Day 1
Arrive in Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, and transfer to your hotel. A 6pm welcome meeting introduces your tour leader and group. Explore Hanoi's old quarter or the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum if you have time. Enjoy a welcome dinner in a traditional Vietnamese house-style restaurant, tasting classic dishes introduced by your leader.
Accommodation: The Ann Hotel Hanoi or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Hanoi- Halong Bay
Leave Hanoi for the majestic Halong Bay, Vietnam's natural wonder. Embark on a traditional, yet modern, junk-style boat for an overnight stay. Cruise amidst islands and limestone peaks, savouring a seafood lunch and learning about the area's geography. Visit Surprise Cave, swim at Ti Top Island Beach in summer, or opt for kayaking. Unwind with a drink and a candlelit dinner on deck, enjoying memorable views and stargazing into the night.
Accommodation: Secret Halong Cruise or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Halong Bay- Hanoi
Enjoy a tranquil breakfast on your boat, complete with a morning Tai Chi session, before heading back to Hanoi. This afternoon, immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience with a Hat Xam performance, a traditional art form from Northern Vietnam dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Initially popular among the working class and performed by blind artists, Hat Xam was suppressed during the communist era. Now, in a private club house, you'll witness one of the few remaining acoustic performances of this rare art. The 60-minute show may include audience interaction, offering a chance to engage directly with this historic and soulful musical tradition.
Accommodation: The Ann Hotel Hanoi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4
Hanoi- Hoi An
Explore Hanoi's blend of tradition and modernity on a half-day tour, visiting the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh's former residence. Enjoy a meaningful lunch at KOTO café, a social enterprise aiding disadvantaged youth, offering a menu with local flavours. Afterwards, fly from Hanoi to Danang, then drive to Hoi An, enjoying scenic views en route. Check into your boutique hotel in Hoi An, with the evening free to perhaps enjoy the hotel's pool.
Accommodation: Mulberry Collection Silk Eco or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Hoi An
Embark on a tour through Hoi An's Old Town, where your leader will illuminate its history as you stroll past pagodas, visit a Chinese assembly hall, the Japanese Covered Bridge, a historic trader's house, and a museum. In the afternoon, visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village, dating back to the 16th century. Meet a nonagenarian artisan couple and their descendants, learning traditional pottery techniques. Try your hand at painting a pottery mask over tea. End your day with a leisurely evening back in Hoi An.
Accommodation: Mulberry Collection Silk Eco or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Hoi An- Ho Chi Minh City
Spend your morning freely exploring Hoi An, maybe shopping for silk at the market or picking up tailor-made garments. Consider a bicycle ride to a nearby beach. Your leader can suggest excellent local dining spots. Later, transfer to Danang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening, perhaps drawn to the enticing food stalls at Cho Ben Thanh market, offering aromatic pho and bun mam.
Accommodation: Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7
Ho Chi Minh City
Venture to the Cu Chi Tunnels outside Ho Chi Minh City, exploring this vast underground network with your leader who'll describe its use as hospitals, schools, and military bases during wartime. Back in the city, tour landmarks like the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. Cap off the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, recommended by your leader.
Accommodation: Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8
Ho Chi Minh City- Phnom Penh
Bid farewell to Vietnam and fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital. A 6pm meeting at your hotel will introduce new companions for the Cambodian leg of your journey. Afterward, dine with your group at the exquisite French restaurant Khéma La Poste, set in the historic colonial quarter. Conclude your evening with a cocktail at Le Moon Rooftop at Amanjaya Pancam Hotel.
Accommodation: Aquaries Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
Phnom Penh
Embark on a full day tour of Phnom Penh led by your guide. Visit the Silver Pagoda within the Royal Palace complex and learn about Cambodia's history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Optionally, explore Wat Phnom, the 15th-century temple that birthed the city.
Accommodation: Aquaries Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10
Phnom Penh- Siem Reap
Depart Phnom Penh for Siem Reap in a private vehicle, stopping at Skun Village to learn about local culinary practices like eating fried tarantulas. Visit Santuk Silk Farm, a social enterprise empowering local women, and enjoy a rustic lunch with them. En route to Siem Reap, admire historic bridges, arriving at your hotel, a tropical haven with three pools and a wellness-focused restaurant. Unwind in your lush, well-appointed room before savouring home-style Cambodian cuisine for dinner.
Accommodation: Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Siem Reap
Spend your day at Angkor's temples, starting with Angkor Wat, guided by a private photography coach to capture perfect shots. Enjoy lunch at Sala Bai Hotel School, supporting underprivileged youth. Explore Angkor Thom and the enigmatic Bayon temple, adorned with smiling faces. Gain insights into monk life with a monastery visit, including a water blessing and a protective red wristband. Evening options include Siem Reap's vibrant bars or relaxing at your luxurious resort.
Accommodation: Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12
Siem Reap
Rise early for a sunrise tour of Angkor, followed by a private breakfast on the shores of Srah Srang Lake. Visit the tree-entwined Ta Prohm and the intricately carved Banteay Srei. Choose between further exploration of Angkor or discovering the town. Conclude with a dinner at Lum Orng, Cambodia's pioneering Farm to Table restaurant, featuring sustainable, organic cuisine and celebratory cocktails.
Accommodation: Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13
Depart Siem Reap
Your adventure comes to an end, after breakfast make your way to the airport for your onward flight, or if you wish to extend your trip please speak to our agents.
Meals Included: Breakfast
