- Overview
- Tour plan
- Hotel list
- FAQ
General Information
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Route: Siem Reap → Ho Chi Minh City → Cu Chi → Mekong Delta → Hoi An → Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hanoi
Travel Style: Culture, Heritage, Nature & Local Experiences
Tour Format: Hybrid — Private, Small Group & Shared Services
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate
Ideal For: First-time visitors to Vietnam and Cambodia, couples, mature travellers and culturally curious travellers looking for a balanced, accessible introduction to both countries
Start: Siem Reap
Finish: Hanoi
Cambodia: Private touring
Vietnam: Hybrid format — private where flexibility matters, small-group and shared services where they provide stronger value
From the temples of Angkor to the waterways of the Mekong, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the limestone landscapes of northern Vietnam, this journey connects two countries through iconic places and living traditions.
Introduction
Discover Cambodia and Vietnam on a 14-day journey designed around the region’s essential highlights, complemented by hands-on cultural experiences and a carefully balanced mix of private and shared touring.
Begin in Siem Reap, where private touring allows time to experience Angkor’s greatest temples at a comfortable pace. Continue beyond the archaeological park into the Cambodian countryside and, when seasonal conditions allow, the communities of Tonle Sap.
Fly to southern Vietnam for the history of Cu Chi and the waterways of the Mekong Delta before continuing to Hoi An, where merchant heritage meets living craftsmanship through a hands-on lantern-making experience.
Travel north to Hanoi and explore the limestone countryside of Ninh Binh before spending a night aboard a cruise in Ha Long Bay. Returning to the capital, finish the journey with a more personal look at Hanoi’s neighbourhoods, local businesses and coffee culture.
Private services are used where comfort and flexibility make the greatest difference, while carefully selected small-group and shared experiences help maintain an accessible overall price.
Day 1 — Welcome to Cambodia
Arrival in Siem Reap
Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel.
After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to recover from your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, take a gentle walk through the surrounding area, explore a nearby café or simply relax at your hotel.
No formal sightseeing is scheduled today.
Service: Private airport transfer
Meals: None
Overnight: Siem Reap
Day 2 — The Temples of Angkor
Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm & Angkor Wat
After breakfast, meet your private English-speaking guide and driver for a full-day exploration of the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Begin at the monumental South Gate of Angkor Thom before entering the former Khmer capital.
Continue to Bayon Temple, famous for its enigmatic stone faces and detailed bas-reliefs portraying religious scenes, royal processions and aspects of everyday Khmer life.
Explore selected areas of Angkor Thom before continuing to Ta Prohm.
Here, enormous tree roots grow around and through centuries-old stone structures, creating one of the archaeological park’s most atmospheric settings.
Take a break for lunch before continuing to Angkor Wat.
Spend time exploring its galleries, courtyards and extensive bas-reliefs while your guide explains the temple’s architecture, religious symbolism and historical significance.
Rather than attempting to cover a long list of minor temples, today focuses on Angkor’s principal monuments at a more comfortable pace.
A sunset stop may be arranged depending on weather, park conditions and traveller preference.
Service: Private guided tour
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Siem Reap
Day 3 — Beyond Angkor
Countryside, Communities & Tonle Sap
After breakfast, meet your private guide and travel beyond central Siem Reap for a quieter look at contemporary Cambodian life.
Journey through rice fields, rural roads and farming communities surrounding the city.
Spend time with a selected village or household and learn about local livelihoods, traditional skills and the ways rural communities are changing.
Depending on the season and water conditions, continue toward Tonle Sap Lake.
Board a local boat and travel through a carefully selected stilted or floating community, observing how homes, transport and livelihoods adapt to the changing rhythm of the lake.
Enjoy lunch during the excursion.
Return to Siem Reap later in the afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Service: Private guided countryside experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Siem Reap
Note: Tonle Sap water levels vary substantially through the year. When conditions are unsuitable, an alternative countryside and community experience will be arranged.
Day 4 — Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City
From Cambodia to Vietnam
Enjoy breakfast and free time according to your confirmed flight schedule.
At the appropriate time, meet your private driver and transfer to Siem Reap International Airport.
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel.
No sightseeing is scheduled today.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to relax or explore independently.
Service: Private airport transfers + regional international flight
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 5 — Cu Chi Tunnels
History Beneath the Ground
After breakfast, join a carefully selected small-group excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Travel outside Ho Chi Minh City toward the historic underground network associated with the Vietnam War.
With your guide, learn how the tunnels were constructed and used for communication, shelter, storage and daily life.
Explore selected above-ground areas and see concealed entrances, underground rooms and defensive structures.
Guests who wish may enter sections of the tunnels adapted for visitors, while those who prefer may remain above ground.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City around midday or early afternoon.
The remainder of the day is free at leisure.
Service: Small-group guided excursion
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 6 — The Mekong Delta
Waterways, Orchards & Village Life
After breakfast, join a selected small-group excursion toward My Tho in the Mekong Delta.
As you leave Ho Chi Minh City, the landscape gradually changes from urban surroundings to orchards, waterways and farming communities.
Board a local boat and travel across the Mekong River.
Continue into smaller canals by hand-rowed sampan, passing tropical vegetation and riverside homes.
Visit selected family-run workshops and learn about products associated with the region, such as coconut goods, honey and seasonal fruit.
Enjoy tropical fruit and a Vietnamese lunch during the excursion.
Depending on the confirmed programme, there may also be an opportunity for a short bicycle ride or village walk.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
Service: Carefully selected small-group excursion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 7 — Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
Journey to Central Vietnam
Enjoy breakfast and free time according to the flight schedule.
Meet your private driver and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
Fly to Da Nang.
Upon arrival, meet your private driver and continue to Hoi An.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
In the evening, explore the Ancient Town independently, walk beside the river or enjoy dinner at your own pace.
Service: Private airport transfers + domestic flight
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hoi An
Day 8 — Hoi An Heritage & Lantern Making
Merchant Houses, Ancient Streets & Living Craft
After breakfast, join a carefully selected small-group exploration of Hoi An.
Walk through the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town and visit selected landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, a traditional merchant house and a Chinese assembly hall.
Learn how Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European traders shaped Hoi An’s architecture, commerce and cultural identity.
Continue to a traditional craft setting for one of the journey’s signature hands-on experiences.
Meet local craftspeople and discover how Hoi An’s colourful lanterns are constructed.
Under their guidance, take part in the lantern-making process and create your own piece.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore Hoi An at your own pace.
Service: Small-group guided heritage & lantern-making experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
Day 9 — Hoi An Countryside
Village Roads, Farming & Local Food
After breakfast, leave the historic centre for Hoi An’s surrounding countryside.
Join a carefully selected small-group experience and travel along quieter village roads by bicycle or local transport.
Pass rice fields, gardens and farming communities while learning about everyday life beyond the Ancient Town.
Visit a local household or farming area and discover traditional agricultural practices and seasonal produce.
Depending on the confirmed programme, take part in a hands-on cooking or food experience using local ingredients.
Enjoy lunch as part of the experience.
Return to your hotel later in the afternoon.
The remainder of the day is free.
Service: Quality small-group countryside experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
Day 10 — Hoi An to Hanoi
From Central Vietnam to the Capital
Enjoy breakfast and a relaxed morning in Hoi An.
At the appropriate time, meet your private driver and transfer to Da Nang International Airport.
Fly to Hanoi.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free.
Take an independent walk through the Old Quarter, enjoy a Vietnamese coffee or simply relax before the following day’s excursion.
Service: Private airport transfers + domestic flight
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 11 — Ninh Binh
Ancient Capital, Cycling & Limestone Landscapes
After breakfast, join a selected small-group excursion south to Ninh Binh.
Begin at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital during the Dinh and early Le dynasties.
Learn how the surrounding limestone mountains helped protect one of the country’s earliest political centres.
Continue into the countryside for an easy bicycle ride along village roads between rice fields and karst formations.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, board a traditional sampan for a journey through Tam Coc or Trang An according to the confirmed operating programme.
Travel slowly along waterways surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains and rural scenery.
Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon or early evening.
Service: Small-group guided excursion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 12 — Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
Cruising Among the Limestone Islands
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and join the cruise operator’s shared transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
Travel through the Red River Delta toward the coast and arrive at the cruise terminal around midday.
Complete boarding procedures and transfer to the vessel.
After a welcome on board and safety briefing, settle into your cabin.
Lunch is served as the cruise begins sailing among the limestone islands and karst formations of Ha Long Bay.
During the afternoon, join the vessel’s scheduled activities.
Depending on the selected cruise, weather and local operating conditions, the programme may include kayaking, swimming, visiting a limestone cave or travelling by tender to one of the bay’s scenic areas.
Travellers who prefer a slower afternoon may remain on board and enjoy the scenery from the sundeck.
Return to the vessel later in the afternoon and enjoy time on deck as the sun begins to set across the bay.
Dinner is served on board.
After dinner, relax at leisure or join optional onboard activities according to the selected cruise programme.
Spend the night surrounded by the quiet scenery of the bay.
Service: Shared cruise transfer + shared overnight cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 13 — Ha Long Bay to Hanoi
Sunrise on the Bay & Return to the Capital
Wake early to the peaceful scenery of Ha Long Bay.
Depending on the selected cruise programme, begin the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a light morning activity or an excursion to a nearby cave or other attraction.
Return to the vessel for breakfast while the cruise continues through the bay.
After the morning programme, check out of your cabin.
Enjoy brunch as the vessel makes its way back toward the harbour.
Disembark around late morning and join the cruise operator’s shared transfer back to Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day entirely at leisure.
Use the afternoon and evening to rest, explore independently, enjoy a final meal in the capital or prepare comfortably for your departure the following day.
No additional sightseeing is scheduled today.
Service: Shared cruise + shared transfer to Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 14 — Farewell Vietnam
Hanoi Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and free time according to your international flight schedule.
At the appropriate time, meet your private driver and transfer to Noi Bai International Airport.
Your journey through Cambodia and Vietnam with Oriva comes to an end.
Service: Private airport transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Suggested Accommodation
Final hotels and cruise selections are subject to availability and may be replaced with properties of a similar standard.
3-Star
Siem Reap: Selected 3-star hotel or similar
Ho Chi Minh City: Acnos Hotel or similar
Hoi An: Kim An Hotel Hoi An or similar
Hanoi: Mina Hotel or similar
Ha Long Bay: Le Journey Cruise or similar
4-Star
Siem Reap: Selected 4-star hotel or similar
Ho Chi Minh City: Alagon Saigon Hotel or similar
Hoi An: Silkotel Hoi An or similar
Hanoi: Tirant Hotel or similar
Ha Long Bay: La Pandora Cruise or similar
5-Star
Siem Reap: Selected 5-star hotel or similar
Ho Chi Minh City: The Myst Dong Khoi or similar
Hoi An: Palm Garden Hoi An or similar
Hanoi: Apricot Hotel or similar
Ha Long Bay: Doris Cruise or similar
Standard check-in: From 14:00
Standard check-out: By 12:00 noon
Early check-in and late check-out are only included when specifically confirmed.
1. How is the tour priced?
2. What is included in the tour price?
What’s Included
- 13 nights’ accommodation based on twin/double sharing
- Daily breakfast and meals indicated in the itinerary
- Regional economy-class flight:
- Siem Reap → Ho Chi Minh City
- Domestic economy-class flights:
- Ho Chi Minh City → Da Nang
- Da Nang → Hanoi
- Private airport transfers as specified
- Private full-day Angkor guided experience
- Private Siem Reap countryside and community experience
- Tonle Sap boat experience when included in the confirmed programme
- Small-group Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
- Small-group Mekong Delta excursion
- Small-group Hoi An heritage and lantern-making experience
- Lantern-making workshop
- Small-group Hoi An countryside experience
- Small-group Ninh Binh excursion
- Bicycle use during the Ninh Binh programme where applicable
- Tam Coc or Trang An sampan journey
- Shared Hanoi → Ha Long Bay cruise transfer
- 2-day/1-night shared Ha Long Bay cruise
- Welcome and safety briefing on board
- Scheduled meals during the cruise
- Scheduled cruise activities according to the selected vessel
- Shared Ha Long Bay → Hanoi transfer
- Private guided Hanoi local-life experience
- Private Hanoi departure transfer
- Entrance fees for activities specifically included in the confirmed programme
- English-speaking guides during guided experiences
- Applicable local taxes and service charges
- 24/7 Oriva Journeys local assistance during the trip
3. What is not included in the tour price?
What’s Not Included
- International flights to Cambodia and from Vietnam
- Cambodia visa fees, where applicable
- Vietnam visa or e-visa fees, where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Meals and beverages not specifically included
- Drinks during included meals unless stated otherwise
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities and programme upgrades
- Early check-in and late check-out unless confirmed
- Airline seat selection, excess baggage and optional airline services
- Tips and gratuities
- Expenses resulting from flight disruption, weather or circumstances beyond the operator’s reasonable control
- Any services not specifically mentioned under What’s Included
4. Why is the price higher for solo travellers?
Travelling solo costs more because room, private transfers, vehicle, driver and private guide costs are borne by one traveller rather than split.
Oriva does not normally pair solo travellers with other guests just to reduce the price, because matching departure date, itinerary, service level and travel preferences can be difficult.
For travellers looking for a more cost-conscious way to travel independently, Oriva also offers selected solo-friendly journeys using shared or small-group services where suitable, while travellers keep their own accommodation and independence.
5. What upgrades are available?
The journey can be personalised with a range of optional upgrades, subject to availability and additional charges.
Available options include:
- Angkor sunrise experience
- Premium private vehicle in Siem Reap
- Private Tonle Sap boat arrangement
- Additional Siem Reap night
- Private Cu Chi Tunnels experience
- Private Saigon Jeep experience
- Private Ben Tre Mekong experience
- Private Hoi An heritage and lantern-making experience
- Private Hoi An countryside and culinary experience
- Additional Hoi An beach nights
- Private Ninh Binh excursion
- Premium Ha Long Bay cruise
- Higher-category Ha Long Bay cabin
- Private Hanoi–Ha Long Bay transfer
- Private Ha Long Bay–Hanoi transfer
- Additional Hanoi culinary or cultural experience
- Additional nights in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
- Flexible regional and domestic airfare
Speak with our team if you would like to make the journey more private, upgrade your accommodation or add extra time before or after the itinerary.
6. Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your preferred level of privacy, pace and interests.
For example, the small-group experiences at Cu Chi, the Mekong Delta, Hoi An and Ninh Binh can be upgraded to private arrangements.
The Ha Long Bay cruise and cabin category can also be upgraded, additional beach nights can be added in Hoi An, and extra cultural or culinary experiences can be arranged in Hanoi.
Cambodia extensions or additional nights in Siem Reap can also be incorporated.
7. Is a deposit required to confirm the booking?
Yes. A 20% deposit is normally required to confirm your booking.
The remaining balance is generally due 45–60 days before departure. Bookings made within this period may require full payment at the time of confirmation.
Flights, cruises, hotels or other supplier-specific services may require a higher deposit or full payment earlier.
8. What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation charges depend on how close to departure the booking is cancelled:
| Cancellation received | Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days before departure | 20% |
| 45–60 days before departure | 30% |
| 30–44 days before departure | 50% |
| 15–29 days before departure | 75% |
| 14 days or less / No-show | 100% |
Issued air tickets are generally non-refundable according to the applicable airline conditions.
Cruises, hotels, attraction tickets and other prepaid services may also be subject to supplier-specific cancellation terms.
No refund is normally provided for no-shows or voluntarily unused services after the journey has commenced.
9. Can children join this tour?
Yes. Children can join the journey, although the suitability of individual activities will depend on the child’s age and interests.
Special child rates apply when sharing a room or cabin with two adults:
- Infants aged 0–2: 10% of the adult rate
- Children aged 3–11: 85% of the adult rate
- Children aged 12 and above: Adult rate
Flight and ticket prices for children remain subject to the relevant airline or supplier’s policy at the time of booking.
Families should note that Angkor involves considerable walking, while cycling activities in Hoi An and Ninh Binh can be adjusted or omitted where appropriate.
10. Are there any important travel notes I should be aware of?
Yes. A few practical points are worth keeping in mind before confirming your journey.
- Hybrid Tour Format: Cambodia sightseeing is operated privately, while Vietnam combines private, small-group and shared services to maintain strong value.
- Small-Group Quality: Oriva selects operating partners based on guiding quality, vehicle standards, programme design and overall guest experience rather than price alone.
- Angkor: Temple order may change depending on crowd levels, weather, access restrictions and local conditions.
- Tonle Sap: Water levels vary significantly by season. A suitable countryside alternative may be arranged when lake conditions are unsuitable.
- Cu Chi: Entering the tunnel sections is optional.
- Mekong Delta: Household visits and activities may vary according to river conditions, season and supplier operations.
- Hoi An: Craft, farming and culinary components may vary slightly according to the confirmed operating programme.
- Ninh Binh: The programme may use Tam Coc or Trang An depending on supplier arrangements and departure date.
- Ha Long Bay Cruise: Cruise routes and activities vary between vessels and may change due to weather, tidal conditions, safety requirements or instructions from local authorities.
- Cruise Morning Programme: Tai Chi, cave visits and other morning activities depend on the selected vessel and are not guaranteed until the cruise programme is confirmed.
- Ha Long Bay to Hanoi Transfer: The return to Hanoi on Day 13 is operated by shared cruise transfer. Arrival time may vary depending on the cruise schedule, traffic and operating conditions.
- Regional & Domestic Flights: Airlines, schedules, fares and baggage allowances remain subject to availability until ticketing.
- Meals: Dietary requirements should be advised in advance.
- Travel Documents: Travellers are responsible for valid passports, visas and applicable entry requirements for both Cambodia and Vietnam.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- Itinerary Flexibility: Minor adjustments may be required due to flights, weather or operational conditions while maintaining the overall character of the journey.
