Itinerary

• Day 1 - FLIGHT TO CAMBODIA

  Crossing time zones and the International Date Line as we head toward the heart of Cambodia.

  Meals: In-flight
• Day 2 - CROSSING THE DATE LINE
• Day 3 - LAND TOUR START DAY: PHNOM PENH

  Step off the plane and into the vibrant heart of Cambodia. Phnom Penh, the bustling capital, hums with energy, and today is ours to unwind and soak it all in. In the evening, we gather with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Khmer flavors—a delicious first taste of the adventure ahead.

  Meals: In-flight, Dinner

  • Inclusions:
    • Transfer from airport to hotel included with purchased AESU group airfare
    • Welcome orientation
    • Welcome dinner of Khmer specialties
• Day 4 - PHNOM PENH

  Dive into Phnom Penh’s rich history and culture as we wander the glittering halls of the Royal Palace and marvel at the treasure-filled Silver Pagoda. The National Museum of Khmer Arts offers a stunning showcase of over 5,000 artifacts, from bronze sculptures to intricate carvings. Midday, we pause for lunch at a local restaurant, sampling classic Cambodian flavors before continuing our discoveries. We go on a poignant exploration of Tuol Sleng, the former S-21 prison turned museum, offering insight into Cambodia’s recent past and visit Choeung Ek, where history leaves a profound imprint.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Inclusions:
    • Guide tour of Phnom Penh, led by an English-speaking local expert
    • Royal Palace
    • Silver Pagoda
    • National Museum of Khmer Arts
    • Tuol Slang prison / Genocide Museum
    • Choeung Ek Killing Field Memorial
• Day 5 - PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP

  Today, we climb the sacred hill of Wat Phnom, then feel the pulse of the city at Central Market, a 1930s architectural gem teeming with color, scents, and local life. Along the journey to Siem Reap, make a stop at the lively Spider Market, a local hotspot where the unexpected awaits. Wander among stalls bursting with colorful textiles, handicrafts, and quirky curios, feeling the energy of locals negotiating and sharing stories. Just a short distance away, pause at Naga Bridge, an iconic landmark spanning the river, where we can stretch our legs, snap photos, and take in the scenic views of Cambodia’s countryside before continuing toward the ancient wonders of Siem Reap. In the evening, gather for dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialties and unwinding after the day’s journey.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Inclusions:
    • Central Market
    • Buddhist Temple, Wat Phnom
    • Spider Market
    • Naga Bridge
• Day 6 - SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT

  Wake early to discover Banteay Srei, a small temple famous for its intricate pink sandstone carvings. Next, experience the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the architectural jewel of Cambodia, where sprawling galleries, courtyards, and bas-reliefs tell stories from centuries past. We pause at a nearby restaurant, enjoying a break to taste local Cambodian dishes before continuing our adventure. In the afternoon, explore Ta Prohm, the jungle-covered temple made famous by Tomb Raider, where massive tree roots wrap around ancient stone. We end the day at Angkor Thom, home to the enigmatic Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, and terraces adorned with monumental carvings—an unforgettable journey through history.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Inclusions:
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat
    • Guide tour of Angkor Wat, led by an English-speaking local expert
    • Banteay Srei Temple
    • Ta Prohm Temple
    • Terrace of the Leper Kings
    • Traditional Angkor Wat lunch
    • Ankor Thom
• Day 7 - SIEM REAP - HO CHI MINH CITY

  See Siem Reap from a fresh perspective as we hop on a tuk-tuk and glide through the leafy pathways of the Royal Independence Gardens, feeling the city come alive around us. The adventure continues at the bustling “Old Market,” where vibrant stalls overflow with spices, textiles, and local crafts, and the mingling aromas, colors, and chatter create a sensory tapestry we won’t forget. Later, we board our flight and trade the streets of Cambodia for the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, where a dinner cruise along the shimmering Saigon River invites us to unwind and watch the city’s skyline light up, setting the perfect tone for our first night in Vietnam.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Inclusions:
    • Tuk-Tuk tour
    • Royal Independence Gardens
    • Shrine of Ya Tep
    • Preah Ang Check Preah Chom shrine
    • Psar Chars ‘Old Market’
    • Flight from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City
    • Airport transfers
    • Saigon dinner cruise
• Day 8 - HO CHI MINH CITY

  We step back in time at the Cu Chi Tunnels, an astonishing network of underground passages that tell the story of Vietnamese resilience, then return to the city to explore the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum, gaining perspective on the country’s complex history. Cap the evening with a magical water puppet show, a centuries-old art form performed on a shimmering stage of water.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Inclusions:
    • Guide tour of Ho Chi Minh City, led by an English-speaking local expert
    • Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
    • Reunification Palace
    • Ben Thanh market
    • Water puppet show
• Day 9 - HO CHI MINH CITY - OPTIONAL MEKONG DELTA EXCURSION

  The day is ours to explore Ho Chi Minh City at our own pace, whether that means lingering in hidden cafés, browsing bustling markets, or finding quiet corners off the beaten path. For those of us who choose the optional excursion to the Mekong Delta, we trade the city streets for lush waterways. Glide through winding canals in a traditional boat, stop at a brick kiln, and visit coconut workshops where we sample handmade sweets. In a peaceful village, try our hand at age-old crafts like sleeping mat weaving, then drift along in a rowing boat beneath swaying palms. A local lunch rounds out the experience before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

  Meals: Breakfast

  • Inclusions:
    • Free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City

  • Optional activity:
    • Mekong Delta Excursion incl. lunch
• Day 10 - FLY HOME OR CONTINUE ON THE OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO HANOI AND HA LONG BAY

  If this is where your adventure ends, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the airport. Take home memories of bustling markets, breathtaking temples, and unforgettable experiences along the Mekong and beyond. The rest of us continue with a flight to Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, our local guide leads us straight into the heart of the city. Start at Ba Dinh Square, where the most solemn ceremonies unfold, and glimpse the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside—a place of deep respect and history. Nearby, the unique One-Pillar Pagoda rises delicately from its single stone pillar, a symbol of harmony and ingenuity dating back to 1049. Then, hop on a traditional “cyclo” to weave through Hanoi’s famous 36 Streets, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and shop houses, each street historically named for the goods sold there—from fabrics to crafts to herbal medicines. We pause at the serene Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake before dinner at KOTO Van Mieu, where a meal supports disadvantaged youth learning life and hospitality skills.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (for travelers continuing on the extension)

  • Inclusions:
    • Transfer from hotel to airport included with purchase of AESU group airfare
    • Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
    • Transfer and city tour of Hanoi, led by a local English-speaking expert
    • See Ba Dinh Square
    • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
    • One-Pillar Pagoda
    • Cyclo tour of Hanoi
    • 36 Street shops
• Day 11 - HANOI

  Fueled by strong Vietnamese coffee, we kick off the day diving into Vietnam’s past at the Museum of Ethnology — a vibrant crash course in the country’s 54 ethnic groups, complete with stilt houses you can walk through and traditional outfits that look straight out of a festival. From there, we make our way to Tran Quoc Pagoda, floating peacefully on West Lake like something from a postcard, before stepping into the Temple of Literature — Vietnam’s first university. After lunch, things take a darker turn at Hoa Lo Prison, aka the “Hanoi Hilton,” a gritty window into Vietnam’s wartime past. We wrap it up at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a French-built Gothic church that looks like Notre Dame’s stylish younger cousin — the perfect spot to snap a few golden-hour shots before hunting down happy hour.

  Meals: Breakfast

  • Inclusions:
    • Full day tour of Hanoi, guided by a local English-speaking expert
    • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
    • Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake
    • Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university
    • Hoa Lo Prison Museum ‘Hanoi Hilton’
    • Joseph’s Cathedral
• Day 12 - HANOI TO HA LONG BAY

  After breakfast, leave the city behind as we transfer to the legendary Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage wonder. We board our cruise and toast our arrival with a welcome drink as the karst limestone islands rise dramatically from emerald waters. The day is ours to embrace the bay: swim in hidden coves, paddle through quiet channels by kayak, explore mysterious caves, and join a hands-on cooking demonstration with the cruise team. Fresh, local flavors fill every meal, with lunch and dinner served on board as we drift through one of the world’s most breathtaking seascapes.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Inclusions:
    • Transfer to Ha Long Bay
    • 5-star overnight cruise
    • Lunch on board the cruise ship
    • Specialty dinner on board the cruise ship
• Day 13 - HA LONG BAY

  We wake to a morning framed by soaring limestone peaks and calm waters. Spend a full day on the water—swim, kayak, or simply soak up the sun on the sundeck while taking in the surreal scenery. Explore hidden corners of the bay, capture the perfect photos, or sip coffee as mist rolls across the islands. Meals continue to delight with local cuisine prepared on board. Another night on the cruise ensures we are fully immersed in Ha Long Bay’s tranquil magic.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Inclusions:
    • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ha Long Bay
    • 5-star overnight cruise
    • Lunch on board the cruise ship
    • Specialty dinner on board the cruise ship
• Day 14 - TRAVEL HOME

  Our final morning on the water begins with breakfast as the cruise slowly winds back toward shore. We take in the last panoramic views of the bay before checking out. A farewell brunch on board rounds out our floating retreat. Then, we transfer to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport for our flight home, carrying memories of emerald waters, towering limestone cliffs, and a truly unforgettable escape.

  Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, In-flight

  • Inclusions:
    • Morning Swim
    • Cruise ship brunch
    • Coach transfer to Hanoi Airport