1-877-929-7245
Tour Search



Asia

Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia

Save
You are viewing the 2027 itinerary. Select your departure year
20262027
17 days From $5,999 per person
4.8 stars(205 reviews)
Gallery
Map

Embark on an adventure through two Southeast Asian countries, enjoying an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay and a visit to mystical Angkor Wat

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

Mobility Rating 3

2027 Tour code: VMG27

About the tour

Discover the delights of Vietnam and Cambodia on this incredible grand tour, traveling from bustling Hanoi to the ancient temples of Siem Reap.

Witness the beauty of Ha Long Bay on an overnight cruise, ride in a Violette cabin aboard the Reunification Express train along Vietnam's coast, and visit regal Hue and pretty Hoi An before arriving in Ho Chi Minh City.

Visit the floating Mekong Delta village of Cua Van, sail along the waterways into Cambodia to Phnom Penh and explore the spellbinding Khmer temple city of Angkor Wat.

View Dates & Pricing

Unforgettable Experiences

Sailing through the enchanting beauty of Ha Long Bay
Sailing through the enchanting beauty of Ha Long Bay
Admire incredible views on an overnight cruise aboard a luxury ship, visiting otherworldly caves and remote islands while taking in the famous jungle-draped limestone rocks jutting out of emerald waters.
Touring Cambodia’s iconic lost city of Angkor Wat
Touring Cambodia’s iconic lost city of Angkor Wat
Explore the striking beauty of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom’s remarkable temples in a vast UNESCO-listed complex that was the capital of the ancient Khmer Empire before enjoying a traditional Apsara dance show over dinner.
Discovering the history of Phnom Penh, the “Pearl of Asia”
Discovering the history of Phnom Penh, the “Pearl of Asia”
Sail along the Mekong to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh to uncover a vibrant city with a fascinating past during visits to the ornamental pagodas of the Royal Palace and the Tuol Sleng Museum.
Learning about Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi Tunnels
Learning about Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi Tunnels
Formerly called Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City brims with history that is uncovered during a guided tour and while exploring the vast underground complex of tunnels used in the conflict with the U.S.
Participating in a lantern-making lesson in charming Hoi An
Participating in a lantern-making lesson in charming Hoi An
Exuding authenticity and historic architecture, Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful towns and is renowned for its colorful lanterns, which we learn how to make during a hands-on craft experience.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital

Your incredible exploration of Southeast Asia begins today as you arrive in Vietnam and transfer to our five-star hotel in Hanoi. If your flight arrives in the morning, enjoy an early check-in with time and breakfast at the hotel.

As the capital of French Indochina for the first half of the 20th century, Hanoi brims with colonial architecture. One of the most curious sights in the city is a train squeezing through a narrow street, almost touching the shops. "Train Street," as it has been dubbed, is a short distance from our hotel, but note that trains are more regular on weekends and the street is now only accessible to café patrons.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Old Quarter in cyclos (similar to tuk tuks), weaving along lively streets dotted with temples. This is a wonderful way to experience the atmosphere of Hanoi and provides a great insight into local life and culture. This evening, we gather back at our hotel for a welcome meeting and our first dinner as a group. Overnight Hanoi.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 2 - Exploring the captivating culture of Hanoi

We begin the day with breakfast at our hotel before a visit to Ba Dinh Square. The centerpiece of this grand square is the granite Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which houses the body of the famous Vietnamese revolutionary who declared independence for North Vietnam in 1945.

Lunch today is at a local restaurant where we enjoy Vietnamese cuisine before embarking on a three-hour city tour. Our sightseeing starts at the Confucian Temple of Literature, which was originally constructed in the 10th century and altered by later dynasties to honor the nation's finest scholars. A well-preserved example of ancient architecture, this temple features landscaped courtyards that lead to an ornate altar beneath a redwood pagoda.

Our tour concludes after a visit to a local coffee shop for refreshments, and the evening is free for you to continue exploring on your own. Perhaps pop to the lively International Crossroads area of the Old Quarter for a local drink or savor authentic flavors at one of Hanoi's restaurants. Overnight Hanoi.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 - Experiencing a night cruise on UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay

After breakfast at our hotel, we transfer by coach for a highlight of the vacation, an overnight cruise on the extraordinary Ha Long Bay.

This idyllic bay is a UNESCO-listed collection of towering limestone karst rock formations, isolated sandy beaches and jungle-topped islands jutting out of the emerald waters and is understandably popular. Many day boats ferry tourists around the nearest islands; however, our overnight cruise allows us to travel to quieter, iconic sights. After lunch on board our luxury junk boat, we arrive at Cat Ba Island, where you have the choice of a stroll around the beautiful bay or a gentle bike ride to Viet Hai - a small village nestled in the heart of a national park.

Our boat has many places to relax and enjoy the scenery ahead of dinner aboard. As the sun dips below the horizon, absorb the views of a breathtaking sunset before spending the night in your cabin. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Sunrise on Ha Long Bay and boarding the overnight sleeper train

Waking up in Ha Long Bay, early risers can enjoy sunrise and a tranquil tai chi class amidst this astonishing landscape, with breakfast served later. One of the finest sunlight-filled caves in Ha Long Bay is Trinh Nu, covering more than 25,000 square feet. You can walk amongst the ethereal stalactites and stalagmites or join an included, organized kayak trip into the cave and around the lagoon.

Disembarking back on dry land, a coach transfer takes us back to Hanoi, where we observe a traditional water puppet show. Strongly influenced by Vietnamese folklore, this art form dates back to the 11th century and has a symbolic link to the rice harvest, as these tales were originally performed in flooded rice fields.

Tonight, we leave the capital aboard the Reunification Express on an evocative overnight trip to Hue in private-use Violette cabins. As the name suggests, this route honors the unification of Vietnam in 1976, and the train is a chance to experience local travel while enjoying the extra comfort of air-conditioned soft sleeper cabins. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - The Royal city of Hue

The Reunification Express rolls into Hue this morning after a picnic breakfast on board. This historic city is smaller and calmer than Hanoi, and with an early check-in at our grand five-star hotel, there is time to relax under palms by the pool before embarking on a sightseeing tour this afternoon.

The main attraction of Hue is the impressive Imperial Citadel, the Nguyen dynasty's capital from 1802 to 1945. Modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City and often called the Purple Forbidden City, the expansive palace complex is surrounded by a series of moats fed by the Perfume River. So-called because of the orchard leaves that fall into it upstream during autumn, the broad Perfume River flows in front of the palace grounds. Lavish pagodas, temple roofs decorated with dragon motifs and attractive gardens are guarded by towering walls dotted with ten ornate gates.

Later, we visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story octagonal Buddhist temple built in 1601 that has become a symbol of Vietnam, before returning to our hotel for dinner. Overnight Hue.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Reunification Express to Da Nang and Hoi An

This morning, we soak up the atmosphere at the Dong Ba Market, the oldest in Hue, where we see stalls selling everything from fresh produce and street food to conical hats with poems woven into them.

Afterward, we hop back on the Reunification Express for a journey down the verdant coast in Violette carriages. On arrival in Da Nang, we transfer to the beautiful town of Hoi An, renowned for its monthly lantern festivals, night markets and bespoke tailors with suits made in just a few hours.

We check into a five-star hotel on the riverbank for three nights. Art Nouveau in style, our elegant and refined hotel has a pool in the central courtyard, and also boasts the town's highest rooftop bar, providing spectacular views across Hoi An. You can spend your evening relaxing in style here or head out into the city to find dinner locally. Overnight Hoi An.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - Exploring enchanting Hoi An

Our day begins with a guided tour of one of Vietnam's most charming and attractive towns, Hoi An. Tan Ky Old House reflects Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese influences and was constructed in 1741 by merchants, the descendants of whom still live on the top floor. Here, we admire the dark wood interiors, lacquered panels and jackfruit wood ceilings.

This picturesque town was historically a melting pot of cultures, and we experience this at the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, which contains an ornately decorated temple with porcelain-capped roof tiles and statues of a monkey and a dog. In Japanese folklore, these gods control Namazu, an underground catfish believed to cause earthquakes.

After a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, we take part in a hands-on craft experience at a lantern-making workshop. The Old Quarter still lights up with rainbow-hued lanterns at night, which you can witness on a free evening as you wander amongst the pastel-yellow façades. For dinner tonight, you might have been inspired by lunch to try some more delicious Vietnamese cuisine or choose to eat at our hotel. Overnight Hoi An.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 - Day at leisure in Hoi An

With a full free day ahead of you after breakfast today, you may wish to wander through Hoi An's picturesque streets to discover more of its charms and captivating glimpses at local life.

Delve into the scents and sights of the Cantonese Assembly Hall and its pretty gardens as incense wafts by the elaborate dragon statue, or perhaps head out to Trang coconut village for a slice of rural life. Here, you can book an enjoyable basket boat trip through the tropical waterways.

Embrace the laid-back Hoi An lifestyle by watching the world go by from a coffee shop. For lunch, you might like to enter the Central Market to sample some of the flavors of the street-food stalls, including the French-influenced banh mi, delicious pho soup and many other interesting local specialties.

Hoi An also excels at seafood, which can be found in the Night Market or at one of the many restaurants serving crab, lobster, shrimp and various types of fish. Overnight Hoi An.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 - Onwards to old Saigon

Leaving the lantern city of Hoi An today, we transfer to Da Nang airport for a short internal flight south to Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam's most populous city was famously known as Saigon under French colonial rule - a name that many locals still use to this day. During their time ruling, the French heavily influenced the layout of the city, with wide leafy boulevards and grand colonial buildings. Nowadays, Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting place that's modern yet has a rich cultural history, showcased in the blend of unmistakably European architecture and assuredly Vietnamese traditions.

On arrival, we transfer to our centrally located French colonial-style hotel. Built in 1930, it contains a pool, rooftop lounge, bar and restaurant, and the remainder of the day is spent at leisure.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City and the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels

Today we learn about the troubled recent history of this beautiful country on a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. A vast underground complex developed during the war of independence with France and later utilized in the conflict against the US, at their height the tunnels stretched almost 155 miles towards the Cambodian border.

As a base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968, there are still aircraft and tanks located near the entrances. Entry to the tunnels is optional, but those who want to can discover the living conditions and methods used to protect the tunnels, field hospitals and weapons factories contained within.

After lunch in a local restaurant, we return to Ho Chi Minh City for a guided sightseeing tour this afternoon, viewing the grand Central Post Office and the modernist Independence Palace. It was here in April 1975 that a North Vietnamese tank dramatically burst through the gates, signifying the Fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War.

There is a free evening tonight, during which you can experience the barter economy at the buzzing night markets near our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 - Observing daily life on the Mekong

Flowing from Tibet, the Mekong River splits into branches as it enters Vietnam on its way to the South China Sea, creating a vast maze of rivers dotted with lush islands. The sprawling Mekong Delta is home to a wide range of interesting and often unique wildlife - and plays a vital role in the area's daily life.

Arriving in Cai Be, we begin to learn about those who depend on these waterways and the culture that thrives in this area. After learning how coconut candy is produced, we take a rowing-boat excursion to observe the fascinating water-based life as houseboats line the fertile and verdant riverbanks.

We have lunch in Ving Long before transferring to our stunning five-star hotel on the edge of Can Tho. A colonial, U-shaped building gathered round an open courtyard of relaxing pools and attractive gardens that lead down to the edge of the Hau River, our hotel provides excellent views of the Mekong Delta.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 - Embracing delta life in Can Tho

The day is yours to either relax at our beautifully located hotel or head out to explore the many sights of Can Tho independently.

As the main city in the delta, Can Tho's wide boulevards and narrow back streets are awash with beautiful temples. Experience incense drifting through the air at the decorative Buddhist Ong Temple or view swirling finials and gold-covered detailing at the Munirensay Khmer Pagoda. Connecting the town and our hotel is the curved Ninh Kieu pedestrian bridge with two large sculptures of lotus leaves. While striking during the daytime, these leaves are illuminated at night, creating a truly magical sight.

Of course, with a palm-lined swimming pool and tranquil spa facilities, our hotel provides an incredible backdrop for relaxation, should you choose to spend your day here instead. Overnight Can Tho.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 13 - Along the Mekong to Cambodia

An early start sees us visit Cai Rang, one of the world's largest and most impressive floating markets. Arriving at this time allows us to enjoy the authentic experience of traders selling goods from their boats. After opportunities to peruse the wares, we return to the hotel before transferring by coach to Cao Lanh.

Here, we board an express boat for a journey up the Mekong into Cambodia, including a celebratory border crossing, disembarking to get our passports stamped before continuing by river to Phnom Penh. The majestic Mekong guides us through the tropical flatlands as we marvel at the lush scenery dotted with islands, temples and everyday life.

Arriving in the Cambodian capital, known as the "Pearl of Asia," we discover a meeting point of three great rivers - the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac. The Old Town's French-influenced streets are lined with street food stalls and colorful markets, while modern Phnom Penh is a forward-looking city. On arrival, we check into our contemporary, central hotel ahead of dinner this evening. Overnight Phnom Penh.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 - Exploring historic Phnom Penh

We get to know Phnom Penh on a full-day guided tour that introduces us to some of the city's main sights. In the morning, we explore the country's older history, visiting the richly ornamented Royal Palace and the impressive Silver Pagoda - two sites that occupy a sprawling park of golden temples and manicured gardens surrounded by iconic yellow walls.

We stop at a local restaurant for lunch before learning about an integral part of the country's recent history at the poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum - infamously known as S-21 - for an insight into the history of Cambodia during the reign of dictator Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979.

There is free time this evening to continue exploring the capital of this welcoming country. You could head to a market to admire the local crafts or sample Cambodian street food, or visit one of the city's restaurants. While similar to Thai food, Cambodian cuisine is less spicy, with one of its most popular dishes being the fragrant steamed fish curry called amok. Overnight Phnom Penh.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15 - Overland to Siem Reap

After breakfast, we take a fascinating coach journey through the heart of Cambodia, admiring the constantly changing scenery as it passes by our windows.

From lush jungle to vast lakes, nature provides a captivating backdrop for our travels. On the way, we pass small roadside towns and pause our route at Skuon Market, where you can sample some traditional Cambodian snacks before we stop for lunch in Kampong Thom.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Siem Reap, a town that has become very popular due to the remarkable temples nearby. Siem Reap mixes a laid-back atmosphere with delicious cuisine and vibrant culture. After checking into our luxurious five-star hotel, there is a free evening to unwind by the pool or lounge in the tropical garden area. Overnight Siem Reap.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16 - The spectacular lost temples of Angkor Wat

Today is a vacation highlight as we enjoy a full-day guided tour of iconic Angkor Wat. Covering more than 400 acres, this is the world's largest religious structure. Embracing local culture, we are transported to this sprawling complex in tuk tuks, providing the flexibility to return to Siem Reap when you choose.

There are few places as enchanting as this once-lost city, built more than 800 years ago. Our visit begins at Angkor Thom, the "Great City" and final capital of the Khmer Empire, before moving on to the renowned Angkor Wat after lunch in a local restaurant. The temples originally exhibited an extravagant display of golden roofs and whitewashed walls before being abandoned and reclaimed by nature. Appearing amidst a dense jungle of overgrown fig, banyan and kapok trees, the weathered stupas and intricate carvings are otherworldly.

Afterward, we attend a pagoda where a Buddhist monk gives us a blessing and then have dinner while enjoying an authentic Apsara dance show. This art form features dancers in traditional dress and ornate headdresses narrating classical myths. Overnight Siem Reap.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 - Traveling home

From a breathtaking overnight cruise around Halong Bay and exploring charming Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City's grand palaces and the poignant Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam has provided some unforgettable memories. The mighty Mekong and its laid-back way of life carried us into Cambodia, where we explored Phnom Penh and the iconic Angkor Wat temples.

Your memorable exploration of two Southeast Asian countries comes to an end after breakfast. Upon checking out of the hotel, transfer independently to Siem Reap airport to begin your return journey home.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Victoria Can Tho Resort, Can Tho

Victoria Can Tho Resort, Can Tho

View hotel

Melia Hanoi Hotel, Hanoi

Melia Hanoi Hotel, Hanoi

View hotel

Grand Hotel Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

Grand Hotel Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

View hotel

Hotel Royal Hoi An Danang, Hoi An

Hotel Royal Hoi An Danang, Hoi An

View hotel

Best Western Premier Indochine Palace, Hue

Best Western Premier Indochine Palace, Hue

View hotel

Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh

Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh

View hotel

Angkor Miracle Resort & Spa

Angkor Miracle Resort & Spa, Siem Reap

View hotel

Train

Reunification Express

Ship

The Au Co

Enhance your trip

Upgrades

Extend your stay

Reviews

4.8 stars4.8 / 5 · 205 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (0)
  2. 4 stars
    (1)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Dennis Andrews

4 stars

Submitted 07 Oct 2025

I thought it was pretty cheesy not to include a beer or wine with every meal. Our guide really didn’t do much.

Collected by Trustpilot

Show 6 more reviews
Related inspiration from our journey blog