South East Asia Bucket List [Vietnam, Cambodia] - 21 days (Weekly Departures)

 

Let’s go… hit the must see spots in Vietnam & Cambodia !!! This incredible 21 day adventure takes you through the major sites and some hidden gems in Vietnam and Cambodia. Explore the awesome ruins of the massive ancient temple complex Angkor Wat (UNESCO), have homestay with a local tribe in Sapa, and snorkel with bioluminescent plankton in Koh Rong, take a boat cruise through Halong Bay, learn about local history, try some incredible food, and more!!!

 

Memories that will last a lifetime!

 

We will be kicking off our adventure in exotic Hanoi...

...meeting the local tribes and even having a homestay with them…

..checking out some spectacular scenes in Halong Bay…

...partying around a bonfire on our very own beach…

...exploring awesome caves…

...chilling on the beach…

...exploring the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat (UNESCO)…

...heading to an island paradise...

...seeing some of the most striking natural scenery in the world…

...and more!!!

 

Day 1-2 - Hanoi, Vietnam

 

The first stop on our tour is one not to be missed.  Explore the city’s colonial architecture, learn about the history of the area, and enjoy the food!

 

Day 1

Arrive in Hanoi and meet your trip leader and your group.

Join the free bar crawl for a night of fun in the city’s Old Quarter

 

Day 2

Make the most of the last day on the tour - explore the city, sample some Vietnamese street food…. The day is yours.

Hop on the sleeper bus to Sapa. (10pm-6am)

 

Optional: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum and learn about the communist party of Vietnam. Then, visit the ancient Hanoi Citadel (UNESCO), used by Imperial emperors.

Optional: End at the Temple of Literature, the city’s main temple.

 

Day 3-4 - Sapa, Vietnam

 

Experience Vietnamese hospitality firsthand  in a homestay with a  hillside community tribe. Trek along the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley, through bamboo forests and terraced rice paddies. Pass by tribal villages and stop at a hidden waterfall.

 

Day 3

Trek through the Mong Hua Valley with spectacular views of the Hoang Lien Mountains and rice terraces.

Meet the local Black Hmong tribes.

Spend the night in a homestay with Zay Tribe’s families (in one of their huts!) and eat a traditional home cooked meal.

 

Day 4

Continue our trek through awesome bamboo forests to Giang Ta Chai Waterfalls.

Check out more local villages where Hmong and Red Dzao tribes live.

Head back to Sapa for dinner and showers and then hop on the sleeper bus to Hanoi. (4 pm-10 pm)

 

Day 5-6 - Halong Bay, Vietnam

 

With 3,000 limestone islands and awesome beaches, Halong Bay is an unmissable stop on your journey through Vietnam. Take a boat cruise through the area, kayak, play with monkeys, and spend the night on your own private beach. The area’s known for its beautiful and dramatic landscape, defined by its towering karst peaks. In fact, it looks so impressive it’s where they chose to film King Kong: Skull Island.

 

Day 5

In the morning set out for Halong Bay by bus and boat

Spend the afternoon on a boat cruise –try your hand at kayaking and even go cliff jumping

In the evening we head out to spend the night on our own private beach with a chance for some partying and late night bonfires.

 

Day 6

 

Early wake up to catch the beautiful sunrise and spend your morning hanging out with the local monkeys.

In the afternoon, return to Hanoi and then hop on the night bus to Phong Nha (6.30 pm - 4 am)

 

Optional: Try your hand at rock climbing; it’s a scary climb, but the view is worth it!

 

Day 7 - Phong Nha, Vietnam

 

Explore Bong Lai Valley by bike and cycle past rural farms and villages along the way. Stop at ‘Pub With Cold Beer’ for a drink, bite to eat, and, if you fancy, a game of volleyball with the locals. Relax in one of the hammocks or float in the river on a borrowed tube with your beer.

 

Sleep in until 10 am to get some rest after a night of travel than take a late morning cycle into Bong Lai village

In the afternoon, bike to the Pub With Cold Beer. Chill out; play some volleyball, eat some food, and jump in the river

 

Optional: Karaoke night out with your group

 

Day 8 - Phong Nha Ke Bang, National Park

 

An action packed day in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO site that is famed for its high biodiversity, stunning limestone plateaus and tropical forests. Spend the day exploring its wondrous caves, floating in mud-pools, kayaking, and ziplining across the water!

 

Spend the day exploring Phong Nha’s coastal caves with activities, including floating in the mud, zip-lining across the water, and kayaking

Evening free

 

Day 9-10 - Hoi An, Vietnam

 

Once a major port during the ancient Champa Kingdom, this amiable city is best known for its picturesque architecture. Explore the Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO), hunt for treasures in its boutique shops, relax on the beach, and jump on a boat to catch some crabs.

 

Day 9

Get an early start - hop on the 4 am – 12.30 pm sleeper bus to Hoi An, with a mid-way stop for breakfast.

In the afternoon, take a tour of Hoi An’s old town, the river front, and the Japanese and Vietnamese architecture

Check out Hoi An’s boutiques and take the opportunity to buy a new suit or pair of boots at a prices you wouldn't believe!

 

Day 10

 

Free day to chill out and explore the city chill out on Hoi An’s beach and, if you fancy it, hopping on crabbing boat

You can also go to a local farm and learn about how local farmers work in the area

In the evening, take the bus to Danang and then head on the night train to Saigon at 11 pm

Day 11-13 - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

 

Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant, youthful city that was a focal point in the Vietnam War. Explore its history then jump on a longtail boat and head into the Mekong Delta to explore its floating markets and discover the Tra Su Forest that emerges from the water.

 

Day 11

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh (often referred to as Saigon) at 4 pm and head over to the hostel to freshen up

The evening bar crawl starts from the hostel’s rooftop bar

Visit Ben Thanh Market for great fashion bargains and a delicious street food dinner, if you choose

 

Day 12

A day of history starts at the Cu Chi tunnels dug by the Communist guerrilla group, the Viet Cong, that used the tunnels while fighting American and South Vietnamese troops during the civil war.

Use the evening to explore Ho Chi Minh after dark

 

Optional: Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the impact of the Vietnam War (1955-1975)

 

Day 13

Tour the Mekong Delta - first stop, the Tho Floating Market

In the afternoon, take a boat ride through the tranquil Tra Su Forest

As it evening approaches, arrive at the hostel in Chau Doc

Day 14-16 - Koh Rong Island, Cambodia

 

Koh Rong Island is a true Southeast Asian paradise. Its distinctive blue sea, uninhabited islands and stunning landscape has attracted TV shows such as Survivor to its shores. Snorkel with bioluminescent plankton, lose yourself in an all-night moon party and sleep on the beach under  the stars.

 

Day 14

Cross the border at Ha Tien and say hello to Cambodia!

Transfer to Sihanoukville Beach and hop on the ferry to Koh Rong Island

Enjoy this beautiful paradise island’s stunning beaches and moon parties.

 

Day 15

Free day to fully enjoy the beach

 

Optional: Try out some scuba diving, a truly incredible experience.

 

Day 16

Set off in the morning to go on a boat trip for the day

Explore the surrounding islands, visit a local village, and go snorkelling

Spend the night sleeping in a hammock on a deserted beach

As the daylight fades, bioluminescent plankton reveals itself in the seawater, an incredible sight

 

Day 17-18 - Phnom Penh, Cambodia

 

Once synonymous with conflict, this now trendy and alluring city has become a must visit for backpackers. Marvel at its beautiful Royal Palace and pay a visit to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

 

Day 17

Spend a day travelling back across the islands

Board the ferry to head back to Sihanoukville, where you’ll transfer to a bus taking you to Phnom Penh, (1:30 pm – 6 pm)

 

Day 18

In the morning, we will pay a visit to the Killing Fields and S21 prison, learning about darker times in Cambodia’s history

In the afternoon, check out the stunning Royal Palace

Take an evening off to experience the chilled vibe of the city

Day 19-21 - Siem Reap, Cambodia

 

Our last stop on this trip is definitely not least - Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument known to man! Check out the sunrise over the temples, wander through the vast complex and then head back to Siem Reap for some fun.

 

Day 19

Hop on the bus to Siem Reap (8:45 am – 3:45 pm) to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool

In the evening take on the Fear Factor Challenge (exploring strange, exotic food - beetles anyone?)

Then, grab some drinks from a ‘tuk tuk cocktail bar’

 

Day 20

Early rise to check out the iconic sunrise over Angkor Wat

Wander around the area’s temples: Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm (featured in the movie Tomb Raider)

Free time by the pool in the afternoon

In the evening, get ready for our last big night out! Explore Pub Street, the centre of Siem Reap, and visit the night market for a bite to eat

 

Day 21

After 21 days of experiencing some of the  most beautiful places in the world, it’s time to say goodbye your travel buddies

Take the bus back to Bangkok to continue your travels

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE BEST SOUTHEAST ASIA HAS TO OFFER!

 

 

 

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