17 Days Multi-Country Tour From Ha Long Bay to Angkor Wat

Experience Vietnam and Cambodia

Discover the cultural highlights and ancient wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia on this immersive 17-day journey. From the dramatic limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay to the world-famous temples of Angkor Wat, this itinerary combines vibrant cities, historic landmarks and unforgettable scenery across two fascinating countries.

All tours depart from Australia, with flights, accommodation, transfers and guided sightseeing included for a seamless travel experience.

Tour Highlights

• Cruise the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Explore the charm and culture of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
• Discover Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, and its historic landmarks
• Experience the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Australia and arrive in Hanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi, Vietnam

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, where you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Vietnam’s capital is a captivating blend of centuries-old architecture and vibrant Southeast Asian culture, known for its historic temples, lively streets, bustling markets and renowned cuisine. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to begin exploring this fascinating city. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

  Day 3 Hanoi, Vietnam

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out to discover the rich history and everyday life of Hanoi. Begin your day at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070 and a powerful symbol of the country’s scholarly heritage. Continue with a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter, where narrow streets and historic shop houses reflect centuries of traditional trades and local life. Pause at a bustling local market to relax with a coffee or tea and soak up the city’s atmosphere.

Continue sightseeing with photo stops at some of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the House on Stilts, the Governor’s Palace and the distinctive One Pillar Pagoda. Conclude the day with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, offering insight into Vietnam’s complex past. Return to your hotel in the evening for an overnight stay in Hanoi

Activity of the Day. Hanoi City Tour

Duration: 5 hours
Pick-up Time: 08:30
Physical Rating: Light
This tour involves mostly seated travel, with some short walks and a few steps at selected sites.

Discover the highlights of Vietnam’s capital on a guided city tour that brings Hanoi’s history, culture and daily life to life. Begin at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of the country’s long-standing respect for learning. Continue with a walk through the atmospheric Old Quarter, where narrow streets and historic shopfronts reflect centuries of traditional trade.

Enjoy photo stops at some of Hanoi’s most significant landmarks, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the House on Stilts, the Governor’s Palace and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. The tour concludes with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison, offering insight into Vietnam’s complex and compelling past.

Return to the hotel after the tour with the afternoon free to relax or continue exploring at your own pace.

 Day 4  Hanoi  –  Essence of Ninh Binh

Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land”. This stunning landscape is characterised by dramatic limestone karst mountains, winding waterways, lush rice fields and timeless rural villages.

Begin the day with a gentle bike ride along quiet village paths, passing local homes, orchards and green countryside, offering an authentic insight into rural Vietnamese life. Continue with a memorable rowboat journey, gliding through tranquil canals, caves and towering cliffs that create some of the region’s most iconic scenery.

The experience is completed with a local lunch at a nearby restaurant, allowing you to enjoy traditional flavours before returning to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

This full-day experience combines nature, culture and relaxation, offering a beautiful contrast to the energy of the capital.

This activity involves short walks, some steps, and time spent both standing and seated.

 Day 5 : Hanoi – Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay

Wake up surrounded by the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay while cruising aboard your overnight vessel. Early risers may choose to take part in a peaceful Tai Chi session on the upper deck, an ideal way to embrace the calm of the bay as the sun rises over the limestone karsts. A light breakfast is served on board, followed by a leisurely brunch as the cruise continues through a maze of spectacular islands and islets, offering ever-changing views of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

 Day 6 Ha Long Bay – Ho Chi Minh City

By midday, the cruise comes to an end and you disembark, travelling back to Hanoi. On arrival, transfer to the airport for your flight south to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon landing, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The evening is at leisure. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

 Day 7 Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out on a full-day guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the history, culture and daily life of this dynamic metropolis.

Begin with a guided walk through a lively local wet market, where colourful stalls, fragrant herbs and sizzling street food offer an authentic introduction to Saigon’s culinary culture. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a powerful and insightful look into Vietnam’s modern history.

Travel along elegant Dong Khoi Street, home to some of the city’s most iconic colonial landmarks, including the Opera House, People’s Committee Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral and the beautifully preserved Central Post Office. The tour then moves to District 5 (Chinatown), where you will visit the historic Thien Hau Temple, an atmospheric place of worship reflecting the area’s strong Chinese heritage.

Conclude the day at bustling Ben Thanh Market, a vibrant hub filled with handicrafts, spices and local flavours. Return to your hotel in the evening for an overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

 Day 8 Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a free day in Ho Chi Minh City, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Discover the city’s cafés, markets and neighbourhoods, or simply relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Optional Activity:

Cu Chi Tunnels Experience (Half Day)

 

For those interested in Vietnam’s wartime history and local life, join an insightful excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located around 1.5 hours from the city.

Explore this remarkable underground network, once used by the Viet Cong as communication routes, hiding places, storage areas and living quarters during the war. Walking through the site offers a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s turbulent past and the ingenuity and resilience of its people.

The experience continues with a visit to a local farmer’s home, set among lush orchards and quiet countryside. Learn about traditional mushroom cultivation, take part in harvesting, and help prepare a simple local dish using fresh ingredients. The visit concludes with a meaningful conversation with a war veteran, whose personal stories provide a powerful connection between past and present.

This optional excursion offers a compelling blend of history, culture and authentic local interaction.

  Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta

 Depart Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic drive of approximately 2.5 hours to Ben Tre, in the heart of the Mekong Delta, often referred to as the “rice bowl of Vietnam”. On arrival, embark on a relaxing river cruise aboard the charming Apricot Boat, gliding along tranquil waterways framed by lush greenery and tropical orchards.

Visit a local fruit orchard to sample sun-ripened produce and coconuts, and learn how traditional rice paper is made. Continue to a family-run coconut workshop, where you will discover local crafts and flavours that reflect the region’s strong connection to the land.

Experience rural life up close with a gentle bicycle and tuk tuk ride along flower-lined village paths, followed by a peaceful rowing sampan journey through narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms. The day is completed with a delicious Mekong-style lunch at the Apricot Riverside Restaurant.

After lunch, unwind in a hammock and enjoy the river breeze before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

This immersive day offers a wonderful contrast to city life, showcasing the natural beauty, traditions and relaxed pace of the Mekong Delta.

 Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing Ho Chi Minh City and travelling by road to Phnom Penh, marking the start of your journey into Cambodia. Travel aboard the comfortable Mekong Express or Giant Ibis bus, passing through scenic countryside along the way.

Arrive in Phnom Penh in the evening and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to begin exploring your new surroundings. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

Please note: The journey by road covers approximately 230 km and takes around 5 hours. An optional flight of approximately 1 hour is available at the time of booking.

 Day 11 Phnom Penh Cambodia

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a poignant guided excursion exploring Cambodia’s recent history. Visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, offering a powerful and moving insight into the Khmer Rouge era.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may choose to join an optional city tour to discover Phnom Penh’s highlights, including the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and a relaxing sunset cruise along the Mekong River, providing a glimpse into everyday life along the riverbanks. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

What’s Included

   All flights included – International and internal flights are included as per the itinerary, ensuring a smooth journey from Australia and within Vietnam and Cambodia. Enquire with us for other country departures.

     Accommodation – Comfortable, well-located hotels are included throughout the tour, selected to suit your chosen category.

   All transfers – Airport, hotel and sightseeing transfers are included for a seamless travel experience from start to finish.

    Guided activities & sightseeing – Enjoy guided tours and key experiences as outlined in the itinerary, led by knowledgeable local guides.

    Selected meals – Daily breakfast is included, along with additional meals on select touring days, featuring local flavours.

Optional experiences are available to further personalise your journey.

Why Choose This Tour

This multi-country itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a deeper exploration of Southeast Asia. Combining Vietnam’s natural beauty and vibrant cities with Cambodia’s ancient heritage, this tour offers a well-paced and rewarding travel experience from start to finish.