Best of Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand (26 days)

Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Kanchanaburi – Sukhothai – Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Bangkok

Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) in Chiang Rai

This tour brings together the historical and cultural highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, combining ancient temples, imperial cities, traditional villages and modern capitals.

Beginning in Hanoi, we travel through Vietnam from north to south, visiting Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. In Cambodia, we explore Phnom Penh and the magnificent temples of Angkor. Thailand follows, with visits to Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle.

Important Features

  • Small group size (average 15, maximum 20)
  • Experienced professional guides
  • No forced shopping stops
  • Authentic local cuisine
  • Luxury overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay
  • 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
 
Old Town of Hoi An, Vietnam

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 near 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 Old Quarter consisted of about 36 streets, mnay of which retain their historic character. 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 (under one hour) 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 – Ayutthaya – Bangkok (B/L)
Following breakfast we set out for a full-day (7 to 8 hours) excursion to Ayutthaya, a town about 90 km north of Bangkok. Founded around 1350, Ayutthaya served as the capital of the Thai state of Ayutthaya (Siam), precursor of the new kingdom established in modern-day Bangkok, until it was razed by the Burmese army in 1767. The ruins of the old city are preserved in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remaining reliquary towers and gigantic monasteries in the park give visitors an idea of Ayutthaya’s past splendour.

Our sightseeing in Ayutthaya includes Wat Phra Si Sanphet (the holiest temple on the site of the old Royal Palace), Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, and Chedi Phukhao Thong, a historic Buddhist monument associated with Ayutthaya’s turbulent past.

Day 19/Mon: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Bangkok (B/L)
We depart the hotel at 8:00 AM for a full-day excursion to River Kwai Bridge (Bridge over the River Kwai) and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery nearby.

The drive to the River Kwai Bridge from Bangkok becomes increasingly scenic as we head west, transitioning from city sprawl to lush, green countryside with rice paddies, sugar cane fields, and pineapple plantations, offering a mix of rural Thai life and beautiful river views.

Our sightseeing begins at the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre (a museum) located right beside the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. The highly rated small museum and research facility is dedicated to the history of the “Death Railway” built during World War II. The interactive exhibits, short films and descriptions provide the context of the Japanese military aggression in Southeast Asia, details of their plan for the railway and the horrors faced by the prisoners of war who worked and perished during the construction of the railway.

After lunch, we proceed to the bridge over the River Kwai. The bridge gained international fame from the Hollywood film version of the French novel Le Pont de la rivière Kwaï by Pierre Boulle. The story is fictional but uses the construction of the Burma Railway (also known as Siam-Burma Railway)  between 1942 and 1943 as its historical setting.

Our day trip also features an hour-long rail journey on the historic Death Railway (Thailand-Burma Railway), a poignant trip over the famous bridge and through stunning scenery.

Day 20/Tue: Bangkok – Sukhothai (B/D)
Free morning to explore on your own.

The afternoon flight to Sukhothai takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

Day 21/Wed: Sukhothai – Chiang Mai (B/L/D)
The modern town of Sukhothai lies on the Yom River, a tributary of the Chao Phraya, approximately 430 km north of Bangkok. Its main attraction is Sukhothai Historical Park, about 13 km west of the town. The park preserves the ruins of the ancient capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, which flourished during the 13th and 14th centuries. Together with the nearby historic towns of Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The kingdom reached the height of its influence under King Ram Khamhaeng (traditionally dated 1279–1298). He is credited with promoting Theravada Buddhism and developing an early form of the Thai script, although historians continue to debate aspects of these achievements. At its height, Sukhothai exercised influence over a considerable part of what is now Thailand and neighbouring regions.

We spend the morning exploring the ancient ruins inside the historical park.

After lunch, we drive approximately four hours (300 km) to Chiang Mai.

Day 22/Thu: Chiang Mai (B/L)
Nestled in high mountains and 750 kilometres north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. The city was founded as the new capital of the Kingdom of Lan Na (1296–1768) by King Mangrai. Known for its artistic and cultural heritage, the city sits astride the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River. The Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of nearly one million, more than half the total of Chiang Mai Province.

The morning visit to the Elephant Rescue Center is a key highlight of the trip. You’ll have the pleasure of interacting with the gentle giants and watching them bathing in conditions close to their natural habitat.

Afternoon sightseeing includes Warorot Market by the Ping River, the old city centre, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – a Buddhist temple sitting atop the Doi Suthep Mountain about 15 km west of the city. The temple grounds offer a panoramic view of Chiang Mai on a clear day.

Day 23/Fri: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai (B/D)
Free morning to explore on your own.

After lunch on your own, we drive 200 km (3 ½ hours) to Chiang Rai.

Visit Wat Rong Khun en route. Popularly known as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is a unique, contemporary Buddhist temple and art installation designed by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The temple is renowned for its all-white exterior, intricate architectural details, and unconventional symbolism that blends traditional Buddhist teachings with modern pop culture references.

Day 24/Sat: Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai (B/L)
After breakfast, we drive approximately one hour north (70 km) to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. Once one of the world’s most notorious opium-producing regions, the Golden Triangle has a complicated history shaped by geography, ethnic conflict and the international narcotics trade.

Our visit includes a boat ride and the Hall of Opium, a museum devoted to the history of opium cultivation, trade and its social consequences.

Day 25/Sun: Chiang Rai – Bangkok (B/D)
Free morning to relax. We fly back to Bangkok in the afternoon and enjoy a delicious farewell dinner tonight.

Day 26/Mon: Bangkok – Returning Home (B)
Your Thailand vacation ends this morning. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
CityNightAccommodationsCategory
Hanoi2Movenpick HanoiLuxury
Ha Long Bay1Paradise EleganceLuxury
Hue2Meliá Vinpearl HueLuxury
Hoi An2Hotel Royal Hoi AnLuxury
Ho Chi Minh City2Caravelle Hotel SaigonLuxury
Phnom Penh2La Rose SuitesLuxury
Siem Reap3Shinta Mani AngkorLuxury
Bangkok – first stay4The Landmark BangkokLuxury
Sukhothai1Sriwilai Sukhothai or similarLuxury
Chiang Mai2Meliá Chiang MaiLuxury
Chiang Rai2Le Méridien Chiang Rai ResortLuxury
Bangkok – 2nd stay1The Landmark BangkokLuxury

Dates & Prices

Prices are per person based on double occupancy.

Depart (Thu)Return (Mon)Land Price
CA$/US$
Single Supplement
CA$/US$
  2027 
07-Jan01-Feb$13,475/$9,765$4,095/$2,990
14-Jan08-Feb$13,475/$9,765$4,095/$2,990
21-Jan15-Feb$13,475/$9,765$4,095/$2,990
11-Feb08-Mar$13,475/$9,765$4,095/$2,990
18-Feb15-Mar$13,145/$9,525$4,095/$2,990
25-Feb22-Mar$12,900/$9,350$4,095/$2,990
04-Mar29-Mar$12,900/$9,350$4,095/$2,990
11-Mar05-Apr$12,630/$9,150$4,095/$2,990
11-Nov06-Dec$13,240/$9,595$4,095/$2,990
18-Nov13-Dec$13,455/$9,750$4,095/$2,990

What the tour price includes:

  • Hotel accommodations
  • Local economy class airfares
  • Ground transportation and airport transfers as specified
  • Daily meals as specified
  • Guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
  • Cultural shows per itinerary
  • English-speaking guides throughout tour

What the tour price excludes:

  • International airfares except for regional flights per itinerary
  • Travel insurance
  • Passport and visa charges
  • Tips for guides and drivers

See Terms & Conditions for more information.

Know Before You Go

What are the passport requirements?

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the trip. We recommend having at least four blank pages for visas and immigration stamps.

Do I need visas?

Requirements vary by nationality. The following generally applies to Canadian, American, British and Australian passport holders.

Vietnam: Canadians, Americans and Australians generally require a tourist visa. British citizens qualify for visa-free entry for visits of up to 45 days. Electronic visas are available through the official Vietnam e-visa portal.

Cambodia: A tourist visa is required. Apply through the official Cambodia e-visa website. Travellers must also complete the free Cambodia e-Arrival within seven days before arrival.

Thailand: No tourist visa is generally required for short visits. Travellers must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card within three days before arrival.

Visa and entry requirements may change. Please verify the latest rules before departure. Laurus Travel can provide assistance.

Are vaccinations required?

No routine vaccination certificates are generally required for travellers arriving from Canada, the United States, Britain or Australia. However, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on recent travel history.

We recommend keeping routine vaccinations up to date and consulting a travel health clinic about hepatitis A, typhoid and other recommended vaccinations at least six weeks before departure.

When is the best time to visit?

November through March is generally the best period for this tour. Northern Vietnam can be cool in winter, while southern Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand are usually warm and relatively dry. Northern Thailand may experience seasonal haze toward March.

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

How physically demanding is this tour?

This is a moderately active tour involving regular walking, stairs and uneven surfaces, particularly at Angkor and other historical sites. Guests should be comfortable walking several kilometres during sightseeing days, sometimes in hot and humid conditions.

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required at many temples.

What currencies should I bring?

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

US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia, but local currencies are preferable elsewhere. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and larger businesses, while cash is useful for smaller purchases.

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

How can I stay healthy?

Drink bottled or properly treated water, choose freshly cooked food and wash your hands regularly. Use mosquito repellent to reduce the risk of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

Bring regular medications in their original packaging, along with copies of prescriptions.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Free Wi-Fi is available at the tour hotels. Travellers who need mobile internet access may consider an international roaming plan or a regional eSIM.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption. Check your policy for exclusions, particularly those concerning pre-existing medical conditions.

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The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand