Epic Vietnam to Cambodia

Days 1 - 2 Hanoi  
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam and meet your Tour leader and fellow travels. Day 2 is free for you to explore this buzzing city so perhaps opt to discover the Hoan Kiem Lake or try some delicious street food.    

Day 3 Hanoi to Cat Ba Island    
This morning head out to Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. Take a boat trip around Lan Ha Bay and take in the views of beautiful limestone islands scattered around or maybe explore the surroundings by kayak.    

Days 4 - 5 Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh    
Wake up to the morning scenes of Cat Ba and the emerald bay before returning to the mainland. Head out to Ninh Binh province and join a local guide on a cycling tour to visit an ancient citadel and several temples, pagodas and monuments. On day 5 perhaps opt to trek up the 500 steps to the mountain peak for amazing views of Hoa Lu and Ngo Dong River. This evening board an overnight train to Hue.    

Day 6 Hue        
Arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Today is free for you to do as you please. Perhaps explore Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace or head out to one of the royal tombs such as the tomb of Emperor Tu. Tonight, enjoy the company of a local family and a homemade dinner.      

Day 7 Hue to Hoi An        
Continue along the coast to Hoi An by private bus. Once in Hoi An, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this unique town which has been influenced over the years by Europe, China, Vietnam and Japan.    

Day 8 Hoi An        
Today start your day by cycling through the beautiful surrounds of Hoi to the organic vegetable and herb gardens of a local chef. See, smell and taste what makes Vietnamese food so delicious. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own explorations.    

Day 9 Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City    
Enjoy another free day in this historic haven. Perhaps take a trip out to the My Son temples, the World Heritage-listed beauties that reflect the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation) or join a cooking class. Afterwards, board an overnight train.    

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City        
Arrive in Phan Rang early this morning. Take advantage of the early morning by checking out the markets and tucking into a bowl of pho with the local traders and enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City          
Today is another free day for many optional activities but you may be required to move to a different hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, for the next section of your trip. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extremely interesting day trip nearby if you are in a mood to explore the city further.    

Days 12 -13 Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh    
Board a public bus for a 10 hours ride to Phnom Penh. On Day 13 enjoy an authentic street food breakfast at one of the local markets. Afterwards, head to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek on an included visit – both very sobering but important and informative experiences in Cambodia.        

Day 14 Phnom Penh to Kampot      
This morning, it’s time to head south. Travel to the township of Kampot. Take a heritage walk with your group around the city and capture a spectacular sunset from the water as you embark on a cruise on the Kampot River.        

Day 15 Kampot  
Good morning Kampot! Life is laidback here, and with your full day of freedom, you can do what you want. Opt to hike in the thickets of Kep National Park, followed by a visit to the veranda restaurant for panoramic scenery, and hopefully a colourful sunset! Otherwise, take a day trip to Rabbit Island for a snorkelling expedition, or head to a pepper plantation in Kep Province on the mainland.  

Day 16 Kampot to Chambok    
Travel by private vehicle into countryside Cambodia to Chambok. A homestay tonight is your chance to really immerse yourself in everyday life with the locals. You and your group will have the option to trek to an awesome 40-metre waterfall nearby. At night, feast on a traditional Khmer dinner, prepared by the talented women of the community, and enjoy a celebration of traditional dancing.        

Day 17 Chambok to Kampong Cham    
Kampong Cham in a nutshell is frontier charm with French-colonial character. Take a private vehicle there and soak it all up. Included today is bicycle hire to explore the surrounds, and potentially ride across to the island of Koh Pen.      

Day 18 Kampong Cham to Siem Reap    
Take a public bus to Siem Reap. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get your bearings of the town. Afterwards, you might want to hit the markets or head to a restaurant for some cheap and tasty street food.

Day 19 Siem Reap    
The Angkor complex is arguably South East Asia's biggest highlight. This area been made famous by films such as Tomb Raider, but more importantly has a deep history spanning six centuries from around AD800. The obvious attraction is the world-renowned Angkor Wat, which is every bit as amazing as everyone says it is, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Day 20 Siem Reap        
Kick back in Siem Reap and wander around town, visiting its market, shops and restaurants. Depending on the season, you might like to visit Tonle Sap, the big freshwater lake, for a glimpse of local life. Adventure-seekers and adrenaline-junkies can do the Angkor zip-line course that will have you soaring like an eagle over the lush rainforest.      

Days 21 - 22 Siem Reap to Bangkok  
Goodbye Cambodia, hello Thailand. Drive from Siem Reap to Bangkok in a private minivan. Upon arrival, a traditional Thai massage may be a good option to relax into the evening. Bangkok has some great nightlife and rooftop bars, so be sure to stake out a place with your travel buddies and watch day turn to night. Your tour finishes after breakfast on day 22.