Vietnam Cambodia Tour 18 Days: Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An & Halong Bay

In the morning / afternoon (depending on your flight schedule), your Vietnam Cambodia Tour 18 Days officially begins as you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport.

• Noi Bai International Airport
  → The main international gateway to Hanoi, located about 30 km from the city center and serving as the busiest airport in Northern Vietnam.

After arrival, your private driver will meet you at the airport holding a signboard with your name for easy recognition.

• Private airport pick-up service
  → A convenient and comfortable transfer ensuring a smooth start to your journey.

In the late morning / afternoon, transfer to your hotel located in Hanoi City Center, close to the famous Old Quarter.

• Hanoi Old Quarter
  → The most vibrant area of the capital, known for narrow streets, local shops, street food, and traditional Vietnamese atmosphere.

In the evening, enjoy free time to relax at the hotel or explore Hanoi at your own pace.

Overnight in Hanoi.

In the morning at 08:00

• Meet your guide and depart from Hanoi to Mai Chau
• Pass through a traditional Muong village on the way

Muong villages are home to one of Vietnam’s oldest ethnic groups, known for stilt houses and peaceful rural life.

• Stop at Thung Khe Pass for panoramic valley views

Thung Khe Pass is a famous mountain viewpoint offering breathtaking scenery of limestone mountains and rice valleys.

In the morning at 08:00

• Meet your guide and depart from Hanoi to Mai Chau
• Pass through a traditional Muong village on the way

Muong villages are home to one of Vietnam’s oldest ethnic groups, known for stilt houses and peaceful rural life.

• Stop at Thung Khe Pass for panoramic valley views

Thung Khe Pass is a famous mountain viewpoint offering breathtaking scenery of limestone mountains and rice valleys.

Late in the morning

• Arrive and check in at Mai Hich Village
• Enjoy a local lunch after check-in

Mai Hich Village is a quiet countryside area known for Thai ethnic culture, green rice fields, and authentic homestay experiences.

In the afternoon

• Go cycling along village trails and small backroads

Cycling in Mai Chau is a relaxing way to explore rural landscapes, stilt houses, and daily life of local communities.

• Continue with a trek through rice fields and small villages toward Xam Khoe Village

Xam Khoe Village is a peaceful Thai ethnic village surrounded by nature, offering an authentic glimpse into traditional mountain life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Puluong

At 08:00 in the morning

• • Depart from Mai Hich (Mai Chau) and travel about 30 km to Eo Ken.
  • Mai Hich is a quiet rural area surrounded by rice fields and mountains, offering an authentic countryside atmosphere.

In the morning

• • Arrive in Eo Ken, home to local Muong ethnic families, and begin your trek.
  • Muong ethnic villages are known for traditional stilt houses and a peaceful lifestyle closely connected to nature.

Late in the morning

• • Walk down into Pu Luong Nature Reserve to admire spectacular rice terraces and mountain scenery.
  • Pu Luong Nature Reserve is famous for lush valleys, terraced rice fields, and unspoiled landscapes ideal for trekking.

Before midday

• • Visit a local family home to learn about daily life in the countryside.
  • Local family visit offers an authentic cultural experience, showing traditional living conditions and warm hospitality.

At midday

• • Continue trekking through scenic trails, cross a small stream, and reach Hang Village.
  • Hang Village is a remote settlement surrounded by greenery, offering quiet rural charm and beautiful nature views.

In the early afternoon

• • Meet your car transfer and return to Mai Chau for lunch.
  • Mai Chau is well-known for its green valleys, ethnic culture, and relaxing atmosphere.

In the late afternoon

• • Travel onward to Ninh Binh, arriving later in the day.
  • Ninh Binh is famous for limestone karsts, peaceful rivers, and stunning countryside landscapes often called “Halong Bay on land.”

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hanoi

At 07:30 in the morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before starting your journey.

• Scenic limousine transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
  → Travel comfortably through the countryside, passing peaceful villages and wide rice fields typical of Northern Vietnam.

In the late morning, arrive in Ninh Binh and begin sightseeing.

• Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
  → Vietnam’s first capital, home to the historic Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains.
• Optional countryside cycling
  → A relaxing ride through local villages and rice paddies, offering an authentic rural experience during your Vietnam Cambodia travel journey.

At midday, enjoy a local buffet lunch with regional specialties.

• Ninh Binh cuisine
  → Known for fresh local ingredients and traditional flavors unique to the area.

Choose Your Boat Experience (Afternoon)

• Tam Coc boat trip
  → Often called “Halong Bay on land,” famous for limestone caves, rice fields, and peaceful river scenery.

• Trang An boat trip (UNESCO Site)
  → A stunning landscape of caves and waterways, recognized for its natural beauty and cultural significance.

Later in the afternoon, visit Mua Cave and climb around 500 steps to the viewpoint.

• Mua Cave viewpoint
  → One of the best panoramic spots in Ninh Binh, offering breathtaking views over the river, rice fields, and karst mountains.

In the evening, check in at your resort and relax.

• Resort swimming pool & leisure time
  → Perfect for unwinding after a full day of exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Ninh Binh.

In the morning at 08:30

• Pick up by your guide and transfer by minivan to Thai Vi Temple

Thai Vi Temple is a sacred historical site honoring kings and generals of the Tran Dynasty, surrounded by beautiful limestone scenery.

• Continue to visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is one of Ninh Binh’s most scenic landmarks, built into the mountain with three levels (Bottom, Middle, Top) offering peaceful views and spiritual charm.

At midday

• Enjoy a local specialty lunch, a relaxing moment during your Vietnam Cambodia River tours journey

In the afternoon

• Explore Thung Nham Bird Valley
  • Take a sampan boat ride through Hang But Cave
  • Enjoy bird watching with thousands of birds in their natural habitat

Thung Nham Bird Valley is a quiet eco-area famous for caves, wetlands, and rich birdlife in a natural setting.

In the late afternoon

• Return to the hotel to collect your luggage and rest before departure

In the evening at 19:30

• Transfer to Ninh Binh Train Station
• Board the overnight train to Da Nang

Overnight in Ninh Binh / on night train (sharing cabin of 4 people)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning

• • Check out of your hotel in Ninh Binh and meet your driver for the transfer to Halong Bay.
  • Ninh Binh is famous for limestone mountains, rice fields, and peaceful countryside landscapes.

Late in the morning

• • Travel through the Red River Delta, enjoying scenic views of emerald rice paddies stretching across rural villages.
  • Red River Delta is one of Vietnam’s most fertile regions, known for traditional farming life and vast green fields.

At midday

• • Arrive at the pier and board your Halong Bay cruise.
  • Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its dramatic limestone islands and hidden karst grottoes.

In the early afternoon

• • Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch onboard and relax on the sundeck while cruising.
  • Sundeck experience is perfect for panoramic views and peaceful moments on the water.

In the afternoon

• • • Stop at a quiet hidden spot for kayaking or swimming.
    • Kayaking in Halong Bay allows you to get close to limestone cliffs and explore calm lagoons—an unforgettable highlight of a 2 weeks Cambodia Vietnam journey.

In the early evening

• • • Return to the cruise for an early dinner onboard.
    • Dinner on the cruise offers fresh local flavors in a romantic setting surrounded by the bay.

In the evening

• • • Enjoy leisure time on board, join optional activities, or simply relax under the night sky.

Early in the morning, wake up to enjoy the sunrise over Halong Bay while having breakfast in the dining room.

• Halong Bay sunrise
  → A peaceful moment surrounded by emerald waters and limestone islands, creating one of the most unforgettable views of your Vietnam Cambodia vacation.

In the morning, join a Tai Chi class on the sundeck.

• Tai Chi on cruise
  → A relaxing wellness activity that helps refresh your body while enjoying panoramic bay scenery.

Later in the morning, visit a spectacular limestone cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

• Halong limestone cave
  → A natural wonder shaped over millions of years, featuring impressive rock formations and mysterious chambers.

Late in the morning, return to the cruise to check out and enjoy brunch onboard while sailing back to the harbor.

• Brunch on cruise
  → A perfect final chance to relax and admire the last beautiful views of Halong Bay.

In the afternoon, disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.

• Hanoi transfer
  → A comfortable journey through the countryside before continuing to Central Vietnam.

Later in the afternoon, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.

• Da Nang
  → A modern coastal city and the main gateway to Hoi An and central Vietnam’s heritage sites.

In the evening, upon arrival in Da Nang, continue by private car to Hoi An and check in at your hotel.

• • Hoi An Ancient Town
    → A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for lantern-lit streets, charming architecture, and a peaceful riverside atmosphere.

  Overnight in Hoi An.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An
• Transfer to the Bay Mau Coconut Jungle

Bay Mau Coconut Jungle is a unique water coconut forest known for its peaceful canals and traditional fishing lifestyle.

Late in the morning

• Experience a ride on a Vietnamese basket boat (coracle)

Basket boat ride is a fun local activity where you float through narrow waterways and learn traditional rowing techniques.

• Watch local demonstrations such as net fishing or basket boat spinning (seasonal)

At midday

• Enjoy free time or lunch at a local restaurant (optional depending on tour arrangement)

In the afternoon

• Return to Hoi An Ancient Town for relaxation or walking around

Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for lantern streets, old merchant houses, and riverside charm.

In the evening

• Join a lantern release activity on the Hoai River

Lantern release is a meaningful Hoi An tradition where visitors float flower lanterns on the river to wish for luck, peace, and happiness.

Overnight in Hoi An

In the morning

• • Depart from your hotel and transfer to Ba Na Hills in the mountains near Da Nang.
  • Ba Na Hills is a famous hilltop resort complex known for cool weather, European-style architecture, and breathtaking views.

Late in the morning

• • Ride the Ba Na cable car, one of the world’s most scenic cable systems, offering panoramic views of forests and valleys.
  • Ba Na cable car is a highlight experience, floating above clouds and lush landscapes.

Around midday

• • Visit the iconic Golden Bridge (Cau Vang), held up by two giant stone hands.
  • Golden Bridge is one of Vietnam’s most photographed landmarks, famous for its unique design and stunning mountain backdrop.

In the afternoon

• • Explore French Village, featuring European-style buildings, gardens, and lively squares.
  • French Village recreates a charming European town atmosphere with castles, cafés, and photo spots.

Late afternoon

• • Enjoy free time for sightseeing, shopping, or optional attractions before returning by cable car.

In the evening

• • • Transfer back to your hotel and relax after a full day of exploration.

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An and spend some free time relaxing before departure.

• Hoi An
  → A charming UNESCO-listed ancient town known for lantern streets, heritage houses, and peaceful riverside scenery.

Late in the morning / early afternoon, your private driver will transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight.

• Da Nang Airport
  → The main airport in Central Vietnam, offering convenient domestic connections.

In the afternoon, fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

• Ho Chi Minh City
  → Vietnam’s busiest and most energetic city, famous for modern shopping centers, colonial landmarks, and vibrant street life.

In the late afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel.

In the evening, you may choose to visit local markets, enjoy street food, or experience the lively nightlife.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast

(Note: Your original text says “Overnight in Hoi An” and includes Lunch, but the itinerary clearly ends in Ho Chi Minh City and no lunch is mentioned. If you want, I can adjust exactly according to your intended plan.)

In the morning

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
• Depart with your guide and driver toward Cai Be in the Mekong Delta

Cai Be is a charming riverside town famous for fruit orchards, small canals, and traditional local workshops.

Late in the morning

• Take a private boat cruise along the Mekong River through peaceful canals
• Pass waterways lined with tropical fruit gardens and observe local daily life

Mekong Delta boat trip is the best way to experience authentic river culture, stilt houses, and traditional countryside scenery.

• Stop at local craft workshops to see handmade products

Local workshops showcase traditional Mekong skills such as making rice paper, coconut candy, and other regional specialties.

• Visit Phu Chau Pagoda

Phu Chau Pagoda is a quiet spiritual site located along the river, offering peaceful scenery and cultural insight.

At midday

• Enjoy lunch featuring the famous elephant ear fish

Elephant ear fish is a signature Mekong specialty, deep-fried and served with herbs and rice paper.

In the afternoon

• Take a rowing boat ride through shaded canals
• Stop to taste or pick seasonal tropical fruits

Shaded canals are one of the Mekong’s most beautiful landscapes, surrounded by coconut palms and lush greenery.

Late in the afternoon

• Transfer to Can Tho for check-in

Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta, known for its riverside charm and floating market culture.

Overnight in Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast

In the morning

• • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Can Tho before starting your day.
  • Can Tho is the cultural heart of the Mekong Delta, famous for river life and floating markets—an essential stop for Vietnam Cambodia travel.

At 08:00 in the morning

• • Board a motorboat and cruise along the Mekong River to visit Cai Rang Floating Market.
  • Cai Rang Floating Market is the largest floating market in southern Vietnam, known for busy boat trading and colorful local products.

In the morning

• • Experience the lively atmosphere as vendors sell fruits and goods directly from their boats.
  • Enjoy a bowl of traditional Hu Tieu rice noodles, a famous Mekong breakfast dish.
  • Hu Tieu is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup, well-loved for its rich broth and fresh herbs.

Late in the morning

• • • Continue to Ninh Kieu Pier for a short visit and lunch.
    • Ninh Kieu Pier is Can Tho’s most famous riverside area, offering relaxing views and a vibrant local atmosphere.

In the afternoon

• • • Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.
    • Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s most dynamic metropolis, known for modern energy, historic landmarks, and excellent shopping.

At 08:00 in the morning, depart Ho Chi Minh City and drive about 2 hours through the countryside to Cu Chi Tunnels.

• Cu Chi Tunnels
  → A famous underground network used during the Vietnam War, featuring hidden entrances, living areas, and secret routes stretching deep below the ground.

In the late morning, explore selected tunnel sections and learn about wartime survival methods.

• Tunnel exploration experience
  → Walk through narrow passages and discover how soldiers lived, communicated, and fought under extremely difficult conditions.

Optional activities (if interested):

• Smokeless stove cooking & wartime food tasting
  → Learn how soldiers cooked underground without smoke and taste simple local foods once eaten during the war.
• • AK-47 shooting experience
    → A thrilling optional activity available at the site for adventurous visitors.

  At 13:00 in the afternoon, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Ho Chi Minh City
    → Vietnam’s most dynamic metropolis, known for busy streets, modern lifestyle, and historical landmarks.

  In the late afternoon, enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel, where the tour ends.

  Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
• Free time at leisure before departure

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s most dynamic metropolis, known for its vibrant streets, colonial architecture, and modern lifestyle.

Late in the morning / early afternoon

• Private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport
• Take your flight to Phnom Penh

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the main airport in southern Vietnam, offering convenient connections to Cambodia and other regional destinations.

Upon arrival

• Land at Phnom Penh International Airport
• Meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in the city center
• Check in and relax

Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital city, famous for its riverside atmosphere, royal heritage, and important historical landmarks.

Overnight in Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast

At 08:00 in the morning

• • Meet your guide and driver at the hotel and begin the city tour with a drive along the Phnom Penh Riverfront.
  • Phnom Penh Riverfront is a lively area lined with cafés and colonial buildings, offering beautiful views of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers.

In the morning

• • Stop at the Independence Monument for photos.
  • Independence Monument is a key national symbol of Cambodia, built to celebrate independence from French rule.

Late in the morning

• • Visit Choeung Ek Killing Fields, one of the most emotional historical sites in Cambodia.
  • Choeung Ek is where thousands of civilians were executed during the Khmer Rouge regime, offering deep insight into Cambodia’s tragic past.

Before midday

• • Continue to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison).
  • Tuol Sleng Museum was once a school turned into a prison, displaying haunting photos and exhibits from the Khmer Rouge era.

At midday

• • Browse the Russian Market for souvenirs and local products.
  • Russian Market is famous for handicrafts, clothing, silver jewelry, and authentic street-market vibes—perfect for Vietnam Cambodia travel shoppers.

In the afternoon

• • Visit the magnificent Royal Palace and the famous Silver Pagoda.
  • Royal Palace is Cambodia’s most iconic royal residence, known for golden rooftops and Khmer architecture.
  • Silver Pagoda is famous for its floor made of over 5,000 solid silver tiles and sacred Buddhist treasures.

Later in the afternoon

• • Explore the National Museum of Cambodia.
  • National Museum houses the country’s most important collection of Khmer sculptures and ancient carvings.

Before 17:30 in the evening

• • • End the tour at Wat Phnom, the spiritual founding site of Phnom Penh.
    • Wat Phnom is a peaceful hilltop temple believed to be the birthplace of the capital city.

Around 17:30 in the evening

• • • Return to your hotel and relax.

At 08:00 in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Phnom Penh and transferred to the bus station.

• Phnom Penh
  → Cambodia’s capital city, known for its riverside charm, royal landmarks, and vibrant local culture.

In the morning, begin your 5-hour coach journey to Siem Reap.

• Shuttle bus ride to Siem Reap
  → A comfortable overland transfer through Cambodia’s countryside, passing rural villages and scenic landscapes.

In the early afternoon, arrive in Siem Reap and check in at your hotel.

• Siem Reap
  → The gateway to the Angkor temples, famous for its lively night markets, cultural shows, and relaxed atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, enjoy free time at leisure to rest, explore the town, or visit nearby markets.

Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast

In the morning (08:00 – 08:30)

• After breakfast, depart for Angkor Thom to begin your temple discovery

Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire, famous for its grand gates, stone carvings, and royal monuments.

• Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom
  • The iconic entrance lined with giant stone faces and statues
• Explore Bayon Temple
  • Known for its many serene smiling faces carved into tall towers
• Continue to Baphuon Temple
  • A massive stepped pyramid temple with impressive restoration work
• Visit Phimeanakas Temple
  • A royal temple located inside the ancient palace grounds
• Walk along the Elephant Terrace and Leper King Terrace
  • Famous for detailed bas-reliefs and ancient ceremonial platforms
• Explore the Royal Palace area, including Woman Pond and Man Pond

Woman Pond & Man Pond are peaceful ancient reservoirs once used by the royal family, offering scenic photo stops.

• Visit Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm is the famous jungle temple where giant tree roots wrap around ancient stone walls, creating a dramatic atmosphere.

In the afternoon

• Visit Angkor Wat Temple, the most iconic monument in Cambodia

Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious temple complex, admired for its grand towers, detailed carvings, and sacred galleries dating from the 9th–13th century.

Around 16:30

• Return to your hotel for a short rest

In the evening

• Transfer to a local restaurant for dinner and enjoy an Apsara Dance Show

Apsara Dance is a traditional Khmer royal performance featuring elegant costumes, graceful movements, and classical Cambodian music.

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning

• • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel on the final day of your Vietnam Cambodia Tour 18 Days.
  • Siem Reap is Cambodia’s most famous cultural destination, best known as the gateway to the Angkor temples and its relaxed local charm.

Late in the morning / early afternoon

• • Spend your free time at leisure for last-minute shopping, relaxing at the hotel, or exploring nearby areas.
  • Siem Reap local markets are great for finding handicrafts, silk scarves, souvenirs, and Cambodian snacks.

At the scheduled time

• • Your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight.
  • Siem Reap International Airport is the main airport serving travelers visiting Angkor, offering convenient international and regional connections.

Meals: Breakfast
Trip Ends. Safe travels!