10-Day Journey through South Vietnam and Cambodia

Welcome by our guide at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, this vibrant metropolis is the largest city in Vietnam, offering tourists a sensory overload. Locals consider it the "sleepless city," bustling during the day and even more lively at night. The Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for bar and party lovers.

Note: For first-time travelers to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern energy. Be sure to explore its vibrant markets, street food, and cultural landmarks.

Kampá Tour is glad to accompany you on this trip, marking the beginning of our 10-day Vietnam-Cambodia itinerary.

Check in to your hotel and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning:

Explore the underground Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic battlefield from the Indochina War located on the outskirts of the city. Upon arrival, descend into the subterranean world of tunnels stretching over 200 kilometers. These tunnels, with a width of 70 cm and a height of 90 cm, lead to various meeting rooms, kitchens, and even hospitals.

At noon, you'll enjoy a local restaurant lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon:

• Keep your energy up as you embark on a half-day city tour, visiting the city's must-see attractions.
• Your first stop is the Independence Palace, where the Vietnamese Revolutionary Army achieved victory in 1975. 
• Your next destination is Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. These landmarks are prime examples of French architecture in the city.
• Continue your tour with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which provides insights into the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. The museum showcases compelling visuals depicting the futility and devastating effects of the conflicts.
• As the sightseeing tour concludes, you will be dropped off at your hotel, giving you the freedom to explore the city at night.

NOTE: The Notre Dame Cathedral is currently undergoing renovations until 2027. You may be taken to visit the surrounding areas, such as the street book.

Departure for the Mekong Delta, a half-land, half-aquatic territory in the far south of the country.

Arrival at Ben Tre, the large town located in the heart of the northern arms of the river. Boat trip on the rivers to reach Mo Cay, a small rural region with little tourism, well known for its coconut trade and the manufacturing of coconut products: coconut, coconut thread, activated coconut carbon, etc.

Bike ride or Xe loi (motorized cycle) on the green island abundantly covered with coconut plantations. The route, away from mass tourism, takes you along small paths, under the shade of coconut trees, which offer a particularly poetic landscape. Stop at farms to observe the manufacture of sweets and coconut brooms.

Continue with a trip in a small rowing boat through the arroyos surrounded by water palm trees, to immerse yourself in the daily life of the delta. Visit to Mr. Van's traditional house, tasting of local specialties made by his wife: coconut jam, tea with honey and pollen... and great encounters with the local population.

Afternoon, transfer to Vinh Long and arrive at the island of An Binh (“peace”) located in the middle of the Mekong. Installation at Mme Thuy’s, a peaceful guest house with a beautiful garden. Free time to relax in a very calm and relaxing environment.

In the evening, participate in the preparation of the meal then have dinner with your creations.

After breakfast, board a boat for a trip on the Mekong. Visit the Cai Rang floating market, which is spectacular with its vibrant colors and the assembly of numerous boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, and various other goods. Discover the unique 'river trade' of the Mekong region's inhabitants.

Disembark to reach Chau Doc, a small town located in the far west of the Mekong Delta, very close to the Cambodian border. Upon arrival, take a boat trip on the Bassac River, a tributary of the great river, and explore floating fish farms. Learn about cage breeding of Asian catfish and visit Muslim villages of the Cham minorities.

Experience the twilight spectacle from Mount Sam, the unusual and distinctive hill in the delta, where you'll find the sacred Ba Chua Xu temple.

Spend the night at the hotel

Embark on a boat trip up the Mekong River to reach Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

Arrive at the port around noon, where a local guide will welcome you and assist with the check-in process at the hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the Cambodian capital.

Day dedicated to exploring Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital:

• Begin at Wat Phnom, the Buddhist temple that gave birth to Phnom Penh in the 14th century.
• Visit the Royal Palace, which has served as the residence and workplace of the Norodom kings since 1870. Also, explore the Silver Pagoda, one of the country's most unique pagodas, known for its floor entirely paved with silver slabs, a gift from the French king, Napoleon III.
• Explore the Apsara Association, an art school that trains deprived children.
• Visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a school converted into a prison where thousands of Cambodian women were detained and tortured during the Khmer Rouge regime.

In the afternoon, your journey continues as you explore the tranquil and picturesque Silk Island, also known as Koh Dach, situated in the Mekong River near Phnom Penh. This private bike tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the island's cultural richness and scenic beauty.

As you pedal through the island's charming village, you'll encounter traditional silk artisans showcasing their centuries-old craft. Marvel at the intricate process of silk production and even try your hand at spinning silk on hand looms ingeniously made from bicycle parts.

Travel to Siem Reap, passing through Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom, and cross the peaceful Cambodian countryside with its traditional villages, rice fields, and tall latan trees that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see. Arrive in Siem Reap by the end of the day.

Spend the night at the hotel.

Day dedicated to the discovery of the mystical temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom – the ancient capital of the Khmer empire (9-15th century):

• Angkor Wat temples, dedicated to Vishnu, the supreme god of Hinduism, are considered the masterpieces of Khmer art and architecture.

• The temples of Angkor Thom form a fortified city of 10 km² that once housed a million inhabitants. Explore the immense statues at the south gate, the Elephant Terrace, the King Leper Terrace, and the famous Bayon temple, comprised of 54 gigantic towers bearing 216 faces of Avalokitésvara – the most important goddess in Buddhism.

Return to Siem Reap toward the end of the afternoon.

Enjoy a free evening and spend the night at the hotel.

Morning dedicated to discovering small and large temples:

Explore Banteay Srei temple (Citadel of Women), the highly sacred temples of Takeo, Banteay Kdei, and the impressive temple of Ta Prohm—an abandoned Buddhist monastery overgrown with trees and its gigantic snake-like roots (Ta Prohm, famous from the 'Tomb Raider' movie, with jungle-covered ruins).

Enjoy a free afternoon for relaxation in Siem Reap or indulge in the Siem Reap night market.

Spend your remaining moments as you please, then head to the airport for your departure. This marks the end of our 10-day Vietnam-Cambodia itinerary. Safe travels!

Kampá Tour is honored to have accompanied you on this journey.