Discover Jewish Heritage Tour

Vietnam and Cambodia

2026, February 23 - March 5

Duration: 10 night/11 days

Tour Highlights
Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi

  • Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi

Day 1: Mumbai

Namaste and Welcome to India!

Arrive Mumbai and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai

Depart by ferry to visit the villages along the coast of Bombay where, according to Bene Israel tradition, seven couples were shipwrecked over 2,000 years ago. Ride in a tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) to visit the original landing site and monument at Navgaon, as well as the Magen Aboth Synagogue. Pick out the Jewish stars on some of the homes on Israel Street. After lunch board a ferry back to Mumbai. Overnight in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai

Breakfast at hotel. Visit synagogues that reflect the thriving presence of the Bene Israel and Baghdadi Jews: Magen David and Tipheret Israel. Tour the city of Mumbai: Marvel at the Dhobi Ghat, an immense, colorful outdoor laundry. Learn about India’s multifaceted religious heritage at a Hindu temple and Parsi Towers of Silence. After lunch, walk through the village surrounding the Banganga Tank, a sacred pool hidden in the luxurious locality of Malabar Hill. Overnight in Mumbai.

Day 4: Mumbai – Cochin

Fly to Cochin, on the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. Cochin was once home to another flourishing Jewish community. Today only 26 Jews remain.

Visit the dramatic Chinese fishing nets and the Saint Francis Church, the burial place of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who discovered India. Lunch at a local restaurant. Walk along Jew Street to the exquisite 450-year-old Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry; explore the area’s antique shops and spice markets. Visit the amazing synagogue in Ernakulam, part of Cochin (it’s hidden behind an aquarium and garden shop). Overnight in Cochin.

Day 5: Cochin

Visit the 17th-century Chennamangalam Synagogue and museum. Its close proximity to a Hindu temple, church and mosque highlights India’s religious tolerance. Stop at the Parur Synagogue, an architectural gem dating from 1616. After a late lunch overlooking the beach, all aboard for a lush backwater tour along Kerala’s local canals. Then enjoy a Kathakali dance drama. Dinner and overnight in Cochin.

Day 6: Cochin – Delhi

Leave for Delhi, the second most populous city in the world, and the seat of the Indian government. City tour of Old Delhi features Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi; rickshaw ride; and drive past Red Fort. Tour of New Delhi includes India Gate; Parliament and President’s Houses. Check in at hotel and walk to Shabbat services at Judah Hyam Hall. Prepaid dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 7: Delhi

Morning relaxation or optional visit to Humayun’s Tomb, said to have inspired the architectural style of the Taj Mahal, and visit to Sikh Temple. Prepaid lunch included. Free time for optional shopping in hotel vicinity. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 8: Delhi – Agra

Leave by road to Agra (4 hours). After lunch, visit the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by the emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Enjoy shopping for Agra’s exquisite marble crafts. Overnight in Agra.

Day 9: Agra – Jaipur

Marvel at Agra fort. Leave by road to Jaipur (5 hours). Stop at Fatehpur Sikri on the way. 

Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 10: Jaipur

Prepare to be awed by the Amber Fort, the ancient citadel of Jaipur’s rulers, and ride an elephant! Stop at the city palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory. Lunch at a local restaurant. Take time to shop in this beautiful city, known for textiles, jewelry and carpets. Dinner and overnight in Jaipur.

Day 11: Jaipur – Delhi

Return by road to Delhi. Transfer to International Airport for flights home or post-tours.

  • Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, showcasing the country’s diverse cultural heritage. Explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, his residence from 1958 to 1969, and his mausoleum.
  • Stop at the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic structure in a serene setting. After lunch, stop for a photo opportunity at Hanoi Train Street. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter, Hanoi’s vibrant shopping district.  Return to the hotel and relax.
  • Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

  • Depart for Halong Bay and board a cruise. Enjoy lunch as you cruise through the enchanting Bai Tu Long Bay. 
  • Visit Tra Bau, a serene area known for its pristine natural beauty. Kayak among the limestone islands; swim in the emerald waters or relax in the Jacuzzi pool on board. The day concludes with a delicious dinner. 
  • Overnight on board the cruise.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Siem Reap

  •  Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan Jetty. Transfer to Trung Trang Cave,, one of the most impressive on Cat Ba Island, which features thousands of stalactites in various shapes (half-hour walk through the cave). 
  • Return to the main boat. Check out of your cabin and enjoy brunch. After disembarkation, transfer to Hanoi for your flight to Siem Reap. 
  • Transfer to the hotel.
  • Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap

  • Embark on a journey to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. A stunning fusion of symbolism and symmetry, this iconic temple stands as a profound source of pride and strength for the Khmer people. 
  • Visit Angkor Thom, a magnificent fortress built by King Jayavarman VII. Explore Bayon Temple, known for its towering stone faces. Stop at the Terraces  of the Leper King and Terrace of Elephants.
  • Visit Ta Prohm, famous for its tree-root-covered ruins. 
  • Return to the hotel and free time for Shabbat.
  • Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 6: Siem Reap

  • Enjoy free time in the morning. Walk to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk of 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from the hotel to visit a beautiful Buddhist pagoda along the Siem Reap River. The pagoda features a variety of statues that tell the story of Buddha. 
  • Visit the Preah Vihear temple before continuing to the revered Ang Chek Ang Chorm Shrine.

  • In the evening, enjoy a tuk-tuk ride through Siem Reap. Visit the old market and the night market.

  • Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 7: Siem Reap - Da Nang - Hoi An

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.
  • Then in the evening, take a leisurely walk through the lively Nguyễn Hoàng Night Market and the charming Lantern Street along the Hoài River. Cap off the experience with a serene lantern boat ride and a unique lantern-making activity, immersing yourself in the local traditions and atmosphere.   

  • Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8: Hoi An

  • Take the Ba Na Hills Cable Car, visit Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden, the Golden Bridge (“Hands of God”), Linh Ung Pagoda, and the French Square. Descend via cable car. After lunch, return to the hotel to relax. 
  • In the evening, transfer to the Chabad House for Purim prayers and festivities. Participate in the Megillah reading, enjoy the lively atmosphere and celebrate this special holiday together.   

  • Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 9: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

  • Explore the rich cultural heritage of Hoi An with visits to landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, a traditional house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and a local pagoda. 
  • Enjoy a hands-on cooking class followed by a delicious lunch. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. 

  • Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

  • Visit the Reunification Palace, the former presidential residence until 1975. Discover Chinatown and the Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.
  • Visit the War Remnants Museum, showcasing Vietnam’s war history. Stop at Ben Thanh Market for shopping.  
  • Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City

  • Transfer to the airport for flight home.

Day 11: Jaipur – Varanasi

Transfer to airport for flight to Varanasi. Arrival assistance and transfer to the hotel.

Evening tour of Ganges ghats to witness the Aarti ceremony. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12:  Varanasi

Early morning boat excursion on the holy river Ganges to see the bathing ghats and cremation site. Watch people bathing and worshipping at the Ghats—one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India. After breakfast at the hotel, half-day sightseeing tour of the city including the Bharat Mata Temple with a marble relief map of India; Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Banaras Hindu University and art gallery. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, the buried Buddhist city where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from the 6th century BCE to the 12th century. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13:  Varanasi – Delhi

Fly to Delhi. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.