Vietnam and Cambodia in Luxury

Welcome to Vietnam!

We settle into our hotel before stepping into the lively charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Together, we wander through its maze of narrow streets, alive with scooters, sizzling street food, and family-run shops full of local flavor. Later, we experience Vietnam’s cultural heart with a traditional Water Puppet Show, where ancient folk tales come alive on shimmering water. Later, we glide through the city on a leisurely cyclo ride, soaking in its vibrant rhythm from the comfort of this classic Vietnamese rickshaw. Our first day concludes with a warm welcome dinner, celebrating the rich and aromatic tastes of Vietnamese cuisine.

This morning, we set out for one of Asia’s most breathtaking natural wonders — the awe-inspiring limestone karst landscape of Lan Ha Bay. Located just south of the famed Halong Bay, Lan Ha is its quieter, more pristine sister — a hidden paradise of emerald waters, secluded coves, and forested limestone peaks rising dramatically from the sea. Its calm waters make it perfect for kayaking, swimming, or simply drifting along and soaking in the serenity of this otherworldly seascape.

We board our luxurious Paradise Grand Cruise and settle into our elegant cabins as the vessel begins gliding through the maze of towering limestone islands. A delicious Vietnamese lunch awaits in the dining room, where every window frames a cinematic view of the bay. In the afternoon, we head ashore to Viet Hai Village, nestled amid lush greenery and rolling hills. Here, we wander along shaded paths, meet friendly locals, and glimpse the rhythm of daily life in this tranquil corner of Vietnam.

As the sun sets, our cruise anchors in a peaceful lagoon. The evening unfolds beautifully with a hands-on cooking class on deck — we learn to prepare a classic Vietnamese dish as the sky blushes pink over the water. With the gentle sway of the boat and the scent of the sea around us, it’s the perfect way to end a day of discovery and quiet wonder.

Kindly note that the cruise itinerary may vary based on weather conditions and the cruise operator’s seasonal schedule.

We begin our day in the most peaceful way imaginable — with Tai Chi on the sundeck, as the first light of dawn paints the limestone peaks of Lan Ha Bay in soft hues of gold and pink. The stillness of the bay, broken only by the gentle rhythm of our movements, sets the tone for a day of calm and reflection.

After a light breakfast, we hop aboard a bamboo boat to explore the enchanting Dark & Bright Cave. As we glide quietly through hidden lagoons framed by towering cliffs, the world feels hushed and magical — a secret pocket of paradise revealed only to those who venture this far.

Back on the cruise, a delicious brunch awaits as we sail toward the harbor, watching the majestic karsts recede into the horizon. By late morning, we disembark and continue our journey back to Hanoi for our flight to Da Nang, then drive to our hotel in Hoi An. In the evening, we stroll along Hoi An’s Lantern Trail, where glowing lanterns illuminate centuries-old streets and bridges. The town’s Chinese assembly halls, Japanese covered bridge, and riverside cafés create a magical, timeless atmosphere. We can wander at leisure, sample local cuisine, or shop for silk and handicrafts, soaking in the gentle rhythm of this UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Today invites us to immerse ourselves in both culture and adventure. We begin with a relaxed 30-km cycle through Hoi An’s lush countryside, weaving past emerald rice paddies where farmers in conical hats work, shaded lanes lined with palms, and charming villages where artisans continue traditional crafts. We then visit Tra Que Herb and Vegetable Village, witnessing how local farmers nurture fresh, flavorful produce using time-honored techniques.

Our journey continues to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where centuries-old methods bring bricks, tiles, and ceramics to life — and we get the chance to try the pottery wheel ourselves. Back in town, we dive into a hands-on cooking class with local chefs, learning to create fragrant pho, crisp spring rolls, and other Vietnamese classics. Finally, we gather to enjoy the dishes we have made, savoring the flavors while connecting deeply with the culture and rhythms of Hoi An.

Today's morning is free as we fly from Vietnam to Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor. After arriving, we check into our charming colonial-style hotel, our home for the next few nights. The afternoon is free to unwind, perhaps relax by the pool, enjoy a quiet drink on the terrace, or simply soak in the tranquil surroundings.

Siem Reap is not only known for its ancient wonders but also for its lively markets, flavorful Khmer cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. This evening, we gather for a special welcome dinner featuring authentic Khmer dishes, accompanied by a captivating Apsara dance performance at the Apsara Theatre. The graceful dancers, adorned in shimmering costumes, bring to life the mythical Apsaras from the ancient Khmer epic Reamker, closely related to the Hindu Ramayana. It’s the perfect introduction to the beauty, artistry, and spirit of Cambodia.

Today, we set out on an unforgettable journey to explore the wonders of Angkor at our own pace. Cycling through peaceful forest paths, we pass ancient gates draped in vines and temples slowly reclaimed by nature. Our 30-kilometer loop takes us through the highlights of the Angkor Archaeological Park — from the grandeur of Angkor Wat, with its intricate carvings and towering spires, to the serene faces of Bayon Temple smiling down from the jungle canopy. At Ta Prohm, giant tree roots wrap around centuries-old stone walls, creating one of Cambodia’s most photogenic scenes. Riding between temples lets us experience the magic of Angkor in a truly immersive way — feeling the breeze, hearing birdsong, and pausing whenever a hidden carving or quiet shrine catches our eye. We stop for a traditional Khmer lunch before returning to our hotel, our minds full of history and wonder.

This morning, we set out on an inspiring 12km hike across the sacred slopes of Mount Kulen, a place deeply woven into Cambodia’s spiritual heritage. Our trail begins in the local community of Anlung Thom and winds through peaceful villages, cashew plantations, and patches of lush forest. As we walk, we pass hidden ruins and ancient kilns — remnants of a pre-Angkorian site recently uncovered by archaeologists. Moving through tall grass and lychee trees, we explore forgotten temples like Perng Eysei and Damrei Krab, before pausing at Preah Kral pagoda. A picnic lunch awaits us at Srah Damrei, where 10th-century stone carvings of elephants and lions stand guard over the ridge.

Later, we continue by van to visit Preah Ang Thom, home to the revered Reclining Buddha, a pilgrimage site for Khmer people. From here, we walk to the “Thousand Lingas,” a sacred riverbed of carved stones believed to bless the lands below. The journey ends at a serene waterfall — perfect for a refreshing dip before we return to our hotel, hearts full of discovery and peace.

After breakfast, your adventure wraps up. Depending on flight schedule, we might have time for one last stroll through Siem Reap before heading to the airport.