Cambodia and Vietnam vacation
Highlights
Hanoi | Halong Bay | Hue | Hoi An | Ho Chi Minh City | Mekong Delta | Phnom Penh | Siem Reap | Angkor Wat | Battambang | Bangkok | Optional activities include: cooking classes, zip-lines and city sightseeing tours |Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.comCheck dates, prices & availability
Small group adventure
What is a small group adventure?It's a great way to travel! Whether you are traveling on your own, with a partner or with friends, a small group trip is a fantastic way to see the world. You'll travel on a fixed itinerary that has been designed to help you discover the best of region. From the known highlights, the hidden gems that you won't find in the guidebooks.
Itineraries run on set departure dates, accompanied every step of the way by an English speaking local group leader. You chose the itinerary and the date that suits you best and you book on.
Why travel on a small group adventure?
Small groups allow us to explore where larger tour groups can't. Our maximum group size of 16 travelers allows us to use local transport to get from A to B, to visit rural villages, spend time with the locals and even stay at a local home overnight, and it allows us to give our travelers genuine, real life experiences of the countries we are visiting; what you'll be doing and how you'll travel depends entirely on your chosen itinerary.
Is an adventure right for me?
The word adventure means something different to everyone, and our range of trips reflects that. Whether you want to explore local markets, visit out of the way temples and meet local people or go on an early morning safari drive searching for the 'big five', we'll have a trip for you. If you are looking for a physical challenge such trekking the Kokoda Track or summiting Kilimanjaro, we can help with that too.
So what can I expect on this trip?
This is a classic style of small group adventure. You'll find your trip combines a good mix of included activities and free time, with some meals included as per your itinerary. We don't want you to feel chaperoned, it's your vacation not ours. Your group leader will be on hand to assist with organising anything you might wish to do in your free time, but how you spend it is up to you. Anything listed as included in your itinerary will be included in trip price; whereas anything listed as optional will be at an additional cost should you wish to take part.
These trips are great value, including things that you would struggle to organise independently, such as a night at a homestay in a remote village, or local guides around a remote place of interest. Transport will be a combination of private vehicle and public transport, whichever is the most appropriate for the route we are traveling; this might include train, plane, camel, tuk tuk, bicycle, boat…
On a majority of these trips you'll stay in 2-3 star accommodation, locally owned and reflective of the region you are traveling through. All solo travelers will be automatically roomed on a twin share basis with another group member of the same sex, unless you opt to pay for your own room at time of booking. There are no compulsory single supplements for solo travelers willing to share. Single rooms aren't available on camping trips, and you will be expected to help out with camp tasks such as setting up and breaking down your camp.
Can I book my flights with you?
Yes! We are a fully ATOL bonded tour operator meaning that we can book flights from the UK as part of your vacation package. Just ask us for a quote including flights when you make your inquiry.
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your vacation will help support conservation and local people.

As a company, our responsibilities don’t stop when our tours end. We run and support a variety of projects globally, from healthcare, education, human rights, child welfare, sustainable development and environmental and wildlife protection. Our own in house foundation has been in operation for over 11 years; a not-for-profit fund that has distributed over AU$3 million to more than 70 non-government organisations since 2002. Donations come from our travelers and are then matched by us dollar for dollar.
The Impacts of this Trip
Traversing three countries and many different communities, it is important for travelers to learn as much as possible in advance about the many cultural differences so that we can travel respecting these differences and minimising any negative impacts. Your group leader and the local guides we use along the way will help to break down barriers in your interactions with local people.
The ruins of Angkor are protected under UNESCO World Heritage listing and as such, part of the money received from entrance tickets contributes to the amazing site’s conservation. Your local guide will also give you plenty of guidance on what is appropriate when visiting the ruins and you will have the chance to interact with many of the local kids.
This trip includes visits to Friends in Phnom Penh and KOTO in Hanoi – restaurants with training schools set up for less fortunate kids, helping them to gain some practical skills.
Travelers will have the option of visiting the land mine museum in Siem Reap and any donations are gratefully accepted. Also in Siem Reap, there is a local children’s hospital where the local kids put on a show on some nights. All money and blood donations are for the hospital and provide free services for children from the area. At the end of our journey, travelers may donate any unwanted clothing, medicines and bandages, which are distributed to appropriate local charities.


As a company, our responsibilities don’t stop when our tours end. We run and support a variety of projects globally, from healthcare, education, human rights, child welfare, sustainable development and environmental and wildlife protection. Our own in house foundation has been in operation for over 11 years; a not-for-profit fund that has distributed over AU$3 million to more than 70 non-government organisations since 2002. Donations come from our travelers and are then matched by us dollar for dollar.

The Impacts of this Trip
Traversing three countries and many different communities, it is important for travelers to learn as much as possible in advance about the many cultural differences so that we can travel respecting these differences and minimising any negative impacts. Your group leader and the local guides we use along the way will help to break down barriers in your interactions with local people.
The ruins of Angkor are protected under UNESCO World Heritage listing and as such, part of the money received from entrance tickets contributes to the amazing site’s conservation. Your local guide will also give you plenty of guidance on what is appropriate when visiting the ruins and you will have the chance to interact with many of the local kids.
This trip includes visits to Friends in Phnom Penh and KOTO in Hanoi – restaurants with training schools set up for less fortunate kids, helping them to gain some practical skills.
Travelers will have the option of visiting the land mine museum in Siem Reap and any donations are gratefully accepted. Also in Siem Reap, there is a local children’s hospital where the local kids put on a show on some nights. All money and blood donations are for the hospital and provide free services for children from the area. At the end of our journey, travelers may donate any unwanted clothing, medicines and bandages, which are distributed to appropriate local charities.

8 Reviews of Cambodia and Vietnam vacation
Reviewed on 04 Nov 2019 by Liz Behnke
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting My Son and Angkor Wat. Loved Wat Pho in Bangkok as well
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for long bus journeys on very bumpy roads
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We visited a number of small businesses and social enterprises including restaurants, the circus and family homes on our trip.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, but quite relentless with little time to settle or relax, but that is why you chose trips like this
Reviewed on 07 May 2019 by David Brock
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hoi An, Saigon, and Angkor Wat.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book extra time at the beginning and end so that you can make the most of Hanoi and Bangkok, otherwise the time in these two cities is very short.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to helping local people because we were bringing work and currency to them. Not sure about the other two, tho' we did use the same water bottles repeatedly.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A fascinating tour to a variety of interesting places.
Reviewed on 23 Jan 2018 by Tim Stapenhurst
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Difficult to say... learning about the recent history of Vietnam and Cambodia (Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnam war, Cu Chi tunnels, Pol Pot etc) Ha long bay (despite the poor weather)
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Poor packing list, make up your own! There is a lot of road travel in Cambodia... and the roads are not very good.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good.
Reviewed on 01 Sep 2013 by Marian Jenkins
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
As a single traveler I particularly appreciated the fact that all the other
members of the tour were extremely friendly and easy to get on with. We are all
still in touch with one another even though the vacation is finished. Also, the
guides were very knowledgable and enthusiastic and all of the activities we
participated in were extremely interesting and enjoyable. The warmth of the
local people was very touching and the scenery and sights were beautiful.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a rucksack, travel light and don't forget the mosquito repellent.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The local people benefitted financially from our activities and shopping
and there was no negative environmental impact as far as I could tell.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I would definitely recommend this tour and intend to do another one with this
company.
Reviewed on 27 Oct 2011 by Loretta Ahmed
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Loved cycling in Hoi An and seeing the locals and water buffalo in the fields. The cookery class was hilarious and memorable for all the right reasons. The night on the town in Hue - when we were like drowned rats and miserable until we lightened up and saw the funny side.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack light as there is lots of tempting things to buy, plus having wheels on your bag is seriously an advantage. Don’t spend too much extra time in Hanoi if you have no firm plans as there are definitely nicer places to stop over a few days.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I would definitely agree with the former. In fact more than any other previous vacation I’ve been on. From the push bike owners to the lady who washed our clothes. There was definitely an ethos of minimising impact on the environment but at the end of day we did get an internal flight and we seemed to accumulate a lot of water bottles! That could be improved.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely brilliant!
Reviewed on 14 Oct 2011 by Jack Kitchener
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Enjoy.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good!
Reviewed on 22 Sep 2011 by Iwona Montel-Krasucka
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Of course there has been plenty of them. To mention those best ones: the cruise on the tranquil Halong Bay, kayaking and swimming in it's waters, the motorbike trip through the backstreets and in the countryside of Hue City, overnight train journey by Reunification Express, picnic on the bank of the river in Hoi An town, traveling by an old bamboo train in Cambodia's countryside... and many more special moments captured by my camera.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
For those not accustomed to using tab water for brushing your teeth, don't forget about taking some purifying tablets with you. It will save you litres of mineral water. If you like taking photographs, bring at least 8 maybe even 12 GB large memory cards for your camera. You will definitely use it completely. It is always useful to have plenty of small banknotes (change of $1) handy. You will need them every day for tipping and supporting local communities. Grab any moment to write in your journal about random events or sights.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I surely had that feeling. This vacation is an carbon offset trip- meaning that you are purchasing certain amount in tones of carbon credits from carbon offset programs which work on avoiding or absorbing CO2 emissions, such as sustainable energy initiatives or tree planting. Accommodation in only small locally controlled hotels, supporting local guides for leading the groups, visiting schools, orphanages, home-stays or dining were all benefiting local people. Well done!
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent and beyond expectations, good value for money.
Reviewed on 22 Aug 2011 by Hilary Sibley
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
For me the whole vacation was memorable. We had a wonderful guide, Charlie, our guide in Vietnam, who so obviously loved his country and made us love it too. Although the traveling was arduous the sights and experiences we had on route were worth it. I found the boat trip in Halung Bay the most relaxing being surrounded by such breathtaking scenery. It would have been nice to have spent more time there.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take cleaning wipes, a sheet sleeping bag, black out mask and earplugs for the overnight train between Hanoi and Hue. Not essential but does aid sleep!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Optional excursions included local people. Both in Vietnam and Cambodia we were invited to experience a meal in local peoples homes and the money went straight to the families involved. We also had trips to workplaces of people that had been involved in the civil wars and were unable to function in the greater society. We were then able to buy goods and the money went to the charities to enable them to continue their work.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
If we had had the same guide all the way through the vacation I would have rated it outstanding and clicked 5 stars, but the Cambodian guide did not meet our expectations - especially as our Vietnamese guide was so brilliant. We will defiinitely be going back to Vietnam to explore places we missed the first time and I would not hesitate to go with this operator again.
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