17 Days 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.

Trip Highlights

Halong  Ba     Hanoi     Ho Chi Minh    Angkor Wat    Phnom Penh     Siem Reap

Itinerary

 Day 1 Take Off

Depart Australia on an  international flight. Travellers departing from other locations can be accommodated on request. Please contact us for personalised arrangements

Day 2 Hanoi

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

 Day 4  Hanoi  –  Essence of Ninh Binh

Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often known as Ha Long Bay on land. This striking region features limestone karst mountains, winding waterways, lush rice fields and peaceful rural villages. Begin with a gentle bicycle ride along quiet village paths, passing local homes and green countryside. Continue with a scenic rowboat journey through tranquil canals, caves and towering cliffs, showcasing some of the area’s most iconic landscapes. Enjoy a traditional local lunch before returning to Hanoi in the late afternoon. This full-day experience blends nature, culture and relaxation, offering a refreshing contrast to city life.

 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 on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Ben Tre, in the heart of the Mekong Delta, often called the rice bowl of Vietnam. Cruise along peaceful waterways surrounded by lush orchards and tropical greenery. Visit a local fruit orchard to sample fresh produce, learn how traditional rice paper is made and explore a family-run coconut workshop. Experience rural life by bicycle and tuk tuk along village paths, followed by a tranquil sampan ride through narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms. Enjoy a Mekong-style lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

 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.

 Day 12 Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travelling north to Siem Reap, the cultural gateway to Angkor. On arrival, settle into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure discovering the city’s lively atmosphere. Wander through colourful local markets, browse artisan stalls and soak up the energy of the popular night market and Pub Street, where cafés, street food and live music bring the evenings to life. This free time offers the perfect opportunity to relax or begin immersing yourself in the rhythm of Siem Reap ahead of the temple explorations to come.

 Day 13 Siem Reap

Set out on an unforgettable exploration of the legendary temples of Angkor, one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. Begin at Angkor Thom, discovering the awe-inspiring Bayon Temple, with its iconic stone faces gazing serenely in every direction. Continue to Baphuon and Phimeanakas, then wander the atmospheric Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King, where royal ceremonies once unfolded. Visit the evocative Ta Prohm, where ancient ruins are entwined with giant tree roots, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene. In the afternoon, arrive at majestic Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spiritual masterpiece. As the sun sets, watch the temple glow in golden light before returning to Siem Reap for the evening.

 Day 14 Siem Reap 

 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out to discover the peaceful countryside surrounding Siem Reap. Wander through a traditional village framed by rice fields, orchards and small farms, gaining insight into everyday rural life. Visit a family-run workshop to learn about the centuries-old craft of rattan weaving and try your hand at creating a simple basket. Continue to a local farmhouse, where you will be warmly welcomed and invited to help prepare a traditional Khmer lunch. Share the meal with your hosts and experience genuine Cambodian hospitality before returning to Siem Reap for the evening.

 Day 15 Siem Reap 

 

After breakfast, enjoy a meaningful day discovering the spiritual and cultural life of Siem Reap. Begin with a visit to a peaceful riverside pagoda, where you will take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony. Listen to ancient chants as monks sprinkle sacred water and tie a symbolic thread around your wrist, a gesture believed to bring good fortune and protection. Continue to Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake, cruising past floating villages and stilted homes that rise and fall with the water levels. Visit a local family home to gain insight into life shaped by water, tradition and community before returning to Siem Reap.

 Day 16 Siem Reap  Farwell Cambodia 

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back home. Night on board.

 Day 17 Arrive At home 

What’s Included

   All flights included – economy class, upgrades available.

     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 immersive 17-day journey through Vietnam and Cambodia brings together vibrant cities, living culture and some of the world’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites. From cruising Ha Long Bay to exploring ancient temples and witnessing sunset at iconic Angkor Wat, the itinerary is thoughtfully paced for depth, comfort and discovery.
Enquire now to secure your place or personalise this unforgettable journey.