You will be delighted by the sights and sounds, bewitched by the people’s geniality and divine cuisine, captivated by fast-moving cities like Ho Chi Minh and enlightened by the palaces and cathedrals. During your wonderful trip across Cambodia and Vietnam, you will venture into the jungle’s vines and creepers towards Angkor Wat, the 12th century temple and shrine of Khmer art and architecture, and wander through the ancient capital of Khmer, empire to the exuberant cities of Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, before cruising across the sparkling waters of Halong Bay, passing some of the 3,000 limestone islands.
Vietnam and Cambodia have incredibly varied and beautiful landscapes. Their climates vary from the relative cold of Hanoi in the north to the tropical climate of Saigon and Phnom Penh in the southern reaches of the peninsula. Each country has its own highlights from the amazing temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia to the UNESCO heritage sites of Hoi An in Vietnam. The great link between them all is the huge snaking Mekong river which provides some awe inspiring river cruising options, particularly between My Tho in Vietnam and Tonle Sap lake, a few hours drive from Angkor Wat (Siem Reap).
Aside to the majestic river systems supporting all kinds of human and wildlife, there are mountains to the north (Vietnam) and a particularly interesting diversion to Sapa, north Vietnam. Once you have absorbed the culture and sights of each country, a stunning array of beach escapes awaits you from the amazing new Song Saa private island off the south coast of Cambodia, to the rustically luxurious but altruistic Six Senses Con Dao on its own paradise island.
If you require any further information about any of the destinations or hotels please do not hesitate to contact us.
TOUR DETAILS
- 19 nights
Highlights include
- Saigon tour by Vespa scooter
- Mekong delta river cruise
- Forbidden Purple City of Hue
- Vietnamese folk games in Hoi An
- Hanoi city tour
- Cruise Halong Bay
- Visit walled city of Angkor Thom
- Explore temples of Angkor Wat
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
- Ho Chi Minh x 2 nights
- Mekong delta cruise x 1 night
- Ho Chi Minh city x 1 night
- Hue x 2 nights
- Hoi An x 5 night
- Hanoi x 1 night
- Halong x 1 night
- Hanoi x 3 nights
- Siem Reap x 3 nights
DAY ONE
DAY TWO
DAY THREE
DAY FOUR
DAY FIVE
DAY SIX
DAY SEVEN
DAY EIGHT
DAY NINE
DAY TEN
DAY ELEVEN
DAY TWELVE
DAY THIRTEEN
DAY FOURTEEN
DAY FIFTEEN
DAY SIXTEEN
DAY SEVENTEEN
DAY EIGHTEEN
DAY NINETEEN
DAY TWENTY
DAY TWENTY ONE
DAY ONE
day one
Depart UK for Ho Chi Minh city
Depart UK for Ho Chi Minh city on an overnight flight.DAY TWO
day TWO
Arrive Ho Chi Minh city and afternoon to explore
Arrive at Ho Chi Minh city. After clearing customs you will be met by your guide and transferred to the heart of the city, where your hotel is located. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore or relax in the hotel.DAY THREE
day THREE
Escorted guided tour of Ho Chi Minh city
Spend the day exploring Ho Chi Minh city with your guide. In the morning you will visit the Reunification Palace and in the afternoon the War Remnants Museum as well as local markets. In the evening spend time with locals to see the real city on the back of a Vespa scooter, where you will sample some local delicacies and then visit a jazz club.DAY FOUR
day FOUR
Leave Ho Chi Minh city for Mekong delta river cruise
Leave Ho Chi Minh city this morning and tranfer to the small delta town of Cai Be where you board the Bassac boat. Cruise from Cai Be and learn more about life in the region onboard. Overnight onboard.DAY FIVE
day FiVE
Continue cruising then return to Ho Chi Minh city.
Following breakfast on board, sail through the floating market of Can Tho, then disembark and return to Ho Chi Minh city. Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.DAY SIX
day SIX
Visit Cu Chi tunnels then fly to Hue
This morning visit the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh city which were used to devastating effect during the Vietnam war. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.DAY SEVEN
day SEVEN
Explore Hue
This morning enjoy an escorted ride through the streets of Hue, travelling by cyclo, for a view of the city from street level. Visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. End the cyclo ride on the banks of the Perfume River, named after the tree resins and blossoms it carries on its way to the Pacific.DAY EIGHT
day EIGHT
Riverboat cruise to Thien Mu pagoda then transfer to Hoi An
This morning board a riverboat and cruise to the Thien Mu pagoda. Visit the Tu Duc Mausaleum and discover the art of Phap Lam enamels, including the opportunity to make a piece yourself. Leave Hue this afternoon and tranfer across the Ha Van Pass to the pretty town of Hoi An.DAY NINE
day NINE
At leisure in Hoi An
At leisure in Hoi An. We recommend the following activities: cycling around the city, shopping in the markets, having a silk dress or shirt made, visiting craft shops and art galleries, sampling the local food and watching Vietnamese folk games being played. We can also arrange any optional excursions you may wish to take. Additionally there are plenty of activities available at your hotel including spa treatments and cookery courses.DAY TEN
day TEN
At leisure in Hoi An
At leisure in Hoi An. We recommend the following activities: cycling around the city, shopping in the markets, having a silk dress or shirt made, visiting craft shops and art galleries, sampling the local food and watching Vietnamese folk games being played. We can also arrange any optional excursions you may wish to take. Additionally there are plenty of activities available at your hotel including spa treatments and cookery courses.DAY ELEVEN
day ELEVEN
At leisure in Hoi An
At leisure in Hoi An. We recommend the following activities: cycling around the city, shopping in the markets, having a silk dress or shirt made, visiting craft shops and art galleries, sampling the local food and watching Vietnamese folk games being played. We can also arrange any optional excursions you may wish to take. Additionally there are plenty of activities available at your hotel including spa treatments and cookery courses.DAY TWELVE
day TWELVE
Leave Hoi An and transfer to Hanoi for an afternoon at leisure
Leave Hoi An this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight to the Vietnamese capital city, Hanoi. On arrival you will be met and welcomed by your personal guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Your afternoon is at leisure.DAY THIRTEEN
day THIRTEEN
Leave Hanoi and transfer to Halong Bay
Leave Hanoi this morning and transfer to Halong Bay (approximately 3.5 hours drive). On the journey you will pass dramatic paddy fields, grazing water buffalo, farmers knee-deep in mud stooped over rice paddies wearing traditional conical hats, and scooters and bicycles loaded with a wide variety of items. Upon arrival at the bay, embark the boat and cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay. Enjoy a seafood dinner on board before returning to the dock and disembarking. Your afternoon is at leisure in Halong Bay.DAY FOURTEEN
day FOURTEEN
Leave Halong Bay and return to Hanoi
After breakfast, leave Halong Bay and transfer back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is at leisure.DAY FIFTEEN
day FIFTEEN
Guided tour of Hanoi
Visit the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh city containing the mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda then visit Tran Quoc Pagoda. Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit the Temple of Literature then take a cyclo tour around the old streets, stopping at Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and ending with a water puppet show.DAY SIXTEEN
day SIXTEEN
Visit Ky Son village and Mia pagoda
Drive to Ky Son village this morning and either walk or cycle around the village to get a taste of the countryside lifestyle. Return to the Moon Garden for a cooking demonstration and have lunch. Cycle to Duong Lam village then visit Mia pagoda and a selection of temples before returning to Ky Son village, before driving back to Hanoi.DAY SEVENTEEN
day SEVENTEEN
Depart Hanoi and fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia
Your morning is at leisure before leaving Vietnam and flying to Siem Reap in Cambodia this afternoon. On arrival and after securing your visa you will be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel.DAY EIGHTEEN
day EIGHTEEN
Sightseeing at Angkor temples and sunset at Angkor Wat
Visit the immense walled city of Angkor Thom and the Terrace of the Leper King, the Terrace of Elephants, the Baphuon temple and finishing at the temple of the Bayon. This afternoon visit Angkor Wat and climb the steps to the upper terrace to enjoy the views at sunset.DAY NINETEEN
day NINETEEN
Visit Ta Prohm temple at dawn then Banteay Srei
Rise early to travel to Ta Prohm in the dawn light. Ta Prohm temple has long been abandoned to the elements and this visit will remind you of the power of nature as the temple is reclaimed by tentacle-like tree roots. Visit Banteay Srei, another temple of Angkor, with the most elaborate carvings in Cambodia. Enjoy lunch in the area then return to Siem Reap for an afternoon at leisure.DAY TWENTY
day TWENTY
Day at leisure in Siem Reap before flight home to the UK
You have the day at leisure in Siem Reap today. We suggest visiting the great Tonle Sap Lake today, which is home to numerous floating villages. Leave the hotel this evening for your return flight back to the UK.DAY TWENTY ONE
day TWENTY ONE
Arrive in UK
Arrive in UK.Itinerary
Flight information
Direct flights from the UK to Ho Chi Minh City in approximately 14 hours