Classic Cambodia & Vietnam

Reiseverlauf 2026

1. Tag 1

   Phnom Penh

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   Sua s'dei! Welcome to Cambodia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe stroll the streets of Phnom Penh, taking in the French architecture. Dinner tonight will be at a riverside local restaurant and may include dishes like beef lok lak (tender meat coated in pepper sauce) or fish amok (curry). Get to know your fellow travellers over some delicious Cambodian specialties and toast to a new adventure as the sun goes down.
   It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
2. Tag 2

   Phnom Penh

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   Today you’ll head out on a city tour that introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh – a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and are closed to the public. You will, however, be able to visit the Silver Pagoda that lies in the palace complex, which is the most sacred temple in the country. Then, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Tuol Sleng is a former school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre, and it’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are home to a stupa made up of some 8000 human skulls. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng, and standing in this peaceful setting, it's almost unthinkable to imagine that nearly 9000 corpses have been exhumed from the area. After, maybe visit Wat Phnom – the temple that gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th century.
   The visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek can be a sobering and triggering experience, but we think they are essential to understanding the history of Cambodia. If you wish to skip these activities, just let your leader know.
3. Tag 3

   Siem Reap

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   Begin the scenic drive to Siem Reap today, stopping at Skun Market along the way. You’ll also stop at Santuk Silkfarm for lunch – a social enterprise run by local women and one of the few places in Cambodia where you can see the entire silk production process. Enjoy a home-cooked meal with your group here, then carry on to Siem Reap – the gateway to Angkor Wat and the most popular destination in all of Cambodia. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy the atmosphere, maybe also visiting the old market to explore the stalls selling silks, cottons, sarongs, silver and statues. Tonight, maybe find some delicious street food. There's also a long tradition of shadow puppetry in the region, and if you're lucky, you might catch a show at one of the local restaurants in the evening.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
4. Tag 4

   Siem Reap

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   Spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor today – this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important historic complexes in all South East Asia and is an absolute must-do experience in Cambodia! If you’re keen to see Angkor Wat at sunrise – the largest and most complete structure and the only temple with a west-facing entrance – your leader can organize an early visit for you before dawn (optional). Later in the morning, your group will tour the complex together. Of all the temples visited, Bayon is the centrepiece, with over 200 smiling carved faces and more than 50 gothic towers. You’ll also visit an ancient monastery, where you’ll meet a Buddhist monk to take part in a ritual that has survived for thousands of years. Sit on the floor as the monk chants and sprinkles holy water over you before tying a sacred thread around your wrist, ensuring protection and good luck for the rest of your journey. For lunch 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. After, head to Ta Prohm – a temple where nature has taken over, as large trees dominate the stone foundations. If you’re keen to see Angkor Wat in all its glory, you can also opt to end the day with a sunset view of the temples – just organize with your leader.
   The Spoons Restaurant & School is closed on public and school holidays, so on these days an alternative restaurant will be used.
5. Tag 5

   Siem Reap

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   Today, visit the Kampong Phluck lakeside village – the houses here are built on wooden stilts and you can travel by riverboat to explore the village that’s adapted to withstand flooding. See the mangrove forests (season depending) and get an insight into the lifestyle of the local people. Later this afternoon, learn more about the daily life of Cambodians on a village tour in the countryside. See the rice fields and family allotments that surround the traditional stilt houses and be welcomed into a local’s home as you join them for sunset drinks and snacks. This evening, you’ll have a final farewell dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant offering authentic Cambodian cuisine.
6. Tag 6

   Ho Chi Minh City

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   Today, catch an unescorted flight to Ho Chi Minh City where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore the French infused city at your own pace and perhaps enjoy a banh mi - a short baguette fill with a variety of tasty ingredients.perhaps head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-air market or visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. This evening, there will be a second group meeting to meet your new group and new leader. After that, you’ll make your way out for dinner as a group – expect mouth-watering aromas and the achingly fresh flavours of herbs, lemongrass and rich sauces.
   As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. Your transfer and flight will be unaccompanied. Your trip leader will provide you with more details on your flight information and your transfer to the airport.
7. Tag 7

   Ho Chi Minh City

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   After breakfast this morning, you’ll head out of town to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, which make up part of a larger war museum outside Ho Chi Minh. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people and offers a glimpse of what life was like during the war. Like an underground maze that stretches over 120 km, the tunnels are complete with trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, armoury, hospitals and command centres. Your trip through history doesn’t stop there, you’ll head back to Ho Chi Minh City to discover the War Remnants Museum where you’ll see old military equipment including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. In the afternoon, you’ll be free to explore the city at your leisure. Perhaps gather some of your newfound travel buddies and explore Notre Dame, the Post Office or Reunification Palace.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
8. Tag 8

   Mekong Delta

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   This morning you’ll wave goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City for the night and travel south by private bus to Ben Tre. When you arrive, you’ll board a small traditional boat and explore the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta. The delta is known as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’ for its abundance of rice paddies, fruit and flower orchards. During the boat trip, you’ll stop to sample some of the fresh tropical fruit and visit a selection of cottage industries in the area. Then, you’ll get your first taste of Vietnamese hospitality and tuck into a home-cooked Vietnamese-style lunch at a local family home. Then, around sunset, you’ll make your way to your guesthouse to spend the night with the locals and enjoy another wonderful meal featuring regional specialties.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your guesthouse is operated by local hosts, with simple twin and double rooms. Bedding and mosquito nets are supplied. Bathroom facilities this evening may be shared and may only have cold water available.
9. Tag 9

   Ho Chi Minh City

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   Enjoy more of the Mekong Delta’s finest fruits over breakfast this morning and then hit the road back to Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Then, you’re free to explore at your own pace. Maybe go in search of the best food with some of your fellow travellers – your group leader will know where to go for meals of any budget. Then, you might like to check out one of the city’s vibrant rooftop bars.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
10. Tag 10

    Hoi An

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    This morning, you’ll take a short flight to Danang, then you’ll make your way to your next stop in Hoi An. When you arrive, shake off your morning of travel and dig into a traditional Vietnamese lunch to welcome you to the city – try the mi quang or cao lau noodles that Central Vietnam is famed for. After lunch, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. The city was a major trading port with the west during the 16th and 17th-centuries, and has various architectural influences from Europe, China and Japan. Today, the city is being restored and looks much like it did over a century ago. You'll see Chinese temples, Japanese pagodas, French-inspired houses, wooden shops and old canals during your walk. After, you may like to wander Hoi An Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
11. Tag 11

    Hoi An

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    Enjoy a free day to explore Hoi An and all it has to offer. You could rent a bicycle and take a trip out to the nearby Cua Dai Beach. Or, maybe book into an Urban Adventure, like Hoi An Boat & Bike, which offers a guided tour of the area, including a countryside bike ride and a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River. Vietnam is, of course, known for its delicious food, and Hoi An is no exception. To unlock the flavours of Hoi An's vibrant Old Town on the Hoi An Food Adventure.
    See urbanadventures.com/destination/Hoi-An-tours for more information on the optional day tours. Your leader can help arrange optional activities and tours if this interests you.
12. Tag 12

    Hoi An

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    Today is another free day in this historic haven. If you can muster an early rise this morning, head to the local produce market to watch the animated shoppers haggling over fresh fish, spices and vegetables. Otherwise, if you’d like, your leader can help you arrange an optional Vietnamese cooking class, or a visit to the ruins of My Son – Vietnam's most important Cham site. Set in a verdant valley, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat's Tooth Mountain, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples here reflect the cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation that flourished in this region between the 4th and 12th-century.
13. Tag 13

    Hue

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    Continue your journey north today and drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass – an incredibly scenic and mountainous stretch of highway with views of Lang Co Beach. Make a stop at beautiful Lang Co to buy yourself some lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Hue – Vietnam’s former Imperial capital. Here you’ll take a step into the past as you visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. As the name suggests, The Forbidden Purple City was once reserved only for the personal use of the emperor and his concubines. It was almost entirely destroyed by bomb blasts during the war and now serves as a reminder of centuries past – the crumbling palaces tell a fascinating story if you look carefully. After a little time to explore, the evening will be at your leisure to relax and simply enjoy this poetic place.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
14. Tag 14

    Hue

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    After a local breakfast of bun bo hue (spiced beef noodle soup) it’s time to really delve into the historical highlights of Hue. You’ll stop off at the Thien Mu Pagoda and get the chance to see an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601. Your adventures will work up an appetite, so you’ll be treated to a delicious vegetarian feast at a local nunnery for lunch. Make one final stop at the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its lake, frangipani and pine trees. After a big day of exploring the sights, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Be sure to ask your leader which of Hue’s favourites you should seek out for dinner – it’s not known as Vietnam’s culinary capital for nothing!
15. Tag 15

    Hanoi

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    After breakfast today, you’ll take a flight from Hue to Vietnam’s charming capital of Hanoi. When you arrive, head out for a delicious lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. After lunch, take a half-day tour of Hanoi that captures the beauty and the history of the laidback, tree-lined capital. You’ll visit major sights including the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. You’ll also pass by Hoan Kiem Lake and enter the ’36 Streets’ of the historic Old Quarter – a series of interwoven lanes and roads that historically sell a certain product in each street. Silk, bamboo, ceramics, kitchen products – and upwards of 32 more!
    Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours. Please note that the One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house is closed on Mondays. If you are on a departure that falls on a Monday in Hanoi, you will visit the Hoa Lo Prison instead.
16. Tag 16

    Ninh Binh

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    You’ll depart Hanoi for the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh this morning. A naturally beautiful area, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains. When you arrive, you’ll head straight for the lush Cuc Phuong National Park, to Save Vietnam’s Wildlife – a non-for-profit organisation focusing on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife. A veterinarian will guide you through the park, teaching you about their conservation project and how they protect endangered species like pangolins, monkeys, otters and leopard cats that are at risk. SVW is one of the newest Intrepid Foundation supported projects in Vietnam. Then, you’ll be welcomed into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Meet the family who live here and enjoy dishes like grilled beef wrapped with guise leaves, spring rolls and fried fish with tomato sauce. Top off the day in this scenic spot with a visit to the Dinh and Le Temples, which were built in the 10th century and dedicated to two of the former emperors of Vietnam.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
17. Tag 17

    Ninh Binh

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    Wake up without an alarm today as you’ve got a free morning to explore. Maybe head to the Hang Mua Cave for sunrise, where you can take photos at the gorgeous lotus field and hike to the viewpoint, which offers a 360-degree view of Ninh Binh. Then, get ready for a fun, action-packed afternoon in the Thung Nham ecotourism zone, just outside of Ninh Binh. First, you’ll take a traditional rowboat to discover the largest natural bird garden in northern Vietnam. Float peacefully along the calm waters as you’re surrounded by towering mountains, lush greenery and, of course, a mass of beautiful birds. Then, you’ll explore the cave system that features But Cave and Tien Ca Cave. From here, your journey will take you to spiritual sights that include the thousand-year-old banyan tree, Gii Dai Temple and Linh Than Mieu. Unwind as you explore the Thung Nham flower paradise, nursery and vegetable garden.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
18. Tag 18

    Halong Bay

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    Travel by private minibus to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places – a bay of emerald waters dotted with sandstone islands and caves. Board a private boat and cruise the bay. If you like, you can also take on an optional kayaking tour of the bay and see the gorgeous natural scenery from a different perspective. You’ll spend the night on the cruising boat, under the moon and stars of a clear night sky. There's also a dining room and bar where you’ll have all your meals, including a fresh seafood lunch and dinner. For sunset, maybe grab a drink at the bar and head out on the deck with your travel buddies for a gorgeous night!
    Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. It is recommended to pack a smaller overnight bag to take to Ha Long Bay for ease of boarding and disembarking. You can store your main luggage in Hanoi for tonight. Your boat has twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar to enjoy lunch, dinner and breakfast. Kayaking and swimming is restricted to designated zones within the bay. There are restrictions on the number of boats that are permitted to stay in the bay overnight, sometimes resulting in a shortage. To ensure all Intrepid travellers can enjoy the experience of a night on the water, occasionally you will stay on a larger boat and share your boat with another group. Or your group may be split across different vessels, in which case an Intrepid group leader will be present on each boat. The route may vary but inclusions will remain the same. The boat is not likely to be a traditional sailing junk, as many older or imported vessels do not comply with waterway traffic safety laws.
19. Tag 19

    Hanoi

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    If you’re an early riser, maybe set an alarm this morning and soak up the scenery of Ha Long Bay from your floating accommodation at sunrise. Take in the turquoise waters one last time before hitting the road for Hanoi. When you arrive in Hanoi, you’ll head out for a traditional water-puppet performance hosted by a local family, who are experts in this art form. Tonight, gather as a group and tuck into dinner together, maybe trying the traditional cha ca la vong (a fish dish filled with fresh herbs and noodles). Enjoy this evening with your group as you reminisce on the highlights of your Vietnam adventure.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
20. Tag 20

    Hanoi

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    With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend some more time in Hanoi, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.