Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM UK
You will depart the UK for the trip of a lifetime! If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide. If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
Important Information: if you are booking your international flights yourself please be aware the trip starts in Hanoi, Vietnam, and ends in Siem Reap, Cambodia
DAY 2: HELLO HANOI!
On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll make your way to the accommodation. If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the details before your trip.
If your flight arrived early enough, you could go for a look around before dinner and bed.
DAY 3: EXPLORING HANOI
After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, the day begins with a visit to the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. You’ll then wander through the peaceful gardens to see Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the simple wooden home where he once lived.
Next, you’ll stroll over to the unique One Pillar Pagoda, an 11th-century temple built in the middle of a pond on a single stone pillar.
The adventure continues at the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, before heading into the bustling Old Quarter for a fun cycle tour through its lively streets.
You’ll end the day at the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, where you’ll experience one of Vietnam’s most unique traditions with a colourful water puppet show.
DAY 4: TREKKING IN SAPA
You’ll depart Hanoi in the morning for the scenic 6 hour journey to Sapa.
You will arrive in Sapa in time for lunch, and then you’ll take a short drive to Lao Chai village, where your trek begins. From here, you’ll hike through stunning rice terraces to the village of Ta Van, home to the Dzay people.
If you’re up for more trekking, the adventure continues along a slightly more challenging 4km route to Su Pan and Giang Ta Chai, taking you deeper into the valley and through spectacular landscapes.
After the hike, you will be transferred to you accomodation for the night. You will overnight in Sapa.
DAY 5: THE WONDER OF THE MA TRA VALLEY
You’ll drive a short way out of Sapa to begin trekking downhill and across streams to the beautiful Suoi Ho village. Here, you’ll meet local people and get to know more about life in the Ma Tra valley, before carrying on hiking across stunning hillsides to Ma Tra village itself. Terraced paddies, flower farms, old ruins and gorgeous valley scenes all included. After lunch you’ll travel back to Hanoi.
DAY 6: CRUISING IN HA LONG BAY
It’s a 2.5 hour drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site where more than 3,000 spectacular limestone islands rise above the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. This place is nuts. Stunning. You’ll board your cruise boat, where you’ll stay tonight, enjoying fine food and drinks in the most beautiful of settings. You’ll explore Vung Vieng fishing village by rowing boat and enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demo back on board later this evening.
DAY 7: A DAY ON WATER AND IN THE CLOUDS
Enjoy your morning tipple on the top deck as the sun rises, or join us for a Tai Chi session early doors. After breakfast, you’ll visit the wild and mysterious Thien Canh Son cave and islets, before docking for the transfer back to Hanoi around lunchtime. In the afternoon you’ll fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An.
DAY 8: HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN
After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town which sits on the water in serene beauty. You’ll visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Hall and the local market, plus galleries and souvenir shops if you like. Later in the afternoon you’ll catch a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City and check into your hotel.
DAY 9: BACK ON WATER IN THE MEKONG DELTA
It’s a pleasant 2-hour drive to Ben Tre province where you’ll arrive at Hung Vuong Pier and enjoy a boat ride on the Ben Tre River, a tributary of the Mekong. Keep an eye out for the fascinating fishing activity and boats piled high with fruit, flowers, and rice.
You’ll stop at a kiln and find out how bricks are made, visit a coconut workshop, and wind your way through the creeks to see local houses and witness the intricate weaving of sleeping mats.
After lunch, you’ll row along a beautiful creek, intimately lined with dense palm trees, before transferring back to Ho Chi Minh. If you like you could visit Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Centre Post Office and Ben Thanh market.
DAY 10: CU CHI TUNNELS AND BORDER CONTROL!
Fascinating day today, and your last in Vietnam. You’ll visit the Cu Chi Tunnels north west of Ho Chi Minh City, which were created in 1948 to aid the fight against the French. See if you can fit into one of these tiny tunnels! From here, you’ll transfer to the Moc Bai Border Gate for immigration and then stroll on into Cambodia to meet your bus to Phnom Penh.
DAY 11: DISCOVERING PHNOM PENH
It’s a sobering day today. You’ll face Cambodia’s devastating and shockingly recent history under the Khmer Rouge regime, beginning with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former prison.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Killing Fields, where thousands of Khmer people were tragically murdered.
In the evening, you’ll reflect on what you’ve learned during a sunset boat trip with great views of the city.
DAY 12: TRANSFER TO SIEM REAP
You’ll head to Cambodia’s Hindu temple complex today. Siem Reap is home of the world’s largest Hindu temple, Angkor Wat (which you’ll visit tomorrow). Once you’ve arrived after a fairly lengthy transfer, you’ll have a walking tour around the old town before a group dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 13: UNFORGETTABLE ANGKOR WAT
Pray for a cloudless sky as there’s nothing quite like the sunrise over Angkor Wat… Spend the day visiting all the beautiful temples in the area and count the trees that have “become one” with the buildings! Keep an eye out for the heads of Buddha overseeing the jungle too. Make sure you’ve got your arms and legs covered for today’s outing so you can visit all the amazing buildings within the temple complex.
DAY 14: BEAUTY BY BIKE
It’s a 20km round cycle ride around Siem Reap today, to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding the old town. You’ll meet Cambodian families, visit local markets, farms and distilleries and really get a feel for how the people here live. Once you’ve arrived back in Siem Reap in the afternoon, you’ll have a free afternoon to spend however you like – perhaps getting an inexpensive massage or trying more of the local food. In the evening, you’ll enjoy swapping stories from the trip over the final group dinner.
DAY 15: TIME TO GO 🙁
This marks the end of our Asian adventure.
Food & Accommodation
- Day 1 FlightBreakfast
Lunch Dinner - Day 2 4* Hotel - TwinBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 3 4* Hotel - TwinBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 4 4* Hotel - TwinBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 5 4* Hotel - TwinBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 6 Signature Royal CruiseBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 7 4* Hotel - TwinBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 8 4* Hotel - TwinBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 9 4* Hotel - TwinBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 10 4* Hotel - TwinBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 11 4* Hotel - TwinBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 12 4* Hotel - TwinBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 13 4* Hotel - TwinBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 14 4* Hotel - TwinBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 15 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like in Vietnam & Cambodia?
Food in Vietnam and Cambodia is fresh, flavourful and deeply connected to local culture. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its balance of herbs, light broths, rice and noodles, with dishes like pho and fresh spring rolls showcasing bright, clean flavours. Cambodian (Khmer) food is slightly milder but equally delicious, featuring coconut-based curries, grilled meats and fresh river fish. Across both countries, meals are built around rice, vegetables and aromatic herbs, with plenty of vegetarian options available. Street food and family-run restaurants are a big part of the experience, making food a true highlight of the trip.
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is The Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure?
The Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure is considered easy to moderate and is ideal for travellers who enjoy full days of exploration without intense physical challenge. Most days involve relaxed sightseeing, gentle walking through cities, temples and countryside, and leisurely boat rides. Terrain is generally flat and accessible, though the warm tropical climate can make days feel more active. No specialist fitness or trekking experience is required — just a reasonable level of mobility and a sense of adventure.
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure
Your Vietnam & Cambodia adventure is fully organised so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics. Included in your trip:
All accommodation throughout the itinerary
All transport within Vietnam & Cambodia as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
Experienced local guides in Vietnam and Cambodia
Trekking guide for the Sapa trek
All activities and excursions listed in the itinerary
Entrance fees to temples, historical sites and attractions
Selected meals as outlined in the itinerary
Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
- Access to the Vamoos app with full itinerary, packing lists and key trip info
- UK Bucket List Company Leader on all BL+ and TB departures
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure
A few elements aren’t included in your trip price:
International flights
Flights to/from Vietnam and Cambodia are not included.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfersThese are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip, then these transfers are included automatically.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory and must cover all activities on the trip.
Visas
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
Personal expenses
Drinks, additional meals, souvenirs and optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
UK Leaders on BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Personal expenses
Drinks, souvenirs, and optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
Meals Not Listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need visas to enter Vietnam and Cambodia?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
How can I avoid roaming charges but still use my phone?
Your mobile provider might have reasonably-priced roaming add-ons, so it is worth exploring these. Or you could buy an eSim; these are often much cheaper than add-ons and are easy to activate and use. See our article for more information – https://thebucketlistcompany.co.uk/unlock-seamless-connectivity-with-esims-the-ultimate-travel-companion/
Will there be an internal flight on this trip?
There will be several internal flights in Vietnam (included in the trip cost). The luggage allowance for these will be slightly lower than for international flights, but will be confirmed once flights are booked.
Can I drink the tap water?
No – you should drink either filtered or bottled water in both Vietnam and Cambodia. Bottled water is readily available, but use of a filter bottle such as Water-to-Go reduces cost and environmental impact.
Are there any special dress requirements?
Because you will be visiting sacred sites you will be at times be expected to dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered, no footwear, no hat). You might prefer to wear appropriate clothing at all times, or instead carry a sarong or other garment for cover up with you. A thick pair of socks will protect your feet from the hot floor when visiting temples.
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
