Essential Vietnam and Cambodia: A Budget-Friendly Adventure 19-Day

Discover the best of Vietnam and Cambodia with our Super Saver Package Tour. This 19-day tour takes you on a journey through the most beautiful and historic destinations in both countries. You'll visit Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience the culture, history, and natural beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia.

1. Halong Bay Overnight Cruise - Explore the stunning natural beauty of Halong Bay aboard an overnight cruise. Enjoy breathtaking views of the limestone cliffs and clear turquoise waters while indulging in delicious meals and activities onboard. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed.
2. Angkor Highlights - Visit the famous Angkor temples, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm. Learn about the history and significance of these ancient ruins and marvel at their impressive architecture and intricate carvings.
3. Cu Chi Tunnels - Discover the underground network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Gain insight into the hardships and struggles of the soldiers who lived and fought in these tunnels and learn about the history of the war.
4. Sapa - Trek through the stunning landscapes of Sapa and visit the traditional villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. Immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the daily life of the ethnic minority groups that call this area home.
5. Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Explore the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh and visit its iconic landmarks, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum. Learn about the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
6. Phnom Penh's Past and Present - Learn about Cambodia's tumultuous history at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Gain a deeper understanding of the country's past and present and the resilience of its people.

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam! On your first day, you can arrive in Hanoi at any time as the only activity scheduled is the airport pick up. A Legend Travel Group car driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel. Once you have checked in, the rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore the city and form your own first impressions of Vietnam. The airport transfer is included in the itinerary, so you don't have to worry about arranging transportation on your own. Stay overnight in Hanoi and get ready for an exciting adventure!

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

6:30-7:00 am: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi to begin the journey to Sapa. Along the way, we'll make a comfortable stop for a short break before continuing on to Lao Cai City.

10:00 am: Arrive in Lao Cai City and continue the drive to Sapa. Be amazed by the colorful traditional costumes of H’mong, Dzao, Tay ethnic people. Enjoy a welcome drink and itinerary briefing upon arrival in Sapa. After that, indulge in local Vietnamese dishes for lunch before checking into the hotel.

14:30 pm: Embark on a hike downhill to Cat Cat village situated at the bottom of Muong Hoa Valley. Take in the stunning views of the beautiful valley towards Fansipan - the highest peak in Vietnam and Indochina. Once we reach the village, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Black H’mong’s traditional stilt houses and observe people weaving, embroidering, and drying their clothes. Then, continue walking to witness the dramatic and picturesque Cat Cat Waterfall - a great spot for photo-shoots.

17:00 pm: Return to Sapa town for dinner. After dinner, you'll have free time to explore the Sapa Market and town. Overnight at the hotel.

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Accommodation Options:

Sapa Luxury Hotel - 3-star or similar

Chau Long Sapa 2 Hotel - 4-star or similar

7:30 am - Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

8:00 am - Embark on a trek from Sapa to another part of Muong Hoa Valley and marvel at the magnificent mountainous landscapes. Walk through lush rice terraces to reach Lao Chai village and witness the daily life and traditional culture of the Black H'mong people.

10:30 am - Visit Ta Van village of the Tay minority, which is strongly influenced by Chinese culture. Then, take a bus back to Sapa.

13:30 pm - Spend some free time in Sapa to refresh yourself.

14:15 pm - Board a bus to return to Hanoi.

20:45 - 21:15 pm - Arrive in Hanoi, check in, and stay overnight in Hanoi. (Please note that your exact arrival time at hotel in Hanoi depends on the traffic conditions)

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi Hotel - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up by our friendly guide to begin your exploration of Hanoi City. The first stop will be at Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This pagoda is the oldest in Hanoi and was built in the 6th century. Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history and culture of this important landmark.

Next, visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you will have the chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Take a leisurely walk around the garden to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Then, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, which worships the Goddess of Mercy and is considered the most unique pagoda in the world.

Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. If your tour falls on either of these days, an alternative itinerary will be arranged.

Afterwards, head to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. However, if your tour falls on a Monday, the museum will be closed, and you will visit the Women’s Museum instead.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at our restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best Vietnamese cuisine.

After lunch, continue your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam established in the 11th century. This is a great place to learn about the education system of Vietnam in ancient times.

The city tour will conclude with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton."

After an exciting day of exploring Hanoi City, you will be transferred back to the hotel for check in. Free at leisure and stay overnight in Hanoi.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

After having breakfast at your hotel, the car driver and tour guide will pick you up at 8:00 am to depart for Ninh Binh Province. It's a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

At around 10:30 am, you will arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the site of a 10th-century capital of an ancient Vietnamese Kingdom during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Here, you will visit two temples - the Dinh Tien Hoang Temple (Dinh King’s temple) and Le Hoan Temple (Le King’s Temple).

At noon, you will enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, at around 2:00 pm, you will continue your tour to Tam Coc. You will take a boat trip on Ngo Dong River with the stunning scenery of karst hills, rice fields, and peaceful villages, and pass through “Hang Ca”, “Hang Hai” and “Hang Ba”.

At around 4:00 pm, you will visit Mua Cave, known as the miniature Great Wall of Vietnam. You can challenge yourself to climb up the 500 stone steps of Mua Cave to see the breathtaking panorama view of the countryside, rice field, and Ngo Dong river.

At around 5:30 pm, you will get back on the car and relax while returning to Hanoi.

At around 8:00 pm, you will arrive at your hotel in Hanoi for check-in and stay overnight.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

After having breakfast at your hotel, you will have the entire day to yourself to explore the city and engage in activities of your choice.

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is known for its rich history, culture, and scenic landscapes. You may choose to visit some of the popular tourist attractions such as the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter…. Alternatively, you may want to shop for souvenirs or indulge in local cuisine at the many street food stalls and restaurants.

The day is entirely yours to enjoy, and you can create your own itinerary based on your interests and preferences. After a fulfilling day of exploration and discovery, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Hanoi.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our private mini-van/bus will pick you up between 8:30 am to 9:00 am to begin your journey to Halong City. During the 3.5-hour drive, you will have the opportunity to view the simple countryside and rice paddy life along the way. Once you arrive at the port, you will board your private boat - an authentic Chinese Junk - and begin your amazing cruise through the stunning Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site. Lunch will be served on board and will consist of a selection of the freshest seafood.

During the cruise, we will visit "the Amazing cave" and then take a swim in the tranquil emerald waters of Halong Bay. We will then cruise further into a quiet area where we will anchor and spend the night. You will enjoy dinner and relax as the sun sets over the bay. Afterward, you are free to swim in the phosphorescent water, retire to your cabin, or even fall asleep under the stars on the top deck, surrounded by the magic of Halong. You will spend the night on the boat, taking in the stunning surroundings of the bay.

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Accommodation Options:

MILA Cruises - 3-star or similar

Pelican Cruises - 4-star or similar

Wake up early in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Enjoy breakfast served on the boat as we leisurely cruise through thousands of stunning and seemingly never-ending islands. This is an amazing opportunity to capture some breathtaking photographs of the scenery. We will also make a stop to visit a floating fishing village and hear legendary stories of the fishermen's daily life.

Lunch will be served on the boat as we cruise back to the Halong City pier. From there, we will return to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi around 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Free for leisure until transfer to the Hanoi Railway Station for overnight train to Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Express Train-4 Berths Cabin sharing

Express Train-Private Cabin

Upon arrival in Hoi An via overnight train, which is expected to arrive between 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm, you will be responsible for providing your own breakfast and lunch on the train and covering any associated costs.

Upon disembarking the train, you will be greeted by a designated representative who will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Following check-in, you will have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure, exploring the charming town of Hoi An.

Hoi An, located in central Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local culture. You may choose to wander through the winding streets of the Old Town, browse the bustling markets, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Your evening will be spent at your hotel, where you will enjoy an overnight stay in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a charming and historic trading center that was once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other merchant vessels from the Far East.

Your tour will start with a visit to a temple located in the center of Hoi An. The temple has partially gilded statues and reflects the influences of Chinese and Japanese styles. You will also visit a pagoda that is dedicated to sailors and fishermen, and a chapel that has origins dating back to the 1700s.

Next, you will stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, which is located near the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The museum contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history, offering a glimpse into the city's rich and fascinating past.

Later in the afternoon, you will take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village on Cam Kim Island. Here, you will see the skilled woodworkers and shipbuilding families who have been practicing their craft for generations. It's a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam.

Finally, you will return to your haven on the world-famous “Cua Dai Beach.” Spend the evening at your leisure, relaxing on the beautiful beach and enjoying the stunning scenery. Overnight in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

After having breakfast at the hotel, you will leave at 8:00 am to visit My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 50 km southwest of Hoi An. My Son was once a capital and religious center of the Cham people and is now home to red brick towers and sanctuaries. It is considered to be one of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, along with Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand, and Borobudur in Indonesia. The towers and sanctuaries were built between the 7th and 13th centuries.

During your visit, you will explore the lush valley and learn about the Cham civilization and their beliefs. You will have the opportunity to admire the intricate carvings and sculptures on the temples and learn about their significance.

You will return to Hoi An town for lunch on your own around 1:00 pm. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to go shopping or explore the town at your own pace. Hoi An is known for its beautiful lanterns, tailor-made clothing, and handcrafted souvenirs, so you might want to explore the local shops and markets.

The trip ends with an overnight stay in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you have the morning free to relax or indulge in some shopping in Hoi An. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, a friendly and professional driver will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh at your own leisure. You could visit some of the city's many cultural attractions such as the War Remnants Museum or the Independence Palace, or take a leisurely stroll around some of the local markets to soak up the bustling atmosphere.

Alternatively, you may want to unwind and relax in your comfortable hotel room after a long day of travel. Whatever you choose to do, there is plenty to keep you entertained in this exciting city.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City and get ready for more adventure tomorrow.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Ramada Encore Saigon Hotel - 4-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a fascinating journey through the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture built by the French in the 19th century. Next, stop at the historic Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel and featuring a beautiful interior of intricate maps, intricate designs, and arched windows. Then, explore the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam and a symbol of the country's tumultuous past.

After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon takes you to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a popular destination for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists. The tunnels, which span over 200km, played a critical role during the Vietnam War and were functioning underground cities that included trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. You will learn about the construction of the tunnels and spend the next few hours exploring the tunnels and war remnants, gaining insights into the harsh conditions and ingenious methods used to maintain life in the tunnels. You'll even have a chance to sample some of the simple cuisine that local fighters survived on and venture into the tunnels to experience the complex firsthand.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a comfortable overnight stay. The distance between Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnel is approximately 75 km, which takes about 1.5 hours to drive.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Ramada Encore Saigon Hotel - 4-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide will pick you up at 8:00 am to start your journey to My Tho, the capital city of Tien Giang Province. This picturesque city is located on the Mekong River, about 75 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, and is known for its lush orchards and rice fields that produce grains for the entire country.

During your visit to My Tho, you'll have the chance to explore one or two of the islands known for producing traditional handcrafts, such as coconut candy and bee farms. You'll also visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, which is the oldest pagoda in the Mekong Delta region. You'll take a boat trip along the Mekong River to reach the pagoda, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and boasts intricate architecture and stunning sculptures.

After your tour of My Tho is complete, you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll check in at your hotel and stay overnight.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Ramada Encore Saigon Hotel - 4-star or similar

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, you will have some free time to explore the city on your own before departing for Phnom Penh. This is the perfect opportunity to visit any attractions you might have missed earlier in your trip or do some last-minute shopping before your journey to Cambodia.

Later in the morning, you will board the bus that will take you to Phnom Penh via the Moc Bai International Border - Bavet, Cambodia. The bus journey takes approximately six hours, during which you can enjoy the scenic views of the countryside and take some time to relax and unwind.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh in the afternoon, you will be picked up at the bus station and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore the city or simply relax and unwind after your journey. Phnom Penh is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, offering plenty of options for sightseeing, dining, and shopping.

You will stay overnight in Phnom Penh, giving you ample time to explore the city and soak up its unique atmosphere.

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Accommodation Options:

La Niche D’angkor Hotel - 3-star or similar

Royal Angkor Resort - 4-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, the tour will begin with a visit to the Royal Palace compound, which was built in 1866 by the predecessors of King Norodom. The palace boasts an impressive and colorful Khmer-style architecture and is the most prominent feature in Phnom Penh. Adjacent to the Royal Palace is the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Emerald Buddha temple, which displays numerous Buddha statues decorated with diamonds, emeralds, gold and silver.

Next, you will proceed to the National Museum, a distinctive red building with beautiful Khmer architecture that has been standing since 1917. It contains over 5,000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and other materials. The tour continues with a visit to the Independence Monument, which was constructed in 1954 to commemorate Cambodia's independence from French colonial rule.

At noon, you will visit Phsar Thmey, also known as the Central Market. This large market, constructed in 1937, features a dome-shaped building with four branching arms leading to vast hallways filled with countless stalls selling a wide range of products, including gold and silver, antique coins, money exchange, books, flowers, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, seafood, and more.

Next, you will head to Wat Phnom, also known as the Mountain Pagoda, a Buddhist temple located on a hill that symbolizes the name of Phnom Penh. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1372 to house four Buddha statues discovered by Lady Penh in the waters of the Mekong River. Wat Phnom is a popular place for locals to come and play, pray for good luck, and admire the stunning sunset.

In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River to view the Royal Palace from the water as it bursts into four branches. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

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Accommodation Options:

Okay Boutique Hotel - 3-star or similar

Anik Palace Hotel - 4-star or similar

After breakfast, you will be picked up by the bus company and take a shuttle bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap bus station, our guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Later in the day, you will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, which flows into the Tonle Sap River and joins the Mekong in Phnom Penh. During the boat ride, you will see a "floating village" of fishermen that includes floating schools, a floating police station, and other facilities. This village is like a large floating community on the lake, and it moves from place to place based on water levels and currents.

After the boat ride, you will be transferred to your hotel in Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

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Accommodation Options:

La Niche D’angkor Hotel - 3-star or similar

Royal Angkor Resort - 4-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Angkor Thom, which was a magnificent architectural masterpiece built by King Jayavarman VII. The king built this fortress in the heart of his empire as a response to the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181.

Our first stop will be the Bayon Temple, which is located at the exact center of Angkor Thom. This temple is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia's most celebrated king. We will also have a photo stop at the Terrace of the Leper King, which is a unique stone terrace located in the Royal Square of Angkor Thom.

Next, we will visit the Terrace of Elephants, which was originally used as a viewing gallery for the king to preside over parades, performances, and traditional sports. At the southern end of the terrace lies the Baphuon, one of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating from the reign of Uditayavarman I in the 11th century.

We will also visit the picturesque Ta Prohm temple, which has nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, creating an exotic and haunting scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, which are pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever.

Our final stop will be the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. This temple is believed to be the world's largest religious building and is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry. It is a source of pride and strength to all Khmers.

After a long day of exploring, we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Siem Reap.

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Accommodation Options:

La Niche D’angkor Hotel - 3-star or similar

Royal Angkor Resort - 4-star or similar

On the final day of your trip, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Siem Reap. After breakfast, you will have some free time at your leisure to do any last-minute sightseeing, souvenir shopping or simply relax before departing for your next destination. Later, you will be transferred to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight. We hope you had an unforgettable experience with Legend Travel Group and we look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future. Your airport transfer is included as part of this tour package.