Culture Rich Itinerary to Vietnam & Cambodia

On day one, you will likely reach Hanoi in the morning. Use an arranged transfer to your hotel to store your luggage and see if a place is available to freshen up for the day ahead. Do a private city tour of Hanoi to get your bearings and learn all about the past and present of this ancient city. You will visit the iconic sites and have the knowledge of your guide as you spend your day. If you’re lucky, you might get to visit a family-favorite pho spot-truly priceless as we were the only non-locals there. Head back to your hotel to check-in, shower and have dinner. You’ll be sleepy, so lean into the rest.

Arrange for a private photography tour outside the city. This is a remarkable experience and you do not need to be a pro photographer, this just gets you into some of the outlying communities to see some of the heritage and craftsmanship. You will love being with Momentlives guide, who will do the translating you need. The interaction with the people in these villages won’t be compromised, despite the language barrier. A wonderful day outside of the city with memories that last a lifetime.

Enjoy your morning outside of the Hanoi again on a day trip to Ninh Binh, where you can hike to caves, learn about monkeys and enjoy time being rowed along the water. Return to Hanoi for dinner and a night on the old town streets shopping and people watching.

Transfer to Ha Long Bay for a two-day cruise in one of the coolest UNESCO world heritage sites. Float amongst the limestone islands or adventure out in a kayak from the boat. Soak up the incredible views and epic sunset from the top deck while enjoying a cocktail.

Luxuriate in a spa treatment on the boat and relax as you continue to float along.

Return to land to transfer to the airport. Fly south to Ho Chi Min city. Check in to your hotel to get ready for your food tour, done on a moped! You will be paired up with a driver to take you through the wild streets of this huge city and you will indulge yourself in culinary traditions and delights. And in the midst of it, you will meet some of the coolest young adults in the city as they take you on this tour and share their lives as they do.

This will be a heavier day as you embark on a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the war from the Vietnamese perspective. There will be a lot of tourists here, but it’s a must and very informative and healthy to learn from another viewpoint. That afternoon you will continue south to the Mekong Delta for more cultural immersion.

Back to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia! Check in to your hotel, but then get ready to head back out for your first visit to the incredible ruins in the area. Using a local guide that speaks excellent English, you will walk through unbelievable ruins and marvel. There are hardly words to describe it.

Another day exploring ruins. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is quite the experience and not to be missed. You will be one of the first inside to wander and enjoy the artistry and craftsmanship and even the views. Breathtaking! Use your afternoon to relax at your hotel pool or shop in the city center. Catch a traditional dinner and performance to end the night.

Land transfer to Phnom Penh to visit the Killing Fields. Another emotionally heavy day, but so important to learn the history of the people and the trauma they have been through. It is a somber, raw experience. Do not skip the visit to the Khmer Rouge prisons and meeting actual prisoners who survived-an unforgettable afternoon.

Do a bike tour from Phnom Penh city center to a ferry that takes you to a small island village. Spend the day biking around, visiting weavers, farmers and residents. An active and culturally rich day.

Optional two-day add-on: Koh Rong Island, or do one last spa day before returning home!