Day 3
Hanoi - Today we explore Hanoi, past and present. The French created this gorgeous colonial city of tree lined avenues, belle epoque villas, grand public buildings and an Opera house, all built around more than a dozen enchanting lakes. This graceful scene blends beautifully with its old quarter, a tangle of narrow streets, the commercial heart of the city for hundreds of years and now full of tiny shops, pagodas and the ever-present populace astride their bicycles and mopeds.
During our guided tour we also see the beautiful Temple of Literature dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s first university, and the imposing marble mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh himself, embalmed and eerily on display.
This afternoon is free for you to explore this beautiful city as you wish. You could even visit a traditional water puppet show (book and pay local)- a real spectacle where, as the name suggests, with the aid of fireworks and music, folk stories are played out by skilful puppeteers.
Day 4
Halong Bay Cruise - Today we visit Vietnam’s greatest natural wonder, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay. Leaving Hanoi, we enter a timeless landscape of rice paddies, following the Red River delta to the emerald seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. Just offshore, some 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops rise almost vertically from the sea, forming one of the most extraordinary and spectacular bays in the world.
As we board our converted Chinese junk and glide along the jade-green waters it’s not hard to imagine how the myths of their creation began: a dragon is said to have plunged into the sea and its thrashing tail sculpted the craggy islands. We visit some of the vast and beautifully illuminated caves and grottoes before having lunch on board.
We return to Hanoi late afternoon.
Day 5
Hue - Today we take an early flight to Danang then continue through the dramatic scenery of Hai Van Pass. Translated as “Ocean Clouds” in Vietnamese, Hai Van Pass is flanked by jungle-clad mountains and spectacular coastal views.
Upon arrival in Hue, we check in at the luxurious Senna Hue Hotel, enjoying the comfort and elegance of this five-star haven, including daily breakfast.
The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Vietnam’s former imperial capital and long-standing centre of religion, culture and education. Hue is a wonderful city, split by the peaceful Perfume River, with its dramatic Citadel dominating the skyline. This ancient fortress, surrounded by an impressive 6-mile stretch of 65-foot-thick walls and a protective moat, encapsulates the grandeur of the past.
Day 6
Hue Imperial City - This morning we start with a leisurely river cruise to the magnificent seven-storied Thien Mu pagoda, a working Buddhist shrine, affording beautiful views towards the mountains on the border with Laos. We then visit the incredible complex of the Citadel and within it, the Imperial City. We see the Palace of Supreme Harmony, which contained the emperor’s throne and was the site of the most important official ceremonies and functions. Everything is painted in the royal colours of red and gold and the whole building is a stunning example of the magnificent lifestyle enjoyed by the Vietnamese royal family.
In the afternoon we visit Emperor Tu Duc’s mausoleum. More interested in poetry than running the country, Tu Duc’s lifestyle suggests he had plenty of free time - he had 104 wives, 50-course meals and tea made from the dewdrops of lotus blossoms! It took 3,000 workers three years to build his amazing mausoleum, which includes a large lake, pavilions and a theatre. Lunch is included today, and the evening is at leisure.
Day 7
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Our early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City gives us plenty of time to make the most of the day.
Upon arrival, we enjoy a guided tour of the city, which many locals still fondly call Saigon. Set on a wide riverbend, the city is famed for its elegant French-style boulevards and colonial architecture. Exclusive restaurants and chic bars sit side-by-side with streetside hawker stalls, traditional markets and ancient pagodas. Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s culinary capital, offering a wide variety of dining experiences and cuisines, from French and Italian to Chinese, Japanese and everything in between. The afternoon is at leisure, so relax at your hotel or head out to explore.
Our hotel for three nights on bed and breakfast is the excellent five-star Equatorial Hotel.
Signature Tour 2027 only -
Saigon dinner cruise
To top off the day, immerse yourself in the unique charm of the Saigon River on an unforgettable evening cruise. As you glide past the sparkling city skyline, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal while the shimmering lights of the city dance on the water.
Day 8
Cu Chi Tunnels - This will be a day to remember! We visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a complex underground network stretching for 200 kilometres, which included hospitals, meeting rooms, sleeping quarters and kitchens. Begun during the last years of French rule and vastly expanded during the 1960’s, the tunnels provided a base for the Vietcong from which to attack US forces within just 30 miles of Saigon.
Our visit here is a fascinating insight into these times: we see the tunnels themselves and examples of the many mantraps and stake pits which protected them. Despite being carpet-bombed, the tunnels were never really penetrated and should you wish, you may even try out real period weapons on a firing range.
We continue through rural farming communities back to Saigon. In the afternoon our city tour covers all the major sights including the colonial-style central post office, the cathedral and the Reunification Palace where famously in 1975, a tank burst through its gates in the final defining moment of the Vietnam War. We also see the War Remnants Museum and the Lively Ben Thanh market a fascinating insight into Saigon daily life, you can find anything here, all at extremely good prices!
Day 9
Mekong River Delta - Today we drive out of Saigon towards the great Mekong River delta. The first stop is at one of the many islands where we walk through a typical village and try out several different types of tropical fruit that are grown in the area. Travelling in small boats we continue our exploration through the narrow canals by visiting the aptly named Coconut Island, where locals specialise in producing rice paper, coconut cakes and other local delicacies. Dappled sunlight filters through the wide leaves of the mangroves as we arrive at a typical local restaurant for lunch of local Mekong specialities, including the famous and delicious deep-fried elephant ear fish!
We return to Saigon in the afternoon.
Day 10
Fly to Phnom Penh - On our final morning in Vietnam, we have little free time to soak in the energy of Saigon with a leisurely stroll through the city centre. You could stop for a fragrant coffee and a delicious pastry at one of the many charming cafés that line the streets for a final taste of the city before we board our short flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival in the capital of Cambodia, we transfer to our hotel, the centrally located four-star Palace Gate Hotel for two nights on bed and breakfast.
Day 11
Phnom Penh - Today we’ll visit the majestic Royal Palace with its silver pagoda and the fascinating National Museum. After lunch in a local restaurant, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum – originally a school, turned into the country’s most notorious prison by the Khmer Rouge, it now charts the terrible suffering during their occupation of the city.
Finally, there’s time for a stop at one of the local markets before we return to our hotel for the evening.
Day 12
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - Setting off this morning, we spend most of the day journeying through the heart of Cambodia for a true taste of rural life, making a few comfort stops. Our drive takes us past sprawling farmland dotted with grazing water buffalo, and an enchanting series of idyllic towns and villages.
Our first stop mid-morning is at Skuon. At midday we enjoy lunch at Kampong Thom, a lively provincial town, surrounded by emerald rice paddies, ancient forests and sacred hills. Afterward, we continue through the beautiful countryside, stopping again to admire the 12th-century Naga Bridge in Kampong Kdei.
We arrive in the late afternoon at Siem Reap, where the rest of the day is free for you to relax. Our hotel is the four-star Borei Angkor Resort & Spa.
Day 13
Angkor - Today we visit one of the largest religious structures in the world, Angkor Wat. We see the haunting soft morning light rise over the eerie temples of Angkor. At its height in the thirteenth century, Angkor had a staggering one million inhabitants. The incredible state of preservation, the beauty of its design and sculptures has, for many, made Angkor one of the great wonders of the world.
We visit the fortified 13th century city of Angkor Thom, with its five monumental gates, and 300-foot-wide moat - its centre containing the temple of Bayon. We’ll also visit the smaller temple of Ta Prohm which has been left unrestored, with giant tropical trees bursting through the ruins, their roots clinging like tentacles.
Day 14
Siem Reap Free Day or (2027 only) Tonle Sap Boat Trip - Today we have left free for you to return to the many monuments of Angkor, explore Siem Reap or relax around the attractive pool at the hotel. Alternatively, you could take an interesting tour to the nearby lake of Tonle Sap to visit a floating village (subject to season and water levels - book and pay local) or try your culinary skills by taking an optional half day cooking class (book and pay local).
Signature Tour 2027 only -
Tonle Sap Boat Trip
Set out on a serene boat ride across Tonle Sap Lake, where you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of Cambodia’s countryside. Along the way, we make a stop at one of the remarkable floating villages that dot the lake. Here, boats serve as the primary means of transportation, and the community thrives on the lake’s abundant resources, offering a rare insight into the way of life that has existed for generations. (Note: Visits are subject to seasonal water levels.)
When the water levels do not permit, typically when water levels are too low, the cruise along the Tonle Sap will be replaced by a visit to the APOPO Visitor Centre and a guided tour at Artisans Angkor:
APOPO Visitor Centre
We discover the history of conflict in Cambodia, the impact of landmines on local communities, and the opportunity to meet and see the HeroRATs in action at APOPO Visitor Centre. Experience the realities of humanitarian demining where rats are trained to save lives. Learn about the mine clearing process from the guides, enjoy a series of videos showing the Centre's work and read about how Cambodia became one of the most mine-affected countries in the world.
Artisans Angkor
We then explore Cambodia’s rich artisanal heritage at Artisans Angkor. We take a tour of their city centre workshops and arts and crafts school to discover more about the various training and production workshops. The social enterprise has spent more than two decades reviving and refreshing traditional Cambodian arts, including wood sculpting, stone carving, lacquerwork, polychrome and stone patina work and silk weaving.
Personalise Your Holiday -
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Seat A with transfers and a complimentary gift.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus, tells of Cambodian folklore, historic and modern society stories through modern circus arts, dance, live music and theatre. More than just a circus, the young performing artists will enthral you with their talent incorporating emotion, enthusiasm and energy. This unique acrobat performance lasts for approximately 1 hour and is located in the very heart of the civilization of Cambodia, Siem Reap. Profits go to PPSA a local non-profit association working to improve the lives of socially deprived youngsters.
From £59pp (2026) & £69pp (2027)
Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking.
Day 15
Flight to Laos - An afternoon transfer to the airport for the short flight to Luang Prabang. Our hotel is the three-star superior Luang Prabang with breakfast, located on a low hillside with wonderful views overlooking the town and verdant mountains beyond. There’s a stunning pool, restaurant, bar, a spa and a regular shuttle into town. Our Superior rooms have twin or double beds, bath with separate shower, hairdryer, safe, TV, tea/coffee facilities and free Wi-Fi.
Day 16
Luang Prabang - The whole of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO-protected area, containing a wonderful fusion of beautiful French colonial buildings and traditional Lao houses. After breakfast our walking tour explores this amazing small town, with its quaint Royal Palace.
Next, it’s the magnificent Royal temple of Wat Xiengthong, with its sweeping roofline in the classic Laos style. As dusk falls, the main street is closed to vehicles and the fascinating night market takes over, full of great street food stalls and wonderful handicrafts.
Day 17
Luang Prabang - This morning we take a private boat ride upriver on the Mekong through lovely scenery to the Pak Ou caves. Set in a limestone cliff and filled with thousands of Buddha statues, this cave complex is one of the holiest sites in Lao with a history dating back thousands of years. Lunch will be served on the boat as we make our way back to Luang Prabang for mid-afternoon, making a stop at the unique Wat Done Khoun Temple, located on its own island in the Mekong River.
Day 18
Luang Prabang - This morning before breakfast you can witness and even partake if you wish, in the early morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’, or offering alms to the monks, a tradition providing some wonderful photo opportunities. You’ll also visit the market to see the locals shop for superb fresh produce. Not far from town is the picturesque Kuang Si waterfall, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the many turquoise pools and walk along the woodland trails. Just adjacent is the Bear Rescue Centre whose worthy mission is protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic black bear.
We arrive back in Luang Prabang by lunchtime, with the rest of the day is at leisure. An included afternoon tea is available for you to enjoy at your hotel.