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Vietnam & Angkor Wat

with Bangkok extension

Duration: 15 or 17 days
Group size: 15-30
Reviews: 57

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. 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

13 nights in handpicked hotels
13 breakfasts
4 lunches
6 dinners with beer or wine
1 cooking lesson

Included highlights

Reunification Palace
Hôi An’s Japanese covered bridge
Vietnamese cooking class
Huê Imperial City
Temple of Literature

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your flight to Hô Chi Minh City today.

Hô Chi Minh City3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Hô Chi Minh City

Welcome to Vietnam! Transfer to your hotel to settle in.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Hô Chi Minh City

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome lunch. Then, 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 and the War Remnants Museum

• See the General Post Office, City Hall, and Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

• Stroll along Lê Công Kiêu, a street known for its treasure trove of antiques

Day 4: 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

Excursion (additional cost)

Hôi An2 nights

Day 5: Flight to Hôi An

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free morning in Hô Chi Minh City or add an excursion.

This afternoon, board a flight to Dà Nang and transfer to your hotel in Hôi An. Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Cù Chi Tunnels

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 6: Thu Bôn River cruise & 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.

• Cruise the Thu Bôn River, a highlight of central Vietnam, with a local guide

• Select ingredients from a local market and try your hand at making authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cooking class and lunch

• Discover Hôi An’s landmarks, including the Japanese covered bridge and Old Town

• Pass by the bustling Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai road

• Walk along the cobblestone streets to see the Quan Thang Ancient House and a silk lantern shop

• Pay a visit to a local school (dependent on class schedule)

Huê1 night

Day 7: Transfer to Huê & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel through the Hài Vân Pass to Huê for a guided tour of this former capital.

• Cruise down the Perfume River, so named due to the amount of heavenly scented flowers that fall into the river each autumn

• Explore the Thiên Mu Pagoda, Vietnam’s tallest religious building

• Visit the walled fortress and palace known as the Imperial City

Hanoi2 nights

Day 8: Flight to Hanoi

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a free morning in Huê or add an excursion.

Sit down for an included dinner before boarding your flight to Hanoi.

Please note: Depending on flight times, the dinner may take place in Hanoi.

Tu Dúc & Khài Dinh Tombs

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Hanoi

Included meal: Breakfast

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

• Enter the soaring Hô Chi Minh Mausoleum

• See the Governor’s Residence

• Examine the lotus-like One Pillar Pagoda

• Wander through the Temple of Literature, a walled complex dedicated to Confucius

• Admire Hoàn Kiém Lake, a focal point for Hanoi public life

Enjoy a free evening in Hanoi or add an excursion.

Vietnamese Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Ha Long Bay1 night

Day 10: Ha Long Bay cruise

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Ha 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 and dinner aboard the cruise ship.

Siem Reap3 nights

Day 11: Flight to Siem Reap

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Disembark your cruise ship this morning and transfer to Hanoi for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. 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

Please note: The sunrise tour of Angkor Wat may take place on the morning of day 13.

Day 13: Tonlé Sap Lake cruise, Ta Prohm & Preah Khan

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue your exploration of Siem Reap with your Tour Director as your guide.

• Take a cruise to visit the floating village of Kompong Khleang

• Visit Ta Prohm, a temple largely reclaimed by the jungle, now well-known as the setting of the “Tomb Raider” movie

• Wander among the ruins of the Preah Khan temple

Tonight, enjoy an included dinner as you watch a traditional Apsara dance performance.

Bangkok1 night

Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Bangkok

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Board your flight to Bangkok, Thailand this morning. Upon arrival, join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of the city.

• See the city’s vast array of Buddha statues at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Po) and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

• Explore the sprawling Grand Palace complex, built in 1782 for the king of Siam

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

Bangkok is a feast for the senses. Start your Southeast Asian tour early with two nights in "The City of Angels.” Wander through ornate palaces and Buddhist temples, explore the quaint canals and floating markets, and savor delicious Thai cuisine.

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.

Bangkok Market Visit & Cooking Class

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 16: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, transfer outside of Bangkok to experience the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where locals sell produce from their small boats. Stop along the way to visit a local Thai family's home. Then, board a traditional longboat and float past the many villages surrounding the famous market.

Flight Home

Day 17: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport to board your early morning flight home.

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Reviews

4.8 average

So much packed into 1 trip!

05/16/2019 by 7th time traveler Amy M.

I don't read the itinerary before going on any of the GoAhead trips - so I was continually amazed by what we were seeing and doing. Vietnam was amazingly interesting and varied. Ho Chi Minh was a scooter-filled metropolitan with a lot of free wifi around town. We felt safe walking around and expl...

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05/09/2019 by 7th time traveler Joan D.

This tour was one of my favorite trips with Goahead because of the diversity of activities. We toured ancient and historic sites, were exposed to diverse political and cultural traditions, and got to cook some fabulous food in 2 countries.. The group was small,14, and terrific! The only downside wa...

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Amazing & Great Value

05/06/2019 by 7th time traveler Susan R.

Great trip with amazing guides & hotels. It was very HOT! We all powered on :). Nice size group. Ha Long Bay & Angkor Wat the BEST! Fast paced, the way I like it. Well organized! Keep up the great work GO AHEAD!

Great Trip

05/14/2019 by 4th time traveler Tyson J.

This was a great trip in a very beautiful part of the world. There were two major attractions that sold me on this trip, Ha Long Bay and Angkor Wat. Both exceeded my expectations and were two of the most amazing places I've ever been. The cruise in Ha Long Bay was wonderful and activity filled. ...

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Valued experience

05/03/2019 by 3rd time traveler Martha S.

Excellent tour but it was very HOT. That didn’t stop us though. I feel I learned a lot and had many unique experiences. My favorites were the Floating Village ( not at all what I was expecting) andHa Long Bay (so beautiful). Our guides were exceptional.

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

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.

Saigon Prince Hotel

This sophisticated hotel is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Guests enjoy a spa, a fitness room, and an outdoor pool. Nearby, you’ll find the...

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Boutique Hoi An Resort

This beachy hotel is located in Ward Cam An, Hoi An. Guests enjoy a spa, pool, and gym. Nearby, you'll find An Bang Beach, Chua Phap Bao Pagoda, and T...

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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

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

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 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 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.

Tour pace

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.

Tour Director

You will have three separate Tour Directors on this tour; one in Vietnam, another in Cambodia, and one more in Thailand.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Ho Chi Minh City 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.
Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, Hue to Hanoi, Hanoi to Siem Reap, and Siem Reap to Bangkok, as well as a one-night Ha Long Bay cruise and other small boat rides, are included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

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.

Clothing & packing tips

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).

Health

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.

Cuisine

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 bahn 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.

Electricity & air conditioning

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 pins, 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.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand are 11 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s 9am in New York, it’s 8pm the same day in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.

Currency

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.

Tipping

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 $7USD 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.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

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.

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21 Departures

Tour prices are per person, before flights from your departure city, and based on two travelers per hotel room. Tour prices include on-tour flights where applicable.