Indochina in Depth: 17 Days Across Vietnam & Cambodia

Day 1 – Arrive in Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, our airport team will greet you and assist you through the arrival procedures, including fast-track passport control and luggage assistance if needed. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in, with the remainder of the day free to settle into your new surroundings.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: La Siesta Premium Hang Be – Junior Suite

Day 2 – Hanoi

Morning and Afternoon – Discover Hanoi by Jeep

At 08:00, meet your guide at the hotel for a jeep adventure through Hanoi, exploring the city beyond its usual tourist attractions. Begin at Hanoi Opera House, an important architectural and historical landmark, before venturing into narrow backstreets, tiny alleyways, local homes, schools, traditional markets and even lesser-known trading areas. Experience the everyday life of Hanoi and discover the city’s authentic character, including its unusual and unexpected contrasts.

Continue past Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and along Thanh Nien Street, set between two of Hanoi’s beautiful lakes. Visit Banana Island, a surprising green retreat just a few kilometres from the city centre, where you can explore local farms, meet residents, enjoy organically grown tropical fruits and sample green tea.

Continue to the peaceful villages around West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, then visit Van Nien Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s ancient Buddhist pagodas. Travel along Hoang Hoa Tham, known for its bonsai trees and colourful flowers, and explore more hidden alleys before seeing the B-52 aircraft wreck and the modern skyscrapers that reflect Hanoi’s rapid development.

Throughout the journey, enjoy stops at authentic restaurants, eateries and street-food stalls to sample Hanoi’s local specialities, traditional dishes and family recipes.

Evening – Hanoi by Vintage Vespa and Street Food

At 18:00, begin your evening at a stylish local café with a beer cocktail and a snack before hopping on the back of a vintage Vespa to explore Hanoi after dark.

Ride through the busy backstreets of the Old Quarter and stop at a lively local restaurant to try bun cha, a classic Hanoi dish of rice noodles, grilled pork, meatballs and spring rolls. Continue to a local eatery for infused rice wine and buffalo jerky, then ride past Hanoi Flag Tower and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum towards West Lake and Truc Bach.

Finish with pho cuon, fresh rice-noodle rolls with fragrant ingredients, and learn about the Vietnamese art of wrapping and rolling local dishes.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (food tour)
Accommodation: La Siesta Premium Hang Be – Junior Suite

Day 3 – Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay

At 08:00, your driver will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to Tuan Chau Marina. After meeting at Heritage Line’s lounge, take a short speedboat ride to your cruise vessel and begin exploring Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island.

Enjoy lunch in the elegant, light-filled dining room as the ship sails deeper into the bay. Relax on the terrace deck or your private balcony while admiring the dramatic seascape.

Near Cat Ba Island, visit a floating fishing village of around 70 houses and 200 residents, including a stop at a local family home. Continue ashore to Viet Hai Village, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by forest-covered mountains. Cycle through the valley to gain insight into the isolated community’s self-sufficient way of life, including its farming, fruit cultivation and fishing traditions.

Return to the ship and sail to your overnight anchorage in Lan Ha Bay. Spend the evening enjoying Vietnamese tea tasting, a spa treatment or the sauna. After dinner, you may join a guided Singing Bowl Meditation session or relax beneath the stars on the terrace deck or your private balcony.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Heritage Line Ylang Cruise – Signature Suite DBL

Day 4 – Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba National Park

Begin the morning with a Tai Chi session on the terrace deck before breakfast as the ship sails towards the northern access point of Cat Ba Island.

Take a scenic bus ride through the lush landscape of Cat Ba National Park, followed by a leisurely hike to explore this designated biosphere reserve. The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife and plant species, including deer, macaques and civets.

Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely cruise to a secluded area for the afternoon. Choose to relax or swim at a natural beach, explore the calm waters by kayak, or enjoy the onboard spa, steam bath or sauna.

As the sun sets, sail to the overnight anchorage and savour a multi-course dinner. Join another guided Singing Bowl Meditation session or unwind in the comfort of your suite with views from your private balcony.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Heritage Line Ylang Cruise – Signature Suite DBL

Day 5 – Lan Ha Bay, Hanoi to Hue

Wake early for a Tai Chi session on the terrace deck, followed by traditional Vietnamese coffee, tea and breakfast pastries.

The ship sails to Frog Lake, a secluded area ideal for a morning kayaking excursion. Paddle through jade-green waters surrounded by towering cliffs, rocky formations and tree-covered islets, enjoying the peaceful beauty of Lan Ha Bay.

Return on board for breakfast or brunch as the cruise heads towards the disembarkation point. Take a speedboat back to the pier, where your driver will transfer you to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue.

Upon arrival at Hue Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and settle into your new surroundings.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort and Spa – Pool Access Villa

Day 6 – Hue to Hoi An

At 10:00, meet your driver and guide for the journey to Hoi An along Vietnam’s scenic coastal road. Pass through towns, villages and beaches, with stops along the way to admire the breathtaking scenery.

One of the highlights is Hai Van Pass, where winding mountain roads and dramatic views offer excellent photo opportunities, particularly near the summit, where clouds often drift across the landscape.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Namia Riverside Retreat – Nipa Pool Villa

Day 7 – Hoi An

Tra Que Vegetable Village and Local Cooking Experience

At 08:00, meet your guide and driver for a cycling excursion through Hoi An’s countryside to Tra Que Vegetable Village, located approximately 5 kilometres from the town centre beside Tra Que Lagoon.

Known for its aromatic herbs, the village offers an opportunity to join local farmers in their daily activities, including planting and watering vegetables. After the farming experience, enjoy a traditional foot massage before joining your host for a cooking lesson featuring local specialities such as tam huu, a combination of shrimp, pork and aromatic herbs freshly collected from the garden.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (cooking class)
Accommodation: Namia Riverside Retreat – Nipa Pool Villa

Day 8 – Hoi An and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

At 09:00, your driver will transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, collect your luggage and meet your driver for the transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring the vibrant city at your own pace.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel des Arts Saigon – Deluxe DBL

Day 9 – Ho Chi Minh City

Morning – Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat

At 07:30, depart by shared speedboat for the Cu Chi Tunnels, travelling along the Saigon River rather than by road. During the scenic one-hour journey, your guide will introduce you to daily life along the riverbanks, passing floating water hyacinths and the weekend homes of Saigon residents.

Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, which played a significant role in the Vietnam War, including during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Learn about the tunnels’ strategic importance, see the remains of an American tank destroyed by a landmine and gain insight into the hardship and lasting impact of the war.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch by the river, featuring fried spring rolls, chicken and beef dishes, and soup, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Evening – Saigon Nightlife by Vintage Vespa

At 18:00, discover Saigon’s nightlife and street-food culture from the back of a vintage Vespa. Begin at Café Zoom, a Vespa-themed café where you can enjoy drinks and watch the city go by.

Continue through the bustling streets, passing famous landmarks while stopping at two local restaurants to sample authentic Vietnamese dishes and drinks. Finish with a visit to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop featuring live music, followed by an exciting music bar popular with the city’s younger generation.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (food tour)
Accommodation: Hotel des Arts Saigon – Deluxe DBL

Day 10 – Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta

Register for your river cruise at the hotel lobby at 11:00, then transfer to the port at 11:30 to board your Pandaw vessel.

Set sail from central Saigon, relaxing on the spacious sundeck as the ship passes the towering skyscrapers of Vietnam’s bustling metropolis. After lunch on board, meet the crew and enjoy the vessel’s onboard entertainment as you continue towards the Mekong Delta.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: RV Indochina Pandaw – Upper Deck Stateroom

Day 11 – Mekong Delta

Set sail early through Cho Gao Canal, a vital waterway for transporting goods to and from Ho Chi Minh City. Constructed by the French in 1876, the canal offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life along the water.

Arrive in Ben Tre and travel by sampan through mangroves and bamboo forests towards the region’s abundant fruit orchards. Explore the bird-rich surroundings using local transport before transferring to a traditional rowboat for a slow journey through bamboo-covered canals.

Visit a village specialising in local products to discover traditional livelihoods before returning to the ship. Continue cruising deeper into the Mekong Delta towards Chau Doc.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: RV Indochina Pandaw – Upper Deck Stateroom

Day 12 – Mekong Delta and Chau Doc

In the morning, travel by minivan to Sam Mountain to visit Phuoc Dien Tu, also known as Hang Pagoda. Climb the 400 steps to the top and explore the pagoda while enjoying the surrounding scenery.

Continue to the picturesque border town of Chau Doc, where a sampan ride takes you to visit floating fish farms. Stop at a Cham village to learn about the lives and traditions of Vietnam’s Muslim Cham community and enjoy a traditional lion dance performance.

Return to the ship and navigate through a network of canals before anchoring at the Vietnam–Cambodia border for immigration formalities.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: RV Indochina Pandaw – Upper Deck Stateroom

Day 13 – Mekong Delta to Phnom Penh

After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw vessel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Your driver will meet you at the port and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the city independently.

Palace Gate Hotel & Resort is housed in a restored French colonial villa in central Phnom Penh, within walking distance of the Royal Palace and riverside. Enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool, rooftop bar and restaurant, which uses fresh ingredients from its organic herb and vegetable garden.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Palace Gate Hotel & Resort – Royal Deluxe

Day 14 – Phnom Penh

Explore Cambodia’s Royal Heritage and Recent History

At 08:30, begin your city tour after breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, and the Silver Pagoda, named for the approximately 5,000 silver tiles covering its floor.

Continue to the National Museum, an architectural highlight of Phnom Penh, recognised for its red terracotta exterior, curved roof and guardian Naga decorations. Designed in the Khmer style by French architect Georges Groslier and the École des Arts Cambodgiens in 1917, the museum offers further insight into Cambodia’s artistic and cultural heritage.

In the afternoon, visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school converted into a prison and interrogation centre under the Khmer Rouge. The site provides a sobering account of the atrocities committed during this period and offers important context for understanding Cambodia’s history and recovery.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Palace Gate Hotel & Resort – Royal Deluxe

Day 15 – Phnom Penh to Siem Reap via Sambor Prei Kuk

At 08:30, depart Phnom Penh and travel north towards Siem Reap along National Highway 6, following the route of an ancient Angkor road. En route, you may stop at Skuon, locally known as “Spiderville”, where visitors can sample the local delicacy of deep-fried tarantula.

Continue into Kompong Thom province for a visit to Sambor Prei Kuk, the ancient pre-Angkorian capital of Isanapura. Recognised as one of the earliest major temple cities in Southeast Asia, its brick temples offer a peaceful contrast to the monuments of Angkor and reveal the development of Khmer temple architecture.

Explore key sites, including Prasat Tao, known for its elaborately carved lions, and Prasat Sambor, with its ancient sanctuaries. After lunch, continue to Siem Reap and check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Heritage Suites – Bungalow Garden Suite

Day 16 – Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor

Early Morning – Angkor Wat

At 04:30, set out for Angkor Wat to experience the magnificent temple complex in the early morning. Explore the world’s largest religious monument, admiring its extraordinary scale, intricate bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and scenes from the Khmer Empire, and the sacred inner sanctuary.

Walk through the temple’s long corridors and ascend towards the upper terrace, where the central sanctuary reveals the remarkable symmetry and spiritual significance of Angkor Wat.

Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later Morning and Afternoon – Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm

After breakfast, continue exploring Angkor Thom, the vast walled city built under King Jayavarman VII. Begin at the South Gate, where statues of gods and demons depict the legendary Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

Visit Bayon, the temple mountain at the heart of Angkor Thom, famous for its towers crowned with enormous stone faces. Continue to other important monuments, including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Conclude your temple exploration at Ta Prohm, a former monastery built by Jayavarman VII in honour of his mother. Partly enveloped by jungle, the temple is renowned for its atmospheric stone structures and giant trees growing among the ruins, offering a striking example of nature reclaiming an ancient monument.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Heritage Suites – Bungalow Garden Suite

Day 17 – Depart Siem Reap

At 13:00, your driver will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, bringing your cultural journey through Vietnam and Cambodia to an end.

Meals Included: Breakfast