The Very Best of Vietnam & Cambodia Tour

Depart with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow. Flights with Singapore Airlines from Manchester are available on selected dates, please speak with one of our travel experts for more details. No matter which airport you choose, there will be no additional cost.

Alternative airline – Emirates

If you prefer, you may fly with Emirates via Dubai from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow. Supplements for Emirates start at £200 per person.

All flights with Singapore Airlines to Hanoi travel via Singapore. After clearing customs, we transfer to our hotel and our home for our first three nights in Vietnam, the Pan Pacific Hanoi. Early 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.

Hanoi is an immediate assault on the senses. We begin our morning tour at the Ethnology Museum for a unique insight into the 54 ethnic groups that make up the Vietnamese people, before viewing the 11th century Temple of Literature. Following lunch, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of ‘Uncle Ho’, and see the one pillar pagoda before embarking on a cyclo (similar to a rickshaw) ride through the Old Quarter. Packed with charming colonial architecture, Buddhist temples and pagodas, the ancient commercial streets are named after the original businesses that were housed here. We end our day experiencing a traditional water puppet show.

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 your own pace, or indulge in a specialist cookery class to explore the five fundamental tastes of Vietnamese cuisine. We can also help arrange a full day excursion to ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’, Ninh Binh.

Tour Highlight

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s must-see destinations, famed for its emerald waters, staggering limestone islands, and untouched rainforests. Once in Ha Long, 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 people live. The day ends with dinner on deck, watching the sun set over this dazzling paradise.

Why not start your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sun deck, before we cruise through the spectacularly serene Lan Ha 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 Ha Long Bay. The evening is reserved for a delicious on-board barbecue with fellow passengers.

After breakfast we head to Ha Long’s famous Sung Sot Cave, before returning to the mainland whilst soaking up the beautiful panoramas. Once there, we take the awaiting coach back to Hanoi, before flying to Da Nang. After landing, we journey to archaic Hoi An, settling into either the first-class Bel Marina Hoi An Resort, or the Allegro Hoi An, where we stay for the next three nights.

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, before taking a scenic boat trip along the Thu Bon River. This afternoon we head to an organic farm boasting over fifty varieties of medicinal herbs, fruits, and edible flowers to engage in a unique cooking experience. Our knowledgeable chef will help us choose fresh ingredients and guide us through their preparation, with a focus on traditional local dishes. After mastering the recipes, we indulge in a delicious dinner of our culinary creations.

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

We Recommend – Tra Que Village

Experience the Vietnamese countryside and meet the farmers of Tra Que Village, where organic vegetables are produced using traditional methods.

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 Hue city along the Perfume River, before arriving at our hotel, the centrally situated Eldora Hotel, where we spend two nights.

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 Thanh Tien to learn the 300-year old craft of paper flower making.

We Recommend – Thanh Tien

Learn the craft of paper flower making in the local village of Thanh Tien, where residents have been practicing this local tradition for over 300 years.

After a leisurely breakfast today, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, we visit the city’s perfectly preserved French colonial Central Post Office, designed by the renowned French architect Gustav Eiffel, and take a stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the delicately featured Saigon Opera House. Later, we check in at either the upmarket Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel, or the Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel, our accommodation for the next two nights.

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 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. Following lunch, we return to the city for an afternoon of sightseeing. We start with the War Remnants Museum, which provides thought-provoking insight into the war in Vietnam and its impact on human life. Our day finishes with a visit to the Reunification Palace, a former stronghold of the South Vietnamese Government.

Tour Highlight

Our fabulous three-night cruise between Vietnam and Cambodia begins this morning when we embark our vessel, the RV Bassac Pandaw. Pandaw’s elegant, hand-built cruise ships are traditionally styled in brass and teak and customised to navigate the flowing waters of the Mekong Delta and river. As we set sail from the city towards the Mekong Delta, relax on the spacious sundeck and watch the towering skyscrapers of Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling metropolis pass by. After a delicious lunch, we meet the crew and enjoy on-board entertainment from a Vietnamese cultural group.

Enjoy a relaxing morning as we cruise along the historic Cho Gao Canal, gleaning insights into life along the waterway as we go. Built by the French in 1876, the canal is still a vital link today in the transportation of goods to and from the city. As we reach Ben Tre, we disembark to travel by sampan (traditional wooden boat) through mangroves and bamboo forests to its abundant fruit orchards. This area is rich in birdlife, which we can savour as we journey slowly through the tranquil waterways before arriving at a village which specialises in making local products. We learn how these specialities are made and of course try them for ourselves! Back on board, enjoy the changing scenery as we sail deeper into the Mekong Delta towards Chau Doc.

This morning we board minivans for a short drive to beautiful Sam Mountain, location of Phuoc Dien Tu, otherwise known as Hang Pagoda. We climb the 400 steps to the top of the pagoda, proclaimed an ‘official historic monument’ in 1980, and enjoy stunning views across the Mekong. Those not keen to undertake the climb can visit the local market instead. Afterwards, we travel by sampan to see the floating fish farms before witnessing the colourful spectacle of a traditional Lion dance, performed for us in a local village. Later, we return to our vessel and cruise the local canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam / Cambodia border to go through immigration formalities.

After a wonderful three days cruising the Mekong River, our time on board the RV Bassac Pandaw has sadly come to an end, and we disembark in 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 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 Palace Gate Hotel, for our overnight stay.

Tour Highlight

Our journey to Siem Reap begins with a transfer to the airport for our short flight. It is here 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 10th 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. Our final three nights in Cambodia will be spent at the Borei Angkor Resort & Spa.

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 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.

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 explore a neighbouring village, where you can interact with locals and discover more about their rural daily lives. Or perhaps it is time for you to simply relax and unwind? The choice is yours.

We Recommend  – Visit a local village 

Learn about life in a local village. Spend time with the community and try your hand at a few traditional skills.

Take the opportunity to relax before the homeward journey, or squeeze some last-minute souvenir shopping around Siem Reap before we depart for the airport. Our flights operate via Singapore with Singapore Airlines, or Bangkok and Dubai with Emirates.

Included meals:

Breakfast, and in-flight meals and drinks included

Why not extend your holiday with a visit to Luang Prabang in Laos? 3 nights from £945 per person

The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang is a gem of the tiny land-locked country of Laos. Step back in time and discover its unique magical charm for yourself on our four day extension. Find out more.

Please note clients choosing the Luang Prabang holiday extension will depart Siem Reap early evening on Day 20 of our Very Best of Vietnam & Cambodia tour, owing to the days of operation of the flights.

Homebound Stopovers from only £295 per person

Explore somewhere new on your way home, with a city stay in Dubai or Singapore, or relax beachside on Sentosa Island. Prices include return airport transfers, two nights accommodation in a four-star hotel and daily breakfast.

After 22 amazing days full of unforgettable memories, our incredible adventure comes to a close as we arrive into our chosen UK airport this morning.