Next Jaunt: Vietnam/Cambodia

Xin chao, Hanoi!
Touch down in Vietnam’s bustling capital and you’ll be met at the airport by Bryan and/or Lisa  before heading to your hotel. Things officially kick off at 6 pm with a welcome meeting where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow adventurers (a.k.a. your new travel crew).

Arriving early? Perfect. Hanoi is a joy to explore on foot—whether you’re weaving through the chaotic charm of the Old Quarter or admiring ancient-meets-modern masterpieces at the National Fine Arts Museum.

Tonight, we’ll ease into the trip with a cozy welcome dinner at a restaurant designed to feel like a traditional Vietnamese home. Expect warm lighting, old-world decor, and a parade of dishes that show off just how good Vietnamese cuisine can be. Your leader will walk you through the flavors and ingredients, so you’re not just eating—you’re learning (with your mouth full).

Drift Into the Dreamscape of Ha Long Bay
Today, we leave Hanoi behind and head straight for the watery wonderland that is Ha Long Bay—an ethereal seascape of limestone peaks and hidden coves that’s every bit as magical as the postcards suggest.

Your home for the night? A gorgeously appointed, junk-style boat that combines traditional charm with all the modern comforts (yes, there’s hot water). After boarding, we’ll set sail through a maze of jungle-draped islands and surreal rock formations.

Midday brings a seafood feast on deck—with views that just might steal the show. As we glide through the bay, your leader will point out caves, curious formations, or perhaps guide you to a floating village for a peek into daily life on the water.

Feeling active? Grab a kayak.  Prefer to lounge? Stretch out on the deck with a book, a breeze, and no regrets.

As the sun sets, enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars, then swap stories with your crew or sneak away for some stargazing from the bow. You’ve earned this kind of peace.

Morning Mist & Musical Magic
Rise gently to the quiet lapping of water and maybe try a little Tai Chi on the deck (or just sip your coffee and pretend you’re thinking about it). After a peaceful breakfast, we’ll cruise back to shore and return to Hanoi.

But the day’s far from over. This afternoon, you’ll step into a world few travelers get to see: a rare and deeply moving Hat Xam performance.

This centuries-old art form, born in Northern Vietnam, was traditionally performed by blind musicians and cherished by everyday people. Silenced during the mid-20th century, Hat Xam is making a quiet comeback—and you’ll experience it in one of the few intimate venues where the music still lives on.

We’ll be welcomed into a private clubhouse for an exclusive, unplugged performance. The atmosphere? Think goosebumps and candlelight. The show runs about an hour and may include a bit of audience interaction—so don’t be surprised if you end up part of the rhythm.

From Ancient Wisdom to Coastal Vibes
This morning, we dig a little deeper into Hanoi’s story with a half-day tour alongside your local leader. It’s a city of contrasts—where crumbling temples and modern cafés live in harmony, and history whispers from every corner.

First stop: the serene Temple of Literature, once Vietnam’s first national university, now a peaceful retreat from the city buzz. Then, prepare for a sobering visit to the Hoa Lo Prison—nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton”—a site heavy with history that held political prisoners and American POWs. It’s not light, but it is important.

Lunch is served with a side of heart at KOTO Café, a local favorite that does more than just feed you. This social enterprise trains and supports disadvantaged youth, and the food? Creative, flavorful, and 100% Vietnamese soul.

After lunch, we wave goodbye to the capital and catch a flight to Danang, then enjoy a scenic drive to Hoi An, where lanterns glow and life moves a little slower. Spend your evening wandering the old town, watching the river shimmer—or just post up by the hotel pool and let the vibe settle in.

Old Streets, New Sips
Step into a storybook as we wander the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An’s Old Town, where each street corner has a tale and every facade holds centuries of influence. On this walking tour, your leader will guide you through the city’s rich cultural mash-up—where Chinese temples, Japanese bridges, and French colonial details all blend into one dreamy backdrop.

We’ll pop into a Chinese assembly hall, stroll across the Japanese Covered Bridge, and explore the former home of a well-to-do merchant (prepare for architecture envy). Along the way, we’ll visit a local museum and peek into the centuries-old pottery tradition that once made Hoi An a global trade hotspot.

Of course, no day in Vietnam is complete without coffee. Your leader will take you to a favorite local café where you can try egg coffee (yes, it’s a thing—and it’s delicious) or sip on a frosty iced coconut brew while watching the city’s rhythm unfold outside.

The afternoon? Yours to wander, shop, take a cooking class, or simply soak in the laid-back glow of this riverside gem.

Tailored Mornings & Big City Buzz
Slow mornings in Hoi An? Yes, please. Today’s yours to savor this magical little town however you like.

Maybe head to the local market for some last-minute treasures—silks, spices, or that custom-made outfit you commissioned earlier in the week (yes, they’re that fast). Or hop on a bicycle and cruise through leafy backstreets out to a breezy beach nearby. Your leader’s got the inside scoop on where to eat, drink, or just soak up the scene.

In the afternoon, we head back to Danang and catch a flight south to the electric hum of Ho Chi Minh City. After checking into your hotel, we hit the streets to get a feel for this bold and bustling metropolis, starting with a visit to the powerful War Remnants Museum—an essential, sobering window into the country’s modern history.

Come evening, let your nose lead the way to Cho Ben Thanh Market, where sizzling street food and fragrant steam clouds compete for your attention. Sweet or savory? Pho or bun mam? No wrong answers—just follow your cravings.

Underground Stories & Final Feasts
This morning, we leave the buzz of the city behind and head into the quiet countryside to explore one of Vietnam’s most remarkable historical sites—the Cu Chi Tunnels. Dug by hand and stretching for miles beneath the surface, this underground labyrinth was once a lifeline for the Viet Minh and later the Viet Cong.

With your leader guiding the way, you’ll enter a widened section of the tunnels (no crawling required!) and get a glimpse into what life was like below ground. These passageways once held makeshift hospitals, classrooms, sleeping quarters, and strategy rooms—a whole hidden world that helped shape the outcome of the war. It’s equal parts haunting and fascinating.

New Country, New Chapter: Hello Cambodia
Time to swap pho for fish amok as you wave goodbye to Vietnam and hop a short, unescorted flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital where golden temples, French colonial architecture, and riverfront energy collide.

 Stretch your legs with a wander through the city’s charming streets, take in the elegant French-inspired buildings, or swing by the National Museum for a look at Cambodia’s extraordinary Khmer artistry.

We’ll celebrate with dinner at Malis, a polished Phnom Penh staple known for reimagining traditional Cambodian cuisine with a modern touch. Think beautifully plated classics made from age-old recipes.

Not quite ready to call it a night? Follow the river to Le Moon Rooftop and toast to new adventures with a view and a cocktail in hand.

Remembering & Reflecting in Phnom Penh
This morning, we step into Cambodia’s recent past with a visit to two powerful and deeply moving sites: the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. With guidance from your local leader, you’ll learn about the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime and the resilience of those who survived it. It’s a difficult experience—but an essential one for understanding Cambodia’s story.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Wander up to Wat Phnom, the hilltop temple that gave Phnom Penh its name, or take in the gilded grandeur of the Royal Palace and its sparkling Silver Pagoda.

Tonight, keep things casual. Maybe join a few of your fellow travelers for dinner, or take a solo stroll through the city as it comes alive after dark—street food sizzling, motorbikes zipping, and the Mekong River glowing under the night sky.

Roads, Silk & Apsara Grace
After breakfast, we hit the road for a scenic journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, traveling in comfort through the Cambodian countryside. Along the way, we’ll stop at Skun Village, famous (or infamous?) for its crunchy culinary specialty: deep-fried tarantulas. Whether you sample a spider or stick to snapping photos, it’s a quirky glimpse into local life.

Next, we visit the Santuk Silk Farm, a peaceful social enterprise where local women hand-weave silk using traditional techniques. Learn about the intricate process from cocoon to cloth, then sit down with the weavers for a rustic, home-style lunch—simple, delicious, and shared with heart.

Back on the road, we’ll stop to admire ancient stone bridges that have quietly watched centuries go by, before arriving in Siem Reap around 5 pm. Your hotel? A lush, tranquil retreat with three pools, garden-view rooms, and rain showers that make you forget what day it is.

Tonight, we step into a world of elegance at the Angkor Village Apsara Theatre. Dine on Khmer favorites while watching the graceful, centuries-old tradition of Apsara dance unfold before you—an art form once reserved for kings and gods.

Temple Sunrises & Sacred Blessings
If you’re up for it (and let’s be honest—it’s worth it), you can rise before the sun for an optional sunrise visit to Angkor Wat. Watching the sky shift behind those iconic towers is the kind of moment that stays with you.

Then it’s time to dive deep into the temples of Angkor—a day of ancient grandeur and personal connection. You’ll be joined by a private archaeological guide who knows every crumbling corridor and sacred carving. Start at Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of the complex and the only temple that faces west—shrouded in mystery and morning light.

For lunch, we visit the Sala Bai Hotel School, a training restaurant helping young Cambodians from disadvantaged backgrounds gain skills in hospitality. The food is fresh, local, and prepared with care by students—nourishing in more ways than one.

This afternoon, explore Angkor Thom, where giant stone faces peer through time, and the jungle wraps its roots around history. Then we head beyond the main complex to a working monastery for something truly special. Here, you’ll meet local monks, learn about Theravada Buddhism, and take part in a traditional water blessing—a gentle, sacred ritual to send you onward with protection and good fortune.

The evening is yours. Sip something cold at a Siem Reap rooftop bar, wander the night market, or float in a pool under the stars—you’ve earned it.

Roots, Ruins & a Farewell in the Fields
After breakfast, we return to the Angkor complex for one last dose of ancient awe. First up: Ta Prohm, where giant tree roots wrap around temple walls like nature reclaiming her throne. It’s haunting, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.

Next, we head to Banteay Srei, often called the “Citadel of Women,” known for its delicate pink sandstone and impossibly intricate carvings. If temples had love languages, this one speaks in poetry and detail.

From here, the day is yours. Head back to the resort for some R&R, explore more of Siem Reap town, or use your temple pass to revisit a favorite spot within the Angkor ruins.

Tonight, we end on a high note: a private farewell dinner set in the Khmer countryside. Picture rice fields glowing in the golden hour, a rustic open-air table, and the soft buzz of evening crickets as you gather with your group for one last memory. The setting is simple, the food soulful, and the vibe? Pure magic.

Goodbyes & New Beginnings
After breakfast this morning, your Cambodian adventure officially comes to an end. If you're not quite ready to say goodbye to Siem Reap’s charm, temples, or that hotel pool, just let your booking agent know—extra nights can easily be arranged.

Otherwise, it’s time for hugs, contact swaps, and one last glance at those rice fields. We hope you leave with a full heart, a phone full of memories, and maybe a red thread still tied around your wrist.