Street eats, sleeper trains, island time and temple sunrises — this 19-day trip through Vietnam and Cambodia is built around the experiences you’ll actually remember. Think food walks in Hanoi, kayaking through Lan Ha Bay, simple rail journeys, lantern-lit nights in Hoi An, local market stops, homestays, hands-on community experiences and time exploring Cambodia’s cities, countryside and ancient temples.
Battambang: Dive into Battambang’s local flavours and craft — fresh banana chips at a family workshop, rice paper-making in a village, and a taste of bamboo sticky rice (krolan) roasted in bamboo with sticky rice, black beans, coconut + palm sugar. Then we’ll stop at a traditional rice wine distillery (herbs, fruit, and even scorpion infusions for the brave) before hitting the famously pungent prahok market to see how fermented fish paste is made. After a break back at the homestay, we’ll jump on the iconic bamboo train — a motor-powered bamboo platform on an old rail line — for a bumpy ride past rice paddies (if it’s running), then finish with an authentic Cambodian dinner with a local family.
Battambang: Head to a local family home for an authentic Cambodian dinner — home-cooked favourites, big welcomes, and the kind of meal that feels more like being hosted than being served.
Battambang: Ready to see Phnom Sampeau just before sunset? Grab a seat at the base of the hill, and watch the nightly bat exodus. Think millions of bats streaming out of the cave in a wild ribbon across the sky. (Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds.)
Battambang: Welcome to Cambodia's pottery capital! We’ll wander the village, meet local artisans, and see traditional handmade pottery techniques still going strong.
Hanoi: Hit up the legendary Train Street, grab an egg coffee, and settle in for the main event — a train rolling through so close you’ll feel the breeze. It’s chaotic and so very iconic.
Hanoi: Take Hanoi one bite at a time on a street food walking tour through the Old Quarter. Expect busy lanes, sizzling stalls, and a running commentary from a Local Guide who actually knows where the good stuff is. Come hungry.
Ho Chi Minh City: Come discover the Ho Chi Minh City with an orientation walk with a Local Guide. We'll drop by a local market, then lock in an authentic Vietnamese coffee (of course!) and a proper local breakfast to match.
Lan Ha Bay: Hop on a boat and spend the day gliding through Lan Ha Bay’s limestone karsts and calm, glassy water (Halong’s cooler, quieter cousin). Best part? You'll get to enjoy a delish lunch onboard - all with epic views in the backdrop.
Lan Ha Bay: Paddle time! We’ll jump in kayaks and weave through hidden corners of Lan Ha Bay — slipping into quiet lagoons and threading between the karsts where the big boats can’t go.
Phnom Penh: Hit the streets for an orientation walk — waterfront vibes, Wat Botom Park, and snack stops along the way. We’ll finish with a beef jerky tasting at a local favourite before the evening opens up.
Phnom Penh: Just outside the city, we’ll visit Choeng Ek. A space to pause, reflect, and better understand Cambodia’s recent history before returning to the rhythm of Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh: Step inside Tuol Sleng, a former school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. It’s confronting, but it matters — and it adds important context to everything you’ve seen so far.
Phnom Penh: We’ll swing by Phnom Penh’s Central Market — a huge art deco icon where you can shop, snack, and people-watch like a pro. Expect everything from souvenirs and jewellery to clothes and street food, all under one very photogenic roof.
Phong Nha: Step underground at the Vinh Moc Tunnels and walk through the maze-like network where families once lived during the war. It's a real eye-opener.
Phong Nha: We’ll cruise the Hai Van Pass for those unreal coastal views — mountains on one side, ocean on the other, and plenty of photo op moments.
Quy Nhon: Want a glimpse into rural Vietnam? We’ll stop at Bich Hoa Tam Thanh Village for a quick culture reset — colourful streets, local life, and a slower pace.
Siem Reap: Jump on an open-air bus and cruise into Siem Reap’s local night scenes — monastery stop for a Monk’s Blessing, market wandering, sunset over rice paddies, then street-food time at the 60m Road Night Market.
Siem Reap: Ride from Angkor Wat to the South Gate, along the top of Angkor Thom’s ancient wall with your local cycling guide leading the way. We'll stop at Prasat Chrung, explore the iconic Bayon Temple (and even see its legendary stone faces). Plus, we'll pedal past an ancient Baray and a swinging bridge, straight to the crumbling ruins of Ta Nei.
Siem Reap: Yes, it’s an early start — and yes, it’s worth it. We’ll arrive at Angkor Wat as the sun rises, then head into Ta Prohm while it’s still quiet, where jungle roots wrap around ancient stone and the atmosphere does all the talking.
