Premium Cambodia & Vietnam in Depth
Premium Cambodia & Vietnam in Depth
$6190
Tour Overview
Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural beauty of Cambodia and Vietnam on a 20-day Premium adventure. Delve into the confronting Khmer legacy in Phnom Penh, view Vietnam's colourful history on the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City and explore the grand architecture of Hanoi. This trip offers places of breathtaking beauty, from the backwaters of the Mekong Delta, to the ancient temples of Angkor and the natural limestone wonder of Halong Bay. Add to that a mix of friendly locals and age-old traditions for the ultimate South East Asian experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Anik Palace Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Anik Palace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Sua s'dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital city. You’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, why not go for a stroll and discover the city’s French architecture or check out the National Museum and its fascinating collection of Khmer craftsmanship. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. After, join your group for dinner at Malis Restaurant – an upmarket dining spot that’s committed to preserving and serving Cambodia's traditional cuisine. Maybe cap off the night with a cocktail at the Le Moon Rooftop at Amanjaya Pancam Hotel.
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Day 2: Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Anik Palace Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Anik Palace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, you’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which will tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Then, your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Wat Phnom – the temple that gave rise to the city’s foundation in the 15th century – or the Royal Palace and sacred Silver Pagoda. Tonight, perhaps grab dinner with your group or wander the city and soak up the nighttime atmosphere.
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Day 3: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation Name: Navutu Dreams Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast this morning, you’ll go on a journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in a comfortable private vehicle. Discover traditional Cambodian life at Skun Village and learn about the town’s deep-fried tarantulas and other insects. You’ll also visit Santuk Silk Farm to learn about silk production and its work as a social enterprise, employing local women as artisan weavers. Share a simple local lunch prepared by the weavers before you continue to Siem Reap, stopping to see historic bridges along the way before arriving at your hotel. This tropical oasis boasts three pools and an excellent restaurant with a focus on wellness. Bright and spacious rooms are in harmony with the lush grounds and feature a veranda, private garden and rain showers. Tonight, head out for dinner and a theatre show at Angkor Village Apsara Theatre, where you’ll watch Khmer traditional dance and dine on Khmer favourites.
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Day 4: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation Name: Navutu Dreams Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
If you choose, you can embrace a very early start today and experience a sunrise visit to the Angkor complex (optional). After, you'll spend the day discovering the fantastic temples of Angkor. For the first half of the day, you’ll be accompanied by a private Angkor Wat archaeological guide, who will provide expert knowledge and insight along the way. Begin at Angkor Wat – the largest and most complete structure and the only one of Angkor's temples with an entrance facing west. For lunch, visit the Sala Bai Hotel School, where underprivileged local youths learn skills to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. Enjoy a meal prepared by students at the school, then visit Angkor Thom – the 'Great Royal City' – a temple famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. From here, you’ll head out of town to an ancient working monastery to gain a special insight into the life of a monk and Theravada Buddhism. Meet the monks, enjoy a sacred water blessing for good luck and prosperity and have a red band tied around your wrist to keep you safe in your travels. The rest of the evening can be spent exploring the bars of Siem Reap or relaxing in at your resort.
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Day 5: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation Name: Navutu Dreams Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, it’s off to the Ta Prohm temple, which has large trees embedded in the stone foundations – powerful symbols of nature. Next, visit Banteay Srei to snap some pictures of the temple’s intricate stone carvings. You can head back to the resort explore Siem Reap town, or use your ticket for the Angkor ruins to continue exploring the site. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner in the Khmer countryside to say farewell to your group and Cambodia. Amid a rustic and romantic setting, you’ll sit down for a private meal in the rice fields of rural Siem Reap .
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Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar (1 night)
Accommodation Name: Alagon Saigon Hotel & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Today you’ll catch an unescorted flight to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam for the second half of your trip. When you arrive, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel, where there will be a second welcome meeting with your new group and local leader at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Ben Thanh Market or head to a cafe for a Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. After your meeting, you’ll join your group for dinner at a restaurant that was originally an opium refinery built in 1861 and still holds nods to its past. Feast on a menu filled with classic and southern Vietnamese favourites, like pho (noodle soup) and bun thit nuong (grilled pork and noddles).
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Day 7: Mekong Delta
Location: Mekong Delta
Accommodation: Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar (1 night)
Accommodation Name: Alagon Saigon Hotel & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Kick off your first full day of the trip with a visit to the Mekong Delta – a network of rivers and canals with floating markets and rice paddies. After breakfast, drive south towards this region via Ben Tre. Here, you’ll board a private boat to cruise the delta, stopping at some coconut gardens to visit a local home where you can sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, return to the waterways of the delta on sampans (small rowing boats) and row past the coconut trees and stilt houses that flank the river. Back on land, take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages for a glimpse at rural life and learn how the coconut industry is woven into the community here. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.
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Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar (1 night)
Accommodation Name: Alagon Saigon Hotel & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, see Ho Chi Minh City through the eyes of a local during a bus and walking tour with your leader. Visit the Reunification Palace to learn about the end of the war and then take a sobering trip to the War Remnants Museum after stopping by the Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll the city’s streets and notice the many French buildings along the way, including the main post office and Ho Chi Minh City Hall, modelled on Paris’s Hotel de Ville. The rest of the evening is yours – be sure to ask your leader to recommend some great local spots for dinner. Perhaps pay a visit to renowned TV chef Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam House Restaurant for an elevated modern twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
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Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City - Hoi An
Location: Ho Chi Minh City - Hoi An
Accommodation: Mulberry Collection Silk Eco Hotel or similar (1 night)
Accommodation Name: Hoi An Delicacy Hotel & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, head on a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network (some 200 kms) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They housed hospitals, dwellings and schools and were extensively used for refuge, storage and as a military base. As you explore this labyrinth, your leader will explain more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to give visitors a feel for what the underground life must have been like. These tunnels will be quite hot and can get claustrophobic, so there’s an option to view them from above ground if you’d like. Later this afternoon, fly to Hoi An, a riverside town in central Vietnam.
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Day 10: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Mulberry Collection Silk Eco Hotel or similar (1 night)
Accommodation Name: Hoi An Delicacy Hotel & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Join your leader on a walking tour this morning to discover Hoi An’s ancient architecture and unique mix of influences. With its charming low tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to wander around. Start by visiting an opulently decorated historic house that was once home to a prominent trader. Then, cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, stop by the Chinese assembly hall and pay a visit to a local museum to learn more about the history you’ve uncovered on the walk. After, sit down to a lunch with the group. This afternoon you’re free to make the most of Hoi An and its surrounding areas. Your leader can provide suggestions if you need inspiration!
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Day 11: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Mulberry Collection Silk Eco Hotel or similar (1 night)
Accommodation Name: Hoi An Delicacy Hotel & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Once a significant port of the Champa Kingdom, Hoi An remains home to many Cham descendants today. This morning, your leader will guide you through My Son Cham – a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa that date back to the 4th century. Learn about the ancient architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site and see the craters created by American bombs during the war. After exploring the temples, experience an Apsara dance performance, featuring sparkling traditional costumes, panpipes and drums. The afternoon is free for you to explore – maybe visit one of the many tailor shops and get a custom outfit or relax by the pool at your hotel.
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Day 12: Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Emm Hotel Hue or similar (1 night)
Accommodation Name: Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head for Hue this morning, the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam's historic past. On the way, pass through the Hai Van Pass – a scenic mountainous stretch of highway with views across Lang Co beach. Arrive in Hue and discover its eclectic mix of busy streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins stand as a testament to its proud history. Here, your leader will provide share insights into the devastating damage endured during the war.
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Day 13: Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Emm Hotel Hue or similar (1 night)
Accommodation Name: Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Ready your appetite as today you’ll be diving into Hue’s culinary scene. First up, head to a street food eatery for Bun Bo Hue. This spicy noodle soup is usually made with beef and pig knuckles and is an absolute must-try in Hue. Next, meet a local chef and explore a local market where you can taste and smell all the herbs and ingredients that bring local dishes to life while learning about the culture of Vietnamese cuisine. Stop for lunch then continue to the local chef’s home and discover how to cook up dishes using the fresh ingredients from the market. Later, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery and unofficial symbol of Hue that dates back to 1601. You’ll also visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani and pine trees, and the Imperial Citadel.
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Day 14: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture Hanoi or similar (1 night)
Accommodation Name: Signature by M Village Tho Nhuom Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly from Hue to Hanoi today. Settle in when you arrive and then get your bearings with a leader-led walk, where you’ll wander the ancient 36 Streets to discover shop-lined alleys that sell everything from souvenirs to silk clothing. In the afternoon, join your group again for a traditional Hat Xam performance. Hat Xam is a Northern Vietnamese art form that originated in the Tran Dynasty. Originally performed by blind performers, it was enjoyed by local working-class audiences until the late 1950s, when a wave of communism deemed all art forms to be corrupting influences. This style of performance is rare today, but you and your group will be taken to a private clubhouse for an exclusive performance, which is one of the few places where such artists still perform acoustically.
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Day 15: Mai Chau
Location: Mai Chau
Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge or similar
Accommodation Name: Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave Hanoi this morning in a private coach transfer to Mai Chau. This peaceful town is situated in a valley and surrounded by green mountains, making it famous for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hilltribe communities. Admire the views, fuel up over lunch and visit Vun Art – a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Then, spend some time learning the story of the vibrant Muong ethnic group, native to this region, at the Muong Museum. Check into your accommodation in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to unwind and relax.
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Day 16: Mai Chau
Location: Mai Chau
Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge or similar
Accommodation Name: Mai Chau Ecolodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today your Leader will take you on a walk through a series of Mai Chau villages. Along the way you’ll pass terraced rice fields and traditional stilted houses, before getting an up-close view of traditional cotton textile making and hearing from a local artisan for insights into Thai garment craftsmanship. Next, you will learn how to make Ruou Can, a traditional fermented rice wine, as well as the cultural significance behind each step of the process. After lunch hosted by a local family, the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Relax at your hotel or speak with you Leader about optional activities in the area.
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Day 17: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture Hanoi or similar (1 night)
Accommodation Name: Signature by M Village Tho Nhuom Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Head back to Hanoi this morning for a guided half-day tour of the city with your leader, gaining insights into its history during visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary. Enjoy lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially if you're interested in its many lakes and parks. You'll see that this northern capital can be quieter than its southern counterpart, and the West Lake, north of the main city, is an ideal place to interact with the locals and relax by its banks.
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Day 18: Halong Bay
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation: Secret Halong Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Accommodation Name: Garden Bay Legend Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you’ll drive to Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site where karsts and islets create a spectacular sight. There’s no better way to appreciate the bay’s beauty than on board a junk-style boat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Carefully designed with traditional touches and modern amenities, you can sit back in comfort as you weave through the limestone islets, karsts and caves. Visit some of the local sights, such as a vibrant fishing village to learn about local life or a cave to appreciate its interesting rock formations with you leader, then retire to the boat for a seafood lunch. In the afternoon you will have opportunities to swim, kayak, or simply relax on the beach. This evening, dine on the boat’s deck by candlelight and watch the sun go down.
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Day 19: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture Hanoi or similar (1 night)
Accommodation Name: Signature by M Village Tho Nhuom Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, enjoy breakfast on board the boat and perhaps take part in some optional Tai Chi to start off the day. Sail back to the port, disembark and travel back to Hanoi. Arriving back in the capital, enjoy some time to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s attractions you may have missed the first time. You can shop on Hang Gai Street or perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel. In the evening, join your group and leader for a final dinner in a Hanoi restaurant, sharing stories and reflecting on the highlights of your adventure with your newfound friends.
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Day 20: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in Hanoi, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (18 nights), Overnight boat (1 night) -
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
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Phnom Penh - Welcome Dinner
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Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
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Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
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Santuk Silk Farm Tour and Lunch
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Skun Village Market Stop
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Siem Reap - Khmer Theater Dinner
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Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
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Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass
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Siem Reap - Lunch at The Spoon Restaurant
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- VIETNAM FLIGHTS:
- Please provide your exact name (including middle name) as per passport 45 days prior to your trip's departure date for flight tickets to be issued. Internal flights will be on the following safety audited airlines: Pacific Airlines, Vietjet or Vietnam Airlines.
- UNACCOMPANIED FLIGHTS:
- During peak travel times your group may be required to travel on different flights at different times of the day, and you may be unaccompanied on the internal flight. In this case you will be assisted by additional tour escorts on departure and arrival.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room?on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 18 (boat) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
- 4. Full name exactly as per passport required at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on the passport), for internal flights. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
- 5. Local authorities only permit a limited number of boats to stay overnight in Halong Bay. To ensure all travellers can be accommodated on board available boats, on rare occasions you may stay on a larger boat and share your boat with another group. Otherwise, we may swap the activities and destinations of Days 17 and 18 to provide you the best possible experience. The route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same.
- 6. This trip is a combination of two trips. Please review the Itinerary for details of when your fellow travellers and leader will change.
Mode of Transport
- VIETNAM FLIGHTS:
- Please provide your exact name (including middle name) as per passport 45 days prior to your trip's departure date for flight tickets to be issued. Internal flights will be on the following safety audited airlines: Pacific Airlines, Vietjet or Vietnam Airlines.
- UNACCOMPANIED FLIGHTS:
- During peak travel times your group may be required to travel on different flights at different times of the day, and you may be unaccompanied on the internal flight. In this case you will be assisted by additional tour escorts on departure and arrival.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
In 2025, Tet (Lunar New Year) in Vietnam will run from the 25th of January to the 2nd of February and in Cambodia Khmer New Year (Songkran Festival) will take place from the 13th to the 15th of April. These are fascinating and rewarding times to see Vietnam and Cambodia, however you do need to be prepared for some businesses to be closed, tourist sites to be very busy and for transport to be packed as many local people are travelling around the country. Please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period.
The bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge is a painful but important part of Cambodian history to confront. If you would rather not visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, just let your leader know.
You’ll visit a number of temples that require a certain level of modesty. You’ll need to bring clothes that cover the shoulders and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it is hot. ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Premium Cambodia & Vietnam in Depth
20 Days Starting in Phnom Penh and ending in Hanoi
Visiting: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City - Hoi An, Hoi An, Hue, Hue , Hanoi , Mai Chau , Mai Chau, Halong Bay, Hanoi ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TKPJC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99