Vietnam & Cambodia, between the Mekong and the temples of Angkor
This exceptional circuit between Vietnam and Cambodia has been designed to offer you a unique adventure in the heart of Southeast Asia, where grand cultural sites, enchanting natural landscapes, and moments of beach relaxation come together.
From the vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City to the peaceful banks of the Mekong, from the majestic temples of Angkor to the colorful markets of Phnom Penh, from the pristine beaches of Koh Rong Samloem to the spectacular views of Ha Long Bay, each step is an invitation to wonder.
Throughout the journey, you will enjoy the support of passionate local guides and organized transfers to travel with complete peace of mind. The accommodations are carefully selected to combine comfort, charm, and authenticity, ranging from intimate guesthouses to elegant beach resorts.
Between unforgettable cruises, cultural discoveries, local encounters, and moments of relaxation by the sea, this itinerary offers you a perfect balance between exploration and rest.
A journey designed to discover the treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia under the best conditions, with a touch of exclusivity and authenticity.
Day 1 – Arrival in Ho Chi Minh & cruise on the Mekong
Your journey begins with your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant gateway to southern Vietnam. At the airport, you are greeted by your private driver-guide, who will accompany you throughout your exploration of the South. Onboard your air-conditioned vehicle, you head towards My Tho, a small town located at the entrance of the Mekong Delta.
In the afternoon, you board a cruise on the Mekong, one of the most legendary rivers in Asia. Amidst lush islets and canals lined with water palms, you discover local life along the water: artisan workshops, tasting tropical fruits, honey tea, traditional music. You then glide into small rowboats to explore the narrow canals, getting closer to the daily lives of the residents.
The day ends with a Vietnamese dinner at a typical restaurant, before heading to your comfortable hotel in My Tho, where you enjoy your first night in the heart of the delta.
Day 2 – The Mekong Delta, between floating markets and tropical orchards
After breakfast, you continue your exploration of the Mekong Delta, accompanied by your private driver-guide. You head to the Ben Tre region, known for its coconut groves and small artisan workshops.
You board a local boat to explore the palm-fringed waterways, dotted with traditional villages. The journey takes you to meet artisans working with coconut, brick, and confectionery, preserving ancestral crafts.
The morning continues with a bike ride or tuk-tuk tour through the tropical orchards, punctuated by tastings of freshly picked exotic fruits. A typical lunch, served in a local home, allows you to experience Vietnamese hospitality and delta cuisine.
In the afternoon, you sail towards Cai Be, known for its floating market and picturesque landscapes. You observe the lively life of the locals, whose colorful boats serve as both home and commerce.
At the end of the day, return to your hotel for a peaceful evening in the soft, tropical atmosphere of the delta.
Day 3 – Departure to Siem Reap & first steps in Angkor
After your breakfast, your private driver will take you to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your flight to Cambodia. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, the cultural capital of the country and gateway to the Angkor temples, you will be welcomed and then transferred by private taxi to your hotel, ideally located for your upcoming explorations.
The afternoon is dedicated to a first immersion in the fascinating world of the Angkor temples. You begin with the discovery of Bayon, famous for its towers adorned with gigantic smiling faces, and then continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, remnants of the ancient city of Angkor Thom.
At the end of the day, you witness your first sunset over the temples, a magical moment when the ancient stones are tinged with gold and red.
In the evening, dine at a refined local restaurant in Siem Reap, where Khmer flavors and a warm atmosphere beautifully introduce Cambodian culture. Night at your hotel.
Day 4 – The Wonders of Angkor: Angkor Wat & Ta Prohm
After an early wake-up, you set out to admire the sunrise over Angkor Wat, an unforgettable moment when the iconic towers of the largest religious temple in the world are reflected in the pools. The changing light, from purple to gold, gives this site a mystical aura.
Accompanied by your local guide, you then explore the interior of Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, with its finely carved bas-reliefs and monumental galleries.
The morning continues with a visit to the mysterious Ta Prohm, a temple overrun by the tentacle-like roots of giant fig trees. This unique atmosphere, where the jungle reclaims its rights over the millennia-old stones, remains one of the most memorable experiences of Angkor.
After lunch at a local restaurant offering authentic Khmer cuisine, you continue with other lesser-known but equally fascinating temples, according to your preferences and the pace of the group.
In the evening, return to Siem Reap for some relaxation at your hotel or to stroll through the lively night markets of the city.
Day 5 – Phnom Penh, between royal heritage and local life
After your breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap airport for your flight to Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia. Upon your arrival, a private taxi will take you to your hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city.
In the afternoon, you set out to discover the iconic sites of Phnom Penh with a local guide. You first visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia, whose golden roofs shimmer in the sun. Next to it is the Silver Pagoda, famous for its floor covered with thousands of solid silver tiles and its precious Buddha statues.
The visit continues at the National Museum, housing a rich collection of Khmer art from the pre-Angkorian period to the masterpieces of Angkor. You then discover the Central Market, an impressive Art Deco structure where jewelry stands, fabrics, and local products come together.
At the end of the day, you enjoy a walk along Sisowath Quay, by the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, a popular meeting place for locals.
In the evening, dine at a Khmer gourmet restaurant before returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 6 – Towards the beaches of Koh Rong Samloem
After breakfast, you leave Phnom Penh by private taxi to head to the Cambodian coast. The road passes through countryside landscapes, between rice fields, traditional villages, and plantations, providing an authentic glimpse of local life.
In late morning, you arrive in Sihanoukville, the country's main seaside resort, where a speedboat awaits you to take you to the island of Koh Rong Samloem. The crossing takes you through the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, to the pristine white sand beaches lined with jungle.
Upon your arrival, check-in at your seaside resort, a little piece of paradise offering all the necessary comfort in a preserved natural setting. The afternoon is free to enjoy the beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax in the shade of the palm trees.
In the evening, dinner at the resort's restaurant, facing the ocean, with the sound of the waves in the background.
Day 7 – Beaches & Relaxation in Koh Rong Samloem
This day is marked by relaxation and the sweetness of life on the paradise island of Koh Rong Samloem.
After a seaside breakfast, you enjoy the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters at your own pace. Lounging in the sun, swimming in a turquoise lagoon, or strolling along the coast: every moment is an invitation to let go.
For the more active, optional activities are available:
Snorkeling above colorful coral reefs, encountering tropical fish.
Kayak to explore the coves and secluded beaches of the island.
Stroll through the jungle to discover the local wildlife and flora.
The rest of the day can be spent relaxing at your seaside resort, where everything is designed to combine comfort and serenity.
In the evening, a simple dinner with your feet in the sand, with a spectacular starry sky as a backdrop.
Day 8 – From Koh Rong Samloem to Hanoi
After a final breakfast by the beach, you leave your resort to board a speedboat that takes you back to Sihanoukville. From there, a private taxi drives you to the airport for your flight to Northern Vietnam.
Upon your arrival in Hanoi, the vibrant and cultural capital of the country, you are transferred by taxi to your hotel, located in the heart of the old town. You discover a unique atmosphere: bustling alleys, colorful markets, scooters zipping in every direction, and colonial architecture alongside ancient temples.
Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a first free stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, an iconic place in Hanoi, or immerse yourself in the 36 Corporations neighborhood, known for its artisans and traditional shops.
In the evening, dine at an upscale restaurant blending contemporary Vietnamese cuisine with local traditions, before returning to the comfort of your hotel for the night.
Day 9 – Cat Ba & cruise in Ha Long Bay
After breakfast, you leave Hanoi heading towards the coast, accompanied by an organized transfer. The road winds through the lush landscapes of northern Vietnam to the pier, where you take a speedboat to reach Cat Ba Island, the ideal gateway to the legendary Halong Bay.
You then embark on a private cruise in the bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you glide over the water, you admire the karst peaks rising from the emerald sea, creating an unreal and majestic landscape.
On board, you enjoy a lunch of freshly caught seafood, served in the comfort of the boat. In the afternoon, you explore secluded coves and mysterious caves, or paddle a kayak between the rock formations.
At the end of the day, settle into a converted junk or a charming hotel on Cat Ba (depending on the chosen option), where you can enjoy dinner in a peaceful atmosphere, overlooking one of the most beautiful panoramas in Vietnam.
Day 10 – The Magic of Ha Long Bay
Upon waking, you open your curtains to one of the most beautiful landscapes in Asia: the karst sugarloaf mountains of Ha Long Bay bathed in the soft morning light. After a breakfast served on board, you set out to explore the surroundings on a boat or kayak, gliding between the steep cliffs and secret lagoons.
Your cruise continues in more preserved areas of the bay, where serenity contrasts with the bustle of the major shipping routes. Depending on the chosen itinerary, you will visit a spectacular cave with millennia-old limestone formations or enjoy free time to swim in the emerald green waters.
On board, the crew takes care of you with a refined lunch of local specialties, served in an exceptional setting, facing this mythical UNESCO-listed backdrop.
In the afternoon, return to Cat Ba or continue sailing depending on the option chosen, before heading back to the mainland. You then take the road to Hanoi, where you return to your hotel for one last evening in the Vietnamese capital.
Day 11 – Last moments in Hanoi & return flight
For this last day in Vietnam, you enjoy a few more hours of the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. After breakfast, you stroll through the picturesque alleys of the 36 Corporations district, between traditional shops, discreet temples, and colorful markets.
According to your desires, you can visit the Temple of Literature, a true haven of peace dedicated to Confucius, or the Ethnography Museum, which offers a fascinating panorama of the country's cultural diversity. A stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, the vibrant heart of the city, allows you to grasp the unique soul of Hanoi one last time.
At the agreed time, transfer by taxi to the airport for your international return flight. You leave Vietnam and Cambodia with your head full of unforgettable memories: the canals of the Mekong, the majesty of Angkor, the royal elegance of Phnom Penh, the pristine beaches of Koh Rong Samloem, and the timeless magic of Ha Long Bay.
Vietnam & Cambodia with Sunshine Adventures
This combined circuit in Vietnam and Cambodia has been designed to provide you with a complete immersion in Southeast Asia, blending cultural riches, spectacular natural landscapes, and moments of relaxation.
With Sunshine Adventures, every detail of your stay is carefully orchestrated so you can fully enjoy your discoveries:
International and domestic flights organized for a smooth and hassle-free journey.
A private driver-guide in southern Vietnam, followed by comfortable transfers in private taxis for the next stages.
Quality accommodations, selected for their comfort, charm, and prime location: boutique hotels, beach resorts, traditional junk boats on Ha Long Bay.
The support of passionate local guides, to enrich your visits to Angkor, Phnom Penh, Hanoi, and Halong.
The main excursions included: cruises on the Mekong and Halong Bay, exploration of the Angkor temples, immersion in local life, relaxation on the beaches of Koh Rong Samloem.
A personalized assistance before and during your trip, to ensure you have a serene and unforgettable experience.
From the vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City to the mysteries of Angkor Wat, from the elegance of Phnom Penh to the paradise beaches of Koh Rong Samloem, to the dreamlike landscapes of Ha Long Bay, this journey is an invitation to explore Asia in all its diversity, between tradition, adventure, and refinement.
With Sunshine Adventures, discover Vietnam and Cambodia in the best conditions for an unforgettable memory at the heart of authentic Asia.