Two Weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia - Asia at its Best

The adventure of 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, where the cool air and bustling streets create an electric atmosphere. Take a guided tour round the city or stroll through the Old Quarter, the maze of narrow streets, alive with history and culture, is immediately captivating. Passing traditional markets, street vendors offer everything from fresh herbs to vibrant silks, before heading to Hoan Kiem Lake. The tranquil waters of the lake provide a moment of calm, with the Ngoc Son Temple located on an island, accessed via a charming red bridge. As evening falls, a delicious bowl of pho (Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup) is savoured at a local eatery, the flavours of the broth warming the soul while soaking in the city’s lively ambience.

Today, a deeper exploration of Hanoi’s rich history awaits. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the embalmed body of the nation's founding father lies in state, is the first stop, followed by the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum, offering a glimpse into the leader’s life and the country's revolutionary past. A visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's oldest university, provides an insight into the country's scholarly heritage, with peaceful courtyards to reflect upon. The evening culminates in a traditional water puppetry performance, a unique Vietnamese art form, before heading to a local restaurant for more of Hanoi's street food delights.

Your 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia continues with an early departure to Halong Bay, one of the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Onboard a cruise boat, emerald waters and towering limestone karsts create a surreal setting. The day is spent exploring caves, kayaking, and swimming in the serene bay. The isolation of the bay provides an ideal escape from the outside world. In the evening, a seafood dinner is enjoyed aboard the boat while the sun sets over the bay, casting long shadows over the jagged peaks.

After breakfast on board, a final morning is spent exploring Halong Bay’s caves and floating fishing villages before returning to Hanoi for a flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, the Imperial City is explored, a vast complex of palaces, temples, and gardens. Walking through the Forbidden Purple City, you feel like you are being transported back to a time of emperors and royal life. The evening is spent dining along the Perfume River, where the water shimmers in twilight, providing the perfect setting to reflect on the day's cultural treasures.

A day trip outside Hue reveals the imperial tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty. The Tomb of Minh Mang, set amidst pine trees and lotus ponds, displays the grandeur of the Nguyen emperors, while the Tomb of Khai Dinh, blending traditional Vietnamese design with European influences, offers a unique architectural experience. After visiting the tombs, a relaxing boat ride along the Perfume River showcases the city’s beauty from a different perspective. In the evening, Hue’s famous cuisine, including royal dishes once served to emperors, provides a culinary experience fit for history.

After breakfast, a scenic coastal drive leads to Hoi An, a beautifully preserved ancient town. The journey includes a breathtaking ride through the Hai Van Pass, where spectacular views of the ocean and rugged mountains unfold.

A stop at My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s ancient Cham civilization. Nestled in a lush valley, these impressive Hindu temple ruins, dating back to the 4th century, showcase intricate carvings and remarkable architecture, revealing a rich cultural heritage.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, stroll through its charming lantern-lit streets reveals a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. The Old Town, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and the vibrant markets invite exploration. In the evening, local specialties such as cao lau noodles and white rose dumplings offer a taste of the region before the magical sight of floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River creates a mesmerizing end to the day.

A day dedicated to leisurely exploring Hoi An’s beauty and charm. A cooking class with a local chef introduces traditional Vietnamese dishes, offering a hands-on culinary experience. Later, the golden sands of An Bang Beach provide the perfect setting to relax and unwind by the sea.

As evening falls, a visit to a traditional lantern workshop allows you to create a personalised lantern, a special keepsake from Hoi An. The town, illuminated by the warm glow of countless lanterns, offers a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed evening stroll.

The next stop on your 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia is Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the energetic southern metropolis of Vietnam. Take a morning flight from Da Nang (45 minutes from Hoi An). The city’s blend of skyscrapers and bustling markets creates a vibrant contrast of old and new. A city tour will cover all the main sites including a visit to the War Remnants Museum offering a sobering look at the Vietnam War, followed by an exploration of the historic Reunification Palace and the colonial-era Notre-Dame Cathedral. The day ends with a sunset cruise on the Saigon River, providing a breathtaking view of the city skyline as the lights begin to twinkle.

Venture beyond the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Learn about the ingenuity and resilience of those who lived and fought here, with the opportunity to crawl through some of the tunnels yourself. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon, explore Ben Thanh Market, a lively hub of local flavours and crafts, or visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a stunning example of Taoist architecture. The evening is free to enjoy Ho Chi Minh’s dynamic dining and nightlife scene.

The journey continues to Chau Doc, located on the edge of the Mekong Delta, a world of floating villages and labyrinthine canals. A boat ride through the delta’s waterways reveals stilted houses, lush vegetation, and vibrant markets. A visit to the Ba Chua Xu Temple, dedicated to the region’s patron goddess, follows before taking a boat trip to Sam Mountain. A hike to the peak offers sweeping views of the delta. The day concludes with a fresh fish dinner, caught straight from the Mekong River.

In the morning, a 4 hour speedboat ride that can be booked locally crosses the border into Cambodia, following the scenic Mekong River past lush landscapes and rural villages. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, a city tour will take you to the Royal Palace providing insight into the country’s regal past, followed by a visit to the Silver Pagoda, home to priceless national treasures. As the sun sets over the Mekong River, a traditional Cambodian dinner features dishes like amok (a spiced fish curry) and Khmer beef stew.

A visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge era, offers a sobering account of Cambodia’s recent history. A visit to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek follows, a site where thousands of innocent people were executed during the Khmer Rouge’s brutal rule. In the afternoon, there’s time to explore Phnom Penh’s lively riverfront or relax at a café before taking an evening flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor.

The end of your 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia is approaching and today is an early start - wake up early for a breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, where intricate carvings and towering spires reveal the grandeur of the ancient Khmer Empire. The day continues with visits to the Bayon Temple, famous for its serene stone faces, and Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots intertwine with temple ruins. As the sun sets over Angkor, take a moment to reflect on the incredible history surrounding you.

Enjoy a leisurely final day in Siem Reap, wandering through its charming streets filled with markets, boutique shops, and cosy cafés. You might visit the Angkor National Museum for deeper insight into Khmer history or take a boat trip to the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake. Alternatively, unwind with a traditional Cambodian spa treatment before heading to the airport for your departure, carrying unforgettable memories of your journey for the last 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia.