Hanoi to Siem Reap
Type: Discoverer
Starts: Hanoi, Vietnam
End: Siem Reap, Vietnam
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.
Trip Duration: 19 Days
Package Overview
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.
Routing
Trip Duration: 19 Days
Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1 - Hanoi
Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital. Tonight, we'll hit the famous nightlife and get a taste of this city's electric energy.- Accomodation: Mad Monkey Hanoi (or similar)
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Hanoi,
Day 2 - Hanoi
Hanoi will hit you right in the senses today — in the best way. You’ll have a free morning to explore before we head out on an orientation walk through the Old Quarter, where each street will have its own speciality and decades of local trade behind it. You’ll snack as you go (we're talking: banh mi and other local faves), then wrap up on iconic Train Street with an egg coffee in hand (keeping an eye out for a train rolling past just inches away).- Accomodation: Mad Monkey Hanoi (or similar)
- Meals: Dinner
- Location Visited: Hanoi,
Day 3 - Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba
Ready to swap scooters for sea air? Today we'll head out of Hanoi and make our way to Cat Ba.Drop into coastal mode fast and hop straight onto the boat. Island time incoming...Lan Ha Bay will do the flexing today — limestone karsts, glassy water (and an included lunch onboard too). Then you’ll grab a kayak and paddle into hidden corners and quiet lagoons you won’t reach any other way.Back on Cat Ba for the night, you’ll be sun-kissed, salt-sprayed, and fully in your “why don’t I live on an island?” era.- Accomodation: Cat Ba Seavibe Backpackers (or similar)
- Meals: Lunch
- Location Visited: Hanoi, Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba,
Day 4 - Cat Ba, Hanoi & Overnight Train to Phong Nha
Make the most of the morning to soak up your last island moments — one more cafe, one more viewpoint, one more wander. Then we’ll regroup and roll back to Hanoi by private bus.Back in the capital, you’ll have time to grab dinner and stock up on train snacks — because overnight journeys and empty stomachs don’t mix.Tonight you’ll board an overnight sleeper train to Central Vietnam — classic traveller mode activated. You’ll be in 4-berth soft-sleeper cabins with bedding included, your bags kept in-cabin (space is tight, so an overnight bag will be your best mate), and the ride will take roughly 10 hours depending on the service.- Accomodation: Overnight Train
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Cat Ba, Hanoi, Overnight Train to Phong Nha,
Day 5 - Phong Nha
You’ll roll in during the early hours and transfer with your local guide from Dong Hoi station to Phong Nha National Park (around 1 hour). Later, you’ll have the option to head out on a half-day Phong Nha Cave boat trip — river cruising, caves up close, and a solid first taste of this area’s wild scenery.- Accomodation: Central Backpackers Hostel (or similar)
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Overnight Train to Phong Nha, Phong Nha,
Day 6 - Phong Nha to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass
Road trip day. We’ll head south with a few big history stops along the way — including the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where you’ll have the chance to walk through an underground village and see how families lived below the surface during the Vietnam War.Next up, we'll hit the road once again, travelling along the iconic Hai Van Pass. Cameras at the ready for those charming coastal views!Then it’s straight into lantern-lit Hoi An. Tonight you’ll have time to wander the markets, pick out dinner, and ease into the city’s bar scene with the crew.- Accomodation: Mad Monkey Hoi An (or similar)
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Phong Nha, Hai Van Pass, Hoi An,
Day 7 - Hoi An
Guess what? You've got a full free day to do Hoi An your way — lantern streets, coffee stops, or a beach reset. Keen for something more hands-on? Opt into the Tra Que Herb Village Experience for herb gardens, farm-to-table cooking, and a traditional herbal foot massage to finish.- Accomodation: Mad Monkey Hoi An (or similar)
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Hoi An,
Day 8 - Hoi An
Yep, another free day in Hoi An. Jump on a bamboo basket boat ride, or use up the day to hit the famous tailor shops and get something made.- Accomodation: Mad Monkey Hoi An (or similar)
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Hoi An,
Day 9 - Hoi An to Quy Nhon
After a dreamy stint in Hoi An, we’ll switch lanes and head for beachy Quy Nhon. On the way, we’ll stop at Bich Hoa Tam Thanh Village for a colourful peek at rural life — and a bit of a culture reset before the coast takes over once again.We’ll roll into Quy Nhon and the rest of the afternoon will be yours. Pick a beach, claim a spot, and settle into full seaside mode.- Accomodation: 5Elements Hostel (or similar)
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Hoi An, Quy Nhon,
Day 10 - Quy Nhon & Overnight Train to Ho Chi Minh City
More free time today, and plenty of ways to use it. Maybe check out the ancient Cham towers for a history hit, or chase the coastline.Later tonight we’ll board the overnight sleeper train to Ho Chi Minh City. Lights out, reset, and a whole new vibe waiting when we wake up.- Accomodation: Overnight Train
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Quy Nhon, Overnight Train to Ho Chi Minh City,
Day 11 - Ho Chi Minh City
Hello Ho Chi Minh! Formerly known as Saigon, this city is pure energy. We'll arrive early, your TM will take you on an orientation walk to a local market for an authentic Vietnamese coffee experience and local breakfast. The rest of the day is yours. Why not explore the city's history at the War Remnants Museum, shop at the Ben Thanh Market, visit the Reunification Palace, or just wander the streets and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.- Accomodation: Amango 6 Hostel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Location Visited: Overnight Train to Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City,
Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City
This city is yours today. You can opt in for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels for a deeper look at the city’s history, or just get out and explore its electric atmosphere at your own pace.- Accomodation: Amango 6 Hostel (or similar)
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Ho Chi Minh City,
Day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
Grab your passport. Today we’re road-tripping to Cambodia. Hop on for a private transfer, crossing the border at Bavet. Then settle in for the drive to Phnom Penh.Hello, Phnom Penh. Drop your bags, freshen up, then hit the streets for an orientation walk to explore riverside scenes, Wat Botom Park, and local snack action. Oh, and of course, we'll wrap up with a beef jerky tasting at a local-fave spot. Wanna explore the food scene even further? Opt in for a food tour this evening.- Accomodation: Bliss & Beats Hostel (or similar)
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh,
Day 14 - Phnom Penh
Time to take a deeper look at Cambodia’s history. First we'll visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and then the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Afterwards, we’ll switch gears with time to wander Phnom Penh’s colourful markets, including the iconic art deco Central Market. The rest of the day is yours to explore.- Accomodation: Bliss & Beats Hostel (or similar)
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Phnom Penh,
Day 15 - Phnom Penh to Battambang
Goodbye, Phnom Penh. Today, we'll trade traffic for rice fields on a private drive to Battambang. En route, we’ll swing by Kampong Chhnang (AKA pottery central) to see artisans shaping clay the old-school way.Welcome to Battambang. Drop your bags, catch your breath and head out to Phnom Sampeau for an absolutely unforgettable sunset. Then it’s homestay time, with an included dinner shared with a local family.- Accomodation: Battambang Homestay (or similar)
- Meals: Dinner
- Location Visited: Phnom Penh, Battambang,
Day 16 - Battambang
Spend the day getting a real taste of local life (think fresh banana chips, rice paper, bamboo sticky rice and a stop at a rice wine distillery for a sip and a story). Plus, we'll swing by the famous prahok market for a true Khmer flavour hit. After a break back at the homestay, jump on the iconic bamboo train for a bumpy ride through the countryside (if it’s running). And finally, finish with an authentic Cambodian dinner with a local family. Cute.- Accomodation: Battambang Homestay (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Location Visited: Battambang,
Day 17 - Battambang to Siem Reap
Bye-bye, Battambang. Today, we'll roll through Cambodia’s green countryside toward Siem Reap. On the way, we’ll stop at Pouk Silk Farm to see the full silk story (all the way from mulberry leaves to hand-woven threads) and even meet the artisans keeping this centuries-old craft alive.Sup, Siem Reap? It's a free afternoon with two optionals up for grabs: tear through the countryside on a quad bike adventure, or grab a seat at the Phare Circus where acrobatics, theatre and Cambodian storytelling collide in one seriously high-energy show.- Accomodation: The Twizt Lifestyle (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Location Visited: Battambang, Siem Reap,
Day 18 - Siem Reap
Wakey wakey, that Angkor sunrise will be worth the early alarm (promise). Time to roll into Angkor Wat in the dark, grab our spot, and watch the temple light up. Later, we'll head inside for a guided deep-dive through carvings, legends, and seriously next-level architecture. Next? Hop on bikes and weave through the park’s back trails to Angkor Thom and Bayon (cue the famous stone faces) before finishing at Ta Prohm, where jungle roots have fully claimed the ruins. Tonight, we'll jump on an open-air bus and see the city from a new POV.- Accomodation: The Twizt Lifestyle (or similar)
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Siem Reap,
Day 19 - Siem Reap
And just like that, our Southeast Asia adventure has officially wrapped up. Share a few final laughs, swap details with the crew, and head off with a camera roll full of memories.- Accomodation:
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Siem Reap,
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 3 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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: 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: 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: 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.
- Battambang: Welcome to Cambodia's pottery capital! We’ll wander the village, meet local artisans, and see traditional handmade pottery techniques still going strong.
- 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: 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.
- Siem Reap: Yes, it’s an early start — and yes, it’s worth it. We’ll head straight inside 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.
- 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: 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.
