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 luxuries. 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,
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 into a traditional home Enjoy two peaceful nights beneath a canopy of stars in Halong Bay 
Enjoy a morning cruise to Cat Ba Island for a walk through a broadleaf jungle en route to the remote village of Viet Hai.
Day 5 Step back in time and into the imperial city of Hué,
with its centuries-old palaces and battle-scarred temples Venture into the mysterious and imposing citadel, site of heavy conflict during the Vietnam War.
Days 6-7 Wander the colorful streets of Hoi An, an ancient trading town
with beautifully preserved Chinese and Japanese architecture Ride a traditional dragon boat up the Perfume River, and walk among waterfront villages and imperial mausoleums Care to relax? There's a white-sand beach waiting for you.
Days 8-10 Lose yourself in Angkor
The remains of Cambodia's ancient Khmer Empire will thrill you with immense spires, giant carved images and beautiful bas-reliefs Explore iconic temples, statues and other wonders off the beaten path Meet villagers in the fishing hamlet of Tonle Sap.
Trip Highlights
- Lose yourself in Cambodia's thrilling Angkor Wat ruins
- Gain an insider's perspective from our local guides, longtime Backroads friends
- Step back in time and into the imperial city of Hué
- Cruise and kayak on heavenly Halong Bay
- Savor some of Asia's most delicious and distinctive cuisine
Premiere Inns
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (2 nights): This five-star historic landmark is a French Colonial gem set in the heart of old Hanoi. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List; Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)
Bai Tho Cruise Junk (2 nights): This fully equipped boat allows us to explore Halong Bay's spectacular karst formations by day, then retreat to quiet coves at night. Though rooms, with attached bathrooms, are small and basic, we'll be aboard the most comfortable boats on the bay.
La Résidence Hôtel & Spa (1 night): A blend of Asian opulence 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 (2 nights): This luxury all-villa resort is set on pristine China Beach, near the picturesque port town of Hoi An. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa, tennis)
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Ankgor (2 nights): 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." Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa, tennis)
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 2.0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Hanoi's Old Quarter guided walk (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| 2 | 3.0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Sailing on Halong Bay (3 hours) | ||||||||||
| 3 | 3.1 | 0 | 4.0 | 0 | ||||||
| Kayaking on Halong Bay (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 2.0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Cyclo tour (30 - 45 minutes) | ||||||||||
| 5 | 2.5 | 0 | ||||||||
| 6 | 1.0 | 0 | 4.0* | 200 | ||||||
| 1.9 | 0 | |||||||||
| Boat cruise (2 hours) | ||||||||||
| 7 | 1.9 | 0 | ||||||||
| 2.8 | 0 | |||||||||
| 8 | 2.0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Travel day | ||||||||||
| 9 | 2.0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 3.0 | 0 | |||||||||
| Boat ride to floating villages (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| 10 | 1.9 | 0 | 3.7 | 0 | ||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 12/10-19 Price: $5198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1290 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $550
- 12/22-31 Price: $5698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1290 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $550
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
2014 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 1/19-28 Price: $5498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1210 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $560
- 2/16-25 Price: $5498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1210 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $560
- 3/16-25 Price: $5198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1210 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $560
- 12/9-18 Price: $5198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1210 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $560
- 12/21-30 Price: $5198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1210 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $560
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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. 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
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.- Philadelphia, PA
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.- Bethesda, MD
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!- Ambler, PA
The Vietnam and Cambodia Backroads trip is the trip of a lifetime! It's jam packed with culture, culinary pleasures and adventure with just the right amount of activity.- Scottsdale, AZ