Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong

The trip

This journey links two countries along their great river. Vietnam brings vibrant cities, some of the world's best street food and spectacular coastline; Cambodia brings the vast temple complex of Angkor and a gentler pace. A short cruise on the Mekong joins them, gliding past villages and floating markets.

The route

Start in Hanoi, with a night on Ha Long Bay. Fly to Da Nang for Hoi An, then on to Ho Chi Minh City. Join a small river ship for three nights up the Mekong to Phnom Penh, then fly or drive to Siem Reap for three nights at Angkor before flying home via Bangkok or Singapore.

Day by day

The days are full but unhurried, with afternoons free in the hottest hours.

1. Days 1-3

   Hanoi

   The Old Quarter's streets by cyclo, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and a street-food walk.

   Stay Hotel in Hanoi

   Travel Airport transfer, about 45 minutes

2. Day 4

   Ha Long Bay

   An overnight cruise among thousands of limestone islands, with kayaking and caves.

   Stay Cruise junk

   Travel Drive, about 2 hours 30 minutes

3. Days 5-7

   Hoi An

   The lantern-lit town, a tailor fitting, a cooking class and the beaches of An Bang. Day trip to the imperial city of Hue.

   Stay Resort near Hoi An

   Travel Drive to Hanoi, then flight to Da Nang

4. Days 8-9

   Ho Chi Minh City

   The Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh market and a rooftop bar at dusk.

   Stay Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

   Travel Flight, about 1 hour 20 minutes

5. Days 10-12

   The Mekong

   A small ship upriver: floating markets, island villages, silk weavers and evenings on deck.

   Stay River ship

   Travel Embark near Ho Chi Minh City

6. Day 13

   Phnom Penh

   The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the National Museum and a riverside dinner.

   Stay Hotel in Phnom Penh

   Travel Disembark

7. Days 14-17

   Siem Reap and Angkor

   Sunrise at Angkor Wat, the faces of the Bayon, Ta Prohm's tree roots and the pink carvings of Banteay Srei, then fly home.

   Stay Hotel in Siem Reap

   Travel Flight, about 45 minutes

When to go

November to March is cooler and dry across most of the route, and the best time to go. Central Vietnam can be wet in October and November. April and May are very hot; the summer monsoon brings afternoon storms but lush green landscapes and high water on the Mekong.

Where to stay

This is a superb region for hotels: colonial grand hotels, beach resorts and some of Asia's finest small luxury properties, often at lower prices than elsewhere. Price bands are a typical night for two sharing; expect more at peak dates.

Featured stay

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

£££

Travellers who want a historic grand hotel at the heart of Hanoi.

The Metropole has been Hanoi's grand hotel since 1901, celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2026. Behind its white colonial façade are elegant rooms, a pool courtyard shaded by trees, celebrated restaurants and a remarkable history, from Graham Greene and Charlie Chaplin to the air-raid shelter beneath the pool.

Rooms

Heritage and Opera wings; literary suites

Food

Le Beaulieu, Spice Garden, Angelina, Le Club

Best time to go

October to April

Read our full review →

What it costs

Allow from about £5,500 per person for 17 days with good hotels, internal flights, a Mekong cruise, Ha Long overnight and guides, excluding international flights. With top hotels and Aqua Mekong, expect £12,000 or more.

Pace and fitness

Days involve city walking in heat and humidity and temple visits with steep steps; Angkor's main temples can be seen without climbing to the top. Cruises are relaxed, with optional excursions.

How to book

Our advisors plan this trip end to end: flights, hotels, guides and the small details that make the days easy. Tell us your dates and the style of stay you like, and we will build it around you. Speak to an advisor.