Thailand Cambodia Vietnam Tour: 25 Days of Cultural Immersion

Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh
Welcome to Cambodia’s capital: Phnom Penh. The local guide and driver will greet you at Phnom Penh’s International Airport on arrival and transfer you to the city centre. Check in & relax.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 2: Phnom Penh city tour – Street food by night
The capital city of Cambodia was once considered the loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent history, it still maintains considerable charm. A city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh. Visit the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious “Killing Fields” of Choeung Ek are not to be missed. A visit to these sights provides a deep insight into the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge.
Afternoon, you will enjoy a visit Royal Palace are now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country and The National Museum.
Later today, enjoy street food tour by night. On this private food-focused tour of Phnom Penh, you'll discover how deep Cambodian cuisine reaches within Southeast Asian culture. Breezing through the city in a tuk-tuk, you'll have the chance to explore Phnom Penh's vibrant street food scene, from roadside stands to bustling market stalls, for a whole evening of eating, drinking and discovering how locals enjoy this energetic city.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 3: Phnom Penh - Drive to Siem Reap – Phare show
Today you travel to Siem Reap, the gateway into the ancient Angkor temples. After breakfast, your driver will meet you at the hotel and take you on the 6 hour drive along the Mekong River. The journey offers an excellent opportunity to observe rural Cambodia up-close. Stop along the way and visit a market, where every assortment of street food is available, including the Khmer favorite: fried spiders! Once you arrive in Siem Reap, check in at the hotel then enjoy free time to relax or take a leisure walk to Central Market and explore the town by your own.
In the evening, enjoy Phare - the Cambodian Circus - Siem Reap's most unique, authentic, top rated evening entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 4: Siem Reap - Angkor temples (Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm)
Enjoy an entire day dedicated to discovering the mysterious Angkor temples. Wake before dawn and take a “tuk-tuk” ride to visit the magnificent Angkor Wat - the largest Khmer temple and finest example of Angkorian art and architecture. Return to hotel for proper breakfast or ask the hotel to arrange breakfast box to avoid the crowd during the day then set back out on the tour to visit the jungle-entwined temple, Ta Prohm. From there you will proceed to Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, visit Bayon Temple, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap - Banteay Srei - Rolous Group - Tonle Sap lake
After breakfast, head to Banteay Srei, Angkor’s ultimate art gallery. This petite pink temple is the jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. The elaborate carvings here are the finest found in Cambodia and the name translates as "Fortress of the Women", thanks to the intricate detail here, considered too fine for the hands of a man.
Later this morning will follow small back roads through rural landscapes and picturesque villages. Stop at the temple of Bakong in the Roluos group, the first of the great pyramid mountains which later kings were to copy. From Bakong, you'll continue into Roluos town to visit a very local market.
After some exploration here, follow the course of the Roluos River to the nearest navigable point where you'll board a small wooden boat for the trip to Kompong Phluk. Cruising down a narrow waterway to enter this medieval floating village, where the houses stand atop stilts as much as seven metres above the water. Everything lives on the water, pigs, dogs, crocodiles and people, all jockeying for space in this incredible floating town.
After visiting the local waterways on the Tonle Sap Great Lake, and a beautiful sunset here, you will return to Siem Reap by road.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 6: Siem Reap - Fly to Ho Chi Minh city – Dinner cruise
You are free until driving to Siem Reap International Airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City
On arrival, your guide & driver will take you to the hotel in the city center. Standard check in time: after 2.00pm.
As the day transitions into late afternoon, prepare for a unique experience as you board a cruise along the enchanting Saigon River. While aboard, savor a delectable dinner and be captivated by the dazzling beauty of Saigon illuminated under the evening sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner cruise
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 7: Cu Chi tunnels - city tour
After breakfast at the hotel, travel outside of Saigon to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground labyrinth of passageways, used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War (or “American War” as it’s referred to here) as protection against American air raids. Those inclined are invited to crawl through selections of the tunnels to better understand what life was like for the Vietnamese soldiers during wartime.
In the afternoon, you will visit such sites as the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office and Ben Thanh Market.
Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8: HCMC - Mekong Delta (Ben Tre - Can Tho)
Begin your day with an early breakfast at the hotel before departing from Ho Chi Minh City for Ben Tre Province. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong Tourist Wharf, board a boat and travel down the Ben Tre River, one of the tributaries of the Mekong River.
As you journey down the river, you'll experience lively activities such as fishing and water transfers. Make a stop at a brickwork where you can see how bricks are traditionally made by printing and baking. Next, visit a bee-keeping farm, where you can sample seasonal tropical fruits and honey tea. You'll also have the opportunity to visit one of the many coconut processing workshops. Witness the making of coconut candies and try this local specialty.
Following that, explore natural scissors creeks, where the waterways get smaller and smaller, leading to a village where you can take a walk to a family workshop making sleep mats. You can choose to travel on a cart powered by a motorbike or by bike, taking in the tranquil scenery of the village's vegetable gardens and learning about tropical culture from the locals.
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on an afternoon rowing-boat tour along water palm creek. Finally, you'll take a boat back to Hung Vuong Pier where your driver will transfer you to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho.

Day 9: Can Tho - floating market - Fly to Danang
Wake early and leave the hotel to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market by motorized boat. This is a great opportunity to get fantastic photos of colourful boats laden with fruit and vegetables. Boats are filled with teetering piles of fruit and vegetables, from carefully balanced watermelons, to bright flowers. Then venture deeper into the country-side, passing traditional houses made of wood and palm leaves as you observe the activities of the local people, and sample the fresh, exotic fruit.
Upon returning to your hotel, complete the check-out process. Then, embark on a drive to the airport for flight to Danang, a coastal city in central Vietnam known for its sandy beaches and history as a French colonial port.
. Your driver and guide wait for you at outside of Danang International Airport and take you to hotel. Check in to your hotel and free at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Danang

Day 10: BaNa hills
Enjoy morning exploring Ba Na Hills, a former French holiday resort and a place of stunning natural beauty. Later, take the cable car down to the ground and drive to Danang City. Visit Danang's signature attractions that let you immerse yourself in the life of a typical dweller. You'll cross one of Vietnam's longest suspension bridges, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, while admiring the beautiful Han River and views of the landscapes below. Stop at the Son Tra Peninsula, known as the "green lungs" of Danang, and get a closer look at the details of its many pagodas, including a giant Lady Buddha - the biggest Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Statue in Vietnam. Next, explore Han Market, where you will be able to experience the amazing diversity of Vietnamese trade. You'll then travel over the Dragon Bridge (Cau Rong).
Evening is free at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Danang

Day 11: Danang - Hoian - walking tour – Hoian Memories show
Have breakfast at the hotel then drive to Hoian Ancient City. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and charm of this sleepy riverside town. From the 16th to 18th centuries Hoian was a thriving international port frequented by Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders, who came to trade in the high quality silk still produced in the region. Today, Hoian is a relaxing resort popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, skilled tailors and numerous cafes. Take a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient town centre, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tan Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge.
Tonight, enjoy dinner in the town and later, watch “Hoi An Memories” live-action show (except Tuesday). It holds records as Vietnam's 'Largest outdoor stage' and for having the “Most actors/actresses in a daily performance show”.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Day 12: Hoian Eco tour & Rural village experience on Vespa
Begin your day with a delightful morning excursion as you embark on a leisurely cycling adventure along the idyllic country roads. Immerse yourselves in the rhythms of traditional Vietnamese rural life as you witness local residents tending to the lush paddy fields. Keep an eye out for water buffalo diligently plowing the rice fields, while graceful ducks gracefully traverse the water's surface. During your journey, take the opportunity to dismount from your bicycle and explore vibrant green rice paddies and a charming organic vegetable village. Join a local farmer in tending to the vegetables and nurturing the soil.
Subsequently, you'll have the chance to interact with and learn from local fishermen. Partake in the hands-on experience of traditional fishing techniques and nets. You'll also enjoy a paddle-boat excursion within a distinctive Vietnamese bamboo basket boat, meandering through the waterways of a coconut palm oasis before returning to Hoi An.
In the afternoon, experience the countryside vibe of life in the slow lane on Vespa (13.30 - 17.00)
You will ride pillion westward along quiet countryside paths, first stopping at a busy fresh fish
market before heading into the rice paddies and sleepy villages. Meet locals making yummy rice crackers and noodles then cross over the Thu Bon River into beautiful farmland to take a break for some delectable delights while surrounded by seasonal vegetables and herbs in the picturesque fields. After our respite, you are back on the Vespas passing duck farms and checking in on a charming mat weaving family.
Continue your journey past prawn farms and over creeks to one of our most alluring stops-the home of a family that brews our favourite potent drink-rice wine. Then finish your day with a short ride back into Hoi An as the sun sets on this gorgeous heritage town.
Evening is free at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 13: Hoian – free at leisure.
You are free at your own leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 14: Hoian - Danang - Fly to Hanoi - Fun Cultural & Food Hanoi on Jeep
A transfer with driver to the airport for flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling colonial capital. Your guide & driver will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your hotel in the city center. Check in time: after 2.00pm.
Later today, you will impress with Hanoi Food, Culture & Fun On Vintage Jeep Tours for your group. (17.00 – 21.30, 4.5 hours) On this tour, we expose you the real Hanoi, not only showing you the good but also the bad and the weird of your destinations as it is what it is. Last but not least, en route, you gonna stop at different authentic restaurants, eateries and food stalls to savor the tastiest of the tasty dishes of Hanoi including family heirloom & secret recipe dishes, local delicacies and specialties. Evening is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 15: Discover the Charms of Hanoi & Afternoon cooking class
Today, you will explore the captivating capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. Known for its charming blend of wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, serene lakes, and ancient pagodas, Hanoi offers a diverse range of experiences for all visitors. Accompanied by your tour guide, you will embark on a journey to discover the city's key attractions.
Begin with a visit to the Temple of Literature, renowned as the country's first university. Immerse yourself in the storied past and marvel at the architectural splendor of this historical site.
Next to Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque body of water adorned with Ngoc Son Temple. Take in the tranquility of the surroundings and admire the beauty of the lake. Continue to St. Joseph's Cathedral, an iconic landmark showcasing impressive architecture and cultural significance.
To add a touch of local authenticity to your experience, embark on a cyclo ride, a traditional mode of transportation in Hanoi. Sit back and relax as your cyclo driver navigates the bustling streets, providing you with a leisurely hour-long journey. This is the perfect opportunity to capture memorable photographs and absorb the sights and sounds of the city at a gentle pace.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a sharing authentic cultural and culinary experience (15:00 – 19:30)
- Get picked up from your hotel
- Take a walk to local market to buy ingredients
- Getting a fascinating glimpse into local culture
- Transfer to local villa with beautiful garden with lots of trees
- Learn how to cook the real Vietnamese traditional food under the guidance of professional cook
- Enjoy your own cooking creation and numerous food from instructor
- Tasting unique and special local wines
- Cooking Class ends and get dropped off at your hotel
As the evening approaches, you are free to spend your time at leisure. Whether you choose to unwind and relax or explore more of Hanoi's vibrant atmosphere, the choice is yours.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 16: Hanoi - Halong bay (cruise)
Following breakfast, you will be picked up then journey east through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta to Halong, truly one of Vietnam's most scenic impressive sights.
Note: The below itinerary is subject to change without prior notice and depends on weather condition.
11:45 – 12:00 Transfer to Nostalgia Cruises by a tender boat. Welcome aboard, we'll have some welcome drinks and gather at the restaurant for a cruise briefing and some safety instructions.
12:45 – 13:00 Passengers will be taking lunch while we cruise and visit Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay - one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature
15:00 – 15:30 We progress to Dark and Bright Caves - a must-visit destination! Kayaking through these caves is the ultimate way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay up close.
Option 2: Discover Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Islets), where tranquil waters and picturesque landscapes create an idyllic setting for kayaking or unwinding on a sandy shore. Take pleasure in a refreshing swim in the emerald-green waters. (If the weather permits)
17:00 – 17:30 Nostalgia Cruises anchors for an overnight stay in Tra Bau, Lan Ha Bay, offering a serene landscape to immerse yourself in the bay's natural beauty.
18:00 – 18:15 Onboard you may join a cooking demonstration and enjoy the Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1) at the bar while watching the view of the bay at sunset.
Option: Massage service available. Please book with our Cruise Manager directly.
19:15 – 19:30 Savor a fusion dinner made with the freshest ingredients in a sophisticated space with elegant French neoclassical style and traditional oriental touches.
21:00 – 21:30 A tea ceremony is served at the restaurant. You will learn how to enjoy Vietnamese tea and Vietnamese culture at this ceremony.
21:30 – 22:00 It's time to admire the beauty of the night on the bay, our bar on the sundeck, and in the restaurant welcomes you. You may want to try your luck with squid fishing or watch a movie in the restaurant, we also have chess and cards for you.
23:00 Overnight on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: on cruise on Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay.

Day 17: Halong bay - Hanoi - Fly to Bangkok
06:00 – 06:30 It is a perfect time to refresh and indulge yourself in the peaceful beauty of the bay with a tai chi session on the sundeck. If you want to hunt for dawn, get up from 5:30 to 6:00 depending on the season, and consult our sailors.
06:45 - 07:00 We will have breakfast at the restaurant while continuing the cruise.
08:30 - 08:45 We progress to Hoa Cuong Cave, also known as Diamond Cave, remains untouched by humans, preserving its natural beauty. Hidden deep in a forest-covered mountain, it exudes mystery and wonder, sure to mesmerize visitors!
09:45 – 10:00 Nostalgia Cruises welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out.
10:00 – 10:30 Enjoy a delightful brunch at our restaurant while cruising back.
11:00 – 11:45 Disembark Nostalgia Cruises at Tuan Chau Marina Then travel back to Hanoi airport for flight to Bangkok, the bustling city of Thailand.
Get picked up at meeting point & transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure.
Meals: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

Day 18: Bangkok - city tour - Calypso Cabaret
After breakfast, visit the Grand Royal Palace dedicated to the ceremony of the royal family of Thailand. In the same compound is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew which is known for the Statue of the Emerald Buddha. After visiting this complex, you continue to visit Wat Pho, a giant house of the lying Buddha. Wat Traimit which is well known as the Golden Buddha will be the next.
Afternoon, boarding on a long tail boat for an excursion along the Chao Phraya River and many bustling interior canals that offer fantastic views of local life close by. Along the way, stop at Wat Arun, the temple of the Aube.
Later today, enjoy Calypso Cabaret Show which is held every night at Asiatique The Riverfront. This show, with the participation of the most vivacious transgender artists, has been organizing for nearly 30 years and until now, it still keeps much attraction of tourists, especially the international ones.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

Day 19: Bangkok – Railway market - Floating market - Kanchanaburi
Early in the morning, drive to the southwest of Bangkok, visitting the Maeklong railway market, taking photo, and enjoying the local snack in the market before driving to Damnoen Saduak - a rural floating market. Stop for a motor boat trip along the waterway to the picturesque floating market of Damnoen Saduak.

Afterwards you continue the road to the city of Kanchanaburi. Upon arrival, visit the World War II memorial including the Jeath War Museum, Cemetery. Continue to boarding a train for riding along the beautiful river for around 30 minutes and transfer then city to visit Kwai bridge.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Kanchanaburi

Day 20: Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya
Morning breakfast and depart for Erawan Waterfall - a beautiful seven-tiered waterfall. Located in Erawan National Park, Walking up to see each of the picturesque falls, it is best to bring good walking shoes. Also, guests should remember to bring their swimming suit if they wish to swim in the fall’s natural pools.

In the afternoon after lunch time, you continue the road to Ayutthaya. The ancient city of Ayutthaya is known as the 'Venice of the East’ because it is found along the Chao Phraya, the tributaries that surround the province of Ayutthaya River. Many monuments and remains of the period can be visited in this city founded in 1350 by King Uthong when the Thai had to migrate to the South under pressure from their neighbours to the North. Overnight in Ayutthaya.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ayutthaya

Day 21: Ayutthaya - Bangkok - Fly to Chiang Rai
Morning after breakfast you will catch Kermit tuk tuk. These ‘cute’ tuk tuks are found in only two of Thailand’s provinces: Ayutthaya, and Trang. Along the ride, explore the temple highlights of the city from Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (with a Buddha face emerging from a tree), and strolling through a local market en route to Wat Phra Srisanphet. After that your visit will be the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai and Chinese architectural styles. It’s the favorite summer palace of the King.
Next, transfer to the airport for flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, the driver without guide pick up and transfer to hotel for check in. Free time for leisure & overnight in Chiang Rai.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Rai

Day 22: Chiang Rai – Doi Mae Salong – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai
Depart for northern Thailand, a wooded, mountainous and beautiful area. This morning, you will explore the surroundings and the first road you will take is the one that leads to Mae Salong. Climb up and down the green hills, covered with tea plantations. You will taste the delicious tea produced by one of the many plantations of the region, bef. From Doi Mae Salong, you will visit two villages of ethnic minorities: the village Akah of Loyo. Afterwards continue to visit the Mae Fah Luang botanical garden.
Next, transfer to Golden Triangle, take boat trip on Mekong River to see Thailand, Burma & Laos triangle. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Rai

Day 23: Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Khantoke Dinner
Morning, visit Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple), an attractive temple in Chiang Rai and white temple, Wat Rong Khun. It nevertheless very recent temple is the most visited monument in the region, the work of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, started in 1997. Its creator himself announces that he will only be completed 60 to 90 years after his death. Its uniqueness, its whiteness, making it a unique temple of its kind. In wihaan a fresco mixing Buddhist codes with Matrix, Star Wars, the bombing of the Twin Towers in New York and even Kung Fu Panda stands out from the usual decorations such monuments.

Next, transfer directly to Chiang Mai to visit Wat Sri Suphan, Chiang Mai’s “Silver Temple,” is one of the most exciting and active temples, located outside the old walled city. It is just north of the Chiang Mai gate, the northern entrance to the old city

Later today, enjoy dinner a Khantoke dinner which is the traditional form of dining in northern Thailand. The food is served on a wooden tray, called Khantoke. Taste traditional northern dishes while being entertained with traditional dance and music performances from northern Thailand. In addition, there are also hill tribe shows and music, which are performed by the Akha, Lahu, Lisu, Yao, Meo and Karen hill tribes.

After that, you can visit Night Bazaar, the largest market in Chiang Mai with more than one hundred stalls on sale. It is located in the east of the old city of Chiang Mai, extending about 1km on Chang Khlan Road at the intersection of Tha Phae and Sridonchai streets. The market has been famous for hundreds of years thanks to its location at the junction of the historic trade route linking Myanmar, Laos and China. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai

Day 24: Chiang Mai – Fly to Bangkok
Morning, you have your own free time until the driver without guide picks up and transfers to airport for flight back to Bangkok.
Arrival in Bangkok, the driver meets at Exit A Gate No.2 and transfers to hotel (check in time: after 2.00pm). Free time & overnight in Bangkok.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

Day 25: Bangkok – Departure
Today you have your own free time. Check out time: at noon.
18.00PM the driver picks up and transfers to airport for flight back home. End of services!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None