After breakfast, begin your discovery of Cambodia with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned into a prison during the devestating Khmer Rouge. Its exhibits offer an insight into Cambodia’s tragic past.
Just outside the city, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek serve as a sobering reminder of the thousands who lost their lives between 1975 and 1978. While deeply moving, these sites are essential to understanding Cambodia’s resilience.
Shift focus in the afternoon at SOSORO – the Museum of Economy and Money, where interactive exhibits explore Cambodia’s financial evolution, highlighting the ties between money, politics and history. Later, visit the Independence Monument, built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s liberation from France and honour fallen patriots.
End the day at Tuol Tom Poung Market (Russian Market), a vibrant hub for handicrafts, antiques and artwork. Barter with local vendors for a unique souvenir before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Today, leave the bustling city behind as you fly north to Siem Reap, the gateway to the great Angkor Wat. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax in preparation for a full day of exploration tomorrow.
Travel time: Driving – 30 mins / Flight – approx. one hour
Wake before dawn for a breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat. Avoid the crowds by entering from the quieter back entrance and watch as the temple’s silhouette slowly emerges in the morning light. With your guide, explore this 12th-century marvel – the world’s largest Hindu temple – before returning to your hotel for breakfast and a short break.
At 10am, set off to Ta Prohm, a striking temple overgrown with ancient fig trees. Its massive roots entwine with the ruins, creating an ethereal, ‘lost world’ atmosphere.
After lunch, continue to Angkor Thom, the grand walled city of the Khmer Empire. Stop at the South Gate, lined with contrasting statues of gods and demons, then explore the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, adorned with intricate carvings.
Later, experience a traditional Buddhist water blessing at a serene pagoda. Walk through its peaceful gardens, then sit before saffron-robed monks as they chant in ancient Pali, offering you luck and safe travels.
Conclude the day at Bayon Temple, where colossal stone faces smile enigmatically from every angle. Return to your hotel by 5pm, with the evening free to unwind at your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 1.5 hours
Angkor Wat
Today is yours to explore Siem Reap at your own pace. Later, say goodbye to Siem Reap over dinner at Sokkhak River Restaurant with two drinks per person included.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your included flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, enjoy a fast-track service through customs and immigration before meeting your driver for a private transfer to your hotel.
At check-in, receive a welcome packet with essential travel documents, flight tickets and key contact details for your guide and local offices. Vietnam’s dynamic energy blends modern development with deep-rooted traditions, shaped by Chinese, French and American influences.
The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure – unwind at your hotel, stroll through winding streets or sample local flavours at quaint cafes and fragrant street vendors.
By 6.30pm, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a welcome dinner at Mandarin Restaurant, marking the start of your Vietnamese sojourn.
Travel time: Flight – approx. one hour
This morning, set off for the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network that played a crucial role in the Vietnam War. Stretching over 200 kilometres, these narrow tunnels housed command posts, hospitals, and shelters.
Learn about the day-to-day operations of the Viet Cong, navigate sections of the tunnels, and see the ingenious yet deadly booby traps used during the war.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City by midday for lunch at your leisure.
In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum, where powerful exhibits offer insight into Vietnam’s wartime past. Then, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
Travel time: approx. 3.5 hours
After breakfast, prepare to be launched into Ho Chi Minh City history on an in-depth tour, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside historic temples and heritage landmarks. Visit the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall and Saigon Central Post Office, where you can choose a Saigon postcard and send a handwritten note to loved ones.
Continue to the Reunification Palace, where history was made in 1975, before diving into the lively stalls of Ben Thanh Market for some souvenirs.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then transfer to the airport for your included flight to Hue. Upon arrival, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel, where you’ll settle in for the evening.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 1.5 hours
Welcome to Hue! Once the capital of Vietnam, this 17th-century city is brimming with ancient temples, imperial buildings and remnants of French colonisation. Begin your day with a scenic boat trip to the iconic seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, steeped in legend and local folklore.
Continue to the Imperial Citadel, the heart of Hue’s royal history. Once a grand fortress modelled after Beijing’s Forbidden City, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the Nguyen Dynasty despite wartime destruction.
Then, venture into Hue’s serene countryside to visit the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc, an elegant retreat designed by Vietnam’s longest-reigning emperor. Stroll through its graceful pavilions, courtyards and lotus-filled ponds, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
In the evening, experience a Royal Dinner, a feast as beautiful as it is delicious. Dress in a traditional Ao Dai (Vietnamese formalwear, provided for you) and enjoy exquisitely prepared Hue cuisine, reflecting a perfect balance of flavour, colour and time-honoured tradition.
Meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby for a breathtaking drive to Hoi An. Travel along the legendary Hai Van Pass, a winding coastal route offering dramatic mountain and ocean views.
En route, stop in Da Nang, known for its pristine beaches, unique bridges and the Cham Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Cham sculptures. Stop to marvel at the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone and marble hills filled with hidden caves, Buddhist shrines and panoramic viewpoints.
Arrive in Hoi An and enjoy the afternoon at leisure – relax at your hotel or explore this charming riverside town at your own pace.
Travel time: approx. three hours
Spend the day discovering Hoi An on a walking tour. This town is where Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences blend seamlessly into a picturesque maze of lantern-lit streets, ochre-hued buildings, and vibrant fishing boats.
Stroll through the charming old quarter, past historic merchant homes and temples over 200 years old, and stop at iconic landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Sa Huynh Museum, Tran Family Chapel and Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall.
In the afternoon, enjoy a sumptuous culinary experience by electric car, exploring the town’s evolving food culture. Meet passionate chefs and artisans, sample innovative Vietnamese fusion dishes, and discover sustainable practices that define Hoi An’s culinary scene.
Glide past lush rice fields between stops, visiting a modern Vietnamese eatery inspired by Tra Que’s organic herbs, a riverside cafe supporting disadvantaged communities, the home of a fermentation master, and a private gallery showcasing art from Vietnam’s diverse cultures.
With today at your leisure, feel free to explore the city at your own pace. Or, choose from a selection of optional experiences.
Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure before your driver picks you up for your transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the city centre where the afternoon is free for you to explore or unwind.
Travel time: Flight – approx 1.5 hours
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is known for its incredible architecture – dating back to the 14th century – as well as the winding streets of its Old Quarter.
You will start your day with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can view the embalmed body of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader lies in a glass case under dim lights, protected by an honour guard (excluding Mondays, Fridays and afternoons when the Mausoleum is closed). Afterwards, stroll through the peaceful grounds, stopping by the French Governor’s Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, preserved just as the leader left it.
Next, marvel at the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic 11th-century structure, before heading to the Temple of Literature, a Confucian temple that once served as the country’s first university.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local spot, Sentonkin, before diving into a Tea Ceremony with Minh Hiển Tea. In a quiet space, learn about the tea’s origins and the cultural significance of tea drinking in Vietnam, and experience a cup of lotus-flavoured tea prepared by a master.
Later, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and cross the Huc Bridge to reach the Ngoc Son Temple, where you’ll discover its history and the legacy of Vietnam’s military and literary leaders.
Finish the day with a unique dinner at Spice Magic House, where Chef Ai will guide you through a North Vietnamese cooking session, sharing stories and secrets, including the famous egg coffee and offering a tantalising foodie experience.
After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Ha Long Bay and stop at a souvenir shop for charity where you can stretch your legs. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Marina Port, you’ll board your cruise for a journey through this world-renowned natural wonder.
Surrounded by limestone karsts rising dramatically from the emerald green waters, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see destination. You’ll be welcomed aboard the Lyra Grandeur Ha Long Bay, known for its luxurious cabins and world-class service.
In the afternoon, you can take part in a variety of activities such as exploring hidden caves, visiting a floating farm, relaxing on the beach or taking in the sights from the sundeck. Whichever you choose, you’ll be surrounded by vistas that will take your breath away.
As the evening sets in, enjoy a delicious dinner on board, followed by a tranquil night anchored in a quiet area of the bay.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
Begin your morning with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, accompanied by complimentary tea and coffee. Let the serene movements of Tai Chi rejuvenate your body and mind as you watch the peaceful dawn unfold over the bay’s landscapes.
Afterwards, transfer to a daily boat for a deeper exploration of Ha Long Bay. Visit a floating village, where local life thrives on the water, and marvel at the thousands of islands rising from the sea. You’ll have the chance to swim in the bay’s refreshing waters or simply relax while taking in the surroundings.
Start another refreshing morning with Tai Chi on the sundeck, taking in the stunning surroundings on your final day aboard.
As you cruise back to the port, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch on the boat, passing by the majestic peaks of the bay one last time.
At 11.30am, disembark from the cruise and begin your transfer back to Hanoi City. Upon arrival, you’ll have some time for lunch and the rest of the afternoon free to explore at your own pace.
This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at La Table Hanoia, where you’ll savour exquisite dishes in a refined setting.
Travel time: approx. three hours
Your adventure comes to an end this morning as you enjoy one last breakfast. Meet your transfer and head to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for your onward journey.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Please book your flights to depart from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) at any time. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.