Vietnam and Cambodia 17 Day Tour Itinerary with Angkor Wat Highlights

Welcome to Hanoi! On the first day, we will pick you up from the airport and then take you to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter – the most exciting place for tourist. Once you have checked in, the rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore the city and form your own first impressions of Vietnam. Stay overnight in Hanoi and get ready for an exciting adventure!

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

Notes: – Check in time is 1:00 PM.

– Please inform us about your flight to Vietnam so we can arrange our driver to pick you up as soon as possible.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our tour guide and driver will pick you up between 7:30 – 8:30 AM to begin your journey to Ha Long Bay. Along the way, you will have the chance to admire the peaceful countryside and beautiful rice paddies of northern Vietnam.

Upon arrival at the port, you will have a short 20-minute break before boarding the cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink while the crew introduces the itinerary and safety guidelines. The cruise will then begin sailing through the stunning Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lunch will be served on board, featuring a selection of the freshest seafood. In the afternoon, you will visit a Pearl Farm Village, where staff will introduce the pearl cultivation process. Here, you can learn about each stage of pearl production and browse a variety of beautiful pearl jewelry.

Next, we continue to Titop Island, famous for its crescent-shaped beach, calm atmosphere, and crystal-clear blue waters. The island is a perfect place for activities such as swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, or hiking to the viewpoint for panoramic views of the bay.

Around 5:30 PM, return to the cruise to relax. At 6:00 PM, join a Vietnamese cooking class guided by the cruise chef and learn how to make traditional dishes such as spring rolls.

Dinner will be served on board with a special seafood BBQ. In the evening, you can enjoy activities such as playing cards, chess, karaoke, or squid fishing.

Accommodation: Ha Long Cruise

Wake up early in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise and breathe in the fresh ocean air while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, Tai Chi lesson are available on the sundeck. After having breakfast, we will arrive in Sung Sot Cave (The largest cave in Ha Long)

and join in with guides to visit and explore the cave. Lunch will be served on the boat as we cruise back to the Ha long City pier. After that we will return to Hanoi by a shuttle bus, stopover in Hai Duong province to visit a ceramics workshop. You will arrive in Hanoi at around 4:00-4:30 PM.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

Note: Itinerary can be changed upon the weather condition

Today, you are free to visit Hanoi Old Quarter, you can see the water puppet show or walk around and explore old streets of Hanoi until your train to Da Nang comes, you will spend around 13 hours on the train , while the train is on it’s way to Da Nang you can take pictures and enjoy the view of our beautiful country along the coastal line. You will spend a night on the train and reach Da Nang train station at around 11:30 AM.

Accommodation: Night Train

After the train arrived on the next day, we will pick you up and take you to Hoi An Ancient town – where you can check in and start exploring the town.

Hoi An has been known as a charming and historic trading center that was once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other merchant vessels from the Far East.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

At 7:30 – 8:00 AM, our driver and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to My Son Holy Land- a place that is surrounded by the marvelous mountains, 48km west of Hoi An.

My Son was chosen as a religious center, built in the late 4th century under the Cham’s King Bhadravaman. It is a huge religious complex with over 70 towers and temples of different architectures. Wander through the elaborate carvings and sculptures of the Cham people, tourists are welcomed at the Old Tower of the Cham. We will spend 2 hours to enjoy and discover the beauty of Ancient buildings at of the Champa Kingdom with our tour guide. At 12:00 PM we’re leaving My Son to take a boat trip on Thu Bon River. Here, you will see the skilled woodworkers and shipbuilding families who have been practicing their craft for generations. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam.

You will have soft lunch on the boat and see the beautiful views along the river. The boat trip will finish in Bach Dang Boat station. Our driver will pick you up to local restaurant for lunch then we will head back to your hotel for you to regain energy after a long exploring trip.

Today you are free to explore Hoi An and perhaps enjoy a tea on the old house or discover the daily life of the farmers in the local fishing village along the river. Alternatively, you can move to the beach for totally relaxing day! You will stay overnight in Hoi An.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

After breakfast at your hotel, you will have free time until your flight.
You will then take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City and stay overnight in the city’s most touristic area.

In the afternoon or evening, you can relax at your hotel or continue exploring the city on your own. Below are some recommended landmarks and attractions:

Recommended places to visit:

• Independence Palace (Entrance fee: 40,000 VND/person)

• Nguyen Hue Walking Street

• Ben Thanh Market

• Saigon Central Post Office

• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

• Ho Chi Minh City Hall

• Saigon Opera House

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

A smooth one and half hour bus ride passing rice fields and stopping over the National highway and after tha t we will take the bus to go to My Tho city. Right here, we can ride on a motorboat to join in with the daily activities of the local people, enjoy the atmosphere and then take a cruise on the Upper River (Tien River) to Unicorn Island (Ky Lan). On our way, we will be crossing the fishing port, floating houses, these other Dragon, Phoenix and Turtle islands, visit the orchard garden, bee-farm to enjoy honey tea or you can take photos of a python and then we will go to the coconut candy workshop, you can try special candy have sugar free, coconut wine. A little time tour guide take you go to tropical fruit garden enjoy some fruits, enjoy the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music” and then follow horse carry visit the countryside, the amazing rowing boat trip on the small canal is something visitors can not miss. Then we will head to Ben Tre province – “the country of coconut “, we can have lunch in Phoenix island and enjoy free time to visit the crocodile farm or try to walk on the monkey bridge, then you are free to relax on the hammock. Visitors expects will be fulfilled by the final boat trip back to My Tho city, we will visit the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda –a temple was built in 1849. Say goodbye to Mekong Delta one day trip. We will return to HCM city by bus.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

Discover the rich history of Ho Chi Minh City with this tour, starting with a pick-up at 8:30 AM from your hotel by the tour guide and driver. The first stop will be at the Reunification Palace, formerly the residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of the Vietnam War in April 1975. The palace is a spectacular building that provides an insight into the country’s past. Afterward, you’ll visit some impressive French colonial structures such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Central Post Office. You’ll also explore the War Remnants Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits showcasing the country’s involvement in various conflicts. At noon, you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Cu Chi, which is located 60km from Ho Chi Minh City. This district played a crucial role in the anti-American war in Vietnam, and its original tunnels system, spanning over 220km, is legendary and a popular spot for visitors. As you travel through the rural rice paddy scenery, you’ll see ducks and water buffalos swimming in the rivers alongside the road. It can be challenging to imagine the destruction, damage, and defoliation caused by bombing and mines when Cu Chi was known as “A Free Target Zone.” However, the remnants that visitors can inspect still prove the fierce battleground that took place there. Finally, after returning to District 1 around 4:00 pm, you’ll overnight at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. This tour offers an excellent opportunity to experience the city’s culture, history, and natural beauty while exploring one of Vietnam’s most significant regions.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

Begin your journey to Cambodia with a comfortable bus ride that departs at 7:00 am from the starting point. The bus will take approximately 6-7 hours to reach the Moc Bai border gate, where you’ll enter Cambodia. If needed, the bus crew can assist in obtaining visas upon arrival. After crossing the border, the bus will stop at the station, and you’ll have time to check into your hotel in Phnom Penh. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, a local guide will pick you up and lead you on a tour of the charming capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. You’ll visit several landmarks such as Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, which houses many pre-and post-Angkor artifacts.

Next, you’ll visit the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum, which was once a school but used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces. It became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Afterward, you’ll have some time to explore the Russian Market.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Your next adventure will take you to Koh Darchh Island, and what better way to explore than by riding the quirky form of local transport known as the Motoremork or Tuk Tuk. The ride offers an exciting opportunity to experience life on the river from a local’s perspective. Once you arrive, take a stroll around the village and visit a community craft workshop. In addition to fishing and farming, the people here possess various arcane skills in arts and crafts. Their talents are evident in the high-quality products sold in local markets. Take some time to peruse these fine items before stretching out on a hammock under the thatched roof of a water bungalow. Dinner is not included, but you’ll overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the Giant Bus, which will take you from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (08:45 am – 02:00 pm). Upon arrival in Siem Reap, a local driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure in Siem Reap city. In the afternoon, after taking some time to relax, you’ll visit the Angkor Silk Farm and Artisan D’angkor. This school trains young people in handicraft work and was launched by Chantier-Ecoles, in cooperation with the Provincial Office of Education, Youth, and Sport. Afterward, you’ll visit Western Baray, a man-made lake from the 11th century used for irrigation. Nowadays, it is a famous spot for Cambodian family picnics. You’ll also visit the Old Market. Finally, you’ll overnight in Siem Reap.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a full-day excursion to discover Angkor Thom and Temples. You’ll begin by visiting the marvelous Angkor Thom (the Great City), including the Southern Gate, the famous Bayon temple from the 12th century, which is one of the most enigmatic temples of the Angkor group, composed of 54 Gothic towers decorated with 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. The Baphuon temple lies just north of Bayon, representing a pyramidal mythical Mont Meru. Next, you’ll visit the Terrace of Elephants, used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and as a base for the king’s grand audience hall. The Terrace of the Leper King, a platform 7m high, with statues and temple walls covered in emerald-green moss intertwined with roots, is considered the most charming of all. Ta Prohm is the final stop for the morning, where lunch will be in a local restaurant serving Khmer-style food near Sras Srang, the Royal Pool of Ablutions, originally reserved for the King and his consorts. Afterward, you can enjoy a nap in a hammock or explore to see the traditional way of life and say hello to the Cambodians near here. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the magnificent Angkor Wat Temples – one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the world built as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of the 12th century. Angkor Wat is probably the best-preserved of the Angkorean temples, featuring a central tower surrounded by four smaller towers. The central monument represents the mythical Mount Meru, the holy mountain at the center of the universe that was home to the Hindu God Vishnu. The whole complex covers 81 hectares, and the temple’s greatest sculptural treasure is its 2 km-long bas-reliefs around the walls. In the late afternoon, you’ll visit the Phnom Bakheng temple, the first temple in the Angkor region built by the Yacovarman I King in the first half of the 9th century. It is located on a slope gently hill where thousands of tourists gather on the hilltop to catch a memorable sunset view of the distant Angkor Wat in the jungle. This evening, enjoy a buffet local dinner with Cambodian Cultural Performance including Apsara Show.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

After enjoying a breakfast, your next adventure will take you on a two-hour drive to the northeast. The first stop of the day is the 10th-century capital of Koh Ker. Although over 200 temples are believed to be within the city’s boundaries, only 96 have been discovered so far. Your morning is likely to be spent at just one temple, Prasat Thom, which is partially buried and dates back to the 10th century. Despite being one of the less visited temples, it boasts towering pyramids that resemble Mayan or Inca architecture. Visitor numbers vary depending on the day, but it is not uncommon to have the site entirely to yourself. After exploring more of the surrounding temples, start your journey back towards Siem Reap, making a stop at Beng Mealea, another lesser-visited temple similar in size to the famous Angkor Wat, both built by Suryavarman II. Beng Mealea is swallowed up by the jungle and has minimal restoration work done, allowing visitors to imagine what it was like for early explorers discovering these temples for the first time. Finally, return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and then visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a boat trip in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest in Asia, known as the “Great Lake” of Cambodia. Next, we’ll visit the “Chantiers Ecoles – Les Artisans d’Angkor,” which offers training to young Cambodians to revive the ancient Khmer traditions of stone carving and wood sculpting. Afterward, we’ll drive to the Pouk district, which is about 15 km west of Siem Reap town, to visit the silk farm. This fascinating farm/workshop allows visitors to see the entire silk creation process, including growing the food for the silkworms, breeding the worms, silk extraction and refinement, traditional kit dying pattern creation, looming, and a retail silk and souvenir shop. On the way back, we’ll stop to visit the Western Baray (Baray Occidental), which measures 8 km by 2.3 km and provided water for the intensive cultivation of lands around Angkor. Finally, we’ll overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap. Overall, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to experience Cambodia’s rural life, arts and crafts, and natural beauty while indulging in a comfortable stay in Siem Reap.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend the rest of the time to explore or shopping for souvenirs in Siem Reap before departing for the airport for your international flight home or your next destination. We hope that you had an amazing time with us and have created unforgettable memories. Thank you for choosing Bestour for your journey and we look forward to embarking on new adventures with you in the future!