Compare 8 Days Package Tour Tranquil Mekong Delta To Angkor Wat by Viland vs Premium Cambodia & Vietnam in Depth by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival

Meals: Breakfast

Upon arrival, our driver will be there holding a ‘welcome’ signboard with your name on, then transfer you to the hotel in Ho Chi Minh for check in.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Day 2: My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Leave Ho Chi Minh city and enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by lush green rice fields (the rice fields are seasonal), once you have had breakfast at the hotel. On arrival at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, and take a leisurely boat ride along the river, where you’ll see stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet to have lunch in the orchard garden. Then a boat ride to An Khanh - a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre and enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan boat under the shade of water coconut trees, along natural canals. Then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of ""Southern Vietnamese folk music"", performed by the locals. Visit a family business, which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste delicious coconut candy, and observe the pastoral life, as you roam through the fruit plantations, and villages. Proceed to Can Tho. Overnight at the hotel ( if you’d prefer to stay in a family home-stay with dinner, it can be arranged on request). Free time to visit the bustling Can Tho market. Overnight in Can Tho

Day 3:  Cai Rang Floating Market – Chau Doc – Tra Su Sanctuary

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Taking a very early morning boat trip (5:30am usually recommended) to visit the Cai Rang floating market, which is a wholesale market of fruit and vegetables at its busiest at this time of the day. Keep cruising through the small channels system, and visit a rice noodle making village. Experience the “Monkey Bridge”(made of only bamboo sticks and a little rope), in the Delta. Head towards Phong Dien for the smaller, quieter floating market (optional for private tour). Break for lunch. Proceed to Chau Doc and continue the tour to visit Tra Su, getting to the wild birds Sanctuary, cruising smoothly with small boats to discover the arrays of splendid canals deep into the forest, watching storks, cranes and other tropical birds. On the way back stop by to visit Sam Mountain, the Cave pagoda (if time permits).

Back to town for hotel check-in. Overnight in Chau Doc.

Day 4: Chau Doc – Speedboat To Phnom Penh

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, take a row boat trip through the floating village and visit the fish farm, to see how the Mekong Delta people raise fish, from their floating houses. Visit the Cham minority, in their traditional weaving village. Transfer to a speed boat for the final part of the journey to Phnom Penh. Arrive at Sisowath tourist dock in Phnom Penh, at around 2pm. Arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be transferred to hotel. The rest of the afternoon/evening you free to explore and overnight.

Day 5: Phnom Penh – S-21 Prison – Russian Market – Bus To Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning after breakfast at hotel, enjoy a Phnom Penh city tour, visit Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, that are located in the same compound. Next, visit Toul Sleng, the Genocide Museum (S-21). We stop at the Russian Market, for souvenir shopping and lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we will transfer you to Siem Reap by express bus or van (no tour guide). Upon arrival in Siem Reap, our driver will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to your selected hotel. Dinner will be on your own account, and overnight in Siem Reap. 

Day 6 : Fullday Angkor Temple Complex – Dinner With Apsara Show

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we begin to visit Angkor Wat the “7th Wonder of the World”, and the world largest religious complex in the world, with excellent masterpiece carvings, sculptures and perfect structure.  Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we visit the impressive South Gate of Angkor Thom. Then, we visit Bayon, the second main temple of Cambodia, after Angkor Wat.  After that, we visit Baphoun which is an enormous Hindu mountain temple, constructed in early 11th century. Next, we walk along the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. After that, we explore Ta Prom, another Buddhist temple covered by dense tropical forest where the ‘Tomb Raider’ movie was filmed. Visit Banteay Kdei, a grand Buddhist temple built in late 12th century.  Sras Srong, 1000 year old man-made lake. We can also visit sunset at Pre Rup Temple.  Back in town, we have a buffet dinner with Khmer traditional Aspara show at local restaurant, and overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 7: Siem Reap Town - Shopping And Explore Town

Meals: Breakfast

You are free to spend the day as you’d like & overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 8: Siem Reap Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Your driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward flight home.

End of services!

Day 1 Phnom Penh

Sua s'dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital city. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel today. If you arrive early, why not go for a stroll and discover the city’s French colonial architecture or check out the National Museum and its fascinating collection of classic Khmer craftsmanship. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. After, join your group for dinner at Malis Restaurant – an upmarket dining spot that’s committed to preserving and serving Cambodia's traditional cuisine. Maybe cap off the night with a cocktail at the Le Moon Rooftop at Amanjaya Pancam Hotel.

Day 2 Phnom Penh

Today your leader will introduce you to the sights of Phnom Penh during a full-day city tour. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and closed off to the public, but you can visit the sacred Silver Pagoda in the palace complex. Your included visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek will tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. There is an optional visit to Wat Phnom, the temple that gave rise to the city’s foundation in the 15th century. Tonight is free to grab dinner at your leisure or wander the city’s nighttime atmosphere.

Day 3 Siem Reap

After breakfast this morning, you’ll go on a journey of discovery from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in a comfortable private vehicle. Discover traditional Cambodian life at Skun Village and learn about the town’s deep-fried tarantulas and other insects, which the locals consume daily. You’ll also visit Santuk Silk Farm to learn about silk production and its work as a social enterprise, employing local women as artisan weavers. Share a simple, rustic local lunch prepared by the weavers before you continue to Siem Reap, stopping to see historic bridges along the way before arriving at your hotel at approximately 5 pm. This tropical oasis boasts three pools and an excellent restaurant with a focus on wellness. Bright and spacious rooms are in harmony with the lush grounds and feature a veranda, private garden and rain showers. Tonight, head out for dinner and a theatre show at Angkor Village Apsara Theatre, where you’ll watch Khmer traditional dance and dine on Khmer favourites.

Day 4 Siem Reap – Angkor Wat

If you choose, you can embrace a very early start today and experience a sunrise visit to the Angkor complex (optional). After, you'll spend the day discovering the fantastic temples of Angkor. For the first half of the day, you’ll be accompanied by a private Angkor Wat archaeological guide, who will provide expert knowledge and insight along the way. Begin at Angkor Wat – the largest and most complete structure and the only one of Angkor's temples with an entrance facing west. For lunch, visit the Sala Bai Hotel School, where underprivileged local youths learn skills to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. Enjoy a meal prepared by students at the school, then visit Angkor Thom – the 'Great Royal City' – a temple famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. From here, you’ll head out of town to an ancient working monastery to gain a special insight into the life of a monk and Theravada Buddhism. Meet the monks, enjoy a sacred water blessing for good luck and prosperity and have a red band tied around your wrist to keep you safe in your travels. The rest of the evening can be spent exploring the bars of Siem Reap or relaxing in laidback luxury at your resort.

Day 5 Siem Reap – Angkor Wat

After breakfast, it’s off to the Ta Prohm temple, which has large trees embedded in the stone foundations – powerful symbols of nature. Next, visit Banteay Srei to snap some pictures of the temple’s intricate stone carvings. You can head back to the resort or use your ticket for the Angkor ruins to continue exploring the site. The vaulted corridors of Preah Khan are well worth a visit, or you may prefer to spend the afternoon getting to know the town. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner in the Khmer countryside to say farewell to your group and Cambodia. Amid a rustic and romantic setting, you’ll sit down for a private meal in the rice fields of rural Siem Reap .

Day 6 Ho Chi Minh City

Welcome to Vietnam! Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. An important group meeting will take place here at 6pm, where you will meet your fellow travellers and local leader. If you do have time, get out and acquaint yourself with the city beforehand – it is a bustling centre of shopping, historic sites and traffic mayhem. After your meeting, head out for dinner with your small group and leader. As you arrive at your restaurant you’ll step straight into a piece of Vietnamese history – the building was an old opium refinery station built in 1861, and nods to its past still visible today. Here you’ll enjoy a menu bursting with classic dishes and southern Vietnamese favourites – your leader will be on hand to provide recommendations for your first foray into this exciting food scene.

Day 7 Mekong Delta

After breakfast, drive south towards the Mekong Delta via the region of Ben Tre. Here you will board a private boat and cruise the delta, stopping off at some coconut gardens to visit a local home where you’ll sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. Afterwards, return to the waterways of the delta on board sampans (small rowing boats) and row past the coconut trees and stilt houses that flank the river. Back on land, take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages for a glimpse at rural life and to learn how the coconut industry plays into local life. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then return to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure.

Day 8 Ho Chi Minh City

Today you’ll see Ho Chi Minh City through the eyes of a local during a bus and walking tour with your leader. Visit the famous Reunification Palace and hear the story of the end of the war, take a sobering trip to the War Remnants Museum and stop by the beautiful Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll the city’s captivating streets and admire its many French colonial buildings along the way, including the main post office, and the gorgeous Ho Chi Minh City Hall, modelled on Paris’s Hotel de Ville. The rest of the evening is yours – be sure to ask your leader for recommendations on some great local spots for dinner.

Day 9 Dalat

This morning after breakfast, head on a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network (some 200 kilometres) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They contained hospitals, dwellings and schools and were used extensively for refuge and storage, as well as being a military base. As you explore this extraordinary labyrinth your leader will explain more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow visitors to get a feel for what the underground life must have been like. Please note that these tunnels will be hot and can get claustrophobic, so there is an option if you’d like to view from above ground. Later this afternoon, fly to Dalat.

Day 10 Dalat

Dalat is high in Vietnam’s southern highlands, and is surrounded by hills, pine forests, lakes and waterfalls – it is a natural mountain paradise. Dalat, commonly known as the City of Flowers, is part of a region ideal for growing crops and flowers that cannot be otherwise grown in Vietnam, because of its temperate climate and high rainfall. Today you will have the chance to learn some more about your morning brew and see behind the scenes of speciality coffee production during a tour of a local family-run coffee farm. Follow the journey from growth to harvesting and roasting, and taste some of the carefully crafted final result yourself, leaving with a new appreciation for the humble cup of coffee. Sit down for lunch with the group, then enjoy a free afternoon. You may like to visit the historic Bao Dai palace, or perhaps take a wander around the vibrant local markets.

Day 11 Hoi An

Enjoy a free morning in Dalat – perhaps head to the Crazy House – a bizarre guesthouse commissioned by avant-garde architect Hang Nga, who still lives on site. In the afternoon, take a short flight to Danang. From here you will embark on a short ride by private vehicle to Hoi An, originally a Cham port town. Hoi An is renowned for its specialist tailors and some do same-day turnaround, so perhaps take this opportunity to get some clothing made from some unique local fabrics. You might also like to visit a local workshop to learn how to make your own rice paper. A Vietnamese cooking class too is a great way to familiarise yourself with some age-old culinary techniques, not to mention feasting on the fruits of your own labour!

Day 12 Hoi An

Join your leader on a walking tour this morning to discover the Hoi An’s stunning architecture and unique mix of influences. With its charming low tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to walk around. Start with a visit to an opulently decorated historic house that was once home to a prominent trader. Cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, stop by the Chinese assembly hall and pay a visit to a local museum to learn more about the history you uncovered on your walk. Afterwards, sit down to a delicious lunch with the group. This afternoon you are free to make the most of Hoi An and its surrounding areas. Your leader will be able to help with suggestions for extra activities in Hoi An and the nearby countryside.

Day 13 Hoi An

A significant port of the Champa Kingdom for centuries, many Cham descendants are still living in Hoi An today. This morning your leader will guide you around My Son Cham, a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa and dating back to the 4th century. Learn about the ancient architecture of this UNESCO site, and see the craters created by American bombs during the war. After exploring the temples, experience an Apsara dance performance, featuring sparkling traditional costumes, panpipes, and drums. The afternoon is free for more exploration, or to relax by the pool at your hotel.

Day 14 Hue

Depart Hoi An today bound for Hue, the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam's historic past. En route, pass through the Hai Van Pass – a scenic mountainous stretch of highway with views across Lang Co beach. Arrive in Hue and discover its eclectic mix of frenetic streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon you will visit 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 your leader will provide some insight into the horrific damage endured during the war.

Day 15 Hue

Loosen your belt and ready your appetite as today you will be diving into Hue’s fabulous culinary scene. First up, head to a street food eatery for a seriously tasty breakfast – Bun Bo Hue. This spicy noodle soup is usually made with beef and pig knuckles and is an absolute must-try while in Hue. Then, meet with a local chef and explore a bustling local market where you will taste and smell all the wonderful herbs and ingredients that bring local dishes to life, while learning more about the culture of Vietnamese cuisine along the way. Stop for lunch and enjoy some of Hue’s most celebrated dishes. Continue to the local chef’s delightful home where you will learn how to cook up some simple and delicious dishes using the fresh ingredients you picked up at the market. Take your new knowledge and local recipes back home with you so you can recreate meals that will take you straight back to Vietnam. Later in the afternoon, take a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue. The Pagoda is an active Buddhist monastery that dates back to 1601. You will also visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani and pine trees, and the Imperial Citadel.

Day 16 Hanoi

Fly from Hue to Hanoi today. Your departure will mostly likely be in the morning but can vary a little depending on flight schedules. Settle in on arrival, then your leader will guide you through the ancient 36 Streets to discover a varied selection of shop-lined alleys that sell everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, jewellery and embroidered tablecloths. In the afternoon, you will be treated to a traditional Hat Xam performance – this is truly an experience like no other. Hat Xam is an artform of Northern Vietnam dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Originally, this was performed by blind performers, and was enjoyed by local working-class audiences, right up until the late 1950s, when a wave of communism deemed all art forms to be corrupting influences. Today, this style of performance occurs rarely, but you and your group will be taken to a private club house for an exclusive performance; one of the few places where such artists still perform acoustically. The performance includes some story telling aspects and possibly interaction with guests, so be ready to get involved!

Day 17 Hanoi

Enjoy a guided half-day tour of Hanoi with your leader, gaining insights to the city’s history during visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. Enjoy a delicious lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. Enjoy a free afternoon for further explorations. The Vietnam Fine Arts museum is well worth a visit, and walking is a great way to explore the city and its many lakes and parks. You'll see that this enchanting northern capital can be quieter than its southern counterpart, and the West Lake, north of the main city, is an ideal place to interact with the locals and relax by its banks.

Day 18 Halong Bay

Today you will drive to Halong Bay – this World Heritage listed wonder is undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular sights. There’s no better way to appreciate the bay’s beauty than on board a junk-style boat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Carefully designed with traditional touches and modern amenities, you can sit back in complete comfort as you weave through stunning limestone islands, karsts and caves. Stop by Surprise Cave to discover its interesting rock formations with you leader, then retire to the boat for a marvellous seafood lunch. During the warmer months your leader will discuss the option for swimming from Ti Top Island. There is also the option for kayaking to get up close to the towering limestone karsts. This evening’s dinner is sure to be a standout – dine on the deck of the boat by candlelight and watch the sun go down over the magnificent landscape.

Day 19 Hanoi

In the morning, enjoy breakfast on board the boat and perhaps take part in some optional Tai Chi to start off the day. Sail back to the port, disembark and travel back to Hanoi. Arriving back in the capital, enjoy some time to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s attractions you may have missed the first time. You can shop on Hang Gai Street or perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel. In the evening, join your group and leader for a final dinner in a Hanoi restaurant, sharing stories and reflecting on the highlights of your adventure with your newfound friends.

Day 20 Hanoi

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to stay on in Hanoi, we’ll be happy to organise some additional accommodation for you ahead of time (subject to availability).