Northern Vietnam & Cambodia: A Cultural & Culinary Adventure

Hanoi, Vietnam

• Old Quarter walking & street food tour: Sample bun cha, DIY pork spring rolls and cha ca (turmeric-marinated fish).

• Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”): Learn about Vietnam’s complex past through exhibits on French colonial rule and the Vietnam/American War.

• Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum & Museum: Explore the immense grounds, mindful of closures (often on Mondays).

• Train Street: Grab a seat at a local café and watch the train pass close by — thrilling and iconic!

Ha Long Bay / Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

• Luxury overnight cruise: Whether you choose Capella Cruise or a traditional junk, immerse yourself in limestone landscapes with kayaking, beach BBQs and cave tours.

• Sun deck & Tai Chi: Start your day with tai chi on the deck for a serene sunrise experience (in warmer months).

Hoi An, Vietnam

• Old Town exploration: Wander lantern-lit streets, discover local tailors for custom clothing and savor Vietnamese coffee by the river.

• Basket boat & cooking class: Join a tour that includes a market visit, basket boat ride (touristy but fun) and hands-on lessons making banh xeo or spring rolls.

• Tailor shopping: Hoi An is famed for bespoke clothing — check quality and turnaround time with reputable tailors.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

• Angkor Wat sunrise: Wake early for a stunning sunrise over ancient temples. Visit Bayon, with its smiling faces and Ta Prohm wrapped in tree roots.

• Floating village tour (Kompong Phluk): Cruise along Tonlé Sap Lake to see stilt-house villages and watch a gorgeous sunset on the water.

• Angkor National Museum: Delve into Cambodian history and the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.

• Pub Street & local markets: Enjoy lively nightlife, taste local delicacies and shop for unique handicrafts.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Optional stop)

• Killing Fields & S21 (Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum): A sobering but critical exploration of Cambodia’s recent past under the Khmer Rouge.

• Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Admire French-influenced architecture and the glittering Silver Pagoda floors.

Hanoi, Vietnam

• Bun Cha Huong Lien: Famous for hosting Anthony Bourdain and President Obama. Try BBQ pork belly and pork patties with rice noodles.

• Ca Cha Thang Long: Tableside cooking of turmeric-marinated fish with herbs — an iconic local specialty.

• Tam Vi: Homestyle Hanoi cooking, with a friendly staff ready to introduce you to traditional Vietnamese flavors.

• Luk Lak: Known for papaya salad and grilled pork. Don’t skip their black olive sticky rice.

• Duong’s: Set menus of Vietnamese classics near the Old Quarter — perfect for a relaxed dinner.

Hoi An, Vietnam

• Madame Khanh (“Banh Mi Queen”): Crispy baguettes stuffed with flavorful meats, pickled veggies — worth the line.

• Morning Glory: Classic Vietnamese dishes in a charming, open-air setting. Try the cao lau (Hoi An’s signature noodle dish).

• Little Kroma: A family-run spot near Sarai Resort, ideal for budget-friendly meals and papaya salad.

• Siem Reap, Cambodia

• Khmer Taste (near Pub Street): Affordable favorites like fried spring rolls, beef lok lak and ice-cold beer — hard to beat.

• Chanrey Tree: Upscale Cambodian dining in a lush, green setting.

• Street food & local stalls: Try amok, lok lak and other staples at busy food stalls for an authentic local experience.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Optional stop)

• Khmer River House: Frogs with kampot pepper sauce and beef lok lak near the riverfront.

• Sombok: Refined Khmer cuisine, perfect for a special evening out.