Must-sees of Vietnam and Cambodia in 14 Days

Welcome to Vietnam! Your adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia in 14 days starts from Hanoi. As soon as you arrive at the airport, a guide will be waiting to take you to the hotel. Take time to rest from your trip, then set off to explore the vibrant city of Hanoi, a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition.

One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi, a treasure of architecture

Hanoi, with its peaceful Old Quarter, is a city where old and new coexist harmoniously. The contemporary structures stand in contrast to the French colonial architecture of the Old Quarter. The bustling streets, lively markets, quaint artisanal shops, and vibrant nightlife will leave you enthralled. After your walk, enjoy a meal in the Old Quarter, where the offerings range from street food to gourmet restaurants.

Included: Accommodation and airport pickup.

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a day of sightseeing in the capital, Hanoi. Our guide will meet you at the lobby and start visiting Hanoi‘s most renowned historical sites by car or motorbike, whichever you prefer.

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and symbol of Confucianism during the Ly dynasty, the birthplace of many of the country’s eminent figures across generations. Then continue to Ba Dinh Square, where you can admire the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and listen to our guide recount an important historical event in Vietnam: the reading of the Declaration of Independence by President Ho Chi Minh in this square. Stroll the Thanh Nien Street and visit the 6th-century Tran Quoc Pagoda. Take the time to photograph the architecture and magnificent setting of this temple located in the middle of the West Lake.

Sunset over West Lake

Take some time to relax and savor a delicious lunch at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Afterward, return to your hotel to refresh and rejuvenate. In the evening, at 9:00 p.m., an IDC Travel guide will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to Hanoi train station, where you will embark on a night train journey to Lao Cai. This is a wonderful opportunity to witness the captivating landscapes in a truly unique way during your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 14 days.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visiting fees, Hanoi – Lao Cai train ticket, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Arrive at Lao Cai Station between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Wake up early and breathe in the fresh air of northwest Vietnam. Then, embark on a 1-hour drive to the charming town of Sapa. Take advantage of this moment to rest or admire the splendid view of Sapa, the surrounding mountains, and the fluffy clouds.

Trekking in Lao Chai, Sapa

Stop at your hotel in Sapa to drop off your luggage and enjoy a light breakfast before beginning your trek. Once recharged, meet our local guide at the hotel and begin your walking journey. Travel 6 km of trails to Lao Chai Village, a hidden gem in the Muong Hoa Valley, where you can meet and learn about the customs and culture of the Giay and Black Hmong ethnic groups. Going down 3 km to the foot of the village, discover the wild and picturesque village of Y Linh Ho, surrounded by magnificent rice terraces, and observe the traditional weaving of textiles. Take a break and taste the specialties of northwest Vietnam for lunch.

After recharging your batteries, continue to Ta Van, a nearby village shrouded in a misty cloud. Admire the rustic beauty of wooden houses among the vast rice terraces and meet the Giay community as you cross a wind-swayed rattan bridge. These unique moments are unforgettable and impossible to find in the city.

After exploring these unique villages, return to Sapa to check in to the hotel. Take advantage of the rest of the day to relax after the long morning excursion and prepare to spend an evening in Sapa, where you can enjoy street food and performances by local residents.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visiting fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Start the day with a relaxing breakfast at the hotel and check out before starting your second day of hiking.

Today’s journey brings a lighter pace. Begin by heading to the charming village of Cat Cat, situated approximately 3 km from the city. Immerse yourself in the splendid scenery, including a captivating waterfall and the remnants of a hydroelectric power station constructed by the French during their colonization of Vietnam. Following this, enjoy a delightful lunch by the river.

Mount Fansipan

Continue your hike for another 2 km to reach the village of Sin Chai, nestled atop Mount Fansipan. Marvel at the awe-inspiring landscapes that will undoubtedly soothe your mind and soul.

Afterward, return to the main road, covering a distance of 3 km, before boarding a jeep that will transport you back to Sapa. Take advantage of the remaining moments to cherish the breathtaking views of Sapa before embarking on a shuttle bus for a 6-hour journey back to Hanoi. Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi in the early morning and enjoy a well-deserved rest after checking in.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visiting fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Following breakfast, you will take a shuttle from Hanoi to the majestic Halong Bay, a must-see on your 14 days in Vietnam and Cambodia, with an arrival scheduled around noon. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a natural wonder with more than 1,000 karst islets rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. According to legend, these islands were born from jewels spat out by a mythical dragon defending Halong Bay against invaders. Beyond these myths, the breathtaking beauty of this seascape is indisputable.

Halong Bay

When you arrive in Halong Bay, embark on a memorable cruise. You’ll enjoy fresh seafood for lunch and dinner and spend the night on board, offering stunning views of the sunset over the water.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking on the boat, Sightseeing fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

As the day breaks, you will be greeted by a magnificent sunrise over Halong Bay. Indulge in a delightful breakfast on board before continuing your exploration of the bay and eventually returning to the port. Following this, a driver will be awaiting your arrival to transport you to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport, where you will board a 1.5-hour flight to Danang, situated at the heart of Vietnam’s central coast. Upon landing in Danang, you will be warmly welcomed by a guide who will accompany you on a pleasant 30-minute drive to Hoi An.

Hoi An

Upon reaching Hoi An, check in to your hotel. This picturesque town, an essential stop on your 14-day Vietnam and Cambodia tour, is nestled on Vietnam’s central coast at the mouth of the Thu Bon River. It is renowned for its rich and captivating history. Take a leisurely stroll along the water-lined streets of the old historic district, immersing yourself in its unique atmosphere. Embrace the 6th evening of your Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary to relax and savor the local specialties offered at one of the city’s charming restaurants.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide on the boat, Hanoi – Danang plane ticket, Meals: Breakfast.

Your peaceful morning in Hoi An begins with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Our guide will pick you up for a walking tour through the ancient alleys and streets. Pass through old houses, see how the city’s historical elements blend into modernity, and learn about the daily lives of locals along the Thu Bon River.

Thu Bon River

Stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge, an essential emblem of this ancient city, and listen to the story of its architectural transformations throughout history. The next stop is the Fujian Assembly Hall, a place of worship for Chinese people who settled in Hoi An in the 17th century from Fujian, China.

Then, head to a craft shop, where you’ll find entirely handmade souvenirs, perfect for bringing a piece of Hoi An home with you.

Return to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visiting fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

After enjoying your breakfast, it will be time to pack your bags and check out of the hotel. At 8:00 a.m., you will begin your journey to Hue, a journey that will take you through the picturesque Hai Van Pass (Cloud Pass). Depending on your preference, this transfer can be arranged via a private car, offering a comfortable travel experience tailored to your specific needs. Along this route, there will be opportunities to make stops at several remarkable locations.

Hai Van Pass, a scenic mountain road

Once you arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, you will proceed to check in at your hotel, marking the beginning of your stay in this historically and culturally significant city.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visiting fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Embark on a captivating half-day tour exploring Hue, the ancient and peaceful capital of Vietnam. Your first stop will be the Thien Mu Pagoda, majestically perched on a hill offering breathtaking views of the Perfume River. This pagoda, with its fascinating history and architecture, is an iconic symbol of the city. Next, you will head to the Imperial Citadel, which was the political and cultural heart of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty. This imposing fortress, rich in history, will immerse you in the country’s imperial past.

The Perfume River

The visit will continue with an immersion in the excitement of the Dong Ba market, the largest shopping center in Hue. Here you will have the opportunity to browse a multitude of stalls, offering everything from culinary specialties to local artisanal products, ideal for giving unique souvenirs after your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 14 days.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visiting fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

After breakfast and check-out at the hotel, take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, explore the city’s main historical sites. Visit the Independence Palace, a symbol of Vietnam’s independence and reunification, and admire the French colonial architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

The War Remnants Museum

Then discover the War Remnants Museum, with its artifacts from the Vietnam War. Finish with a stroll to Ben Thanh Market, ideal for shopping and haggling. In the evening, take advantage of your free time to discover the nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel and, around 8:00 am, meet our guide in the lobby to begin a complete exploration of the Mekong Delta. You will head to Ben Tre province to embark on a cruise along the Ham Luong River, which winds through the province. This river trip is a perfect opportunity to admire the lush mangrove forests and observe up close the daily lives of the region’s inhabitants.

After this enriching cruise, the visit continues with a stop at a coconut processing workshop and a traditional brick factory. You will have the opportunity to discover the artisanal methods of making bricks. For a relaxing break, enjoy fresh fruit and tea in a house specializing in mat weaving.

Ham Luong River

The adventure continues in “xe loi”, a motorized version of the rickshaw, taking you through the green orchards. This ride will take you to a special lunch served at a charming riverside restaurant.

In the afternoon, after lunch, prepare your camera for a sampan excursion that will take you through the narrow canals of the Delta. You will sail for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, gliding through the magnificent mangroves.

Your 11th day of the 14 days in Vietnam and Cambodia tour ends around 5:00 p.m. when you return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for some well-deserved relaxation.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visiting fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Have breakfast at the hotel, then our driver will pick you up and take you to the airport, from where you will take a flight to Siem Reap. Once you arrive at Siem Reap Airport, another driver will greet you and take you directly to your hotel. After checking in, relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap air ticket, Meals: Breakfast.

After an invigorating breakfast, meet our guide and set off towards the Angkor temple complex. Start with a visit to the one-of-a-kind Ta Prohm temple, entwined by the roots of enormous fig trees and lianas, offering spectacular shots for your travel album. Then continue to the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, starting at the South Gate decorated with giant statues representing the churning of the ocean of milk.

Bayon is famous for its massive towers

Explore the Bayon Temple, famous for its 54 towers decorated with more than 200 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara, as well as the Phimeanakas, the royal enclosure, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant.

Admire Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple, the most famous of the Angkor plains, will make you discover authentic ancient Khmer architecture, with its five towers symbolizing the five peaks of Meru, its enclosed walls representing the mountains on the edge of the world, and its surrounding moat, evoking the ‘ocean.

Climb to the top of Phnom Bakheng Mountain to capture the enchanting twilight as the sun begins to set. Return to your hotel to freshen up after a long day.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visiting fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Seize this last morning in Cambodia to fully enjoy it. When it’s time, we will arrange your transfer to Siem Reap airport for your return flight. This concludes your tour of authentic discovery of 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia. Looking forward to seeing you again for new adventures!

Included: Airport drop-off and breakfast at the hotel.