Best of Cambodia & Vietnam

Pique your interests and satisfy your appetite with a fast-paced and far-flung adventure through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia. Spend 17 days traversing the diverse South East Asian countryside, through local villages, past stunning coastline and into bustling cities. Beginning in Bangkok, you’ll focus your attention on memorable experiences, the local people, and, of course, the delicious cuisine, all the way to Hanoi in Vietnam’s north. An Angkor temple tour here, a Mekong Delta family visit there, and plenty of time to forge your own path – what’s not to love about this fascinating part of the world?Some travellers find the pace of this trip quite fast as you cover a lot of destinations in a short amount of time. If you would like a more relaxed pace with more time to explore, you might like to consider a longer trip, or additional days at the start and finish points.You’ll cover a lot of distance on this trip, including on overnight trains. Accommodation and amenities are shared and basic, but the experience of rubbing shoulders with the locals makes it all worthwhile. For more about what this experience is like, see our blog post here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnightThere are also some long travel days by both private and public transport (up to 10 hours on the road), including the day that we cross from Thailand to Cambodia. Your leader and local guides will assist with the border crossings, but plenty of patience is advisedThe homestay and local experiences are a wonderful opportunity to witness every day rural life. Facilities are simple and multi-share but comfortable, with mattresses, bedding and mosquito nets all provided.Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in South East Asia, which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water.The stories and history shared at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are confronting and many travellers will find them upsetting. This is an important part of Cambodia’s recent history that we feel is important for travellers to know. If you would prefer not to join these activities your leader can recommend some optional alternatives.The sightseeing tour by motorbike in Hue is great fun with bikes driven safely by professionals (and helmets provided), but alternative transport can be arranged for those who would prefer not to travel by motorbike.If you would prefer a similar itinerary in the reverse direction and with only hotel accommodation, why not check out our Best of Vietnam & Cambodia trip – see trip code ‘TVSKC’ on the Intrepid website for more information.You will visit a number of temples on this trip, and this requires a level of modesty. Be sure to bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.