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Southern Vietnam & Cambodia’s Ancient Kingdom of Angkor

12 days from £7,885 for 2025 per person

This itinerary is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Cultural Holidays.

Combining southern Vietnam with Cambodia, this overland journey allows you to go beyond the traditional tourist sites, while keeping to a high standard of accommodation and services throughout.


Your journey begins in Saigon, the economic capital of Vietnam and centre of the French and American 20th century influences. Venture off the tourist trail and board the back of a vintage Vespa for a unique guided tour of the sites, and go on a street food walk through the frenetic streets to discover local delicacy’s and delicious cuisine. After two nights in this energetic city, journey south to the fertile soils of the Mekong Delta. Board a converted ‘Sampan’ (a local canal boat) and spend an evening on the water, and experience everyday life in the farming heartland as well as the famed Cai Rang floating market, before heading to the frontier town of Chau Doc.

Crossing the border to Cambodia, a bit of rest and relaxation is on the cards. The seaside town of Kep, first established in the 1920’s as a seaside resort for the colonial administration, is a wonderfully soporific  town and home to some of the finest pepper in the world, owing to plantations from past French colonialism. A short road journey from Kep will have you in Cambodia’s beguiling capital of Phnom Penh. Until recently Phnom Penh was a sleepy backwater with dirt roads and crumbling architecture, however today it is the face of the new modern Cambodia, with a laid back café culture and exceptional dining and nightlife options.

A short domestic flight from Phnom Penh will take you to Siem Reap to explore the ancient Kingdom of Angkor. Having only been accessible to researchers over the last 15 years after half a century of isolation, archaeologists and historians are only now discovering the true size and scope of what was the pre-industrial age’s most advanced civilization. With four nights here you are able to take in the remnants of this ancient kingdom at a leisurely pace, while enjoying the fine Cambodian countryside and amenities of modern day Siem Reap.

This luxury holiday is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your very own tailor-made tour of Vietnam and Cambodia. If you are feeling inspired and would like to see similar trips, take a look at our collection of Family Holidays and Epic Journeys; as well as our BeachCulinary and Multi-Country itineraries.


Itinerary details

12 days from £7,885 for 2025 per person

  • Day 1 - Park Hyatt Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
    Arrive in Saigon this morning and enjoy the day at leisure. This evening embark on a gastronomic introduction to the flavours of the city with the Saigon Street Foodies.
  • Day 2 - Park Hyatt Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
    Today take in the sights of this vivacious city aboard the back of a vintage Vespa with your guide.
  • Day 3 - Aqua Mekong - Mekong Delta
    Head south today to the agricultural heartland of the Mekong Delta and board a private sampan to explore the waterways of this unique region.
  • Day 4 - Victoria Nui Sam Lodge - Mekong Delta
    Rise early this morning and take in the roaring trade of the Cai Rang floating market, the largest of its kind on the Mekong. Disembark your sampan after breakfast and travel by road to the frontier town of Chau Doc.
  • Day 5 - Knai Bang Chatt - Kep
    Today, drive south towards the coast and cross the border into Cambodia and the seaside town of Kep.
  • Day 6 - Knai Bang Chatt - Kep
    This morning, catch a private boat and spend the day enjoying the white sands of remote island Koh Tonsay.
  • Day 7 - Knai Bang Chatt - Kep
    Today visit the Kampot pepper plantations, said to produce some of the finest pepper in the world.
  • Day 8 - Raffles Hotel Le Royal - Phnom Penh
    Drive north today to the capital, taking in the memorials to Cambodia's troubled cold war history at the Killings Fields and Tuol Sleng Prison.
  • Day 9 - Raffles Hotel Le Royal - Phnom Penh
    Explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Phnom Penh with your guide before enjoying a sunset cruise on the Mekong & Tonle Sap rivers.
  • Day 10 - Sala Lodges - Siem Reap
    Today catch a short flight to Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient Kingdom of Angkor.
  • Day 11 - Sala Lodges - Siem Reap
    Explore the jungle enclosed 12th century temple of Ta Phrom this morning, before enjoying a private dining experience amongst the ride paddies of the East Baray.
  • Day 12 - In transit.
    Enjoy a day at leisure in Siem Reap before catching your flight back home.
CAMBODIA Siem Reap Raffles D Angkor Hotel At Night CAMBODIA Siem Reap Raffles D Angkor Hotel At Night
VIETNAM FAM 7 VIETNAM FAM 7
VIETNAM Locals VIETNAM Locals
Gecko Eyes Mekong Delta Vietnam 2 Gecko Eyes Mekong Delta Vietnam 2
VIETNAM Floating Market Victoria Can Tho VIETNAM Floating Market Victoria Can Tho
Victoria Nui Sam Lodge Mekong Delta Vietnam 3 Victoria Nui Sam Lodge Mekong Delta Vietnam 3
Victoria Nui Sam Lodge Mekong Delta Vietnam 8 Victoria Nui Sam Lodge Mekong Delta Vietnam 8
Kep Cambodia Kep Cambodia
CAMBODIA Knai Bang Chatt Kep Infinity Pool CAMBODIA Knai Bang Chatt Kep Infinity Pool
Kep Cambodia 1  (1) Kep Cambodia 1  (1)
CAMBODIA Phnom Penh CAMBODIA Phnom Penh
Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh Cambodia Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh Cambodia
Sala Lodge Siem Reap Cambodia 4 Sala Lodge Siem Reap Cambodia 4
Sala Lodge Siem Reap Cambodia 14 Sala Lodge Siem Reap Cambodia 14
CAMBODIA Angkor Cycling CAMBODIA Angkor Cycling
To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson

Client Testimonials

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India

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