Both Cambodia and Vietnam will captivate every traveller with the history from past and the progress of the present. Spend the day discovering the magnificent Angkor complex. Start by navigating in tuk tuks past incredible Angkor Wat, the magnum opus of the Khmer Empire. See the French-built Notre Dame Cathedral; the neoclassical Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel; the Reunification Palace; and the harrowing War Remnants Museum in Saigon. Explore the Ha Noi Quarter and learn about the life of ‘Uncle Ho’. Visit the revered Temple of Literature and meet a water puppeteer who will introduce you to this traditional 11th century art and put on a private water puppet show. Would you rather go from Ha Noi to Siem Reap? Please contact us.
Prices shown are per person based on a party of at least 2 adults traveling together. The Single Room Supplement cost is in addition to the twin sharing cost for those who would like a single room. If traveling alone, please contact us for infomation.
Hotel with daily breakfast, 1 night on board well-appointed ship in Halong Bay, lunches & dinners as indicated, English speaking local guides, entrance fees to sites listed on the itinerary, private A/C transportation with expert drivers, airport transfers.
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On arrival you will be accompanied by one of our experienced escorts to the hotel.
Visit Kampong Kleang, a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake, to meet the lovely locals and glimpse a fascinating way of life. Continue to Beng Mealea, a temple lost to the jungle – find your inner adventurer as you explore. Eat dinner at the fashionable Nest Angkor Restaurant.
Spend the day discovering the magnificent Angkor complex. Start by navigating in tuk tuks past incredible Angkor Wat, the magnum opus of the Khmer Empire. Next pass through the South Gateway of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, to visit jungle-wreathed Ta Prohm and the enigmatic Bayon.
Fly to Phnom Penh. The ‘Pearl of Asia’ until it was ravaged by war, Phnom Penh has emerged once again as a captivating city. See the glittering Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the charming National Museum before a lunch of authentic Khmer cuisine at Bopha Phnom Penh Restaurant.
Visit Tuol Sleng, a testament to the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge, before ascending to hilltop Wat Phnom for a final view of the city. Fly to Saigon where you’ll embark on your culinary adventure through the city’s vibrant street food scene.
Saigon is a thriving metropolis, the powerhouse driving Vietnam towards its ever brighter future. See the French-built Notre Dame Cathedral; the neoclassical Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel; the Reunification Palace; and the harrowing War Remnants Museum. Enjoy a dinner at Xu Restaurant.
Travel south of Saigon for a fast and scenic speedboat trip through Mekong Delta. The delta region is known as the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, supplying the country with huge amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruits. Life here revolves around the river and you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of it as you explore the maze of palm-lined canals. Take a cycle tour amongst the verdant fields and meet the local people. Return to Saigon.
Visit the striking Holy See of Cao Dai – a religion that is native to Vietnam and blends a number of different faiths. Continue to the Cu Chi tunnels, part of a network of excavations used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
Fly to Danang and transfer to the charming town of Hoi An. Dine on creative Vietnamese cuisine at Ancient Faifo Restaurant.
Once an influential port on the Silk Road, Hoi An is a rich fusion of styles, its narrow streets retaining a quirky, old world charm. This morning tour the market to choose fresh ingredients from a colourful array of local produce for your Vietnamese cookery class, where you’ll learn to create a number of local dishes. This afternoon, wander the old streets visiting the Japanese Bridge before taking tea at a traditional tea house.
Travel to Hue. Long considered a seat of culture, Hue is dominated by its immense Imperial Citadel, home of emperors from 1802 to 1945. A cyclo will deliver you to its grandiose entrance and you’ll be able to explore before you take a cruise on the Perfume River to the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda. This evening, enjoy a dining experience at Ancient Hue Restaurant.
Visit the extravagant Tomb of Minh Mang, an emperor whose reign is remembered for his opposition to French colonial rule. Travel to the airport to fly to Hanoi.
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, evokes the days when Asia was at its most chic, a heady mix of the exotic and European elegance. Explore the Ho Chi Minh Quarter and learn about the life of ‘Uncle Ho’. Visit the revered Temple of Literature and meet a water puppeteer who will introduce you to this traditional 11th century art and put on a private water puppet show. This evening take a cyclo tour of the bustling alleys of the Old Quarter in search of the unique flavours of Vietnam’s extensive cuisine.
Halong Bay is a vision of beauty to which very little compares. Sail on emerald waters amongst karst peaks aboard a traditionally-designed junk, stopping to explore en route. Spend the night anchored amongst glorious scenery.
Rise early to see the sun rise over the karst-scapes. Continue cruising and enjoy brunch before disembarking. The rest of the day is at leisure.