I've just come back from spending Christmas and New Year in Vietnam and Cambodia. I've put together this trip based on a similar itinerary.
Flights are with Emirates and go from LGW. The outgoing flight has two short stops but I personally think these are better than the flights around £10 cheaper with China Southern as Emirates is a much better airline.
I've included bus and flights where I can but airport transfers aren't included. Most hotels will be able to sort these for you and some offer free pick up but you can also make your own way using local buses or taxi. You will also need to add a visa cost onto this. You will need a visa on arrival when you arrive in Hanoi (I think this was $25). You'll also need a visa on arrival for Cambodia which is $30.
There are much cheaper or more expensive places to stay, but I've included ones with good reviews and some I've stayed in myself. They are all also in good locations too.
Details:
7th June
Leave LGW and commence flight to Hanoi.
8-12th June
Arrive in Hanoi 8th June. You will stay at the Hanoi Guest House for 3 nights. I've personally stayed here and it is right in the middle of the old town and is great value. In Hanoi, you can walk the nearby lake, head to Halong Bay or Cat Ba for a cruise or enjoy the food in the old town. Also consider heading to Sapa which has some lovely scenery, rice fields and traditional villages.
12-14th June
You will catch the train to Hue. Again you can get advice on booking this but it will cost around $35 depending on travel class. Alternatively you can also fly. As there are a range of options here you'll need to add this onto your total price. In Hue you will stay for 2 nights at the Jade Hotel. I've stayed here for 2 nights myself and it is walking distance to the palace and there are also plenty of places to eat locally.
14-17th June
On 14 June you'll travel to Hoi An. Now you have a range of methods to get you here and you'll need to account for this in your trip, but I recommend a motorbike. You will drive the 'Top Gear Road' and the views from the pass are stunning as you head down to the coast. You can also stop en route at Danang and Marble Mountain. In Hoi An you will stay for 3 nights at the Beautiful Moon. In Hoi An you can wander the river and old town, view the lanterns in the evening and also head to My Son temple. If you want a tailored suit, this is also the place to haggle and get one made.
17-20th June
You'll fly from Danang to Siem Reap on 17th June and spend 3 nights in Siem Reap in the Green Park Village (free airport transfer in Siem Reap available). No trip to Siem Reap would be complete without visiting Angkor Wat temple complex. Fight the crowds and get up at 4am to arrive by 5am if you want to see sunrise. I wasn't a fan of Pub Street, but if you want 25 cent beer and cheap massages this is the place to go. Also head into the local villages, hire a bike and get off track and see the local lives of Cambodian people.
20-22nd June
You'll take the Cambodia Post Van (other buses available) for your visit to Phnom Penh. You'll stay for 2 nights at the Sundance Inn. In Phnom Penh make sure you visit the S21 museum and also the Killing Fields, it's such a humbling experience.
22-23rd June
You'll take the Hang Chau ferry (your hotel can help you with booking the tickets $25p) from Phnom Penh back into Vietnam. You won't need a visa as you have a visa waiver. The boat takes around 4hrs. Once in Chau Doc you'll stay for 1 night at the Murray Guesthouse which I've personally stayed at. It is a lovely place with free cycles if you want to explore.
23-25th June
On 23rd you'll take the Futa bus from Chau Doc to Can Tho. I've picked a place I celebrated New Year. The Green Village in the Mekong Delta. It's a homestay and you are in a bamboo hut close to local villages and the river. I loved it here. You won't have hot water and you will see gekos, frogs and probably a mouse or two but you can take the free cycles or their own boat and explore the surrounding area. They also offer tours of the floating markets I a small boat. If you are a bit squemish then look at staying in Can Tho itself. Meals are also included here and they were amazing, some of the best food we had.
25-27th June
On 25th June you'll get the Futa bus to Ho Chi Minh. You'll then spend 2 nights in the Royal Saigon. I've stayed here myself and although it's basic, it is in the heart of the backpacker district and has a restaurant attached which has great reviews too.
On the 27th June you need to be at the airport around 10pm for your flight which leaves early hours on 28th June.
***Breakdown***
Long haul flights from LGW into Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh to LGW for 2 £767.16 book at Travel Up.
4 nights in Hanoi £82.64 (reduce the number of nights if you want to do a Halong Bay cruise) Book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
2 nights in Hue £24.72 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
3 nights in Hoi An £27.30 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
2 flights from DaNang to Siem Reap £258.98 book at Tripsta (Flights are with Vietnam Airlines).
3 nights in Siem Reap £24.15 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
Bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for 2 people $18/£14.64 book on bookmebus.com
2 nights in Phnom Penh £31.88 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
2 Hang Chau Ferry tickets $50/£40.67
1 night in Chau Doc £21.94 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
Futa bus from Chau Doc to Can Tho for 2 people 100,000 dong each (total £7.22, get hotel to book tickets for you)
2 nights in the Green Village Mekong Delta book direct £62.22/$76.50
Futa bus from Can Tho to HCM for 2 people 100,000 dong each (total £7.22, get hotel to book tickets for you)
2 nights in the Royal Saigon Eat and Sleep £29 book on Ebookers AFFVC0117
Total £1399.75/£699.87
Top comments
WOOTWOOT1 to BrianSewell
8 Jan 1749#13
Looks like the kind of guy who likes to go to Spain and spend the day in a British Pub eating crap British food like pies and sausages all day long and moaning about life. The most adventurous thing he's ever done is try and dislike 'garlic bread' .....
us_agent2012 to BrianSewell
8 Jan 178#10
What a pleasant post.
rachelandgromit to BrianSewell
8 Jan 174#11
That is for 2 nights in the Mekong Delta and if you really want to experience a homestay. You don't have to, and you can easily stay in Can Tho but I'd really recommend it. As far as mixing with backpackers, there is no mention of hostels, shared bathroom or mingling with other people! Similarly, you don't have to get up at 5am. It all depends on what you want to see and do. I'm not sure this is the right holiday for you but Vietnam and Cambodia also have more luxury resorts and tours where you don't have to mingle with backpackers or other people.
roame
13 Jan 173#147
For those expressing reservations about a trip like this, just do it! I'll be in Angkor in May and it's something I face with trepidation for although I've spent quite a bit of time in Cambodia over the years, I've not been back in Angkor since @1998 when it was a very different place, more chickens wandering around the temples than tourists so that will be a shock to the system!
On another point, Rachel said this:
" On 14 June you'll travel to Hoi An. Now you have a range of methods to get you here and you'll need to account for this in your trip, but I recommend a motorbike. You will drive the 'Top Gear Road' and the views from the pass are stunning as you head down to the coast"
She is 100% right, as in so many places in Asia the best way to experience them is by motorbike. Caveat, make sure your insurance covers motorcycle riding, many don't. Even if they appear to, check the fine print, because without exception, they will only cover you if you would be qualified to ride the same size bike in the UK. So if you think you might want to ride a bike on holiday, at the very least take a CBT course to ride up to a 125cc.
Hate to be a killjoy but seen too many people come to grief in SE Asia because they have come off a bike and insurance company says "no". As a result hospitals in the region are very wary about treating people with motorbike injuries without checking first they will be paid. Make sure a copy of your qualification to ride that bike is stored online so that the insurance claims assessors can access it. Generally speaking there is a mathematical equation at work here, the cheaper your insurance the longer you will wait for treatment beyond the very basics.
Last tip, when you are facing an oncoming vehicle in a limited passing area and they flash their lights, it does not mean "come on" as in the UK. it means the precise opposite, (I'm coming through") and that simple misunderstanding has caused more accidents with British tourists than any other,
Have fun :smile:
Great post and break down. Just a couple of questions:
I know these places are great foodie experiences,but do they have/can you find veggie options?
Secondly, are the accommodations you mentions shared (like a hostel shared bathrooms etc) or private with en suite etc?
rachelandgromit to K0YS
8 Jan 173#3
We had some lovely vegetarian meals in Vietnam, this restaurant in particular in Hoi An was lovely. Also, lots of tofu in Vietnam too which I love.
All accommodation is private en-suite rooms although you can opt for cheaper rooms if you wish or alternative accommodation. I've stayed in many of these places on this deal though so I feel confident recommending them.
tom6195
8 Jan 17#4
What's the weather like this time of the year?
rachelandgromit to tom6195
8 Jan 171#5
In June it is summer so really good weather. If you mean now, when I was there December/January it was cooler in the North of Vietnam but down South was hotter and a muggy 30 degrees most days. Cambodia was lovely and sunny.
ramit
8 Jan 17#6
Great post
p-e-t-e
8 Jan 173#7
Did Vietnam last year.... can't recommend it enough, lovely place, lovely people, lovely food.... love to go back!
snoopy86 to p-e-t-e
8 Jan 171#29
Same to me, cant say enough about Vietnam, amazing country,people,food,scenery. New KING KONG s just finished filming there last year 2016!
supersue
8 Jan 17#8
Missed your posts Rachel! Not been this far before (other than Australia but that's too 'familiar' to FEEL far) but you're whetting my appetite! Anything to be wary of? We're not in the best of health...
rachelandgromit to supersue
8 Jan 171#14
I've been away for just over 3 weeks to escape the Xmas chaos! You can easily get about with buses and tuk-tuks but I'd perhaps suggest hiring a driver if you want a more comfortable experience (depending on your health). I'd say the hotels I've recommended in this deal will be able to make some recommndations for you. All the people we encountered at the hotels and guest houses were lovely and really helpful. The motorbikes can be a bit crazy in Hanoi and HCM and when we arrived in Hanoi it took some getting use to crossing the road, but we soon adapted. There were people of all ages in Cambodia and Vietnam travelling about and you should certainly go for it. If you want a little bit of luxury we did the Orchid overnight Halong Bay cruise and visited Cat Ba. It's a new cruise and really lovely.
BrianSewell
8 Jan 172#9
Getting up at 5am, staying in bamboo huts, no hot water, constant traveling, mixing with backpackers... Your idea of a holiday is my idea of hell
us_agent2012 to BrianSewell
8 Jan 178#10
What a pleasant post.
rachelandgromit to BrianSewell
8 Jan 174#11
That is for 2 nights in the Mekong Delta and if you really want to experience a homestay. You don't have to, and you can easily stay in Can Tho but I'd really recommend it. As far as mixing with backpackers, there is no mention of hostels, shared bathroom or mingling with other people! Similarly, you don't have to get up at 5am. It all depends on what you want to see and do. I'm not sure this is the right holiday for you but Vietnam and Cambodia also have more luxury resorts and tours where you don't have to mingle with backpackers or other people.
pew41 to BrianSewell
8 Jan 17#12
looks like hotels with hot water to me
WOOTWOOT1 to BrianSewell
8 Jan 1749#13
Looks like the kind of guy who likes to go to Spain and spend the day in a British Pub eating crap British food like pies and sausages all day long and moaning about life. The most adventurous thing he's ever done is try and dislike 'garlic bread' .....
patrick_000 to BrianSewell
8 Jan 171#34
I take it you're not the real Brian Sewell, just imitating his misery guts and whingey attitude.
thebuzzer
8 Jan 17#15
Great Post Rachel. Some great travel and flight bargains at the moment. Expedia.co.uk seem to work well for us on flights and hotels
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
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Opening post
Flights are with Emirates and go from LGW. The outgoing flight has two short stops but I personally think these are better than the flights around £10 cheaper with China Southern as Emirates is a much better airline.
I've included bus and flights where I can but airport transfers aren't included. Most hotels will be able to sort these for you and some offer free pick up but you can also make your own way using local buses or taxi. You will also need to add a visa cost onto this. You will need a visa on arrival when you arrive in Hanoi (I think this was $25). You'll also need a visa on arrival for Cambodia which is $30.
There are much cheaper or more expensive places to stay, but I've included ones with good reviews and some I've stayed in myself. They are all also in good locations too.
Details:
7th June
Leave LGW and commence flight to Hanoi.
8-12th June
Arrive in Hanoi 8th June. You will stay at the Hanoi Guest House for 3 nights. I've personally stayed here and it is right in the middle of the old town and is great value. In Hanoi, you can walk the nearby lake, head to Halong Bay or Cat Ba for a cruise or enjoy the food in the old town. Also consider heading to Sapa which has some lovely scenery, rice fields and traditional villages.
12-14th June
You will catch the train to Hue. Again you can get advice on booking this but it will cost around $35 depending on travel class. Alternatively you can also fly. As there are a range of options here you'll need to add this onto your total price. In Hue you will stay for 2 nights at the Jade Hotel. I've stayed here for 2 nights myself and it is walking distance to the palace and there are also plenty of places to eat locally.
14-17th June
On 14 June you'll travel to Hoi An. Now you have a range of methods to get you here and you'll need to account for this in your trip, but I recommend a motorbike. You will drive the 'Top Gear Road' and the views from the pass are stunning as you head down to the coast. You can also stop en route at Danang and Marble Mountain. In Hoi An you will stay for 3 nights at the Beautiful Moon. In Hoi An you can wander the river and old town, view the lanterns in the evening and also head to My Son temple. If you want a tailored suit, this is also the place to haggle and get one made.
17-20th June
You'll fly from Danang to Siem Reap on 17th June and spend 3 nights in Siem Reap in the Green Park Village (free airport transfer in Siem Reap available). No trip to Siem Reap would be complete without visiting Angkor Wat temple complex. Fight the crowds and get up at 4am to arrive by 5am if you want to see sunrise. I wasn't a fan of Pub Street, but if you want 25 cent beer and cheap massages this is the place to go. Also head into the local villages, hire a bike and get off track and see the local lives of Cambodian people.
20-22nd June
You'll take the Cambodia Post Van (other buses available) for your visit to Phnom Penh. You'll stay for 2 nights at the Sundance Inn. In Phnom Penh make sure you visit the S21 museum and also the Killing Fields, it's such a humbling experience.
22-23rd June
You'll take the Hang Chau ferry (your hotel can help you with booking the tickets $25p) from Phnom Penh back into Vietnam. You won't need a visa as you have a visa waiver. The boat takes around 4hrs. Once in Chau Doc you'll stay for 1 night at the Murray Guesthouse which I've personally stayed at. It is a lovely place with free cycles if you want to explore.
23-25th June
On 23rd you'll take the Futa bus from Chau Doc to Can Tho. I've picked a place I celebrated New Year. The Green Village in the Mekong Delta. It's a homestay and you are in a bamboo hut close to local villages and the river. I loved it here. You won't have hot water and you will see gekos, frogs and probably a mouse or two but you can take the free cycles or their own boat and explore the surrounding area. They also offer tours of the floating markets I a small boat. If you are a bit squemish then look at staying in Can Tho itself. Meals are also included here and they were amazing, some of the best food we had.
25-27th June
On 25th June you'll get the Futa bus to Ho Chi Minh. You'll then spend 2 nights in the Royal Saigon. I've stayed here myself and although it's basic, it is in the heart of the backpacker district and has a restaurant attached which has great reviews too.
On the 27th June you need to be at the airport around 10pm for your flight which leaves early hours on 28th June.
***Breakdown***
Long haul flights from LGW into Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh to LGW for 2 £767.16 book at Travel Up.
4 nights in Hanoi £82.64 (reduce the number of nights if you want to do a Halong Bay cruise) Book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
2 nights in Hue £24.72 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
3 nights in Hoi An £27.30 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
2 flights from DaNang to Siem Reap £258.98 book at Tripsta (Flights are with Vietnam Airlines).
3 nights in Siem Reap £24.15 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
Bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for 2 people $18/£14.64 book on bookmebus.com
2 nights in Phnom Penh £31.88 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
2 Hang Chau Ferry tickets $50/£40.67
1 night in Chau Doc £21.94 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
Futa bus from Chau Doc to Can Tho for 2 people 100,000 dong each (total £7.22, get hotel to book tickets for you)
2 nights in the Green Village Mekong Delta book direct £62.22/$76.50
Futa bus from Can Tho to HCM for 2 people 100,000 dong each (total £7.22, get hotel to book tickets for you)
2 nights in the Royal Saigon Eat and Sleep £29 book on Ebookers AFFVC0117
Total £1399.75/£699.87
Top comments
On another point, Rachel said this:
" On 14 June you'll travel to Hoi An. Now you have a range of methods to get you here and you'll need to account for this in your trip, but I recommend a motorbike. You will drive the 'Top Gear Road' and the views from the pass are stunning as you head down to the coast"
She is 100% right, as in so many places in Asia the best way to experience them is by motorbike. Caveat, make sure your insurance covers motorcycle riding, many don't. Even if they appear to, check the fine print, because without exception, they will only cover you if you would be qualified to ride the same size bike in the UK. So if you think you might want to ride a bike on holiday, at the very least take a CBT course to ride up to a 125cc.
Hate to be a killjoy but seen too many people come to grief in SE Asia because they have come off a bike and insurance company says "no". As a result hospitals in the region are very wary about treating people with motorbike injuries without checking first they will be paid. Make sure a copy of your qualification to ride that bike is stored online so that the insurance claims assessors can access it. Generally speaking there is a mathematical equation at work here, the cheaper your insurance the longer you will wait for treatment beyond the very basics.
Last tip, when you are facing an oncoming vehicle in a limited passing area and they flash their lights, it does not mean "come on" as in the UK. it means the precise opposite, (I'm coming through") and that simple misunderstanding has caused more accidents with British tourists than any other,
Have fun :smile:
All comments (154)
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I know these places are great foodie experiences,but do they have/can you find veggie options?
Secondly, are the accommodations you mentions shared (like a hostel shared bathrooms etc) or private with en suite etc?
All accommodation is private en-suite rooms although you can opt for cheaper rooms if you wish or alternative accommodation. I've stayed in many of these places on this deal though so I feel confident recommending them.