Journey from the beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia on this exciting adventure.
Journey from the beauty of Halong Bay to a spine-tingling encounter with the abandoned capital of Angkor Thom, left to ruin in the depths of the dense Cambodian jungle and revealing stories of a once-powerful Khmer empire whose ancient temples, tombs and shrines were left to rest for centuries.
Relish the warm embrace of Vietnam and her welcoming people, who will touch you with their humility and entrepreneurial spirit throughout your journey across this intoxicating land. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetisers.
This morning is dedicated to the revolutionary leader who fanned the flames of Vietnam's independence. We begin our day with a visit to the final resting place of "Uncle Ho", the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. A short walk from here, we'll find Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, where we'll 'Dive into Culture' exploring the grounds surrounding the humble abode of Vietnam's most famous son. We'll continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, to gain insights into Hanoian culture. After lunch, we'll embark on a cyclo tour, weaving through the lively Old Quarter past colourful shopfronts and street food vendors. Enjoy an evening at leisure or consider joining one of our recommended Optional Experiences.
Eating on the street is a very typical activity for Hanoians and makes up an important part of the city’s unique culture. Take a leisurely walk with a local foodie to the Old Quarter. Taste the national Vietnamese dish - Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) and then wander around a local market to enjoy the sights, sounds and aroma from the numerous kinds of food on offer. Sample some Banh Duc – cooked rice powder with Vietnamese spices followed by a visit to a little shop selling many different types of traditional Northern cakes such as Com cake (young rice) which is considered to be a part of every Hanoians’ childhood. Continue to a small alley to get an idea of the typical “tube houses” of Hanoi and afterwards stop at Banh My Lan On to try their famous bread with Pâté. Later enjoy some Vietnamese desserts and cap off your walk by tasting a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee.
Adult Price: $26.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Water Puppet Show
Enjoy a traditional evening Water Puppet performance in a local theatre. This northern Vietnamese art form beautifully illustrates scenes of rural life and natural history and began approximately a thousand years ago, possibly in the flooded rice fields of Vietnam. Puppeteers stand in waist-high water and manipulate their charges in such a way that you can’t help but be swept up in the legend being told. Each short sketch in the performance relates to the daily life of the people.
Adult Price: $12.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
HANOI - HALONG BAY CRUISE
We leave the busy streets of Hanoi behind, bound for the serenity of Halong Bay where we'll board a traditional-style Vietnamese Junk boat. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters provide an ethereal backdrop for our leisurely cruise. After lunch on board, we'll take a small boat transfer to the Tien Ong Cave and Cua Van Fishing Village, whose residents still live in traditional floating houses. We return to our Junk boat for a cooking demonstration with the chef or enjoy a mesmerising sunset on the top deck before dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in this UNESCO-listed natural wonder.
The graceful practice of T'ai Chi eases you into your day as is the local custom. Join a 'Local Specialist' on the deck of the Junk boat for a morning class in exquisite natural surrounds. You'll have time for an early morning swim at one of Halong Bay's quiet beaches and, if you're feeling energetic, a brisk walk to catch one last view of scenic Halong Bay before your drive to Hanoi Airport to catch your flight to Danang. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Royal Hoi An
'Dive into Culture' this morning, embarking on a walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An. Embrace its charm of yesteryear - the narrow lanes, colourful marketplaces and ancient temples providing insights into the Vietnam of old. See the old merchant houses and 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, before visiting Thanh Dong Organic Village where you'll spend some time helping local farmers and learning about their daily working routines. Kick back and enjoy a relaxing foot massage that will set the pace for the rest of the day and evening at leisure.
My Son is one of the foremost Hindu temple sites in South East Asia. For the Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century, My Son was an important religious site and place of worship. A 1.5-hour drive from Hoi An will bring you to My Son where there are 20 monuments still standing today. The temples are set in a verdant valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by the impressive Cat Tooth Mountain. Stroll around this UNESCO listed temple complex and learn about the Cham culture, architecture and civilisation before returning to Hoi An.
Adult Price: $20.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
HOI AN
Spend the morning exploring Hoi An on your terms or simply relax at your hotel. Your choice of activities this afternoon could see you learn how to craft your own colourful lantern or gain insights into life as a local fisherman (subject to weather conditions). Create a work of art to bring your home luck and happiness, or cast your net wide for the catch of the day - the choice is yours.
The healthy flavours of Vietnamese cuisine take centre stage as we travel by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. We'll have an opportunity to savour the dishes we've prepared for lunch before returning to Hoi An. This afternoon, our journey takes us over Hai Van Pass en route to Red Beach, where the American Marines first landed in Vietnam during the decades-long war. We continue to Danang for a visit to the Cham Sculpture before arriving in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, for our overnight stay.
We'll navigate the busy streets of Hue on the back of a cyclo en route to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, once home to Nguyen emperors. From here, we drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Boarding a local dragon boat next, we cruise along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son where we'll 'Connect with Locals' and meet a family member for a Be My Guest lunch to gain a glimpse of their life in this historic house. The afternoon is ours to enjoy at leisure or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences.
Truc Chi which is a type of paper made from bamboo pulp is a new form of art in Hue created by a young talented artist and his colleagues after many years of research, study and practice. Using bamboo as the only material, they make paper using traditional methods, and then turn them into various detailed and unique creations. The aim of the Truc Chi artists is to make the paper symbolic of Vietnam, just like ‘washi’ paper is of Japan. Visit a Truc Chi workshop, interact with the artists to understand more about the artwork's process and later, try creating your own Truc Chi drawing to take home as a souvenir.
Adult Price: $30.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
HUE - HO CHI MINH CITY (3 NIGHTS)
A short flight this morning brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll enjoy some time at leisure before lunch at KOTO restaurant. Your visit will 'Make a Difference' to this non-profit social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged young people in the hospitality industry. The iconic sights of Ho Chi Minh are revealed on a walking tour of Dong Khoi Street next. See the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville. Then, wander up to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, designed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel. Continue to the War Remnants Museum where you'll have a vivid glimpse of the war through the eyes of the locals. Your final stop today is Ben Thanh market, one of the earliest surviving structures in old Saigon, before arriving at your hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sofitel Saigon Plaza
The mighty Mekong beckons today, as we take a day trip to My Tho, a nearby Delta market town. We'll transfer to a small sampan boat and navigate the maze of small canals before stopping for a Regional Meal of delicious Mekong Delta specialities. After a short walk along village roads, we'll visit the house of a former soldier, a 'Local Specialist' who survived fighting the Khmer Rouge. Indulge in the family's colourful stories and learn how they make a living crafting rice paper, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure.
We'll delve into Vietnam's turbulent history from the previous century, boarding a private speedboat to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels built to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. We'll explore the underground compounds with a VC veteran and gain an understanding of the history of the tunnel, which once served as living quarters and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City, we'll enjoy some free time this afternoon. Later, we'll 'Dive into Culture' during a visit to the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, followed by a Farewell Dinner.
Today, we venture deep into the Cambodian jungle, through a pyramid-shaped gateway into an ancient world. Serene stone faces watch over us as we cross the causeway suspended over a moat into the spiritual heart of the ancient lost city of Angkor. A Local Specialist and renowned Khmer scholar brings to life the stories behind the intricate carvings and murals of celestial nymphs and mythical serpents along the abandoned hallways of Angkor Wat. Our next stop are the terracotta-hued walls of Banteay Srei Temple - the "Citadel of Women" dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. We'll have time to admire the 10thcentury carvings of women, said to have been too delicate to have been carved by a man, hence its name. Deep in the heart of the Cambodian countryside, we 'Connect with Locals', joining a local family for lunch in their 80-year-old wooden house on their dragon fruit farm. This afternoon, we'll return to Siem Reap and embark on a walking tour. We 'Make a Difference' to the lives of rural youths during our visit to Artisans d'Angkor, where we'll witness the revival of Khmer arts and crafts. Later we'll visit Wat Damnak and participate in a private blessing ceremony during which a sacred thread will be tied around our wrists to protect against evil spirits. Our final stop today is to the labyrinthine Old Market, where the locals spend their early mornings shopping for fresh fruit, vegetables and spices. Wander past the busy stalls and smell freshly baked baguettes, a remnant of the country's French heritage.
Depart from your hotel and transfer to Chong Kneas, a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake. Board a traditional and comfortable wooden boat, and embark on a relaxing and insightful sunset cruise on the lake. A selection of soft drinks and beer is served while you observe the local lifestyle of the people living on the lake in their floating and stilted homes. Towards the end of the day, the activity on the lake picks up as people return from their fish farms to present and sell their catch at the local market. Continue to the open waters and take in the sunset before returning to the port for a transfer back to Siem Reap town. Note: This trip will not operate during periods of low water which normally occur from April to September.
Adult Price: $41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 14
ANGKOR AND SIEM REAP
Our intimate encounter with a lost empire continues today, as we uncover other iconic sites of the ancient abandoned city of Angkor that have been devoured by the Cambodian jungle. We explore its ancient ruins in the company of saffron-clad monks and monkeys that clamber up and over the roots of centuries-old trees that have carved their way deep into the Great City's walls. Our first stop today is a visit to the fortified Angkor Thom, where we'll see such iconic sites as the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Enclosure and the Temple of Bayon with its giant smiling faces of Buddha. We venture underneath the dense tree canopy to the crumbling, moss-covered ruins of the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm, which featured as the location for the film 'Tomb Raider', exploring its towers courtyards and corridors to uncover the intricate stone reliefs that are shielded by the surrounding foliage. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or consider joining one of our recommended Optional Experiences to learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine.
Take a short walk through the local market with the Chef and discover the exotic looking fruits, vegetables and spices. Learn about local cooking practices, ingredients and food superstitions. Upon your return to the restaurant, and following a refreshing drink, continue to the kitchen to begin the cooking class. Learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine as you prepare a variety of traditional dishes and later enjoy your creations served up in the restaurant.
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 15
PEAK SNENG VILLAGE
We begin the day in the company of local Khmer villagers and 'Make a Difference' with a visit to their local school for an opportunity to chat to some of the children who will join us on our walk through the village to see how they spend their day-to-day lives. We'll 'Dive into Culture', gaining insights into their time-honoured craft traditions, such as weaving Cambodia's national hats made from palm leaves, or folding Lotus flowers into delicate works of art. After the rest of the day at leisure, we'll join our Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for a Farewell Dinner with Apsara dance show.
Take the opportunity to Make a Difference to the local community and go for an enjoyable lunch at ‘Marum’. Located in a wooden house with an attractive outdoor patio, it is one of Cambodia’s most well-known hospitality training restaurants. Working in supporting under privileged young people, ‘Marum’ and its parent company ‘Friends International’ donates all profits back into the well-being and education of their students through various programmes, sponsorship and social work across Cambodia. All staff from front of house to the kitchens are supported by the restaurant and are training in hospitality. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a worthy cause.
Adult Price: $17.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Eating on the street is a very typical activity for Hanoians and makes up an important part of the city’s unique culture. Take a leisurely walk with a local foodie to the Old Quarter. Taste the national Vietnamese dish - Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) and then wander around a local market to enjoy the sights, sounds and aroma from the numerous kinds of food on offer. Sample some Banh Duc – cooked rice powder with Vietnamese spices followed by a visit to a little shop selling many different types of traditional Northern cakes such as Com cake (young rice) which is considered to be a part of every Hanoians’ childhood. Continue to a small alley to get an idea of the typical “tube houses” of Hanoi and afterwards stop at Banh My Lan On to try their famous bread with Pâté. Later enjoy some Vietnamese desserts and cap off your walk by tasting a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee.
Adult Price: $26.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Water Puppet Show
Enjoy a traditional evening Water Puppet performance in a local theatre. This northern Vietnamese art form beautifully illustrates scenes of rural life and natural history and began approximately a thousand years ago, possibly in the flooded rice fields of Vietnam. Puppeteers stand in waist-high water and manipulate their charges in such a way that you can’t help but be swept up in the legend being told. Each short sketch in the performance relates to the daily life of the people.
Adult Price: $12.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
My Son Temples
My Son is one of the foremost Hindu temple sites in South East Asia. For the Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century, My Son was an important religious site and place of worship. A 1.5-hour drive from Hoi An will bring you to My Son where there are 20 monuments still standing today. The temples are set in a verdant valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by the impressive Cat Tooth Mountain. Stroll around this UNESCO listed temple complex and learn about the Cham culture, architecture and civilisation before returning to Hoi An.
Adult Price: $20.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Bamboo Paper Art Workshop
Truc Chi which is a type of paper made from bamboo pulp is a new form of art in Hue created by a young talented artist and his colleagues after many years of research, study and practice. Using bamboo as the only material, they make paper using traditional methods, and then turn them into various detailed and unique creations. The aim of the Truc Chi artists is to make the paper symbolic of Vietnam, just like ‘washi’ paper is of Japan. Visit a Truc Chi workshop, interact with the artists to understand more about the artwork's process and later, try creating your own Truc Chi drawing to take home as a souvenir.
Adult Price: $30.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 13
Sunset Boat Cruise
Depart from your hotel and transfer to Chong Kneas, a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake. Board a traditional and comfortable wooden boat, and embark on a relaxing and insightful sunset cruise on the lake. A selection of soft drinks and beer is served while you observe the local lifestyle of the people living on the lake in their floating and stilted homes. Towards the end of the day, the activity on the lake picks up as people return from their fish farms to present and sell their catch at the local market. Continue to the open waters and take in the sunset before returning to the port for a transfer back to Siem Reap town. Note: This trip will not operate during periods of low water which normally occur from April to September.
Adult Price: $41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 14
Khmer Cooking Class
Take a short walk through the local market with the Chef and discover the exotic looking fruits, vegetables and spices. Learn about local cooking practices, ingredients and food superstitions. Upon your return to the restaurant, and following a refreshing drink, continue to the kitchen to begin the cooking class. Learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine as you prepare a variety of traditional dishes and later enjoy your creations served up in the restaurant.
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 15
Lunch at Marum
Take the opportunity to Make a Difference to the local community and go for an enjoyable lunch at ‘Marum’. Located in a wooden house with an attractive outdoor patio, it is one of Cambodia’s most well-known hospitality training restaurants. Working in supporting under privileged young people, ‘Marum’ and its parent company ‘Friends International’ donates all profits back into the well-being and education of their students through various programmes, sponsorship and social work across Cambodia. All staff from front of house to the kitchens are supported by the restaurant and are training in hospitality. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a worthy cause.
Adult Price: $17.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Enjoy lunch at one of the great remaining garden houses of Hue where you will gain insight into the lives of a local family and admire their fascinating collection of artifacts and mementos from the days of the former Royal Empire (Day 8). Catch a rare glimpse into traditional Khmer life and cuisine, enjoying lunch with a local family in their traditional 80-year-old wooden house on their dragon fruit farm (Day 13).
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Visit Ho Chi Minh's house in Hanoi (Day 2), the colourful market of Hoi An (Day 5), the Cham Museum in Danang (Day 7) and the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s (Day 11). Join a Lantern Making Workshop or a Fishing Life Tour to learn about the lives of the local fishermen and have a go at casting your own fishing net (Day 6). At Peak Sneng Village observe the locals weaving hats from palm leaves (Day 15).
LOCAL SPECIALIST
in Halong Bay (Day 3), Mekong Delta (Day 10) and in Angkor Wat (Day 13)
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Have lunch at KOTO restaurant, a non-profit social enterprise training disadvantaged young people in the hospitality industry (Day 9). At Artisans d'Angkor, where our visit contributes to creating job opportunities for disadvantaged rural youths, at Peak Sneng village, meeting local villagers and discovering some traditional Cambodian crafts at the Phare Circus to watch a spectacular show. The Phare Circus is a social project for young disadvantaged Cambodians who are given the opportunity to train in visual arts and circus skills (Day 13 & 14).
STAYS WITH STORIES
Stay on a traditional style Vietnamese Junk boat for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay. (Day 3)
Sightseeing highlights
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CITY TOUR of Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City
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SEE Red Beach in Danang
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VISIT Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, the Imperial Citadel in Hue, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Terrace of the Elephants, Siem Reap Old Town, Artisans d'Angkor, Wat Damnak, the temples of Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Hand-picked Insider Experiences
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Optional Experiences and free time
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Porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
Highlights of Vietnam with Cambodia's Angkor Trip Reviews
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Trip Notes
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Flights: Prices include internal airfares and taxes for flights: Hanoi to Danang, Hue to Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap and are accurate as of 1st June 2018.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be closed early September to mid November.
Highlights of Vietnam with Cambodia's Angkor and Phnom Penh: For a further insight into Cambodia's history and to learn more about the Khmer Rouge extend for a further two nights and inlclude Phnom Penh in your journey.
All visitors are truly impressed by Angkor Wat and how it was built, with regard to the way they cut the huge blocks of sandstone (one of the heaviest stones), and carried it to make such a significant building. It is so unique, there is no two in the world. Ngor Yotna (Mr Bob), Cambodia Travel Director
Hoi An is an ancient town, located in the centre of Vietnam and is recognised as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port, dating from the 15th to the 19th century. When we visit Hoi An, our guests will have the chance to experience the different architectures, cultures and cuisines of this wonderful city.Nguyen Dinh Thanh (Thom), Vietnam Travel Director
Visas are generally required for Vietnam for some nationalities. Please contact the consulate/embassy for further information.
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
