What to expect
Trip profile
A vibrant restaurant culture and rich history awaits travellers to Vietnam and Cambodia, combined with the exhilaration of sea kayaking, trekking, and cycling, on this small-group journey. Most days of your Vietnam and Cambodia luxury adventure will include a moderate amount of physical adventure in stunning settings, and ample time for taking in sights and new cultures.
Departure dates
Our journeys depart throughout the year with a minimum of 4 guests and at times that suit you. We do not generally set scheduled departure dates. Rather, we prefer to give you the ultimate flexibility to choose departures dates that suit you.
Accommodation
Our hotel in Hanoi is the seriously luxurious Sofitel Legend Metropole. Opened in 1901 and located in the heart of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, this stunning French colonial hotel beautifully blends European elegance with exotic Vietnamese charm. Retreat at the end of the day to a tranquil oasis of old-world luxury, glamorous antique-filled rooms and Parisian-style cafes. Luxuriate in Club Metropole rooms, complete with exclusive club lounge access and personalised butler service. The only hotel in Vietnam to be featured in Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious 2010 Hot List, the Sofitel Legend Metropole provides one of South-East Asia's most memorable hotel experiences.
When sea kayaking in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, we stay aboard the luxurious Prince IV Junk. Modelled on the ancient Halong sail boat, the Prince IV features cabins with ensuites and air-conditioning, restaurant, bar, and sundecks.
On our journey to Sapa we overnight on the Victoria Express Train. The train features two deluxe sleeping carriages with four berth cabins, and the Le Tonkin dining carriage. In Sapa we stay at the Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa. Located in the heart of Sapa, this beautiful alpine lodge sits high above the town and with its beautiful mountain chalet feel, amazing spa and welcoming stone hearth fireplace, it provides the perfect base for our exploration of this stunning highland area.
On our cycling discovery of the temples of Angkor, we stay at the super stylish Hotel de la Paix, Siem Reap. This stunning boutique hotel offers outstanding levels of luxury and world-class dining and spa facilities. It is set around a tranquil inner courtyard with stone gardens and soothing water features, providing the ideal environment to unwind and relax after exploring the temples.
Cuisine
Vietnamese cuisine is famous for lively, fresh flavours, and artful presentation. Reaching a delicate balance between fresh herbs, vegetables, subtle spices, and meats, it is one of the most delicious and healthiest cuisines in the world – from succulent rice paper rolls packed with pork, prawn and bean sprouts and steaming bowls of fragrant pho soup, to crisp, golden baguettes and green papaya salads.
Cambodian or Khmer cuisine is closely related to that of its neighbours, Vietnam and Thailand. It is rich in freshwater fish and derives its flavour from spices and aromatic herbs. Savour dishes infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves and coriander, and enjoy authentic Khmer curries or amok prepared in banana leaves, seductive rice noodle soups and fresh, tropical fruits.
One of the best things about travel is trying new cuisines. We dine in some of our favourite places – from restaurants housed in beautifully restored French colonial villas to alfresco dining in courtyard gardens – they each serve delicious food and highlight local specialties.
Breakfast is usually enjoyed in one of the restaurants at the hotel where we are staying. We lunch in spectacular locations when out kayaking, trekking, and cycling, and in restaurants when closer to town. Dinners will be at some of our favourite Vietnamese and Cambodian restaurants or at the restaurants in our hotels.
Sea kayaking
A sense of adventure and good health and physical condition are all that you need to get the most out of sea kayaking Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Although previous sea kayaking experience is valuable, it is not necessary. You will be given a briefing and kayak instruction before we set out. A typical day entails about 2 – 4 hours of paddling, interspersed with rest stops and time for soaking up the culture of the floating villages and stunning scenery. You are free to kayak as much or as little as you like.
Trekking
We trek for around 3 hours on one day and 4 – 6 hours the following day. The trekking is through valleys, mainly on narrow paths and through remote villages, rice terraces, and farmland. We carry small backpacks with our personal items for the day, while our luggage is transferred to our hotel.
Cycling
The cycling in Sapa can be as easy or as challenging as you like, depending on whether you use the support van. There is a 15km climb to the Tram Ton Pass and then 26km of free-wheeling to Binh Lu Junction. We also cycle off-road through local villages.
The cycling around the temples of Angkor is on mainly flat, sealed roads. A typical day entails about 30km of cycling. A support van accompanies the bikes, so you can choose to do as much or as little cycling as you wish.
Expert leadership
Expert leadership is the key to a safe but exciting and unforgettable luxury adventure. Your trip will be led by Seven Skies' founder Nathan Wedding. As well as showing you natural, cultural, and gastronomic wonders that you might never find on your own, Nathan ensures that everything runs smoothly and safely. A former university academic, Nathan taught environmental philosophy and held Doctorate of Philosophy candidature at some of Australia's leading universities. A seasoned adventurer, he swapped his academic life for a career as a professional sea kayak guide, leading trips in the Arctic Circle, Norwegian Fjords and Lofoten Islands, Fiji's Yasawa Islands, and the remote World Heritage Wilderness Area in Tasmania, Australia.
Fitness
You will get maximum enjoyment out of your luxury adventure if you are in good health and physical condition prior to departure. Going for a paddle in your local waterway, walking up hills and mountains, or riding a bike are great ways to prepare for your trip. Paddling requires strength in your abdominal, arm, shoulder, and back muscles, while trekking and cycling requires strength in your legs, feet, and cardiovascular system. Aerobic exercises like swimming and jogging are great alternatives to improve your fitness for the trip. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your luxury adventure.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, injuries, or concerns about your health or physical condition, we recommend that you contact us to discuss the best options for you and whether you are fit for this trip.
Climate
Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate. The north of Vietnam has two seasons: a wet and hot summer season from May to September and a relatively dry and cool winter season from November to March. In summer, average temperatures in Hanoi range from 24°C to 33°C, and in winter from 16°C to 23°C. The climate in Sapa is highly seasonal and due to its elevation can be more than 10°C cooler than Hanoi.
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: a wet season from May to November and a dry season from November to April. Average temperatures during the dry, cooler season range from 22°C to 31°C, with humidity around 70%. During the wet season, average temperatures are around 5°C higher, with increased levels of humidity.
Group size
You will travel in a small group with a minimum of four and a maximum of eight people plus Seven Skies' host, Nathan Wedding, and expert local personnel.
Specialised equipment
All sea kayaking and cycling equipment will be provided. Trekking in Sapa requires no specialised equipment. The clothing and equipment recommendations in the departure package we will send you detail what you will need for the luxury adventure.
