Active Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia

(16 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Saigon & environs, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Angkor)

This tour combines a variety of soft-adventure activities with private cultural touring in two of Southeast Asia's most enticing destinations. Accommodations are at the best luxury properties and all active touring will be tailored to your interests and abilities.

Begin in Hanoi, Vietnam's fascinating capital and intellectual center. During private touring, visit the city's most important historical attractions, such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, the House on Stilts and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Take an in-depth tour of Hanoi's incredible Old Quarter, where each street was historically dedicated to a specific trade or material, such as bamboo, silk and lacquer. While touring the narrow streets, learn about the history of the Old Quarter and its traditional architecture, and see how it has transformed into a fashionable district with cafes, art galleries and boutiques featuring the finest Vietnamese design and style. Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and leafy backstreets lined with beautiful French colonial-era buildings, many of which are now upscale restaurants. If desired, also visit Hanoi's top museums, such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. One day, meet a culinary expert to tour one of Hanoi's excellent markets and sample local street food specialties like bun cha (barbecued pork with noodles) and pho cuon (fresh herb and beef rolls). Also attend a performance of Hanoi's renowned water puppet show, or attend a performance at the landmark Hanoi Opera House.

Continue to scenic Halong Bay for an overnight cruise on a luxurious, traditional junk-style boat. Sail among beautiful limestone islands, dine on fresh seafood, enjoy on-board activities such as tai chi at sunrise, and perhaps explore local caves, hike to a scenic overlook, go sea kayaking or fishing, or visit a floating village. Also enjoy a scenic seaplane flight over Halong Bay.

Next, travel to Hoi An, an atmospheric port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay at a luxury beachfront resort, and experience the best of this centuries-old town during private touring. Visit the vibrant morning market, where stalls are piled high with fresh fish and produce. Explore the colorful backstreets, and tour well-preserved historic homes, temples, the Japanese Covered Bridge and other interesting attractions. Perhaps visit a local tailor for custom-made silk clothing, a Hoi An specialty, and enjoy a boat ride on the river. Also visit the nearby Museum of Cham Sculpture, as well as the Marble Mountains, which contain Buddhist cave temples. Upon request, we can arrange additional activities in and near Hoi An, such as visits to local villages, cooking lessons and farm visits, an excursion to the Cham ruins in My Son, biking through the countryside, or a silk lantern-making lesson at a Confucian temple. There will also be time to relax and enjoy your resort's beautiful architecture, spa and beach.

Fly to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam's most dynamic city. With an expert private guide and driver, learn about the city's history while touring French colonial-era landmarks, as well as the mid-century Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Visit interesting neighborhoods like Cholon (Saigon's Chinatown) and explore busy markets and temples. Perhaps stop for a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee, or snack on a typical Vietnamese banh mi (baguette sandwich). If desired, browse the boutiques of Vietnamese designers and renowned art galleries and museums. One day, visit the Mekong Delta, a vast network of islands and waterways where the Mekong River flows into the South China Sea. Cruise by private sampan (traditional boat) through the canals, visiting floating markets, fruit orchards and rural villages. While there, enjoy riding bikes and meeting local farmers and producers of local items such as sweets, tea, honey and dried fruit. Upon request, we can also arrange additional activities such as river boat rides, visits to private homes, philanthropic activities, an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, and more.

Continue to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. Stay at the legendary Raffles Hotel Le Royal, a local landmark since 1927, and enjoy comprehensive private touring with a private guide and driver. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and see incredible sights such as a Baccarat crystal Buddha and another made of gold and diamonds. At the National Museum, view the world's premier collection of ancient Khmer sculpture and artifacts. Explore Phnom Penh's markets, and perhaps shop for silver or silk and cotton textiles. One evening, enjoy a sunset boat ride on the Mekong River. If desired, learn about Cambodia's more recent history during a visit to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. One day, enjoy a full-day excursion outside the city to ride bikes through rice fields to visit rural villages and temples. There will also be time to relax at vibrant cafes and perhaps stop for a drink at the Foreign Correspondents Club, a Phnom Penh institution.

Finally, travel to Siem Reap to explore incredible Angkor, the wondrous ruins of the ancient Khmer empire. With your private guide, tour the most interesting parts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Angkor Wat, an enormous temple city built as a model of the Hindu universe in stone; Angkor Thom, an ancient capital filled with iconic sites such as the Bayon, Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King; Ta Prohm, a temple being devoured by the jungle; and serene Preah Khan, a former monastery and school. Also visit Banteay Srei, a petite temple with elaborate carvings in pink sandstone, and other lesser-known temples. One day, enjoy an excursion to Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake and an ecological wonder. Enjoy a boat cruise among the lake's floating villages, markets and gardens. Also cruise through the flooded forest to learn about the Tonle Sap ecosystem and spot birds and other wildlife. If desired, enjoy additional special activities customized to your interests, such as riding bikes to temples and local villages, a private Khmer cooking class, visiting children's centers, touring local villages, photography excursions, visiting traditional Cambodian art centers, specialized shopping, private yoga, a helicopter ride to remote jungle temples, or attending traditional Khmer dance performances.