Southern Vietnam & Cambodia Teen Adventure | 12 Days & 11 Nights

DAY 1 HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL

Ho Chi Minh City is still referred to as Saigon by the locals. Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Saigon boasts an enormous architectural wealth, mirroring its colorful history. From the pagodas, museums, and European architecture of the city’s recent past to the growing number of skyscrapers, Saigon is like a trip through time. 

Upon arrival to Ho Chi Minh City, be met by the guide and driver and transfer to the hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City                                           

Distances and journey time:

From Tan Son Nhat International Airport – hotel in HCMC (8km): 30 mins

DAY 2  HO CHI MINH CITY

Today begins at 08:00. Meet with a local guide and set off, transferring to a buzzing local market for the start of this insightful and walking tour. Browse the stalls, watching the vendors peddle their wares and shoppers bargain for the freshest goods. The cacophony of noises, colors, and smells is invigorating! 

Walk onwards, stepping into the narrow yet safe alleys off the tourist trail. See family-run businesses lining the street, learning how the city’s residents live – using their ground floors as shops or food stalls and residing upstairs. See vendors cooking up fresh morning treats and locals queuing up to buy their breakfast. 

Continue through neighborhood alleys into a small temple honoring Vietnam’s five ‘mother goddesses’ and hear more about this unique belief. 

Following this insight into the city’s spiritual side, wander onto wide streets lined with charming French-era villas and towering mahogany trees. Then step back onto the main boulevards to soak up the city’s contrasts of old and new before returning to the hotel. 

This afternoon, depart from your hotel at 13:30. Once acquainted with your guide, hop aboard a jeep then drive to a shophouse restaurant that played a significant role during Vietnam’s ‘American war’ years.   

Once visited, drive past a shrine outside of the US Consulate before heading to the Central Post Office for a view of the former CIA building, where one of the last helicopter evacuations took place in 1975. Discover more about the story behind the iconic “Fall of Saigon” photo taken that day by Hubert van Ess. 

Continue to perhaps the city’s most famous landmark – the Reunification Palace. It was here another iconic photo was taken; tanks crashing through the gates of what was an important government building, signaling the end of the war. Now preserved as a museum and tourist attraction, the ‘war rooms’ in the basement plus the opulent lifestyle on display of former leaders are fascinating.  

Continue past the memorial of Thich Quang Duc, a monk who immortalized himself in protest against the persecution of Buddhists in Vietnam. End the tour at a former ‘revolutionary’ hideout, once the secret base operations of the Viet Cong now a museum with hidden tunnels.  

Visit the hideout, then sit for a refreshing drink whilst your guide explains the incredible story of this important house, including the failed attack on The Independence Palace during the Tet Offensive in 1968. Optional, try a local rice dish that Korean soldiers put their culinary twist on, by adding kimchi. The jeep will then take you back to your hotel. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 3

The morning begins at 07:00 with a short drive to the banks of the Saigon River. Board a speedboat for a scenic ride to the Cu Chi tunnels. Gaze upon the modern skyline of the city while enjoying a light breakfast. Watch as the scenery changes, passing through urban neighborhoods and then rural countryside. 

After 90 minutes arrive at Cu Chi and explore the incredible network of 200 km underground tunnels. Crawl underground and get a better sense of what life was like living and fighting in the labyrinth of caves and tunnels. Hear remarkable stories of the residents’ resilience and see relics of wartime weapons.

Following the visit, return to the boat and relax while cruising back to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

(This tour is a non-private Cu Chi Tunnels cruise. Groups are small with up to 15 people maximum per tour.)

The evening begins at 18:00. Get acquainted with the driver and your Vespa before making the first stop of the evening, a vibrant rooftop with sweeping city views. Take some pics, and sip a refreshing cocktail whilst enjoying the evening breeze. 

From the city heights, back down at street level, cruise through the busy streets, and pass some of the famous landmarks in this vibrant city. The first food stop, dive into local culture at an authentic seafood restaurant. Groups of people gathering to eat seafood and drink beer is the way Saigonese wind down after a busy day.  

Continue by pillion across town to one of the city’s institutions, a ‘bánh xèo’ restaurant. This savory pancake is highly favored by Vietnamese from Saigon and beyond and is a must-try for any food enthusiast.  

Once started, continue with your driver to a vibrant live music venue featuring live performances. Fueled with delectable food and catchy tunes, hop back on the Vespa for the final ride back to your hotel

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Distances and journey time:

Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels :  (38km): 1.15 hrs

DAY 4

Today’s tour starts at 08:00 with a pick-up from the hotel in the city center. Leave the busy streets and modern buildings of Ho Chi Minh City behind to drive 2-hours south of the city to the verdant Mekong Delta. 

On arrival, board a local boat for a first glimpse of life on the Mekong Delta’s maze of waterways. See the life of locals and how they make their living on floating fish farms as the boat winds through the maze of canals.

En route visit a small factory producing handicrafts made of coconut – a material found in abundance in the Mekong region. See a traditional folklore performance while relishing in some of the freshest tropical fruits the region has to offer.

As an option, switch gears and hop on a motor-tricycle, once the iconic vehicle and main means of transportation in southern Vietnam in the 1960s (Please note: motor-tricycle to be requested in advance). Explore the riverside promenade and narrow lanes to a lush garden. Taste the honey that is harvested by the residents and famous throughout Vietnam.

Get a closer look at delta life on a sampan boat, rowed through a hidden maze of small, waterpalm-draped canals. Then, kick back and enjoy a delicious lunch featuring the unique flavors of Mekong Delta cuisine. 

Before returning to the big city, stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda. This massive Buddhist pagoda boasts impressive architecture and an incredible collection of statues.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City late this afternoon, filled with fantastic memories of a day in the Delta.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Distances and journey time:

Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre (100km): 2 hrs and 30 mins

DAY 5

After breakfast, transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the short flight to the central port city of Danang. On arrival at Danang Airport, the gateway to Hoi An, your private guide and driver will assist with the transfer to the hotel for check-in. 

Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns and UNESCO-heritage listed, once a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries now draws international visitors to its streets, for both the history and the surrounding scenes.    

Departure at 14:00 for a half-day discovery with a local guide, exploring the ancient town. Explore former merchant homes, colorful communal halls, narrow lanes lined, traditional houses, and the iconic Japanese Bridge*. Also, visit charming backstreets and tiny alleys to discover lesser-known gems. 

Meander down a small alley to a traditional-style house where the art of healing through martial arts has been practiced by a local family for generations. This healing method is the master’s invention, combined with Qigong, Tai Chi, and traditional Vietnamese martial arts called Vo. Have a chance to learn some basic steps under the guidance of the master. 

To conclude the cultural exploration, visit a cozy local home to taste a typical dessert before heading back to the hotel.

*The Japanese Bridge is currently under renovation until Q4 2024 (est). Visitors can walk alongside the bridge (as of March 2024) on a purposely built metal platform however the actual structure is mostly covered in metal sheeting, therefore limiting photo op’s of the town’s most famous monument.

Overnight in Hoi An

Distances and journey time:

Ho Chi Minh City Hotel – Tan Son Nhat Airport (8km): 20 mins

Danang Airport – Central Hoi An (30km): 50 mins

DAY 6

This tour is operated on a joint basis. Private option available on request.

Leave the bustling town center behind at 08:00 and pedal along quiet laneways and country roads, passing rice paddies and lush vegetable farms. This is Vietnam at its best: vibrant and charming.

Greet friendly locals with warm smiles and waves, observe water buffalo lazing through the fields, and capture the breathtaking scenery through your lens.

Arrive at the pier and get on a motorized boat for the next part of your journey: fishing. The boat will take you to a village where you can immerse yourself in the local life of Hoi An’s fishermen. Climb into a small, round bamboo basket and drift onto the tranquil waters. These quirky boats are a great opportunity to see the remarkable innovation and skills of the Vietnamese people. Cast a fishing net in the traditional way – a challenging task that the locals will be happy to assist with. 

Continue to a region teeming with water palms and coconut trees, learning about the rich history of this part of Hoi An.

Back to the main boat and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board before returning to the hotel via the nearest pier.

Overnight in Hoi An

DAY 7

Enjoy this morning at leisure before transferring approx. 50 mins (30km) from the hotel to Danang airport in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide for the next destination.

Welcome to Siem Reap, the charming gateway to the famed temples of Angkor. You will be greeted by your local English-speaking guide who will accompany you to your hotel for check-in. 

Take a rest from your flight or discover Siem Reap town on your own. 

Overnight in Siem Reap

Distances and journey time:

Central Hoi An – Danang Airport  (30km): 50 mins

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport – Siem Reap (52 km): 1 hr

DAY 8

This morning tour begins at 09:00. 

Get to know Siem Reap’s artistic side through the town’s best workshops and galleries including a visit to Senteurs d’Angkor, where training and job opportunities are offered to disadvantaged young people and women who specialize in preserving traditional Khmer local handcraft including Smok and Candle making. The workshop takes around 2 hours.

Afterward, depart from Siem Reap by road in your private vehicle, traveling through the beautiful Cambodian countryside and past rural villages to Battambang (transfer time 3 hours). Upon arrival, you will be taken directly to your hotel for check-in. Even though Battambang is Cambodia’s second-largest city, you will find that the atmosphere is very laid-back in a charming and relaxed river town full of fine examples of French-colonial architecture.

Overnight in Battambang

Distances and journey time:

Siem Reap – Battambang (174 km): 3 hours

DAY 9

Today’s tour starts at 08:00. Begins with a fun morning cycle ride around the local villages surrounding Battambang with SoksaBike, a social enterprise set up to provide scenic and informative bike rides through the local countryside. During the 30km cycle tour, there are plenty of stops to learn how the locals produce rice paper, prahok (typical Cambodian fish paste), grolan (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), and other Cambodian treats.

Take a break back at your hotel.

Afternoon, visit Phare Ponleu Selpak, a non-profit arts and circus campus that empowers young people through artistic, educational, and social support programs.

Immerse yourself in Cambodian culture:  Join a traditional Cambodian dance and music workshop led by qualified teachers. Learn the art forms and have the chance to exchange experiences with the performers themselves!

Have dinner at the campus and conclude your evening by watching the captivating circus show.

Overnight in Battambang

Distances and journey time:

Siem Reap – Floating village (52 km): 1 hr

DAY 10

After breakfast, head back to Siem Reap. After a few stops along the way for refreshments, you will reach Siem Reap in around 3 hours.

In the afternoon, free at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities.

This evening, bring an appetite and sense of adventure on this unique Siem Reap nightlife tour. After sunset, travel by remork (Cambodian tuk-tuk) to Street 60 on the outskirts of town. Busy most every night, this street has the feel of a night market with locals throwing down bamboo mats to enjoy a smorgasbord of freshly cooked dishes. It’s an evening picnic of barbecue heaven. The aromatic smells will certainly make the mouth water. Make a stop at a stall famous for its pickled fruit and fried insects. These are popular snacks for the Cambodian people. Taste the contrasting flavors of sour fruit dipped in a salty and spicy dip, or try a selection of crispy crickets, grasshoppers, or silkworms. As you walk down the street past various stalls selling everything from clothing to toys, stop to sample some barbeque or exotic local treats such as roast pork belly, snails, and grilled frogs. Mingle with the locals as they watch their evening meal being prepared over the hot coals and join them on bamboo mats for a picnic-style meal.

Continue the culinary adventure to Wat Damnak to the handful of smoke-filled corrugated-iron roofed shacks and fancier open-sided eateries on Wat Damnak Street, for one of Siem Reap’s most popular street food snacks, sach ko ang jakak, (beef skewers) marinated in palm sugar, soy and kroeung (a paste of lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, kaffir lime, garlic), and then barbecued over coals on a traditional clay grill. Cambodians love barbecue. All is well and delicious, but what truly qualifies this barbecued beef is its accompaniment: a sweet-sour pickle salad of thick cucumber slices finely shredded green papaya, and ginger. 

Next, explore the streets around Psar Chas (Old Market), which are lined with various stalls selling pancakes, fruit shakes, fried bananas, waffles, coconut rice cakes, and various fried rice and noodle dishes. Take your time to sit down anywhere and enjoy anything you like! Make sure to stop at one of the many fresh fruit stalls to try a range of exotic local fruits, including dragon fruit, longans, mangoes, mangosteens, snake fruit, and the smelly but very tasty durian! This stop will mark the end of the tour and your driver will bring you safely to your hotel or, at your choice, drop you off at Pub Street or in the city center of Siem Reap.

Note: This food tour is not vegetarian-friendly. 

Overnight in Siem Reap

Distances and journey time:

Battambang -Siem Reap (174 km): 3 hours

DAY 11

Enjoy a cycling tour over beautiful back roads to Angkor Wat and marvel at its grandeur. Learn about the reign of King Suryavarman II who built the iconic monument in the early 12th century. Hear tales of the construction process which took 30 years of intensive labor to complete. 

Take a closer look at the intricately carved gallery walls and learn about the Hindu myths and historic tales they represent. See some of the 2000 “Apsara” carvings, each one a unique representation of female guardian spirits adorning the temple walls.

If time permits, visit Ta Prohm or Bayon Temple before returning to the hotel.

Then head deeper into the jungle for the next adventure: an Angkor zipline course, where you will enjoy the afternoon in the canopy, zipping from tree to tree.

We will enjoy a Zipline Eco-Adventure Tour at the Angkor Archeological Park. Offering 9 zip lines at different heights, suspended sky bridges, and the chance to abseil from a tree this is an excursion for those with a sense of adventure who want to soar over the jungle canopy like a gibbon!

Transfer to the zipline site before receiving a safety briefing and being outfitted. After the adventure begins: start with the easiest zip lines before proceeding to the highest and most exhilarating. The highest zip lines are 50 meters above the canopy and the longest is 350 meters. From the last zip line, the final adventure is to abseil down before a soft trek through the forest takes you back to the starting point. (Note – max 9 people in a single group, latest start time is noon, the excursion lasts 2 – 2.5 hrs, maximum weight 125kg, not suitable for children under 5 yrs old or 1m height, no sandals permitted.)

Following this fabulous adventure, it is time to return to Siem Reap. 

Dinner in a local restaurant

Overnight in Siem Reap

Distances and journey time:

Siem Reap – Temple (06 km): 10 mins

DAY 12 

Enjoy some time at leisure until the transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

EXTENSION – SIHANOUKVILLE BEACH BREAK 4 Days/3 Nights

Distances and journey time:

Siem Reap Hotel – Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (52 km): 1 hr