Flight to Hanoi

Day 1
You arrive at Hanoi airport to a warm welcome from your local guide, who will escort you to the awaiting transport and onwards to your hotel. The afternoon is free at leisure.

  4* Moevenpick Hotel or similar (B)

Day 2
You leave your hotel in the early morning to take a walk through Hang Be market – one of the most famous markets in Hanoi thanks to its diverse array of goods and eye catching displays. You then start to explore the diversified architecture of Hanoi and its famous 36 streets of the Old Quarter on a walking tour. The purpose of today’s walking tour is to discover Hanoi’s architecture, which reflects the atmosphere and soul of Hanoi. This afternoon includes visits to the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (visiting outside), the traditional stilt house and the revered One-Pillar Pagoda. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

  4* Moevenpick Hotel or similar (B)

Day 3
After breakfast you set off for Halong Bay, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site with its 3,000 islands of towering limestone dotting the bay and Gulf of Tonkin (180km – 3.5 – 4 hours driving). After arriving at noon, you board a beautiful boat cruising on Halong Bay. Enjoy the magic of Ha Long Bay drifting in luxury surroundings though the limestone karsts formations that have created so many myths and legends. An excellent menu of fresh seafood for lunch and dinner are served on board. (Extra charge).

  Overnight on board 4* Cruise Boat (B)

Day 4
You wake up early in the morning to enjoy the aquamarine waters of the bay at its best. After a tea break, the boat continues to cruise quietly through the spectacular limestone formations of Halong Bay. You can enjoy this more isolated bay’s spectacular and unique islands before returning to Halong harbour for a transfer to Hanoi Airport where you take a short flight to Danang. You are welcomed by your local guide on arrival and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An Town.

  4* Boutique Hoi An or similar (B)

Day 5
After a morning at leisure, you visit Hoi An town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. You set out to explore the quaint cobblestone streets of the town with its more than two-century-old Chinese houses. Sites include the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and Phung Hung Chinese-style trading house. The visit is not complete without enjoying a cup of tea or coffee at “Reaching Out Tea House” – a very special and unique ancient house. This is followed by an opportunity to ride by bicycle for around 1 hour into the Cam Thanh countryside along the river and throughout the narrow and shaded road until the fisherman’s house, where you are welcomed by a hospitable fisherman’s family. You are invited to try some carefully prepared local dishes after which a bamboo basket boat takes you into the mangrove forest. Today’s activities culminate in a cruise trip on the Thu Bon River, with cocktails and snacks whilst enjoying a languid sunset. You are then transferred back to your hotel.

  4* Boutique Hoi An or similar (B)

Day 6
After breakfast, you transfer to Danang airport for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. You are welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check in. The afternoon is free at leisure to discover the former capital of French Indochina, once known as Saigon but now officially named Ho Chi Minh City.

  4* Grand Hotel or similar (B)

Day 7
This morning you leave the city by private vehicle to visit the amazing tunnel network of Cu Chi. This incredible system, covering almost 250km in length was shelter to over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas during the wars. Return to the city centre for lunch (own expense). Then you take a stroll (your vehicle will be available at all times) to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City.

  4* Grand Hotel or similar (B)

Day 8
Today you are taken from Ho Chi Minh to Cai Thia Canal in Cai Be District, where you start your excursion deep into the Mekong Delta area. You can cycle for about 2 hours on small lanes through local scenery stopping en-route at a local house where you can sample seasonal fruit along with tea and honey and even local wine. You enjoy lunch at a private house, followed by a leisurely rowboat trip along the small Cay Da canal to explore further the area. You check in to your hotel at the end of the afternoon.

  3* Nam Bo Hotel or similar (B, L)

Day 9
Today you transfer to Ninh Kieu Quay where you board the Mystic Mekong for a cruise to the lively and colourful floating markets of Cai Rang. You have a private car transfer upon disembarkation to continue your journey to Chau Doc where you arrive late afternoon.

  4* Victoria Chau Doc Hotel or similar (B)

Day 10
After breakfast, you board the boat for the full morning trip to Phnom Penh – the capital of Cambodia. After checking in to your hotel you explore Phnom Penh City, located at the conjunction of four branches of the Mekong River “Chaktomuk” and the historical capital for more than 600 years after Angkor. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

  4* White Mansion Boutique or similar (B)

Day 11
In the morning, you take a trip on a unique local wooden boat to reach the small island of Koh Dach. Situated on the Mekong and sufficiently isolated from the capital Phnom Penh, you discover the real Cambodia and especially the art of silk weaving by hand. You enjoy lunch during the tour, prepared by a Khmer family.

  4* White Mansion Boutique or similar (B, L)

Day 12
Enjoy the rest of your time in Phnom Penh before transferring to the airport for a short flight to Siem Reap. Arrive and welcome at Siem Reap Airport. Check in at the hotel then free in the afternoon.

  4* Shinta Mani Hotel or similar (B)

Day 13
In the morning, you leave early to get to the Temple of Beng Mealea in the jungle when it opens at 7:30am. Beng Mealea was built during the reign of Suryavarman II, in the middle of the twelfth century. Far from the bustle of Angkor Wat it gives the visitor the impression of being the first explorer to the temple. After your trip here, you head for Banteay Srei along the base of Kulen mountain to stop for lunch (own expense) at a beautiful restaurant called Devatas which overlooks a lotus lake. After exploring Banteay Srei, a small pink sandstone temple which was erected in the 10th century and is known as the Citadel of Women, you have the rest of the afternoon at leisure back at your hotel in Siem Reap, with an optional evening excursion to the renowned Phare Circus.

  4* Shinta Mani Shack or similar (B)

Day 14
Your day starts with a 7am departure to Ta Prohm, featured in the Lara Croft films, where immense branches have taken root in the stones – hence the nickname of the Jungle Temple. You exit through the atmospheric north gate and drive on to Angkor Thom (the Great City) with its famous Bayon of the 12th and 13th centuries. Your journey of exploration continues with a visit to the East Gate (Gate of the Dead) and the Elephant Terrace, which was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and the raised Leper King Terrace, built in the 12th century and which features many beautifully sculptured Apsaras. After a break for lunch (own expense), you approach the magnificent Angkor Wat, the famous World Heritage Site where you can admire the soaring towers and extraordinary bas reliefs.

  4* Shinta Mani Shack or similar (B)

Day 15
The morning is at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departures flight. Your room is at your disposal until noon.

 Flight to London Heathrow

International Flights
Internal flights
Return transfers in Vietnam
Bed & Breakfast
2 lunches
English speaking guide
Cruises as described
Other activites as per programme
Site entrance fees
ATOL protection
Flight & hotel taxes

Flight upgrades
Regional UK departures
Hotel upgrades
Tour extensions
Additional hotel nights
Bespoke tour variations