Invitation to Vietnam and The Temples of Angkor

Key Takeaways for Invitation to Vietnam and The Temples of Angkor

• Rich travel through Vietnam + Cambodia, combining nature, heritage, temples and vibrant cities.
• A mix of calm (cruise, rivers, temples) and buzz (cities, markets) balances the experience.
• Well-structured itinerary with quality lodgings, included meals, and expert guiding makes logistics easy.
• Ideal for those wanting cultural discovery plus iconic photo-worthy sites.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours, dramatic landscapes and deep history of Vietnam and Cambodia with Invitation to Vietnam & The Temples of Angkor. Over 14 days, this tour carries you from lively Hanoi to the calm waters of Halong Bay, through imperial Hue, lantern-lit Hoi An and bustling Ho Chi Minh City, before crossing into Cambodia to explore the temple wonders of Angkor. Culture, cuisine and centuries of heritage combine for a journey that engages every sense.

History & Culture

Vietnam’s history spans ancient dynasties, colonial periods, reunification and rapid modern change. In Hanoi, the Temple of Literature recalls Confucian scholarship; Hue reveals royal dynasties; Hoi An shows a tapestry of trade and tradition. Cambodia’s Angkor is the crown jewel: the Khmer Empire at its height built Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Angkor Thom. These temples tell stories in stone, myth, Buddhism, and Hindu motifs, and the jungle and sunlight highlight their timelessness.

Invitation to Vietnam and The Temples of Angkor: What’s Included

• Return flights from London plus two nights in the flight
• 10 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels
• Overnight cruise in Halong Bay
• 24 meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinners
• Tour led by a Travelsphere Holiday Director and local guides
• All overseas transfers and inter-region transportation
• Porterage at hotels

Must-See Highlights

• Hanoi & Old Quarter: Ride a traditional trishaw through the Ancient Quarter, enjoy Vietnamese coffee overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, see the Temple of Literature and attend a water puppet show.
• Halong Bay: Cruise overnight among karst islets and limestone cliffs, watching sunrise over the bay, and relaxing aboard your vessel.
• Hue & the Imperial City: Boat trip along the Perfume River, tour of the Citadel, visits to historic pagodas and royal tombs.
• Hai Van Pass & Hoi An: Scenic drive over the coastal Hai Van Pass; stay in lantern-lit Hoi An, explore its old town, riverside ambience and craft workshops.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, colonial architecture, markets, and enjoy a dinner cruise on the Saigon River.
• Temples of Angkor & Siem Reap: Tour the majestic Angkor Wat, wander through Ta Prohm enveloped by jungle, see Bayon’s smiling faces at Angkor Thom, visit Banteay Srei, receive a monk’s blessing and enjoy sunset views from Pre Rup.

Practical Info & Tips

• Duration: 14 days, including flights
• Accommodation: 4-star hotels for all major stops, overnight cruise included
• Meals: 24 meals included; local specialities will feature prominently
• Transport: Flights, road transfers, a cruise in Halong Bay, and local transport in Cambodia are included
• Guides: Professional local guides plus Holiday Director

Always check before you travel as times are subject to change.

Getting There

Depart from London on international flights. Within Vietnam and Cambodia, travel is by road, boat/cruise and short internal flights or transfers (if required). Your itinerary includes all transfers to/from airports and between hotels, and hotel-to-tour transfers.

Food & Facilities

• Hotels are comfortable, well-located, with local cuisine offered each evening; expect Vietnamese staples such as pho, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, plus Cambodian specialities.
• On Halong Bay, you’ll stay overnight on a cruise ship with meals on board, often with regional dishes.
• Local markets, riverside cafés, workshops and villages add intimacy to meals.
• Facilities at temples may be basic; carry water, sun protection and comfortable clothing.

Travel Tips

• Bring light layers; early mornings on the bay or temples can be cool, but midday is often hot and humid.
• Footwear matters: temples often have uneven surfaces, and sandals may be slippery; walking shoes or good grip are advisable.
• Modest clothing is advised for temples (shoulders and knees covered).
• Consider travel insurance that covers delays, health, and any unexpected disruption.
• Be ready for vibrant contrasts: urban bustle, tranquil river cruises, remote temples under open sky.

Events / Seasonal Info

Vietnam and Cambodia can be visited year-round, but the experience varies with the seasons.

• Dry Season (November – April): The most popular period, with comfortable daytime temperatures, lower humidity and clearer skies. Best for cruising Halong Bay, cycling in Hoi An, and visiting Angkor’s temples without the risk of heavy showers.
• Hot Season (May – June): Expect higher temperatures, especially in the south. Travel during this time offers fewer crowds and greener scenery, but it can feel intense mid-day.
• Rainy Season (July – October): Short but heavy afternoon downpours are common, particularly in August and September. The benefit is lush rice paddies, fewer tourists, and dramatic skies over the temples. Excursions usually still run, but allow flexibility.
• Festivals:
  • Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), late January or February: vibrant parades, flowers and family celebrations across Vietnam.
  • Bon Om Touk (Cambodian Water Festival) in November: boat races and festivities in Phnom Penh and beyond, marking the Tonle Sap River’s seasonal reversal.

Packing Tips by Season

• Dry Season: Light layers, sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. Evenings in Halong Bay and Hanoi can be cooler, so bring a jumper or light jacket.
• Hot Season: Breathable cotton or linen clothing, plenty of water bottles, sunblock and a small hand-fan are handy.
• Rainy Season: A lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho, quick-dry clothing and sandals or shoes with good grip will help with sudden showers and wet temple paths.
• Year-Round Essentials: Modest attire for temples (shoulders and knees covered), insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.

Invitation to Vietnam & The Temples of Angkor blends 14 days of Vietnam’s landscapes, culture and cuisine with Cambodia’s ancient Angkor temples. Ideal for travellers seeking history, natural beauty and temples in one immersive trip.

FAQs

Final Words

If you want a journey that spans the gentle beauty of Halong Bay, timeless temples swathed in jungle, the colonial architecture of Vietnam’s past, and the spiritual intensity of Cambodia’s Khmer heritage, Invitation to Vietnam & The Temples of Angkor delivers. It’s a deep and varied experience, where every turn of the road, every sunrise over temple stones, and every lantern-reflected river tells a story you won’t forget.

Nearby Attractions

If you have free days or want to extend your stay:

• Mekong Delta (southern Vietnam): immerse in river life, floating markets, and river huts.
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, with the Royal Palace, Killing Fields and museums.
• Sapa in northern Vietnam: mountain rice terraces, ethnic minority villages.

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