On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing and welcome drinks with your fellow travellers.

Le Jardin Hanoi or similar

Spend the day discovering Hanoi’s must-visit sites including Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the bustling Old Quarter. Next is the Ho Chi Minh complex where you will see the imposing mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and the former leader’s humble stilted residence, before finishing off with the unique One Pillar Pagoda.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Temple of Literature with its series of ornate and tranquil courtyards and long history of teaching dating back to 1070. Then its onto the infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton’ prison used during the Vietnam War, followed by two fine examples of French architecture with St Joseph’s Cathedral and the Opera House where you will take afternoon tea inside.

Le Jardin Hanoi or similar

Breakfast

This morning drive to the coast for one of the highlights of the trip, a Halong Bay cruise. On arrival, board a well-appointed junk boat, enjoy a delicious lunch and begin cruising among some of the 3,000 islands which rise from the sea. In the evening, retreat to your private cabin, or relax on the main deck.

Victoria Star Cruise or similar

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Continue your exploration of Halong Bay and enjoy brunch on board. Cruise back to port and then drive to Hanoi for your onwards flight to Danang. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in the charming town of Hoi An. Enjoy an evening of free time.

Hoi An Central Boutique or similar

Breakfast

Along with your fellow travellers and guide, begin today with a walking tour to discover the mix of Chinese, Japanese and French influenced architecture that make this town so unique. Visit the Fujien Chinese Assembly Hall with its large incense coils hanging from the ceiling, followed by a walk along the riverbank with its colourful shops decorated with lanterns. Finish with one of the town’s most notable landmarks, the Japanese Covered Bridge which was built in the 17th century.

The afternoon is free for you to do as much or as little as you like. Choose to retrace your steps around the old town, have a local tailor custom make a new wardrobe or cycle to An Bang Beach.

Hoi An Central Boutique or similar

Breakfast

Enjoy free time in Hoi An before flying to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in and enjoy an afternoon to explore at your leisure.

The Hotel Equatorial or similar

Breakfast

From Ho Chi Minh City, visit Cu Chi and discover the network of underground tunnels and their significance during the war. You may try a short segment of tunnel to gain an insight into how they were used with their varying levels.

In the afternoon return back to Ho Chi Minh City. Join a guided walking tour and discover the rich history of this spirited city as you visit some of its main attractions. The Presidential Palace made history in 1975 when the Viet Cong rolled through in their tanks thus signalling the fall of Saigon. Then explore some fine examples of French architecture with stops at the Notre Dame cathedral, the Old Post Office and the City Hall buildings. Finish off with a visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, one of the largest in downtown and a great place to haggle for those souvenirs.

The Hotel Equatorial or similar

Breakfast

Travel by road to Can Tho in the Mekong Region to board your boat and begin your exploration of the Delta. After a delicious lunch on board cruise through the many palm fringed canals and waterways, as you witness local life along the shoreline. Take a guided walk to a rural village or through orchards and rice paddies.

Bassac Boat or similar

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

It’s an early start this morning to visit the bustling Cai Rang floating market by Sampan where you can observe the locals buying and selling fruit and vegetables from their boats.

Later, drive to Binh Thuy ancient house with its harmonious mix of east and west influences, before heading to your hotel in Can Tho.

Sheraton Can Tho or similar

Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, meet up with the guide and drive to Chau Doc. On arrival if time permits, continue your tour by visiting a beautiful Khmer temple and floating houses that double as catfish farms.

Victoria Chau Doc

Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the pier to board your speedboat which will take you to the Cambodia border to clear immigration formalities before continuing up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh.

In the afternoon, visit the Tuol Sleng Musuem and the Killing Fields memorial at Choeng Ek where you will learn about turbulent past of the country under Pol Pot regime.

Sun & Moon Urban Hotel or similar

Breakfast

Enjoy a morning cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) ride through the backstreets of Phnom Penh. Discover Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital, the Royal Palace with its famous landmark the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum with its unique collection of Khmer art. Continue the day with an overland drive to Siem Reap, with multiple stops along the way such as the Spider and Insect Market in Skun and the stone mason village near Phnom Santuk. Arrival in Siem Reap during the early evening.

Steung Siem Reap or similar

Breakfast

Spend the day exploring the famous temples just outside Siem Reap. Angkor Wat is said to be the world’s largest religious building and famous for its beautiful symmetry and central spires. At Angkor Thom you will see the Bayon temple with its gigantic faces carved in the stonework and the Terraces of Elephants and the Leper King. The final temple is Ta Prohm which was made famous in the film Tomb raider and is noted for its eerie atmosphere with massive tree roots growing out of the temple ruins.

This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your group at Apsara Theatre where dancers, singers and musicians showcase ancient culture.

Steung Siem Reap or similar

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

It is time to say goodbye, but just think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward travels.

Breakfast