This tour was well run and for me a completely different cultural experience. I could relax and just go with the flow knowing everything was taken care of by the amazing tour leaders who were so very knowledgeable and caring. Their job is so difficult and I appreciated them both so much. My life has been forever changed got the better by visiting these countries thank you to everyone at Expat.
This tour felt like a crash course in Southeast Asia, but in a good way. I wasn’t sure how much ground we could realistically cover in just over a week but this trip proved you don’t need a month to experience something meaningful. Everything was well-organized. What stood out most to me was how different Vietnam and Cambodia felt, even though they’re neighbors.
Hanoi was buzzing with life..scooters zipping by, food stalls everywhere, and this mix of modern and old that was fascinating to watch. Our guide helped us navigate the chaos in a way that made it feel approachable rather than overwhelming. Then, just when things felt fast-paced we got a breather on the Ha Long Bay cruise. Being out on the water was peaceful, the views were unreal.
In Cambodia, Angkor Wat was the big draw, and yes, it was absolutely worth it. But what I didn’t expect was how much I enjoyed the in-between moments.
And while there’s always a lot of walking on these kinds of trips, the pace felt doable, even for those of us who aren’t exactly as young as me (53 :p)
Would I do it again? Definitely. The trip left me feeling like I got a true taste of two cultures.
Start of Tour (7:30 AM to 8:15 AM)
Your tour guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Scenic Bus Route
Enjoy a 110-km bus ride through the verdant countryside landscape with a short rest stop.
Hoa Lu (10:30 AM)
Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel to see the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, both dating back to the 17th Century.
Lunch (12 PM)
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to try authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Trang An Grottoes (1:30 PM)
Leave for the Trang An Grottoes, a beautiful and majestic 20 square kilometre limestone rising dramatically out from rice paddy fields. Deep within the linked chains of towering mountains are mystical valleys, numerous freshwater ponds, and pristine jungles.
Sampan Ride
Embark on a traditional sampan gently rowing down the river through numerous caves. Explore Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave and Thanh Truot Cave, passing many spiritual relics.
Mua Cave (3:30 PM)
Arrive at Mua Cave and start an amazing trek up to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain. Enjoy spectacular views of rice valleys clad in nature, known as Love Valley.
Return Transfer (5:30 PM)
Return to your tour bus on a return journey to Ha Noi.
End of Tour (7:30 PM)
Drop off at your accommodation.
