This tour can be broken down into two parts: Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. You can book one of these smaller sections, the full trip I did, or even extend it to include Laos and loop back to Bangkok. My trip felt like two separate experiences because we lost ten people and gained ten new ones midway through, making it almost like starting a new adventure!
The tour is an 18-30 something’s trip (18-39 only), 20 days, Bangkok to Hanoi.
Here’s my honest review, along with some personal tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Part One: Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City
Bangkok Arrival
I accidentally booked my flight to Bangkok two days early instead of just one, and I’m so glad I did! Bangkok is an incredible city to explore, and the tour doesn’t include any time here. It’s a safe city and easy to navigate solo. I joined a GuruWalk free walking tour, which I highly recommend. I met some fellow travellers and had lunch with them afterward—it’s a great way to meet people and learn about the city.
If it’s your first time in Bangkok, I recommend visiting some of its famous temples. You’ll see plenty of temples on this tour, but Bangkok’s are grand and worth checking out. Also, don’t miss out on trying some delicious Thai dishes while you’re here!
Tour Start: On the first night, we had a welcome meeting and went out for dinner as a group. My group wasn’t much of a party crowd, so we didn’t go out that night. If partying is on your wish list, I’d recommend staying in a hostel near Khao San Road before the tour starts.
Siem Reap & Angkor Wat
The next morning, we were off to Cambodia. You can get your visa at the border, but I recommend applying online beforehand to avoid delays.
Upon arriving in Siem Reap, many of us opted for the Phare Circus, a fun and energetic show that I’d recommend if you have extra cash, though it’s not essential.
Angkor Wat Sunrise
A 4 AM departure was necessary to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. It was absolutely worth the early wake-up call! We toured the temples until around noon when it became too hot to continue.
For lunch, we ate at New Hope Vocational Training Restaurant, a Planeterra project that provides hospitality training for underprivileged youth. The food was great, and it was inspiring to learn about their mission.
That night, we went out for drinks in Siem Reap, and it turned out to be one of the most fun nights out on the trip!
Phnom Penh
On the way to Phnom Penh, we got to try some local delicacies—insects and spiders! This tradition comes from a time of necessity during Cambodia’s past struggles, and trying them was a cool experience.
In Phnom Penh, my favorite activity was exploring the local markets and tasting street food. We also did a street food tour, which was an excellent way to sample different dishes.
Koh Rong & Chambok Homestay
Next, we headed to Koh Rong, a stunning island with beautiful beaches. We explored the local village, which consists of just one main street, and took a boat tour at night to see bioluminescent algae—one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen!
Then, we moved on to the Chambok Homestay, where we stayed with a local family. Accommodations were basic—mattresses on the floor—but the experience was worth it. We took a village tour where we saw cows roaming the streets, and dinner was prepared by locals. This was an unforgettable experience you wouldn’t get traveling solo.
Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels
Crossing into Vietnam requires a visa in advance. I recommend applying online at least three weeks prior. Use Smart Traveller for official visa links to avoid third-party scams.
Before arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, we visited the Cu Chi Tunnels, a must-see historical site from the Vietnam War.
That night, we welcomed our new group members over dinner and then checked out Ho Chi Minh’s nightlife, which is amazing! If you like partying, this is a great place to go out.
Part Two: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
After saying goodbye to our old group members, we had a free day before boarding our first overnight train to Nha Trang.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a beach town where we enjoyed a rooftop bar sunset and a street food crawl—two of my favourite activities!
Hoi An & Oodles of Noodles
After another overnight train to Da Nang, we immediately transferred to Hoi An, one of the prettiest cities on the trip. The Hoi An Orientation Walk helped us get our bearings before we explored the charming streets.
A major highlight was Oodles of Noodles, another Planeterra project providing hospitality training for at-risk youth. We took a noodle-making class while supporting a great cause.
Hue & Phong Nha
In Hue, I highly recommend the Hue Motorbike Tour—you ride on the back of a local driver’s bike, which is a fantastic way to explore the countryside.
Phong Nha is a tiny town with little to do except for its famous caves, which are absolutely worth visiting!
Ha Long Bay & Hanoi
After our final overnight train, we reached Ha Long Bay, another trip highlight. We spent the day on a boat, stopping at caves and a beach where we hiked for an incredible panoramic view.
The trip ended in Hanoi, where we had an Orientation Walk and one free afternoon. If possible, I’d recommend staying extra days to fully experience this vibrant city. Including the famous, train street.
Additional Notes
- Tour CEO: Our guide was incredible, sharing cultural insights and historical stories that kept us engaged for hours.
- Accommodations: A mix of shared hostels (multi-share, gender-split), simple twin-share hotels, a homestay, and three overnight trains. If you’re a couple wanting private rooms, this tour will not be ideal. (try a Classic or Roamies style)
- Budgeting: Very affordable, especially if you eat at local street food stalls. Ask your CEO for recommendations.
- Solo vs. Tour: You could do this trip independently, but the tour removes the hassle of logistics and ensures you meet people.
- Overnight Trains: The trains were fine—four people per room, two bottom bunks, two top bunks.
Final Verdict
This tour was a fantastic experience! It balanced adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation. Perfect for travellers wanting to explore Cambodia and Vietnam hassle-free while making new friends along the way.
View tour here: Cambodia to Vietnam: Night Markets & Noodle-Making
Planning a trip to South East Asia? If you would like to read more about my trip for more tips, you can see all my South East Asia blogs here.
