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.

Premiere Inns

Sofitel Metropole Legend 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 (2 nights): Our comfortable fully-equipped boat sails amid the bay’s surreal karst formations by day and anchors in quiets cove by night.

La Résidence Hôtel & Spa (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 (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 (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) 

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.

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	Biking Average	Walking Average
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

2012 Dates & Pricing*

CLASSIC TRIPS

*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Guest Trip Reviews

I’m delighted that Backroads is about helping people not be “tourists” but rather be travelers who connect with others.

Lynette Winter - Portland, OR

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

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

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