Classic Tour to Vietnam and Cambodia

26, April, 2017

Vietnam and Cambodia are awe-inspiring destinations that are seriously hot with travellers and make it possible to exhilarate the senses with plenty of things to see and do. From the nightlife and street food of old Hanoi and the stunning architecture of the buildings of Hoi An to the world-famous temple of Angkor and pristine beaches along the coastline, a multi-country trip to these two countries give a perfect mix of really friendly locals, lush jungles, perfect coastlines and big cities.

Here is a classic tour of Vietnam and Cambodia that takes in the highlights of both countries:

Hanoi City Tour
A tour to Vietnam and Cambodia can start with a half-day city tour of the capital city Hanoi to really appreciate the highlights. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Hoan Kiem Lake.

An evening in Hanoi is easily spent enjoying a Water Puppet Show with the family, which helps to really appreciate the unique culture of Vietnam.

Halong Bay Cruise
Halong Bay is a great full day excursion from Hanoi. A 4-hour cruise gives a perfect opportunity to discover this natural wonder with options to stop along the way to explore the popular limestone caves. A delicious local seafood lunch is served on board while cruising.

Hoi An
A visit to the historical ancient town of Hoi An makes it possible to explore the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Fukien Assembly Hall, the Tan Ky Old House and the colourful local market. Travellers also get to see locals producing silk and raising silkworms for the regions rapidly increasing textile industry.

A walk of the town in the evening is perfect to see the red lanterns that are displayed throughout the streets. Also, Hoi An has a beautiful beach that is perfect for relaxing and getting a break from sightseeing.

Elsewhere, a day-trip to the My Son Holy Land is a wonderful experience and about 1 hour from town. Discover partially ruined and abandoned Hindu temples that date to the 4th century.

Hue
Hue is a fascinating city with plenty of architectural gems that are worth exploring by visiting the sprawling ancient Citadel. This city is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site and rich in highlights like the Tombs of the Emperors and the peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda.

A great way to enjoy an afternoon or evening in Hue is a relaxing Perfume River cruise with its stunning scenery and villages that are nestled along the riverbanks. Other great activities in the region include cooking classes, walking and biking.

Ho Chi Minh City
In the morning, enjoy a tour of Ho Chi Minh City with its wide ranging attractions including the Emperor Jade Pagoda (Phuoc Hai), the Old Saigon Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

The afternoon can be spent visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are about 1 hour from the city and give tourists a perfect opportunity to see the unique tunnel systems built by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Mekong Delta
Enjoy a scenic journey of the Mekong River Delta, which is certain to create great memories of the Indochina Holiday. There are a lot of attractions in the local area, including the fishing villages along the river bank, the fruit plantations and the stilt houses. For the most authentic experience, a private tour of a family business really makes it possible to get a first hand appreciation of the idyllic rural lifestyle.

Phnom Penh
A short flight to Cambodia leads to arriving in the vibrant and bustling capital city of Phnom Penh. It is one of the hip capital cities in the region with its world-class food scene, full of life bars and alluring café culture.

A guided tour of the city gives travellers a chance to appreciate the local arts and architecture with the National Museum housing an impressive collection of Khmer history, while the Royal Palace is nearby. The National Museum has one of the finest collections of Khmer history, architecture and arts.

Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia and is best appreciated with a relaxing boat trip. Exploring the beautiful lake by boat means visiting the floating villages; the largest is called Kompong Phluk. This type of trip makes it possible to really discover the interesting day-to-day lives of the locals living on the water.

Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a major tourist attraction and makes a perfect base for a few days for travellers to experience the wonders of the nearby temples. Any memorable Vietnam Cambodia tour will include visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. The Angkor Archaeological Park is best travelled with the guidance of an English-speaking guide who has the ability to tell interesting facts and stories about the local history and temples. Even though Angkor Wat is the most famous of the temples and built in the 12th century, it is not the only temple standing. There are plenty of other worthwhile temples to visit including, Banteay Srei, Bayon, Beung Mealea, Ta Prohm (Jungle Temple) and Preah Khan.

A tour of the temples can be split over the course of 2 or 3 days if time allows on the tour itinerary. This is useful for travellers that want to explore more than just the most famous temples and ancient structures.

From the brilliant water puppet show in Hanoi to the charming Hoi An, from the distinctive Mekong Delta to the bustling Phnom Penh, from the incredible Angkor Wat to the unique Tonle Sap Lake, an Indochina tour gives a perfect opportunity to fully appreciate the exotic beauty, culture and charm of these two magnificent countries. A well-planned tour organized by a Vietnam travel agent is certain to give the most impressive travel itinerary that includes all the highlights of each country.

Vietnam and Cambodia travel guide
1. Before your travel, please check if you need to obtain Visa to Vietnam and Cambodia? If yes, it is easy to get cheap Vietnam visa online via our service: vietnamvisaprovider.com. Cambodia visa can get on your arrival.

2. There is no best time to travel in Vietnam and Cambodia. From October to April, it is cooler so it is high season. Low season is from May - September, it is hot, rainy, but best time to save cost as Vietnam and Cambodia travel agents, airlines, hotels will offer discounts.

3. Both Vietnamese and Cambodian people are friendly and hospitable, but as you visit a buddhist countries, it is advised to take off our shoes and wear suitable clothes when visiting pagodas and temples to show your respect.

4. US dollar is widely used in tourist destinations in Vietnam and Cambodia, but if you travel to less-visited areas or want to buy small things like mineral waters, ice cream, etc. Local currency should be used.

5. You may want to buy something essential or souvenirs, our advice is to bargain as it is custom in Vietnam and Cambodia.

6. Tipping is not mandatory, but expected by your driver and tour guide. You can also trip someone who provides you excellent service, which is highly appreciated!

7. For more information, please read our Indochina travel guide at https://www.vivutravel.com/indochina-travel-guide