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Continue your explorations of the Angkor complex this morning. In the afternoon, embark on a private local boat discover the floating villages and local daily lives at Chhong Kneas, a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia.

Day 22 Bangkok

It's a long drive by private minibus from Siem Reap to Bangkok today. Arrive in Thailand's bustling capital and take in this exciting world of tuk tuks, khlong boats, and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Perhaps head out to sample some local specialties as a final farewell with your fellow travellers.

Day 23 Bangkok

Your trip comes to an end this morning, with no further activities planned. However, if you have more time, Bangkok is full of things to do, including the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the fascinating Jim Thompson museum. Just speak to your booking agent if you'd like to extend your stay.

Day 1: Bangkok, Arrival   

Welcome to Bangkok - the capital of Thailand. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is yours to recover from the jet lag.

Overnight: Bangkok

Day 2: Bangkok Sightseeing  

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Bangkok

Today, prepare yourself for a lovely Bangkok city! Walk around the bustling flower and vegetable market where you can smell the mixed aromas of fresh produce and flower blossom, and experience authentic local life. Later, go to the impressive Grand Palace. Any trip to Bangkok will never be complete without a visit here. The adjoining Wat Phra Kaew is the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, known for the jade-made Emerald Buddha.

After lunch, an interesting long-tail boat ride provides a great stop to escape the crowded city. Along the canal, you can appreciate typical Thai houses and Thai lifestyle. End with touring to Wat Arun.

Day 3: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Bangkok  

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Siem Reap

In the morning, set out for Bang Pa-In Summer Palace as the first stop of your Ayutthaya trip. Next, you will proceed to the Ayutthaya Historical Park to explore Thailand's cultural heritage. You could see the Buddha head within tree roots in Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet that was constructed for royal ceremonies, and a huge bronze Buddha image in Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit.

After the tour, return to Bangkok and the rest of the day is free for you.

Day 4: Bangkok - Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Siem Reap

Take the morning flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, check in and take a short rest. In the afternoon, enjoy a trip to a floating community over the Tonle Sap Lake - Kompong Phluk, which is home to the amazing flooded mangrove forests and families with a unique lifestyle. After that, get back to Siem Reap and enjoy a leisure evening.

Day 5: Siem Reap Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Siem Reap

This morning, discover the fabulous Angkor Thom. Start the exploration from the south gate and then visit Bayon Temple, which is noted for its smiling Buddha faces and bas-reliefs. Later, continue to see Elephant Terraces.

After lunch, admire a World Heritage Site Angkor Wat and the Bakheng Hill to see the distant Angkor Wat in the sunset.

Day 6: Siem Reap Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

If you want, you can take the early morning trip to enjoy stunning sunrise of Angkor Wat; you also have the chance for a friendly talk with the monks and nuns at a nearby pagoda. Breakfast at the hotel or take it away.

After breakfast, head for Banteay Srei and spend some time to visit some local villages en route. Proceed to Ta Prohm Temple, Takeo Temple and have some leisure time on your own after the tour.

Day 7: Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Take a late morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, visit Ben Thanh Market to take a close look at local people’s life before heading for your hotel.

After lunch, enjoy a city tour to visit the War Remnants and Reunification Palace. The Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office and Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) are all within walking distance and absolutely nice choices for a free stroll.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel - Ho Chi Minh City  

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Leave for Cao Dai Temple, where you'll attend a fantastic mid-day service together with the worshipers. After lunch, proceed to explore the incredible underground Cu Chi Tunnels network. Cu Chi Tunnels were constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence.

After that, drive back to your hotel and relax with a nice Saigon sunset.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Can Tho

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Can Tho

Today, depart for My Tho in Mekong Delta and take a boat trip along the canals of Mighty Mekong River. After that, drive to Can Tho and relax at the hotel or discover nearby areas on your own after arrival.

Day 10: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City – Hue

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Hue

Start today's trip with a boat cruise on sparking streams of Mighty Mekong River to Cai Rang Floating Market, where hundreds of boats loaded with fruits, vegetables and fish jostle for trade and sellers shout loudly to advertise their wares. Later, you’ll visit the Bun Tau Noodle Factory.

In the afternoon, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight to Hue.

Day 11: Hue City Tour

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Hue

Get a taste of Hue today. You'll visit the majestic Tomb of King Ming Mang and sail the Perfume River by a royal dragon boat to serene Thien Mu Pagoda.

Later, be transferred to visit the Imperial Citadel, stroll around the Forbidden Purple City and end today's sightseeing at the bustling Dong Ba Market.

Day 12: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An  

Overnight: Hoi An

Drive to Hoi An this morning. En route you will have a pleasant short tour in Da Nang by visiting Non Nuoc Beach, Cham Museum and the famous Marble Mountain.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Da Nang. When you arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon, you can explore the city on your own.

Day 13: Hoi An City Tour

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Hoi An

Today, take a light excursion to go around the tiny town of Hoi An and visit the ancient Japanese Bridge, Chinese temple, and the Vietnamese former merchants' house. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Hoai River to Thanh Ha Pottery village to see the traditional way of making potteries. The evening is yours to explore the charming Hoi An.

Day 14: Hoi An - Da Nang - Hanoi  

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight: Hanoi

Enjoy the morning time by yourself in Hoi An.

In the afternoon, leave Hoi An for Da Nang airport for the flight to Hanoi. On arrival, check-in.

Take a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter street markets with a local guide who's passionate about food, and discover the exotic flavors of Vietnam with fellow food-lovers. Sample fruit, hawker street food and local specialties like pork crepes, and visit Hanoi's largest covered market, Dong Xuan, you'll have a personalized experience on this walking tour of Hanoi's best street food areas.

Day 15: Hanoi City Tour

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Hanoi

This morning, spend some leisure time on Ba Dinh Square, site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Later, visit Ho Chi Minh's House on Stilts and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam.

After lunch, proceed to Hanoi Hilton (also called Hoa Lo Prison), followed by the Museum of Ethnology, where you'll learn about the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam by rich collections of objects, photos, videotapes, and cassettes.

In the evening, enjoy an interesting water puppet show, a favorite experience for all visitors to Vietnam and the spotlight of any Vietnam tour.

Day 16 Hanoi - Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight: Onboard

Today you are going to enjoy your Halong Bay cruise. It starts with a 3.5 hours' scenic drive from Hanoi to the World Heritage site of Halong Bay, where you’ll see nearly 2,000 limestone islands dotting the sea and traditional sampans and junks sailing the glinting water, grottos, thick forests, and hidden coves. It will be a real ocean adventure! A variety of optional activities like kayaking, swimming, diving will definitely add more fun to this trip.

Day 17: Halong Bay - Hanoi  

Continue your unforgettable Halong Bay cruise today. You will enjoy your brunch before disembarking the cruiser at around 10 am. Your guide and driver will meet you at the pier then drive you back to Hanoi,  and escorted you to your hotel at around 4 pm. Free at leisure for the rest of the day on your own.

Overnight: Hanoi

Day 18: Hanoi, Departure

Meal: Breakfast

Today is at your leisure till your guide and driver escorts you to the airport for your flight back home.