Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong Delta 2013

Itinerary

Days 1-2 - To Hanoi
We depart London on overnight flight directly to Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital, arriving on Day 2. In the afternoon we begin our sightseeing tour of the city, followed by a tuk-tuk ride through Hanoi's Old Quarter, past Hoàn Kiém Lake - the very heart of the city. We finish at Thang Long waterpuppet theatre, where we are treated to a performance of this time-honoured Vietnamese art form.

Day 3 - Hanoi and cruise on Halong Bay
We continue our exploration of Hanoi with a visit to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, and his austere former residence, before we transfer to iconic Halong Bay. An extraordinary collection of limestone karst rock formations and islands dotted amongst glittering emerald waters, this area of outstanding natural beauty is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here we board our luxury junk for an overnight cruise, and enjoy lunch and dinner on board as we set sail through the bay.

Days 4-5 - Hue
Watch the sun rise over the glorious panorama, whilst trying Tai Chi on deck. After breakfast we visit one of the bay's typical limestone grottos, before we sail back to shore. From here we transfer back to Hanoi, through the rural landscape of rice paddies and rolling plains. Tonight we join the private Livitrans overnight sleeper service to Hue, in spacious two-berth compartments. On Day 5 our early arrival in Hue gives us a full day to explore. We embark on a cruise on the famous 'Perfume River' to the magnificent seven storied Thien Mu Pagoda, a working Buddhist temple with views over the splendid scenery. We continue to the immense Imperial Citadel, whose impressive six miles of walls contain the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. The Palace of Supreme Harmony was the setting for most important ceremonies, and is richly decorated in the royal colours of red and gold, displaying the opulent lifestyle of the Vietnamese royal dynasty.

Day 6 - To Hoi An
Today we travel south by train from Hue to Danang, one of the most beautiful stretches of line in Vietnam, as we wend our way through the thick, verdant landscape, and emerge on the dramatic coastline where the steep mountains tumble down to the pristine beaches that fringe the South China Sea below. Leaving the train in Danang, we transfer by coach to Hoi An stopping en route to visit the Marble Mountains. A beautiful, unspoiled town, Hoi An's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and our hotel is superbly located within walking distance.

Day 7 - Hoi An
The charming riverside town of Hoi An is famed for its beautiful old buildings and its history as a merchant trading post. This morning we discover the old town on a walking tour, during which we see the 400-year old Japanese covered bridge, Tan Ky merchant house, and the vibrant local market. After lunch in a local restaurant, your afternoon is at leisure to explore the vibrant streets and the myriad of tradesmen offering made to measure clothing and custom made shoes, or perhaps just absorb the relaxed atmosphere and unwind in the beautiful surroundings of our hotel.

Days 8-9 - To Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
Leaving Hoi An, we transfer by coach to Danang and join the train to the lively coastal resort of Nha Trang, passing rice paddies and mighty oxen working in the verdant countryside. On Day 9 we continue our daytime journey by rail to Ho Chi Minh City - best known by its former name, Saigon. Chaotic and boisterous, this is a city with a huge zeal for life. On arrival we enjoy a sightseeing tour, taking in the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and Reunification Square.

Day 10 - The Cu Chi tunnels
We travel to the Cu Chi tunnels, and visit the vast underground complex utilised by the Viet Cong during the war against the US. At its height, this system stretched for almost 250 km towards the Cambodian border, and contained field hospitals, weapons factories, kitchens, and living quarters. Our visit gives a real insight to life during this period, seeing the tunnels, as well as memorabilia from the era.

Day 11 - The Mekong Delta
We travel west by coach to the Mekong Delta, a wonder of nature where the enormous Mekong River splits into tributaries on its way to the South China Sea. We travel by boat to get a glimpse of the communities who make their living here, and stop at the floating market of Cai Be, before crossing a lower branch of the Mekong River. Later we reach Can Tho, and stay here overnight on the banks of the Mekong.

Day 12 - Into Cambodia
This morning we visit Cai Rang, one of the world's largest floating markets. After time to explore, we spend the day cruising through the Mekong Delta, and in to Cambodia. We arrive in Phnom Penh, the country's exciting capital, known as the 'Pearl of Asia'.

Day 13 - Phnom Penh
Although Phnom Penh has had a chequered recent history, today it is a wonderful place, home to a number of ornate golden temples and many friendly people. Today's full-day sightseeing tour introduces us to some of the city's main sights. We see the silver pagoda, the grand Royal Palace, the National Museum and the Russian market. We later visit the moving Toul Sleng - a museum dedicated to the history of the Khmer Rouge regime, and the terrible suffering endured by the Cambodian people during this period. Tonight we dine in a local restaurant.

Day 14 - Siem Reap
We journey by road to Siem Reap, in Cambodia's northwest. We visit the world-famous Angkor Wat temple, which features on Cambodia's flag and is a source of true national pride. Breathtakingly ornate, the 12th century building is the world's largest religious structure. We stay here until sunset, to maximise our experience of this awe-inspiring complex.

Day 15 - Angkor Thom
We enjoy a full-day excursion to the abandoned city of Angkor Thom. Here we can see the remains of the impressive 12th century temples, terraces and gates of a city which is believed to have been home to a million people in the Middle Ages. Look out for the intricate carvings of faces and animals throughout this magnificent masterpiece of Khmer art.

Day 16 - At leisure in Seam Reap
Your final full day in Siem Reap is at leisure, giving you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at the hotel or take a stroll through the city centre, characterised by buildings constructed in French colonial style. Alternatively, you may wish to return to the Angkor Wat temple complex to explore further.

Days 17-18 - Homeward bound
After a leisurely morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to London. Travelling via Singapore, we arrive on Day 18.

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