Vietnam & Cambodia Explorer

Landing in Hanoi, we'll meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation in the heart of the city. Meet up with your travel crew and get excited for the adventures to come.

We'll jump straight into the hustle and bustle of Hanoi today with a walking and rickshaw tour of the city. Soak in daily life in the chaotic capital and fill up on spicy spring rolls and tasty street food.

This evening we'll be heading out for dinner and drinks to see what Hanoi has to offer after dark.

From Hanoi we'll travel to Ha Long Bay, where we'll cruise the emerald green waters surrounded by limestone mountains, feeling like we're not quite on this planet. The secret caves and coves will prove too much to resist, so we'll jump into kayaks to explore further before settling down for the evening on our overnight boat complete with hot tub and bar.

The rice paddies and vast limestone mountains of Ninh Binh await us, where we'll be staying at a local homestay in traditional bungalows right by the river. We'll take to two wheels to weave through the rice paddies before taking a local row boat through the network of rivers and caves. We'll finish our time here with a hike to the Dragon Mountain viewpoint.

Beautiful, historical Hoi An will win you over. We'll check in to our hotel, then this afternoon you'll have time to explore, go shopping, or perhaps visit a local tailor to get a custom suit or dress made, followed by experiencing the iconic lantern boats in the evening. The next day local fishermen will be our guides today teaching us the art of crab fishing. We'll then take part in a hands on cooking class to become masters of all things Vietnamese cuisine.

This morning we'll learn how to make lanterns. We'll then enjoy a chilled day at a beach club. That evening we'll head out for dinner together.

Taking to the skies, we'll head south to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. The rest of the day will be yours to explore as you wish.

The Mekong is nothing if not impressive, creating vast swathes of lush green land as far as the eye can see. We'll be seeing how locals live and work on the river, visit local villages, and stay tonight in a local homestay.

Small Change: Join a meaningful language exchange with local teacher Daisy and her students, discover the art of traditional Mekong basket weaving with a local artisan, join a heartfelt tea party with Mr. Hai and his family.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are on the agenda for today. This network of hand dug underground tunnels played a crucial role in the Vietnam War, providing supply routes, hideouts and living quarters for soldiers. Arriving back into Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon, we'll be dressing sharp for our farewell dinner and party this evening.

Your adventure with Intro comes to an end today, but your travels are far from over! As you prepare to begin the next chapter of your journey, enjoy some free time exploring Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.

This evening, meet your Intrepid Tour Leader and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting at 6 pm, marking the beginning of your next adventure. Afterwards, why not head out for dinner with your new group?

Travel by public bus across the border, through rural Vietnam and Cambodia to Phnom Penh. Cambodia's capital city is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture. If you're looking for a tasty beverage when you arrive, head for a mojito on the rooftop. Or if you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at the art-deco Psar Thmei (Central Market) or travel out to Psar Tuol Tom Pong (the Russian Market) for the best range of local souvenirs.

Today, you’ll confront Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) – a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It's estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. You’ll also head out to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls marks the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng. After, you may wish to learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history from an optional visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Wat Phnom, shrouded in myth, is equally worth a visit, as is the National Museum with its excellent Khmer collection. Cyclo tours around the city are a great alternative to walking and generally include the Central Market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong riverfront, the Independence Monument and Royal Palace.

Itinerary 1 - Sambor Preikuk (for departures starting between 1Feb and 30Jun, 2026)

Travel by private minibus to Sambor Preikuk today (approximately 3 hours). When you arrive, take a tour of the village with your local guide who will introduce you to the way of life for the local people, as well as your homestay facilities and your hosts. The temple ruins nearby are some of the oldest in the country (dating back to the 6th century) and are well worth a visit during your free time this afternoon. Cycle the village on a bike and see the villagers working the rice fields and making handicrafts. Tonight, sit down for a traditional Khmer dinner with your host family.

Included activities for this itinerary:

Sambor Preikuk - Guided village tour & temple ruins visit

Sambor Preikuk - Countryside cycling

Sambor Preikuk - Home-cooked Khmer dinner

Itinerary 2 - Battambang (for departures starting after 30Jun, 2026)

Travel by private minibus to Battambang today (approx. 6 hours). Break up an otherwise long trip with a visit to the pottery village in Kampong Chhnang and learn about the craft of pottery making at local workshops. Then continue to Cambodia's second-largest city – a pretty riverside town with French elegance, friendly Khmer people and beautifully preserved colonial architecture, this is a great place to explore on your own. Why not take part in an optional cooking class to learn the secrets of local dishes such as amok, Khmer curry and fried spicy chicken.

Itinerary 1 (for departures starting between 1Feb and 30Jun, 2026)

Say goodbye to your khmer host after breakfast and continue your travel to Siem Reap (approx. 3 hours). Follow your leader on an orientation walk upon your arrival. The rest of the day is yours to spend. A visit to the old market is a must, even if you're not looking for souvenirs – wandering through the stalls and surrounding shops, you’ll find silks, cotton, sarongs, silver and statues among a flurry of colour. For dinner today, you'll visit the Spoons Restaurant and School where disadvantaged local youth learn skills that enable them to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry.

Included activities for this itinerary:

Siem Reap - Leader - led orientation walk

Siem Reap - Dinner at the Spoons Restaurant

Itinerary 2 (for departures starting after 30Jun, 2026)

Spend a bit of time riding around the countryside by bike, travelling out to the rural villages around Battambang. This is a great opportunity to get a closer look at what rural life means in Cambodia. Visit local families who have been producing agricultural products the traditional way passed down through generations, like rice paper, dried bananas, and bamboo sticky rice and stop by a Khmer house and relax and enjoy some coconut water while chatting about their life. The Intrepid partner for this activity is a local social enterprise that support training of local youth for their future career. In the afternoon continue by private minibus to Siem Reap (approx. 3 hours), arriving in the evening, and relax as you prepare for your much-anticipated visit to Angkor tomorrow. Perhaps hit the markets for some delicious street food for dinner.

Make your way to Angkor Wat in the early hours this morning to watch the sunrise over this UNESO World Heritage site. Then, Temple-hop with your local guide through the world-famous complex. The temples, dating back as far as the ninth century, were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photo opportunities at any time of day. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap, so there will be plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.

Continue your explorations of the Angkor complex this morning. In the afternoon, embark on a private local boat discover the floating villages and local daily lives at Chhong Kneas – a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia.

Fly from Siem Reap to Bangkok today. On the flight, you’ll be unescorted, but your Cambodian leader will see you off at the airport in Siem Reap and your Thai leader will be ready to welcome you in Bangkok. Thailand's bustling capital is an exciting world of tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Perhaps head out to sample some local specialties as a final farewell with your fellow travellers.

Your trip comes to an end this morning, with no further activities planned. However, if you have more time, Bangkok is full of things to do, including the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the fascinating Jim Thompson Museum. Just speak to your booking agent if you'd like to extend your stay.