Heart Of Indochina

Fly overnight to Saigon. On arrival you will be accompanied by one of our experienced escorts to the hotel.

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 by Gustave Eiffel; the Reunification Palace, the site of the end of the Vietnam War; and the harrowing War Remnants Museum. Dine on a three-course dinner at Xu Restaurant. 

Head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, part of the network of excavations used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Continue to the striking Holy See of Cao Dai religion, a religion native to Vietnam and a fascinating blend of faiths. Return to Saigon where this evening you will embark on your culinary adventure of Saigon’s sizzling street food scene.

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. 

Fly to Danang and transfer to the charming town of Hoi An, stopping en route at the Marble Mountains. Dine on creative Vietnamese cuisine at Ancient Faifo Restaurant.

Once an influential port on the Silk Road, Hanoi is a rich fusion of architectural styles, its narrow streets lined with wooden-fronted shop houses each festooned with lanterns. This morning tour the market to choose fresh ingredients from the colourful array of local produce for your Vietnamese cookery class, where you’ll be learning to prepare a number of local dishes. This afternoon wander the old streets, visiting the Japanese Bridge and Chinese Pagoda before taking tea at a traditional tea house.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Hoi An where you can further explore, relax by the pool or take a trip to the beach.

Fly to Hanoi. Hanoi evokes the days when Asia was at its most chic, a heady mix of the exotic and European elegance. Visit the Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university and a revered Confucian shrine and Ngoc Son Temple. 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.

Thousands of limestone islands dot the emerald waters of Halong Bay creating a vision of beauty to which very little compares. Voyage the bay aboard a traditionally-designed junk stopping to explore the sights as we go. 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. Back in Hanoi meet with a water puppeteer who will introduce you to this traditional art, and put on a private performance. Dinner this evening will be at the classically designed Press Club.

Fly to Luang Prabang. Nestled amongst green mountains, the city is Laos’ cultural heart, an oasis of calm antiquity and rich heritage. This afternoon wander the old city visiting Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong before climbing Phousi Hill to watch the sun set over the golden spires of the city. 

Rise early to observe the ceremony of Takbat. Watch the monks, swathed in their vibrant robes, collecting alms from the locals. Take to the languid waters of the Mekong to visit the Pak Ou caves, renowned for the hundreds of carved Buddha statues that reside within. Visit the picturesque village of Thin Hong to witness the daily life of the locals and their cottage industries.

Get to grips with Laotian history at the National Museum before heading to the picturesque Kuang Si Waterfalls where you can take dip in one of the vivid blue pools. On the return to Luang Prabang stop at the Ock Pop Tok weaving centre. This evening you are invited to a local home to participate in a Baci Ceremony, an integral part of Laos culture. Enjoy dinner at L’Elephant Restaurant.

Fly to Siem Reap. Visit Banteay Srei, a 10th-century Hindu temple called the ‘Jewel of Khmer art’ due to its elaborate decorative embellishments. Climb to the towering summit of Pre Rup temple to watch the sun set over the surrounding rice fields. 

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. Spend an evening at the Cambodian Circus, run by an NGO that teaches street kids circus skills and performs shows that address the issues in Cambodian society. 

Visit Kampong Kleang, a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake, meeting the lovely locals and glimpsing a fascinating way of life. Continue to Beng Mealea, a temple lost to the jungle – find your inner adventurer as you explore. This evening, dine at the fashionable Nest Angkor Restaurant.

Arriving home the same or following day.