Compare Vietnam & Angkor Wat by SmarTours vs 14 Days Authentic Vietnam and Cambodia by S Vietnam Adventures

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your exotic journey to Vietnam and Angkor Wat (Cambodia) begins as you depart on your wide-body jet flight bound for Asia.

Day 2: Arrive Saigon (Vietnam).

Accommodation: Vissai Saigon Hotel (formerly StarCity Hotel).

Evening arrival in Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your hotel.

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Journey this morning outside Saigon to see one of the remnants of the Vietnam War, the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, which used to serve the former Communist Guerrillas. Return to Saigon and visit the major sights of this vibrant city. See the Notre Dame Cathedral, the former US Embassy, Cholon, the buzzing Chinese quarter and the lively Ben Thanh Market, where an incredible array of goods is sold.

Day 4: Optional Mekong Delta Excursion.

Meals: Breakfast

Today, embark on a full-day optional excursion ($35) from Saigon to My Tho, one of the most beautiful areas of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s most fertile agricultural center. A boat trip takes you along narrow canals, passing rice fields and lush orchards, offering a unique insight into local village life. Visit local markets before returning to Saigon late this afternoon.

Day 5: Saigon/Hue.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Cherish Hotel (formerly Camellia Hue Hotel)

This morning, fly to Hue, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam. Visit the Imperial Citadel in Hue’s old city, the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate and the Forbidden Purple City, home to the Royal Family before 1945. After lunch, enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Perfume River and stop to visit the revered Thien Mu Pagoda, the most famous monument in Hue. A stop is also made at the colorful Dong Ba market with its wide array of local foods and products. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at your hotel.

Day 6: Hue/Danang/Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hoi An Historic Hotel

This morning, depart Hue for Hoi An, with sightseeing in Danang along the way. Journey through some of Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery as you traverse the Hai Van Pass and enjoy pristine coastline views. In Danang explore the Cham Museum, housing an exquisite collection of sandstone carvings and sculptures. Later, visit China Beach, the renowned war-time R&R resort and see the Marble Mountains, consisting of five stone jagged crests that represent the elements of nature. You’ll then drive to Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most delightful and enchanting towns.

Day 7: Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

The ancient city of Hoi An retains much of its original charm and culture. Your guide will lead you on a walking tour of this historic port town and show you some of the centuries old houses. You’ll also enjoy a Trishaw (Cyclo) ride and see the Japanese Bridge, gracefully curving over a tributary of the Thu Bon River. The afternoon is at leisure to explore on your own.

Day 8: Hoi An/Halong.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Novotel Hotel

This morning fly to Hanoi and journey by road through the lush countryside to Halong, a vast mysterious bay with majestic scenery. Free time this afternoon to relax at your hotel’s pool and admire the precious views of the bay.

Day 9: Halong Bay Excursion/Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Movenpick Hotel

Halong Bay is widely considered as Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attraction. It comprises over three thousand small jagged limestone islands rising out of the South China Sea. These dramatic formations are the backdrop of your exciting 4-hour boat trip, stopping to visit several island caves. You’ll also enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. Later, drive back to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and arrive at your deluxe hotel.

Day 10

Meals: Breakfast

Hanoi’s rich history is closely tied to French colonialism as well as the Chinese era, evident in the city’s architecture, cuisine and culture. On today’s sightseeing tour, explore the highlights of this fascinating city. View the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum then visit the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Proceed to scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy a guided walk through the narrow lanes of the historic old quarter. This evening savor a thrilling performance of the unique Water Puppets!

Day 11: Hanoi/Siem Reap (Cambodia).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Royal Angkor Resort

Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore independently or relax. In the afternoon, savor an included cyclo ride to discover the many interesting sections of the old quarter and its sprawling markets where you may shop for unique souvenirs and sample delicious local food. You’ll also visit the infamous former prison nick-named “Hanoi Hilton”. Transfer to the airport to board your flight to Siem Reap (Cambodia), gateway to the world famous temples of Angkor Wat, among the “Seven Wonders of the World”.

Day 12

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Built by the Khmer kings, the ancient rulers of Cambodia, the exquisitely carved temples are an architectural masterpiece. Afternoon sightseeing of the temples of Angkor, including Angkor Thom and the Southern Gate of Bayon. At sunset, visit the upper terraces of an ancient temple for spectacular views.

Day 13

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

This morning, travel to Kampong Kleang where you’ll enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake. Visit the fascinating floating fishing villages and view submerged forests and fishing farms. Later return to Siem Reap to further explore with a local expert the “Angkor Conservation Complex”. The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor Wat impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, you’ll first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As you enter the main building, you’ll ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stonecarvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. You’ll also visit Preah Khan, a temple built by King Jayavarman VII with towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors in a jungle setting. Continue to the Les Chantiers Ecoles, a vocational centre, to observe the artisans at work. Tonight, savor a special dinner and a colorful cultural performance.

Day 14

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Full day at leisure for independent exploration or relaxation at your upscale resort. Later, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. After dinner, transfer to the airport for your late night flight.

Day 15: Siem Reap/Shanghai/USA.

An overnight flight to Shanghai, China where you’ll connect for your flight back home. Your exciting journey filled with the best places to visit in Vietnam comes to an end as you touch down in the USA later today.

Day 1: Hanoi arrival- Airport transfer- Check in hotel in the center (No meal)

You will be welcomed by a warm driver at Noi Bai International Airport and transferred to hotel in Old Quarter. The rest of the day is free on your own and relax at the hotel.
Please note:
– Check in time is 14.00
– Can be arranged early check in with additional cost.

Meals: No
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi\

Day 2: Hanoi- Ha Long Bay - Overnight on cruise (B, L, D)

07.45 – 08.30: You will be picked up from your hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter. Then we will head to Ha Long Bay. You may enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta along the way

11.30: Upon arriving in our lobby in Tuan Chau Marina, you may take a short stretch while our staff arranges all registration with the local government.

12.00 – 12.30: The cruise captain and staff will welcome you onboard after a short tender transfer. While enjoying a refreshing welcome drink, a short cruise briefing and safety instructions will be given.

12.30 – 13.00: The voyages to Ha Long Bay – one of the New Seven Nature Wonders of the World. Lunch is served on board while the cruise passes via amazing limestone karst formations that rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner.

14.00 – 14.30: You will leave the cruise to explore Sung Sot Cave (also known as Surprise/ Amazing Cave), one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay.

15.00: Returning to cruise, the trip will continue to Ti Top Island. Here, you can watch the magnificent view over either the Gulf of Tonkin or swim in the emerald green and cool water.

17.00: After a long day, this is the ideal time to enjoy energizing drinks and snacks by joining ‘Happy Hour’ or Cooking Class on the sundeck

19.30: Sumptuous Dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff.

20.30: After dinner, various activities including karaoke, and squid fishing are organized. Or you can just laze around with exhilarating drinks from our bar. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure.

Distance Hanoi – Ha Long: 180 kilometers (~3 hours)

Note: Itinerary/ activities may be changed due to the weather or other reasons.

Please be advised: This is an overnight cruise, so kindly check out of your hotel room. You may leave your large luggage at the hotel lobby or bring it along with you. Additionally, it's recommended to have some Vietnamese Dong cash on hand for potential use during stopovers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on board

Day 3: Ha Long Bay- Hanoi- Recheck in hotel (B, L)

06.15 – 07.00: Breakfast is served. It can be a great idea to enjoy the meal with the magnificent view of the sunrise in Ha Long Bay.

8.00 -9.30: The cruise gets closer to the center of the Natural Preservation Area. Join our guide on a short trip to Luon Cave. This magic work of nature shows you the formation of karst mountains. You can discover this time masterpiece by kayaking on your own. If you are lucky, you can catch great photos with mischievous monkeys jigging up and down around the cliffs.

9.30: Crew welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out.

10.00: Whilst cruising back, delightful lunch will be served.

11.35: We return to the quayside in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark in Tuan Chau Marina. And leave for Ha Noi on our shuttle.

15.30 – 16.00: You will get back to your hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter

*Due to cruising conditions, slight program modifications may occur due to specific weather or tide conditions without prior notice to guests. While Wi-Fi is available, please note that internet connectivity may be limited due to the geographic characteristics of the bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi

Day 4: 12.00pm check out- Night Train to Da Nang - Overnight on train (B)

12:00pm: check out then free time for your own activities
You will have free time till 19.00PM, the driver will take you to the train station and you will take the night train to Ha Noi. Stay overnight on the train.
The train is about 14 hours journey and it is Vietnamese Government Train which has local/ tourist. 4 berths share 1 cabin, shared toilet.
Please note: You should have Dinner period or take away Dinner, Additionally, consider bringing snacks, water, and fruits with you for the train journey. It's worth noting that shared train toilets can be uncomfortable, so please prepare accordingly for this aspect of the journey.

If you prefer not to opt for the overnight train, you have the option to select a flight instead. Kindly inform us of your preference, and we will assess any additional charges and provide you with the details accordingly.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight on train

Day 5: Da Nang arrival- Train station pick up- Check in hotel in Da Nang (No meal)

The train is scheduled to arrive at approximately 1:00 PM. Upon arrival, we'll be there to pick you up and transfer you to the enchanting a livable Da Nang city. You'll check into a hotel in the heart of the ancient town, where you can unwind and immerse yourself in its unique charm.

Meals: No
Accommodation: Overnight in Da Nang

Day 6: Check out - Amazing Sunset My Son Holyland - Drop off at Hoi An (B)

13:00 –13:30: Our guide picks you up at your hotel and departs to My Son Sanctuary – The World Cultural Heritage.
15:00: Arrive at My Son and we’ll have 2 hours to discover the site by walking through the landscape, exploring Champa cultures and the remaining structures with our local English– speaking guide, and enjoying the Champa’s traditional performances.
17:15: Get back to minivan then transfer to the wharf for taking a boat trip to Hoi An with a nice and cool breeze on boarding, beautiful sunset river scenery on the biggest river in Vietnam Central named Thu Bon River. Get your camera ready for the amazing moment of local people’s activities along the river
18:30: Arrive at Hoi An and we will drop you at your hotel. Tour ends!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 7: Free and easy (B)

Free and easy to enjoy the ancient town on your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8: Airport transfer- Fly to Ho Chi Minh city- Check in hotel (B)

Today, you'll have leisure time before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Please remain at the hotel, and our driver will transport you to the airport when it's time. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll be transferred to your hotel, where you'll have the rest of the day free to relax and explore at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnel Half day (B)

Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze–like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.
Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.
Return to Saigon. End trip.

Please be advised that lunch is not included in the itinerary. You will return to the hotel around 3:00 PM, so it is recommended that you have a substantial breakfast to sustain you until your return.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh- Bus to Phnom Penh- Check in hotel (B)

You will be transferred to Phnom Penh by bus, which takes approximately 7-8 hours. Flight upgrades are possible at an extra charge. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, check in at the hotel and enjoy leisure time at your own pace. Kindly note that arranging a visa to enter Cambodia is your responsibility and can be done upon arrival. Please have a photo and $45 USD in cash per person prepared for this purpose.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 11: Phnom Penh city tour (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - from the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th-century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Then drive to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). This prison was a high school, and used as a prison by Pol Pot's security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Then visit Killing Fields " Choeung Ek"15km southwest of Phnom Penh. This one is the site of brutal executions of more than 17,000 individuals, most of whom first suffered through interrogations, torture, and deprivation in Toul Sleng Prison during the Pol Pot regime (from 1975–1979). The last site is Russian Markets where you can shop for souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, and silver products. Transfer back to the hotel.

Day 12: Phnom Penh- Bus to Siem Reap (B)

You'll have breakfast at the hotel before departing by bus at 8:30 AM. Today's journey takes you to Siem Reap, where upon arrival at the bus station, our driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Distance: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap: 320km – 5.5–6 hours

If you prefer, you can upgrade to a private car for $140 USD per group (up to 4 seats). The driver will make stops at Spider Market and Naga Bridge for sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 13: Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat (B, L)

The sightseeing tour of Angkor area we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with Colums, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple and the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 14: Airport transfer- Siem Reap departure- Trip ends (B)

Today, you will take the flight back home as per your schedule. Please provide us with your departure time from Siem Reap International Airport, we will arrange a car to the airport for you.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: No