Itinerary
- Day 1
Bangkok
You'll arrive in Bangkok and meet your trip leader plus fellow travelers at a 6 pm briefing. If you get there early, there's plenty to see like the Grand Palace or Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Khao San Road is good for wandering around, and you could grab a Thai massage to shake off travel fatigue. After the meeting wraps up, the group heads out for Bangkok's famous street food scene.
Optional Activities
- Riverboat to Chinatown
- Visit Grand Palace - THB500
- Visit Temple of the Emerald Buddha
- Explore Khao San Road
- Thai massage - THB300
- Jim Thompson's House - THB200
Landmarks/POIs Grand Palace Temple of the Emerald Buddha Khao San Road Chinatown - Day 2
Bangkok to Siem Reap
Today you're crossing into Cambodia, so your leader will walk you through the border procedures. Once you arrive, the evening is all yours. Check out Pub Street if you're in the mood, explore the local nightlife, or just relax at your accommodation if the travel day wore you out. Tomorrow's an early start for Angkor Wat.
Optional Activities
- Explore Pub Street
- Local nightlife
Landmarks/POIs Pub Street - Day 3
Siem Reap
The Angkor complex is on the agenda with a knowledgeable local guide. If you want to catch sunrise on your own, you can head out early. The group tour happens by tuk-tuk with an all-female crew from Drivers Srey. You'll explore Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm temples spread across the 160 sq km complex, so it's a full day of temple hopping.
Included Activities
- Angkor Pass (one day)
- Angkor Temples Guided Tour with local guide
- Remork-moto (tuk-tuk) transport with Drivers Srey crew
Optional Activities
- Early sunrise visit to Angkor complex
Landmarks/POIs Angkor Wat Bayon Ta Prohm Angkor Complex - Day 4
Siem Reap to Battambang
The morning is yours in Siem Reap, and sunrise at Angkor is optional if you missed it yesterday. Later you travel to Battambang, Cambodia's second-largest city, known for its riverside French colonial buildings and animal statues. Your leader does an orientation walk, then you have free time to wander the riverfront, catch the sunset, and experience local yoga or folk dancing.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk of Battambang
Optional Activities
- Early sunrise at Angkor
- Explore riverfront
Landmarks/POIs Battambang Riverfront - Day 5
Battambang
This is a free day with optional activities based on what interests you. Bike or tuk-tuk around the Cambodian countryside to learn about rural life. A cooking class teaches you Khmer cuisine techniques. Wat Banan temple offers 360-degree views if you climb up. Ask your leader what fits your style and energy level.
Optional Activities
- Countryside bike tour - USD29
- Countryside tuk-tuk tour of local producers - USD29
- Cooking class in local home - USD12
- Wat Banan temple visit - USD15
Landmarks/POIs Wat Banan Sang Ke River - Day 6
Battambang to Chambok
A private vehicle takes you to rural Chambok village where local families host you overnight. They'll take you on a village walk to share their history, lifestyle, and ecotourism work. After that, you'll have a traditional Khmer dinner prepared by community members and watch a traditional dance performance before settling in for the night.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Khmer Dinner prepared by community members)
Included Activities
- Private vehicle transport to Chambok
- Village walk with community member
- Homestay accommodation
- Khmer Dinner prepared by community members
- Traditional dance performance
Landmarks/POIs Chambok Village - Day 7
Chambok to Kampot
After breakfast, you trek to Chambok waterfall if the weather cooperates. Then a private bus takes you to Kampot, a historic riverside town known for pepper plantations and durian. The afternoon is open to explore the French colonial architecture, relax at riverside restaurants, or just stroll along the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Chambok waterfall trek after breakfast
Optional Activities
- Riverside exploration
- Riverside cafe visits
Landmarks/POIs Chambok Waterfall Bokor Mountain Range Kampot Riverside - Day 8
Kampot
You have the full day to check out Kampot on your own terms. The giant durian statue at the town roundabout is worth a look, and the covered market has local goods. Wander through pepper fields, rice paddies, and salt fields in the countryside. Phnom Chhnork limestone cave with a seventh-century temple is nearby, or grab a traditional Khmer massage for some downtime.
Optional Activities
- Giant durian statue photo opportunity
- Covered market browsing
- Countryside exploration
- Phnom Chhnork cave and temple visit - USD1
- Kep National Park hike - USD1
- Sunset cruise (join-in) - USD5
- Traditional Khmer massage - USD5
Landmarks/POIs Phnom Chhnork Kep National Park - Day 9
Kampot to Phnom Penh
A local bus takes you to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, situated where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet. The city has French-inspired architecture and historic sites including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, and the National Museum. Cyclo tours are a nice alternative if you'd rather not walk.
Optional Activities
- Royal Palace visit
- Silver Pagoda visit
- Wat Phnom visit
- National Museum visit
- Cyclo tours around the city
Landmarks/POIs Royal Palace Silver Pagoda Wat Phnom National Museum Psar Thmei (Central Market) Independence Monument Mekong Riverfront - Day 10
Phnom Penh
This is a guided tour of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, learning about Cambodia's difficult Khmer Rouge history. The afternoon is free to explore more or take things easy. Seeing Hands massage parlors offer a good place to relax while supporting staff with visual impairments.
Included Activities
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) guided tour
- Killing Fields of Choeung Ek guided tour
Optional Activities
- Further exploration of city
- Seeing Hands massage parlor visit
Landmarks/POIs Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Killing Fields of Choeung Ek - Day 11
Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City
You travel by local bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City with your leader handling border procedures. Lunch is included during the journey. Upon arrival, explore where old and new blend together, where east meets west. Try local baguettes and excellent coffee influenced by French colonial days, or explore hole-in-the-wall bars and local nightlife.
- Meals
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Explore local restaurants and bars
- Sample baguettes and coffee
- Experience nightlife
- Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City
The day is yours to explore Ho Chi Minh City however you like. If you're interested, the optional Urban Adventures tour to Cu Chi tunnels shows the underground network used by the Viet Cong with chances to climb inside and learn about guerrilla warfare. A welcome meeting happens at 6 pm for new travelers joining this stage, and there's an optional group dinner afterward.
Optional Activities
- Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39
- War Remnants Museum - VND40000
- Reunification Palace - VND40000
- Explore city at own pace
- Optional group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Cu Chi Tunnels War Remnants Museum Reunification Palace - Day 13
Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta
You head to Ben Tre province for a boat tour through the Mekong Delta, visiting cottage industries along the river. This is Vietnam's rice bowl, incredibly fertile and green. By evening you arrive at a homestay guesthouse hosted by a Vietnamese family, complete with a traditional home-cooked meal to settle into the night.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner (Traditional home-cooked meal)
Included Activities
- Boat tour of Mekong Delta canals
- Visit cottage industries along river
- Homestay accommodation
- Traditional home-cooked meal
Landmarks/POIs Mekong Delta Ben Tre Province - Day 14
Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City to Danang
Rise early to board the boat heading back down the delta, then catch a bus to Ho Chi Minh City. The afternoon is free to visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, or browse Ben Thanh Market for street food and shopping. This evening you board an overnight train to Danang.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Simple breakfast)
Included Activities
- Boat return journey from Mekong Delta
- Bus to Ho Chi Minh City
Optional Activities
- War Remnants Museum visit
- Reunification Palace visit
- Ben Thanh Market visit for street food and shopping
Landmarks/POIs War Remnants Museum Reunification Palace Ben Thanh Market - Day 15
Danang to Hoi An
You arrive in Danang by train and travel by minibus to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site currently undergoing restoration. Your leader conducts a sightseeing walk through the Old Town hitting major attractions, and a sightseeing pass is included. Browse markets and stalls for paintings, woodwork, ceramics, and lanterns. Hoi An's famous tailors can make custom pieces during your stay.
Included Activities
- Minibus transport from Danang
- Old Town walking tour with leader
- Hoi An sightseeing pass
Optional Activities
- Browse markets and street stalls
- Custom tailoring services
Landmarks/POIs Hoi An Old Town - Day 16
Hoi An
The morning is free in Hoi An. My Son temples are optional, a UNESCO site with structures from the 4th to 14th centuries showing Cham cultural traditions. The afternoon bike ride through peaceful countryside around Hoi An passes rice paddies and small creeks, giving you authentic rural views most tourists miss.
Included Activities
- Countryside bicycle hire
Optional Activities
- My Son temples day trip - USD73
Landmarks/POIs My Son - Day 17
Hoi An
Another free day in Hoi An to do what you want. Complete tailoring fittings, bike to An Bang or Cua Dai beach for relaxation, or book a cooking class to learn culinary techniques. Most tours include visits to local food markets and some offer short boat journeys on the Thu Bon River. Check with your leader on what fits your interests.
Optional Activities
- Final tailoring fittings
- Bike ride to An Bang beach
- Bike ride to Cua Dai beach
- Cooking class - USD33
- Food market visits
- Boat journey on Thu Bon River
- Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD39
Landmarks/POIs An Bang Beach Cua Dai Beach Thu Bon River - Day 18
Hoi An to Hue
You leave Hoi An and drive about 5 hours by private vehicle to Hue, crossing the scenic Hai Van Pass through lush mountains with photo stops at lookouts. The afternoon is free in Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital with bustling streets and quiet pockets. Explore Dong Ba Market or sample local dishes like bun bo Hue and banh khoai.
Optional Activities
- Dong Ba Market visit
- Local restaurant dining
Landmarks/POIs Hai Van Pass Dong Ba Market - Day 19
Hue
You have the full day in Hue. Visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City, which was damaged during the Vietnam War. Take a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda with its active Buddhist monastery dating to 1601. Explore royal tombs like Emperor Tu Duc's lakeside sanctuary. This evening you board an overnight train to Hanoi.
Optional Activities
- Imperial Citadel visit
- Forbidden Purple City visit
- Dragon boat cruise on Perfume River
- Thien Mu Pagoda visit
- Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb visit - VND150000
- Royal tomb visits
- Imperial City Full Day Tour - USD69
- Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) - USD23
- Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) - USD28
Landmarks/POIs Imperial Citadel Forbidden Purple City Perfume River Thien Mu Pagoda Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb - Day 20
Hanoi
You arrive in Hanoi around 5 am, transfer to your hotel, and freshen up. Later, a walking tour covers Vietnam's capital including the 36 streets of the Old Quarter (historically each street sold specific goods), Dong Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem Lake, and colonial architecture. The afternoon is free to wander around. An evening visit to a night market lets you try local fare and roadside dining.
Included Activities
- Transfer to hotel after train arrival
- Old Quarter Walking Tour
Optional Activities
- Dong Xuan Market visit
- Hoan Kiem Lake exploration
- Architecture discovery
- Night market visit for local dining
- Roadside dining experience
Landmarks/POIs Hanoi Old Quarter Dong Xuan Market Hoan Kiem Lake - Day 21
Hanoi to Pu Luong
You visit Vun Art, an Intrepid Foundation partner organization helping people with disabilities through job training. See tote bags and art from discarded silk at Van Phuc Silk Village. Then travel to Pu Luong, one of Vietnam's most beautiful rural areas with expansive rice paddies surrounded by national park. Trek through fields, visit local tribes, view water wheels, swim, and watch sunset over terraced fields.
- Meals
- Lunch (Quick lunch upon arrival at homestay), Dinner
Included Activities
- Vun Art center visit
- Travel to Pu Luong
- Homestay accommodation with rice field views
- Village walk and trek
- Local tribe visits
Optional Activities
- Swimming in onsite pool
- Sunset viewing over terraced fields
- Grounds exploration
Landmarks/POIs Vun Art Van Phuc Silk Village Pu Luong - Day 22
Pu Luong to Hanoi
You depart Pu Luong for Hanoi, stopping at Cam Luong Angelfish Stream to learn about these fish through local legend and their holy significance. Back in Hanoi, free time lets you explore the Old Quarter, stroll Hoan Kiem Lake, relax at a cafe, or visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Your leader can recommend restaurants based on what you're craving.
Included Activities
- Stop at Cam Luong Angelfish Stream
Optional Activities
- Explore Old Quarter
- Hoan Kiem Lake stroll
- Cafe visits for people watching
- Ho Chi Minh Complex visit - VND80000
- Army Museum - VND20000
- Women's Museum - VND30000
- Fine Arts Museum - VND30000
- Temple of Literature - VND70000
- Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) - VND50000
- Museum of Ethnology - VND40000
Landmarks/POIs Cam Luong Angelfish Stream Hoan Kiem Lake Ho Chi Minh Complex Army Museum Women's Museum Fine Arts Museum Temple of Literature Hoa Lo Prison Museum of Ethnology - Day 23
Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
By bus and ferry you reach beautiful Cat Ba Island before midday. Start exploring Lan Ha Bay in the greater Ha Long Bay area, where limestone islands and caves rise from emerald waters. The afternoon is yours to hike around the island or take a beach dip. Relax this evening on Cat Ba Island before tomorrow.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on Lan Ha Bay)
Included Activities
- Bus and ferry transport to Cat Ba Island
- Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
- Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Lunch on Lan Ha Bay
Optional Activities
- Island hiking
- Beach swimming
Landmarks/POIs Cat Ba Island Lan Ha Bay Ha Long Bay - Day 24
Cat Ba Island
Wake up for an optional morning swim or Vietnamese coffee. Enjoy beach time and sun before the afternoon return to Hanoi by ferry and bus. An optional group dinner this evening lets you share memories and stories with fellow travelers over a local meal and beer.
Optional Activities
- Morning refreshing swim
- Vietnamese coffee
- Beach relaxation
- Optional group dinner with travelers
- Day 25
Hanoi
Tour ends with no scheduled activities. You can leave your accommodation anytime after check-out. If you want to stay longer in Hanoi, contact your booking agent to arrange additional nights.
- Day 26
Hanoi
Tour ends with no scheduled activities. You can depart your accommodation anytime after check-out. Extra nights in Hanoi can be arranged through Intrepid subject to availability, so reach out to them if you want to extend your stay.
