On arrival in Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transfer 45 minutes to your hotel. Please note: Early check in is not included. If your flight arrives in the morning and you wish to arrange this, please speak to your reservations consultant. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 1. If you miss this due to your arrival time, all information will be provided to you at breakfast the following morning. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.

Confront the reality of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels. These cramped tunnels were central to some of the war’s strategic operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive. This afternoon, explore modern day Saigon (HCMC) with its heady mix of local culture and colonial influences. We pass the Notre Dame Cathedral, visit the impressive Central Post Office, see the Reunification Palace and spend some time in reflection at the poignant War Remnants Museum.

Drive 2 and a half hours down to the picturesque province of Ben Tre situated along the mighty Mekong. This area is known as the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, because its rich and fertile lands produce large amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruit. Spend the day cruising and exploring these waterways by traditional Sampan boat. Sightseeing involves hopping on and off these boats, often on unsteady and slippery surfaces, sometimes without handrails or assistance.

Fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to Danang, and transfer 45 minutes to the ancient town of Hoi An for your 3-night stay. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Hoi An’s beautifully traditional Old Town, with its network of lantern-lit streets, small bridges, and cheerful yellow houses. See Tan Ky, a traditional house occupied by descendants of the same merchant family that originally built it over 200 years ago. Visit Quan Cong Chinese Temple and stop to admire the pink-hued Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed in the 1590s. The next day morning, visit Tra Que, a local community farming project just outside of Hoi An. Here, multiple farming families have come together to create a co-operative herb and vegetable farm, which supplies most of the local restaurants. Learn the traditional methods the farmers use to plant, fertilise and harvest the crop, then try your hand at raking the ground and sowing seeds. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to shop, head to the beach, or perhaps visit one of Hoi An’s famous express tailors or sandal-makers – known for their ability to whip up high-quality tailored clothing and deliver it to your hotel in as little as 24 hours.

Today is free for you to explore the ancient town or relax on the beach.

This morning, drive approximately 4 hours north to Hue - a journey that will take you over the famously scenic Hai Van Pass. The scholarly city of Hue is the embodiment of Vietnam’s dynamic past, wearing its history on its sleeve. Upon arrival, head to Minh Mang's Tomb to explore this opulent and exotic resting place, laid out in formal Chinese style. The next day, after breakfast, visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. These fascinating sites are still being restored many years after the destruction caused by street fighting and bombing during the American War in Vietnam. Later, drive to the outskirts of Hue to visit An Hien House, the original residence of Emperor Tu Duc’s 18th daughter. This afternoon, enjoy an hour-long cruise along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Explore here before returning to Hue for dinner.

This morning, fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to the charming city of Hanoi. Experience an exhilarating cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Each cyclo takes one passenger and is operated by a cycle driver behind the carriage. Wrap up your cyclo ride with a strong Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake- an important site in Vietnamese folklore. Please note: As you have multiple stops in Hanoi, your guide may vary the order of touring for you to have the best possible experience of the city. No touring will be missed. Please be aware that domestic flight schedules can vary.

Take the picturesque mountain road to Mai Chau. This afternoon, take a gentle trek out to see the rice fields. Visit the White Thai community villages of Pom Coong and Lac. A smaller overnight bag is recommended for your trip to Mai Chau. Main luggage will be left in safe storage at the hotel in Hanoi and picked up your return. Please wear sturdy walking shoes as the mountain trails can be slippery when wet. The next day, drive higher into the mountains to visit the H’mong hill tribe village of Xa Linh, a mixture of modern and traditional thatched wooden buildings sitting 1000 metres above sea level. *Hiking times are approximate and depend on the group. Hikes are weather dependent and sensible footwear is essential. If conditions require, the hike will be moved to the morning of the following day.

Return to Hanoi along the scenic mountain route. You will stay in Hanoi overnight.

Transfer around 2 and a half hours to Halong, where you will take an overnight cruise to the far-most corners of the bay by boat. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise out into the bay, stopping to anchor for an afternoon of activities (subject to change due to weather conditions). Excursions may include visiting underground caves on the islands, gentle kayaking, or visiting the bay’s island beaches. End the day on deck with a drink in hand, watching the sun set over the bay, before retiring to your cabin for the night. You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for your trip to Halong Bay. Main luggage will be left in safe storage at the hotel in Hanoi and picked up your return. Please note: Weather conditions such as mist, fog, wind, rain and storms may delay the departure time of your cruise, or in some cases your cruise may be cancelled. Notifications of any delays or cancellations may not be known until your group’s arrival in Halong Bay. If your cruise is cancelled after your arrival in Halong Bay, you will have lunch in Halong City and return to Hanoi. If notification of the cruise cancellation is given prior to your departure for Halong Bay an alternative day trip will be arranged to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc or ‘Halong Bay on Land’, an area located approximately 2 hours from Hanoi. Our guides will make every effort to inform the group at the earliest possible moment should there be any itinerary changes. The next day, spend the morning sailing through Halong Bay. After brunch, disembark your cruise and return to Hanoi for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin show, an artistic open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam. It is performed by a huge cast of dancers and farmers on a hydraulic pavilion, built on a natural lake.

Discover more sights of Hanoi this morning. First stop will be the Ho Chi Minh Quarter and pass Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, followed by the Humble House on Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. This evening, say goodbye to Vietnam, transferring to the airport for your 1-hour flight to Luang Prabang.

Rise early this morning to view Takbat, a Buddhist ceremony before climbing Phousi Hill for panoramic views of the city. Visit Wat Xieng Thong before boarding a boat to cruise the mighty Mekong up to the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for the hundreds of miniature Buddha sculptures that reside within. Return to Luang Prabang via a local village, stopping to observe the daily life of the local people.

This morning, visit the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace. Admire the Crown Jewels of Laos, on display in the mirrored Throne Room. From here, drive 1 hour to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall. Sightseeing at the waterfall will involve around 1 hour of light walking. Electric shuttles may be available to transport visitors to the falls. It is possible to take a swim in the river near the falls; if you wish to do this, please remember to bring along your swimsuit and a towel. Changing rooms are available on site. Return to Luang Prabang, stopping at Ban Na Ouane village and Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre.

Fly to Vientiane. Transfer 1h45 through the scenic countryside to Vang Vieng, a town beautifully set in a spectacular karst landscape.

Visit the Tham Chang Cave before taking a walk through the dramatic countryside, where limestone karsts dominate the skyline. Admire the peaceful Nam Song River, which cuts through the valley of rice fields, and enjoy a walk along its banks.

Drive back to Vientiane. A delightfully quaint city, Vientiane feels more like a friendly backwater than a chaotic capital. Spend the afternoon exploring That Luang Stupa, Wat Si Saket, and Wat Phra Keo. Continue your sightseeing at the Patuxai Victory Monument, resembling Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Sightseeing today involves around 2 to 3 hours on foot. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a traditional performance showcasing Lao music and dance.

Fly 1 and half hours to Phnom Penh. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city this afternoon, spending around 3 hours exploring on foot, visiting the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum.

Reflect on Cambodia’s recent history with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum, where you will learn about the suffering of the Khmer people under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. The visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum involves 1 hour on foot. This museum is also the site of the former S21 prison used by the Khmer Rouge and commemorates the atrocities that occurred here during the regime of Pol Pot. Today, these fields are a memorial site for quiet reflection. These visits are educational but can be emotional; you will be given time to explore on your own. Afterwards, return to Phnom Penh for lunch before a visit to the city’s hilltop temple, Wat Phnom. Afterwards, you may like to visit the Central or Russian Markets to shop, or enjoy a stroll along the riverfront before dinner.

Transfer to the airport for your 45-minute flight to Siem Reap. This evening, watch a rollicking performance by graduates of the PHARE Cambodian Circus. This is an NGO which transforms the lives of disadvantaged youths through vocational arts training. The project offers them education and a career, while reviving arts that were almost lost under the strict anti-performance laws of the Khmer Rouge.

Spend the morning at the city of Angkor Thom, built by Jayavarman VII during his restoration of the Angkorian Empire in the late 12th century. Here, sights include the enigmatic Bayon, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. One of the most evocative ruins here is to the monastery temple of Ta Prohm, enveloped in a labyrinth of jungle just outside Angkor Thom. Enjoy lunch before devoting the afternoon to the fascinating and awe-inspiring temple complex of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. It predates the city of Angkor Thom and is considered to be Cambodia’s spiritual heart. This evening, take a cruise on the moat of Angkor Thom, enjoying a refreshing drink as the sun sets. Please note: The Central Tower of the Angkor Wat complex is closed on Buddhist holidays. If you wish to visit this tower, you may be required to wait in the queue alongside all other visitors. The ability to do this will be determined upon the groups’ schedule.

Enjoy a morning cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting a local village and observing the way of life of these lake communities. In the high-water season, you will also visit Kompong Khleang, a unique village on stilts. In the low water season, you will visit Chong Kneas, a floating village. Continue to Banteay Srei, a 10th-century temple famous for its pink sandstone architecture and astonishingly fine carving. This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and considered by many to be the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Angkorian art. The temple is cut from pink sandstone and contains some of the finest stone carvings in the world. Return to Siem Reap ahead of this evening’s farewell dinner.

Any time before your flight is at leisure and breakfast will be included. You will be transferred from your hotel to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh International airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.