Written by Karla Vazquez, Private FAM Trip Hosted by TONLE JOURNEYS for The Muse & Cameo Collections
There are some destinations you sell as a travel advisor, and then there are destinations you experience firsthand and come home even more excited to share. Vietnam and Cambodia were the latter.
I had the opportunity to join a private familiarization trip traveling alongside fellow travel advisors for 12 days and 11 nights through Vietnam and Cambodia. Our journey took us from the energy and history of Hanoi to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, the imperial heritage of Hue, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, the nonstop energy of Saigon, the waterways of the Mekong Delta, and finally to the ancient temples of Siem Reap.
This was more than a sightseeing trip. It was an opportunity to experience the hotels, guides, transportation, culinary experiences, cultural activities, and excursions that I can now confidently recommend. And after experiencing it myself, I can say that Vietnam and Cambodia offer an incredible combination of culture, history, cuisine, adventure, wellness, and beautifully designed luxury hotels.
Vietnam
Hanoi: Where History Meets Modern Energy
Our journey began in Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, where we stayed at the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. The hotel also offers a fascinating Path of History experience, which takes guests into the hotel’s historic wartime bomb shelter.
We explored Hanoi Train Street, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, visited the Temple of Literature, and learned about the history of Hoa Lo Prison. We also had the opportunity to visit and have lunch at the brand new Fairmont Hanoi. For dinner, we joined a local food tour with a member of the Hanoi Gastronomy Club. Rather than simply visiting restaurants, we walked through the city’s backstreets, discovering local favorites and sampling Vietnamese specialties along the way.
Ha Long Bay: An Overnight on the Water
From Hanoi, we traveled by road to Ha Long Bay and boarded the Indochine Premium Cruise for an overnight journey through the bay. This was one of those experiences where the journey itself becomes part of the destination.
The vessel features spacious suites with private balconies, along with a restaurant, bar, spa, terrace deck, and Jacuzzi pool. For travelers who want to experience Ha Long Bay without sacrificing comfort, an overnight cruise is an excellent addition to a Vietnam itinerary.
Hue: Vietnam’s Imperial Past
After returning to Hanoi, we flew south to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Here we stayed at Azerai La Residence Hue. Its location along the Perfume River makes this a particularly appealing option for travelers who want to experience Hue’s history while having a beautiful retreat to return to.
Hue offered a completely different perspective of Vietnam. Our time here focused heavily on history, architecture, royal traditions, and the legacy of the Nguyen dynasty. We visited a royal mausoleum, and enjoyed tea at a beautiful private residence designed in a royal architectural style. One of the most memorable evenings of the entire journey was our Royal Dinner. The evening was designed around the traditions of the Nguyen dynasty, complete with Hue royal cuisine and traditional music.
Hoi An: Lanterns, Countryside & Culinary Experiences
From Hue, we traveled by road toward Hoi An. Along the way, we toured and enjoyed lunch at the iconic beachfront Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai. Upon arrival at Hoi An, we had the opportunity to visit and have dinner at MOIRE Hoi An.
Hoi An quickly became one of the most charming stops of the trip. We stayed at Namia River Retreat, a great option for travelers looking for a peaceful wellness-focused stay surrounded by nature while remaining close enough to experience the ancient town. Our time in Hoi An included getting custom-made clothing, a cooking class at a nearby village, and experiencing the famous tradition of releasing lanterns onto the Hoai River.
Saigon: A City That Never Sleeps
Our next stop was Saigon, officially Ho Chi Minh City, where we stayed at Hôtel des Arts Saigon. A stylish city hotel and a convenient base for exploring Saigon. After checking in, we toured The Reverie Saigon and enjoyed a meal at the property.
For travelers who love food, nightlife, design, history and urban energy, Saigon is a must. We explored Saigon’s nightlife from the back of vintage Vespas. Our evening took us through the city’s busy streets and narrow alleyways, stopping along the way for local food and drinks before ending with live music and dancing.
The Mekong Delta: A Different Side of Vietnam
The following day, we left the city behind for a full-day journey into the Mekong Delta. Traveling southwest from Saigon, we traveled by a wooden boat visiting a coconut processing operation, a traditional brick-making facility and local homes. We also learned about rice wine and tried producing rice paper ourselves.
This was a completely different side of Vietnam, which focused on rural life, traditional craftsmanship and the everyday rhythms of communities along the Mekong. For travelers who want to go beyond the major cities and experience more of local life, I would absolutely consider adding the Mekong Delta.
Cambodia
Siem Reap: Ancient Temples & Modern Luxury
Our final destination was Siem Reap, Cambodia. We stayed at Zannier Phum Baitang, a beautiful retreat surrounded by rice fields and greenery, and it was the perfect place to slow down after an action-packed journey through Vietnam.
Of course, the centerpiece of our time in Siem Reap was Angkor. We explored Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom, including the famous Bayon temple with its enormous carved stone faces. Seeing these temples in person is difficult to put into words. The combination of architecture, history and the surrounding landscape makes Angkor an extraordinary experience.
The other properties we visited included Anantara Angkor Resort, Shinta Mani Angkor, and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. Siem Reap is an especially compelling destination for travelers who want to combine bucket-list sightseeing with beautiful hotels, wellness and slower-paced experiences.
Ready to Explore Vietnam & Cambodia?
Whether you’re dreaming of cruising through Ha Long Bay, learning to cook Vietnamese cuisine, exploring the temples of Angkor, relaxing at a riverside retreat in Hoi An, or combining all of the above into one unforgettable journey, Vietnam and Cambodia can be tailored in countless ways.
