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Vietnam & Cambodia in Depth

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Flights Included Fully Guided Coach Small Group Scenic
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 Trip Length
25 Days
 Trip Starts
Hanoi
 Trip Finishes
Phnom Penh
25 Day Vietnam & Cambodia in Depth Itinerary (Bunnik Tours)
Countries Explored: Vietnam, Cambodia
Accommodation
3.5 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
20
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BUN301

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Bunnik Tours 25 Day Vietnam & Cambodia in Depth. Discover the essence of Indochina on an in depth journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Uncover the history behind the thriving cities. Cruise by the towering limestone islands of Halong Bay. Witness Angkor, and experience the culture of locals in Sapa and Tonlé Sap. Return international flights are included between Australia and the start & end point of your trip. Surcharges may apply.

Itinerary

Welcome to Hanoi and Vietnam, a country full of breathtaking scenery and enchanting culture offering a unique blend of East and West. Hanoi may certainly be a bustling city, but it still retains the mystery and charm of the past centuries and French colonial influence, with its narrow lanes and traditional shop houses that invite one to explore. Its many beautiful public areas, lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments give the city a touch of elegance and a harmony with nature. We'll meet tonight to enjoy our group welcome dinner in the Old Quarter. (D)

We'll discover another side of Hanoi during a half day tour in Long Thuong Village, home to a community of bronze casters since the 13th century. Explore the village and observe how the families create a range of products, including incense-burners and flower vases. Walking alongside fields of rice paddies, we'll reach the nearby 200-year-old Nom Village. Exploring the narrow brick roads, we'll see the antique houses and enjoy a cup of tea with a local villager. Learn about the local life and the traditions that define this community.

Later this afternoon, we'll be met at our hotel by a chef from the Rose Kitchen, who will guide us through the local markets, teaching us along the way about Vietnamese cooking before a special cooking class, where we get to savour what we create! (B/D)

An early start this morning as we discover Hanoi as the city awakens, a great way to see how the locals begin their day.

Our tour begins at the photogenic flower market and moves onto the Old Quarter—a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses, also known as 'The 36 Streets'. Each street has been named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics and crafts to medicines and tombstones.

This is also a great time of day for us to stroll along the majestic Hoan Kiem Lake as it stirs to life—a favourite spot among locals to practise Tai Chi, an exercise long known for its promotion of health and longevity, in the tranquil half-light. We can just watch these practitioners or join in ourselves. Breakfast today includes a traditional Vietnamese ‘banh mi', followed by a visit to a local coffee shop. Witnessing some of the unique highlights of the city, our orientation tour will include Long Bien Bridge, St Joseph's Church and the grand Hanoi Opera House.

Continuing on, we'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex comprising of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only), the beautiful Presidential Palace (outside only) and Ho Chi Minh's neighbouring traditional Stilt House, where the former Prime Minister lived from 1954 to 1969. We'll also see the One Pillar Pagoda before heading to the Imperial Citadel & Flag Tower, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010.

After lunch, our tour resumes with our first stop at Vietnam's first university, the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, which is also host to the ‘Imperial Academy'. Gain a fascinating insight into the lifestyle, culture and customs of Vietnamese woman at the Women's' Museum, before exploring the Tran Quoc and Ngoc Son Temples.

Our final stop is the notorious Hỏa Lò Prison, nicknamed ‘Hanoi Hilton'. Formerly used by the French colonists for political prisoners, it later housed the imprisoned US pilots that were shot down during the Vietnam War, and today the remnants of the gatehouse remain as a moving museum. (B/L)

Today we take a scenic road journey to Sapa, a small mountain town approximately 350 kilometres northwest of Hanoi. This picturesque region is home to the famed hill tribes and nestled in a valley, surrounded by the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and endless fields of rice paddies. We'll take a short drive to Ta Phin Village, inhabited by the Red Dao ethnic group. Here we'll learn the touching story of the abandoned monastery. Meet the locals who will inform us about a local successful enterprise connecting them with the Hanoi University of Medicine.

Special Experience: Share a home-cooked meal tonight with the local Ly Ma Man family, learning about their culture and how corn alcohol is produced. (B/D)

Our day begins with a drive through the charming Tam Duong Valley, as we make our way towards Heaven Gate. Along the way we enjoy a short stroll to view the picturesque Silver Waterfall before continuing on to the breathtaking views that await us at Heaven Gate. Here, we can see the Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina. After travelling along one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Vietnam, we arrive at Tam Duong, where we have the chance to meet the black Dao, who trade in the village market wearing their black traditional dresses. Upon our return to Sapa, the rest of the day is at our leisure.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity. (B/L)

Today we travel back to Hanoi where the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. (B)

This morning we travel through Hai Hong Province to breathtaking Halong Bay. Dotted with thousands of limestone islands and outcrops, the bay is known for its stunningly emerald waters.

Cruise Embarkation: We'll board our cruise vessel and enjoy lunch, while witnessing the incredible views. After our delicious lunch, we'll have the opportunity to explore Hang Sang –Toi (Dark and Bright Cave), known for its stunning limestone structure, by bamboo boat or kayak, before a refreshing swim in the emerald waters of Tra Bau – Lan Ha Bay.

Returning to the ship, we'll enjoy some time to relax and watch the sunset on the deck before dinner. (B/L/D)

Try your hand at Tai Chi this morning or just simply sit back, relax and watch the incredible scenery pass by from the deck as we continue cruising on the waters of Halong Bay. We'll enjoy a light breakfast, before weighing anchor and heading out in the kayaks to explore the stunning Ao Ech area. Back on deck, we'll enjoy brunch before we disembark our cruise and set our sights on Hue, Vietnam's former capital and seat of the Nguyen Dynasty's emperors. Hue is the ancient capital of the Nguyen emperors and its atmospheric charm owes partly to its location right on the Perfume River. (B)

This morning we'll explore Hue during a sightseeing tour, including the bustling Dong Ba Markets and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Citadel in the old Imperial City, modelled on Beijing's Forbidden City. It was completed in 1833 and from here the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam until 1945.

Entering the citadel via a stone bridge you can see the Thai Hoa Palace, an important venue for official receptions and other important court ceremonies. The ostentatious columns supporting the roof are lacquered and inlaid with gold. There is a pair of smaller halls behind the Thai Hoa Palace used by mandarins to prepare for court ceremonies.

After lunch and some time to explore further at our own pace, our afternoon continues with a cruise by dragon boat along the tranquil waters of the Perfume River, before joining a local family for dinner. (B/D)

Our day commences with a visit to the imperial tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Ruling from 1848–83, Emperor Tu Duc enjoyed the longest reign of the Nguyen dynasty. Despite having over a hundred wives and concubines, he was unable to father a son and was left to write his own epitaph, even though he believed doing so was a bad omen. His epitaph can still be found on the stele, the largest of its type in Vietnam, in the pavilion to the east of his tomb.

This afternoon we travel to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass, the geographical and psychological boundary between North and South Vietnam. (B)

Hoi An was known as Faifo to early western traders, and it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This ancient town remains a well-preserved mix of both indigenous and foreign influences, with architecture styles pulled from Chinese, Japanese and later European, designs.

Our walking tour this morning includes a visit to the Culture and History Museum to learn more about this charming town before taking a stroll along the main street where we'll come to the Chinese Assembly Hall of Fujien Chinese Community. This was built in 1697 as a place of worship dedicated to Thien Hau—the Goddess of the Sea. Strolling along the banks of the river we'll come to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first built by the Japanese community in order to link the town with the Chinese quarters on the other side of the river.

Special Experience: Visit the colourful local market before taking a short cruise along the Hoi An River to the secluded Red Bridge Cooking School for an aromatic and informative cooking class. (B/D)

Today is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the resort and local surrounds, or explore the old city at your own pace. An ideal town to discover by foot, why not immerse yourself in Hoi An's history. (B)

We'll transfer to the airport today, for our flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The largest city in Vietnam, the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life is visible everywhere in Saigon. There are street markets, sidewalk cafés and trendy new bars. The city is constantly moving, yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture.

Special Experience: Go off the beaten track to discover Saigon's best food spots. Touring by vespa, we'll taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine as the locals do. (B/D)

We explore the Ben Tre province in the Mekong region today, riding a xe lôi (a local cyclo) to the local village of Huu Dinh. Travelling along the tributaries and narrow canals in a traditional-style cruise boat, we can observe daily life along the banks. We'll stop at a family-owned coconut processing business and a brick making factory. We'll then cycle to a local rice noodle factory before enjoying lunch. Our cycling excursion then continues as we visit Mr Sau Toung, a former Viet Cong soldier who spent two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity. (B/L)

Our half day city tour departs from the historic Rex Hotel today, as we begin our walking discovery of some of Saigon's most famous locations. Our first stop is the iconic Dong Khoi Street, the Municipal Theatre, Hotel de Ville and Nguyen Hue Boulevard. We'll then head to the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office before hopping on our coach to finish our tour.

Our final sights in the city centre include the impressive Presidential Palace (Re-unification Palace) with its lush gardens and secret rooms and the War Remnants Museum, a sobering reminder of the brutal effects of war on civilian populations. Lastly, we'll make our way to the Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon we depart for Vung Tau, which became home to the Australian Army during the Vietnam War.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity. (B/L)

A popular seaside destination for locals, expats and tourist alike, Vung Tau is the ideal getaway to relax by the beach that surrounds the resort town on three sides. We'll learn more about the Vietnam War today, beginning with visits to Long Tan-Long Dat, where the first Australian Task Force was established in 1966 and the former Nui Dat Task Force. Little remains of this military base today except for the columns of the main gate. We'll also visit the old bunkers, Kangaroo Pad, SAS Hill – Hui Dat Hill, Lusbcombe Air Field and the Battalions Flag Pole.

Next, we'll see the Nui Dat Kindergarten, built for children of the village by Australian vetrans. Continuing on, we'll visit the Long Tan Cross Memorial, site of the most talked about battle of the Vietnam War for Australians and New Zealanders, before a stop at the Long Phuoc Tunnels, which acted as meeting areas, first-aid stations and fighting pits during the war. (B/L)

Today we return to Saigon, where your day is free to explore more of this lively city, or simply unwind at our hotel.

Later, we'll take in the city skyline as we relax with a sundowner atop a rooftop bar, before our group dinner, where we'll bid farewell to beautiful Vietnam. (B/D)

Today we will fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to the incredible Angkor region.

Upon arrival we'll transfer to our hotel before this evening's welcome dinner where we will travel by remork to a local restaurant. (B/D)

Good morning Siem Reap! Surrounded by rice paddies, the area is dotted with millennium-old temple ruins from the Khmer Empire, the most famous of which is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat, which we will be exploring in detail in a few days.

Our introduction to Cambodia's sights begins with a visit to the fortified city of Angkor Thom. This dramatic structure covers an area of 10 square kilometres. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, it includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. We enter by the monumental south gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga (snake-like creature).

Our first stop is the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Formerly spaces for public ceremonies, both are adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. We visit the ruined Baphuon Temple and Phimeanakas Temple before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, we explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary. Here we will find the famous giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at us from every angle.

In the afternoon we make our way to Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia. During the monsoon season the lake swells to four times its normal size, so it's important for the locals that live on the banks and surrounds to build their houses on stilts. Here we'll board a boat and take a ride along the canal of the lake, giving us an opportunity to see how the locals live in their colourful stilt houses. Watch children playing on the banks while fishermen wade in the shallows with the nets and traps.

As we reach the mouth of the canal and lake the stilt houses end, and boats are transformed into houses to make up the floating villages.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity. (B/L)

This morning includes a visit to Ta Keo, built by Jayavarman V who ruled from 968 to 1001; Ta Prohm, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor because much of the jungle has not been cleared and for its feature in the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider series; and Banteay Srei and Kdei Temples. We'll visit Preah Khan, a temple built by King Jayavaram VII with towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors set in the jungle.

Special Experience: Take part in a Khmer cooking class with a local family and learn about their food customs and beliefs. We'll savour our creations at dinner, overlooking a lily pond.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity. (B/D)

An early start to witness the breathtaking views, shadows and reflections of Angkor Wat at sunrise. The national symbol and highlight of any visit to Cambodia, Angkor Wat is the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture. As the largest, best preserved and most religiously significant of all the Angkor temples, Angkor Wat impresses visitors with its sheer scale, beautifully proportioned layout and the delicate artistry of its carvings.

We'll have some free time to explore the temple in more detail before transferring to the airport for our flight to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, known as the ‘Pearl of Asia' and considered one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina during the 1920s. (B)

This morning we visit the poignant Killing Fields, located just outside of Phnom Penh. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek provide a stark reminder of the atrocities committed under the Pol Pot regime, when thousands of people were killed between 1975 and 1978 and buried in mass graves. Today it is possible to see the fields and visit the Memorial Stupa containing 8,000 human skulls, all victims of the Khmer Rouge.

On our way back to Phnom Penh we visit Tuol Sleng, the former high school and site of the notorious Security Prison 21, converted by the Khmer Rouge during their rise to power where an estimated 17,000 people were imprisoned. This visit is very moving and can be quite confronting, as it has now become the Cambodia Genocide Museum. Our afternoon is spent exploring Phnom Penh by rickshaw.

Our sightseeing includes the Royal Palace (still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoi), the Silver Pagoda, and the elegant National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer Art. Tonight, we'll enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant to farewell stunning Cambodia. (B/D)

Today marks the end of our incredible adventure through Vietnam & Cambodia. We hope you leave with fantastic memories! (B)

Trip Inclusions

Hanoi, Halong Bay and the hills of Sapa

  • Experience "Traditional Craft & Ancient Beauty" at Long Thuong Village
  • Visit 200-year-old Nom Village, enjoying tea with a local villager
  • Enjoy a hands on cooking class at the Rose Kitchen
  • Discover the flower market as Hanoi awakens
  • Visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake
  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese ‘banh mi’ breakfast
  • Explore Hanoi on a city tour, including the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex
  • Visit the Temple of Literature followed by the Women's Museum and the Tran Quoc and Ngoc Son Temples
  • Visit the Hỏa Lò Prison, nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton by the American POWs
  • Discover Sapa Hills and meet the local hill tribes
  • Trek through Tam Duong Valley to Heaven Gate
  • Visit the Ha Hum Villages, inhabited by the Black Thai
  • Overnight on a luxury Vietnamese cruise boat on Halong Bay

Heritage-listed Hoi An and Hue

  • Explore ancient Vietnam's capital Hue, including the Imperial Palace
  • Board a 'Dragon Boat' at sunset for a cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Authentic Home Dining Experience with a local family
  • Visit the Nguyen Dynasty emperors tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh
  • Spend 3 nights in World Heritage-listed Hoi An
  • Cruise down Hoi An River for a cooking class at the Red Bridge Cooking School

Saigon, the lively Mekong Delta and Vung Tau

  • Discover Saigon by night on a foodie tour by vespa
  • Explore the Ben Tre province in the Mekong region
  • Cycle to My Long and meet a former Viet Cong soldier
  • Walking tour of Saigon historic sights
  • Travel to the port city of Vung Tau
  • Visit the Nui Dat Task Force Base, Long Tan Memorial and Long Phuoc Tunnels

Captivating Cambodia

  • Explore the famous sites of Angkor
  • Cruise Tonlé Sap Lake
  • Experience a private Khmer cooking class
  • Witness breathtaking Angkor Wat at sunrise
  • Tour the Killing Fields and Toul Sleng Museum
  • Explore Phnom Penh by rickshaw

  • Return economy-class flights from Australia to Asia. Taxes included
  • 4 economy-class flights within Asia
  • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
  • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Tipping Made Easy, $220pp pre-paid

  • 21 nights in 4-5 star hotels
  • 1 night on board a luxury Vietnamese cruise boat on Halong Bay
  • Silk Path Hotel, Hanoi
  • Bamboo Sapa Hotel, Sapa
  • Orchid Trendy Cruise, Ha Long Bay Cruise
  • Eldora Hotel, Hue
  • Bel Marina Resort, Hoi An
  • Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon
  • Imperial Hotel, Vung Tau
  • Treeline Urban Resort, Siem Reap
  • Sun & Moon Urban Hotel, Phnom Penh

  • 22 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 11 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

  • English-speaking locally based national guide in Vietnam
  • English-speaking locally based guides

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Disruptions to itinerary may occur.
  • On day 5 we will be travelling to Sapa. You may be required to pack an overnight bag on day 4, for the following two nights. This is due to the accessibility of larger coaches in the Sapa region and the lack of capacity to carry full-sized luggage. Your guide will advise you accordingly during your sightseeing on day 4. Your main luggage will be kept in storage at your hotel in Hanoi where you will collect on your return stay. We do, however, recommend keeping your valuables on you during your stay in Sapa.
  • On day 6 there will be a good level of walking today, so we recommend wearing some good walking shoes.
  • On day 7 we suggest packing an overnight bag for the Halong Bay cruise the following day. The remainder of your luggage can be stored securely in our vehicle. However, you can take all your belongings if you prefer.
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Bunnik Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Bunnik Tours. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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