Vietnam, Cambodia & Singapore (19 days)

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

Vietnam, Cambodia & Singapore: An Unforgettable Journey

This 19-day tour brings together three of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating destinations, offering a rich combination of history, culture, natural beauty and modern city life.

Beginning in Hanoi, we explore Vietnam from north to south, taking in the spectacular limestone scenery of Ha Long Bay, the imperial heritage of Hue, the historic trading town of Hoi An and the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. In Cambodia, we visit Phnom Penh before continuing to Siem Reap to explore the magnificent temples of Angkor, including Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. The journey concludes in Singapore, a modern city-state celebrated for its multicultural heritage, outstanding cuisine and impressive urban landscape.

With knowledgeable local guides, centrally located luxury hotels, quality meals and a well-paced itinerary, this premium small-group tour offers an enjoyable and rewarding introduction to three very different Southeast Asian countries.

Important Features

• Small group size (average 15, maximum 20)
• Experienced professional guides
• No forced shopping stops
• Centrally located luxury hotels
• Luxury overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay
• Authentic local and international cuisine
• Unlimited supply of bottled water
• Free Wi-Fi in all hotels
• Water puppet show in Hanoi
• Cooking class in Hoi An
• Village and school visits in Cambodia

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 – Singapore (B)
Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Singapore. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel on your own by taxi, which costs around 20 Singapore dollars.

Day 17/Sat: Singapore (B)
Our sightseeing begins in Singapore’s Downtown Core, near the historic Singapore River where Stamford Raffles established a British trading settlement in 1819. The nearby Merlion and the city’s impressive skyline provide excellent photo opportunities.

We then proceed to Gardens by the Bay, a park spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The extraordinary project brings to life the vision of the Government of Singapore to make the island city-state a “City in a Garden”.

Afterwards, we explore the historic Chinatown.

We wrap up today’s sightseeing with a tour of Singapore Botanic Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The guided sightseeing today lasts between 7 and 8 hours including lunchtime (lunch not included). Depending on group size, we may get around by taxi and subway instead of chartered vehicle.

Day 18/Sun: Singapore (B)
Free day to explore on your own.

Our recommendations include the Pinnacle@Duxton and the National Museum of Singapore.

The Pinnacle@Duxton is a landmark public housing development comprising seven interconnected 50-storey residential towers. Its publicly accessible sky garden on the 50th floor offers panoramic views of Chinatown, the central business district, Singapore Harbour and Sentosa Island. Visitor access is subject to availability and admission fees.

The National Museum of Singapore, the country’s oldest museum, traces Singapore’s history from its early beginnings through the colonial period to independence and modern development.

Guests wishing to explore beyond the city centre may consider visiting Kranji in northwestern Singapore, an area known for its farms and nature reserves. The Kranji War Memorial commemorates Allied servicemen and women who died defending Singapore and Malaya during World War II.

Day 19/Mon: Singapore – Home city (B)
Your tour of Singapore concludes this morning. Transfer to the airport anytime by taxi.

Hotel List

Dates & Prices

Prices are per person based on double occupancy.

Know Before You Go

What are the passport requirements?

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Southeast Asia. We recommend having at least three blank pages available for immigration stamps and visas. Travellers should also ensure that their passport is in good condition.

Do I need visas for Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore?

Vietnam: Canadian and American passport holders generally require a visa. Vietnam offers an electronic tourist visa permitting stays of up to 90 days, with single-entry and multiple-entry options. Apply through the official Vietnam e-visa portal.

Cambodia: Canadian, American, British and Australian passport holders generally require a tourist visa. An e-visa can be obtained through the official Cambodian government website. Visitors must also complete the Cambodia e-Arrival declaration within seven days before arrival.

Singapore: Canadian, American, British and Australian passport holders do not normally require a visa for a short tourist visit. However, all visitors must submit the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) within three days before arrival, including the day of arrival. Submission is free through the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.

Visa requirements depend on nationality and may change. Please verify the latest rules before departure. Laurus Travel can provide guidance when needed.

Are vaccinations required?

Routine vaccinations should be up to date. Hepatitis A vaccination is strongly recommended for travel to Vietnam and Cambodia. Depending on your medical history, itinerary and planned activities, your healthcare provider may also recommend hepatitis B, typhoid or other vaccinations.

Yellow fever vaccination certificates are generally unnecessary for travellers arriving directly from Canada or the United States, but may be required when arriving from certain countries with yellow fever transmission risk.

Consult your healthcare provider or travel health clinic at least six weeks before departure.

What precautions should I take to stay healthy?

Drink bottled or properly treated water in Vietnam and Cambodia, and avoid ice from questionable sources. Tap water in Singapore is safe to drink.

Choose freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked food, especially when eating outside established restaurants. Wash or sanitize your hands regularly and carry personal medications in their original packaging.

Mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue fever, occur in all three countries. Use insect repellent and wear appropriate clothing, particularly during outdoor activities.

When is the best time to visit?

November through March is generally an excellent period for this itinerary, although weather conditions vary considerably across the region.

Northern Vietnam can be cool during winter, while central Vietnam may experience rain, particularly toward the beginning of this period. Southern Vietnam and Cambodia are generally warm and relatively dry. Singapore remains hot and humid throughout the year, with frequent tropical showers.

Pack lightweight clothing, a light jacket for northern Vietnam, comfortable walking shoes and rain protection.

What currencies should I bring?

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND), Cambodia the Cambodian riel (KHR), and Singapore the Singapore dollar (SGD).

US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia, although local currency is increasingly used for smaller purchases. Credit cards are commonly accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and shops, but cash remains useful for markets and small vendors.

There is generally no need to obtain large amounts of local currency before departure. ATMs and authorized banks are available in major cities.

How physically demanding is this tour?

This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, including uneven surfaces, steps and occasional stair climbing at historical sites. The Angkor temples can be particularly demanding because of their size, uneven stone pathways and tropical heat.

Guests should be comfortable walking several kilometres during sightseeing days and standing for extended periods. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential.

What should I wear when visiting temples?

Modest clothing is expected at religious sites, particularly in Cambodia. Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting Angkor Wat and other sacred temples. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for the tropical climate.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption.

Insurance should be arranged well before departure, and travellers should carefully review coverage limits, exclusions and any provisions concerning pre-existing medical conditions.