Often clumped together as "Southeast Asia," you lose the nuance of diversity that is found within Cambodia and Vietnam. There are countless cultures to know, languages you'll hear, dishes to try, and landscapes to explore. Two weeks is only brushing the surface of the richness found within these two countries, but it's a taste that will surely leave you with the desire to keep coming back again and again.
Oct 2 – 5, 2024: Hanoi (3 nights)
Oct 5 – 7, 2024: Ha Long Bay (2 nights)
Oct 7 – 9, 2024: Krong Siem Reap (2 nights)
Oct 9 – 11, 2024: Hoi An (2 nights)
Oct 11 – 13, 2024: Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights)
If you need any assistance while you are traveling, or if you would like to make any changes, reservations or cancellations during your trip you can contact the following who will be your local contacts during your trip:
Local Contacts
Emergency Contact
Scenset
Important: If something needs immediate attention, your local contact is the best person to call first as they are in the same time zone.
Below is our handy tipping guide for you to reference during your trip:
Vietnam
During your time in Vietnam, tips can be reserved for your guide, driver, and hotel staff. It is acceptable to pay tips in USD.
Cambodia
Tipping is not customary in Cambodian culture, so it is not necessarily expected in bars and restaurants. Tips are, however, very gratefully received. With the average Cambodian wage still very low, tips from tourists can make a real difference, so we do suggest honoring good service. It is acceptable to pay tips in USD.
For your trip, you can set aside tips for your guide, driver, and hotel staff. Again, it depends on your satisfaction with their good service.
October is the tail end of the rainy season in Cambodia and Vietnam, so afternoon showers are the norm. Humidity is high during October, but the daily rain showers help to lower the humidity levels and the temperatures. Average temperatures across the region typically range from 75°F to 88°F.
U.S. passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam and Cambodia for tourism. A multi-entry visa for Vietnam will be needed, since the country will be entered two separate times.
Visas will be taken care of by Scenset for both countries. Visa fees are included in your itinerary.
Make sure your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your travel dates.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
We have designed some great playlists for you to enjoy during your trip through Asia full of local talent to discover!
Shanghai Lost Plate Walking Food Tour
Booked Independently
Though its name means Hakka people, this chic restaurant on the Bund serves modern Cantonese fare with Western influences, but not necessarily of Hakka scenset. The must-try Peking duck with caviar boasts interesting layers of flavours.
Reserved independently
Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, is a city with a captivating blend of ancient charm and modern vitality. Steeped in history, it served as the capital of French Indochina and later the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Visitors can explore its historic Old Quarter, witness the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and traverse the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, all while immersing themselves in the city's unique blend of colonial and traditional Vietnamese architecture.
As soon as you deplane, an Immigration Officer will meet you at the end of the jet bridge (or at the entrance of the terminal if there is no jet bridge), holding a signboard with your name on it. The officer will assist you with immigration procedures and after clearing immigration, will escort you to the baggage claim to collect your luggage and introduce you to your guide who will be waiting outside the terminal.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the designated representative at will be provided. Emergency contact via WhatsApp or phone: will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Your English-speaking driver will greet you at the arrivals hall of the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center in a private vehicle.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the provided contact number. Emergency contact via WhatsApp or phone: will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
Relax for the rest of the afternoon.
Tonight, dine at Hudson Rooms.
To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please visit or call your hotel concierge or front desk.
Booked by scenset via hotel concierge - paid locally.
Why we love it for you: Capella Hanoi comes from the mind of a famed architect, known for innovative properties that champion sustainability. The Hanoi hotel has some theatrical flare to it, as it was inspired by the nearby Hanoi Opera House. Every room is lavishly decorated, transporting guests to the golden years of Vietnamese opera.
Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar, considered by many to be one of Vietnam's most iconic pagodas.
Next, head the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university built in the late 11th century and one of Hanoi's best-preserved buildings. Later, visit the Ethnology Museum, which will give you a comprehensive overview of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities through its colorful, interactive displays.
End the tour with a biking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter, known for its '36 streets of 36 wares' named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. Emergency contact via WhatsApp or phone: will be provided.
Booked By Scenset
Talk with 7th-generation artist Phan Thanh Liem and get insight into the art of making water puppetry and learn why so many travelers flock to water puppet shows.
Since childhood, Phan Thanh Liem has been influenced by his family’s tradition of water puppetry. He was taught directly by his grandfather and father, learning the secrets of making the puppets and performing the art.
Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, contact will be provided. Emergency contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Head back to your hotel to freshen up before dinner.
Tonight, dine at Hanoi Tam Vi.
To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please visit or call your hotel concierge or front desk.
Booked Independently.
2 x Junior Suite
Enjoy an exclusive trip to discover Bac Bien Village's magical allure. The day will begin with a pleasant drive from your accommodation to the beautiful Red River's left bank. You will be greeted at the house of a local guide, who will give you a welcome and briefing about the house, before taking a bike ride through the picturesque Bac Bien town and out to the peaceful Duong River, where you may cross the river on a traditional boat ferry.
Water buffalo, traditional homes, pagodas, and lively local markets will enchant you as you ride along the serene dyke lanes. Enjoy a cup of tea and some refreshments at a local's house while learning about their culture and customs. You may keep pedaling along the beautiful dyke and past beautiful gardens and rice farms. Get ready for a delightful light meal showcasing the flavors of "bun cha" or pho at a neighborhood restaurant.
Have a drink with a local family and learn more about their everyday lives if you're looking for an additional dose of local warmth.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative on (+84) 86 8187388. Emergency contact via WhatsApp or phone: will be provided.
Booked By Scenset.
The rest of the afternoon is free to relax before dinner.
Tonight, dine at La Table Hanoia.
To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please visit or call your hotel concierge or front desk.
Booked Independently.
2 x Junior Suite
Your private English-speaking driver will greet you at the lobby of your hotel after breakfast and transfer you to Ha Long Bay.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the designated representative will be provided.
Meet your crew and hop aboard your private boat for the next two days. Spend the day kayaking, swimming, and exploring fishing villages, caves and secluded beaches.
Why we love it for you: The Bhaya Legend in Ha Long Bay is an exceptional journey through the stunning natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. With a range of exciting activities, including kayaking, cave exploration, and Tai Chi sessions on the sundeck, this cruise promises an unforgettable experience of Ha Long Bay's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Rejuvenate the body and the mind with a refreshing Tai Chi lesson during sunrise on the deck. Enjoy a hearty breakfast while the boat starts cruising to the next attraction.
Visit Cap La – Tra San area by kayak. Far from the mainland, Cap La – Tra San Area is isolated from normal tourist routes so the landscape here still retains many primitive features and a very clean environment. Here a lot of coral reefs are concentrated, with underground lakes inside the limestone mountain and underwater caves. Move to Tra San area and enjoy a special lunch, short break for some free time to relax.
Choose to explore the charming Vung Vieng Fishing Village by either kayak or rowing boat. You will not only be immersed in the quiet and peaceful location viewing the charming landscape and discovering the cultural life of the fishermen but also will be instructed in the fine arts of sailing and casting fishnets.
Return to Bhaya Legend, just in time to catch the magical sunset while the vessel anchor for the night. Learn about local cuisine with a family spirit cooking session and try your hand at creating authentic Vietnamese dishes. Have dinner and rest in your cabin or watch the stars while sipping a drink.
These are suggestions of possible activities on board. The crew will be able to suggest the best activities for your group based on your preferences.
Booked By will be provided
1 x Bhaya Legend Private Charter
This morning after breakfast on the boat, you'll take a seaplane from Ha Long Bay back to Hanoi. Not only do you cut out the drive time, but you also get a bird's eye view of gorgeous Ha Long Bay.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the relevant personnel. Emergency contact information will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, you will be greeted with VIP fast-track service, ensuring a seamless and efficient process through all airport procedures. Say goodbye to Vietnam (for now) and board your flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the designated representative will be provided. Emergency contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Siem Reap, a gateway to the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, enchants visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking archaeological marvels. Home to the world's largest religious monument, the Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap offers a captivating journey through centuries-old temples adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by lush landscapes. Beyond the temples, the city boasts a lively atmosphere with bustling markets, delectable Khmer cuisine, and warm hospitality, making Siem Reap an extraordinary destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy.
As you enter the terminal at Siem Reap International Airport, your personal immigration officer will greet you with a welcome sign and fast-track you through the visa application and immigration process.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the emergency number provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Your English-speaking driver will greet you at the arrivals hall of the airport and transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the emergency number which will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Tonight, dine at Bay Phsar.
To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please visit or call your hotel concierge or front desk.
Booked via hotel concierge - paid locally.
The below restaurants are our top recommendations in the Siem Reap city center, so you can enjoy walking around before eating.
If you'd like any reservations, please let us know.
Why we love it for you: Zannier Phum Baitang in Siem Reap offers a luxurious and serene retreat amidst lush rice paddies and traditional Cambodian countryside. This exceptional property seamlessly blends traditional Khmer architecture with modern amenities, providing guests with a tranquil escape while being in close proximity to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex. Its stunning villas, exquisite dining options, and spa services make it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a peaceful and culturally rich experience in Siem Reap.
The great Tonle Sap lake is the richest fresh water fishing ground in the world, a national treasure producing an ever-changing scenset. Life on South-East Asia’s largest freshwater lake has adapted in ingenious ways to the annual rise and fall of water caused by the phenomenal back flow from the Mekong River feeding the lake during the monsoon, coping with huge seasonal variations in water levels by building their homes on floating bamboo rafts or 10m stilts.
Explore the margins of the lake aboard Ella, a custom wooden launch modeled on a traditional hull and finished to a high standard for private day touring. Travel by road to the west of town before boarding Ella to begin your exploration of
Meachrey floating village, cruising along the waterways at the margins of the lake. Take the opportunity to climb onto a floating house to witness how a subsistence fishing family live.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. Emergency contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
You'll travel by road to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom before heading into the depths of the temple at the atmospheric Preah Palilay and walk (1km) through the shaded parkland behind the terraces, pass Phimeanakas with its beautiful lakes, and the imposing Baphuon to finally reach Jayavarman’s state temple of Bayon at the centre of the city. Explore this important temple with its many captivating giant stone faces.
As the sun begins to set on the Angkor Park, head onto an ancient water system in a traditional wooden boat, to relax accompanied by the sound of birdsong.
You will be accompanied by an expert guide, one of the best Cambodian Archaeologists. For over 20 years he has been working in Angkor and has been featured in documentaries by the National Geographic, BBC and CNN.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact a representative on will be provided. Emergency contact will be provided.
Booked By Scenset.
Tonight, dine at Embassy.
To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please visit or call your hotel concierge or front desk.
Booked by Scenset via hotel concierge - paid locally.
2 x Pool Villa
Enjoy a sunrise tour that commences before dawn, offering a magical spectacle as the tropical sun emerges behind the iconic lotus towers of Angkor Wat. Recognized as one of the best places for photography, Angkor Wat stands as a monumental religious complex constructed over 30 years during the reign of King Suryavarman II [AD 1113]. Originally designed as a Hindu Mountain temple aligned to the spring equinox, it later transformed into a Theravada Buddhist monument around the 16th century—a role it continues to fulfill today.
Go behind-the–scenes of Angkor with the German Apsara Conservation Project (GACP) which offers the exclusive opportunity to learn of ongoing conservation work and to meet the conservation team at sites currently being worked on, often closed off to the general public.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. Emergency contact will be provided.
Booked By Scenset.
This morning after breakfast, check out and meet your driver in the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the designated person on +855 99 828 325. Emergency contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
Hoi An, a charming town on Vietnam's central coast, is renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture and atmospheric lantern-lit streets. This UNESCO World Heritage site exudes a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Visitors can wander through the enchanting Old Town, explore traditional wooden houses, partake in tailor-made clothing experiences, and savor delectable local cuisine along the Thu Bon River.
Upon arrival at Danang Airport, you will be greeted with VIP fast track service, ensuring a seamless and efficient process through all airport procedures.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the designated representative on (+84) 913 477 630. Emergency contact via WhatsApp or phone: +84 909 581001.
Booked by Scenset.
Your English-speaking driver will greet you at the arrivals hall of the airport and transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the designated representative will be provided. Emergency contact information will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Tonight, dine at Cafe Nam Hai.
To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please visit or call your hotel concierge or front desk.
Booked by Scenset.
Here are some of our top recommendations of where to eat in Hoi An.
Why we love it for you: An iconic hotel for decades, the Nam Hai became a Four Seasons in 2016. Just 15 minutes' from the pretty town of Hoi An and fronted by nearly 25 miles of powdery, platinum-white sands sweeping all the way to Danang, the Nai Ham’s location is inspiring. Wander along the shore and see local fishermen hauling nets into bamboo boats or head into Hoi An for a cultural hit (the hotel operates a complimentary shuttle five times a day).
1 x Three Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa
Booked by a person.
Your experience today will begin with a visit to one of the only families left in Hoi An that produces the city's famed Cao Lau noodles. They have been crafting these noodles for 5 generations; though the recipe is a closely guarded secret, they will be proud to show you the artistry and skill involved in the process. Next you will visit a bean sprout farm and meet with its owners.
They will show you how they grow, harvest, and clean their produce. You will meet a local at a local market where you will shop for ingredients for your cooking lesson. At the local's house you will have a chance to freshen up before the lesson. Following your teacher's lead, you will prepare some of Vietnam's most famous dishes and then enjoy them for lunch.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided.
Booked By Scenset.
Take the afternoon to explore Hoi An independently or relax at the beach in front of your hotel room. An organized walking tour can be arranged if desired.
Sip on the city’s most sensational cocktails in secret, undiscovered spaces dating back more than 200 years. At each stop in Old Town, you will discover curated cocktails made using a local, authentic touch.
As you wander through ancient alleyways, you’ll hear untold stories from your knowledgeable local host. Your palate and mind will be challenged as your guide dives into the influential history of the Vietnamese relationship with the French, Japanese, Chinese, and more.
Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, contact will be provided. Emergency contact will be provided.
This experience has been added to your itinerary as a complimentary activity from Scenset.
Tonight, dine at Morning Glory.
To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please ask your local guide.
Booked by Scenset - paid locally.
1 x Three Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa
Booked by a person.
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling heart of southern Vietnam! This dynamic metropolis, formerly known as Saigon, offers a thrilling mix of history, culture, and modernity, with its lively street markets, historical landmarks, and delicious street food waiting to be discovered.
This morning after breakfast, check out and meet your driver in the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the provided contact information.
Booked by Scenset.
Your English-speaking driver will greet you at the arrivals hall of the airport and transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the relevant representative. Emergency contact will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Experience the local nightlife and enjoy tasty food and live music as we ride pillion on vintage Vespas along the busy streets of this vibrant city. See Saigon come alive at night on this after-dark adventure!
Immerse yourself into the cosmopolitan nightlife of this busy city by night. Soak up the energy of this urban metropolis at a top-ranking stylish venue in a central city location where you'll sip on your first drinks and try out some tasty snacks. Your expert driver will then zoom through the busy streets of Saigon as you check out some of the famous highlights in this bustling city. Feel like a local while feasting on authentic, fresh seafood dishes, eating streetside, and then enjoy the local favorite which is the delicious Banh Xeo, a traditional Vietnamese savory pancake. Then ride off into the night again to experience a live music venue where a new generation of Vietnamese flaunt their style.
Bring a healthy appetite and a sense of adventure as our guides show you their city by night.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. Emergency contact information will be provided.
Booked By Scenset.
Here are some of our top restaurant picks for Ho Chi Minh City.
Why we love it for you: This luxurious, colonial-inspired grande dame sits right at the historic heart of Ho Chi Minh City, with contemporary comforts including a world-class spa. The hotel was a base for the US military during the war and a DJ made his daily broadcast from it, made famous in the film Good Morning, Vietnam.
Head out on a full-day tour to get a deeper understanding of Vietnam's history and culture. This morning, embark on an exhilarating speedboat ride to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of underground passages used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. There, you'll have the unique opportunity to meet a war veteran who will share personal stories and insights about life during the conflict. Discover how the war shaped the lives of the local people and transformed this region.
Back in HCMC, your exploration continues with a visit to the War Remnants Museum. Here, you'll delve into the history of both the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War through powerful exhibits. Next, visit the iconic Reunification (Independence) Palace, the historic site where the Vietnam War came to an end. This educational journey provides a deep understanding of Vietnam's turbulent past and its enduring impact on the present.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact will be provided. Emergency contact information will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.
Tonight, dine at Quan Bui Central.
To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please ask your local guide.
Booked by Scenset - paid locally.
This has been a packed trip and whirlwind adventure, experiencing some of the best of what Vietnam and Cambodia have to offer. Surely this isn't a goodbye, but an until next time.
This morning after breakfast, check out and meet your driver in the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport for your flight out.
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, need to make any changes, or speak with someone urgently, please contact the provided contact information. Emergency contact information will be provided.
Booked by Scenset.