Vietnam & Cambodia

Incredible cuisine, ancient complexes, dramatic landscapes and secret bays; this is the best of Vietnam and Cambodia, always with a touch of the unexpected

What's included

Accommodation in twin rooms
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Private minibus
13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners
2 domestic flights
Stay in handpicked 3-5 star hotels
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travelers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

From Hanoi to Siem Reap, we’ve crafted something special; showing you the best of Vietnam and Cambodia in just under a fortnight.

Angkor Wat? Check. Dreams of sailing Ha Long Bay? We’ve gone one better. Bypass the crowds aboard a traditional junk boat and drop anchor at the lesser-explored Lan Ha Bay for cave kayaking and late-night karaoke. Delicious local food? Absolutely. From a cooking lesson in Hoi An to Khmer specialities in Siem Reap and a visit to Cambodia’s only gin distillery, we’ve got you covered. Traveling by bus, boat and bicycle, your adventure will show you the most iconic sights of Vietnam and Cambodia at all angles. Always with a touch of the unexpected along the way. This is Flash Pack, after all.

NOTE: due to the limited nature of these experiences, the inclusion of internal flights and breathtaking low-capacity accommodation (thatched roof jungle retreats are as good as they sound); it can be difficult (though definitely not impossible) for us to secure spots on this itinerary for latecomers. Rather avoid the stress of not knowing if you’re ‘in’? Then we strongly advise booking early.

Hanoi’s foodie delights

Touch down in Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take you to your boutique central hotel
Feast your way through the city’s bustling streets on a local-led food tour, exploring hidden alleys and buzzing market stalls
Finish your evening at Bia Hoi corner (‘beer corner’), raising a toast with your group to the adventures to come

Hanoi rural life by bicycle

Discover a different side to Hanoi on a gentle cycle ride along the river leading through serene countryside
Pass through local villages dotted with traditional houses, lively markets, ancient pagodas and temples
Stop off at a rural family home for a cup of tea and to learn about Vietnamese daily life before returning to the city for an afternoon at leisure

Hike through Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Leave the city behind and travel to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a landscape of misty hillsides and shimmering rice paddies
Explore your new surroundings as you hike through the countryside, passing fields of rice and bamboo forests
Spend a free evening relaxing at your quaint village lodge or head out for dinner at a local restaurant

Tam Coc sampan ride

Wake up to serene views of terraced rice fields, before setting out for a morning hike through the forested hills
Onwards to the beautiful province of Ninh Binh: a striking landscape of limestone outcrops rising out of the rice fields
Soak up the scenery with a rowing-boat ride along the Ngo Dong River; don’t be surprised if your boat guide rows expertly with their feet

Kayaking and karaoke

Travel to Ha Long Bay where you’ll board an Indochinese junk boat and sail away from the crowds to the lesser-explored Lan Ha Bay
Kayak between ancient limestone karsts, hidden grottoes and secluded lagoons of this spectacular World Heritage landscape
Learn to make spring rolls with your group, before a sunset dinner on board; try your hand at squid fishing (season dependent) and karaoke (talent optional)

South to Hoi An

Wake early for sunrise tai chi against a breathtaking backdrop of the sun rising over the majestic limestone cliffs
Sail to the Frog Pond area – the famous film location for Kong Skull Island in the King Kong movie – where you can kayak and swim in the emerald green waters
Return to Hanoi for a short flight to Danang and a minibus ride to the graceful riverside town of Hoi An where you’ll be spending the next two nights

Cook up a Vietnamese feast

Start your day with a walking tour of Hoi An, exploring the narrow alleys, lined with ornate assembly halls, colourful clan houses and wooden-fronted shophouses
Spend your afternoon in a cooking lesson with local professional chefs, learning how to prepare three delicious dishes
Enjoy your creations as part of an epic five-course dinner, which you an relish in style after all your hard work

Ho Chi Minh by vintage Vespa

Spend a free morning exploring the winding alleys of Hoi An’s old town, known for its historic architecture and colourful lanterns
Head to the airport and catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s biggest and busiest city
Take a vintage Vespa tour, passing iconic sights like Bình Tây Market and the Reunification Palace, and stopping to sample delicious street food

Cu Chi Tunnels and sunset cocktails

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn how guerilla soldiers lived during the infamous war, weaving through a subterranean labyrinth of tunnels
Cross the border to Cambodia where your new Pack Leader will be waiting to escort you to Phnom Penh, the country’s vibrant capital
Visit Cambodia’s only gin distillery to see how craft Mekong Dry Gin is made from 13 botanicals, including pandan leaves, galangal, kaffir lime and lemongrass

Tragic history & a cyclo tour

Confront Cambodia’s tragic past with a guided walk around the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and visit to the infamous Killing Fields
Explore the city by three-wheeler cyclo, taking in the Russian Market, the hilltop temple of Wat Phnom and the charming French Quarter
Make your way to the river to enjoy an early dinner and sundowners with your group

Authentic Khmer cuisine

Soak up the rural scenery as you travel overland to Siem Reap, a bustling hub for visiting the temples of Angkor – one of the world’s most awe-inspiring sights
Stop off at the town of Skuon and keep a look out for the local speciality: deep-fried tarantula (whether you try the eight-legged snack is entirely up to you!)
Head to the Spoons Cafe for top-notch Khmer cuisine: this hospitality-training centre provides opportunities for former street children

Ancient temples & modern art

Wake early to arrive at Banteay Srei before the crowds; this delicately carved rose pink temple is a masterpiece of Angkorian art
Visit an artists’ hub set in gorgeous tropical gardens where you can see colourful Khmer artworks and watch apprentices in action
Take a boat ride along the ancient moat of vast Angkor Thom, complete with canapes and a glass of fizz, heading to Prasat Chrung Temple for sunset

Sunrise Angkor Wat

Get up before dawn for a sunrise surprise before exploring Angkor Wat: this incredible 12th-century temple was the epicentre of Khmer civilisation
Explore Angkor Thom’s multi-faced Bayon and head to the the jungle-covered Ta Prohm temple (used as a location in the Tomb Raider movie)
Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group at a farm-to-table restaurant, before heading to Pub Street to celebrate the end of your trip

Goodbye Asia, for now...

Say goodbye to your group and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
Arrive home from Vietnam and Cambodia feeling awed by the iconic sights you’ve ticked off and humbled by the local experiences you’ve had the privilege of unearthing. And let’s not forget the joy of those new friendships…

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Belle Maison Hadana, Hoi An

Spacious rooms with balconies, plus a regular shuttle to the beach and Old Town. Make use of the free bike hire and end your days with a gin cocktail at the Terrace Cafe.

Pu Luong Retreat, Pu Luong

Pu Luong Retreat is all about the panoramic mountain and rice terrace views. You’ll be staying in a charming thatched-roof bungalow, although we can bet the pool-side cocktail bar might be where you spend most of your evening.

Shinta Mani Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap

This collection of eclectic apartments looks out across a pretty, palm-fringed pool. Dine inside its chic Kroya restaurant or enjoy an indulgent massage in the onsite spa – just a few reasons why we love this hotel.

Adventure FAQs

Why is it best to book this adventure in advance?

Due to the complex nature of this itinerary – internal flights, limited off-grid experiences and small, unique accommodation – it can be difficult (though not impossible) for us to secure spots for latecomers. If you’d prefer to avoid the stress of not knowing if you’re ‘in’, booking early will give you the guarantee you need.

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Hanoi Airport (HAN) and fly out of Siem Reap International Airport (REP) or Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI).

What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Please try to arrive before 3 pm on Day 1, although we will arrange an airport transfer for you regardless of when you arrive.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no planned activities for the final day, so depart at your own leisure.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. However, your Pack Leader will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 10-15 USD per day
Drivers: 4-5 USD per day
Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, waiters, porters, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

Everything you need to know about Cambodia's new e-arrival card system

Effective from July 2024, all inbound travelers to Cambodia arriving via flights into Phnom Penh and Siem Reap must complete a mandatory electronic arrival card (e-Arrival) before entry. This system consolidates the immigration form, health declaration, and customs documents into one online submission. It’s recommended to submit the form prior to boarding. Currently, paper forms remain in use for land borders and other airports.

Details of how to complete the form can be found here – https://www.exotravel.com/blog/en/cambodia-e-arrival-card/

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

Excluding alcohol, we’d suggest budgeting the equivalent of 40 USD. That said, if you’re willing to eat like a local it can be a lot less. It is still possible in Southeast Asia to buy a plate of food for 1 USD.

What will the hotels and food be like?

The hotels we stay at in on this trip have been chosen for their excellent locations and comfortable accommodation. While we always take care to give you the best experience, we hope you can appreciate that different countries have different standards.

We know part of the unique experience travel provides is exploring local cuisine. Restaurants in Cambodia often cater to international tourists and you can expect to see fusion food on their menus. Our Pack Leaders will work hard to maximize your opportunities to experience authentic Khmer cuisine.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

Will I have the same Pack Leader for the whole trip?

During this adventure, you will have two dedicated Pack Leaders. The first will guide you in Vietnam (Days 1-9), and the second will join you in Cambodia (Days 9-14). Your Vietnam Pack Leader will assist until you reach the check-in point at the Moc Bai border crossing, and the Cambodia Pack Leader will meet you upon arrival on the other side.

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