Vietnam & Cambodia - Saigon to Siem Reap

Xin Chào Các Bạn! Welcome to Vietnam!

Welcome to Vietnam and Saigon, the country's most dynamic city and Vietnam's biggest and boldest melting pot. The streets here swirl with life, smells, and sounds from early morning until late at night. It's a feast for all your senses, so get ready to drink it all in on this epic culinary tour. But first, a little history. Formerly known as Gia Dinh, Saigon was under French control for a period of 100 years that lasted until after World War II. During that time the city became known both by its popular name, Saigon, and as the "Pearl of the Orient."

You will meet our driver at Tan Son Nhat Airport and transfer to Saigon hotel. Check into your hotel and relax.

Optional activities for afternoon:  Cooking class, A O Show (depending on availability)

In the evening, savour a welcome dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant, offering a first taste of Saigon’s vibrant culinary scene and lively atmosphere.

Transport: Driving from SGN to Saigon hotel

Meals: Welcome dinner

Accommodation: Me Boutique Saigon or similar

Today, your guide will meet you at 8:00 AM to begin a morning walking tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Stroll through the city's historic centre, taking in its blend of colonial architecture and modern energy, while your guide shares insights into its culture and history.

Saigon isn't a city you just see — it's one you feel under your feet, taste on your tongue, and carry in your heart. On this guided walking tour through its vibrant downtown, you'll do all three.

Begin at the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, its red bricks glowing in the morning light, then step into the vaulted hush of the Central Post Office, where echoes of the past still cling to the tiled floor and vintage phone booths. Your guide will weave history and local lore into every step — revealing what the buildings don't say out loud.

From there, wander down elegant Dong Khoi Street, past balconies draped in bougainvillea and boutiques tucked into colonial villas. Pause for a mid-morning ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) at a tucked-away cafe where time slows and the air smells like roasted beans and sweet milk.

Refreshed, continue to the Opera House, its belle-epoque facade a stage for Saigon's glamorous past. Then stroll Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where the modern city pulses and pre-wedding photoshoots pop up like wildflowers.

Lunchtime arrives just in time — settle into a cozy local restaurant where southern Vietnamese flavours sing: fresh herbs, crunchy rolls, something grilled and something soupy, of course.

After lunch, return to your hotel, to relax and take a swim in the pool.

Around 6PM, you'll meet up with a local expert guide and embark on the most delicious of Saigon tours. Rather than walk, you'll hop on the back of a vintage Vespa and drive straight through Saigon's frenetic urban fray.

There, you'll sample street foods in the city's most secret corners: restaurants only local connoisseurs know and cherish that are now yours to taste and discover, too. During this epic culinary pilgrimage, you'll come to know Saigon's tastes and traditions — and fall in love with this dynamic city.

Accommodation: Me Boutique Saigon or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Included: Walking tour in Saigon with guide, streetfood tour on the back of vespa with guide

Start your day with a delightful breakfast that combines European and Vietnamese flavours, and afterwards set off on an exciting journey to the heart of the Mekong Delta, where you'll immerse yourself in the captivating province of Ben Tre.

This region offers a unique island life experience in Southern Vietnam.

Did you know that the Mekong River was once known as "Cuu Long," meaning Nine Dragons? It has nine different branches, and today, you'll have the opportunity to hop from one island to another on a small-boat tour. This includes a visit to an artisan workshop and a mouthwatering lunch with a friendly local farmer family. To top it off, you'll get to witness the beauty of the Mekong Delta at water level as you cruise through the narrow canals aboard a traditional sampan boat.

After that, we will continue to Can Tho. Upon your arrival, settle in and enjoy the cool rustic atmosphere of your lodge. The food in this area takes on a particular sweetness imparted by cooking with coconut. Be sure to enjoy the fresh coconut that this area is famous for.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Vam Xang Rustic Lodge

Transport: Transfer from Saigon to Mekong then continue to Can Tho

Rise and shine early at 5 am, because today's adventure takes us to Can Tho province's last two floating markets.

Once upon a time, when the Mekong Delta relied solely on its waterways, these markets were the heart of commerce, right on the riverbanks next to the villages. While the world has changed, and these markets have become a rarity, the locals still cherish these early morning gatherings.

Our first stop is Phong Dien, a charming little market where folks trade their garden treasures. Then, we'll meander through the canals to Cai Rang, the granddaddy of them all in the Mekong Delta. Here, you'll get a glimpse into the life of the "thuong ho," the proud owners of the larger boats, as they gather fruits and veggies to sell in far-off places.

After all that excitement, we'll head back to your lodge for a well-deserved breakfast and some relaxation.

Following the morning excursion, we will head toward Chau Doc.

In the afternoon, arrive in Chau Doc and check in at our Chau Doc hotel for a TWO night stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Transport: Driving from Can Tho to Chau Doc hotel

Accommodation: Victoria Chau Doc or Victoria Nui Sam

Wake up to a peaceful morning in Chau Doc, and enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out to explore this unique riverside town, where cultures and traditions blend harmoniously.

Begin with a visit to the revered Ba Chua Xu Temple, one of southern Vietnam's most important pilgrimage sites, known for its spiritual atmosphere and deep-rooted local significance.

Afterward, head to the boat station for a journey into the daily life of the Mekong. Cruise along the Hau River to visit floating fish farms, where families live and work on the water, raising fish beneath their homes in a fascinating and sustainable way.

Continue onward to a Cham village, home to one of Vietnam's oldest ethnic communities. Here, you'll have the chance to walk through stilt houses, observe traditional weaving, and gain insight into a culture that has been preserved for generations.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Chau Doc at your own pace — perhaps exploring local markets, visiting nearby temples, or simply relaxing and taking in the tranquil riverside setting.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included Activities: Explore Chau Doc, visit Cham village

Accommodation: Victoria Chau Doc or Victoria Nui Sam

Optional:  Tra Su forest boat excursion

On your final morning in Vietnam, wake up early and meet our driver for the transfer to Chau Doc Pier.

At 6:30AM, board the high-speed boat departing from Chau Doc for your journey to Phnom Penh. As you cruise along the Mekong River, enjoy the peaceful morning scenery and reflect on your time in Vietnam before crossing into Cambodia for the next chapter of your journey.

You are expected to arrive at Phnom Penh Port around 2:00 PM. Our friendly Cambodian driver will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Phnom Penh.

The rest of the day is at leisure — a perfect opportunity to settle in, freshen up, and relax in preparation for the adventures ahead tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast

Transport: Transfer from hotel to Chau Doc pier (if staying at Victoria Nui Sam) | Speedboat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh | Transfer to Phnom Penh hotel

Accommodation: Sun & Moon Riverside Hotel or similar

Recommended for your time in Phnom Penh:

• Optional Lunch/Dinner: Enjoy a meal at Bopha Phnom Penh Restaurant, conveniently located next to the port.

• Optional Activities: Consider visiting the National Museum or SOSORO Museum at your own pace. entrance are on customers’ account, tour guide will facilitate.

• Evening: Take a stroll through Bassac Lane – a lively area with a welcoming atmosphere, live music, and a great mix of stylish bars, restaurants, and casual street food spots.

All of these optional expenses are on your own account. 

• Optional Silk Weaving & Local Life by City Bike: Depart from your hotel from the busy roads; en route, visit Wat Kean Kleang’s Golden Temple, and the beautiful architecture of the original temple (Vihear) was built in 1948, and you will also learn about Buddhism in Cambodian society. Stop at the dock where you will take a ferry across the river. Upon arrival, you will be ready to explore Silk Island by city bike, an est. 5 km ride. (The experience is about 3 hours, including local snack tasting). Discover the timeless art of silk weaving, where you will have an immersive experience with the traditional process. Travelers will visit a local weaving community where skilled artisans, many of them housewives who can earn extra income, create beautiful silk textiles by hand using techniques passed down through generations. Learn about the fascinating process of silk production, from silkworm cocoons and thread preparation to natural dyeing and handloom weaving. Witness the patience and craftsmanship behind every piece while supporting local families and preserving Cambodia’s rich heritage. This authentic cultural activity offers a meaningful connection to local life and witnessing how the local farmers do the seasonal crops, making the island green throughout the year.  Minimum 2 pax: USD 60 per pax

Phnom Penh is set at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. It was once known as the "Pearl of Asia" and considered one of the loveliest French-built cities during the colonial era in the region.

After breakfast, you will discover Cambodia's dark history. First visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school which was used as the notorious Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge regime.

Drive to the outskirts for a visit to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek — a former orchard and mass grave of victims of that dark period. Entrance is an extra.

Mid-afternoon, you will visit the Royal Palace, built in 1866, the official residence of the King. It is an excellent example of Khmer architecture with an element of French influence. Inside, you will visit the Throne Hall — where the king's general and official ceremonies are held — and the Silver Pagoda, which houses many national treasures such as gold and jeweled Buddha statues, with floors inlaid with more than 5,000 silver tiles.

Late afternoon, you will be greeted by a driver who will pick you up from your hotel by Cyclo for a fun tour of the most significant sights of the city. Three-wheelers were introduced to Phnom Penh streets in 1936, and their drivers are happy to bring you around for a unique experience.

Ride along the riverline towards the former French Quarter, which is evident in the colonial shophouses lining the boulevards, Belle Epoque and Art Deco houses, with the occasional public building animating the cityscape.

The Quarter lies near Wat Phnom — the birthplace of Phnom Penh — on the hill of the city, which you will also visit. Inside the temple, you will experience the Chakkumpi "Khmer fortune teller" manuscript on palm-leaf, performed by selecting passages of hazard or luck and drawing from them indications concerning future events — an authentic experience with Khmer belief.

Also stop at Central Market to browse some souvenirs and taste local foods.

Your dinner will be served at Aura Phnom Penh, a casual rooftop restaurant offering elegant, refined sophistication with a chic ambiance and live music for you to enjoy during your meal.

Included Activities: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Royal Palace, Cyclo tour and Wat Phnom Hill 

Accommodation: Sun & Moon Riverside Hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Check out of the hotel and travel through the Cambodian countryside towards Siem Reap with a driver (313km, approx. 5 hours 30 minutes drive). Stop en route for an optional visit to the Skuon market, which is famous for its favorite snack of deep-fried spiders (tarantulas).

You may pass by and stop to see Kampong Kdei Bridge, built during the Angkorian era in the 12th century. It is famous for being one of the oldest and longest cobbled stone-arch bridges in Southeast Asia.

Upon arrival, you will drive directly to the hotel for check-in. Take time to explore the area or relax by the pool.

Transport: Private transfer to Siem Reap

Accommodation: Koulen Central Hotel hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive passing along local villages where you can see how rural life unfolds.

Along paddy fields and sugar palm trees of the countryside, you will have a fabulous experience riding on an ox-cart — a great opportunity to get an insight into village life in Cambodia by a traditional mode of transportation. This is a really fun and engaging adventure that allows you to stay in touch with the authentic local people.

Upon arriving at the lake inlet, get on a private wooden boat from Kampong Phluk's pier to visit the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake — the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, connected to the Mekong River. Tonle Sap Lake plays a central role in Cambodia's food provision.

On board, cruise slowly through the canal of the village, thrilled at the scenic beauty of a unique and authentic Cambodian village on the lake. A short stop and ride on a rowboat through an impressive flooded forest, where you can enjoy paddling beneath shady trees, makes for a breathtaking experience with its romantic atmosphere. Then the boat drives downstream onto the great lake of Tonle Sap, offering a close look at the submerged forest and a breathtaking view of the seemingly endless water surface.

Late afternoon, visit the incredible work of APOPO and their HeroRATs on this engaging short tour of about 45 minutes. You will learn how these intelligent and highly trained African giant pouched rats detect landmines and save lives in Cambodia and beyond.

On your own account, you may have an a la carte dinner at the open-air Phare cafe restaurant. This evening, you will be entertained with a special performance of the Cambodian circus at Phare Ponleu Selpak. Inside the campus, enjoy the rotation of a spectacular show put on by a talented and energetic troupe of young performers.

The one-hour show opens for the public daily at 8:00 p.m.

Included Activities: Ox-cart riding, boat excursions including rowboat paddling and local snack on board | APOPO centre, circus show (Seat B)

Accommodation: Koulen Central Hotel hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Get up early for an eye-catching sunrise at Angkor Wat. You might be lucky to see the sunlight rays clear for a dawn display of color over the towers, making the view towards the temple stunning. Then you will have refreshment fruit and coffee before jumping into the discovery of the temple during the quieter early hours.

Angkor Wat, was built in 1113–1150 and the structure occupies an enormous site of nearly 2 km², said to be one of the world's largest religious monuments. It appears to have been both the state temple and mausoleum, originally dedicated to the God Vishnu before becoming an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. The temple is famous for its bas-reliefs encircling the temple wall, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the historical wars of the King. The central tower reaches a height of 65 meters and is crowned with five towers in a quincunx — also known as Bakan — where you may climb up and enjoy a breathtaking view. Angkor Wat symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people and graces every Cambodian flag.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and enjoy hotel amenities for the rest of the morning.

In the afternoon, take a shady walk along the tall tree-lined avenues and explore the beautiful Ta Prohm temple. The huge roots of giant trees and vines make this temple unique and famous. The temple is so peaceful and restored to nature that it was even used as a filming location for the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

Continue to visit the last capital of the Khmer Empire, Angkor Thom — literally "Great City" — which was established in the early 12th century. Enter the capital through the South Gate with its impressive sandstone carving, then continue to Bayon Temple at the heart of the capital. Its masterpiece consists of 54 standing towers with four huge smiling faces, and its outer gallery contains about 11,000 bas-reliefs depicting heroic historical tales as well as scenes of Khmer daily life from that civilisation.

You may climb up for a sunset view at Bakheng Hill Temple, if you wish.

After visiting these magnificent temples, tonight you will have a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant with a traditional Apsara dance show to enjoy during your dining.

Included Activities: One day temple tour, sunrise at Angkor Wat including refreshment fruit and coffee or tea | Buffet dinner with Apsara dance show

Accommodation: Koulen Central Hotel hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free at leisure until your appointed airport transfer time. A driver will transfer you to Siem Reap airport for your departure flight.

✓  Airport departure transfer 

If you would like to extend your stay in Siem Reap, please add on an extra night in the invoice section.

Meals: Breakfast

If you are flying out late or staying on longer, you might like to add on this amazing cooking experience:

• Optional Home cooking with meal: This morning, you will experience a home-cook with a local family in the countryside where you will have opportunity see the authentic life. First, you will visit the local market to buy some ingredient and herbs, vegetables for your cooking experience. Next, you will join the pretty traditional wooden house of this nice Cambodian family to get into the kitchen and learn to prepare typical dishes every day. Enjoy your lunch that you cooked.

• Minimum 2 pax: USD 45 per pax

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Thank you for choosing to explore Vietnam and Cambodia with Pip & Co Travel! We hope to see you again soon!