Vietnam, Cambodia & Bangkok (18 days)

Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Bangkok

This 18-day itinerary brings together some of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town and Angkor. Travelling through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, you will encounter ancient civilizations, imperial capitals, colonial legacies and modern cities undergoing rapid change. This active cultural journey offers a rich variety of historical sites, natural scenery and everyday experiences, providing a deeper understanding of three fascinating countries and the people who call them home.

Important Features

• Small group size – average 15, maximum 20
• Expert guides
• Centrally located premium hotels
• No shopping stops
• Quality local and Western cuisines
• Daily breakfast, most lunches and dinners
• Ha Long Bay cruise aboard a luxury junk
• Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities
• Free Wi-Fi in all hotels
• Water puppet show in Hanoi
• Cooking class in Hoi An
• Village visit in Siem Reap
• Canal cruise in Bangkok

Tour Itinerary

Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner

Day 1/Thu: Departing Home City
The journey begins with your transpacific flight departing from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi! Meet your guide on arrival and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Airport transfers for guests arriving before the scheduled tour arrival date are not included. Additional transfers can be arranged at extra cost, depending on the number of guests.

Day 3/Sat: Hanoi (B/L/D)
Hanoi is the capital and second-largest city of Vietnam, with a core urban metro population estimated at 5.7 million. The ancient city has had many names throughout history, all of Sino-Vietnamese origin. Hanoi received its current name from Emperor Minh Mang in 1831. Ha and Noi mean “river” and “inside” respectively, reflecting the city’s location between the Red River and To Lich River.

Hanoi was Vietnam’s most important political centre between 1010 and 1802, before Hue became the imperial capital under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945). The city served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. Following the French withdrawal in 1954, Hanoi became the capital of North Vietnam and, in 1976, of the reunified Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Our city tour following an orientation at the hotel takes in the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Vietnam National Museum of History, the Old Quarter and a traditional water puppet show.

The Presidential Palace was built between 1900 and 1906 to house the French Governor-General of Indochina. When Vietnam achieved independence in 1954, Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969) declined to live in the grand structure for symbolic reasons. Instead, a traditional Vietnamese stilt house was built for him in the same complex. The stilt house served as his principal residence during his later years. The palace is used for government functions and is not open to the public. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located nearby the palace.

The Vietnam National Museum of History occupies the former Louis Finot Museum, built during the French colonial period. Its collections trace Vietnam’s history from prehistoric times through the modern era, with exhibits covering ancient civilizations, dynasties and the country’s struggle for independence.

The Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the old quarter. A night market (near Dong Xuan Market) in the heart of the district opens for business on weekends offering a variety of clothing, souvenirs and food.

We attend a traditional water puppet show later in the day. The show is performed in a waist-deep pool with the water’s surface serving as the stage. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The puppeteers standing behind a split-bamboo screen control the puppets using long bamboo rods and a string mechanism hidden beneath the water surface. The themes are largely rural, drawing heavily on Vietnamese folklore. Stories of harvesting, fishing and festivals are highlighted, often with a humorous twist. Legends and national history are also told through short skits.

We wrap up the day with a delicious welcome dinner.

Day 4/Sun: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (B/L/D)
Our morning drive to Ha Long Bay takes about two and a half hours. On arrival, we board our luxury cruise ship for an overnight journey through the bay, including visits to a sandy beach and a limestone cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, approximately 165 km from Hanoi, Ha Long Bay was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Its extraordinary landscape features more than 1,600 limestone islands and islets rising from the sea. Formed over millions of years, these spectacular karst formations include towering cliffs, natural arches and caves shaped by erosion. The World Heritage Site was expanded in 2023 to include the neighbouring Cat Ba Archipelago.

Day 5/Mon: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Hue (B/L/D)
After a leisurely breakfast, we disembark and drive back to Hanoi. Following lunch, we visit the Temple of Literature, dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and founded in 1070.

Our late-afternoon or early-evening flight to Hue takes just over one hour. If the flight schedule prevents us from having dinner as planned, the meal will be served the following day instead.

Day 6/Tue: Hue (B/L)
Hue served as Vietnam’s imperial capital under the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 until 1945, when Emperor Bao Dai abdicated following the August Revolution. During the Vietnam War, Hue’s location near the border separating North and South Vietnam made it particularly vulnerable.

The city suffered extensive destruction during the Battle of Hue in the 1968 Tet Offensive, when North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces occupied much of the city before being driven out by American and South Vietnamese troops after weeks of fierce fighting. Communist forces also executed large numbers of civilians during their occupation.

Our sightseeing in Hue today takes in the massive citadel encompassing the Imperial City, Emperor Tu Duc’s Tomb, and Thien Mu Pagoda.

Day 7/Wed: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An (B/D)
Have some free time after breakfast. The late-morning drive to Da Nang (92 km) along the winding coastal highway offers spectacular views. We will make a couple of photo stops before visiting the Museum of Cham Sculpture, a highlight of Da Nang.

Da Nang is a major port city in central Vietnam known for its sandy beaches and French colonial history. During the Vietnam War, what is now Da Nang International Airport was a major air base used by the South Vietnamese and United States Air Forces.

We continue our overland journey after the museum visit. The drive from Da Nang to Hoi An takes approximately 40–50 minutes (30 km).

Day 8/Thu: Hoi An (B/L)
The early history of Hoi An is closely associated with the Cham people, whose kingdoms once controlled much of present-day central Vietnam. By the 16th century, Hoi An had developed into an important international trading port, attracting merchants from China, Japan and Europe. The town flourished particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was among Southeast Asia’s busiest commercial centres.

Hoi An’s importance declined during the 18th and 19th centuries as a result of political upheaval, changes in trading patterns and the growing prominence of nearby Da Nang as a seaport. Its subsequent economic stagnation helped preserve much of its historic architecture.

Our morning visit to the food market in the town centre is followed by a cooking class. We then spend the rest of the day exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our walking tour takes in the Japanese Covered Bridge, Sa Huynh Museum, Tran Family Chapel, Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall and a lantern-making workshop.

Day 9/Fri: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we drive back to Da Nang (30 km) for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (1½ hours).

Ho Chi Minh City, commonly abbreviated as HCMC, is Vietnam’s largest city. Formerly known as Saigon, it lies approximately 1,160 km (720 miles) south of Hanoi.

The city’s early history is closely associated with the Khmer settlement of Prey Nokor, which existed long before the arrival of large numbers of Vietnamese settlers. Beginning in the 17th century, Vietnamese migration and political expansion gradually transformed the area. The Cambodian kingdom, weakened by internal conflicts and wars with neighbouring powers, was unable to prevent the loss of much of the Mekong Delta. Over time, Prey Nokor developed into Saigon, while the Khmer population became a minority in the region.

Saigon served as the capital of French Cochinchina during the colonial period and later as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) from 1955 to 1975. The city was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City on July 2, 1976.

Our afternoon sightseeing begins with a stroll along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as Rue Catinat, the commercial heart of colonial Saigon. Highlights include the former City Hall (Hôtel de Ville), the Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Day 10/Sat: Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)
After breakfast, we embark on an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Stretching over 200 km, this extensive underground network was an important Viet Cong base during the Vietnam War. The tunnels served as hiding places during combat, communication and supply routes, field hospitals, storage facilities for food and weapons, and living quarters. They also played an important role in communist military operations around Saigon, including preparations for the 1968 Tet Offensive.

We return to the city following lunch and spend the rest of the day visiting the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace, formerly the presidential palace of South Vietnam. On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese Army tanks entered the palace grounds, marking the fall of Saigon and the collapse of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam).

Day 11/Sun: HCMC – Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
We take a morning flight (30-45 minutes) to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

Located at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonlé Sap and Bassac rivers, Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s largest city and its political, economic and cultural centre.

Phnom Penh first became a royal capital in the 15th century, following the decline of Angkor and the relocation of the Khmer court under King Ponhea Yat. Over the following centuries, Cambodia’s rulers moved their capitals among several locations, including Longvek and Oudong. Phnom Penh became the permanent capital under King Norodom in 1865–1866, during the early years of the French protectorate.

Under French colonial rule, Phnom Penh developed from a riverside settlement into a modern administrative centre, with broad avenues, government buildings, schools, hospitals and commercial districts. By the 1920s, the city had acquired a reputation for its attractive architecture and was sometimes called the “Pearl of Asia.”

Cambodia’s fortunes deteriorated dramatically during the Vietnam War and the civil conflict that followed. North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces operated from bases inside Cambodia, while fighting between the Cambodian government and communist insurgents drove large numbers of refugees into Phnom Penh.

On April 17, 1975, the Khmer Rouge captured the capital and began forcibly evacuating its population. Residents were sent to the countryside for agricultural labour as Pol Pot’s regime attempted to transform Cambodia into a radically collectivized society. Intellectuals, professionals, ethnic and religious minorities, and suspected political opponents were among those persecuted. Forced labour, starvation, disease and executions claimed the lives of an estimated 1.5 to 2 million Cambodians during the Khmer Rouge period.

Vietnamese forces entered Phnom Penh in January 1979, ending Khmer Rouge rule over most of Cambodia. However, the country continued to suffer from conflict and political instability for years afterward. Phnom Penh’s gradual recovery was supported by reconstruction, international assistance and, later, foreign investment.

Our sightseeing today includes the Royal Palace Complex and the National Museum.

Day 12/Mon: Phnom Penh (B/L)
Today we visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields, two important sites associated with the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. The visits can be emotionally difficult, but they provide valuable insight into one of the darkest periods in Cambodia’s history.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum occupies the former Tuol Sleng High School, which the Khmer Rouge converted into Security Prison 21 (S-21). Thousands of prisoners were detained, interrogated and tortured here, and many were subsequently taken to Choeung Ek for execution. The museum preserves prison cells, photographs, documents and instruments of torture. Guests who prefer not to enter the museum may instead take a walk through the surrounding neighbourhood.

Choeung Ek, approximately 15 km from central Phnom Penh, was one of the Khmer Rouge’s principal execution and mass-burial sites. Today, it serves as a memorial to the victims of the regime.

Day 13/Tue: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (B/L/D)
We take a morning flight to Siem Reap. After a light lunch, we visit the Angkor National Museum and Angkor Wat.

Opened in 2007, the Angkor National Museum houses an extensive collection of Khmer sculptures, religious objects and archaeological artefacts, primarily from the Angkor period (9th–15th centuries). Its eight galleries introduce visitors to the history, art, religion and cultural achievements of the Khmer Empire. Our visit provides useful background for exploring the temples of Angkor over the following days.

Angkor Wat, meaning “City of Temples,” was built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II (1113–1150). Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, it gradually became a Buddhist place of worship and has remained an important religious centre for centuries. Covering approximately 162 hectares, it is widely regarded as the world’s largest religious monument.

Angkor Wat represents the height of classical Khmer architecture. Its design combines the traditional Khmer temple-mountain with a series of enclosed galleries and courtyards. The five central towers symbolize the peaks of Mount Meru, the sacred mountain at the centre of the Hindu universe. Surrounding the temple are an extensive moat and an outer enclosure measuring approximately 3.6 km around its perimeter.

Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat faces west, a feature whose religious significance remains debated. Its extensive bas-reliefs depict scenes from Hindu mythology, royal processions and historical events. The temple has become Cambodia’s most recognizable national symbol and appears on the country’s flag.

Day 14/Wed: Siem Reap (B/L)
Visit Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm in the morning and have the afternoon at leisure after lunch.

Angkor Thom (literally “Great City”) was established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as the capital of the Khmer Empire. Covering approximately 9 square kilometres, it contains monuments from earlier periods as well as those built by Jayavarman VII and his successors. One inscription refers to the king as the groom and the city as his bride. Angkor Thom was the last great capital of the Khmer Empire.

At the centre of the city stands Bayon, Jayavarman VII’s state temple, famous for its towers bearing enormous carved faces with enigmatic smiles. The temple’s extensive bas-reliefs depict military campaigns, religious ceremonies and scenes of everyday life during the Khmer Empire. The identity of the faces remains a subject of scholarly debate.

Ta Prohm, originally known as Rajavihara, was founded in 1186 by Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery dedicated to his mother. Unlike most Angkorian temples, much of Ta Prohm has been preserved with the massive tree roots that have grown over its walls and buildings. This unusual combination of architecture and vegetation has made it one of Angkor’s most recognizable monuments.

Day 15/Thu: Siem Reap (B/L)
After breakfast, we drive approximately 25 km to Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women), a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Although relatively small compared with the great temples of Angkor, Banteay Srei is celebrated for its exceptionally intricate carvings in pinkish sandstone, among the finest examples of classical Khmer art.

On our way back to the hotel, we stop at a local village for a glimpse of everyday life in rural Cambodia.

Day 16/Fri: Siem Reap – Bangkok (B/L)
We take a morning flight to Bangkok.

Located in the Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The greater Bangkok metropolitan area is home to more than 10 million people.

Bangkok traces its origins to a small trading settlement during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The area subsequently became the site of two successive capitals: Thonburi in 1768 and Rattanakosin in 1782. Bangkok played a central role in Siam’s modernization during the late 19th century, when the country faced increasing pressure from Western colonial powers.

Throughout the 20th century, Bangkok was at the centre of Thailand’s political struggles as the country transitioned from absolute monarchy to constitutional rule and experienced numerous coups and uprisings. The city expanded rapidly from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Our afternoon sightseeing begins at Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple on the Chao Phraya River. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, associated with the rising sun. Wat Arun is among Thailand’s best-known landmarks.

Later in the day, we board a long-tail boat for a cruise along the Chao Phraya River and the canals of Thonburi on the west bank. Along the way, we’ll have opportunities to observe and photograph traditional homes and temples lining the waterways.

Day 17/Sat: Bangkok (B/L/D)
Our morning sightseeing begins at the royal Grand Palace. Established in 1782, the palace was dramatically expanded throughout successive reigns. The king and his royal government were based on the palace grounds until 1925.

We then proceed to the Bangkok National Museum, Thailand’s principal museum of art, archaeology and history, with extensive collections of Thai cultural and historical artefacts.

After lunch, the afternoon is free for independent exploration.

Day 18/Sun: Bangkok – Home City (B)
Your tour ends today. Transfer to the airport for your return flight. If you choose to extend your stay in Bangkok, your airport transfer will be at your own expense. Taxis are readily available, and the Airport Rail Link offers an inexpensive alternative for travellers departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may arrive home the same day after crossing the International Date Line.

Dates & Prices

Prices are per person based on double occupancy.

Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand – Know Before You Go

Passport & Visa

What are the passport requirements?

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the tour and have sufficient blank pages for immigration stamps. Entry requirements depend on your nationality and may change before departure.

Do I need visas for Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand?

Canadian and American passport holders require visas for Vietnam and Cambodia but can generally visit Thailand without a visa for a short tourist stay.

Vietnam offers an electronic visa valid for up to 90 days. Apply through the official government website at https://evisa.gov.vn.

Cambodia offers a tourist e-visa, normally valid for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days. Apply at https://www.evisa.gov.kh. Tourist visas are also available on arrival at designated entry points.

Thailand generally permits Canadian and American tourists to enter without a visa for stays of up to 60 days.

Travellers holding other passports should check the requirements for all three countries well before departure.

Are electronic arrival forms required?

Yes, for Cambodia and Thailand.

Cambodia requires an electronic arrival card, which can be submitted free of charge within seven days before arrival at https://arrival.gov.kh.

Thailand requires a Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), submitted free of charge within three days before arrival at https://tdac.immigration.go.th.

These arrival forms are separate from visas. Vietnam does not currently require a comparable electronic arrival card for ordinary tourist arrivals.

Health & Safety

Are vaccinations required?

No routine vaccination is generally mandatory for travellers arriving directly from Canada or the United States. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if you arrive from certain countries where yellow fever is a risk.

Consult your healthcare provider or a travel clinic about recommended vaccinations and other precautions well before departure.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

We recommend drinking bottled or properly filtered water in all three countries. Avoid untreated tap water and exercise reasonable care with ice and uncooked food, particularly at roadside establishments.

What about food safety?

Vietnamese, Cambodian and Thai cuisines are among the pleasures of this journey. Choose freshly prepared food served hot, wash your hands regularly and be cautious with raw or undercooked dishes. Travellers with dietary restrictions should advise Laurus Travel before departure.

Is the tour suitable for travellers with mobility limitations?

This is a moderately active tour involving regular walking, stairs and uneven surfaces, particularly at temples and historical sites. Heat and humidity can add to the physical demands. Travellers should be comfortable walking several kilometres on sightseeing days and keeping pace with the group. Please discuss any mobility concerns with us before booking.

Money & Practical Matters

What currencies are used?

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND), Cambodia the Cambodian riel (KHR), and Thailand the Thai baht (THB).

US dollars are also widely accepted in Cambodia, particularly in tourist areas, although riel is commonly used for smaller purchases. In Vietnam and Thailand, local currencies are preferred.

Major credit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, but cash remains useful for small purchases.

Are ATMs readily available?

Yes. ATMs are common in major cities and tourist centres. Withdrawal limits and transaction fees vary. Notify your bank of your travel plans if necessary, and carry more than one means of payment.

What should I pack?

Lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a compact umbrella or rain jacket, and any prescription medications in their original packaging.

When visiting temples and religious sites, dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should generally be covered, and footwear may need to be removed.

What is the weather like?

All three countries have tropical or subtropical climates, with considerable regional variation.

Northern Vietnam can be cool in winter, while southern Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangkok remain warm throughout the year. Rainfall patterns also differ by region and season. Pack for both warm weather and occasional rain.

Will my mobile phone work?

Most modern smartphones can use international roaming, a local SIM card or an eSIM. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels. Check roaming charges with your service provider before departure.

What electrical adapters do I need?

All three countries generally use 220–230V electricity, with several different socket types. Bring a universal travel adapter. Most modern phone and laptop chargers accept both 110V and 220–240V, but check your device labels.

Travel Arrangements

Are gratuities included?

Please refer to the tour’s published inclusions and exclusions for the applicable gratuity arrangements. Tips for personal services are at your discretion.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, including emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption. Purchase suitable coverage soon after booking, particularly if you want cancellation protection.

Can I extend my stay?

Certainly. Additional hotel nights and private arrangements may be available before or after the tour. Contact Laurus Travel well in advance so we can advise on the options and costs.