Vietnam Cambodia Highlights 14 Days for Family

Your Vietnamese adventure begins upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport. Your English-speaking guide will meet you in the arrivals hall and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of your first day is yours to recover from the journey or begin exploring Vietnam’s captivating capital at your leisure. Perhaps take an evening stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake to soak up the atmosphere and shake off any jet lag.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: N/A

After breakfast, embark on a morning walking tour to discover Hanoi’s most characterful quarter. Your guide will lead you through a bustling local market where vendors sell everything from exotic fruits to fresh herbs, then to O Quan Chuong Gate, the last remaining gateway to the Old Quarter. Continue to the striking neo-Gothic St Joseph’s Cathedral and the elegant French colonial Hanoi Opera House. Take a peaceful moment at Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of Hanoi, before experiencing the Old Quarter from a unique vantage point aboard a traditional cyclo (pedal rickshaw), weaving through the narrow streets as life unfolds around you.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace or rest at your hotel.

As evening falls, embark on an exciting Vespa tour (optional tour). Hop on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter and zoom through Hanoi’s illuminated streets, stopping at carefully selected local eateries to sample authentic dishes that most tourists never discover. From sizzling banh xeo pancakes to aromatic pho, this culinary adventure offers both delicious food and insight into Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, journey south to Ninh Binh (approximately 2 hours), often described as “Halong Bay on land” thanks to its spectacular limestone karst scenery. Your first stop is Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital during the 10th century, where you’ll visit temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties and learn about this fascinating period in Vietnamese history.

Next, experience the ethereal beauty of Tam Coc by traditional sampan boat. As your local rower skilfully navigates using their feet, you’ll glide along peaceful waterways through verdant rice paddies and dramatic limestone grottoes – a photographer’s dream.

After lunch, explore the countryside by bicycle, pedalling through quiet villages where life moves at a gentler pace. Your day concludes with a visit to Mua Cave. Those who tackle the 500 steps to the summit are rewarded with absolutely breathtaking panoramic views across the entire valley, the perfect spot for sunset photographs.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This is the image description

Your driver collects you around 8:00am for the journey to Halong Bay (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival at the harbour around midday, you’ll board a tender boat to your luxury cruise vessel.

Once aboard, settle into your well-appointed cabin before enjoying a welcome drink and safety briefing. As the boat glides into the less-visited Bai Tu Long Bay, savour a delicious set-menu lunch whilst marvelling at the otherworldly seascape of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters.

The afternoon brings adventure: kayak through hidden lagoons, swim in secluded bays, or simply relax on the sundeck. As the sun begins to set, join the sunset party with Happy Hour drinks before the boat anchors in the tranquil Cong Do area for the night. A BBQ dinner on the sundeck (weather permitting) is followed by evening activities: try your hand at squid fishing, join a board game, or simply stargaze from the sky bar with a nightcap.

Tour guide: Cruise guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck as dawn breaks over the bay – a magical start to the day. After a light breakfast, visit the traditional Vung Vieng Floating Village by bamboo boat, witnessing how local fisher communities maintain their centuries-old way of life on these waters.

Return to the main vessel for brunch whilst cruising back through Halong’s spectacular scenery. After disembarkation, your driver transfers you to Hanoi airport for your afternoon flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and driven to the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An (approximately 45 minutes), where you’ll check into your hotel.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

This morning, explore Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Quarter on foot. This beautifully preserved trading port feels like stepping back in time, with its ochre-yellow merchant houses, lantern-lined streets, and riverside setting.

Visit the ornate Assembly Halls built by Chinese trading communities, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge (a symbol of Hoi An), the atmospheric Phuc Kien Pagoda, and a 200-year-old merchant house to understand how wealthy traders once lived. Wander through the bustling Central Market where vendors sell everything from silk to spices.

The afternoon is entirely yours. Perhaps relax by your hotel pool, explore the tailors’ shops (Hoi An is famous for bespoke clothing), or rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding countryside.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is dedicated to relaxation at one of Hoi An’s beautiful beaches. An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach offer soft sand, warm waters, and plenty of beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood whilst gazing at the South China Sea.

Alternatively, choose from several optional excursions:

Option 1: My Son Sanctuary – Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, an atmospheric complex of ancient Cham temple ruins nestled in a jungle valley. The red brick towers, dating from the 4th-14th centuries, showcase the sophisticated Hindu civilisation that once flourished here.

Option 2: Tra Que Organic Village – Cycle to this traditional farming village, roll up your sleeves for hands-on organic gardening, then join a Vietnamese cooking class where you’ll prepare (and devour) authentic local dishes using ingredients you’ve just harvested.

Tour guide: None (or optional tour guide)
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, your driver transfers you to Da Nang Airport for your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (still affectionately called Saigon by many locals). Upon arrival in Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city, you’ll be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

The afternoon is yours to rest or begin exploring independently. Perhaps visit the War Remnants Museum for sobering insight into the Vietnam War, or explore the French colonial architecture around Dong Khoi Street.

As evening approaches, embark on an exhilarating Vespa tour through Ho Chi Minh City’s streets. Hop on the back of a vintage Vespa and experience the city like a local, zipping through narrow alleyways, across bridges, and past illuminated landmarks. Stop at authentic local eateries to sample southern Vietnamese cuisine whilst your guide shares stories about Saigon’s culture and history. This unforgettable experience offers a unique perspective on this vibrant metropolis.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast

Today is completely yours to spend as you wish. Sleep in, explore the city’s museums, hunt for bargains at Ben Thanh Market, sip Vietnamese coffee at a pavement café, or simply relax by your hotel pool.

Alternatively, join an optional half-day tour to the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels (approximately 70km from the city). This vast underground network: over 250km in total served as living quarters, hospitals, supply routes, and command centres for Viet Cong fighters during the war. Learn about the ingenuity and resilience of those who lived in these confined spaces, explore specially widened sections, and see trapdoors, booby traps, and living areas. If you’re feeling brave, you can even crawl through a section of the original tunnels.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide (optional tour)
Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll venture into the Mekong Delta, the “rice bowl of Vietnam” where the mighty Mekong River fans into countless tributaries before reaching the sea. Depart Ho Chi Minh City around 8:00am (approximately 2 hours’ drive).

Board a motorised boat to cruise along the river, witnessing life along the banks: wooden houses on stilts, floating markets, and fruit orchards. Visit a local family’s home to see how they make traditional coconut candies and rice paper. Glide through narrow canals aboard a traditional sampan boat, surrounded by lush vegetation. Visit a tropical fruit orchard to sample exotic fruits like dragon fruit, rambutan, and longan. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a riverside restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, complete immigration formalities (visa-on-arrival available for British passport holders) before meeting your Cambodian guide who will transfer you to your hotel.

The afternoon is yours to begin exploring this charming town, gateway to the magnificent Angkor temples. Perhaps visit the Angkor National Museum for an excellent introduction to Khmer civilisation, explore the vibrant Old Market and Pub Street area, or simply relax and prepare for tomorrow’s temple adventures.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast

Today brings the undisputed highlight of your journey: a comprehensive exploration of the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park, one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.

Begin at Angkor Thom, the “Great City”, entering through the impressive South Gate flanked by statues of gods and demons. At its centre stands the enigmatic Bayon Temple with 54 towers bearing over 200 serene stone faces, one of Angkor’s most iconic images. Explore the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas (a pyramid temple), the Elephant Terrace (where the king reviewed his troops), and the intricately carved Terrace of the Leper King.

Continue to Preah Khan, a vast monastic complex that once housed more than 1,000 monks. This atmospheric temple is partially unrestored, with tree roots entwining the stonework.

After lunch, visit Ta Prohm, where nature and architecture merge in haunting beauty. Massive silk-cotton trees and strangler figs embrace the ancient stones, their roots cascading over walls and through doorways, this is arguably the most photogenic temple in the complex and was featured in the film Tomb Raider.

Your day culminates at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and Cambodia’s national symbol. Built in the 12th century, this massive temple complex covers 200 hectares and is surrounded by a 190-metre-wide moat. Marvel at the intricate bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and historical battles, explore the three gallery levels, and if time and energy permit, climb the steep stairs to the central sanctuary. Stay for sunset if you wish, watching the temple glow in golden light.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After yesterday’s extensive temple exploration, today offers a welcome chance to rest or pursue activities at your own pace. Relax by your hotel pool, enjoy a traditional Khmer massage, explore Siem Reap’s cafés and art galleries, or browse for souvenirs.

Alternatively, choose from several optional excursions:

Option 1: Banteay Srei & Countryside Experience – Visit the exquisite “Women’s Temple” with its intricate pink sandstone carvings (considered the finest in Cambodia), then experience rural Cambodian life with an ox cart ride through villages and rice paddies.

Option 2: Beng Mealea Jungle Temple – Venture to this largely unrestored temple complex engulfed by jungle. With trees growing through galleries and stones scattered about, it offers a true Indiana Jones atmosphere and far fewer crowds than the main Angkor sites.

Option 3: Preah Vihear Temple – For the adventurous, this spectacular temple perches atop a 525-metre cliff on the Cambodian-Thai border, offering breathtaking views. The journey takes most of the day but rewards with one of Southeast Asia’s most dramatic temple locations.

Option 4: Tonle Sap Lake – Visit Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and explore floating villages where entire communities live on the water—schools, shops, and homes all afloat.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide (optional tours only)
Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your final breakfast in Cambodia before checking out of your hotel. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours for last-minute souvenir shopping or a final temple visit. Your driver will transfer you to Siem Reap International Airport in plenty of time for your departure flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of Vietnam and Cambodia’s cultural treasures, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Safe travels home!

Tour guide: English speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast