Meet your tour director this morning and set off for a day in Hanoi. Visit the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh in its glass case (excluding Mondays, when the Mausoleum is closed). Wander through the park to its historic Presidential Palace, then stop by Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the leader’s historic private residence which still stands just as it did over 50 years ago.
Next, enjoy a guided experience through the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university – built in the 11th century. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, then venture across the Huc Bridge for a visit to the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake. From here, you can view the recognisable Turtle Tower, one of Vietnam’s most enduring architectural symbols.
Today, drive to the Tuan Chau Marina, where you’ll embark on an overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay.
After a brief meet-and-greet with the captain and his crew, enjoy a tea or coffee before lunch is served as you set sail through striking emerald waters. Witness the bay’s jungle-topped limestone islands and anchor late this evening for a night floating between Ha Long’s towering cliffs.
Enjoy dawn on the sundeck with fresh tea and coffee. Connect breath to movement as you energise your body and soul during a tranquil tai chi class, watching the sun rise over the bay.
Continue your morning cruising among the jutting, tree-trimmed cliffs of Ha Long Bay’s Natural Preservation Zone. You’ll have the opportunity to admire the crystal blue waters as you sail through this pristine environment before packing up your things and preparing to disembark. Once the vessel arrives back at Tuan Chau Marina, rejoin your coach for the ride from Ha Long back to Hanoi Airport (HAN) and a flight onward to Da Nang (DAD).
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An for an evening at leisure.
Rise and shine for a half day of leisure before your guided tour of town in the evening. You may wish to fill your morning or afternoon with an optional activity (surcharges apply).
In the evening, follow your guide as you visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in the 16th century. Nearby, pay a visit to the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture and unearth the region’s Iron Age-history with a collection of local artefacts, including an impressive exhibit of burial jars.
Discover the Chinese- and Japanese-influenced architecture of the Tran Family Chapel, a 200-year-old ancestral hall. Conclude your tour with a stop at the traditional Fujian Assembly Hall, constructed in the 17th century and later repurposed as a temple for worshipping Thien Hau, a powerful Chinese sea goddess.
As you wander the streets of Hoi An, follow your guide’s expert advice and sample fragrant local dishes, from hearty cao lau noodle soup to fresh banh mi and invigorating Vietnamese coffee. Taste Hoi An’s best culinary offerings and enjoy an included cold beer before returning to your hotel.
Note: Guests may only choose one of two optional half-day tours, and not all. Surcharges apply.
Hoi An street food tour
After breakfast at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend freely. Take the chance to explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed district. Perhaps choose to visit the merchant residence Tan Ky House – filled with antiques and eye-catching architecture – or check out Hoi An Night Market.
After breakfast, enjoy a final hour or two exploring Hoi An before being transferred back to Da Nang Airport (DAD) for your return flight to Ho Chi Minh City, historically known as Saigon.
Sofitel Saigon Plaza five-star stay
Join your director in the hotel lobby and set off for your Saigon street tour of the city’s many landmark buildings, such as the War Remnants Museum, the soaring Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House and City Hall. Gaze upon the intricate detail of Saigon Central Post Office, then learn about the history of the Reunification Palace, where a convoy of tanks broke through in 1975.
The rest of your day is yours to explore at leisure. Consider a trip to the colonial-era Fine Arts Museum, the delicately carved Jade Emperor Pagoda, or simply settle in at one of the city’s many cafes and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee.
Sofitel Saigon Plaza five-star stay
Wake up bright and early and head towards Cu Chi, just 60 kilometres south of Ho Chi Minh City. Considered a powerful remnant of the conflict that once threatened Vietnam, this city is legendary for its seemingly endless tunnels. Uncover the city beneath a city, an extraordinary testament to the Viet Cong’s ingenuity.
After your tour around this historic site, return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Sofitel Saigon Plaza five-star stay
Your time in Vietnam has come to an end today. Rise early and cross the Moc Bai Border with the assistance of your tour director, making your way toward Phnom Penh — your first stop in Cambodia.
After your arrival, the day is spent visiting the city’ temples, abandoned centuries ago by the ancient Khmer kingdom. Later, retire to your hotel for the evening.
After breakfast, you’ll have another full day to catch the sights and sounds of Phnom Penh at your leisure.
Today, soak up the scenery as you journey north to Siem Reap, gateway to the great Angkor Wat. On arrival, check into your hotel and relax in preparation for a full day of exploration tomorrow.
Today, Siem Reap’s famous temple complex awaits. Begin with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat. Rising from the jungle, this 12th-century Buddhist temple complex spans 400 acres. Widely held to be one of the great wonders of the world, this incredibly well-preserved site is an architectural triumph.
Continue to Angkor Thom, the last city of the Khmer Empire, whose 12th-century temples and statues are a fascinating remnant of the Cambodian Middle Ages. Study the carvings of the Terrace of the Elephants and the stone statues of the Terrace of the Leper Kings. Explore Bayon Temple, with its collection of smiling stone faces, and the remains of Ta Prohm, a Buddhist temple reclaimed by nature with thick vines weaving around its crumbling walls.
To finish the day, climb to the upper terraces of one of the ancient buildings and view the sunset.
Angkor Wat visit
After breakfast, it’s time to wave goodbye to Cambodia as a transfer whisks you to Siem Reap International Airport (SAI) for your included flight to Phuket International Airport (HKT).
Included in your resort package are return transfers from the airport to Graceland Khao Lak Beach Resort, your home for the next five nights. Upon arrival at the resort, retreat to your room, complete with a private balcony and a bathtub, before enjoying your welcome cocktail at Blu Bar.
Tonight, enjoy your first of many included dinners (daily choice between lunch or dinner). Take your pick from three restaurants for a sensational two-course meal to remember. Lastly, enjoy your daily cocktail to conclude your first night in Khao Lak.
Graceland Khao Lak Beach Resort stay
With four full days to enjoy in Khao Lak, this is the time to truly slow down. Wake up to the sound of nature, then ease into the morning with a buffet breakfast. Relax in the comfort of your room or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool.
Choose to indulge in lunch or save the daily meal for dinner, giving you the chance to explore the town centre, only a 15-minute drive away. Return to the resort to sip on a cocktail at the bar, and as the day turns to night, retreat back to your room to enjoy a peaceful evening at rest.
Wake up to a leisurely breakfast before enjoying your morning at your own pace whether it’s soaking up the views or relaxing in the jacuzzi. In the afternoon, continue the relaxation with a rejuvenating 30-minute treatment at SEN Spa.
As the evening falls, dine at one of the resort’s restaurants and savour Italian, steak and grill at Oceano, Thai-fusion at Pla2 or enjoy an international feed at Pakarang. Close the night with a cocktail before heading back to your room.
Another day begins with a buffet breakfast at Pakarang. Take the morning slow with a swim in the pool before trying your luck with a game of bowling at the Entertainment Complex. If you’re up for more sport, play a couple of rounds of tennis, squash or table tennis.
Sip on a cocktail as you while awy the hours, then retreat once more to your comfortable room.
Start the mornig with a delicious buffet breakfast, then unwind with a good book in hand by the pool. If you are looking for lunch today, enjoy a two-course meal at Pakalang for international cuisine or Oceano for Italian, steak and grill.
Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, perhaps choose a cocktail to enjoy or relax back in the pool or jacuzzi before soaking in the rest of the night in your room.
Enjoy one final breakfast then wave goodbye with a transfer to Phuket International Airport (HKT) for your onward journey.