Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Join the trip in Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, known by locals as Old Saigon.
We kick off our adventure in Vietnam's largest and arguably most exciting city. Saigon is an eclectic blend of the traditional and the modern, where pagodas and markets sit side by side with the new entrepreneurial spirit of Vietnam.
For those arriving on time, our tour leader will meet us in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. For those who'd like to join, there's the chance to head out for dinner together afterwards.
There are no other planned activities today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, please arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is 45 minutes to one hour from the hotel.
If you miss the welcome meeting, the tour leader will catch you up with all the important information when you join.
Day 2 - Morning visit to Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore Old Saigon, and discover 'Secret Weapons Bunker'
After breakfast, we head to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Initially built by the Vietnamese during their colonial war with the French, these tunnels served as an underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops. Exploring the tunnels gives you an insight into the conditions endured by both the Vietnamese and their American adversaries but be warned - the tunnels are narrow and can feel quite claustrophobic. Please note, we'll share transport to and from Cu Chi with other tourists.
This afternoon, we'll explore a different side of Ho Chi Minh City. We'll hop on a cyclo (a cycle carriage) and venture into the maze of narrow streets in Old Saigon's back alleys. Here, we'll pass by ramshackle shopfronts, bustling local markets, and quaint houses, all nestled within small, narrow alleys that give you a taste of authentic city life, far from the modern buildings and tourist crowds.
We'll end our walk at a hidden 'secret weapons' bunker - a small, unassuming house that conceals a basement full of rifles, grenades, and ammunition. This bunker played a key role in the 1968 TET Offensive, serving as the base for the Viet Cong's „ Team 5„ assault. The location remained secret until after the war. We'll have time to explore the house and bunker, filled with wartime memorabilia and photos.
Day 3 - Drive to the Mekong Delta and cycle ride. Continue to Can Tho via the floating markets
We leave the city behind and drive south to the Mekong Delta. From there, we catch a boat to the starting point of our cycle ride. We'll cycle for about 10-12 kilometres/6-7 miles along the flat Cai Thai village path, with beautiful views of the delta and its many tributaries. The route is often shaded, which helps protect against the humidity (the boat can pick up cyclists at various points if needed). Along the way, we'll visit a local home and learn how to make traditional rice paper.
We'll then return to the boat, where we'll have a lunch onboard while exploring the floating markets. It's a fascinating atmosphere in this vast network of rivers, islands, and agricultural villages. Afterward, we'll continue our journey to Can Tho.
Day 4 - Morning boat cruise to Cai Rang floating market and Ba Lang Canal, then drive to Chau Doc
One of the most colourful attractions in the Mekong is its floating markets, and this morning, we'll attempt to visit one. We'll spend some time exploring the market, meeting the local traders and, perhaps, buying a pineapple onboard a boat.
Next, we visit the Binh Thuy ancient house, a charming old property showcasing a mix of classical French, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences. The house, built at the end of the 19th century, is filled with antiques and memorabilia, making it feel like a step back in time.
After the visit, we drive to Chau Doc, the border town between Vietnam and Cambodia. We'll take a boat cruise to the Chau Giang fish farm, where fish are raised in cages beneath floating houses, and have time to explore the nearby Cham village before returning to our hotel for the night.
Day 5 - Morning speed boat to Phnom Penh
After breakfast, we head to the jetty in Chau Doc for an early morning speed boat ride to Phnom Penh. The journey takes about four-and-a-half hours up the Hau Giang River into Cambodia.
Phnom Penh, located on the Mekong River, has been the capital since the 1440s. Today, it's a vibrant city filled with French colonial buildings, markets, art galleries, temples, and museums.
In the evening, we'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Phnom Penh (included).
Day 6 - Market bartering, cooking lesson, and a visit to a local school in Phnom Penh
We start the day with a visit to the local market to buy fresh ingredients for a traditional Khmer meal, which we'll prepare together at La Rose Restaurant, one of the best Khmer restaurants in the region.
Afterward, we'll visit a local school where we'll have the chance to learn a bit of Khmer and teach English to the children. We might even get to join in some fun activities like a football game or a traditional Cambodian board game with the local kids.
Day 7 - Travel to Siem Reap. Afternoon orientation tour
We travel by private bus north to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temples. While Siem Reap is famous for the temples, it's also a charming town in its own right. On arrival, we'll have a short orientation tour. A stroll through the streets reveals lively restaurants, street stalls, and spas offering traditional Khmer massages.
The evening is free, why not head to the night market to haggle for souvenirs or visit the vibrant \ Pub Street' for some lively entertainment?
Day 8 - Full-day visit to Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat
Today, we explore the incredible temples of Angkor Wat, which span a period of about 600 years, from the 9th to 15th centuries. We'll travel by local tuk tuk to visit two of the most famous temples: Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Angkor Thom, built in the 12th century, was once a mighty fortified city, surrounded by towering walls, gates, and a moat filled with crocodiles. Our second stop is the stunning Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture.
Day 9 - Free day in Siem Reap with the option to visit Ta Phrom (made famous by Tomb Raider)
Today is free for you to enjoy Siem Reap at your own pace. You can explore on foot, by bicycle, or rickshaw.
A must-see is Ta Phrom, made famous by the Tomb Raider film, with its stunning tree-covered ruins. Alternatively, you can take a boat trip along the Roulous River, visit the floating villages of Tonle Sap, or check out the APOPO Visitor Centre.
Day 10 - Fly to Bangkok. Afternoon free to explore the Thai capital
Today we fly to Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand. There are plenty of optional excursions this afternoon, such as visiting the Grand Palace, one of Bangkok's most iconic landmarks, or taking a boat ride along the city's \ Klongs' - its network of narrow canals.
In the evening, explore Bangkok's lively Chinatown, where you can try delicious street food, visit temples, and browse the market stalls. Alternatively, join a tuk tuk culinary tour to sample the best of Bangkok's street food.
Day 11 - Free day in Bangkok to visit the Grand Palace or cruise along the Klongs. Afternoon transfer to Hua Hin beach resort
This morning is free to enjoy Bangkok. You might like to visit the famous Sor Vorapin Gym to watch Thai boxing or simply explore the city at your leisure.
After lunch, we head to the beach resort in Hua Hin, a lovely coastal town. The drive takes around three hours, and you'll have plenty of time to unwind and relax
Day 12 - Free day to relax on the beac
Spend the day as you wish - relax on the beach or enjoy the resort's facilities. Hua Hin is located between the Gulf of Thailand's warm waters, offering a beautiful setting for a laid-back day. You can also visit Hua Hin's lively night market or explore the nearby town of Cha Am.
Day 13 - Free day to relax on the beach or explore the area
Another day to enjoy the beach or perhaps take a trip to explore the dramatic limestone peaks of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, covering nearly 100 square kilometres along the coast. Whether you choose to relax or adventure, the choice is yours.
Day 14 - Trip ends in Hua Hin
Our trip ends at our hotel in Bangkok.
If you're flying later in the day, luggage storage is available at the hotel. Airport transfers to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) are available for flights departing after 11.30am. We offer two fixed-time transfers: one at 6am (arriving by 9am) and one at 3pm (arriving by 6pm).
