Caractère

Get ready for a tour of Vietnam and Cambodia. Starting in bustling Hanoi, experience the imperial citadel and sample local cuisine at hidden spots around the city. After a serene cruise past the iconic limestone formations of Halong Bay, travel south through the mystical landscapes and ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An. In Cambodia, the impressive world of Angkor awaits you, with temples that bear witness to a grand past. Discover an intimate glimpse of local life in the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, before relaxing on the idyllic beach of Koh Russey.

Important information:

An international passport is required, valid for at least 6 months after return, with at least 2 blank pages.
A valid visa is required.
No special vaccinations are required, but are recommended. When traveling to Vietnam n Cambodia we recommend vaccination against Hepatitis A, DTP and typhoid fever. Malaria risk is low, but we recommend using mosquito repellent outside major cities from dusk to dawn. We do recommend seeking advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, you will be welcomed by our colleague who will escort you through immigration and transfer you to your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in downtown Hanoi. You will stay at a Caractère hotel of your choice.

Day 2: Hanoi

Your day starts with a city tour where you visit the Temple of Literature and learn about the water puppet tradition from a local artist, where you get to operate the puppets yourself. In the late afternoon, go on a food tour where you will discover the hidden alleys and enjoy street dishes like Bun Cha at the place where Obama and Anthony Bourdain once ate.

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay

Today depart for Tuan Chau for an overnight cruise through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with iconic limestone islands. Explore the tranquil Lan Ha Bay by boat and enjoy activities such as kayaking, cooking demonstration and a Vietnamese dinner on board.

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue

You will start your day with a Tai Chi session on the deck of the boat. After breakfast, return to the port and take a domestic flight from Hanoi to Hue, where your guide will transfer you to your hotel for a relaxing evening. You will stay at a hotel of your choice in downtown Hue.

Day 5: Hue

Today you will spend all day exploring Hue, both the old and new parts of the city. Among other things, you will visit the Forbidden City of Hue where you will also explore the Lebadang Memory Space, an art museum dedicated to the works of Vietnamese-French master Lebadang. You end your day with dinner at a garden house in the countryside.

Day 6: Hue - Hoi An

Your driver will take you to Hoi An today where you will dive into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old city on a guided walking tour. Admire the merchant houses, the famous Japanese Bridge and colorful fishing boats on the waterfront. You will stay at a Caractère hotel of your choice in Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An

A visit to Hoi An's central market by boat, where you will learn about local products, is followed by a cooking workshop where you will create your own authentic Vietnamese dishes. In the evening, explore the secret bars in the old town and sample unique cocktails with local flavors.

Day 8: Hoi An

After breakfast, explore with your guide the peaceful countryside around Hoi An and the ancient Cham temples of My Son, located in a valley surrounded by mountains. You will also visit a traditional fishing village where you will learn more about local life.

Day 9: Hoi An - Da Nang - Siem Reap

After checking out in charming Hoi An, you will depart for the airport for your flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will transfer you to your hotel. You will stay at a Caractère hotel of your choice in Seam Reap.

Day 10: Siem Reap

Today you will explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom and visit some temples such as Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan. You end the day with an optional evening performance of the Cambodian circus Phare or an evening tour by Vespa through Siem Reap's culinary hotspots.

Day 11: Siem Reap

The first visit of the day is the majestic Angkor Wat. Then you explore the stilt houses in Kompong Khleang, a less visited but very authentic floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake. In the evening, enjoy an optional dinner with Apsara dance performance.

Day 12: Siem Reap - Koh Russey

After breakfast, you have some time to explore downtown Siem Reap at your own pace and browse around the stores. After lunch, your driver will take you to the island of Koh Russay for a relaxing beach vacation. You stay overnight in a typical Caractère boutique hotel located on the beach.

Day 13-14: Koh Russey

You are free for a few days where you can plan your days as you wish. Some possible activities include taking a cooking class, relaxing in the spa, participating in various water sports or taking a guided visit to the "pepper town" of Kampot.

Day 15: Koh Russey - Phnom Penh

You return to the mainland and continue to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia located on the Meking River with its beautiful colonial architecture, monks in long orange robes, mysterious temples and pagodas. You will spend two nights in a Caractère hotel of your choice.

Day 16: Phnom Penh

Today you will explore the highlights of Phnom Penh. Together with a guide you visit the city and explore the Royal Palace and the S-21 Genocide Museum, among others, with an emotional finale at the Killing Fields.