Beyond the Landmarks:
Donna’s Adventure in Vietnam & Angkor Wat

From one adventure to the next

Even before that call, Donna was no stranger to international travel. After returning from 20 sun-soaked days in South Africa & Victoria Falls with Approach, she and her travel buddies already knew another adventure was on the horizon.

Curious why they chose Vietnam & Angkor Wat?

The group loved the blend of wildlife encounters and cultural experiences they had in South Africa, and wanted another experience that would immerse them in a new place’s food, culture, daily life, and history. Vietnam and Cambodia weren’t destinations the group had been considering before, but once Southeast Asia was recommended to them as one of the world’s must-visit regions, it caught their attention.

“We were thinking about where to go next,” Donna remarked. “We were considering Taiwan, but Vietnam and Cambodia came up as an option we hadn’t even considered before. Once we looked into it, we thought, ‘Yes, let’s do that!’”

The more Donna realized how much there was to learn, the more intrigued she became.

When asked what drew her to the experience, she said: “Honestly, I realized how little I knew. I bought myself an atlas just to understand where everything was.” She quickly found out Vietnam & Angkor Wat had a rich culture, layered history, and an unforgettable culinary scene.

Discover more, plan less

First-time travellers to Vietnam might not realize just how much the experience can change from north to south. Northern Vietnam offers a slower, more traditional feel, with misty landscapes, centuries-old cities, mountain scenery, and deeply rooted customs. In the south, the pace picks up with buzzing streets, colourful markets, bold street food, wartime history, and the energy of Ho Chi Minh City.

And then there’s Cambodia, where Angkor Wat stands as the world’s largest religious monument, surrounded by thousands of temples from the Khmer era.

Both destinations have countless can’t-miss experiences. But when you want to cover so much ground, logistics become a burden. This is what convinced Donna that an all-inclusive group tour was the way to go!

A City Alive with Celebration

Donna’s group visited Ho Chi Minh City during Lunar New Year, where people from all over the country, and the world, come to celebrate the holiday. The holiday marks new beginnings, family traditions, and cultural pride, and the streets are painted red by lanterns and festive decorations.

Locals and visitors alike visit markets, savour street food and enjoy firework shows. “Ho Chi Minh City during Lunar New Year was another highlight,” Donna recalled. “Our hotel was right on the main street where celebrations were happening. Millions of people, lights everywhere — the city was alive. One evening we went to a rooftop bar and looked out over the crowd and the lights. It was unforgettable.”

For Donna, being in the heart of the Lunar New Year celebrations made the experience feel especially memorable. Donna and her group experienced even more of local culture by visiting local markets. There, stalls were filled with everything from street food to handmade crafts.

“One person on our tour even had a custom suit made. We also stopped at a bamboo factory and bought some items made from bamboo. I have lots of small things now that remind me of the trip.”

Even for travellers not planning to buy souvenirs, markets are a great place to get a glimpse of everyday life in Vietnam. They’re social spaces where people catch up, bargain, and eat.

Beyond the city’s energy, Donna also enjoyed the quiet moments where she could take in the scenery around her. “We visited Hoi An along the river at sunset,” she shared, “and it was absolutely gorgeous.” The river is one of Hoi An’s most memorable sights, where boats, lanterns, and historic shophouses line the waterfront.

Leave logistics behind

Navigating a country as vibrant and varied as Vietnam can be daunting without a guide. From language barriers to bustling motorbike-filled streets, having someone by your side can ease any worries you may have. Donna’s advice? A journey through Vietnam & Angkor Wat is the perfect opportunity to leave the logistics to the experts. Preparing for a 20-day tour is a breeze when you don’t have to worry about the little things! “Having the Group Guru meet us in Toronto and travel with us the whole time made a huge difference,” she said. “The local guides were fantastic as well.”

When asked how potential travellers should prepare for this experience, she emphasized that seeing this many cities, enjoying this many activities, and navigating transportation and communication along the way is seamless with an all-inclusive group tour. “I had no expectations at all,” she said. “And it absolutely blew me away!”

Curious about what’s next for Donna after Vietnam & Angkor Wat? She’s currently planning to explore the Mediterranean with friends she’s travelled with before, and can’t wait to explore a region she hasn’t seen before.

The Contest continues

Excited at the chance to win a free tour? The Great Canadian Contest is back! Win your tour or other weekly prizes totalling over $2,500 in value from proud Canadian companies.

Between now and July 1ˢᵗ, simply book any Approach Tour, land or cruise, to enter. We’re drawing new winners every Wednesday!

Donna’s story is proof that one call can turn an already exciting adventure into something more. Your next tour could be the one we call about next!