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'The Curious' Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Suggested Itinerary

Buckle up: this incredible holiday has you hopping around Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand on an unforgettable journey.

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok vie to be your favourite city on this wide-ranging itinerary, with urban adventures blended with a cruise through Halong Bay, temple discoveries in Siem Reap, and downtime on the beach in Phuket.

Suggested itinerary
19 nights
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Bangkok, Phuket
Culture

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'The Curious' Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Suggested Itinerary

From £6,349 per person

  • tick19 nights
  • tickBoard Basis - Selected Meals
  • tick19 night itinerary
  • tickIncludes Halong Bay tour
  • tickIncludes 6 excursions
  • tickFly with Vietnam Airlines from London Heathrow
  • tickFlights available from other UK airports - contact us for further details
  • tickBased on 7th September 2026 departure

Itinerary overview

Days 1-3

Hanoi

Your incredible adventure begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, where you’ll be swept up in the mel...

Day 4

Halong Bay

You’ll be collected from Hanoi for the four-hour drive to Halong Bay to board the elegant Bhaya C...

Days 5-7

Hoi An

Your next three days are spent in a hotel dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing but don't miss ou...

Days 8-10

Ho Chi Minh City

A flight from Hoi An brings you to the vivacious Ho Chi Minh City to spend three memorable nights...

Days 11-12

Siem Reap

You’ll fly to Siem Reap, checking into your hotel for two nights — ideally placed for temple disc...

Days 13-15

Bangkok

Things switch gears again when you fly to Bangkok, ready for three nights in this sensory city. Y...

Days 16-19

Phuket

Your adventure finishes with some well-deserved downtime on the beach in Phuket, where there are ...

Days 1-3

Hanoi

Your incredible adventure begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, where you’ll be swept up in the melee of busy streets, fragrant with spices, riddled with scooters, and overlooked by a mix of architecture from occupations past.

Hanoi Your Way (Private Driver & Guide)

Hanoi

Whether you already have a list of famous landmarks you want to tick off your ‘to see’ list or you’re looking for some direction during your stay, there’s no better way of exploring Hanoi than with an expert local guide. Pointing out places of interest as you travel across the city in your own personal car, with their insider knowledge you’re sure to uncover a whole different side to the capital. A fantastic option for those travelling with kids or couples who want to dive deeper into the culture of Hanoi.

Vietnamese Cooking Class in Hanoi supported by the DERTOUR Foundation

Hanoi

What better souvenir than the knowledge of how to recreate your favourite Vietnamese dish. Not only that, when taking this class at KOTO restaurant you’ll be contributing to the fantastic community work they do, helping to provide hospitality training to local street kids. Supported by our own DERTOUR Foundation, founder Jimmy Pham set up KOTO (Know One, Teach One) when he realised all these children needed were the skills to get a stable job – you’ll learn all about their mission in the morning as you sip Vietnamese tea and get acquainted with the team.

Having collected all your fresh ingredients from the local market you’ll get to work beside a current trainee learning more about their lives and a recipe that’s sure to stay with you forever before tucking into your culinary creations!

• £10 of each excursion sale goes towards the foundation
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Although the class can cater for children over six, this experience is more suited for adults looking to give something back to the local community.

Day 4

Halong Bay

You’ll be collected from Hanoi for the four-hour drive to Halong Bay to board the elegant Bhaya Classic Cruise Ship, where you’ll spend a night onboard. You’ll disembark to go kayaking at Luon Cave and swim around Titov island or visit Tung Saum, a pearl farm surrounded by limestone karsts. Come morning, join guests on the deck for t'ai chi before heading to Hanoi airport for your onward flight to Hoi An.

Days 5-7

Hoi An

Your next three days are spent in a hotel dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing but don't miss out on the sights of Hoi An. You’ll join a private guided walking tour to get your bearings, visit Cau Temple, and take a boat trip along the Thu Bon River.

Hoi An’s Highlights

Hoi An

Hoi An is a wonderland of international influences, particularly in its delightful – and UNESCO-listed – Old Town which was once a bustling centre of trade. This guided walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and find out more about its layers of time. Highlights include a visit to a traditional house and the Hoi An Museum, a trove of local treasures collected through the ages. You’ll also visit Cau Temple, which is commonly referred to as the Japanese Covered Bridge and finish your exploratory morning with a boat trip along the Thu Bon River for a different view of the city.

• Daily departures from Hoi An or Danang
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Local Life Cycling Adventure

Hoi An

A glimpse of rural life provides an unbeatable insight into a country and its culture. And it gives a chance to take a break from the buzz of the city. From Hoi An or Danang, you’ll head into the countryside and cycle through the countryside to the fascinating Tra Que vegetable village, a settlement where the focus is on growing some of the highest quality produce in the region. As well as meeting farmers and hearing about their methods you’ll have the opportunity to get hands on and join in with raking, sowing, watering and tending the vegies. Following your work in the garden, you’ll be treated to a therapeutic foot bath and then help prepare lunch alongside a local family. Learn how to make a Tam Huu spring roll and Bang Xeo pancake and try a host of other Vietnamese delicacies.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 2pm
• Daily departures from Hoi An and Danang
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
The cycling distance is approximately six miles and there will be no back-up vehicle, so you need to be physically fit and mobile.

Vietnamese Lantern Making Workshop (from Hoi An or Danang)

Hoi An

There are colourful hanging lanterns everywhere you look in Hoi An’s atmospheric Old Town, a picturesque legacy of the days when this once-important port attracted merchants from China and Japan. On this engaging hands-on workshop, you’ll learn about how the craft took hold here and evolved in its own unique way, gaining an insight into the region’s history and culture along the way. Then it’s time to make your own example, from choosing the shape and picking the silk to learning how to glue it all together and smooth out any creases.

At the end of the class, you’ll head off on a short walk around Hoi An - carrying your precious new creation - where you’ll be able to truly appreciate the skill that has gone into making the many lanterns that dot the city. And if you’re wondering how you’re going to get your handiwork home in one piece, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s conveniently foldable.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 1.30pm to 4pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
This workshop is suitable for families with children aged 6 and above.

Days 8-10

Ho Chi Minh City

A flight from Hoi An brings you to the vivacious Ho Chi Minh City to spend three memorable nights in the city once known as Saigon. You’ll explore the city with a private guide on a tour tailored to you, whether you want to go places the locals love or see the main sights. A second day has you boarding a boat on the magnificent Mekong Delta to watch local life unfold on the riverbanks.

Saigon Your Way (Private Driver & Guide)

Ho Chi Minh City

There are few more relaxing and rewarding ways of spending a day exploring Saigon, aka Ho Chi Minh City, than in your own car, complete with a driver and guide. It gives you the freedom to set your own itinerary and then change your mind if you spot something enticing along the way. There’s no timetable to stick to, so you can stop for a break when you want and stay for as long as you like - something that families will particularly appreciate. Want to mix up the guide-book highlights with places only the locals know about? Your guide will be happy to suggest options tailored to your interests, whether that’s a quirky shopping centre in what used to be a block of flats, a newly opened trendy café or just an overlooked corner of one of the city’s main sights.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included. Mileage up to 100km is included; you can pay a small supplement directly to the driver for any extra distance or time.

Hidden Saigon By Vespa

Ho Chi Minh City

If you’ve always wanted to experience Saigon like a local, this fun-filled morning tour by vintage Vespa scooter is for you. Riding behind an experienced driver who knows the streets like the back of their hand, you’ll be whisked around a beguiling blend of must-see landmarks and off-the-beaten-track gems. You’ll discover a secret weapon bunker dating from the Vietnam War, watch coffee made the traditional way in clay pots at Saigon’s oldest café and be dazzled by the colour and scent of a vibrant flower market. You’ll also explore a historic residential district, stop at breathtaking Buddhist temples and check out specialist markets dedicated to everything from spare parts for motorbikes to fabrics from all around Asia. Lunch at a neighbourhood restaurant that serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine is a perfect way to round off an adventure that’s sure to be a hit with couples and honeymooners.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 12.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private tour

Good to know
This trip is suitable for those over the age of 16 only. Helmets - and raincoats in case of showers - are provided.

Saigon Street Food By Vespa

Ho Chi Minh City

Plunge into Saigon’s dynamic night-time scene local-style as you zip between some of its buzziest foodie haunts on a vintage Vespa. Riding pillion behind an expert driver, you’ll begin the evening with a tour around several vibrant downtown districts, passing some of the city’s must-see sights. After pausing for a drink and a spot of people-watching at a neighbourhood café, you’ll head for one of Saigon’s best stalls for banh mi, a stubby baguette sandwich with an array of delicious classic fillings. The next stop is a bustling night flower market, ablaze with colour, followed by a taste of traditional rice pancakes and seafood at a popular restaurant. No gourmet experience is complete without something sweet to finish things off, so the final tasting of the evening is Vietnamese che - a sort of dessert soup - which comes in a dizzying range of varieties.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 6pm to 10pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is suitable for those over the age of 16 only. While every effort will be made to cater for food allergies or special diets, this may not always be possible.

Mekong Delta Discovery

Ho Chi Minh City

Travel south from Ho Chi Minh City, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, the Delta is the most fertile region in the country and the main producer of rice and tropical fruits. Board your boat to begin your discovery of the mighty Mekong River as well as its narrow canals, gaining a real insight into the lives of the local people. Late afternoon you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Departing daily from Ho Chi Minh City
• Year round
• Transfers included
• Lunch included

Days 11-12

Siem Reap

You’ll fly to Siem Reap, checking into your hotel for two nights — ideally placed for temple discoveries. Spend a full day exploring the atmospheric highlights, from the South Gate of Angkor Thom to the Terrace of Elephants and Ta Prohm, where trees grow from the walls.

Angkor Wat in a Day

Cambodia

The temples of Angkor are a of course a must-visit while in Siem Reap but there are plenty to pack in. To start, we’ll take you to the highlight spots such as the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where the entrance is watched over by the statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, Banyon Temple which is adorned seemingly countless carved faces, and the relatively modest Phimeanakas. Some parts of the vast temple complex have been reclaimed by nature such as the Terrace of Elephants and the iconic Ta Prohm with its moss-cloaked stonework and towering trees growing from the walls.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Hidden Angkor Photography Tour

Cambodia

The remarkable temples of Angkor are the ideal subjects for keen (or budding) photographers. A professional photographer will guide you around the awe-inspiring Angkor Archaeological Park and teach you the best ways to shoot the temples, using light and shadow to create beautiful images. Taking your time to capture these ancient temples means you’ll get to appreciate the ornate detail and understand the astounding amount of planning that went into creating them. Plus, you’ll have the perfect keepsakes of your time at this bucket-list location.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 2pm or 2pm to 6pm
• Departing daily from Siem Reap
• Operates year round
• Private experience\

Days 13-15

Bangkok

Things switch gears again when you fly to Bangkok, ready for three nights in this sensory city. You’ll explore all the main highlights one day and take a trip to the colourful and fragrant floating market the next.

Bangkok's Highlights in a Day

Bangkok

For those who like to pack the maximum into each day, this trip will take you to some of Bangkok’s most famous sights in comfort. The first stop of the morning is Wat Traimit, home to a three-metre-high statue of a seated Buddha made from solid gold; from here, you’ll travel to another temple, Wat Pho, with another statue of Buddha - this time reclining - that’s a massive 46 metres long. Next on the itinerary is the Grand Palace, a former royal residence, and the temple of the Emerald Buddha, though the statue is actually made of jade. After lunch, you’ll board a traditional boat to cruise along some of the city’s canals, taking in the sights of daily life along the way, before disembarking at your final temple of the day: the riverside Wat Arun, known for its distinctive multicoloured spire.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll need to dress appropriately for visiting the various temples: that means long trousers - not leggings - or skirts below the knee, and covered shoulders. Carry a lightweight, though not see-through, cover-up if you want to be more casual the rest of the day.

Bangkok’s Floating Market

Bangkok

One of Bangkok’s more colourful attractions, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is rightly on many visitors’ not-to-be-missed lists. Heading out in the cool of the early morning, you’ll stop at iconic Wat Bang Kung, an ancient temple almost completely surrounded by the roots of a vast banyan tree, to soak up its unique atmosphere and learn about its not-always-peaceful history. From here, you’ll carry on to the floating market itself, which occupies a maze of narrow canals (khlongs) crowded with narrow wooden sampans piled high with produce.

You’ll venture out on the water in your own boat, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take some superb photos and bargain for typical snacks. Your final destination is the extraordinary Rom Hub Railway Market, whose stalls lie on either side of an active railway track, meaning that the vendors have to pull everything out of the way every time a train goes past - which is quite a sight!\

• Duration: half day
• Time: 6.30am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Bangkok Street Food

Bangkok

Thailand is known for its delicious street food, and one of the best places to sample it is in Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin district, also known as the Old Town. On this four-hour tour, you’ll head off on foot with a local English-speaking guide to explore the narrow streets and alleyways of this atmospheric area, stopping at family-run shops, tiny cafés, street vendors and market stalls to sample their wares and learn about how they’re made. Sip a cup of old-style coffee, the thick and sweet kafae boran; feast on Chinese chive dumplings and succulent roast duck; and try typical sweet treats such as sticky-rice dumplings filled with mung-bean paste. Be sure to leave room for some coconut ice cream, handmade by the same family for generations.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Suitable for children aged 12 and upwards. The tour includes visits to a temple and shrine, so dress appropriately. Transfers not included

Ayutthaya’s Highlights In A Day

Bangkok

If you have a passion for history and a love of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you won’t want to miss the chance to explore Thailand’s ancient capital. The city of Ayutthaya was one of the world’s most important urban areas from 1350 to 1767, before being sacked by the Burmese, and its ruins are a fascinating place to wander. On this engaging private experience, you’ll travel by train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Here, you’ll hop on one of the distinctive local “kermit” tuk-tuks - so-called because of their frog-green colour - to enable you to explore every corner of the Historical Park effortlessly, something that families, in particular, will appreciate. Soak up the views of crumbling temples, ancient statues and romantic towers, before boarding a riverboat for a restful, and scenic, return to Bangkok.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 6.30am to 4pm
• Departures every Wednesday to Monday
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Proper clothing is required for visiting temples. Includes roundtrip transfers.

Bangkok By Night

Bangkok

In the evening, temperatures drop and there’s less traffic, so it’s an ideal time to discover a different side of Bangkok. On this fascinating tour, you’ll travel by electric tuk tuk from the departure point at Lebua State Tower, a luxury hotel with amazing views from its various bars, to Chinatown for a herb-infused cocktail (or soft drink) and a Thai meal.

Afterwards, you’ll whizz around the city’s historic heart past some of its most famous sights, including the Grand Palace - all lit up to spectacular effect. You’ll stroll through the grounds of a temple to admire the illuminations and explore bustling areas known for their amazing street-food scene. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to try some local sweet treats such as kluai thot - deliciously sticky pieces of deep-fried banana coated in sesame seeds - the perfect way to round off the evening.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 6.30pm to 10.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The tour is not suitable for children under 10. As for what to wear, you’ll need smart casual clothing if you want to visit the Lebua State Tower before the tour and suitable clothing for visiting temples. It can get surprisingly cool zipping around at night in an open-sided vehicle, so you’ll be grateful for the extra coverage. Transfers to departure point not included.

River Kwai Highlights In A Day

Bangkok

Symbolising the horrors of World War II in Asia, the bridge on the River Kwai at Kanchanaburi is almost a place of pilgrimage for history buffs, film aficionados and anyone curious about the relatively recent past. On this poignant trip, you’ll learn all about the building of the infamous bridge that was designed to link up a direct railway line from Bangkok to Rangoon (now Yangon) to support the Japanese occupation of Burma (now Myanmar) in 1943. You’ll visit the graves of members of the Allied Forces on a tour of the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, before looking at historical photographs and paintings at the JEATH War Museum, both emotionally moving experiences. To complete your day, you’ll take a memorable ride on the Thailand-Burma Railway itself, also known as the Death Railway because of the thousands of POWs and forced local workers who lost their lives during its construction.

• Duration: full day
• Time 6.30am to 6.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The trip is suitable for all ages.

Days 16-19

Phuket

Your adventure finishes with some well-deserved downtime on the beach in Phuket, where there are four nights to relax and reflect on your incredible holiday. But the excitement isn’t over — you’ll take a scenic cruise around the Phi Phi Islands to understand why this area of Thailand is so sought-after.

Phi Phi Islands Cruise from Phuket

Phuket

Enjoy a relaxing day discovering the natural delights of Koh Phi Phi, a scenic archipelago of six specks of land in the Andaman Sea roughly halfway between Koh Lanta and Phuket. This tour will take you to two of the most popular islands: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh.

Travelling by speedboat, you’ll head to Maya Bay, the first snorkellling site on this tour. You’ll motor on to Monkey Beach, home to a colony of long-tailed macaques, and “Viking Cave” which owes its nickname to the images of different types of boats - including one that looks like a Viking longboat - painted on its walls. At beautiful Ao Pi Leh Cove on the second-largest island, you’ll have a chance to plunge into its emerald waters for another swim and snorkel, before heading to lunch on Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi Don is the largest island and the only one that’s inhabited. You can marvel at the sweeping scenic hills, amazing cliffs and long stretches of beach whilst you have lunch. After that, you'll jump back in the speedboat over to low-lying Bamboo Island. This will be the last stop on the tour where you can get back in the calm waters for a swim or snorkel and see the amazing marine life, or you can kick back and bask in the sun before going back to the Marina in Phuket.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under fours, the over 70s and pregnant women.

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