Vietnam & Cambodia

Welcome to Hanoi, the flourishing capital of Vietnam! Watch you step when you cross the street. This city, as is the rest of Vietnam, is filled with thousands of motor bikes making their way through the chaotic traffic. You will learn quite quickly that the permanent honking is just a sign to gently tell you to get out of the way. Hanoi is often either the start or end point for any trip through Vietnam. And although it has adapted a lot to the backpacker vibe it does remain true to its original self.

When you're in North Vietnam, we have included two super cool activities which we consider as must do's in this area. One is the 3 day Halong Bay adventure where you cruise around the bay surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs. Once you back on mainland a completely different experience awaits you. We have also included a 4 day trekking adventure through the villages of Sapa. Expect breathtaking views, green lush landscapes and a chance to embrace the local Vietnamese culture in the small villages on first hand.

The trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is on your own, and you can take the night train to Hue. After arrival just relax and explore this historical town on your own. Hue is beautifully located on the banks of “Perfume River” and was Vietnams’ capital city until 1945. And although this city took quite some hits during the American War (as it is set perfectly halfway between Hanoi in the of North and Saigon to the South) this fortified city still has a lot of old history.

Next up could be Hoi An; a popular stop on everyone’s backpack trip through Vietnam. This little town is famous for a very specific craftsmanship: tailoring. Have a suit made in a day or design your own new sneakers. And all for a proper bargain.

While you are waiting for your new wardrobe go explore the beautiful old center of this colorful town. Hoi An feature a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European architecture, and its continued cultural pulse is part of the reason why Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Another top tip for Hoi An is to get a bicycle and ride to the beach. Okay, so it might be a bit touristy. Well, that is because it is just so gorgeous out there and everyone obviously wants a taste of it.

Hop aboard another sleeper train and get off at the beach town of Nha Trang. This place is perfect if you need a party fix or just some R&R at the beach. Stay as long as you like, recharge your travel battery.

Whenever you are ready, head on to famous mountain retreat town Dalat. The tempered climate of Dalat offers a brisk welcoming change on your sunburned beach body. Dalat is the perfect place from where you can explore further of the beaten path destinations if you are keen.

Your last stop in Vietnam is the pearl of the South at the edge of the Mekong Delta: Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon: The Souths’ original capital name. If you have not yet now is the time to try everything that the Vietnamese cuisine has to offer. There are Pho stalls on literally every street corner. Take a seat on one of the teeny-tiny plastic stools. Order an ice cold can of Saigon beer and watch the hustle and bustle go by.

From Ho Chi Minh City we have included a 7 day group trip into Cambodia.

Meet up with the group of backpackers and get ready to 8 days of fun experiences. Together with your new travel buddies you'll pass through Vietnam, into Cambodia before ending in the capital Phnom Penh. On the way there will be secluded islands, delicious food and awesome nature experiences. After 8 eventful days you'll touch down in Phnom Penh where you have time on your own to get to Siem Reap - home of the infamous Angkor Wat.

Take all the time you like to get to the backpacker friendly town. We recommend that you visit the famous temple complex of Angkor. The whole park stretches over 400 sq. km. which you can easily roam for weeks exploring the remains of the ancient Khmer Empire. Check out the famous Angkor Wat as well as the more hidden jungle temples like Ta Prohm, Bayon and Baphuon.

After a full day of temple exploration, you can head out to Tonlé Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, to relax. A sunset cruise and a cold beer is a great way to end your day!

For those who really want to immerse themselves in the local culture and want to make some impact during their trip, we have included a two-week volunteer program near Siem Reap. The Greenway School in the Pul village of Samraong in Cambodia teaches English to children from poorer backgrounds, who otherwise could not afford education. Do not worry if you have never taught before. The local teacher will have a program ready and just need the help of the volunteers assisting in their full classes. Creative ideas from volunteers are always welcome, so if you bring a skill you would like to teach, we love you even more! This program is all about exchanging knowledge and culture. Your accommodation is a volunteer house on site which you share with other participants. So not only will you meet local children, but you will also live very closely with like-minded volunteers from all over the world.
After two weeks you may not even want to leave. (No problem; we can always sort that out for you).

Once you're ready to say goodbye to this amazing place, we have included a flight home from Siem Reap. In case you want more adventure, we'll sort that as well.