Highlights & Hidden Gems of Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 19 Days

Welcome to Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam, where ancient traditions blend beautifully with a vibrant modern spirit. Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your local tour guide will warmly greet you and escort you to your hotel in the heart of the city for check-in. (Please note that rooms are available from 14:00; early check-in can be arranged with a small surcharge.)

The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your flight or explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, where the aroma of street food and the hum of scooters fill the air.

Meals: NA

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast before setting out on a half-day exploration of Hanoi, a city rich in history, culture, and timeless charm. Depart from your hotel and head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s very first university. Founded in 1076, this ancient temple was once the learning ground for royals and scholars, and today it remains a peaceful oasis in the bustling city, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture and a deep respect for education.

Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples, gracefully rising from a single stone pillar over a lotus pond. Nearby, see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his humble stilt house, where the nation’s beloved leader lived and worked - an inspiring glimpse into Vietnam’s revolutionary past. (Please note: sites are viewed from the outside and closed on Mon, Fri, and from Jun-Aug.)

End your morning with a delicious lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant, where you’ll savor authentic flavors of the capital. Afterward, return to your hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon - perhaps strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake or relaxing at a café to watch Hanoi’s daily rhythm unfold.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast, leave the hustle and bustle of Hanoi behind as you journey through the peaceful countryside and emerald rice fields on a scenic drive to Halong Bay - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Upon arrival at Halong City’s pier around noon, you’ll be warmly welcomed aboard your cruise with refreshing drinks and a short introduction to the cruise itinerary. As the boat begins to glide across the bay, enjoy a sumptuous lunch of fresh local seafood while marvelling at the breathtaking seascape of limestone pillars and hidden grottoes rising from jade-green waters.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Halong Bay. Depending on your cruise’s program, you might kayak through tranquil lagoons, visit mysterious caves, or swim in crystal-clear waters. Prefer a slower pace? Simply unwind on the sundeck and watch the ever-changing colors of the bay as the sun begins to set.

As evening falls, the boat anchors amid the majestic karst formations. Enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars with the sound of gentle waves surrounding you. Spend the night on board, lulled by the serenity of one of the most stunning seascapes on Earth.

NOTE: The route may be adjusted according to the cruise you select. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight cruise in Halong Bay

Wake up early to witness Halong Bay at its most magical - the soft morning light casting a golden glow over the limestone cliffs rising from the emerald waters. If you wish, join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a peaceful way to start your day surrounded by the serenity of the bay.

Enjoy a light breakfast or hearty brunch as the vessel slowly sails back toward the harbor. Take in the final breathtaking vistas of the bay, with its scattered fishing boats and misty islets - an image that will linger in your memory long after you’ve left.

Upon disembarkation, your driver will meet you for a comfortable transfer back to Hanoi. From there, catch a short flight to Da Nang, the coastal gateway to central Vietnam. On arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to Hoi An, a charming ancient town steeped in history and glowing with lantern-lit streets.

Check in to your hotel and unwind for the evening - or take a gentle stroll through the peaceful lanes of Hoi An, where the scent of jasmine and the glimmer of lanterns set the perfect tone for your stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

After breakfast, set out to explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that beautifully preserves the essence of Vietnam’s past. Begin your journey at Hoi An Market, where you’ll be immersed in a lively scene of vibrant colors, fragrant spices, and the cheerful chatter of locals.

Continue to the Phuc Kien (Fujian) Assembly Hall, a stunning example of Chinese architecture adorned with intricate carvings, dragon statues, and ornate gates. Next, step back in time as you visit one of Hoi An’s ancient merchant houses - either Phung Hung or Tan Ky - both over 200 years old and remarkably well preserved despite the passage of time and history. Their wooden interiors and traditional décor tell stories of prosperity and cultural fusion.

Move on to the Museum of Folk Culture, located in a 150-year-old merchant house, where fascinating artifacts reveal the daily life, trades, and traditions of the old Hoi An people. Then, delight in a traditional performance at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House, where music and dance bring local folklore to life.

Your tour concludes with a visit to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built more than four centuries ago to connect Japanese and Chinese communities across a small stream. Before returning to your hotel, take some time to browse Hoi An’s handicraft shops and art galleries, or wander the narrow lantern-lit alleys - each turn revealing another layer of this town’s timeless charm.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Enjoy a leisurely day to soak in the peaceful rhythm of Hoi An, a town where time seems to stand still. Wander through its narrow streets lined with yellow-walled houses and colorful lanterns, sip on a traditional Vietnamese coffee by the riverside, or simply relax and watch the world go by.

If you’d like to explore more, there are optional experiences to make the most of your day:

Option 1: My Son Sanctuary Half-Day Tour from Hoi An - Price from US $50/ person

Option 2: Life as a Farmer in Cam Thanh village - Price from US $80/ person

­Option 3: Hoi An Vespa Tour Half Day - Price from US $120/ person

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hoi An, soaking up the town’s tranquil charm one last time. You might stroll through the lantern-filled streets, sip a cup of Vietnamese coffee by the Thu Bon River, or simply relax at your hotel before your transfer.

Later, your driver will take you to Da Nang Airport for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam’s vibrant southern metropolis. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Spend the rest of the day at your own pace. Perhaps take a walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, admire the colonial-era architecture, or unwind with a drink at a rooftop bar overlooking the glowing skyline.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Set out to discover the vibrant heart of Ho Chi Minh City, a fascinating mix of old-world charm and modern dynamism. Accompanied by your local guide, you’ll explore the city’s most iconic landmarks and uncover stories of its captivating past.

Begin your journey at the Reunification Palace, a time capsule of Vietnam’s modern history and the site that marked the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Stroll through grand halls and preserved war rooms that once housed the country’s top leaders.

Next, visit the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning red-brick church built by the French in the 1880s, and the nearby Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel. These elegant colonial-era buildings showcase the city’s architectural beauty and historical significance.

NOTE: Notre Dame Cathedral is currently under renovation

End your tour with a stop at a local market, where you can test your bargaining skills, shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs, and experience the colorful energy of everyday Saigon life. Friendly smiles, aromatic street food, and the lively chatter of vendors will make for an unforgettable experience.

Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Escape the city for a tour of the Mekong Delta, where you'll see what life is like beyond the urban centre of the south. Drive to Can Tho, experience relaxing pace of life in the Delta region. An incredibly fertile region, the Mekong Delta's prime industry is food production, producing approximately half of Vietnam's total agricultural output. Local life for villages in the area revolves around the rivers and canals that make up the delta, so much so that people are more likely to transport by river than road.

Enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside, still untouched by tourism. Board on a long tail boat and experience the diversity of the Mekong waterways first hand as you explore fish farms and exotic fruit farms. Touring the orchards, paddy fields and swamplands of the Mekong Delta, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into the pages of a geography textbook.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Early wake up with a “should not be missed” floating market in Can Tho. Travel along the Mekong and the natural network of canals by motor boat and sampan under the shadows of water coconut trees. Taste seasonal fruits right from the orchard, meet friendly locals, and visit the region’s lively floating markets.

Northwest of Can Tho meanwhile, and a stone’s throw from the Cambodian border, is the ebullient town of Chau Doc, south of which Sam Mountain provides a welcome undulation in the surrounding plains. The opening of the border here has brought a steady stream of travellers going on to Phnom Penh by boat

Afternoon road transfer to Chau Doc and spend one night at this sleepy little town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the boat pier for an unforgettable journey along the Mekong River. Board a speedboat to Phnom Penh, gliding past tranquil riverside villages, floating houses, and lush greenery - a perfect way to witness the everyday rhythm of life along the water.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in and a short rest. Then, begin your afternoon exploration of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Visit the Royal Palace - a stunning example of Khmer architecture - and the Silver Pagoda, famed for its floor lined with over 5,000 shimmering silver tiles. Continue to Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake hilltop temple that offers panoramic views of the capital and insights into its founding legend.

Your final visit is to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a deeply moving memorial that offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s tragic past and incredible resilience. As the day ends, return to your hotel to relax or explore the lively riverside area filled with local cafes, street food stalls, and vibrant nightlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

07:45 Transfer to Mekong Bus station for departure to Siem Reap (7 hour drive). Your guide will not be with you on bus but he/she will meet you in Siem Reap. The bus will stop at Arunras Restaurant for restroom and where you can find your own meals or snack before continue to final destination. Upon arrival Siem Reap, meet your guide at Borei Seang Nam station and transfer to check in at hotel for refreshment.

Siem Reap is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Archaeological Park which is roughly 7 kilometres away. However, the town itself is worth exploring with day and night markets, Khmer massage and spa treatments, a variety of great cafes and restaurants, and even fish massage!

This afternoon, take a fun by Rermork “Tuk Tuk” ride to visit the Angkor National Museum, learn about “the Legend Revealed” and see how the Khmer Empire has been established during the golden period. Continue to Preah Ang Check - Preah Ang chom, the secret place where local people go praying for good luck or safe journey. Tonight enjoy buffet dinner with Khmer Traditional Dance Show at Amazon or Kulen II restaurant. Relax as you prepare for your much-anticipated visit to Angkor tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Awaken to a day of wonder as you set off to explore the majestic Angkor temple complex, one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements in human history.

Begin your journey at Ta Prohm Temple, a mystical site where massive fig tree roots weave through ancient stone walls, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Left in much the same condition as it was found, Ta Prohm is a hauntingly beautiful reminder of nature’s power over time - and was famously featured in the Tomb Raider movie.

Continue to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Enter through its imposing South Gate, lined with giant stone figures depicting the mythological “Churning of the Ocean of Milk.”

In the afternoon, discover the crown jewel of Cambodia - Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a symbol of the nation’s soul. Spanning over 81 hectares, its grand scale and exquisite carvings reflect the height of Khmer genius. Wander through its galleries, bas-reliefs, and soaring towers, feeling the spiritual essence that has captivated travelers for centuries.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Today is yours to enjoy Siem Reap at your own pace. After days of exploration among the majestic temples, take this opportunity to unwind and discover the town’s charms in your own way.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Siem Reap before your onward journey. Savor a final Cambodian breakfast, take a relaxed walk through your hotel’s garden, or browse a few last-minute souvenirs from local boutiques before your transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight to Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital.

Upon arrival in Bangkok, you’ll be warmly greeted by your local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. After check-in, take some time to unwind and settle in, or head out for a first taste of Bangkok’s electric energy.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok.

Prepare for a fascinating day of discovery in Bangkok, where Thailand’s royal grandeur and timeless traditions come to life.

Begin your journey with a visit to the Royal Grand Palace, one of the most spectacular landmarks in Thailand and a masterpiece of classical Siamese architecture. Within its dazzling walls lies Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred image in the country. Marvel at the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings, and the Eight Colored Towers, each representing a day of the week, as your guide shares the palace’s centuries-old stories and royal legends.

Continue to Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, renowned not only for its majestic 46-meter-long statue but also as Thailand’s first university and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Here, enjoy a 30-minute traditional Thai massage, the perfect way to rejuvenate after a morning of sightseeing.

In the afternoon, embark on a long-tail boat journey along the Chao Phraya River - the “River of Kings.” Glide past glittering temples, local wooden houses, and serene canals (klongs) that reveal the peaceful rhythm of traditional Thai life. Along the way, stop at the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, whose colorful porcelain spires shimmer beautifully in the sunlight.

End your day with a visit to the Flower and Vegetable Market, a vibrant explosion of color and scent. Watch skilled artisans craft intricate floral garlands and admire the endless array of orchids and tropical blooms that make this market a photographer’s paradise. Your full-day exploration concludes at Golden Mountain (Wat Saket), offering panoramic views over the city’s glittering skyline - a perfect ending to a day filled with culture, history, and local charm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

Your day begins at 08:00, when your guide picks you up from your Bangkok hotel. Journey north through the lush countryside to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, the former royal retreat of the kings of Thailand. Continue to Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, one of Ayutthaya’s most striking temples. Admire the enormous chedi (stupa) towering over rows of saffron-robed Buddha statues and learn how this sacred site was built by King U-Thong as a place of rest and meditation for returning monks.

Next, explore Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the holiest temple of the ancient royal palace. Its iconic triple chedis, rising proudly against the sky, once enshrined the ashes of Ayutthaya’s kings. Feel the echoes of history as you walk among the ruins, imagining the splendor that once defined this royal capital.

Just nearby lies the enchanting Wat Mahathat, famous for the mysterious Buddha head entwined in tree roots, one of Thailand’s most photographed icons. This sacred temple, once a major center of Buddhist learning, radiates a spiritual charm that invites quiet reflection.

Savor a delicious Thai lunch at a riverside restaurant, where you can enjoy flavorful local dishes while gazing out over the peaceful Chao Phraya River.

After lunch, board a long-tail boat for a relaxing cruise along the Chao Phraya River, gliding past ancient temple ruins and imagining the grandeur of Ayutthaya in its prime - a vibrant city of gold-tipped spires and royal processions.

As the afternoon light softens, return to your vehicle for a scenic drive back to Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

Spend a leisurely day exploring Bangkok at your own pace, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant culture, tantalizing cuisine, and lively street scenes. You can stroll through bustling local markets, such as Chatuchak Weekend Market or Or Tor Kor Market, hunting for unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and fresh tropical fruits.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast, enjoy some final moments in Bangkok at your leisure - perhaps a last stroll through the streets, a quick shopping stop, or a morning coffee at a riverside café. Later, your driver will transfer you to Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport for your onward flight.

Bid farewell to the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of Thailand, taking home unforgettable memories of your journey. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon!