DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN HANOI

On arrival in Vietnam’s capital, we’ll transfer you to your hotel. A two-night stay will give you plenty of time to get to know the city.
This evening, we will be having a welcome dinner at the Spice Viet restaurant located at the charming Flower Garden Hotel in Hanoi where you will enjoy a dining experience showcasing the best of Vietnam. Your chef for the evening will provide a cooking demonstration of one of the signature dishes of Vietnam.
The menu itself will be seasonal and will vary depending on the time of year but may include some of the following: grilled beef wrapped in la lot leaves, braised white fish and tofu simmered in a turmeric broth and a young coconut & shrimp salad. At the start of your meal, the chef will come to the table to introduce themselves and provide a cooking demonstration.
Start time: 06:30 PM End time: 09:00 PM

Meals : Dinner

Accommodation : Hanoi for 2 nights

DAY 2 HANOI

Your morning tour (4 hours) in Hanoi begins at the mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh, the president who was known as ’Uncle Ho’, lies in state guarded by silent sentries. We’ll then head to the Temple of Literature, a collection of courtyards, gardens and pavilions built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. After a busy morning we’ll be ready for lunch (1 hour), which is served at a restaurant specializing in traditional Hanoi delicacies.
Then this afternoon (tour of 3 / 3.5 hours), you’ll see even more when we head to the Ancient Quarter and board a trishaw - a traditional bicycle rickshaw. Sit back, relax, and take in the sights as your driver navigates the bustling streets. After a short stop for a Vietnamese egg coffee, we’ll continue to Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting Ngoc Son Temple.

Hanoi special night out: Water Puppet Show (duration of 50 minutes)
Tonight, we will go watch the renowned Water Puppet Show, a quintessential Vietnamese performance, where centuries-old tales of village life and tradition come to life through mesmerizing puppetry, music, and dance.
Delight your taste buds with an authentic Hanoian dinner featuring the beloved Cha Ca, a local delicacy boasting a rich history of over two centuries. Savour the succulent white fish served with an array of vibrant local greens, accompanied by fragrant saffron-infused oils and unlimited rice noodles. Wrap up your evening like a true local by enjoying a steaming cup of coffee or tea at one of the cosy street-side cafes nestled in the heart of the Old Quarter. Immerse yourself in the bustling ambience of this vibrant neighbourhood before bidding farewell to a night filled with unforgettable flavours and cultural marvels.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 HANOI - HALONG BAY - OVERNIGHT CRUISE

The beauty of Halong Bay cannot be underestimated, and after a lovely drive through green paddy fields we’ll reach this UNESCO-listed site. Enjoy a majestic voyage to Halong Bay and aboard the Emeraude Classic Cruise or Indochina Sails, ensuring a day filled with breathtaking scenery and culinary delights.
Upon boarding, you’re greeted with a welcome drink, marking the start of your unforgettable cruise. As you set sail, a buffet lunch at the onboard restaurant showcases local flavours against the backdrop of the bay’s iconic karst landscapes.
In the afternoon, Ti Top Island awaits, offering a choice between a refreshing swim or a hike up the mountain for a panoramic vista of Halong Bay. The day doesn’t end there; enjoy French-style crêpes on the sundeck, partake in kayaking, or engage in various onboard activities, all while basking in the bay’s beauty. The evening includes canapés on the sundeck and a sumptuous dinner at the restaurant, followed by optional squid fishing for those intrigued by the nocturnal marine life.

Please note: Pick up at 09:00 AM.
**For English-speaking groups, our tour leader will remain on land during the Halong Bay cruise trip, as the cruise already provides an English-speaking guide.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation : Emeraude Classic Cruise Halong for 1 night

DAY 4 HALONG BAY - HANOI - HUE

You’ll wake up to the beautiful surroundings of Halong Bay and watch the sun rise as coffee, tea and cookies are served on board. The rest of your morning is spent enjoying this unique destination, and may include activities such as kayaking and swimming, or visits to local markets and caves.
Later we will disembark the ship, make our way to the airport and fly to Hue.
Flight: Hanoi (HAN) to Hue (HUI).

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation : Hue for 2 nights

DAY 5 HUE

A full day (from around 8:30am to 3:30pm) in Hue means you’ll get a real flavour of Vietnam’s former capital. We’ll explore the former Imperial Palace and learn more about the area’s intriguing architecture, which was inspired by Beijing’s Forbidden City.
Take a moment to yourself and relax as a Tea Master introduces you to the art of making an ancient White Lotus royal tea. You will stop by a charming hidden teahouse which honours the craft of brewing the perfect cup for a Tea making class. After the class, take a moment to enjoy the tranquil teahouse and enjoy your cup of tradition.
By now you’ll probably be ready for some lunch, so we’ll stop to enjoy a meal. Then, we’ll take a relaxing cruise along the Perfume River, which takes us to the Thien Mu Pagoda.
For the rest of the afternoon, please enjoy the free time at your own leisure.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6 HUE - HOI AN

Early start at around 8am. Driving over the Hai Van Pass, possibly the most scenic of coastal road in Vietnam, our journey today takes us south to Hoi An. You’ll be enchanted by this ancient riverside town.
Then we’ll take a tour of the ancient town. Journey through the layers of Hoi An’s past to its present on a walking tour that unveils the ancient town’s UNESCO-listed marvels and its contemporary craft of tailoring, bridging centuries of culture and tradition.
This exploration begins with the 16th Century Japanese Bridge, a historical emblem featured on the 20,000 VND note, revealing its origins and continued spiritual significance. Wander through Hoi An’s ancient streets, identify the diverse cultural influences that have shaped its architecture, and visit a home that has housed 14 generations, offering a personal insight into local heritage. The tour culminates with an exploration of Hoi An’s renowned tailoring industry, highlighting its significance to local entrepreneurs and introducing a tailor shop known for its quality craftsmanship and commitment to training aspiring tailors, ensuring the town’s vibrant past paves the way for a prosperous future.
The tour finishes at around 11:30am.

Meals : Breakfast

Accommodation : Hoi An for 3 nights

DAY 7 HOI AN - KY ANH TUNNEL - RUM DISTILLERY

Journey through history at the Ky Anh Tunnels followed by an exquisite rum tasting at a renowned beachfront distillery, blending cultural depth with culinary delight (duration of around 4 hours, from around 8:30am to 12:30pm).
Start with the Ky Anh Tunnels, where Mr. Ta, a war veteran, shares firsthand accounts beneath Thach Tan village. This network, once sprawling over 32 kilometres, offers a glimpse into wartime village life. The adventure continues at the Distillerie d’Indochine, set against South Hoi An’s picturesque shores, home to the celebrated Sampan Rum. Begin with a Mojito, then explore traditional distillation methods producing award-winning rums. Conclude with a tasting session hosted by the distillery’s gregarious team.
For the rest of the afternoon, please enjoy the free time at your own leisure.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8 HOI AN - MY SON

COOKING CLASS AND MARKET TOUR (from around 8:15am to 1pm)
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary and cultural tapestry of Vietnam with a visit to Tra Que Vegetable Village, starting with a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee and a tour of a local market.
Our culinary journey begins at a quaint café, where a refreshing iced coffee sets the tone for the day. Next, explore a bustling local market, interacting with vendors and discovering the fresh ingredients destined for your cooking class. A short drive takes you to the Wharf for a picturesque boat ride to Tra Que Village, offering glimpses of riverside life. Upon arrival, enjoy an organic welcome drink and the serene beauty of the gardens, witnessing local farmers engage in age-old agricultural practices. Participate in farming, fishing, or unwind with a relaxing massage before starting your cooking class. Guided by experts, learn to prepare Vietnamese dishes, understanding the unique flavours and techniques that define the cuisine. The experience culminates in a lunch where you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Step back in time with a visit to My Son Sanctuary, the spiritual centre of the ancient Cham civilization, offering a window into their rich cultural and architectural legacy (tour from around 1:30pm to 5:30pm).
Nestled in a lush valley, My Son was the heart of the Cham empire from the 2nd to the 13th century, its ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. During your visit, your guide will illuminate the history of the Cham people, their achievements, and the significance behind the remaining temples. Despite centuries of weathering and historical events, these structures remain a hauntingly beautiful echo of a once vibrant culture. As you wander among the ruins, marvel at the detailed carvings and remnants of majestic temples, each telling a story of religious devotion and architectural innovation. My Son stands as a poignant testament to the ingenuity and spirit of the Cham civilization.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9 HOI AN - HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR

Today we fly to Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon. Be met by your guide and transfer by road to the airport for your onward flight.
Flight: Danang (DAD) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).
Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have plenty of time to explore during your two-night stay and will start with a tour of the city this afternoon (duration of 4 hours). Highlights include the elegant Saigon Opera House, Dong Khoi Street and the War Remnants Museum, which documents wartime atrocities and the effect they had on Vietnamese civilians.

Meals : Breakfast

Accommodation : Ho Chi Minh for 2 nights

DAY 10 HO CHI MINH CITY - MEANDERING ALONG THE MEKONG

Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Mekong Delta’s verdant
countryside. Experience life on and by the river aboard the Cai Be Princess, as you navigate through water hyacinths and past boats brimming with fresh produce. Get up close and personal with local life on the waterways and witness their way of life amidst the stunning landscape.
You will be picked up in Ho Chi Minh City and transferred to Cai Be where a warm welcome awaits you aboard the Cai Be Princess Sampan. Prepare to embark on a serene journey along the enchanting waterways of the Mekong Delta. As we glide through this picturesque landscape, you’ll have the opportunity to disembark and immerse yourself in the local countryside, take a stroll in the tiny canals, visit the rice fields or watermelon farm. An authentic encounter awaits as you meet a local family, sharing tea within the comfort of their home.
Returning to the embrace of the Cai Be Princess, you can unwind in the cosy confines of your sampan, all the while relishing the unfolding tableau of life along the riverbanks. A pause at a quaint village temple provides a glimpse into local traditions before your cruise culminates at Le Longanier restaurant. Nestled in the countryside, this elegant colonial-style villa is ensconced within a tropical haven. Within its walls, a sumptuous lunch of local delicacies awaits.
Following lunch, your voyage aboard the Cai Be Princess continues towards Cai Be town. En route, a stop unveils the artistry of local handicraft production, including coconut candy and pop-rice—an indigenous twist on popcorn.
We will then transport you back to Ho Chi Minh City, marking the conclusion of your remarkable Mekong Delta odyssey.
Start time: 8am Finish time: 5pm

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11 HO CHI MINH CITY - PHNOM PENH

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight.
Flight: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Phnom Penh (PHH).
Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia!
Upon your arrival, your guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Explore the rich heritage of the capital city of Phnom Penh. Considered the ‘Pearl of Asia,’ Phnom Penh has an exotic post-colonial culture. Situated on the banks of the Ton Le Sap and Mekong Rivers, Phnom Penh was largely constructed in the 1920s and boasts some of Asia’s best-preserved Art Deco architecture.
In the afternoon set off from your hotel to the majestic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex (tour duration of 4 hours). Admire the elaborately constructed palace buildings, some of the 5,000 silver floor tiles that give the Silver Pagoda its name, as well as spectacular gold and bejeweled Buddha statues that are considered national treasures.
Walk to the nearby National Museum, a beautiful sandstone museum that showcases the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. After wandering around the museum, return to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy leisurely.

Meals : Breakfast

Accommodation : Phnom Penh for 2 nights

DAY 12 PHNOM PENH - TOUL SLENG GENOCIDE MUSEUM & KILLING FIELDS TOUR

This fascinating full day tour provides deeper insight into Cambodia’s history and highlights two of the Khmer Rouge regime’s most chilling legacies (duration of 8 hours; 8am to 4pm).
Start the day at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former secondary school that was converted by Khmer Rouge into one of the regime’s largest detention and torture centers, Security Prison 21. An important educational site, the museum chronicles the Cambodian genocide and documents the atrocities that occurred within its walls. Please note that the images on display are graphic and can be unsettling.
Next visit Choeung Ek, one of the mass grave sites of the Killing Fields, where the Khmer Rouge executed over a million men, women, and children between the years 1975 and 1979. Today, Choeung Ek is a memorial with a Buddhist stupa filled with skulls and bones to honor the victims.
For lunch, you will eat at “Lotus Blanc Restaurant”, a real restaurant which allows our young people from the Hotel School to train in real conditions. You will appreciate the quality of the service and the kindness of these young people, who you will find again a few months later in the best establishments in Cambodia.
After stopping for lunch, visit Daughter of Cambodia, a non-profit organisation aiming to help people who were victims of trafficking in Cambodia and teach them handicraft skills.
End the tour on a lighter note at Russian market, Phnom bustling market with vendors selling a wide array of souvenirs, clothing & other goods, plus food. Follow your guide through the labyrinth of stalls as you learn more about the everyday life of modern Cambodians.
Note: Lotus Blanc Restaurant, we cannot always guarantee availability at the social enterprise restaurant, should it be unavailable we will endeavor to find a suitable alternative.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13 PHNOM PENH - SAMBOR PREI KUK - SIEM REAP

After breakfast, drive from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (around 5-6 hours drive and 3 hours for the visits).
On the way, you’ll visit stone carving statues and the ancient Khmer capital, Sambor Prei Kuk, the first example of Khmer temple architecture. The temple complex, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, boasts dozens of structures built of brick and laterite in the 7th century. The temples were abandoned, rediscovered and partially restored in 1980, although some parts are still covered by lush jungle vegetation.
You’ll make another stop at Spean Kampong Kdei (Kampong Kdei Bridge), also known as the Dragon Bridge or Spean Praptos, locates in Siem Reap province and has a life expectancy of over 1000 years. It is said to be the oldest laterite bridge in Southeast Asia and the oldest bridge in Cambodia and worth a visit during your Indochina tour.
Later in the afternoon, continue your journey to Siem Reap and check into your hotel on arrival.

DINNER WITH TRADITIONAL DANCE SHOW
Enjoy an evening filled with traditional Aspara dance. The show brings ancient Khmer culture to life while you enjoy a dinner of traditional Cambodian cuisine.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation : Siem Reap for 3 nights

DAY 14 SIEM REAP - KOK SANGKE COMMUNITY VILLAGE AND TONLE SAP LAKE AT KAMPONG KHLEANG

Today your tour starts at around 8am and ends at around 4pm (duration of 8 hours). Embark on a journey to Kok Sangke Community, immersing yourself in the local way of life. Experience the vibrant local community by visiting various families and farms in the area. Interact with locals, learn about their daily lives, and gain a deeper understanding of their traditions and livelihoods.
Begin by visiting the Bamboo Sticky Rice Family, where you can learn about the traditional process of making this delicious local delicacy. Continue your exploration as you leave for the Blacksmith family. Gain insights into the ancient art of blacksmithing and witness skilled craftsmen at work, shaping metal into intricate objects.
Take a leisurely walk to the community lunch venue, where you will enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the locals. Next, depart for a pagoda, a place of spiritual significance. Upon arrival, be greeted by the enchanting Chai Yam Music Band and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere with their welcome ceremony.
Receive a special monk blessing, a meaningful and introspective experience that brings a sense of tranquility and spiritual connection.
After we will head to Kampong Kleang Village. Embark on a memorable boat trip, navigating the scenic waterways and observing the unique stilted houses that define this traditional fishing village.
After the boat trip, we will return you to your hotel.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 15 SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLE WITH APOPO VISIT CENTRE

Today your tour starts at around 8am and ends at around 5pm (duration of 9 hours). Set off on your journey at the surreal South Gate of Angkor Thom, where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance. Next, we will travel to Bayon, a richly decorated temple where its most distinctive feature is the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers. Grab a great selfie with one of the smiling faces! These impressive bas-reliefs tell stories of the rich history of daily life and of the great battles that were fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais.
Next, we will take a short drive to one of Cambodia’s most beloved temples, Ta Prohm. Unusually, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found. The combination of large trees growing out of the ruins and the surrounding jungle give the temple a truly magical feel.
After a magical morning, we will return to Siem Reap for lunch and to escape the hot sun.
After our rest, we will then continue by spending the rest of the afternoon exploring magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and best-preserved temple in the complex. This visually spectacular massive three-tier pyramid has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its flag. Admire the grandeur of its architecture and its extensive decoration of bas-relief friezes.
Lastly, we will visit the Apopo Visitor Center where you will meet the brave HeroRATs in action, famous for their part in detecting landmines and saving the lives of many local people before heading back to Siem Reap.
This evening, at around 7pm, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 16 SIEM REAP - DEPARTURE

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Please note: Estimated distance from hotels in Siem Reap centers to Siem Reap International Airport about 45-50km. Estimated driving time: 50 min. - 60min.
Pick -up time 3 hours before departure of international flight.

Meals : Breakfast

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