Itinerary
- Day 1
Hanoi
Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you land early, there's time to walk through Hanoi's vibrant streets and try some local street food or bia hoi beer at a roadside spot. The city's nightlife scene is worth checking out to get a feel for what happens after dark.
Optional Activities
- Explore Hanoi streets and sights
- Visit roadside stalls for bia hoi and street food
- Explore local beer and cocktail bars
- Experience Hanoi's nightlife
- Day 2
Hanoi
This day is yours to explore Hanoi however you'd like. Hoan Kiem Lake offers a nice place to wander around, and the shaded boulevards are perfect for strolling. Parks scattered throughout the city have street food vendors if you get hungry. If you want something more structured, you can check out Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, or the Fine Arts Museum. KOTO is a solid lunch spot, and watching the sun set while exploring the city's architecture is worth your time.
Optional Activities
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
- Explore Hanoi's boulevards and public parks
- Visit Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh
- Visit Temple of Literature
- Visit Fine Arts Museum
- Lunch at KOTO
- Explore centuries-old architecture
Landmarks Hoan Kiem Lake Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh Temple of Literature Fine Arts Museum - Day 3
Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
You'll head by bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island, the largest one in Lan Ha Bay. The area sits right next to UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay. A cruise takes you through thousands of limestone islands and karsts, with seafood lunch prepared by your chef on board. After lunch, you'll get time to kayak through the water and catch the sunset over the landscape.
- Meals
- Lunch (Seafood lunch prepared by onboard chef)
Included Activities
- Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Seafood lunch prepared by onboard chef
- Kayaking
Landmarks Cat Ba Island Lan Ha Bay - Day 4
Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh
After taking the ferry back to the mainland, you're heading to Ninh Binh province. This area was home to Vietnam's capital during the 10th-11th centuries. A local guide leads a cycling tour to the ancient citadel, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll see 17th-century temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, plus other temples, pagodas, and monuments surrounded by mountains.
Included Activities
- Bike Tour
- Temple of King Dinh and King Le visit
Landmarks Hoa Lu Citadel Temple of King Dinh Temple of King Le - Day 5
Ninh Binh
You have the day free to explore what Ninh Binh has to offer. Hiking to Mua Cave and climbing 500 steps to the peak gives you views of Hoa Lu and Ngo Dong River. Alternatively, a boat tour takes you past limestone karsts, caves, temples, and film locations. Later tonight, you'll board an overnight train to Hue.
Optional Activities
- Hike to Mua Cave
- Trek to mountain peak
- Boat tour past limestone karsts and caves
Landmarks Mua Cave Ngo Dong River - Day 6
Hue
You'll arrive in Hue by train. This former imperial capital offers plenty to explore during your free day. The massive walled citadel and Forbidden Purple Palace are major draws. Cruising the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, browsing Dong Ba Market, or cycling to royal tombs are all options. That evening, dinner happens at a local family's home.
- Meals
- Dinner (Freshly prepared dinner at a local family's home)
Included Activities
- Home cooked dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Hue's walled citadel
- Visit Forbidden Purple Palace
- Dragon boat cruise on Perfume River
- Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
- Browse Dong Ba Market
- Try banh Khoai royal rice
- Cycle to royal tombs
- Visit tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
Landmarks Hue Citadel Forbidden Purple Palace Perfume River Thien Mu Pagoda Dong Ba Market Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc - Day 7
Hue to Hoi An
A private bus takes you to Hoi An, where a walking tour shows you this unique town with European, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese influences. You'll see restored streets, a historic house, the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall, and a museum. There are laid-back spots around town, and your leader might organize bingo in the town square for a bit of fun.
Included Activities
- Old Town walking tour
Optional Activities
- Visit historic house
- Visit Japanese Covered Bridge
- Visit Chinese assembly hall
- Visit museum
- Play bingo in town square
Landmarks Hoi An Old Town Japanese Covered Bridge 
- Day 8
Hoi An
Cycling from Hoi An takes you to Tra Que Vegetable Village, an organic garden that's been operating for over 500 years. You'll see, smell, and taste what goes into Vietnamese food, then enjoy lunch made from ingredients you helped pick. From there, you can explore the Central Market, browse paintings and crafts, or visit a same-day tailor. The lantern-lit streets in the evening are great for photos.
- Meals
- Lunch (Freshly prepared lunch using ingredients picked during garden tour)
Included Activities
- Garden-to-Table with A Local Chef
Optional Activities
- Explore Central Market
- Browse paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns
- Visit same-day tailors
Landmarks Tra Que Vegetable Village Hoi An Central Market - Day 9
Hoi An to Quy Nhon
The drive to Quy Nhon, a coastal city in Binh Dinh province, gets you there with a free afternoon and evening to do as you please. If you're interested, you can visit Banh It Tower or Cahn Tien Tower for views, try local food specialties, take a food tour, or hike to Eo Gio for coastal vistas.
Optional Activities
- Visit Banh It Tower
- Visit Cahn Tien Tower
- Food tour trying banh xeo tom nhay, nem nuong, bun ca
- Hike to Eo Gio for coastal views
- Explore local restaurants
Landmarks Banh It Tower Cahn Tien Tower Eo Gio - Day 10
Quy Nhon
Another free day in Quy Nhon to hit any optional activities you missed. Con Chim Ecological Zone has options for fishing or stand-up paddleboarding. Ky Co Beach is worth a visit, and Hon Kho Island makes for a solid day trip if you're interested. Grab some snacks this afternoon since you're catching an overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City later.
Optional Activities
- Visit Con Chim Ecological Zone
- Go fishing
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Visit Ky Co Beach
- Day trip to Hon Kho Island
Landmarks Con Chim Ecological Zone Ky Co Beach Hon Kho Island - Day 11
Ho Chi Minh City
You arrive in Ho Chi Minh City early and transfer to your hotel. The city pulses with activity and has French influences mixed with spicier, sweeter cuisine. Early morning markets let you see local traders at work, and a bowl of pho is a must. Later you'll hit a local market with your group, try Saigon iced coffee, and maybe grab dinner and drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street.
Included Activities
- Local Market Visit
- Local Coffee Experience
Optional Activities
- Explore markets and early morning activities
- Group dinner and drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street
Landmarks Dong Ba Market Pham Ngu Lao Street - Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City
Your schedule is completely open to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. A day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta is possible if you want to get out of the city. A second group meeting happens at 6 pm to meet new tour members. After that, you can head out for group dinner or explore the nightlife with tips from your leader.
Optional Activities
- Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels
- Day trip to Mekong Delta
- Group dinner and nightlife exploration
Landmarks Cu Chi Tunnels Mekong Delta - Day 13
Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
You'll take a public bus to Phnom Penh on a long journey that includes two border crossings and a lunch break. Games and books help pass time while getting to know other travelers. Your guide handles border paperwork. Once there, treat yourself to a traditional Khmer massage, possibly at Seeing Hands, which supports visually impaired masseurs.
Optional Activities
- Traditional Khmer massage at Seeing Hands
Landmarks Seeing Hands - Day 14
Phnom Penh
Start with an authentic local breakfast near a market. Then visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. These are sobering but important historical sites. After, explore brighter aspects at the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, or Wat Phnom. The day wraps up with a sunset river cruise including drinks, then exploring rooftop bars with city views.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Authentic local breakfast near a market)
Included Activities
- Orientation Walk
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
- Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
- Local Breakfast
- Sunset River Cruise
Optional Activities
- Explore Royal Palace
- Visit Silver Pagoda
- Visit National Museum
- Visit Wat Phnom
- Rooftop bars exploration
Landmarks Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) Killing Fields of Choeung Ek Royal Palace Silver Pagoda National Museum of Cambodia Wat Phnom Tonle Sap River Mekong River - Day 15
Phnom Penh to Koh Rong
You'll leave Phnom Penh by private bus, then hop on a speedboat to Koh Rong, an island paradise. The afternoon is yours to spend swimming, relaxing on warm sandy beaches, and walking along the coast. Dinner comes at a local restaurant your leader can recommend.
Optional Activities
- Swimming in Koh Rong waters
- Relax on the beach
- Walk along the coast
- Dinner at local restaurants
Landmarks Koh Rong Sihanoukville 
- Day 16
Koh Rong
Another free day on the island to chill out on the beach. Soak up the sun, enjoy cocktails or cold beers, and swim in the water. If you want something more active, ask your leader about jungle hiking and hidden waterfalls. Head to Nest Beach Club in the evening if the nightlife appeals to you.
Optional Activities
- Beach activities - sunbathing, swimming
- Order cocktails and cold beers
- Jungle hiking
- Discover hidden waterfalls
- Visit Nest Beach Club for nightlife
Landmarks Nest Beach Club - Day 17
Koh Rong to Isanborei
You leave Koh Rong and head to a homestay in Isanborei, a rural community within Sambor Preikuk UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area has over 100 ancient temples scattered around. A local guide tours the village so you can meet residents and your host family. You'll watch the sunset over rice fields, then sit down to a traditional homemade Khmer dinner with your hosts.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional homemade Khmer dinner with host family)
Included Activities
- Village Walk
- Local Community Guide
- Khmer Dinner
Landmarks Sambor Preikuk - Day 18
Isanborei to Siem Reap
Your host prepares breakfast for you. If you didn't visit it yesterday, Sambor Preikuk Temple is nearby and dates back to the 6th century. Cycling through rural roads lets you see locals working in rice fields, and you can sample Sombai Cambodian Liqueur if interested. After saying goodbye to your hosts, you travel to Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat. Once there, explore central markets for local food.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast prepared by local host)
Included Activities
- Homestay
Optional Activities
- Visit Sambor Preikuk Temple
- Cycle through rural village
- Sample Sombai Cambodian Liqueur
- Explore central markets
Landmarks Sambor Preikuk Temple 
- Day 19
Siem Reap
Early this morning you visit Angkor at sunrise, the world's largest religious structure spanning 400 acres. A guided tuk-tuk tour takes you through Angkor Wat, the grand Bayon, and jungle-covered Ta Prohm. These thousand-year-old Khmer Empire buildings display perfect balance and symmetry. You'll also visit temples at sunset for evening light before resting up.
Included Activities
- Angkor Wat Sunrise
- Angkor Temples Guided Tour by TukTuk
- One day Angkor Pass
Optional Activities
- Visit Angkor complex at sunset
Landmarks Angkor Wat Bayon Ta Prohm - Day 20
Siem Reap to Bangkok
You fly from Siem Reap to Bangkok on an unescorted flight, greeted and farewelled by local leaders in each country. On arrival, the evening is free for a street food dinner in Chinatown, a Thai massage to relax, or sunset drinks at a rooftop bar to celebrate the end of your trip.
Optional Activities
- Street food dinner in Chinatown
- Thai massage
- Sunset drinks at rooftop bar
Landmarks Chinatown - Day 21
Bangkok
Your trip comes to an end with no planned activities. Bangkok has plenty to explore if you want, like the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Jim Thompson Museum. If extending your stay in Thailand interests you, reach out to your booking agent beforehand.
Optional Activities
- Visit Grand Palace
- Visit Temple of the Emerald Buddha
- Visit Jim Thompson Museum
Landmarks Grand Palace Temple of the Emerald Buddha Jim Thompson Museum
