Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetisers.

Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing

This morning is dedicated to the revolutionary leader who fanned the flames of Vietnam's independence. We begin our day with a visit to the final resting place of "Uncle Ho", the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. 

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise

We leave the busy streets of Hanoi behind, bound for the serenity of Halong Bay where we'll board a traditional-style Vietnamese Junk boat. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters provide an ethereal backdrop for our leisurely cruise. 

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An

The graceful practice of T'ai Chi eases you into your day as is the local custom. Join a Local Specialist on the deck of the Junk boat for a morning class in exquisite natural surrounds. 

Day 5: Hoi An Sightseeing

'Dive Into Culture' this morning, embarking on a walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An. Embrace its charm of yesteryear - the narrow lanes, colourful marketplaces and ancient temples providing insights into the Vietnam of old. 

Day 6: Hoi An

Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Hoi An further or simply relax at your hotel. Your choice of activities this afternoon could see you learn how to craft your own colourful lantern or gain insights into life as a local fisherman (subject to weather conditions). 

Day 7: Hoi An - Hue

The healthy flavours of Vietnamese cuisine take centre stage as we travel by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. We'll have an opportunity to savour the dishes we've prepared for lunch before returning to Hoi An.

Day 8: Hue Sightseeing

We'll navigate the busy streets of Hue on the back of a cyclo en route to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, once home to Nguyen emperors. From here, we drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Boarding a local dragon boat next, we cruise along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son where we'll 'Connect With Locals' and meet a family member for a 'Be My Guest' lunch.

Day 9: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City 

A short flight this morning brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll enjoy some time at leisure before lunch at KOTO restaurant. Your visit will 'Make A Difference' to this non-profit social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged young people in the hospitality industry. 

Day 10: Mekong Delta

The mighty Mekong beckons today, as we take a day trip to My Tho, a nearby Delta market town. We'll transfer to a small sampan boat and navigate the maze of small canals before stopping for a lunch of delicious Mekong Delta specialities. 

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City

We'll delve into Vietnam's turbulent history from the previous century with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels built to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. We'll explore the underground compounds with a VC veteran and gain an understanding of the history of the tunnels, which once served as living quarters and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap

Transfer to the airport for the short international flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. On arrival meet your Cambodia Travel Director and check in to your hotel.

Day 13: Angkor Wat and Siem Reap Sightseeing

Today, we venture deep into the Cambodian jungle, through a pyramid-shaped gateway into an ancient world. Serene stone faces watch over us as we cross the causeway suspended over a moat into the spiritual heart of the ancient lost city of Angkor. A 'Local Specialist' and renowned Khmer scholar brings to life the stories behind the intricate carvings and murals of celestial nymphs and mythical serpents along the abandoned hallways of Angkor Wat.

Day 14: Angkor Wat and Siem Reap

Our intimate encounter with a lost empire continues today, as we uncover other iconic sites of the ancient abandoned city of Angkor that have been devoured by the Cambodian jungle. We explore its ancient ruins in the company of saffron-clad monks and monkeys that clamber up and over the roots of centuries-old trees that have carved their way deep into the Great City's walls.

Day 15: Peak Sneng Village

We begin the day in the company of local Khmer villagers and 'Make A Difference' with a visit to their local school for an opportunity to chat to some of the children who will join us on our walk through the village to see how they spend their day-to-day lives.

Day 16: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

This morning we fly to Phnom Penh, once known as the 'Pearl of Asia' it is one of the loveliest French built cities in Indochina. Later we'll embark on a cyclo tour, exploring the city, which boasts a rich blend of Khmer and French colonial architecture. We'll discover the history and catch glimpses of churches and Chinese temples hidden down narrow alleyways.

Day 17: Phnom Penh Sightseeing

Indulge in the exotic flavours of Phnom Penh this morning, joining a 'Local Specialist' for an in-depth city tour. Our first stop is Wat Phnom temple where we'll delve into the legend of Lady Penh who discovered the four statues of Buddha deposited on this tree-covered hill.

Day 18: Depart Phnom Penh

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don't include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment's notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.