Fly to Hanoi where you will be met at the airport in the arrival hall by your Local Guide or National Escort. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer 45 minutes to your hotel and check into your room or store any luggage if your room is not ready yet. The rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Spend the morning exploring the sights of Hanoi today, with the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, Mausoleum, Humble House on Stilts, One Pillar Pagoda and more. In the evening, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin, a beautiful open-air performance on a lake.
Stay overnight on a traditionally designed boat on Halong Bay, cruising amongst the karst peaks on the tranquil green waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty, it isn’t hard to see why it is one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations. A fresh seafood meal is included during your voyage.
Rise early to watch the sunrise over the bay, and enjoy an invigorating session of Tai Chi. Transfer back to Hanoi and fly to Hue, Vietnam’s imperial capital.
This morning visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City at the heart of Hue, once the home of Vietnam’s emperors. Cruise on the picturesque Perfume River and admire the Thien Mu Pagoda. Later, see the magnificent tomb of Minh Mang before heading to Zen house where you learn about architecture and spiritual meaning of this beautiful place. Finally, visit Tha Om Garden house to learn of the 19th-century heritage of Mr Vinh, its owner.
Leave Hue for Hoi An, taking a scenic route over the Hai Van Pass. Stop en-route at Ba Na Hills and journey up to 1,400m by cable car to visit the Golden Bridge, a beautiful bridge held by gigantic stone hands with panoramic views.
Head out into Hoi An’s verdant surroundings to Tra Que, where you’ll see the local farmers at work, tending lush gardens of vegetables and herbs. Join a local family for lunch and a cooking demonstration. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of this charming town. Visit the Japanese Bridge, the colourful market and Chinese temple. Stop en route to visit Reaching Out, a social enterprise craft workshop, and watch the artisans at work.
Fly to Saigon, with the rest of your day at leisure.
The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but it is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and the chilling War Remnants Museum.
Head out of the city to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground passageways used by the Viet Cong during the war. After an afternoon at leisure, enjoy dinner in the dark at Noir, a restaurant supporting Saigon’s visually impaired.
Drive via Can Tho to board the Victoria Mekong and cast off into the waters of the Delta. Dine on delicious local cuisine at the welcome dinner and enjoy a traditional music show as you cruise upstream. Later, retire to your comfortable stateroom for the night.
Explore Tiger Island and its local industries by either sampan or electric bike, before continuing your upstream journey to visit a floating market and local museum.
Continue your cruise, with shore excursions around Tan Chau including a stop at a Cao Dai temple, silk village and options to see the Tra Su Forest. In the evening, watch a thrilling lion dance performance.
Cross over into Cambodia, taking in the passing scenery. There will be onboard activities available such as cocktail making, and in the late afternoon, dock at Sisowath Quay for a traditional Apsara performance and a farewell dinner.
Leave the ship behind this morning, and board a cyclo. Exploring Phnom Penh with stops at the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Finally, visit Wat Phnom before enjoying a local beer by the river.
Reflect on the history of the city with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields, locations that provide chilling reminders of the Khmer Rouge regime. Later today, fly to Siem Reap.
Journey to the old city of Angkor Thom and pass through the magnificent South Gate flanked by 54 gods and demons. At Angkor Thom’s centre is the enigmatic Bayon, a breath-taking temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Also, admire the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm before the rest of the day is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent, and best-preserved of all of Angkor’s treasures. Later, relax on a boat as you watch the sun set from Angkor’s moat.
High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Enjoy a morning cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Phluk and observing the way of life of these lake communities. Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) Visit Chong Kneas floating village. Return to Siem Reap to enjoy a rollicking performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus.
Travel by tuk tuk to a cooking lesson, where you will learn to prepare traditional Khmer dishes. The chef will teach you all about what goes into the local cuisine, as you create a delicious meal!
Grab your last-minute souvenirs before boarding an overnight flight to Australia, arriving home the following day.
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Advertised prices are per person twin share, correct at time of publication and are subject to availability and change at any time without notification due to fluctuations in charges, taxes and currency. Offer is valid on new bookings only. ^Air offer: Departing from major cities in Australia; Vietnam Airlines is included for these tours, however, other options available – surcharges may apply. Airline schedules from different cities vary so travellers from some cities may need to make their own way to another capital city to join the tour or may require pre- or post-tour accommodation, a stopover or have a lengthy transit en route to their destination. Any cost for accommodation, transportation or meals incurred will be at the passengers’ own expense. An initial deposit of $300 is due, then another $1,000 is due in three weeks later to secure the airfares and full payment 75 days before departure. Other conditions apply. Please contact your personal travel manager for full terms and conditions.
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