Asia & Oceania
From Halong to the Mekong, from rice to Angkor
Vietnam and Cambodia combine five of Southeast Asia's most iconic landscapes into a single itinerary.
Vietnam unfolds from north to south like a scroll of silk: the terraced rice fields of Sapa among the Hmong and Dao ethnic groups, Hanoi's old quarter with its Michelin-starred cuisine, Halong Bay sailed on a luxury junk among a thousand karsts, the lanterns of Hoi An at nightfall, the urban vertigo of Ho Chi Minh City and the silence of the Mekong Delta from aboard the Aqua Mekong. In Cambodia, Siem Reap crowns the journey with Angkor Wat at dawn and the temples of Bayon and Ta Prohm, staying at Amansara, the former royal pavilion of King Sihanouk. Sixteen days of contrasts woven together with internal flights and private transfers, with hotels of the highest level at every stage and experiences that only an operator with contacts on the ground can design.
Suggested itinerary
Departure from Madrid with Qatar Airways in Qsuite Business Class. Short stopover in Hamad International (Doha) with access to the Al Mourjan Business Lounge. Flight to Hanoi in 1-2-1 cabin with sliding door and Do&Co on-demand catering. Overnight aboard.
Arrival at Noi Bai airport, personalised assistance and private transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the iconic 1901 colonial hotel that has hosted Somerset Maugham, Charlie Chaplin, Graham Greene and Jane Fonda. Afternoon to stroll through the old quarter (Hoan Kiem, Ma May street) and grab a pho on the go in the street.
Sofitel Legend Metropole HanoiMorning with a local historian: Temple of Literature (Vietnam's first university, 11th century), Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda. Boutique lunch with seasonal produce. Afternoon to take a cyclo through the old quarter and visit Ho Tay lake at sunset. Dinner at La Verticale by chef Didier Corlou (one Michelin star, signature Franco-Vietnamese cuisine).
Sofitel Legend Metropole HanoiDomestic flight Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu and private transfer to Sapa (or alternative: Victoria Express overnight train with a private cabin). Arrival at the Topas Ecolodge, the region's only Small Luxury Hotels of the World hotel, built in local granite atop two hills with panoramic views over the Muong Hoa valley. Afternoon to acclimatise.
Topas Ecolodge (Small Luxury Hotels of the World)Private trek through the villages of the Black Hmong (Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho) and Red Dao (Ta Van) ethnic groups accompanied by a local Hmong guide. The Muong Hoa terraced rice fields are a traditional agricultural heritage more than a thousand years old. Picnic lunch prepared by the hotel at a natural viewpoint. Red Dao medicinal herbal bath on return.
Topas EcolodgeDomestic flight Dien Bien Phu-Hanoi and direct private transfer to Halong (2h30 on motorway). Boarding at Heritage Bình Chuẩn (the most luxurious boutique junk in the bay, only 20 suites all with private balcony) or alternative Emperor Cruises (ultra-luxury yachts). Lunch on board while the boat sails toward less touristy areas of the bay. Afternoon of kayaking between karsts and overnight on board.
Heritage Bình Chuẩn / Emperor CruisesDawn in the bay with optional Tai Chi class on deck. Breakfast while sailing. The day continues with a tender visit to the Cave of Surprises (Sung Sot) and swim on secluded beaches. Signature lunch by the junk's Vietnamese chef. Afternoon of restful sailing or private Vietnamese cooking class on board.
Heritage Bình ChuẩnMid-morning disembarkation and private transfer to Hanoi airport. Domestic flight to Danang and transfer to the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai. Eighty private villas facing Ha My beach with their own pools, designed by Reda Amalou. Free afternoon to enjoy the spa floating over lotus ponds.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai · Hoi AnMorning with a local guide through the old quarter of Hoi An (UNESCO heritage): Japanese covered bridge, Tan Ky tea house, central market. Private meeting with a master tailor to fit a bespoke suit or dress in 24h. Lunch at Morning Glory (chef Vy). At nightfall, boat ride along the Thu Bon river releasing wish lanterns.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam HaiPrivate excursion to My Son (UNESCO heritage), the 4th-13th century Champa sanctuary hidden in a valley surrounded by rainforest. Tour with an archaeologist specialised in Champa culture. Return to the hotel for lunch and a free afternoon to enjoy The Nam Hai: beach, floating spa or Vietnamese cooking class in the herb garden.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam HaiTransfer to Danang airport and domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Check-in at the Park Hyatt Saigon (or alternative: The Reverie Saigon with 360-degree river views). Afternoon with a local guide in the French Quarter (Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Gustave Eiffel's Post Office). Dinner at Anan Saigon by chef Peter Cuong Franklin (Michelin, modern Vietnamese cuisine).
Park Hyatt Saigon / The ReveriePrivate transfer from HCMC to the pier (My Tho or Cai Be, 2h). Boarding the Aqua Mekong, the ultra-luxury river cruise designed by Saigon Silhouette, with only 20 suites (all with floor-to-ceiling windows), spa, gym, two pools and a library. Lunch on board as the Mekong begins to unfold its channels. Afternoon with an expedition by tender through the secondary channels.
Aqua Mekong (maximum 10 passengers per boat)Early dawn for the visit to Cai Rang floating market, the largest in the delta (4:30 - 7:00 AM the best hours). Return to the boat for breakfast while sailing. Continue downriver with stops at riverside villages, coconut plantations and meetings with local artisans. Signature dinner by chef David Thai on board.
Aqua MekongDisembarkation from the Aqua Mekong at Chau Doc (Cambodian border) and transfer to the airport. Flight Ho Chi Minh-Siem Reap (or alternative Phnom Penh + road). Arrival at Amansara, the former resting pavilion of King Norodom Sihanouk converted into an Aman with only 24 suites in the heart of Siem Reap. Welcome with tea and optional Cambodian massage.
Amansara · Siem ReapDeparture at 4:30 with a private archaeologist to watch dawn from Angkor Wat's front reflecting pond (the best point for reflection). In-depth tour of Angkor Wat, followed by the Angkor Thom complex with the Bayon temple (the 216 faces of Avalokiteshvara). Boutique lunch. Afternoon at Ta Prohm, the temple devoured by the roots of the spung tree (Tomb Raider). Return to Amansara for spa and dinner.
AmansaraMorning at Banteay Srei, the "citadel of women", a 10th-century Hindu temple carved in pink sandstone 25 km from Siem Reap. Final visit to the Artisans Angkor artisans' house. Farewell lunch and transfer to the airport. Flight Siem Reap-Doha-Madrid with Qatar Airways in Qsuite Business Class. Indicative price from 8,950 € per person in double occupancy. Our journey includes international flights Madrid-Hanoi + Siem Reap-Madrid with Qatar Airways in Qsuite Business Class. Domestic flights Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu, Hanoi-Danang, Danang-Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh-Siem Reap. All transfers in private service with driver. Top-tier hotels selected (Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Topas Ecolodge SLH, Heritage Bình Chuẩn junk, Four Seasons The Nam Hai, Park Hyatt Saigon, Amansara Aman). Aqua Mekong river cruise, 3 nights full-board. Board: bed and breakfast plus meals indicated in the itinerary. Private excursions with specialist guides (Champa archaeologist in My Son, Hmong guide in Sapa, Cambodian archaeologist in Angkor). Michelin dinners at La Verticale (Hanoi) and Anan Saigon. Red Dao herbal bath in Sapa. Comprehensive meet & greet and cancellation insurance. 24-hour telephone assistance throughout the journey.
Suggested hotels
Vietnam and Cambodia in pictures
FAQ
Bespoke luxury journeys to Vietnam and Cambodia designed by Luxury Atelier by Presstour start from 6.900 € per person (indicative price, luxury-category accommodation, private services and exclusive experiences). The final price varies based on dates, season, hotel category and added experiences. Request a proposal and within 48-72 business hours you will receive a closed quote.
The best time to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia is from November to March (dry season in both countries). December-February is high season. April-May has extreme heat. July-September is monsoon in the south (Ho Chi Minh, Mekong). Our specialists advise on the optimal dates based on the type of experience you are seeking (wildlife, culture, climate or less crowd) and your personal calendar.
In Vietnam we work with Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Topas Ecolodge SLH in Sapa, Heritage Bình Chuẩn as a premium junk in Halong, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Park Hyatt Saigon in HCMC and the Aqua Mekong as an ultra-luxury river cruise. In Cambodia we are partners of Amansara (Aman). With the majority we have preferred partnerships that guarantee operational upgrades, late check-out and exclusive benefits. Bali at Jimbaran Bay. All with preferred partnerships that allow us to secure upgrades, late check-outs and exclusive services for our clients.
The signature itinerary is 16 days combining Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong, Hoi An, HCMC, Mekong) and Cambodia (Siem Reap with Angkor Wat). With 20-22 days you can add Luang Prabang (Amantaka in Laos) to complete the Indochinese route. With 12 days it is recommended to focus only on Vietnam. Our signature itinerary is 14 days. We tailor the route to your dates, pace and priorities — some clients prefer fewer transfers over more days, others want to cover more regions.
Angkor Wat at dawn with a private archaeologist before the public opening. Private trekking through the terraced rice fields of Sapa with a Hmong guide and a Red Dao herbal bath. Sailing on the Heritage Bình Chuẩn with a Vietnamese cooking class on board. Ultra-luxury Aqua Mekong cruise, 3 nights. Michelin dinner at La Verticale by chef Didier Corlou. Stay at Amansara, the former royal pavilion of King Sihanouk. Every journey includes access to private experiences, guides specialised in the theme that interests you (cultural, gastronomic, wellness or photographic) and premium 24/7 logistics throughout the route.
Let's talk about Vietnam and Cambodia
Every journey is unique. Tell us your dates, interests and how many of you there will be. Within 48-72 business hours you will have a personalised proposal with no commitment.