14 days Best of South Vietnam and Cambodia

Our driver will pick you up from the airport for a short ride to your hotel. Rest up because a fantastic excursion is planned for tonight!

At 6:00 PM, you'll be picked up for an amazing street food tour on the back of a scooter. The guides are funny and know a lot about life in the city and the fascinating street food culture. You'll taste all kinds of delicious dishes and have a great time with the guides. The perfect introduction to this exciting city. Our first stop is for roasted pork skewers with rice noodles or beef noodle soup. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a Vietnamese savory crispy pancake in a local eatery in district 3, a hidden gem surrounded by many local residents sitting on plastic chairs. Then you'll scoot over to Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, a "culinary paradise" in Saigon. The street food sold here is diverse because people in this area come from different places and have different tastes. We also visit the Thich Quang Duc Monument to learn more about the mysterious story of Thich Quang Duc, who self-immolated to protest the persecution of Buddhism by the South Vietnamese government in 1963. The next destination is the largest flower market located in district 5. The flowers sold there are believed to be collected from all parts of Vietnam, so you can easily buy any type of flower you want, and enjoy its sweet scent or beauty. Hop back on the scooter and go to another area to enjoy the most popular street food in Vietnam, Banh Mi. This sandwich is known as the most popular street food that Vietnamese people eat almost every day. And there's more food to come. We'll stop in district 4, among the locals on plastic chairs in a local eatery to taste steamed clams with lemongrass, grilled scallops, and beer. After the tour, we'll drive you back to your hotel.

Start your day early (7:00 AM) and enjoy a light breakfast onboard the speedboat. Our high-speed boat ensures you arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels before the larger tour groups, providing a more peaceful and intimate experience. Our spacious and comfortable speedboats offer plenty of room to relax during the journey. Admire the stunning views of the Saigon River and witness the traditional way of life along its banks. Our knowledgeable English-speaking guide will share fascinating insights into the history and culture of the region.

Descend into the intricate network of underground tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during various conflicts. Your guide will lead you through the tunnels, explaining their strategic importance and the daily life of the soldiers who lived and fought here. Crawl through a section of the tunnels for a firsthand glimpse into the challenging conditions faced by the Viet Cong.

Indulge in a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring local specialties like lemongrass chicken and caramelized clay pot pork. Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City around 1:00 PM, enriched by your exploration of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Today is your free day in Ho Chi Minh City. With so much to see and do, choosing what to experience might be challenging. I suggest you visit the War Remnants Museum. From there, you can easily walk to the Reunification Palace. The Notre Dame Cathedral is just around the corner. For a stunning view of the city, I recommend heading up to the Chill Skybar around 5:30 PM. Enjoy happy hour while watching the sunset over the bustling city. For a delightful dinner, Secret Garden would be the perfect choice, but be sure to book a table in advance as it's always popular.

Be picked up at approximately 8:00 AM by your driver for a journey to Ben Tre, the Coconut Capital of Vietnam. Discover a region untouched by mass tourism. Upon arrival, embark on a unique ride in a Xe Loi, a motorized cart used for transporting coconuts. Journey through the village of Huu Dinh and admire the beautiful gardens and fields. Continue to the Huu Phuoc bridge, where you will board a boat. Enjoy a welcome drink and tropical local fruits as you cruise along the river. Your first stop on the cruise is a family-owned business that creates a wide range of products from coconuts. You'll be amazed at the variety of items they can produce from a single coconut. Afterwards, return to the boat and sail to a traditional brick factory. Witness the age-old techniques used to bake bricks. Next, hop on a bicycle and explore the beautiful countryside. Visit various local family businesses, such as Mrs. Huong's home. Her family has been catching river shrimp and cultivating fruit for generations. Enjoy some fresh fruit and tea before boarding a small rowing boat. A skilled captain will guide you through narrow canals lined with overhanging water palms. After the rowing boat tour, return to the larger boat and sail to a charming riverside restaurant. Indulge in a spectacular 5-star lunch featuring local specialties. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and soak up the serene atmosphere.

Following lunch, hop back on your bike for a short ride to Mr. Tuong's house. A former Vietcong soldier, Mr. Tuong fought against the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh for two years. Now, he and his wife enjoy a peaceful life in the countryside, producing high-quality rice paper. 

After breakfast, you will be driven to a special area just north of Can Tho. You will stop at a homestay where you will have lunch. After lunch, you will explore the area around the homestay by bike. It is a fantastic area where no other tourists come. This is a great way to get to know the local life. There is also a fairly large Khmer community living in this area. You will visit a beautiful Khmer temple and if you can tell the languages apart, you will notice that some people speak Khmer instead of Vietnamese. After the bike ride, the driver will take you back to your hotel.

Type of tour: private

Early this morning (5:30 AM departure), you will visit the famous floating market near Can Tho. There is a constant coming and going of boats, mainly selling fruit. There are also boats that sell breakfast. You will enjoy a delicious 'banh mi op la' or a warm bowl of 'hu tieu'. And of course, a cup of coffee or tea to wake you up even more. After the market, you will visit a noodle factory. Here you will see the entire process from starting with a large sheet of rice paper to coloring and cutting the noodles. And you will go through the steps yourself as well. You will then sail through narrow canals with overhanging palm trees and visit an organic cocoa plantation. The father of the current owner brought a cocoa seed from Malaysia 30 years ago and after much study learned how to make chocolate. You will end the morning with lunch, after which you will be taken to Chau Doc.

Today you will travel by boat to the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, a remarkable city with a rich but turbulent history. Once known as the Paris of the East, it fell victim to the Khmer Rouge takeover. Over the next few days, you will gain an excellent understanding of the city and its history.

The boat will depart around 07.30 today and is expected to arrive around 13.30. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and taken to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for your own leisure. Visit the lively boulevard in the evening or explore the BKK1 district, where you can find charming restaurants and boutiques.Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Upon your arrival at the boat station, our friendly driver will be waiting to whisk you comfortably to your hotel. 

This morning, we'll embark on a unique journey through Phnom Penh's history aboard a traditional Khmer cyclo, a bicycle-powered tuk-tuk. Our first stop is the awe-inspiring Royal Palace, a magnificent architectural masterpiece showcasing the grandeur of ancient Khmer architecture. Next, we'll climb the 35-meter hill to Wat Phnom, the namesake of Phnom Penh itself. This tranquil pagoda offers a haven of peace amidst the city bustle. Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys swinging in the shade of the surrounding trees. As we continue our journey by tuk-tuk, prepare for a more somber experience. We'll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former detention and torture center that offers a chilling glimpse into Cambodia's turbulent past. Our final stop will be Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields. This somber memorial site serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. While undoubtedly disturbing, these visits are crucial to understanding the resilience of the Cambodian people and their journey towards a brighter future.

You will begin with a visit to a bustling local market, where you can witness the vibrant atmosphere and learn about the diverse array of fresh ingredients used in Khmer cooking. From fragrant herbs to exotic spices, the market experience is a sensory delight. Back at the cooking school, you are guided through the art of preparing authentic Cambodian dishes. Under the expert tutelage of experienced chef, you'll learn essential cooking techniques and discover the secrets behind the perfect balance of flavors. We will give you some free time in the afternoon. At the end of the afternoon, we take you to the Kanika boat for a leisurely trip on the Tonle Sap and the mighty Mekong. Settled comfortably on the deck, you can relax and enjoy the breeze, the unique panorama of the Cambodian capital and the scenic landscape on the banks of the Mekong including floating villages and a spectacular sunset over the Phnom Penh skyline.

Your day begins with a comfortable private car transfer to Siem Reap. Along the way, prepare to be transported back in time with a stop at the captivating Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex. Dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, this is the oldest temple complex in Cambodia and boasts a beautiful setting amidst the lush forests of Kampong Thom province. In the company of your knowledgeable guide, you'll have the opportunity to explore the three main temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Choose your preferred mode of transportation: bicycle, foot or car. Around every corner awaits a hidden gem – a temple partially reclaimed by nature, creating a truly unique atmosphere.

We continue our journey with a brief stop at Kampong Kdie, an ancient Angkorian bridge that once served as a vital part of the Angkor "highway." This stop offers a fascinating glimpse into the engineering marvels of the Khmer Empire. Finally, we reach Siem Reap, the vibrant gateway city to the world-renowned temples of Angkor. Here, you'll be perfectly positioned to embark on further explorations and delve deeper into Cambodia's rich history and captivating culture.

Fuel your day with breakfast and then hop aboard a tuk-tuk, the iconic Cambodian motorcycle taxi! This vibrant open-air ride will whisk you away to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest and most magnificent temple complexes. Dating back to the 12th century, Angkor Wat is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, adorned with intricate sculptures and exuding a mystical aura. Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer scale and beauty of Angkor Wat itself. After exploring its majesty, we'll take a refreshing break before a short drive to Angkor Thom, another impressive temple complex within Angkor. Here, the Bayon temple awaits, showcasing 54 enigmatic four-headed Buddha statues – a truly unforgettable photo opportunity. Our final stop of the day is Ta Phrom, a captivating temple partially reclaimed by nature. Towering trees and gigantic roots intertwine with the ancient stone blocks, creating a hauntingly beautiful spectacle. After this enriching day filled with awe-inspiring sights, you'll return to your hotel for some well-deserved relaxation

Around 8:30 AM, you'll leave Siem Reap in one of our charming vintage jeeps, ready to explore the captivating rural landscapes. Trade the city bustle for a scenic bike ride along flat, red dirt roads weaving through traditional villages. Stop by a local fish market to witness the vibrant Khmer fish trade and immerse yourself in the everyday life of the community. After a refreshing break, we'll journey to Kampong Khleang, one of Cambodia's most impressive floating villages. During the rainy season, a boat trip will unveil the village's unique charm. In the dry season, we'll navigate the village on foot. Next, get a glimpse into local life with a delicious Khmer lunch shared with welcoming villagers in their traditional stilt home. Afterward, we'll visit a peaceful island pagoda and a fascinating monk school. Prepare to be amazed as we continue to the Vietnamese floating village. Here, houses bob gently on the water, boasting a floating school, hospital, local shops, and even a hair salon! Witness this unique, self-contained community firsthand. On our return journey to Siem Reap (around 5 PM), we'll make one last stop for another heartwarming interaction with the friendly villagers, ensuring you leave with unforgettable memories. 

Your day begins with a visit to Theams's Gallery, a captivating haven created by renowned Cambodian artist Lim Muy Theam. Explore his studio and gallery, housed in breathtaking pavilions, and discover a treasure trove of Khmer culture. Immerse yourself in Theam's private collection of local artifacts, gaining a deeper appreciation for Cambodian heritage. Next, embark on a unique mission at Apopo. Witness the incredible work of landmine clearance through their innovative approach – training African Giant Pouched Rats to sniff out these deadly explosives. Learn more about landmines' impact on Cambodia, Apopo's work, and see these "HeroRATs" in action! This is a truly unforgettable experience. Experience Cambodian hospitality firsthand as you join a family for a traditional meal preparation. Unlike a cooking class, this is a collaborative effort – you can choose to actively participate in creating three local dishes alongside your hosts or simply observe the culinary magic unfold. Regardless of your participation level, you'll then enjoy a delicious Cambodian lunch together, forging a connection and sharing stories.The afternoon is yours to explore! Immerse yourself in the vibrant markets or unwind by the pool.

In the evening, prepare to be captivated by Phare, a spellbinding performance that blends modern circus arts and music. Witness stories steeped in Cambodian tradition and spirit unfold through acrobatics, dance, and dazzling displays of virtuosity. This high-energy performance is a must-see in Siem Reap, leaving you breathless and inspired.

Your Cambodian adventure concludes with a comfortable private transfer to Siem Reap Airport, ensuring a smooth transition back home. We sincerely hope these past days have been filled with unforgettable experiences, leaving you with a treasure trove of happy memories to cherish for years to come. Cambodia offers a wealth of hidden wonders to explore, and we would be thrilled to welcome you back anytime. Let us be your guide to discover more of this captivating country, its rich culture, and the warmth of its people.

A Gentle Reminder: Your check-out time is 12:00 PM. However, if your flight departs later, we offer a convenient late check-out option for a small additional charge.