Quick answer
This Vietnam and Cambodia cultural tour with Hue is a 14-night holiday that runs south to north. It starts in Ho Chi Minh City, flies to Siem Reap for Angkor, then continues to Hoi An, Hue and Hanoi. It ends with an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay, and the holiday is ATOL 10713 protected.
The 14 nights break down as two in Ho Chi Minh City, three in Siem Reap, three in Hoi An and two in Hue. Then come two in Hanoi, one on board in Ha Long Bay and a last night back in Hanoi, which makes seven check-ins in total. The trip suits a first visit to both countries if you want Angkor, Hoi An and imperial Hue in one fortnight, with the logistics arranged for you. It suits you less well if you prefer one or two bases, dislike packing every few days, or want to finish with a stretch of beach time.
Why You'll Love It
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Day by Day
Your flight from the UK lands at Tan Son Nhat airport, where a representative meets you and a private transfer takes you to La Siesta Saigon in District 1. The rest of the day is free to rest after the long journey.
A private guide takes you round the city’s most significant landmarks and explains their history. Later, a local food experience introduces the dishes of southern Vietnam.
After breakfast you transfer to the airport for the short flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. A private transfer takes you to Borei Angkor Resort & Spa, and the afternoon is free.
A full day at the Angkor temples with a private guide, including Angkor Wat itself. In the evening you watch a performance of Apsara, Cambodia’s classical dance, over dinner.
No sightseeing is scheduled today. You can revisit a temple, browse the town’s markets or stay at the resort. Extra guided visits can be requested when you book.
You fly from Siem Reap to Da Nang, then transfer by road to Boutique Hoi An Resort on the coast outside Hoi An. The evening is free to head into town when the lanterns come on.
A guided walk through Hoi An Ancient Town, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, includes the Japanese Covered Bridge. Afterwards, a river safari shows the waterways and villages around the town.
The day is yours. You could have clothes made by one of the town’s tailors, spend time on the beach by the resort, or go back to the Ancient Town to eat.
A private transfer takes you north to Hue, the former imperial capital, stopping at the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc on the way. You check in at Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel, and in the evening sit down to a dinner inspired by the banquets of the Nguyen court.
A hands-on cooking class teaches the techniques and flavour balance of Hue cuisine, and you eat what you cook for lunch. The rest of the day is free for the Citadel or the Perfume River.
You fly from Hue to Hanoi and check in at Peridot Grand Hotel in the Old Quarter. In the evening you watch a water puppet show, a performing art that began in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta.
A trip out of the city to Bat Trang, a pottery village around 700 years old, where you can watch potters at work and browse the ceramics market. The evening is free in Hanoi.
You travel by road to the coast and board the Indochine Cruise for a night on the bay. The boat sails among the limestone islands, with kayaking offered and time to relax on deck.
Wake up on the bay for a last morning of activities before the boat returns to harbour. A transfer takes you back to Hanoi for your final evening in Vietnam.
After breakfast, a private driver takes you to Noi Bai airport for your flight back to the UK. If your flight leaves in the evening, ask your specialist about a late check-out or a day room, as these depend on hotel availability.
Where You'll Stay
4-star hotel
La Siesta Saigon is at 180–188 Ly Tu Trong Street in District 1. Its 91 rooms and suites run from Superior and Deluxe rooms to Executive rooms and suites. The infinity pool looks over Ben Thanh Market towards the Saigon River, and Twilight Sky Bar is on the 12th floor. There is also Cloud Nine restaurant, La Spa and a gym.
4-star hotel
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa is on National Road 6 in Siem Reap, a short drive from the Angkor temples. Rooms come in eight categories, from Deluxe and Landmark rooms to Junior, Club and Borei Suites and a Royal Suite, combining classic Cambodian architecture with contemporary decor. There is a swimming pool and a spa, plus six places to eat and drink, including Phum Boraan, set out as a traditional Khmer village.
4-star hotel
Boutique Hoi An Resort is on An Bang Beach, about five minutes from Hoi An centre and 35 minutes from Da Nang airport. Accommodation runs from Superior and Deluxe rooms to beach and pool villas, and the villas sit directly on the beach with large sea-facing terraces. The pool is set in tropical gardens, and there is a spa, Le Café restaurant, a pool bar and a beach bar.
4-star hotel
Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel is at 2 Le Loi Street in central Hue. Its 198 rooms and suites range from Deluxe and Classic rooms to Junior, Executive and Presidential Suites. Colour schemes draw on the imperial court, with gold for prosperity and cobalt blue for peace. Every room has an outside view, over the city, the river or the gardens and pool, and there is a spa.
4-star hotel
Peridot Grand Hotel is at 33 Duong Thanh Street in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem district. Rooms come in nine categories, from Chic Deluxe to Grand Suites with private balconies, and the larger rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. The Luxury Suites have full marble bathrooms. Facilities include an infinity pool, Ignite Sky Bar, a gym and Peridot Spa with a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
4-star hotel
The Indochine Cruise has 45 cabins across three decks, from Junior Suites to a President Suite, sized 32 to 80 square metres. Each has floor-to-ceiling windows, a private balcony and a walk-in wardrobe. The boat was renovated in 2023 and has a lift and an accessible cabin, which helps if stairs are difficult.
All prices are per person based on two adults sharing. Includes return flights and accommodation. Click any month to enquire.
| ✈ Flights | Return flights from UK included |
| 🧳 Baggage | 23kg checked baggage |
| 🏛 Hotel | 14 nights accommodation |
| 🚌 Transfers | Private airport transfers |
| ✈ Airport Taxes | All airport taxes included |
| 💳 Deposit | 30% per person to secure booking |
Hue was the capital of unified Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Its monuments became the country's first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. The walled Citadel, with the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City inside it, stands on the Perfume River. The royal tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh lie in the hills outside town.
Hoi An tells a different story. It was a trading port from the 15th to the 19th century, so its streets are merchant houses and assembly halls rather than palaces.
The rainy seasons on this route do not line up: central Vietnam is wettest when the north, the south and Cambodia are drying out.
| Stop on the route | Rainy season |
|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City | June to September. |
| Siem Reap | June to October. |
| Hoi An and Hue | October to December, and rain can continue into January. |
| Hanoi and Ha Long Bay | June to September. |
Central Vietnam floods most often in October and November, and typhoons can hit the east coast from May to November. Vietnam's tourism authority recommends February to April for Hue and March to May for Hoi An. March and April fall outside the rainy season at every stop.
Starting in Ho Chi Minh City puts Angkor on day four, a short flight away, rather than at the end of the trip. Central Vietnam falls in the middle. From Hue, the flight north to Hanoi takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, which saves a long day on the road. Ha Long Bay comes last, so your flight home leaves from Hanoi rather than after a final regional flight out of Siem Reap.
For other routes, see our Vietnam and Cambodia tours guide, or the 13-night Vietnam and Cambodia tour via Phnom Penh. Our luxury Vietnam holidays page covers Vietnam-only trips.
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