G U I D E T O

INSIDER GUIDE TO VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

Vietnam & Cambodia

Picture the enchanting countries of Vietnam and Cambodia. Are you soaking up the incredible history and culture of the vibrant capital cities? Discovering the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat? Cruising the emerald-green waters of Halong Bay in a traditional junk? Perhaps you’re relaxing on the gorgeous beaches or trekking through the lush landscape…

Wherever your mind wanders to when you picture Vietnam and Cambodia, welcome to our mini destination guide to these two breathtaking destinations.

Vietnam

Population: ca. 95 million

Capital: Hanoi

National anthem: Tien Quân Ca (Marching Song)

Currency: Vietnamese Dong

Official Language: Vietnamese

Cambodia

Population: ca. 16 million

Capital: Phnom Penh

National anthem: Nokor Reach (Royal Kingdom or Majestic Kingdom)

Currency: Cambodian Riel

Official Language: Khmer

Vietnam & Cambodia

Average Monthly Temperature: Phnom Penh, Cambodia Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

26° 26°27° 29° 31° 30° 29° 28° 29° 28° 27° 27°

Average Monthly Temperature: Hanoi, Vietnam Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

17° 18°17° 21° 24° 28° 29° 29° 29° 28° 25° 22°

Interesting facts...Vietnam & Cambodia

Around 70% of the Vietnamese population own motorbikes

The Vietnamese keep potbelly pigs as pets

The Cambodian flag is one of only 2 national flags to feature a building

In Cambodia, it is considered rude to point feet, particularly the soles, towards a person

or things

Vietnam is the largest exporter of cashews in the world, and the second largest exporter

of rice.

Traditionally, birthdays are not celebrated in Cambodia particularly in the rural areas.

Marvel at the majestic temples of Angkor Wat

The majestic temples of Angkor Wat are a definite must-see during your time in Cambodia. Located close to the charming French-influenced town of Siem Reap in the north-west of the country, Angkor Wat is the most famous temple complex in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia's most important archaeological sites, these magnificent temples set deep within the forest will take your breath away. During your time in this incredible place, take a tuk-tuk ride to the northern end of Angkor to see the Preah Khan Temple, the superb statue of Balaha and the historic Elephant Terrace.

Cruise the waters of breathtaking Halong Bay

No trip to Vietnam would be complete without a cruise along the emerald-green waters of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Board a traditionally designed junk boat and drift along the calm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, marvelling at the beautiful islets, towering limestone peaks and stunning scenery as you go.

Explore the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh

Head to captivating Ho Chi Minh City, the former capital of French Indochina, and discover a whole host of historic landmarks including the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace. Perhaps the most fascinating sight in the city formerly known as Saigon are the legendary Cu Chi tunnels: an amazing network of tunnels and passageways built deep underground by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War with America.

Our 5 favourite sights Wondering what there is to see and do in Vietnam and Cambodia? Majestic temples, stunning waters, vibrant cities and captivating culture await!

Discover the mighty Mekong

A great way to discover the delights of both Vietnam and Cambodia is along the mighty Mekong River. Take the enchanting journey from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Siem Reap in Cambodia and discover the lusciously green expanse of agricultural land and rice paddies, which line the river bank. Stop off to meet the friendly people who live in the heart of the Mekong Delta and find out all about their traditional way of life.

Delve into the history of Phnom Penh

The Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh is a beautiful city that’s bursting with French colonial charm. Having overcome its turbulent past at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, Phnom Penh is now vibrant and prosperous, with a whole host of buzzing bars and first-rate restaurants to discover. To really get to the heart of this incredible destination, soak up the culture at one of the city’s wealth of museums. A must for any visitor is the National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Khmer sculpture and artefacts, and the emotive Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in the grounds of Pol Pot’s secret prison, where you can learn all about this heartbreaking period of Cambodian history.

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Try something a little different...

Relax on blissful beaches

After soaking up so much fascinating history and culture, you’ll surely be ready to relax! Both Vietnam and Cambodia are home to a plethora of blissful beaches, where you’ll find a choice of vibrant resorts and secluded luxury hotels. In Vietnam, the beaches are typically in the southern half of the country, with Phu Quoc being the country’s most upmarket and popular resort. The Cambodian beach resort of choice is Sihanoukville, an idyllic destination on the country’s southern coastline.

Lang Toi My Village Show – Hanoi, Vietnam

The world-renowned Lang Toi My Village show is a delicate combination of tradition and innovation, where the poetic beauty of Northern Vietnam’s village life is presented with a cirque approach. Agriculture, construction, traditional games and the lifestyle of Northern villagers are portrayed through ancestral bamboo props, rhythmic dance and awe-inspiring acrobatics to the sound of diverse and syncretistic Vietnamese folk music played by more than 20 musical instruments.

Learn to cook like a local

Discover the secrets of mouthwatering Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine at a traditional cooking class. In Vietnam, learn all about the unique flavours and spices of this delectable cuisine at the Red Bridge Cooking School in Hoi An. Browse the local markets, cruise along the Hoi An River and pick fresh herbs from the garden before learning to cook several traditional delicacies, including sublime spring rolls and sensational seafood. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to learn the secrets of authentic Cambodian cuisine too, with Khmer cooking classes available in the capital of Phnom Penh and in the countryside surrounding Siem Reap. Learn to cook delicious favourites such as Fish Amok, Lok Lak and much more besides!

Discover the stunning caves of Phong Nha

Head to the stunning Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and discover an amazing complex of over 300 caves and grottoes situated in the limestone mountains. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the breathtaking 19-mile long Paradise Cave, the longest dry cave in Asia, and Hang Son Doong, also known as the Mountain River Cave, the world’s largest cave and undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sights in Southeast Asia!

Taste What tasty morsels can you expect from a visit to Vietnam and Cambodia? From delicious noodles to mouthwatering fish to crispy spring rolls, there are plenty of dishes to delight foodies! Here are a few specialties we think you should try…

Pho Bo This famous Hanoi dish is a breakfast favourite for locals and tourists alike. A delicious soup with beef, rice noodles and lots of herbs and spices, you may want to enjoy it at any time of the day!

Nem These Vietnamese spring rolls can be filled with pork, shrimp, crab or chicken. Together with black mushrooms, soya sprouts, vermicelli, chives, eggs and spices, they really are most delicious when eaten in their country of origin! They are usually served with a nuoc mam (fish) sauce, rice noodles, mint and salad leaves.

Fish Amok Amok is on every visitor’s 'must do' list in Cambodia. Cooked in coconut milk inside a banana leaf, Amok is a smooth curry that can be made with either fish, chicken, or tofu. It’s sometimes served in a coconut and looks incredible!

Nom Tong Noun If you have a sweet tooth, these delicious and slightly sweet Khmer brandy snaps will be impossible to resist!

Prahok A Cambodian speciality, Prahok is a paste of fermented fish, with a strong spicy smell and a really special taste! It may take you some time to become accustomed to the pungent flavour but this traditional dish is well appreciated by foodies and used in numerous Khmer dishes as a sauce or side dish. Another similar dish is the Kapi, which is a paste of fermented shrimps.

TC Recommended: Vietnam

Read more about our Travel Counsellors’ recommendations for a unique experience in Vietnam…

Travel Counsellor Richard visited several Vietnam

destinations on his trip and praises its excellent

value for money:

“We had an early start the next morning as we were

going to Halong Bay for our overnight cruise. We

were keeping our fingers crossed for good weather

as we knew it was the rainy season but as it turned

out, the sun shone brightly so we endured the high

humidity to enjoy a lovely and well-equipped cabin.

The food – wow! We had four endless meals, dish

after dish of delicious food came out.

We then headed to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

This was my favourite part of Vietnam. The streets

were much cleaner than Hanoi, with decent

pavements and it felt much safer crossing the roads!

I recommend visiting the Grand Palace, the prison

and the museum, which has lots of history and is very

popular with tourists.

Overall, Vietnam was excellent value. The service was

great, the people were friendly and curious, there

was really good food, and all our transfer buses were

early apart from one and they called to say they were

delayed. The guides were all very patient, flexible

and knowledgeable, and language was rarely a

problem since almost everyone spoke English.”

TC Recommended: Vietnam Travel Counsellor Christina stayed at La Belle

Vie and aboard Majestic Cruises’ ‘Junk’ ship, and has some sound advice on currency

exchange rates in Vietnam:

We had an absolutely delicious dinner in a local nearby Vietnamese restaurant called ‘Seasons’.

We travelled by coach to Halong Bay (about 4 hours) for a two-day cruise. The ‘Junk’ ship owned by Majestic Cruises was nice and our

cabin spacious enough for one night. We stopped at Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), a huge cave complex with impressive stalactites and stalagmites accessible along the 500-metre

paved passageway.

Back to the boat and a cooking class before enjoying the serene journey on the top deck

back to Halong Bay Harbour. Halong Bay is beautiful and consequently popular with

tourists but there is enough space to enjoy it. Our guide told us the best times to visit are

September – October and March – April.

Interestingly we were advised to take American Dollars to Vietnam but all change is given in

Vietnamese Dong resulting in an unfavourable exchange rate. We would advise taking

Vietnamese Dong rather than $US to this complex and enchanting country.

Travel Counsellor Lorraine stayed in The Hyatt Regency, Intercontinental Danang and Six

Senses Ninh Van Bay, describing Vietnam as ‘pure bliss’:

“I was staying at the Hyatt Regency and the Intercontinental Danang. Both hotels were

lovely and of great quality, as you would expect from these chains. The people are so friendly and caring and nothing was too much trouble

or effort. Danang is a great beach location. Along with the city vibe you can also do day

trip to Hoi An or Hue from this location as well.

My last stop before home was at the stunning Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and wow this place

was amazing. The location is accessed by speedboat from the mainland where you enter

the beautiful bay and look up to see all the different styles of accommodation. I would

describe it as barefoot luxury/Robinson Crusoe, I loved it here. The whole resort is so cleverly

done, this is where you get away from it all. The only thing you should do here is relax, eating

stunning food, read, swim, be at one with nature and enjoy it. Pure bliss.”

Spending moneyWondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels in Vietnam and Cambodia? To help you plan your trip, here’s a rough guide to the cost of some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there!

$6 - $16 Two-course meal for two in a local

restaurant

$37 One-day Angkor Wat temple tour

$5 Large bottle of

water

$1Glass of domestic

beer

$49One-day Hanoi sightseeing tour

$1Entry to Ho Chi Minh Museum

$1261 night Halong

Bay Tour

$10 - $14 Two-course meal for two in a local

restaurant

$66 One-day Ho Chi

Minh City sightseeing tour

Chatter with the localsCan’t speak Vietnamese or Khmer? Never fear! We’ve collated some useful phrases for you to practise before you go. You might not pronounce the words like a local but you’ll be able to feel like one when you have a chat with these friendly folks!

HELLO. XIN CHAO (SEEN CHOW)

GOODBYE. CHAO (CHOW)

THANK YOU. CAM ON (GAHM UN)

YES. VANG (VUNG)

NO. KHONG (KHOME)

SORRY. XIN LOI (SEEN LOY)

HOW ARE YOU? BAN CO KHOE KHONG? (BAN CO KWE KHOME?)

MY NAME IS… TOI TEN LA… ( THOY THANE LA…)

HELLO THERE!

ENGLISH - VIETNAMESE

HELLO. SUOSDAY

GOODBYE. LEA HEUY

THANK YOU. AKUN

YES. BAAT (FOR MALES) CHA (FOR FEMALES)

NO. OTAY

SORRY. SOHM TOH

HOW ARE YOU? SOHM TOH

MY NAME IS… KHUM CHHMUA

HELLO THERE!

ENGLISH - KHMER

A Honeymoon to Vietnam

Arrive into the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi and check into your hotel before a relaxing body massage and a welcome dinner at one of the city’s finest local restaurants.

Day 2 Hanoi - Ky Son - Moon Garden Homestay

Today, you’ll head to Ky Son village. Explore this traditional homestay and the ancient village of Ky Son by yourself before joining a cooking class and enjoying a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, relax with a traditional herbal hand massage before some more free time for relaxing or chatting with the host family. You’ll then return to Moon Garden, where you can sample some of the local products.

Day 3 Ky Son Village - Hanoi half day City

After partaking in some morning Yijinjing traditional exercises and a delicious breakfast, relax on a hammock in the garden, chat with the locals or further explore the Ky Son village and the surrounding area, before driving back to Hanoi for a half day sightseeing tour., where you can observe Vietnam’s first university, and the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature.

Day 4 Hanoi - Halong Bay

Bidding farewell to Hanoi this morning, you’ll head to Halong Bay; a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site where 3,000 islands of towering limestone dot the bay and Gulf of Tonkin. Board a beautiful boat for an overnight cruise, where a delicious menu of fresh seafood is served on board.

If you’re looking for a honeymoon that will sweep you off your feet, this eleven-day tour will not disappoint. Discover vibrant cities bursting with history and culture, chat with the friendly locals in quaint villages, and cruise the tranquil waters of breathtaking Halong Bay. This Vietnamese honeymoon itinerary has it all.

I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1 Hanoi

Hanoi

Temple of Literature

Day 5 Halong Bay

Today will be spent exploring the amazing natural beauty of Halong Bay. If you’re feeling active, there are optional activities to enjoy, including swimming and kayaking.

Day 6 Halong Bay - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An

Waking up early in the morning to enjoy the aquamarine water of the bay at its finest, your boat continues to cruise quietly through spectacular limestone formations and unique islands. Returning to Halong harbour after a delicious brunch on board, it’s time to board your flight to Danang, where you’ll be welcomed by your local guide and whisked away to your hotel in Hoi An Town.

Day 7 Hoi An

Begin your day with a boat ride up the Thu Bon river to Kim Bong village. Take a bicycle ride through luxuriant greenery, areca nut trees and bamboo to visit Duy Vinh, possibly the most beautiful village in all the Hoi An countryside. After lunch at a local family house, it’s back to Hoi An for a short basket boat trip on the Co Co river.

Day 8 Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh

Today, your Vietnamese adventure takes you to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. In the early evening, you’ll experience the nightlife of Saigon the way the locals do; all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter! Sample authentic street food, enjoy live music at a Vietnamese-style coffee shop and wrap up the evening at one of the many local nightclubs.

Day 9 Ho Chi Minh

Set out on a half-day city tour of the former capital of French Indochina to discover historic landmarks such as the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, Dong Khoi street and the ethnic Chinese district of Cho Lon. Round off your day with a visit to the Ben Thanh market where you can try out your bargaining skills!

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre

Head south to Ben Tre province, a place famous for its coconut production and quiet, peaceful waterways. On arrival, take a Xe loi ride through the local village of Huu Dinh before continuing with a short walk to Huu Phuoc Bridge, where you’ll start your boat trip. On board, sit back, relax and enjoy a welcome drink and some tropical fruits as you glide along the small canals lined with beautiful scenery. You’ll then hop back aboard your day cruiser to a private riverside restaurant. Continuing your cycling trip, you will visit a former Vietcong soldier in My Long, and Mr Hung, who is a famous sticky rice maker in the village. The boat will be waiting for you at the pier nearby to take you back to Ben Tre city where your car will be ready to whisk you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh departure

Unfortunately, the time has come to take breakfast before heading to the airport for your flight home. Ben Tre

Ho Chi Minh

Hoi An

Halong Bay

Classic CambodiaThis 6-day tour is perfect for anyone who wants to take in some of Cambodia’s most alluring destinations. Seeing majestic temples, vibrant cities and quaint villages, this tour will give you a true feel for the diversity of this enchanting country.

Angkor Wat

Day 1 Siem Reap

Arrive in Siem Reap and check into your hotel before some free time to explore.

Day 2 Angkor Wat - Banteay Sreay - Ta Prohm

Your day starts with a visit to the world heritage site of Angkor Wat, one of the most amazing man-made monuments in the world. In the afternoon, leave for Banteay Srei, a 10th-century Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and on the way back, visit the ancient Ta Prohm Monastery, known as the Jungle Temple.

Day 3 Preah Khan - Neak Pean - Thommanon - Chau Say Tevoda - Angkor Thom

Head to the northern end of Angkor by tuk-tuk this morning and visit the Preah Khan Temple and Neak Pean, the only island temple of Angkor. One of the most interesting features of this site is the superb statute of Balaha, representing the legendary saviour of shipwrecked boats. You’ll continue your exploration of Angkor by heading further south to visit the two very beautiful temples of Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda. In the afternoon, visit Angkor Thom, followed by the Elephant Terrace and the raised Leper King Terrace.

Day 4 Kompong Kleang floating village – Phnom Penh

Today, you’ll leave for the floating village of Kompong Khleang. Explore the stilt houses and walk through the village meeting the locals and their lovely children. Afterwards, travel by boat over the canals to a large lake before returning to the village and enjoying a picnic lunch in a villager’s home. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Siem Reap Airport for your flight to Phnom Penh.

Day 5 Phnom Penh

Enjoy a city tour of Phnom Penh and get to know the Cambodian capital’s origins with a visit to Wat Phnom, one of its many pagodas. Visit the Royal Palace, home to the famous Silver Pagoda, before travelling to the south of the city to learn about the darkest period of Cambodia’s history: the regime of the Khmer Rouge. Visit the genocide museum of Tuol Sleng, an old secondary school which was transformed into a detention centre under the Khmer Rouge, before returning to Phnom Penh. Stroll amongst the stalls and try your hand at bargaining at the Russian markets and enjoy your final night in Cambodia.

Day 6 Phnom Penh departure

Enjoy some free time in Phnom Penh before your flight home or journey to the coast for your beach extension.

I T I N E R A R Y

Elephant Terrace

Kompong Kleang

Wat Phnom

Royal Palace

Here, we’ve chosen a few of the things we think you should see, do and eat while you’re in Vietnam and Cambodia. We hope it inspires you to journey to

these two captivating countries time and time again and taste a little of Vietnamese and Khmer life.

Get in touch to build a bespoke itinerary, tailor-made just for you. We’d also love to see your photos and stories on social media so please share your

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