Trip Report - Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand - October, 2025
My husband and I returned from this excellent, fascinating tour last week. I think it is a well thought out tour and the hotels and food were outstanding.
On tour flights were handled very well. With one exception, bags were checked in and boarding passes handed to us upon arrival at the airport. We did not need to claim bags - they were taken to the Hotels. And we frequently were quickly escorted through expedited lines. We had two flights on Vietnam Airlines, one each on Air Cambodia, Thai Smile and Bangkok Airways. The flights were timely, comfortable and short.
Weather: For the most part, excellent. Not too cold or hot in Hanoi. We had some rain in Central Vietnam, to be expected during rainy season. Some, but minimal, impact on touring (we were lucky). And the partly cloudy skies kept it cooler. Very good weather in Cambodia and Thailand - not too hot.
Pretour: We arrived two nights prior to the start of the tour. Really nice room. The morning after our arrival, we had time for a leisurely breakfast and a walk around the area of the Sofitel and the hotel itself. At 9;30 a.m. we were picked up for our pre-arranged day tour to Halong Bay. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed our own boat, a cave visit, a great lunch and lovely views. We were happy that we came an extra day early to enjoy this tour. After we arrived back at the Sofitel, we enjoyed a light dinner and drinks on the 7th Floor (access included with our Tauck rooms).
Day 1 of Tour: Prior to the start of the tour at 6:00 pm, we enjoyed independent time in Hanoi. At 7:20 am, we were picked up for a pre-booked Backstreets Jeep Tour. It was excellent, including touring the City by jeep, walking some back streets, stops at Train Street and the B52 Museum (outside only) and an excellent lunch. We had enough time back at the Hotel to enjoy the nice pool and then met our group for cocktails and then a very good dinner at Le Beaulieu, the French restaurant at the Sofitel.
Day 2: Morning buggy (electric carts) ride through the Old Quarter. Then an interesting visit to the Hanoi Hilton and a very good lunch at Le Club. Afternoon visit to Ba Dinh Square, site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where we saw the changing of the guards. Then a nice walking tour of the Botanical Gardens and by the Presidential Palace, a visit to the House on Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. We then went to the Water Puppet show, which was cute. Back to the Sofitel, where we had time to swim and then another light dinner on the 7th Floor. Some folks did go out to dinner to various restaurants. This was the one night when we had to have luggage out the night before our early morning flight.
Day 3: A 6:00 am departure for a 7:45 am flight to Danang. Then we drove to Hue, and had an interesting walking tour of the Tomb and Summer Palace of Emperor Tu Duc. There was sporadic light rain, so a travel umbrella and light weight rain jacket were handy. Then check-in and very good lunch at the La Residence Hotel. Lovely property with attentive staff. At about 3:00 pm, we left the hotel for a fun cyclo ride (in the rain) to the citadel and Forbidden City. There, we had an excellent walking tour. That evening we enjoyed the cocktail lounge at the Hotel and included dinner at prearranged reservation times.
Day 4: This morning, the group was unable to take the planned dragon boat cruise to the Tien Mu Pagoda and Buddhist monastery, because the water levels in the Perfume River were too high for the boats to make it under the bridges. So we went to the Pagoda and monastery by bus and had a very nice tour (again, on and off rain). There were ramps and steps and some of the group skipped this visit. The group then drove to Danang for our two night stay at the beautiful Furama Resort, where we had beachfront rooms. Lovely rooms and we had left the rain behind us. My husband and I enjoyed a long walk on the beach (too rough to swim) and then a swim in the Lagoon pool (one off two pools). Included dinner at one of the three restaurants. We ate at the Asian restauant, which was very good. Most of the group went to the Italian restaurant.
Day 5: Enjoyable morning tour of local farming village, including visit to former Mayor's house. Then, a fun tour of Hoi An, first by cyclos and then a walking tour and visits to the Assembly Hall and the Merchant House. We had independent time to walk around, have lunch, shop. While there, we observed that the River was rising. We returned to the Hotel and had time to take another long beach walk, go for a swim, and work out. That night, we (and most of the group) had dinner in the Asian restaurant, because Friday night is fish buffet night. It was outstanding - point out what fish you want, and it was cooked fresh for you.
Day 6: A 7:45 am departure for an 8:55 am flight to Saigon. Upon arrrival, we drove to the Cu Chi tunnels, eating a boxed lunch on the way. A very good time saving and traffic minimizing strategy. Loved the tunnels visit - very interesting, and a few of us did go down into and walk through the last section of the tunnels (not very far). Afterwards, we drove to the beautiful Park Hyatt Hotel. Lovely room and enough time for a swim in the very nice pool, have a cocktail in the beautiful bar and enjoy included dinner at the Square One restaurant at the Hyatt (I had delicious lobster). Because it was Saturday night, some key streets near the Hotel were designated pedestrian only, so we took a nice walk after dinner, enjoying the lights, the buskers and lots of people watching.
Day 7: A very full and fun day. We had a walking tour of the Ben Tanh market and the Presidential Palace (familiar to many for the tanks crashing through the front gates at the end of the Vietnam War). Then we went to the area of Notre Dame Cathedral (closed for restoration work) and the Post Office. We had time to take photos of the former American Embassy, famous for the helicoptor lifts from the roof, and to visit the beautifu Post Office Building. Then back to the Hyatt for an included lunch at the Opera Restaurant. I understand that because it was Sunday, it was even more special than usual.
That morning, our local guide had offered the group the option of visiting the War Remnants Museum after lunch. Four of us took her up on that offer and at 2:00 pm she accompanied us by van to the Museum, oriented us, and waited for us (about a 45 minute visit). I had read about this museum and was glad to have the opportunity to visit. It was an worthwhile visit, and sad. A very interesting section focusing on journalists who died during the War, a gallery dedicated to Agent Orange and its impact on the Vietnamese peope as well as the U.S. soldiers. Afterward, the local guide accompanied us back to the Hotel.
We had time to for another quick and refreshing swim before our 6:00 pm meeting time for the VESPA foodie and nightlights tour. This was a blast. Much to my surprise, I was not at all hesitant or frightened. It was fascinating driving amongst all of the scooters. People were waving and smiling at us. Our first stop was a rooftop bar for a drink and photos of the City lights. Stop 2 was at an outdoor restaurant for Vietnamest food (including frogs) and a beer. On the way to stop 3, another restaurant, it started raining. The drivers pulled over and provided us with rain ponchos and, like everyone else, kept going. The second restaurant, also outside, but covered, was also good. At that point, some of the group went back to the Hyatt (one person had skipped the entire Vespa experience). Five of us continued on to the final stop, a night club with live music. The visit was not very long, but we had one beer, enjoyed two different bands and some dancing. A very memorable evening! To be continued...
Comments
Part 2
Day 8: Cambodia - a 9:30 am departure for a 12:30 pm flight to Siem Reap. We arrived around 2:00 pm and drove to Tonie Sap Lake (with a snack on the bus). There we had a boat tour of the Lake and two floating villages. It was nice and cool on the Lake and the water level was high. The smaller village can be moved during low water season. The other village is permanent. A very interesting and enjoyable tour and a great local guide. The group then checked into the beautiful Raffles Grand Hotel. Very nice room and the pool area was gorgeous. We had time for a swim and then an excellent group dinner and Cambodian dance performance.
Day 9: Perhaps my favorite day of the tour. In the morning, the group had a walking tour of Angkor Thom, the ancient capital city, and the Temple of Bayon. Lots of uneven steps. In addition to the local guide, we were accompanied by two helpers who provided assistance. They also knew a lot about the sights and were good photographers. Then visited the Ta Prohm temple (the so-called Tomb Raider temple). Loved it!
Then, a very good lunch at a restaurant near the River in Town. My husband and I walked back to the Raffles along the River. The group (minus 2) met up at 2:45 pm to head to the main event, Angkor Wat. A fabulous visit. We walked over the large moat toward and into the temple complex. We toured the first two levels of the temple. And then six of us, accompanied by our two helpers, hiked up steep stairs to the third level, the Bakan Sanctuary. Great views and some hidden Buddhas. The group then had a leisurely walk out the rear of the complex. A memorable day. Back at the Hotel we did have time to once again enjoy the lovely pool, and then included dinner at pre-reserved times.
Day 10: Thailand - a 7:00 am departure for Siem Reap Airport. Flight to Bangkok, and then connecting flight to Chiang Mai.
Certainly our longest travel day. We arrived in Chaing Mai around 2:45 pm, and had a driving tour of the City on the way to the fabulous Four Seasons. Large, beautiful room. We went for a swim in the beautiful pool, overlooking rice field. Excellent group Thai dinner that evening.
Day 11: Elephant Sanctuary visit. A fun and interesting visit and lots of up close interaction with the elephants. We ate a Four Seasons boxed lunch at the sanctuary. Then, a visit to the local tribal village. Interesting and an excellent shopping opportunity. Back at the Four Seasons, I was able to use the Yoga mat that I asked to be delivered to the room. Then some quality time at the pool. That night, included dinner at either the Thai or the Western restaurant. We chose the Western, which was very good (but the Thai was better).
Day 12: Lovely morning drive through the national park up to the Doi Suthep Buddhist Temple. Nice views and a good tour of the Temple. The local guide gave the group the option of going to a jade store. About half chose that option. The rest of us
went back to the Four Seasons immediately. My husband and I had a quick lunch and then I had a 90 minute Thai massage. It was wonderful. Afterwards, I had time for yoga and then we headed for the pool. For the last night, we had our included dinner in the Thai restaurant. It was excellent.
Day 13: An 8:00 am departure for the airport for our 10:10 am flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, at the lovely Rosewood Hotel, we had a very good group lunch and were given our room keys during the lunch. Very nice room with great City view. That afternoon, the group met up with the local guide, and we took the Skytrain (accessible from the Hotel) to the Jim Thompson House. We toured the house and learned about his importance to the silk industry. Then we had time to visit the gardens and the gift shop. Time for a swim and yoga. That evening, included dinner at the Chinese restaurant at pre-reserved time (the whole group decided to eat together). Outstanding meal.
Day 14: A good day of touring. Morning boat ride along River to the famous Temple of Dawn. There, we had a walking tour and then some time on our own to walk up to the second level and around the temple. Afterwards, back on the boat, we went through a lock to the canals of Old Bangkok. Interesting touring - old and new houses, water monitors, temples and a giant Buddha. Then, back on the River, a nice ride on the river back to the waiting bus. Back at the Rosewood, yoga and a refreshing swim in the very nice pool. That night, the whole group participated in an optional activity, for $50 a person. Our local guide accompanied us to an area on the River with shops, restaurants, attractions. There, we had time to eat, shop, whatever, before a 7:10 pm Calypso show. Four of us ate at a Thai restaurant and then did a little shopping. The show was very entertaining, and only about an hour. It was a great night out.
Day 15: Buddha day. First, we visited the impressive Temple of the Golden Buddha. Then we walked through a flower market. Then we had a Tuk Tuk ride through Chinatown. Late morning, we visited the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the surrounding complex. Touring ended early afternoon, and my husband and I walked over to a nearby food court for some pad thai. It was very good and we ran into our local guide, also eating there. The local guide did then accompany some of the group on a shopping excursion - I did not participate. I was happy to have time for a swim and yoga, and to do most of our packing. That night, great cocktail party on the top floor - with beautiful views. Then an excellent dinner in a room on the pool level.
Day 16: We had a very early departure along with for others from the group.
We flew ANA (booked through United. On the way, Chicago to Tokyo/Narita to Hanoi. Home was Bangkok to Tokyo/Narita to Chicago. Very good experience and would fly them again.
Good report, Lotusgirl. Thank you.
And I should add that we were fortunate to have an excellent, veteran Tank tour Director, who had led this tour many times. He was very knowledgeable about the sights and the culture and very organized.
The local guides were very good.
More about the weather. I chose mid-October hoping for good weather in Hanoi, especially for our Halong Bay excursion, and we got it. I knew it would be rainy season in Central Vietnam, but hoped that we would avoid a typhoons, as it was supposedly late in the strong typhoon season. While we had some rain and decent weather, the rivers were rising. About 4 days after we left the area there was a typhoon and lots of flooding. I know that the next tour was not negatively impacted (I chatted with one couple at the Four Seasons) but my guess is that the following one was. I hoped for not too hot weather in Thailand, and that was what we experienced. It was, of course, humid.
Mike - your blog of the tour was very helpful as I was doing my prep tour research.
Lotusgirl thanks for sharing your wonderful experience. I'm counting down the days to my December departure for this tour.
Thank you, Lotusgirl. You always write such fabulous trip reports. Our experience two years ago was exactly like yours--Tauck luckily has kept this great tour the same. We went mid-January, which we thought was perfect, although we did have a day or two of rain.