Vietnam & Cambodia Walking & Hiking
- Cambodia’s thrilling Angkor Wat ruins
- An insider's perspective from our two local guides, longtime Backroads friends
- Hoi An: beautifully preserved and a delight to explore
- Cruise and kayak on gorgeous Halong Bay
- Indulge in some of Asia’s freshest and tastiest cuisine
Old Indochina from Hanoi to Angkor Wat
It’s unlike anywhere else. Raw and simple one minute, bustling and friendly the next. In one breath dramatic and tranquil. A sail among the limestone peaks in Halong Bay. Footpaths that snake through secluded rice paddies. A quiet nod from villagers leading buffalo to water. Touching the ethereal ruins of Angkor with your own hands. It’s a journey full of color and intrigue. Every meal is a metaphor for the region’s complex culture. Every hotel offers soothing comforts. Temples that defy centuries. Smiles that bridge oceans. And local guides that open doors long closed.
Day 1 A wealth of insight from our local guides, Dragon and Borin, who bring to life the intertwined cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia 
Ride in a bicycle rickshaw through old Hanoi’s narrow streets packed with food and flower stalls Hungry? Asia’s freshest and tastiest cuisine is within reach Explore Ngoc Ha, a lively district seldom visited by foreigners.
Days 2-4 Cruise and kayak on heavenly Halong Bay, a World Heritage site with hidden beaches, cool caves and beautiful lagoons For a unique look at everyday life, you’re welcomed by a village headman into his ancient home Enjoy two peaceful nights beneath a canopy of stars in Halong Bay.
Day 5 The historic monuments of Hué, Vietnam’s ancient capital, including the mysterious and imposing Royal Citadel, site of intense conflict during the Vietnam War.
Days 6-7 Hoi An: beautifully preserved and a delight to explore, with an old port and wooden shop houses Ride a dragon boat up the Perfume River, and walk among waterfront villages and imperial mausoleums White-sand beaches invite relaxation.
Days 8-10 Thrilling Angkor Wat, where Khmer empires ruled and extraordinary ruins await Explore awe-inspiring temples, statues and other wonders off the beaten path Meet villagers in the fishing hamlet of Tonlé Sap.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
I’m delighted that Backroads is about helping people not be “tourists” but rather be travelers who connect with others.
I really liked the focus on learning and in particular, experiencing so much of the local culture vs. just doing physical activities. I liked that we had quite a bit of opportunity to mix with locals, and that this was encouraged by our leaders. I especially liked the visits to non-traditional tourist places. You sometimes felt like we were the first "western" visitors there.- New York, NY
The trip could not have been better. Every aspect was extremely well thought out, researched and coordinated. Despite the relatively tight itinerary there was still an amazing amount of flexibility. No request or need was unmet and both trip leaders were extremely resourceful in accommodating us. It became a bit of a joke on the trip how well things were organized and how good Backroads’ local contacts were. We always were wisked through customs. Vans were always available, snacks and drinks just kept on coming, the opportunities to go where other groups did not - to visit homes and to hike through remote villages was particularly impressive. Clearly a great deal of time was spent on making this the spectacular trip that it was.- Philadelphia, PA
Premiere Inns*
Sofitel Metropole Legend Hanoi
Hanoi (2 nights) In the heart of old Hanoi near the Opera House, this five-star historic landmark is a French-Colonial gem with accolades from Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. (pool, spa)
Bai Tho Junk
Halong Bay (2 nights) Our comfortable fully-equipped boat sails amid the bay’s surreal karst formations by day and anchors in quiets cove by night.
* Casual Inn
La Résidence Hôtel & Spa
Hué (1 night) Blending Asian style and Colonial charm, this boutique hotel is housed in the former governor’s mansion on the bank of the Perfume River. (pool, spa, tennis)
The Nam Hai
Hoi An (2 nights) This luxury resort - one of the world's hottest hotels according to Condé Nast Traveler - is set on pristine China Beach, near the picturesque town of Hoi An. (pool, spa, tennis)
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Ankgor
Siem Reap (2 nights) This Condé Nast Traveler Gold List winner is described by Andrew Harper as a "stylish and beautifully restored landmark resort-hotel surrounded by a 15-acre park, less than five miles from Angkor Wat." (pool, spa, tennis)
Costa Rica Walking & Hiking
From Cloud Forest to Arenal Volcano & The Pacific Coast
Classic:
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-2
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Guided Walk 1 hour
Day 2
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 3.1, 4 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Kayaking 1 hour
Day 4
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 30 minutes
Day 5
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 1, 2.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 1, 1.9 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Guided Walk 45 minutes
- Island Exploration 2 hours
Day 8
- Angkor Tom Guided Walk 2 hours
Day 9
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Guided Walk 2 hours
Day 10
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 1.9, 3.7 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Terrain Description
Village footpaths, valley walks, ancient temple and archaeological site exploration.More Recommended Trips
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Vietnam tour experts. See our award-winning Asia & the Pacific walking tours and hiking tours, Asia & the Pacific biking tours and Asia & the Pacific multisport tours.
