Best of Vietnam & Cambodia

Arrival in HanoiOn arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax. Stay the next two nights at the Flower Garden Hotel Hanoi (or similar).

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and begin your day with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene spot at the heart of the city, followed by a stroll through Dong Xuan Market. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Complex to see Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace (external view), and Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, set amidst peaceful gardens. Also within the complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 and a symbol of Hanoi.

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and begin your day with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene spot at the heart of the city, followed by a stroll through Dong Xuan Market. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Complex to see Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace (external view), and Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, set amidst peaceful gardens. Also within the complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 and a symbol of Hanoi.

After lunch (own arrangements), visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070. Its gardens and architecture offer a tranquil insight into the country's past. Next, tour Hoa Lo Prison, once dubbed the "Hanoi Hilton" during the American War, and visit the historic St Joseph’s Cathedral. Conclude the day with a visit to the Hanoi Opera House and a guided walk through the Old Quarter, where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee at a local café. Overnight in Hanoi.

Depart your hotel at around 7:30 AM for a shuttle bus transfer to Halong City. On arrival, board your junk boat, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and cruise among the striking limestone islands of Halong Bay. In the evening, unwind in your private cabin or relax on the deck or at the bar.

Meet your guide at 8:00 AM for a half-day tour of Hue. Start with the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set amidst tranquil lakes and frangipani trees. Continue to the Citadel, the seat of Nguyen emperors and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Despite damage during the 1968 Tet Offensive, restoration efforts are ongoing. End with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most beautiful.Travel onwards to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass, a natural divide between northern and southern Vietnam. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. The evening is free to explore at your leisure

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Once a bustling trading port, its architecture reflects a blend of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British influences. Visit a traditional ancient house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, Chau Ong Pagoda, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. End the tour in the Ancient Town, with the rest of the day at your leisure.

Transfer to Danang for your flight to Saigon. On arrival, your guide will meet you for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Watch a short film before exploring this extensive underground network, used by Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. These tunnels once served as supply routes, hospitals and living quarters. You have the option to explore a section of the tunnels yourself. Return to Saigon and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city.

At 8:00 AM, depart for a full-day excursion to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Cruise along the Mekong River and its narrow canals, stopping to visit a brick kiln, a coconut processing facility, and a family-run mat weaving workshop.

Take a pedicab ride and enjoy lunch featuring regional specialties such as Elephant Ear Fish. On the return journey, stop at a Cao Dai temple, representing a unique Vietnamese religion combining elements of several major faiths. Return to Saigon in the late afternoon for a farewell dinner at HOME Vietnamese Sai Gon.

At 8:00 AM, set off on a walking tour of central Saigon, including Dong Khoi Street, the Rex Hotel, Municipal Theatre, Hotel de Ville, Nguyen Hue Boulevard, the Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. View the Reunification Palace (from outside) and visit the site of the former US Embassy (now the consulate), before heading to the War Remnants Museum.

Later, explore Ba Chieu Market and the Jade Emperor Pagoda, known for its intricate sculptures. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time before welcome drinks with your Tour Leader.

Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo (bicycle rickshaw), starting at Wat Phnom, the city's spiritual heart. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, followed by the National Museum, home to a vast collection of Khmer art. Then browse the bustling Central Market. In the afternoon, by private vehicle, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge era.

Travel overland to Siem Reap, stopping en route at the spider and insect market in Skun, and a stone mason village near Santuk. Before arrival, visit Kampong Phluk, a village built on stilts. If water levels allow, take a rowing boat through its unique mangrove ecosystem. Continue to Siem Reap and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.

Start early to witness sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by a tour of its bas-reliefs and central complex. After breakfast at a nearby restaurant, continue to Angkor Thom, including the Bayon Temple with its iconic stone faces, and the Terraces of Elephants and the Leper King. Visit temples such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas before concluding at Ta Prohm, known for trees growing through its ruins. Return to Siem Reap.

Begin the day at Damdek Market before visiting Beng Mealea temple, a remote and partially overgrown site dating to the early 12th century. After lunch, visit Banteay Srei, a delicately carved pink sandstone temple. Stop at the Landmine Museum to learn about mine clearance efforts, and visit a village specialising in sugar palm products. In the evening, enjoy a Khmer Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you many memorable stories from Vietnam and Cambodia.