« Return to Normal Layout
Vietnam & Angkor Wat Walking

Vietnam & Angkor Wat Walking

Fascinating history, diverse scenery and cultural immersion await on our once-in-a-lifetime journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, then sail the placid waters of Halong Bay among 3,000 spectacular towering limestone peaks and islands. Experience rural life during walks to small villages through lush countryside. Visit the ancient capital of Hué, where Vietnam’s turbulent history is recorded in its architectural monuments of past empires. Stroll through Hoi An, Vietnam’s oldest city. Fly to Cambodia and discover the ancient temples of Angkor, some of the world’s most breathtaking archaeological treasures.

Day 1 Hanoi

Meet in Hanoi Ride in a bicycle rickshaw through the Old Quarter, discovering narrow streets packed with food and flower stalls  On foot, explore Ngoc Ha, a lively district in Hanoi seldom visited by tourists.

Day 2 Hai Phong

Shuttle to an ancient village for Backroads’ exclusive visit with the local headman Stroll through coastal Hai Phong’s open-air market for a unique look at everyday life.

Days 3-4 Halong Bay

Travel by hydrofoil to Cat Ba Island for a hike to an isolated village Board a Vietnamese junk for a seaborne journey through Halong Bay, a World Heritage site Discover hidden beaches, relax on the deck of our boat or go kayaking.

Day 5 Hanoi

Board a sampan and float through Hang Luon cave and into a beautiful lagoon Shuttle to Hanoi for an afternoon of exploring on your own.

Day 6 Hue

Fly to Hué, the ancient capital of Vietnam and a World Heritage site On foot, visit the mysterious and imposing Hué Royal Citadel, the site of intense conflict during the Vietnam War.

Days 7-8 Hoi An

Embark on a dragon boat ride up the Perfume River and walk among riverside villages and imperial mausoleums Visit the World Heritage site of ancient Hoi An, an ancient port town filled with wooden shop houses  Relax on white-sand beaches.

Days 9-11 Siem Reap

Fly to Cambodia and ancient Angkor, where Khmer empires spanning the 9th to 15th centuries ruled Explore awe-inspiring temples, statues and other archaeological wonders well off the beaten path  Spend an unforgettable day at the Hindu temple of Angkor Wat.

big map Vietnam & Angkor Wat Walking

ASIAN LUXURY: Premiere Inns

Hotel Sofitel Metropole (2 nights): In the heart of old Hanoi near the Opera House, this five-star historic landmark is a French-Colonial gem with an interior garden and swimming pool, and accolades from Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and National Geographic Traveler.

Harbour View Hotel (1 night): Simple but well-appointed rooms overlook the courtyard of this comfortable hotel, the finest hotel in town.

Huong Hai Junk (2 nights): Our comfortable boat sails amid the bay's surreal karst formations by day and anchors in a quiet cove at night.

La Residence Hotel & Spa (1 night): Displaying a mix of Asian opulence and Colonial charm, this deluxe boutique hotel on the bank of the Perfume River features stylishly decorated guest rooms, a saltwater pool, tennis court and full-service spa.

Nam Hai (2 nights): This luxury resort - one of the world’s hottest new hotels according to Condé Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure - is set on a tranquil stretch of pristine China Beach, near the picturesque port town of Hoi An and offers an award-winning spa and gourmet restaurants.

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor (2 nights): Featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List, this lavish hotel is the ultimate in creature comforts: guest rooms are tastefully appointed with Art Deco country-style furnishings and Cambodian objets d’art; expansive landscaped gardens filled with tropical plants and exotic birds; and the swimming pool is inspired by the ancient royal bathing ponds of Angkor.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3  
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Vietnam & Angkor Wat Walking
Trips 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 Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Guest Trip Reviews

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.
Stephen Gluckman - Philadelphia, PA

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.
Ellen Singer - New York, NY

Vietnam and Cambodia are wonderful countries, and our Backroads trip allowed us to see villages and have experiences that we never could have arranged on our own. It was great!
Nancy DeLucia - Ambler, PA

This was an amazing trip. The balance of walking, sightseeing, cultural activities was perfect. Interaction with local people was very special. It met all of my expectations.
Peggy A. - Philadelphia, PA

This was my 10th "real" trip with Backroads (I have also done a weekend trip.) I have friends who can't believe I would just show up half way around the world on my own to meet up with people I don't know for a trip in exotic places like Vietnam and Cambodia. I always tell them that I don't have any concerns because I know Backroads will not disappoint. The leaders will be where they say they will be and provide an amazing experience. It's the little things - like meeting with a village leader in his home to discuss life in the village, meeting a knowledgeable historian and having dinner in his home, getting inside the private home of a woman to see what a local home is like - that set these trips apart from the usual bus ride and photo op. I also know the other guests will be interesting and good travel companions. And I will have another experience of a lifetime.
Barbara Grewe - Bethesda, MD