Vietnam And Cambodia

Board your overnight flight from the UK to Hanoi Airport HAN.

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam, one of Asia’s most enchanting cities, full of culture, history and the engaging contradictions of a rapidly developing and deeply traditional society. You are greeted by your guide and driver at the airport for your transfer to the hotel, and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* La Casa Hanoi Hotel or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Welcome Dinner

Begin today's tour of Hanoi at the distinctive Presidential Palace. Wander through pristinely manicured botanical gardens to uncover Ho Chi Minh's modestly sized house on stilts, nestled amongst the tranquility of this rural oasis. From here, journey to Hanoi's emblematic One Pillar Pagoda and the 10th Century Temple of Literature before embarking on a street food tour, where you can sample Dried Beef Mannequin, Hanoi bread and Kebab Rice Noodles, as well as the delightful flavours of Egg-milk coffee within the vibrant Dong Xuan Market.

Continue to Hoa Lo Prison known by American POWs as the Hanoi Hilton and then to the bustling Old Quarter Street to experience the daily life of the locals, before enjoying a traditional Water Puppet Performance this evening.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* La Casa Hanoi Hotel or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch

This morning gather in the lobby for your journey to Halong Bay (approximately 3 hours with stops enroute), where you will be driven across the Red River delta to reach the coast a little before noon. You will embark on a beautifully crafted wooden junk for an overnight cruise in the legendary seascape of Halong Bay.

Once on board, a delicious seafood-based lunch will be served, while the limestone rocks set the decor. In the afternoon, the cruise will reach a less travelled area with the option to relax, sunbathe and visit a cave. End the day on the sundeck while the sun sets, and enjoy an aperitif or attend a cooking demonstration before dinner. You will sleep in a comfortable private cabin with attached bathroom.

ACCOMMODATION: Bhaya Classic Cruise (Deluxe Cabin) or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

One of the most special experiences for travellers in Vietnam is to watch the sunrise over Halong Bay. Rise early to watch this spectacular and peaceful scene. After a light breakfast, continue cruising through the bay to visit Sung Sot, a beautiful cave but also an archaeological site. You will enjoy brunch on board before arriving at the wharf in the late morning and return to the dock, where you will be met and transferred to Hanoi airport for an included flight to Danang.

You are met in the lobby of your hotel for a short drive to Danang airport. Embark on your flight to Siem Reap, where your temples adventure awaits.

Welcome to Cambodia! Go through immigration and you will be greeted upon your exit of the airport and driven to your hotel.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

Today, embark on a tour of the Angkor Wat complex; a stunning example of enduring devotion to the gods, this grandiose temple has been in constant use since its construction in 1112.

Flanked by a commanding row of 54 stone figures, enter the South Gate of the Angkor Thom and visit the mesmerizing gothic towers of Bayon and later the Baphuon, Phimeanakas and the Elephant Terrace. Following lunch, uncover the mystical Ta Prohm temple, partially engulfed by the jungle's burgeoning canopy, before enjoying dinner and traditional Apsara dance performance.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, dinner

OPTIONAL PAID UPGRADE: SUNRISE AT ANGKOR WAT

You will depart early in the morning (roughly 04:30am) to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat. After, return to the hotel for breakfast and then head back to explore Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. If you choose not to do the sunrise visit, you will join the rest of the group for the second visit instead.

Travel to the Cambodian capital, and on arrival immerse yourself in regal grandeur at the Cambodian King's residence, where the ornately gilded Khmer roofs of the Royal Palace majestically rub shoulders with the neighbouring lavish Silver Pagoda.

Later in the day, wander through the National Museum's fascinating exhibition of Cambodian history, boasting one of Cambodia's largest collections of Khmer art dating from the prehistoric era through to the present day, and enjoy the evening at leisure.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

Following breakfast, a moving tour of the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek explores the reality of Cambodia's troubled past. Although inconceivable to comprehend the harrowing events which once unfolded here, these excursions illustrate imperative pieces of Cambodia's historical puzzle. Pay your respects to the victims of the Pol Pot regime at Choeung Ek's poignant Buddhist memorial.

Your day begins with a visit to the holy mountain of Nui Sam. Studded with pagodas and temples, the mountain offers visitors stunning views over the Mekong Delta, which awaits you today. You'll stay overnight in the university town of Can Tho, with its colourful floating markets, busy working harbour and sacred Khmer pagoda, Muniwangsyaram.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Iris Hotel Can Tho or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

Enjoy another journey through the Mekong landscape of rice paddies, flat-bottomed boats, fruit trees and bougainvillea, peopled by farmers in conical hats and dotted with floating markets. Take a fascinating boat ride to the floating market of Cai Rang, before arriving in Ho Chi Minh.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Bay Hotel Ho Chi Minh or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

This morning you will visit the remarkable Cu Chi tunnel complex, which provides a poignant reminder of the country's recent history. This 200 km underground labyrinth was used by the Viet Cong as a base, and now serves as a national memorial for those who lost their lives in the conflict.

Back in Ho Chi Minh City a guided tour will reveal its fascinating mix of French colonial history and modern Vietnamese life. Highlights include the grand General Post Office, the Reunification Hall on the site of the former President's Palace, the Xa Loi Pagoda with its bronze Buddha, and (time permitting) the War Remnants Museum.

Your day ends with a celebratory farewell dinner: the perfect opportunity to look back on your holiday and relive the many highlights.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Bay Hotel Ho Chi Minh or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, dinner

You are met in the lobby of your hotel for a short drive across the island to the airport. Embark on your flight to Hanoi, on arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or join an optional excursion.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Mk Premier Boutique Hotel, Hanoi or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXCURSION (AT A CHARGE): INSIDER HANOI ON VESPA - SHARED TOUR

Join this unique Vespa experience around Hanoi, starting with a welcome drink while enjoying the most spectacular view of the famous Long Bien Bridge spanning the Red River. You will then discover the truly unique lifestyle of the floating village of Banana Island, before getting back on the Vespas to explore the railway tracks cutting through the heart of the city and meet families living and working mere centimetres away in tall narrow houses.

You will then visit a bustling and vibrant open market to shop with the local people from Hanoi. After zooming through narrow alleyways, you’ll reach the crash site of an American B-52 bomber in a city lake and learn of the city’s more recent history, before visiting a peaceful Buddhist temple set in the most beautiful gardens. The last stop is a tranquil green oasis at a miniature Kumquat farm (seasonal) or learning about the ancient tradition of making tea at the home of a Vietnamese Tea Master.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION (AT A CHARGE): CYCLE WEST LAKE AND BANANA ISLAND

Your ride starts on a beautiful narrow road encompassing the West Lake, the largest in Hanoi out of one hundred lakes. This is the perfect location for a gentle start. The first stop is to visit a pagoda and then continue on to the more rural side of Hanoi. You will find yourself riding in the flower and tree fields bordering the Red River, before you cross over onto an island of the river where you suddenly feel like you are deep in the countryside, far away from the megalopolis. You’ll end your adventure at an important piece of history - the Long Bien Bridge, before returning the bikes and transferring back to the hotel.

Cycling distance: approx. 18 km

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Some flights arrive the same day, others are overnight. 

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast