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Witness the dramatic history of a storied region reinventing itself.
Commemorate the war in Vietnam, peruse its markets, and soak up the country’s contemporary culture on this small group adventure tour. Then, cruise amidst the staggering seascapes of Ha Long Bay before heading to Cambodia to wander among Angkor’s astonishing and enduring temples and terraces.
Your tour package includes
12 nights in handpicked hotels
1 night aboard a cruise ship
13 breakfasts
5 lunches
6 dinners with beer or wine
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Included highlights
Temple of Literature
Hoa Lo Prison
Hạ Long Bay cruise
Vietnamese cooking classes
Hôi An’s Japanese covered bridge
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Start planning today
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Welcome to Vietnam! Transfer to your hotel to settle in.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Hanoi
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome lunch
A guided tour introduces you to the local highlights.
Pass Ba Dinh Square, where Hô Chi Minh read the Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam
Wander through the Temple of Literature, a walled complex dedicated to Confucius
Visit the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton, where John McCain was held as a POW during the Vietnam War
Tour the prison museum to learn about the POW experience
Board a bicycle rickshaw and ride through the Old Quarter
Pass Dong Xuan Market, the Hanoi Opera House, and Hoàn Kiém Lake
Get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome lunch. Then, enjoy free time for the rest of the day in Hanoi or add an excursion.
Vietnamese Home-Hosted Dinner
From $89 per person
Hạ Long Bay1 night
Day 4: Hạ Long Bay cruise
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Hạ Long Bay and embark on a luxurious overnight cruise. You’ll pass by 3,000 limestone towers, cliffs, and arches, as well as local fishing villages.
Enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship
Pass Fighting Cock Islet, Thien Cung Cave, and Dau Go Cave
Board a small boat and visit Sung Sot Cave with a local guide to admire panoramic views across Hạ Long Bay
Learn how pearls are grown using traditional Vietnamese methods and new Japanese technology during a visit to Tung Sau Pearl Farm
Opt to kayak along Hạ Long Bay
Watch a cooking demonstration aboard the ship before sitting down for an included dinner
Hôi An2 nights
Day 5: Ti Top Island & flight to Hoi An
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Opt to watch the sunrise during a Tai Chi lesson on the ship this morning. Then, hop into a small boat to visit Ti Top Island. You can go swimming or hike to the top for another stunning view of Hạ Long Bay.
After enjoying an included lunch, disembark your cruise ship later this morning and board a flight to Dà Nang and transfer to your hotel in Hôi An. Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Day 6: Vietnamese cooking class & Sightseeing tour of Hôi An
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Hôi An on a guided tour to shop its local markets and sample its cuisine.
Select ingredients from a local market, which you’ll use during a cooking class
Cruise the Thu Bôn River, a highlight of central Vietnam, with a local guide
Arrive at a cooking school and try your hand at making authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cooking class, before sitting down to eat the food you made for lunch
Discover Hôi An’s landmarks, including the Japanese covered bridge and Old Town
Pass by the quaint Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai pedestrian shopping street
Walk along the cobblestone streets to see the Quan Thang Ancient House and a silk lantern shop
Huê1 night
Day 7: Transfer to Huê & sightseeing tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner
Travel through the Hài Vân Pass, stopping in Cam Thanh village.
Visit a farm to learn how Vietnamese farmers grow rice
Interact with a rice farmer and watch water buffalo plough the fields while enjoying a tea tasting
Then, continue on to Huê and take a guided tour of this former capital.
Explore the Thiên Mu Pagoda, Vietnam’s tallest religious building
Visit the walled fortress and palace known as the Imperial City
Enjoy an included dinner this evening with your group.
Hô Chi Minh City3 nights
Day 8: Free day in Hue & evening flight to Hô Chi Minh City
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend a free day in Hue or add an excursion.
Later, board your flight to Hô Chi Minh City.
Tu Dúc & Khài Dinh Tombs
From $59 per person
Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Hô Chi Minh City, War Remnants Museum & Cù Chi tunnels
Included meal: Breakfast
Take in the sights of the largest city in Vietnam on a guided tour this afternoon.
Witness Vietnam’s progression from French colony to unified, independent nation as you enter the Reunification Palace
See the General Post Office, City Hall, and Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
Visit Ben Thành Market and stroll along Lê Công Kiêu, a street known for its treasure trove of antiques
Spend the afternoon learning more about the history and impact of the Vietnam War.
Take a self-guided tour of the War Remnants Museum to get the local perspective on the Vietnam War
Visit the vast underground network of tunnels at Cù Chi, which were built as a defense against the French and expanded during the Vietnam War
Learn how the North Vietnamese waged guerrilla warfare against the South
See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas, and meeting rooms
Please note: Your guide will advise you of the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering. Those preferring to remain above ground will have ample opportunity to view excavated areas. Good walking shoes and sun protection are recommended, as are clothes that can get slightly dirty.
Day 10: Free day in Hô Chi Minh City
Included meal: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Hô Chi Minh City or add an excursion.
Mekong Delta Cruise
From $85 per person
Siem Reap3 nights
Day 11: Flight to Siem Reap
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia and get settled into your hotel.
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you’ll experience some of Southeast Asia’s most iconic sites.
Begin the day by watching the sun rise over the sprawling Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious monuments in the world
Enjoy an included lunch
Step inside Angkor Thom, the ruined capital of the Khmer Empire
View the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King
Visit Ta Prohm at sunset to see the temple that has largely reclaimed by the jungle, now well-known as the setting of the “Tomb Raider” movie
Please note: The sunrise tour of Angkor Wat may take place on the morning of day 13.
Day 13: Tonlé Sap Lake cruise & Cambodian Landmine Museum
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue your exploration of Siem Reap with your Tour Director as your guide.
Take a cruise on Tonlé Sap Lake to visit the floating village of Kompong Khleang
Enter the Cambodian Landmine Museum, an organization dedicated to the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance, or UXO, from Cambodia.
Watch a short film about Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge child soldier who founded the museum
Take a guided audio tour of the museum to learn about the organization's de-mining projects and community development initiatives
Learn how the revenue from your visit supports relief projects for those harmed by landmines and UXO
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Bangkok1 night
Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Bangkok
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Board your flight to Bangkok, Thailand this morning. Upon arrival, join your Tour Director for a sightseeing tour of the city.
Explore the sprawling Grand Palace complex, built in 1782 for the king of Siam
Pass by the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
Step inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) to see the famous 150-foot long statue of Buddha
Visit the nearby flower market before talking a walking tour of the Chinatown neighborhood
Later, celebrate your adventures with your group at a farewell dinner.
Flight Home
Day 15: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport to board your early morning flight home or continue your tour in Bangkok.
Extension to Bangkok
In Bangkok, it's best to do as the locals do—alongside our local experts, no less! That means sitting down in a Thai family's home, drifting through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market on a long-tail boat, and eating mouthwatering street food that has no competition.
Bangkok2 nights
Day 15: Bangkok canal tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Enjoy a free morning exploring Bangkok or add an excursion.
Then, tour the city’s canals, called klongs, on a speedboat that takes you to the outer reaches of the city. You’ll see and learn about life along the river and canals that run through Bangkok.
Our experience with EF Go Ahead Tours was exceptional.
This tour had 3 unique guides that were very knowledgeable about their own countries.
Our guide in Vietnam was kind, considerate and offered us a variety of things to do (like the Vespa city tour in Ho Chi Min city that was one of the hi lites o...
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EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 8/18/23
Hi, Deidre! Thank you so much for the detailed rev...
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5.0 star rating
6/10/23 by 3rd-time traveler Karen
This was a wonderful tour!
5.0 star rating
Vietnam Tour
6/10/23 by 1st-time traveler Sandra "Sandi"
This was absolutely an amazing trip! Tour directors in Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangkok were fabulous! The excursions were so educational as well. I was a solo traveler ( first time) and had an amazing time and met wonderful people! Looking to join EF for another tour soon!
EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 8/8/23
Thank you for leaving a review! We are so glad to ...
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Traveler photos
Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.
Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Mercure Hanoi la Gare
This convenient located hotel sits in the heart of Hanoi. Guests enjoy the fitness center, sun terrace, and spacious rooms. Nearby you'll find the Imp...
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Paradise Cruise
This tasteful hotel is located in Halong Bay. Guests enjoy internet access, a spa, and a sundeck.
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
This luxury boutique resort is located amongst the peaceful rice fields of Hoi An. Guests enjoy the outdoor infinity pool, a number of on-site restaur...
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White Lotus Resort
This new luxury hotel is located in the city center of Hue, Vietnam. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool, the Lotus Spa, and several on-site food offerings....
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Paragon Saigon Hotel
This modern hotel is located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Guests enjoy the outdoor rooftop pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant that ble...
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Prince D'Angkor
This elegant hotel is located in the Sangkat Sla Kram neighborhood. Guests enjoy swimming pools, a spa, and a piano bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Angko...
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AETAS Lumpini
This stylish hotel is located in the Lumpini neighborhood of Bangkok, Thailand. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool, fitness center and convenient location....
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Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare package and you'll get:
Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
In order to enter Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of return.
We recommend having at least three blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens traveling to Thailand.
U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Vietnam and Cambodia. You must obtain your Vietnam visa in advance by purchasing an electronic visa on the Vietnam Immigration Department, by applying directly to the Vietnamese consulate, or by using a visa provider, such as our partner company, VisaCentral. You may choose to obtain your Cambodia visa at the port of entry (you will need $30USD and two passport-sized photos), by purchasing an electronic visa on the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by applying directly to the Cambodian consulate, or by using a visa provider, such as our partner company, VisaCentral.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country's consulate for your specific entry requirements.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code VTC.
On this guided tour, you’ll walk for about 3.5 hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads, dirt paths, and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own luggage at times, as well as getting in and out of small boats.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Hanoi and depart from Bangkok. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A one-night Hạ Long Bay cruise and other small boat rides as well as flights from Hội An to Da Nang, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, and Siem Reap to Bangkok are included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
Waterproof shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended for outdoor activities.
Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
A small bottle of hand sanitizer may be helpful when other facilities are not readily available while on the road.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Please be sure to take proper care with sun exposure as the sun can be especially strong in some of the areas you are visiting.
Temperatures in this region can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), especially during the summer months. Drinking plenty of water, limiting your alcohol intake, and using proper sun protection is extremely important in order to prevent the effects of dehydration and heat stroke.
There are inherent risks associated with water activities, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
Drink bottled water only. Refrain from drinking tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code VTC.
Flavorful Vietnamese cuisine relies on mint, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, lime, lemongrass, and Thai basil. Foods are cooked minimally, from lightly grilled meats to blanched vegetables. Seafood is popular, usually flavored with ginger, as are chicken, duck, and pork. Don’t miss dishes like spicy beef noodle soup and banh mi, a baguette stuffed with paté, cold cuts, and pickled vegetables.
International influence is evident in the Khmer cuisine of Cambodia, where full flavor is created through the mix of herbs and spices such as sweet basil, Asian coriander, mint, lemongrass, and pepper. The base of almost all Cambodian dishes is rice or noodles, served with a curry, soup, or vegetable stir-fry. Grilled freshwater fish is popular, and the fermented fish paste known as prahok is a traditional seasoning.
Traditional Thai cooking uses market-fresh ingredients seasoned with a mix of herbs, spices, and condiments such as chili peppers and fish sauce. The main staple is rice. Most meals include a soup, a curry, a steamed or fried dish, and a salad.
Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand operate on 230 volts.
Vietnam uses Types A, E, or F plugs with two flat pins, two round pins, or three round pins, respectively.
Cambodia uses Types A, C, or G plugs with two flat pins, two round pins, or three flat pins, respectively.
Thailand uses Types A, B, C, or O plugs with two flat pins, two flat and one round pin, or two or three round pins, respectively.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in Asian hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
You will use the Vietnamese dong in Vietnam, Cambodian riel (or U.S. dollars) in Cambodia, and the Thai baht in Thailand.
In Cambodia, U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, though change may be given in riel. Most hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, buses, and airlines list their prices in U.S. dollars, but small transactions (less than a dollar) are usually conducted in riel. Always carry small amounts of riel for motorcycle taxis, snacks, and other small purchases.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.