Vietnam and Cambodia Explorer

Vietnam and Cambodia Explorer Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Hanoi

  Depart on your scheduled overnight flight to Hanoi.

• Day 2: Hanoi

  Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel to relax after your flight.

• Day 3: Hanoi

  Begin today's tour of Hanoi at the distinctive Presidential Palace. Wander through pristinely manicured botanical gardens to uncover Ho Chi Minh's modestly sized house on stilts, nestled amongst the tranquillity of this rural oasis. From here, journey to Hanoi's emblematic One Pillar Pagoda and the 10th Century Temple of Literature before embarking on a street food tour, where you can sample Dried Beef Mannequin, Hanoi bread and Kebab Rice Noodles, as well as the delightful flavours of Egg-milk coffee within the vibrant Dong Xuan Market. Continue to Hoa Lo Prison known by American POWs as the Hanoi Hilton and then to the bustling Old Quarter Street to experience the daily life of the locals, before enjoying a traditional Water Puppet Performance this evening.

• Day 4: Hanoi to Halong

  Glide across the emerald waters of the UNESCO listed Halong Bay and experience a vision of extraordinary beauty, snaking past a landscape of scattered islands, limestone karsts and enchanting grottoes. Anchoring at the mouth of a secluded cove, disembark for the unique opportunity to swim in the azure waters, before spending a relaxing night in the midst of Halong Bay. Depending on the weather and which beaches can be accessed, there is an opportunity to climb up the side of Titov Mountain and witness an impressive view over Halong Bay. There are roughly 450 steps to reach the top. This is optional and not a guaranteed activity, but if you do wish to do it, then please pack suitable shoes just in case.

• Day 5: Halong to Hoi An

  Awake to the serene sounds of lapping water and relish in a fresh morning breeze, as you slowly sail towards port whilst tucking into a delicious breakfast. Transfer to the airport and journey to Hoi An, where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure.

• Day 6: Hoi An

  Formerly one of Southeast Asia's chief ports and a UNESCO registered ancient town. Discover a labyrinth of riverside streets strewn with perfectly preserved Japanese merchant houses and Chinese tea warehouses. Explore this easily navigable town at leisure in the morning before joining a city tour in the afternoon, visiting the 17th century Japanese Pagoda Bridge. After the tour sample some of the street food in Hoi An Ancient Town including Cao Lau Noodles, White Rose Cake, Fried Wonton Dumplings, Chicken Rice and Fried Banana Cake.

• Day 7: Hoi An

  Today, experience Hoi An's charming character during a day at leisure.

• Day 8: Hoi An to Saigon

  Journey to the bustling city of Saigon, where an afternoon tour begins at the War Remnants Museum; presenting a collection of retired artillery and weaponry artefacts, explore the harrowing exhibits which highlight the grim realities of the Vietnam War. Next, head towards the distinctive neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and adjacent Saigon Post Office. Finally, experience a hive of activity amidst the vibrant market stalls of Ben Thanh Market.

• Day 9: Saigon

  After breakfast, discover the extraordinary underground Cu Chi tunnel network, spanning an astonishing 75 miles; famously housing hospitals, living quarters and weapon factories during the Vietnam war, these restricted passageways were used as the main base of operations by the Viet Cong. This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure in the centre of cosmopolitan Saigon.

• Day 10: Saigon to Can Tho

  Travel south to the picturesque province of Ben Tre. Take a boat trip along the Hoa River, pausing en route to experience the unique regional trades of local residents, incorporating visits to a coconut sweets workshop, thriving bee garden and candy mill, relishing in a tasting along the way. Following a short walk towards a local farmer house, journey along village paths and through verdant vegetable plains on a tuk tuk, before continuing to Can Tho.

• Day 11: Can Tho to Chau Doc

  Experience a hive of activity upon Can Tho's crowded canals this morning, on a scenic journey towards Mekong Delta. The Cai Rang floating market is packed with an enormous array of vibrant fruit and vegetables to feast your eyes upon. Venture onwards, absorbing tranquil vistas along the enchanting Mekong, and head towards a local fruit garden where you will be able to taste local fruits while listening to some traditional music, before transferring to Chau Doc.

• Day 12: Chau Doc to Phnom Penh

  Today travel into Cambodia's historic capital, immerse yourself in regal grandeur at the Cambodian King's residence; the ornately gilded Khmer roofs of the Royal Palace majestically rub shoulders with the neighbouring lavish Silver Pagoda. Later in the day, boasting one of Cambodia's largest collections of Khmer art dating from the prehistoric era through to the present day, wander through the National Museum's fascinating exhibition of Cambodian history, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

• Day 13: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

  Following breakfast, a moving tour of the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek explores the reality of Cambodia's troubled past. Although inconceivable to comprehend the harrowing events which once unfolded here, these excursions illustrate imperative pieces of Cambodia's historical puzzle. Pay your respects to the victims of the Pol Pot regime at Choeung Ek's poignant Buddhist memorial before travelling to Siem Reap this evening.

• Day 14: Siem Reap

  Take some time to relax, shop and discover the street life in Cambodia's most pleasant tourist town.

• Day 15: Siem Reap

  Today, embark on a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat complex; a stunning example of enduring devotion to the gods, this grandiose temple has been in constant use since its construction in 1112. Flanked by a commanding row of 54 stone figures, enter the South Gate of the Angkor Thom and visit the mesmerising gothic towers of Bayon and later the Baphuon, Phimeanakas and the Elephant Terrace. Following lunch, uncover the mystical Ta Prohm temple, partially engulfed by the jungle's burgeoning canopy, before enjoying a farewell dinner and traditional Apsara dance performance. Optional early morning departure (roughly 04:30am) to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat. After, return to the hotel for breakfast and then head back to explore Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. If you choose not to do the sunrise visit, you will join the rest of the group for the second visit instead.

• Day 16: Siem Reap to UK

  Enjoy a morning at leisure before departing for your flight home or chosen extension.