13 Days Private Tour to Cambodia, Angkor Wat and Vietnam

See two countries, one remarkable journey. This 13-day private tour links Phnom Penh, Angkor, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta without asking you to arrange each transfer yourself. I like the smooth mix of major sights and local experiences, especially the overnight Halong Bay cruise, the Cai Be Princess sampan, and the ox-cart ride near Siem Reap. I also like that guides, drivers, hotels, entrance fees, and domestic flights are bundled together.

The main drawback is the pace. You change hotels often, take several flights, and cover a lot of ground in less than two weeks. The $4,360 price is fair for a private, high-comfort trip with flights and many meals included, but it will suit you best if you value convenience over free time and independent travel.

Key points to know before booking

• Private service from airport to airport: Your own guides, drivers, and air-conditioned vehicles handle each regional section.
• Angkor gets serious attention: You see Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, and Preah Khan across two full sightseeing days.
• The history is not softened: Phnom Penh includes Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek, while Ho Chi Minh City includes the Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, and Reunification Palace.
• Three memorable water experiences: You cruise Halong Bay overnight, ride along the Perfume River in Hue, and travel by sampan near Cai Be.
• Hotels lean upscale: The plan includes boutique and luxury properties such as Golden Temple Hotel, La Siesta Hoi An Resort, Azerai La Residence Hue, and Mai House Saigon.
• The schedule is full: This is an efficient first visit to Cambodia and Vietnam, not a slow stay in each city.

What the $4,360 price really covers

At $4,360 per person, this is not a bargain-basement Southeast Asia trip. It is a private, managed holiday with a strong hotel list, airport assistance, transportation, guides, sightseeing, and flights included.

You receive 12 breakfasts and six lunches, plus dinner. The package also includes three bottles of mineral water per person each day, all listed entrance fees, taxes, service charges, and the specified boat trips. That matters in a region where arranging separate drivers, flights, temple passes, and hotel transfers can consume a surprising amount of time.

The private format is the biggest value. You are not tied to a large coach or waiting for strangers at every stop. The supplied information says only your group participates, with a personal English-speaking guide and a safe driver in each location.

There are still extra costs. Drinks, meals beyond those listed, insurance, personal purchases, and tips are not covered. You should also check the exact hotel offered at booking, since several stays are listed as the named property or a similar hotel.

The service record is especially strong. Praise centers on airport meet-and-greet help, clear organization, polite drivers, smooth internal flights, and quick contact from coordinator Mr. Ann. One couple described the restaurants as authentic but high-end. That gives you a useful picture of the style: comfort and polish, with local food presented in a more refined setting.

Phnom Penh puts beauty beside painful memory

Your first day is mainly arrival and settling in. You are met at Phnom Penh International Airport, then helped through immigration and customs before transferring to your hotel.

The next day gives you a compact but serious introduction to the capital. The Royal Palace, built in 1866, offers pagoda-style buildings and formal gardens. The Silver Pagoda is the visual highlight, with its polished floor and religious treasures.

At the National Museum, your guide can place Khmer sculpture and temple art into a larger story. The building itself follows traditional Cambodian design, and the collection gives useful preparation for Angkor.

Wat Phnom is a shorter visit, but it explains the city’s name and adds a peaceful hilltop stop. The contrast arrives after lunch, with visits to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, commonly called the Killing Fields.

These sites are difficult. Tuol Sleng was once a school taken over by the Khmer Rouge security service, while Choeung Ek recalls the people detained, tortured, and killed under that regime. I consider this part essential, but you should not treat it as a casual sightseeing afternoon. The audio and displays can be upsetting, and the schedule gives you little quiet time between the two locations.

That evening, you fly to Siem Reap. The listed flight departs Phnom Penh at 6:15 PM and arrives at 7:10 PM, with airport pickup on arrival. This is efficient, though the day is long and emotionally demanding.

Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat deserve two full days

Day 3 is the tour’s great temple day. You begin at Angkor Thom’s South Gate, then move into the enormous walled royal complex that served as the center of the Khmer capital.

Bayon is the star here. Its towers carry large carved faces that seem to watch from every direction. Your guide is useful at Bayon because the layout can feel confusing, and the carvings reward patient looking rather than a quick photo stop.

Baphuon follows, a three-tiered temple mountain built in the 11th century. The Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King add royal ceremony and carved detail, while Phimeanakas shows an earlier Hindu temple style within the royal area.

Ta Prohm brings a change of mood. Built by Jayavarman VII as a monastery connected with his mother, it is known for trees growing through and around the ruins. It is atmospheric, but also one of the places where crowds can slow movement. Your private guide and car make it easier to leave when you have had enough.

After lunch, you reach Angkor Wat for about three hours. This is the moment that justifies the long journey for many people. The temple’s scale, galleries, bas-reliefs, and carved devatas need time. Three hours is useful, although anyone fascinated by temple architecture may wish for even more.

You should expect heat, uneven surfaces, and plenty of walking. Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees at the temples, carry water, and keep your camera away for a few minutes so you can study the reliefs properly.

Banteay Srei and village life add texture to Siem Reap

The second Angkor day travels farther north to Banteay Srei. Its pink sandstone carvings are smaller and more finely cut than the monumental work at Angkor Wat. The temple dates from the 10th century and was dedicated to Shiva.

The drive takes time, but Banteay Srei earns its place. It gives you a different sense of Khmer craftsmanship and avoids making the Angkor visit a single parade of giant temple compounds.

Preah Khan comes next. Built by Jayavarman VII and meaning Sacred Sword, it resembles Ta Prohm but is in better condition. Long corridors, courtyards, and carved stone make it a good place to slow down.

After lunch, the experience shifts from ancient stone to rural Cambodia. You visit Kampong Phluk and take an ox-cart ride through villages and rice fields, followed by a fresh coconut drink with a local family. This is one of the most personal parts of the Cambodian section, though conditions in rural areas can be simple and the experience depends on the day’s local arrangements.

That evening, you fly from Siem Reap to Hanoi. The scheduled flight leaves at 6:20 PM and arrives at 8:10 PM. You are changing countries and hotel rooms again, so keep essential items in your hand luggage.

Hanoi combines old learning with street-level life

Hanoi’s first full day moves between national history, colonial architecture, and everyday city scenes. The Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square are important places of pilgrimage in Vietnam. Dress respectfully, and note that access arrangements at the mausoleum can be subject to local rules.

The Temple of Literature offers a calmer setting. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it also housed Vietnam’s first national university. The courtyards and stone steles make this more than a quick photo stop.

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology adds another useful angle, with displays on the country’s ethnic communities, homes, clothing, and customs. It is a good counterweight to the political sites.

After lunch, you see the Opera House and visit Hoa Lo Prison, known in the United States as the Hanoi Hilton. The prison’s exhibits cover the colonial period and the later detention of American prisoners, including Senator John McCain. The subject matter is political and often presented through Vietnam’s national viewpoint, so your guide can help explain the setting.

Tran Quoc Pagoda, beside West Lake, provides a quieter pause. Then you take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, a network of narrow lanes traditionally linked with the old trades. This is a short, lively way to watch street life without trying to navigate Hanoi traffic on foot.

The evening ends with a Thang Long water puppet show. It is a traditional northern Vietnamese art form based on rural stories and folklore. It is tourist-friendly, but still a worthwhile cultural performance after a busy day.

Halong Bay gives the schedule a welcome pause

On Day 6, you travel northeast from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. The highlight is an overnight stay aboard the Dragon Legend Cruise in a deluxe cabin.

An overnight boat matters because you are not limited to a rushed daytime visit. You have time to watch the limestone formations change in the light, eat on board, and wake on the water. The next morning includes tea or coffee with views of the bay, breakfast outdoors, and a rustic rowboat visit to Vung Vieng fishing village.

This is one of the more restful sections, but do not expect total solitude. Halong Bay is a major attraction, and the weather can affect visibility and boat activities. The cruise is also a fixed part of the schedule, so flexibility is limited once you are on board.

After returning, you fly from Hanoi to Danang, arriving in the evening before transferring to Hoi An. It is a productive day, but a tiring one.

Hoi An mixes preserved streets with staged spectacle

Hoi An is at its best when you explore slowly, and this itinerary gives you two nights. The Japanese Covered Bridge, Phung Hung Old House, Fukian Assembly Hall, and Tan Ky House show the town’s blend of Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and European influences.

Tan Ky House is particularly useful because it remains a small family home rather than a grand monument. The Fukien Assembly Hall shows the role of Chinese merchants in Hoi An’s trading past.

A riverboat on the Thu Bon River takes you past the town and a boat-building village. You then have free time, which is valuable. Use it for wandering, shopping, or simply sitting near the river instead of treating every hour as an appointment.

That evening brings the Hoi An Memories Show. It is a large cultural production focused on local history and identity. Some people will enjoy the music, lighting, costumes, and scale. Others may prefer the quieter old houses and riverside streets. Having both options in the same day gives you a fair look at Hoi An’s traditional and modern tourism styles.

Hue explains imperial Vietnam through tombs and water

The drive to Hue follows the Vietnamese coast and Hai Van area before reaching the former imperial capital. You visit the Tomb of Tu Duc, set in a spacious complex associated with one of the Nguyen emperors.

The Tomb of Khai Dinh is more compact and ornate. Built between 1920 and 1931, it combines Vietnamese and European design, with elaborate interior decoration. It is visually striking, but the many steps and steep approach may be tiring.

After lunch, a private cyclo ride takes you around Hue’s Citadel. The complex once included the Imperial City for official duties and the Forbidden Purple City for the emperor’s private life. War and time damaged parts of it, yet the scale remains impressive.

The next morning, you visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the seven-story tower beside the Perfume River, then take a river cruise. The ride gives you a slower view of Hue and its boats before the visit to Minh Mang’s tomb, set among pine-covered hills near the river.

One night is included at Azerai La Residence Hue, with a superior river-view room or a similar property. That is a short stay for a city with so much to see, but the itinerary covers the main imperial sights.

Saigon delivers the sharpest modern contrast

A flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City leaves at 1:45 PM and arrives at 3:15 PM. You then have three nights at Mai House Saigon Hotel or a similar property, giving you more breathing room than in Hue.

Day 11 begins outside the city at the Cu Chi Tunnels, specifically the Ben Duoc battlefield memorial site. You explore tunnels and chambers arranged several levels underground. The visit is physical and confined in places, so you should consider your comfort before entering.

Back in central Saigon, the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office show the city’s French colonial imprint. The cathedral is currently listed as a stop, but access or restoration conditions can change. The post office is usually the more rewarding interior visit.

The Reunification Palace gives you a clear setting for the fall of Saigon in April 1975. The War Remnants Museum follows with photographs, equipment, and displays framed as a plea for peace. It is one of the tour’s strongest historical stops, but the images can be hard to face.

Ben Thanh Market offers shopping, while Ho Chi Minh Square gives you a look at the civic center around City Hall, the Rex Hotel, and nearby restaurants. These final stops are less intimate than the countryside visits, but they help you read the modern city.

The Mekong Delta ends the trip at an easier pace

Day 12 takes you toward My Tho and Cai Be, where the Mekong supports farms, river communities, and transport. The Cai Be Princess sampan is a polished way to see this water-based region without the feel of a large group boat.

The crew welcomes you with a cold towel and drink before the cruise. The trip ends at Le Longanier Restaurant, a colonial-style villa in a tropical garden by the river, where lunch is included.

This is a gentle final full day after several intense history stops. It is also a good reminder that Vietnam is not only temples and war museums. River commerce, fruit trees, local boats, and homes along the water are central to daily life.

The tour ends on Day 13 with an included transfer from Mai House Saigon Hotel to Ho Chi Minh City International Airport. The schedule advises allowing three hours for airport formalities.

Who should book this private journey?

I would choose this trip if you want to see the major sights of Cambodia and Vietnam in one carefully arranged holiday. It is a strong fit for couples, families, and older people who prefer reliable transfers, comfortable hotels, and help at airports.

The private format is especially useful for people who usually plan everything themselves but do not want to manage several flights and border procedures. The strongest praise for this service focuses on punctual pickups, good communication, professional guides, and drivers who keep each leg moving.

You should think twice if you want long stays, spontaneous detours, nightlife, or much time alone. The schedule includes full sightseeing days, early starts, flights, and several hotel changes. Phnom Penh’s genocide sites and Ho Chi Minh City’s war museums also require emotional energy.

Cancellation terms are strict close to departure: six full days or more allows a full refund, two to six full days allows 50 percent, and less than two full days brings no refund. The tour is offered daily from 8 AM to 6 PM during the stated operating period, and confirmation is provided at booking.

Final call: convenience wins, but pace is the price

Book this tour if you want maximum coverage with minimum planning. Angkor Wat, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Hue, Saigon, and the Mekong Delta form a powerful first trip, and the private support adds real value at this price.

Do not book it expecting a slow cultural retreat. You will spend plenty of time in vehicles, airports, and hotel rooms between destinations. For a first look at Cambodia and Vietnam with upscale lodging, private transport, local guides, and many major costs included, this is a well-built and highly serviced choice.

FAQ

How long is the Cambodia and Vietnam tour?

The tour lasts approximately 13 days, beginning in Phnom Penh and ending in Ho Chi Minh City.

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at Pochentong Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where airport pickup is offered.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City, also called Saigon. A transfer from Mai House Saigon Hotel to Ho Chi Minh City International Airport is included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates, with private transportation, a professional English-speaking guide, and a driver.

Which flights are included?

Included flights are Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Siem Reap to Hanoi, Hanoi to Danang, and Hue to Ho Chi Minh City. The flights are listed as economy class.

Is Angkor Wat included?

Yes. The program includes Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, the Terraces of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, Phimeanakas, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and Preah Khan.

Are meals included?

Daily breakfast is included, along with six lunches and one dinner. Other meals and drinks are not included.

What hotels are included?

The listed hotels include iRoHa Garden Hotel in Phnom Penh, Golden Temple Hotel in Siem Reap, La Siesta Hotel in Hanoi, Dragon Legend Cruise in Halong Bay, La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa, Azerai La Residence Hue, and Mai House Saigon Hotel. Similar properties may be substituted.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least six full days before the start time for a full refund. Cancellation two to six full days before the start time receives a 50 percent refund. Cancellation less than two full days before the start time is not refundable.