The Very Best of Vietnam & Cambodia Tour

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart with Vietnam Airlines from London Heathrow for your direct, overnight flight to Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi.

In-flight meals and drinks included

Alternative airline – Emirates

If you prefer, you may fly with Emirates via Dubai from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow, for a supplement of £395 per person.

SPECIAL LAUNCH OFFER:

Book your Very Best of Vietnam & Cambodia tour by 29 February 2020 and fly with Emirates from and to any of the above airports, for only £219 per person.

Day 2: Hanoi, 3 nights

We land in Hanoi early morning, before transferring to the sublime Pan Pacific Hotel, our home for the next three nights. Rich with Southeast Asian, French, and Chinese influences, the ancient municipality of Hanoi is a wondrous city swamped in history, and lined with impressive, centuries-old architecture. After our long journey, you are free to spend the day at leisure. Perhaps you can take a stroll around the epic Hoan Kiem Lake, or, should you prefer, meet Mr Nguyen Viet Hung, a former winner of the Tea Masters Cup, who will captivate you with his stories. Sample the different teas at your leisure.

In-flight meals and drinks included

Day 3: Hanoi

Hanoi is the perfect place to begin our tour; quaint, colourful, energetic streets with a haze of sights, smells and activity. We begin the morning with a charming cyclo tour (similar to a rickshaw) through the old quarter, where we will have the opportunity to view passing temples and pagodas, admire the colonial architecture, and observe the ancient commercial streets in full flow, named after the original businesses that were housed here. We will then visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of the infamous Vietnamese revolutionary Ho Chi Minh, before stopping at the elegant one pillar pagoda. Later, we enjoy a walk around the quiet grounds of the 11th century Temple of Literature, and peruse inside the Ethnology Museum for a unique insight into the 54 ethnic groups that make up the Vietnamese people, and experience the charismatic water puppet show, dating back to the 11^th century. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Manager and fellow travellers, so we may become better acquainted and learn more about our adventure ahead.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 4: Hanoi Freedom Day

Today offers us the freedom that this wonderfully old-fashioned city deserves. With the full support of our Tour Manager, perhaps enjoy the delights of Hanoi at our own pace, joining one of many local photographic tours, taking a relaxing cyclo ride around the cobbled streets, or indulging in a specialist cooking class to explore the five fundamental tastes of Vietnamese cuisine. We can also help arrange a full day excursion to ‘Halong Bay on Land’, Ninh Binh.

Breakfast included

Day 5: Halong Bay, 2 nights

Tour Highlight

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s must-see destinations, famed for its emerald waters, staggering limestone islands, and untouched rainforests. Once in Halong, we travel in style on our first-class vessel, the Au Co, for a stunning two-night cruise around this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After enjoying lunch whilst cruising into the bay, we head to the fascinating floating village of Cua Van, with a population of just over 700, to see how these remarkably independent locals live. The day ends with dinner on deck, watching the sun set over this dazzling paradise.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 6: Halong Bay

Why not start your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sun deck, before we cruise through the spectacularly serene La Han Bay? Once arriving at Cat Ba Island, we venture on a short cycle ride to Viet Hai Village, where we learn about community life in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. Trinh Nu Cave, with its stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites, is our next destination at the heart of the picturesque Halong Bay. The evening is reserved for a delicious on-board barbecue with fellow passengers.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 7: Hoi An, 3 nights

After breakfast we head to Halong’s famous Sung Sot Cave, before getting back onboard our journey to the mainland whilst soaking up the beautiful panoramas. Once there, we take the awaiting coach back to Hanoi, before flying to Danang. After landing, we journey to archaic Hoi An, settling into the first-class Hoi An Silk Marina Resort & Spa, where we stay for the next three nights

Breakfast included

Day 8: Walking tour of Hoi An

Tour Highlight

A famed UNESCO World Heritage Site of grand architecture, the once major trading port of Hoi An is a fascinating time-warp of Japanese temples, Chinese warehouses, and Dutch and French colonial houses. We embark on a tour of Hoi An by foot, encompassing the beautiful Chua Ong Pagoda, symbolic Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, pristinely preserved Tan Ky House, and the 17th century Japanese Bridge. We also take a scenic boat trip along the Thu Bon River, before offering some afternoon downtime to unwind by the hotel pool, or join an optional lantern making class for those creative types amongst us!

Breakfast included

Day 9: Hoi An Freedom Day

Today offers an opportunity to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities, or alternatively head out for some further exploration of the area. It may appeal to you to take a cookery class at a local organic farm, or visit the captivating Hindu temple ruins of My Son, constructed as early as the 4^th century. Alternatively, visit Tra Que Village and learn about community farming techniques, before enjoying a fresh and tasty lunch made from locally farmed produce. Breakfast included

Day 10: Hue, 2 nights

This morning we are treated to a spectacular drive over the Hai Van Pass along the Vietnamese coastline, a 19km stretch of road climbing to 3,000ft (914m) above sea level. This afternoon we visit the majestic Minh Mang Tomb, before continuing to the iconic seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda, where resident monks continue to practice. We cruise back into the city along the Perfume River to our centrally situated Eldora Hotel, where we spend two nights. Breakfast and lunch included

Day 11: Hue’s Imperial Citadel

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and originally the settlement of the Cham people, the Imperial city of Hue was capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty. After breakfast at the hotel we visit the Imperial Citadel, modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Citadel was sadly destroyed in the war, but, along with many surrounding buildings, is being slowly restored. Soon after we visit the dazzling former residence of Princess Ngoc Son, before taking time in the afternoon to do as we please. You may want to travel to the local village of Than Tien to learn the 300-year old craft of paper flower making, or try your hand at the delicate art of Truc Chi – making paper from bamboo pulp

Breakfast and lunch included

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City, 2 nights

We rise early today to catch our transfer to the airport, where we fly on to Ho Chi Minh City. After checking in at the upmarket Liberty Central Riverside Hotel, our accommodation for the next two nights, we offer opportunities to visit the one remaining stronghold of Catholicism in the city, Notre Dame Cathedral, and explore the War Remnants Museum – a graphic depiction of war in Vietnam. We also visit the city’s perfectly preserved, French colonial Central Post Office, and take a stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the delicately featured Saigon Opera House.

Breakfast and lunch included

Day 13: Cu Chi Tunnels

Tour Highlight

After breakfast we journey into the stunning countryside – once the stronghold of the Viet Cong, who fought against the US and South Vietnamese governments in the Vietnam War. We visit the Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Village, where we join a Vietnamese cooking class, and continue afterwards to the Cu Chi Tunnels – a vast, 250km underground network used by the Viet Cong as hiding spots, for communication, and as supply routes during the war. Our visit provides a captivating insight into how the Viet Cong lived and fought. This evening offers an optional dinner at ‘Dining in the Dark at Noir’, a dining experience like no other!

Breakfast and lunch included

Day 14: Mekong Cruise, 4 nights

Tour Highlight

Our fabulous four-night cruise between Vietnam and Cambodia begins when, after breakfast, we head for the centre of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho. Arriving mid-afternoon, we board our deluxe river cruise ship, which includes a stylish restaurant, lounge bar, swimming pool with bar, spa, library and movie room, with numerous shaded sun loungers and plush seating areas to relax and socialise. The en-suite cabins are tastefully chic, each with floor-to-ceiling windows, which open up to a private balcony. Enjoy the sunset over the immaculate Hau River as we cruise towards Tiger Island, and in the evening join us for a gala dinner, presenting the very best of traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music, known as don ca tai tu.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 15: Tiger Island – Vam Nao

Our fascinating day begins by heading ashore to explore Tiger Island by electric bicycle or sampan, where we visit cottage industries such as net weaving, and learn the art of making two Mekong Delta specialties, incense and banh (a local rice cake), in the pagoda known as ‘Mr. Tiger’s Temple’. We will enjoy lunch back on the ship as we coast towards the provincial capital of Long Xuyen, where our afternoon will include visits to the vibrant Long Xuyen Floating Market, and the eclectic An Giang Traditions Museum, with intriguing exhibits on Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer and Cham cultures. Dinner on the boat will include evening entertainment as we cruise to Vam Nao, where we moor overnight.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 16: Vam Nao – Tan Chau

After breakfast, our boat, the Victoria Mekong, sails to the border town of Tan Chau, where we visit a temple dedicated to the uniquely Vietnamese religion of Caodaism, whose enthralling inhabitants worship Cao Dài as the supreme deity believed to have created the universe. We take an exclusive trip by rickshaw to the silk village to witness the incredible, labour-intensive steps taken to produce this fine textile. The afternoon offers an additional option to visit Tra Su, following a journey by speedboat – the mysterious submerged forest famed for its opulent mangroves and abundant birdlife. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lion dance, followed by dinner on board.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 17: Tan Chau – Phnom Penh

Today we have chance to sit back, relax by the pool, and take in the stunning scenery on our way to the Vietnam-Cambodian border. On board we can enjoy cultural lectures, exciting cocktail making competitions, or take a guided tour of the ship before our arrival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s charismatic capital at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap Rivers. Once known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Phnom Pehn offers us the chance to enjoy Khmer Apsara dancing, performed by a troupe of underprivileged local children, followed by a farewell gala dinner.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 18: Phnom Penh, overnight

After our wonderful cruise along the Mekong comes to a close, it’s time to disembark for our tour of Phnom Penh, where we visit the striking Royal Palace – the official residence of Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni – built in 1866. We also have the privilege of viewing the Silver Pagoda, whose floor is covered with 5,000 silver tiles, and the magnificent, near life-size Buddha, made from solid gold and encrusted with almost 10,000 diamonds.

Despite the splendour and the optimism that you will no doubt observe in Cambodia, there is no escaping its dark recent history, in which Pol Pot’s savage Khmer Rouge regime (1975-79) cost thousands of innocent people their lives. To learn more about these troubled times, we first visit Tuol Sleng (also known as S-21), the former high school turned prison where captives of the Khmer Rouge were held, before their fate at the Killing Fields awaited them. Today it is a museum, where the haunting faces of some 17,000 people who passed through its gates are displayed. Only seven survivors lived to tell the tale. From here we journey on to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where a memorial provides an emotive yet chilling tribute to the fallen. This afternoon’s visit is a sobering and powerful cultural experience, providing us with an important insight into the resilience and spirit of the Cambodian people. Later in the afternoon we arrive at the exemplary Palace Gate Hotel, for our overnight stay.

Breakfast and lunch included

Day 19: Siem Reap, 3 nights

Tour Highlight

Our journey to Siem Reap begins with transfers to the airport. It is here, in this celebrated north-western city, that we explore Asia’s most famous and highly anticipated landmark, the temples of Angkor. This amazing monument was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the God, Vishnu. This afternoon we visit the South Gate of Angkor where the statues of good and evil line the entrance, and the richly decorated Bayon, adorning the face of the Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. The afternoon sees us visit 10^th century Hindu Temple, Phimeankas, the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of Leper Kings, located inside the walled enclosure of the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom. After an epic day, we finish with a sunset cruise along the moat of Angkor Thom.

Breakfast and lunch included

Day 20: Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm

Tour Highlight

Angkor Wat is synonymous with Cambodia, and the temple’s famous five spires are featured on the country’s national flag. For early risers amongst us, there is the opportunity to experience sunrise over this epic temple, at an additional cost. Following breakfast, we return to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, to fully discover this enchanting temple, which features high classical style Khmer architecture. Spread across a massive site, we’ll weave throughout the bewitching temple grounds, experiencing the alchemy of such incomprehensible designs. We close the morning’s adventure with a visit to the temple of Ta Prohm, where tree roots hold this spectacular shrine together. The afternoon is reserved for your own leisure, though the evening offers the option to visit the Phare Circus, which supports the development of Khmer youth through a programme of arts and performance. Breakfast included

Day 21: Siem Reap Freedom Day

Our tour Manager will be on hand to help us make the most of this freedom day in Siem Reap. Having spent time exploring the city’s most iconic attraction, Angkor Wat, you may wish to indulge in other experiences in and around the city, particularly those linked to social enterprises formed to support the local people. How about learning to cook traditional Khmer cuisine, or visiting one of the city’s thriving local markets? You may choose to visit a neighbouring village, where you can interact with locals and discover more about their rural daily lives, or indulge your curiosities with a bamboo weaving workshop. Or perhaps it is time for you to simply breathe out and relax? The choice is yours.

Breakfast included

Day 22: Depart Siem Reap

Take the opportunity to relax before the homeward journey, or squeeze some last-minute souvenir shopping and sight-seeing in around Siem Reap. Our Vietnam Airlines flight departs Siem Reap in the evening, travelling via Hanoi to London Heathrow. Breakfast, and in-flight meals and drinks included

Day 23: Arrive UK

After 23 amazing days full of unforgettable memories, our incredible adventure comes to a close. If opting for Emirates, flights will be via Bangkok and Dubai into London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow.

In-flight meals and drinks included