Classic Vietnam & Cambodia

Our Singapore Airlines flight travels via Singapore. On arrival in Hanoi we head to the Silk Path Hotel or the REY Hotel for our two night stay. Later, enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Manager and fellow travellers.

Our exploration of Hanoi begins with a visit to a local coffee shop to try the iconic Vietnamese egg coffee. Our next stop is the Temple of Literature, the oldest university in Hanoi, designed to honour the Chinese scholar, Confucius. We then venture to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, which dates back to the 7th century. We enjoy a flavoursome lunch with a cookery demonstration of local dishes, like Bén Cha (pork with spring rolls and noodles) before exploring the Old Quarter on a cyclo (rickshaw) ride. Our day draws to a close at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, before returning to our hotel.

An early wake-up call for a rejuvenating sunrise Tai Chi lesson sets the tone for the day. Enjoy a light breakfast, as we sail to Trung Trang, one of the most impressive caves on Cat Ba Island. As we return to the mainland a buffet brunch is served. Once back on dry land, our waiting transfer will take us to Hanoi Airport for our flight to Da Nang. On arrival, we travel to Hoi An and the Little Residence Boutique Hotel & Spa, where we spend the next three nights.

After breakfast, it’s time to explore Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We embark on a half-day walking tour of this historic town, exploring the residences of olden-day merchants, labyrinthine alleys and view the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Our morning finishes with the opportunity to visit one of the unique two-storey communal halls and learn about its purpose and restoration. Our afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps, continue to stroll the streets of the old town, or maybe take an optional excursion to the ancient Cham capital of My Son.

On our Freedom Day, we have a number of activities for you to choose from. First is a lantern-making class, where we discover how to craft the exquisite silk lanterns seen on every street corner in Hoi An. Or you may prefer to visit a local organic farm where we can try a local tea and explore over fifty medicinal herbs, fruits, and flowers, before enjoying a delicious lunch with local dishes.

After breakfast, we head to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, followed by a transfer to the Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel, where we stay for the next three nights. Often referred to by its former name, Saigon, the city is a cosmopolitan metropolis where the past is entwined with modern skyscrapers. The remainder of the day is ours to enjoy at leisure. Our hotel is ideally located in front of the Saigon River and only a short stroll from Nguyen Hue walking street, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

We leave the city behind us this morning as we head for the Cu Chi Tunnels. We watch a brief film about the life of the Viet Cong soldiers during the war and then explore the narrow tunnels that were so integral to the conflict, being living quarters, supply routes and hospitals. Following lunch, we return to the city for our afternoon of sightseeing. We start with the Reunification Palace, a former stronghold of the South Vietnamese Government then make our way to the city’s Central Post Office. Our day finishes with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which provides thought-provoking insight about the war and its impact on human life.

Leaving the city behind us, we drive towards the Mekong Delta, home to a maze of floating markets and villages surrounded by rice paddies. Boarding a motorised sampan (a traditional wooden boat) we take our time to view life in the Delta. As well as fishing, the Delta is home to many cottage industries. Visit a local coconut candy factory, observe traditional mat-making and explore tranquil villages. We have lunch in a local restaurant, before boarding our rowing boats for a journey along a small canal, witnessing daily life as we pass by. We return to Ho Chi Minh City for our final night in Vietnam.

Enjoy time at leisure until we transfer to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, we make our way to the Borei Angkor Resort & Spa, where we spend the next three nights. The rest of the day is ours to relax and enjoy as we please.

Today is ours to do as we please. Explore the city or perhaps take an optional excursion. Our first recommendation is Tonle Sap Lake, home to a tiny community who live in houses built on wooden stilts. Or perhaps visit Trei Nhoar Community Village. This trip provides an insight into local Siem Reap country life, allowing visitors to get a taste of local culture, including a home-cooked meal. On our final option, we learn the art of morning almsgiving before walking to a nearby pagoda to give offerings to the monks and receive a blessing in return. We then visit a local home to learn more about Khmer life and enjoy an authentic Khmer lunch. No matter which option you choose, the proceeds of these tours go directly to the community visited. As our final evening approaches, we visit a nearby restaurant together for dinner accompanied by a Khmer classical dance performance.

Enjoy the chance to relax before our homeward journey, or perhaps make your way to the shops and markets for some souvenirs. We head for the airport to embark on our return flights with Singapore Airlines via Singapore or Emirates via Bangkok and Dubai.

After two weeks of incredible memories, our journey draws to a close as we arrive back into our chosen UK airport, ready to regale friends and family with tales of our Classic Vietnam & Cambodia adventure.