The histories of neighbours Vietnam and Cambodia have intertwined throughout the centuries; power and influence ebbing and flowing regularly between the two. Our 14-day exploration picks out the highlights of these two contrasting but equally fascinating and beautiful destinations, and traces the common bonds that link them together to form such a remarkable pair.

 

Commencing in the great northern capital, Hanoi, we journey south through Vietnam, seeing history unfurl through the imperial and colonial eras, and into the dark days of more recent history, before stepping back in time to conclude in the heart of one of history's most remarkable civilisations, at the temple complex of Angkor. 

 

For those who like to understand history in context, and to witness it in remarkable settings, this is a tour that will not disappoint. From the great Imperial Citadel and grand tombs of the Nguyen Emperors in Hue, to the ancient port of Hoi An, once amongst the largest in Asia, welcoming traders and absorbing influences from across the globe, you will explore all aspects of the rich cultures encountered along the way. 

 

Modern Vietnamese history bookends the first part of the tour, commencing in Hanoi at the immense Stalinist mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, and finishing in the city that was renamed in his memory at the end of the Vietnam War. Still known as Saigon to the locals, Ho Chi Minh City was the final place to fall to the North Vietnamese in 1975, and many sites of interest in and around the city provide a fascinating and often unfamiliar perspective on this infamous period.   

 

Much of modern southern Vietnam was once part of the great Khmer empire, and a short flight brings us to the heart of what was, a millennium ago, one of the greatest cities in the world. We have three days to combine exploration of the remarkable jungle-clad temples of Angkor with relaxation at our resort accommodation in laid-back Siem Reap, before a final night in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh brings the tour to its conclusion.     

 

 

Day 1 Hanoi 

The tour commences today in Vietnam's capital; the fantastic jumble of styles and influences that is modern-day Hanoi. Many of our customers choose to come in a day or two early to get over jet-lag and get the most out of the tour. Whatever you choose we will have someone there to meet you on arrival at Noi Bai International Airport and escort you the short distance to our hotel. Our base here is the Medallion Hotel, located bang in the heart of the city's old town, surrounded by street food stalls, markets and cafes, and within a few minutes walk of Hoan Kiem Lake. Tonight, once all members of the group have arrived we will venture out into the city to indulge in an included welcome dinner of your Tour Leader's choice. Meals included: Dinner

 

Ho Chi Minh died before the conclusion of the Vietnam War, but the reverence in which he was held was such that his body was preserved and a grand mausoleum created in Hanoi to allow the Vietnamese people to pay their respects. Our exploration of the city commences here, at the complex that houses the Stalinist mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's more humble private residence. Our next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university constructed in 1070, with lovely gardens and well-preserved architecture. After lunch you are free to head off under your own steam, or see what your Tour Leader has planned. You may like to stop in at one of the city's excellent museums - the recently-opened Ethnology Museum, where Vietnam's diverse minority cultures are explained in a thoughtful and hands-on manner, and the Women's Museum are both highly recommended. Hanoi is also the home of the unique and traditional water puppets - performances are held daily and can easily be arranged. Meals included: Breakfast

 

We leave Hanoi early this morning for the four hour drive east to Halong Bay. The Halong Jasmine is one of our favourite boats that sail the bay - elegant, comfortable and with plenty of space to stretch out and savour the UNESCO World Heritage listed scenery. We board in late morning and set sail into the wonderful scenery of the bay whilst a lovely fresh seafood lunch is served. During the afternoon we will disembark to explore one of the remarkable floating fishing villages that shelter in the lee of the towering karst pinnacles that stud the bay. Later there is also the opportunity to swim in the warm waters, hire a kayak for personal exploration or try your hand at squid fishing. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 4 Hoi An 

A leisurely morning of cruising through the bay brings us back to the harbour in late morning. A short drive from Halong is Haiphong City, where we arrive in time for our flight south to Danang, a popular coastal city home to China Beach, made famous as the GI R&R location during the Vietnam War. On arrival a coach will be waiting to transfer us down the coast to one of Vietnam's most magical destinations: the ancient trading port of Hoi An. Our hotel is located on the edge of the pedestrianised Old Town, making it an ideal spot for personal exploration. Meals included: Breakfast

 

This morning is at leisure for you to explore - the Old Town is compact and easy to navigate from our central hotel. The pool at the resort hotel is inviting, or the many wonderful riverside cafes and restaurants might appeal for a spot of people-watching. For those of a more active persuasion bikes can be hired to get out into the countryside. After lunch we will have an optional trip to visit the fascinating Champa ruins at My Son, an hour's drive from town. The UNESCO listed Hindu temples date back from as early as the 4th century, and provide a splendid taster of the highlights to come at Angkor, whilst being impressive both in substance and setting in their own right. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 6 Hue 

After breakfast today we head onward to the imperial capital of Hue, stopping en route at the excellent Cham Museum in Danang. The road from Danang is one of the most scenic drives in the country, ascending the Pass of Ocean Clouds before dropping down to the photogenic fishing village of Lang Co beyond. After checking in to our hotel overlooking the Perfume River the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Following a morning guided exploration of the huge Citadel, home of the Nguyen Emperors, and a cyclo tour through the Old Town, we take a picturesque boat ride up the Perfume River, named for the fragrance of tropical flowers carried down from orchards upriver, to the Thien Mu Pagoda. The afternoon is then yours to continue your exploration. The countryside surrounding the city is dotted with the tombs of the former emperors, and you may wish to add one or more of these into your itinerary. Two of the finest are the imposing Mausoleum of Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh's Tomb; the European-influenced resting place of the final Nguyen Emperor. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 8 Ho Chi Minh City 

This morning we continue our journey south with a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's most energetic and electric city. We are staying at a great value hotel in a fantastic location just behind the Opera House and surrounded by bustling streets full of cafes, restaurants and shops. District One, where our hotel is located, is an incredibly accessible area with many of the city's highlights, including the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Benh Thanh Market and Dong Khoi Street, all within walking distance. Take your pick and head out this afternoon to make your own discoveries. Your Tour Leader will arrange for an optional tour out to the Cu Chi Tunnels, north of the city, a remarkable underground tunnel network constructed by the Viet Cong during both the French and American wars. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City 

After a high-paced few days, we slow things down today as we head south from the city into the evocative Mekong Delta. There are few more relaxing experiences than a cruise through the laid-back tropical world of the delta - we board in Ben Tre and sail downriver past mountains of coconuts and heavily-laden rice barges to the Mango Homestay where we stop for a tasty home-prepared lunch. After lunch we explore the local villages and fruit orchards on foot or by bike, seeing local handicrafts and cottage industries, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

We wave farewell to Vietnam this morning and take the short flight over the border to Siem Reap in Cambodia. After completing customs and immigration procedures, we meet our local guide and drive the short distance to town where we check in and freshen up before our afternoon adventure commences. We travel in local style by tuk tuk, the local motorbike taxi; our first stop the iconic Angkor Wat, built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. The image of Angkor Wat forms the centrepiece of Cambodia's national flag, such is its symbolic power. We will visit during the late afternoon, when there are fewer visitors and the carvings of the beautiful Apsara dances glow in the late sunlight. The day concludes in magical style with a boat ride with drinks and canapés on the great moat of Angkor Thom, to enjoy sunset at Prasat Chroung temple. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

 

We start early today to beat the crowds and savour the magical atmosphere of sun rise at the 'Tomb Raider temple', Ta Prohm. Built between the mid 12th to early 13th centuries, Ta Prohm has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by great jungle trees and strangling vines. We then set out like the early explorers, on foot, trekking through the dense jungle to the magnificent temples of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. We enter through the East Gate of the towering city wall, beneath the gaze of the great stone faces, and continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, known for their intricate bas-reliefs.  Walking from temple to temple is a unique way to see these magnificent ruins: glimpses of small temples can be spotted amongst dense jungle; towers loom overhead, and the sheer number of ruins along the way is staggering. We finish our morning at the Bayon Temple in the exact centre of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur; 54 towers with huge, impassive faces staring out over the engulfing jungle. The afternoon is yours to explore further or relax by the hotel pool, before concluding our day with a group dinner entertained by traditional Apsara dancers. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 12 Siem Reap 

This morning we discover the secrets of Khmer cuisine with a half-day cooking class run by a popular local chef. We start with a walk through a local market to select vegetables, herbs, spices and other ingredients and learn about their uses in Khmer Cuisine. Returning to the school we will be shown how to prepare these dishes by the restaurant owner, and then have the pleasure of eating them for lunch! This afternoon we have an optional tour to one of our favourite temples, the exquisite Banteay Srei, a short drive out of town. The temple is carved of pink sandstone, unique in the Angkor area, and is covered in well-preserved carving and bas-relief of the most remarkable detail. Less-visited than many of the central temples, this is a thoroughly recommended option. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 13 Phnom Penh 

Our final stop is Cambodia's modern capital, Phnom Penh. The city, located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and the Tonlé Sap, was once considered amongst the most beautiful in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history it still retains a colonial charm. We explore both the sombre aspects of modern history at Tuol Sleng, and the more ancient history of the city. Included is a visit to the National Museum, housing the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts. We finish our tour this evening with a farewell dinner at Romdeng, a celebrated restaurant that trains local street kids in cookery and hospitality. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Our grand adventure concludes today, and after bidding a fond farewell to the group your guide will take you back to Phnom Penh Airport in time for your onward flight home. Meals included: Breakfast

 

 

08 Mar 2014 - 21 Mar 2014

19 Jul 2014 - 01 Aug 2014

08 Nov 2014 - 21 Nov 2014