Colorful Cambodia & Vietnam

Fly into Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), the gateway to Cambodia’s ancient wonders and vibrant culture. From the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor to the bustling markets and serene countryside, this destination is a feast for the senses.

Since it’s a long journey from most places(See the FAQ under “Getting There” for details), you might want to arrive a day early to rest and adjust to the time zone. To ease jet lag, consider booking a pre-trip night in the Add-On Section below. 

After you clear customs and collect your luggage, we’ll be there to greet you and take you to Treeline Urban Resort, a chic boutique hotel known for its artful design and serene atmosphere along the Siem Reap River.

Take the afternoon to settle in, unwind by the infinity pool, or indulge in a spa treatment. In the evening, we’ll gather in the lobby and walk together to Wild Restaurant, a charming garden hideaway serving creative Cambodian bites and handcrafted cocktails. It’s the perfect setting to toast the start of our adventure!

We start the day with a breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat—an unforgettable way to begin our journey. The largest temple complex in the world, it spans 200 hectares, surrounded by a vast moat and an exterior wall measuring 1,300 by 1,500 meters.

Next, we visit Lotus Silk Farm for a gentle walk through lush lotus fields, where you’ll discover the fascinating art of extracting silky threads from lotus stems. Watch as artisans skillfully transform these delicate fibers into beautiful silk using age-old weaving techniques. After the tour, savor a cup of special lotus flower tea and homemade biscuits made from lotus seeds as you take in the peaceful surroundings.

After lunch at Haven Restaurant, a social enterprise that provides training and opportunities for young Cambodians, we’ll visit Les Artisans d’Angkor, where skilled artisans are keeping the ancient traditions of Khmer stone carving and wood sculpting alive. Watch these craftsmen at work and gain insight into Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage.

As evening falls, we set off on the Hidden Gems Siem Reap food tour by tuk-tuk, a flavorful journey through the city’s best-kept culinary secrets. We’ll stop at elegant galleries, a French-inspired garden restaurant, and an atmospheric wine bar, indulging in a carefully curated dining experience that blends local flavors with international influences.

After breakfast, we'll explore Angkor Thom the walled city of the Khmer Empire, passing through its monumental South Gate and discovering the serene smiles of the Bayon Temple. Next, we'll visit Ta Prohm, where ancient ruins are entangled with the roots of towering trees.

In the afternoon, a Tuk Tuk ride takes us through Siem Reap’s backstreets and suburbs, stopping for a blessing ritual with Buddhist monks and a visit to the APOPO Visitor Center, where trained rats detect landmines, contributing to Cambodia’s recovery efforts.

Dinner will be at The Embassy, a women owned fine dining restaurant.  Prepare to be amazed!

The morning is yours to enjoy—sleep in, take a final dip in the pool, or explore a bit more of Siem Reap at your own pace. In the late afternoon, we’ll gather and head to the airport together for our flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, our local guide and driver will be waiting to greet you and whisk you to Grand Hotel du Lac, an elegant retreat in the heart of the city. Settle in and unwind—after a day of travel, the hotel’s cozy ambiance and plush bedding will make it easy to drift into a restful sleep.

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the nation’s capital mall and start our walking tour. We’ll visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the parliament building, the Presidential Palace, and the Communist Party headquarters. Most Vietnamese visit this place, as Ho Chi Minh is the founder and father of the nation. 

We’ll visit the Temple of Literature and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum of Hanoi, where John McCain was held. 

Lunch will be at “Bun Cha-Obama,” where Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain ate dinner in Hanoi on the late Bourdain’s CNN TV series. 

You will then enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter also known as the ‘Hanoi’s 36 Streets’. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities around you.

In the afternoon, we’ll cruise the back streets of Hanoi in our own jeeps. On the first leg of the trip, we'll pass by or stop at all the MUST-SEE sites in Hanoi. We will visit the enchanting French Quarter, the bustling Old Quarter, the romantic lakes, the Hanoi Opera House, and the famous Long Bien Bridge. 

During the second part of the trip, you'll see the real Hanoi, visiting undiscovered parts of the city and peeking into its back streets, tiny alleyways, local homes, schools, random markets, and the black market. 

Dinner will be at a local restaurant, where we will sample local dishes made with fresh ingredients. 

After breakfast, we'll drive 2.5 hours to the pier to board the Elite of the Sea Cruises for a cruise to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Halong Bay is said to be one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. The bay consists of thousands of limestone islands that soar from the emerald waters. Wind and water have pounded these islands for millions of years, creating their unusual shapes. With pristine beaches, floating villages, amazing natural caves, and fascinating scenery, Halong and its surroundings are a marvel for first-time travelers to Vietnam. 

We'll eat lunch on board before cruising to the core of the bay, among the limestone islands. You'll have time to take a dip in the bay or the pool. 

Tonight, we can watch a cooking demonstration, sip cocktails during happy hour, and enjoy a gourmet dinner on board. The evening offers options to try squid fishing, visit the mini-golf course, or simply relax under the stars..

Note. The cruise itinerary may differ depending on the tides, boat requirements, and the assigned route.

An early morning Tai Chi session welcomes the day before breakfast on deck. We visit the Dark and Bright Cave by traditional rowing boat then have brunch before departing for the airport. 

After checking in at the 5-star La Siesta Hoi An, we'll have the chance to try Banh Mi and local craft beer.

This morning, we explore Hoi An’s Old Town, a UNESCO-listed gem filled with lantern-lit streets, historic merchant houses, and vibrant markets. Highlights include the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, and a stop at a local artisan’s workshop.

Lunch will be a home-hosted meal at Long’s house, where we’ll taste authentic home-cooked Vietnamese dishes in a traditional countryside setting. The afternoon is free to relax or browse the town’s tailors and boutiques.

As the sun begins to set, we embark on a private dinner cruise along the Thu Bon River, setting paper lanterns afloat as we soak in the magic of Hoi An by night.

Today, we head out in an electric car to explore Tra Que Village, where locals grow fragrant herbs and vegetables using age-old techniques. We’ll join in farming activities before heading to a cooking class, where we’ll learn to prepare some of Vietnam’s signature dishes.

After lunch, we’ll board basket boats for a scenic ride through the coconut palm-lined waterways of Cam Thanh Village, once a Viet Cong hideout. Once we get back to town, the afternoon will be yours for shopping or free time.

Our farewell dinner will be at Morning Glory Signature, overlooking the river.

Enjoy breakfast and free time before checking out.

The trip officially ends in Hoi An, Vietnam. You're off to the airport for your flight home. Plan on flying out of Da Nang International Airport to connect to your entry city in Asia on your route home.