Day 1
Arrive in Hanoi
Experience the heartwarming hospitality of Vietnam and its people, known for their humility and entrepreneurial zest. Upon arrival, head to your hotel and later gather with your Travel Director and fellow adventurers for a Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Silk Path or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Hanoi
Start your day at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, resting place of Vietnam's independence leader, “Uncle Ho”. Nearby, explore his stilt house, delving into his life. Visit the Temple of Literature, Hanoi's ancient centre of learning, to understand local culture. Later, cycle through the vibrant Old Quarter, observing daily life and colourful scenes. The evening is yours to relax or join a foodie tour to savour local delicacies.
Accommodation: Silk Path or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3
Hanoi- Halong Bay
Escape the hustle of Hanoi and head to the tranquility of Halong Bay, where you’ll board a traditional Vietnamese Junk boat. Cruise through limestone karsts and tropical islets rising from the emerald waters. After a warm welcome aboard, enjoy lunch while exploring one of the New Seven Natural Wonders. Visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, a 300m-long cave with stunning geological formations and historical features. If weather permits, stop at the serene Tra Bau Beach in Lan Ha Bay to relax or swim in its clear waters. Later, take a cooking class with the chef, watch the sunset from the deck, and spend a peaceful night in this UNESCO-listed wonder.
Accommodation: Orchid Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Halong Bay- Hoi An
It's the perfect opportunity to unwind and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the bay with a Tai Chi session. After breakfast, explore the hidden charm of the Ao Ech area by kayak. Enjoy some time relaxing on the sundeck, taking in the final views of the bay’s landscape as you cruise back to the Wharf. You’ll then be driven to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An, where you’ll have the evening free to enjoy at your leisure.
Accommodation: Allegro Hoi An or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5
Hoi An
This morning, immerse yourself in Hoi An's history with a walking tour. Stroll through its quaint lanes, bustling markets, and timeless temples, witnessing old merchant houses and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Visit Thanh Dong Organic Village, assisting farmers and understanding their routines. Conclude with a relaxing foot massage, setting a leisurely tone for your day and evening.
Accommodation: Allergro Hoi An or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Hoi An
Take the opportunity to further explore Hoi An or relax at your hotel in the morning. In the afternoon, choose between crafting a vibrant lantern, believed to bring luck and happiness, or experience life as a local fisherman, weather permitting. Either create a personal souvenir or try your hand at fishing, tailoring the day to your interests.
Accommodation: Allergro Hoi An or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7
Hoi An- Hue
Embark on a culinary adventure to Red Bridge Cooking School by boat, mastering traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques. Enjoy the dishes you've prepared for lunch, then journey over Hai Van Pass to Red Beach, a key site in American-Vietnamese wartime history. Visit Danang's Cham Museum before heading to Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital, for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Eldora Hue or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8
Hue
Discover Hue's vibrant streets via cyclo, heading to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, once a royal residence. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, a key religious site, then enjoy a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River. Dine at the former Princess Ngoc Son's house, meeting a family member for insights into their historic home. Spend the afternoon leisurely or partake in an optional experience.
Accommodation: Eldora Hue or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
Hue- Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City for leisure time, followed by lunch at Mai Sen restaurant, supporting vocational education for those in poverty. Then, explore Ho Chi Minh's landmarks on a Dong Khoi Street walking tour, including the Opera House, Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Eiffel-designed Post Office. Visit the War Remnants Museum for local perspectives on the war, ending your day at the historic Ben Thanh market before reaching your hotel.
Accommodation: Novotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10
Ho Chi Minh City
Today, journey to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, starting at a beautifully preserved 19th-century family home. Then, board a traditional sampan to explore the intricate canals leading to Cai Be's distinctive floating market, where goods dangle from bamboo poles. Enjoy a home-hosted lunch with local delicacies before a leisurely evening back in Ho Chi Minh City.
Accommodation: Novotel Saigon or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11
Ho Chi Minh City
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network from Vietnam's past, with a VC veteran, uncovering its history as a sanctuary and resource centre for guerrillas. Return to Ho Chi Minh City by speedboat for free time. Later, visit the 1960s home of former American Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, culminating with a Farewell Dinner to bid farewell to your Vietnam Travel Director and fellow travellers not journeying to Cambodia.
Accommodation: Sofitel Saigon Plaza Ho Chi Minh City or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City- Siem Reap
Transfer to the airport for a brief international flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your Cambodia Travel Director and then proceed to check into your hotel.
Accommodation: Tara Angkor or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 13
Angkor Wat
Today, step through a pyramid-shaped gateway into the ancient city of Angkor, where serene stone faces watch over us as we cross a causeway into the heart of the lost city. A Local Specialist and expert Khmer scholar will bring to life the stories behind the intricate carvings and murals of celestial nymphs and mythical serpents at Angkor Wat. We’ll then visit Banteay Srei Temple, known for its terracotta-hued walls and 10th-century carvings of women, believed to be too delicate to have been crafted by men.
This afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Town before heading to Wat Damnak for a private blessing ceremony, where a sacred thread will be tied around our wrists for protection. The day ends with a visit to Krabei Riel village, where you can engage with the locals, learn traditional skills like palm leaf weaving, and immerse yourself in a genuine Cambodian village experience.
Accommodation: Tara Angkor or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 14
Angkor Wat
Continue exploring the lost empire of Angkor, amidst saffron-clad monks and playful monkeys, traversing ruins entwined with ancient trees. Visit Angkor Thom, viewing the Terrace of Elephants and smiling Buddha faces at Bayon Temple. Explore Ta Prohm's lush-covered ruins, a 'Tomb Raider' film location. Spend the afternoon at leisure or opt for a Khmer cooking class.
This evening, enjoy a delightful dinner accompanied by traditional Apsara Dancing, bringing the ancient Khmer culture to life.
Accommodation: Tara Angkor or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15
Siem Reap- Phnom Penh
You'll head to Phnom Penh this morning, once dubbed the ‘Pearl of Asia’, and one of the most beautiful French-colonial cities in Indochina. Later, take a cyclo tour for an immersive cultural experience, discovering the city’s unique blend of Khmer and French architecture. Explore its history while uncovering hidden churches and Chinese temples nestled in narrow alleys.
Accommodation: Tribe Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 16
Phnom Penh
This morning, explore the exotic flavours of Phnom Penh with a city tour led by a Local Specialist. Begin at Wat Phnom temple, where we’ll learn the legend of Lady Penh and the discovery of four Buddha statues on this hill. Then, visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, home to ancient Khmer art and sculptures.
In the afternoon, delve into the harrowing history of the Khmer Rouge era with a visit to Tuol Sleng, the former school turned interrogation centre. Discover the tragic past through the portraits of victims at the Museum of Genocide, before reflecting at the Choeung Ek Killing Fields memorial. The evening is free to explore the boutiques of Street 240 or enjoy the vibrant riverside area.
Accommodation: Tribe Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 17
Depart Phnom Penh
Transfer to your onward flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
