A journey through Vietnam & Cambodia

Begin your Far East adventure with a touch of luxury, enjoying complimentary airport lounge access before your overnight flight to Hanoi. Arrive to the Vietnamese capital on day two, where a seamless private transfer will see you to your charming hotel, in the heart of the bustling city. Your first full day will be yours to settle in and explore. On day three, you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Hanoi, starting with a private guided city tour. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Temple of Literature and the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" – a notorious prison that once served as a detention facility for political prisoners under French colonial rule in Indochina and later housed American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. After a delightful local lunch, embark on a thrilling cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter, weaving through its vibrant markets and narrow streets.

Stay: Mövenpick Hanoi

Escape Hanoi's urban bustle and step into the serene beauty of northern Vietnam's lush countryside. Journey through picturesque rice paddies, where locals in typical conical hats toil in harmony with nature. After a scenic three-and-a-half-hour drive, arrive at the edge of the South China Sea and embark on a luxurious junk cruise, capturing the essence of Vietnamese tradition. Explore the limestone formations of Halong Bay before venturing off the beaten path to the tranquil Lan Ha Bay. Get a taste of local life by visiting remote villages, ancient lighthouses and local schools, before taking a bike ride through idyllic countryside, breathing in the fresh air and embracing the tranquility.

Onboard, indulge in delectable cuisine, experience the warmest Vietnamese hospitality and enjoy the unique cinematic experience of dining under the setting sun.

Stay: Heritage Line Ginger

Awaken to a serene morning onboard and head to the sun deck for a rejuvenating Tai Chi session as the first rays of sunlight dance across the water. Afterwards, indulge in a delightful breakfast of coffee, tea and pastries before the boat anchors. This morning, you'll embark on a peaceful excursion to secluded Frog Lake. Paddle through the calm waters in a kayak, or take a refreshing swim among the picturesque tree-topped islands. Return to the boat and soak up the sun on the loungers before your private road journey back to Hanoi. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the vibrant city. 

Stay: Mövenpick Hanoi

After a fulfilling stay in Hanoi, fly south to Danang on the country's tropical central coast. From there, indulge in a leisurely transfer to the enchanting town of Hoi An, renowned for its captivating blend of ancient and modern influences. Explore the timeless charm of the city, where the echoes of a mercantile past still linger. Discover the bustling silk-lantern workshops, witnessing firsthand the intricate artistry that has made this town famous. On your seventh day, embark on a guided walking tour through the historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as a thriving trading hub. Marvel at the iconic Japanese Bridge, a testament to the town's rich history, and wander through beautifully preserved merchant houses that offer glimpses into the past. Conclude your tour with a visit to a local tea house that supports disadvantaged youth. Later, enjoy a delightful lunch at a nearby restaurant, getting to know the authentic flavours of Vietnamese cuisine. In the afternoon, a hands-on experience at a handicrafts workshop will teach you the art of transforming natural driftwood into stunning works of art. 

On your eighth day, explore Hoi An at your own pace, or embark on exciting optional excursions such as a half-day vespa tour or a market visit and cooking class.

Stay: Anantara Hoi An

Backtrack to Danang for a southbound flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where a private transfer awaits to whisk you to your hotel. The afternoon explore the city's vibrant tapestry on a guided tour. First up is a visit to the Reunification Palace. This important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, when the first North Vietnamese tanks rumbled past, signalling the fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. Afterwards, you'll walk the short distance to the city’s striking French colonial-era post office, whilst Hotel de Ville de Saigon, officially Ho Chi Minh City Hall, is another of the city’s more prominent buildings. After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll visit the beautiful Jade Emperor Pagoda. With the pungent smell of incense hanging heavy in the air and an interior packed fall of ornate carvings and fierce-looking statues, this Taoist temple is one of the most atmospheric places of worship in the city.

The following day, escape the city's hustle and bustle for a speedboat tour through the Mekong Delta. Discover the region's lush fruit farms and bustling floating markets. Combine scenic walks, leisurely bike rides, and thrilling speedboat dashes for a comprehensive exploration of Vietnam's "rice bowl". As night falls, immerse yourself in Ho Chi Minh City's bustling street food scene on a Vespa tour. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you to hidden gems, local restaurants, vibrant market stalls, and trendy bars. This unforgettable experience will leave you with lasting memories of Vietnam's vibrant culture.

Stay: Hotel Des Arts Saigon

Say a fond farewell to Vietnam as a smooth flight and a pair of included transfers will whisk you away to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's pulsating capital city. The next day, after enjoying the indulgences of your boutique hotel, embark on a guided tour that will showcase the city's rich tapestry of history and culture. Marvel at the gilded splendour of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two architectural gems that demonstrate the Kingdom's grandeur. Your journey will also delve into the darker chapters of Cambodia's past. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, haunting reminders of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. These are undoubtedly challenging places to explore, but they offer a profound understanding of the horrors inflicted by Pol Pot's regime.

Stay: White Mansion Hotel,Phnom Penh

After your flight to Siem Reap, and included private transfers, of course, you’ll embark on a day-and-a-half discovery of one of the world’s grandest man-made treasures – Angkor Wat. Your expert guide, a local who knows every nook and cranny of this UNESCO World Heritage site, leads you through the intricate bas-reliefs, whispering tales of gods and kings. As the sun rises higher, casting long shadows across the temple complex, you'll be awestruck by the sheer scale and beauty of this man-made marvel. After exploring the heart of Angkor Wat, you'll venture deeper into the jungle to uncover hidden gems like Bayon, Preah Khan, and Ta Prohm. The latter, immortalised by Lara Croft's daring exploits, is a breathtaking spectacle of ancient stone entwined with the relentless grip of nature.

Stay: Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap

Head out of the city today as a guided transfer brings you out to the great lake of Tonlé Sap. Hop onto a boat and glide across the lake’s shimmering surface. As we approach the floating villages, it’s like stumbling upon a hidden world. These communities are more than just a collection of houses on stilts; they’re bustling hubs of activity, complete with schools, restaurants and even a hospital. It’s a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the people who call this place home. Stop at the Gecko Environment Centre, a UN-funded initiative dedicated to preserving the lake’s unique biodiversity. Here, you'll learn about the delicate balance of this ecosystem and the threats it faces. It’s a sobering reminder of the impact humans can have on the natural world. Then, venture deeper into the mangroves, navigating through the watery maze as you witness the local fishermen hard at work – their colourful boats bobbing on the waves. By late afternoon, you'll be back in Siem Reap ready to unwind and reflect on the day of exploration. Whether you wish to go shopping or simply relax by the pool, there's plenty of time to recharge on your final evening.

Stay: Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap

After a final breakfast at your hotel in Siem Reap, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home, arriving in the UK on day 17.