Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

Welcome to Vietnam, a country full of breathtaking scenery and charming culture, offering a unique blend of East and West. Hanoi may certainly be a bustling city, but it still retains the mystery and charm of the past centuries and French colonial influence with its narrow lanes and traditional shop houses that invite one to explore. Its many beautiful public areas, lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments give the city a touch of elegance and a harmony with nature.

Our afternoon is spent wandering the grand stalls of the Hanoi Opera House, as we take in the incredible neo-classical French architecture of Vietnam's biggest theatre. Built in 1911 during the French rule, the theatre hosts an audience of nearly 600 over 3 storeys. Our tour today will also include the iconic mirror room reserved for prominent ceremonies for VIP guests only. We'll then enjoy an afternoon tea in the elegant Opera Garden restaurant. This evening we'll enjoy a group welcome dinner in the Old Quarter. (D)

Walk along the ‘Rail Tracks of Hanoi' and explore a rarely seen side of Vietnam's capital. We meet the locals and see how they have adapted to daily life just metres from the trains. Make sure you bring your camera today to capture some fantastic photos as the people vie for trade just metres from the trains.

Our afternoon sightseeing includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only), the beautiful Presidential Palace (outside only) and Ho Chi Minh's neighbouring traditional Stilt House, where the former Prime Minister lived from 1954 to 1969. We'll also see the One Pillar Pagoda before heading to the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, which is also host to the ‘Imperial Academy'—Vietnam's first university. We then visit the Imperial Citadel & Flag Tower, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010, before our final stop, at the notorious Hỏa Lò Prison. Formerly used by the French colonists for political prisoners, it later housed the imprisoned US pilots that were shot down during the Vietnam War, and today the remnants of the gatehouse remain as a moving museum. (B/L)

An early start this morning as we discover Hanoi as the city awakens, which is a great way to see how the locals begin their day. Our tour begins at the photogenic flower market and moves onto the Old Quarter—a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses, also known as 'The 36 Streets'. Each street has been named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics and crafts to medicines and tombstones. This is also a great time of day for us to stroll along the majestic Hoan Kiem Lake as it stirs to life—a favourite spot among locals to practise Tai Chi, an exercise long known for its promotion of health and longevity, in the tranquil half-light. We can just watch these practitioners or join in ourselves. Breakfast today includes a traditional Vietnamese ‘banh mi', followed by a visit to a local coffee shop.

We'll travel through the Hai Hong Province next, to breathtaking Halong Bay, dotted with thousands of limestone islands and outcrops. Here we'll board our cruise boat and enjoy an authentic Vietnamese lunch as the boat cruises towards the southeast of the bay. Cruising to the popular Thien Canh Son Cave this afternoon, we'll explore the stunning caverns, take in the scenic views over Bai Tu Long Bay and have the opportunity to swim in the tranquil waters. Back on board, you might like to enjoy happy hour and cooking class on the upper deck before dinner. You can even join the crew fishing for squid later this evening. (B/L/D)

Described as one of the most picturesque spots in all of Vietnam, Halong Bay comprises of close to 2,000 limestone pillars and tiny islets, rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Brush up on your Tai Chi this morning or just simply sit back, relax and watch the incredible scenery pass by from the deck as we continue cruising on the waters of Halong Bay. There will be a light breakfast served before we visit the floating, fishing village of Vung Vieng. We'll then enjoy brunch back onboard before disembarking and returning to Hanoi for our flight to Danang. Once we arrive, we'll drive to the charming seaside town of Hoi An. (B)

Hoi An was known as Faifo to early western traders, and it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This ancient town remains a well-preserved mix of both indigenous and foreign influences, with architecture styles pulled from Chinese, Japanese and later European, designs. Our walking tour this morning includes a visit to the Culture and History Museum to learn more about this quaint town before taking a stroll along the main street where we'll come to the Chinese Assembly Hall of Fujien Chinese Community. This was built in 1697 as a place of worship dedicated to Thien Hau—the Goddess of the Sea.

Strolling along the banks of the river we'll come to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first built by the Japanese community in order to link the town with the Chinese quarters on the other side of the river. Special Experience: Visit the colourful local market before taking a short cruise along the Hoi An River to the secluded Red Bridge Cooking School for an aromatic and informative cooking class. (B/D)

Today is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the resort and local surrounds, or explore the old city at your own pace. An ideal town to discover by foot, why not immerse yourself in Hoi An's history. If you're feeling adventurous you could also take an optional day trip to the nearby temple of My Son, the site of Vietnam's most extensive Cham remains. (B)

We'll transfer to the airport today, for our flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The largest city in Vietnam, the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life is visible everywhere in Saigon. There are street markets, sidewalk cafés and trendy new bars. The city is constantly moving, yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. Special Experience: Discover Saigon at night on a foodie tour by jeep. Pass by iconic sites including the Opera House, City Hall and Post Office. Taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine as the locals do. (B/D)

Our half day city tour departs from the historic Rex Hotel today, as we begin our walking discovery of some of Saigon's most famous locations. Our first stop is the iconic Pittman Apartments, famously recognised for its part in the 1975 mass evacuation of refugees, at the fall of Saigon. We'll then head to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and US Consulate (former US Embassy), before hopping on our coach to finish our tour. Our final sights in the city centre, include the impressive Presidential Palace (Re-unification Palace) with its lush gardens and secret rooms and the War Remnants Museum, a sobering reminder of the brutal effects of war on civilian populations.

We'll view the monument to Thich Quang Duc, infamously known as the ‘Burning Monk', before spending some time at the Do Phu Coffee Shop and museum, where you can try some traditional Vietnamese coffee and check out the remains of the Saigon Ranger Armory. Lunch will be enjoyed at the notable Pho Binh restaurant, recognised as the base of the former secret headquarters of the elite Viet Cong unit planned the notorious Tet Offensive. The rest of the day will be at your leisure. (B/L)

We explore the Ben Tre province in the Mekong region today, riding a xe loi to the local village of Huu Dinh. Travelling along the tributaries and narrow canals in a traditional-style cruise boat, we can observe daily life along the banks. We'll stop at a family-owned coconut processing business and a brick making factory. We'll then cycle to a local rice noodle factory before enjoying lunch. Our cycling excursion then continues as we visit Mr Sau Toung, a former Viet Cong soldier who spent two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. (B/L)

Today we head out of the city and travel by boat to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels. Never discovered by the U.S. forces during the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Viet Cong base during the war. Stretching over 200 kilometres, this incredible underground network was dug out by hand and consists of connected command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapons factories. Accompanied by a Vietnam Veteran guide, we will be able to walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the Viet Cong, while seeing the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps. We can even venture inside the tunnels (warning: not for the claustrophobic). Take in the city skyline as we relax with a sundowner atop a rooftop bar. Tonight we bid farewell to Vietnam as we enjoy our group dinner. (B/L/D)

Today we will fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to Cambodia's incredible Angkor region. Upon arrival we'll transfer to our hotel before this evening's welcome dinner. We'll travel by tuk tuk to a local restaurant serving typical Khmer dishes. (B/D)

Wake up this morning, surrounded by rice paddies. Siem Reap is dotted with millennium-old temple ruins from the Khmer Empire, the most famous of which is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat, which we will be exploring tomorrow. Our introduction to Cambodia's sights begins with a visit to the fortified city of Angkor Thom. This dramatic structure covers an area of 10 square kilometres. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, it includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. We enter by the monumental south gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga.

Our next stop is the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings. Formerly spaces for public ceremonies, both are adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. We'll visit the ruined Baphuon Temple, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas Temple before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, we explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary. Here we will find the famous giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at us from every angle.

This afternoon we travel to Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia. During the monsoon season the lake swells to four times its normal size, so it is important for the locals that live on the banks and surrounds to build their houses on stilts. Here we'll board a boat and take a ride along the canal of the lake. This gives us an opportunity to see how the locals live in their colourful stilt houses. Watch children playing on the banks while fishermen wade in the shallows with their nets and traps. As we reach the mouth of the canal and lake, the stilt houses end, and boats are transformed into houses to make up the floating villages. (B/L)

Angkor Wat, the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia, is the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, and the largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of all the Angkor temples. To approach the temple, we cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As we enter the main building we'll ascend through a series of galleries and courtyards before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside.

On the way, we stop and enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls runs the longest continuous bas relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Special Experience: Experience a monk's blessing at an ancient pagoda, and learn more about Buddhism and the local spiritual beliefs. Known as the ‘Tomb Raider Temple', Ta Prohm our next sight, is one of the most popular complexes in the Angkor region and is still in much the same condition in which it was found.

Tonight, we say farewell to Cambodia with a group dinner. (B/L/D)

We'll transfer to the airport today for our flight to Luang Prabang in Laos. (B)

Discover the charming city of Luang Prabang today, as we explore its many historic sights. Situated in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang has been inhabited for thousands of years and was the royal capital of Laos until 1975. The city is known for its many Buddhist temples, including the gilded Wat Xieng Thong that dates back to the 16th century, which we will get to visit today. Travelling by tuk tuk, we'll visit the open-air markets in the Old Quarters before climbing Mt Phou Si for stunning views over the city.

We then make our way to Wat Xieng Thong, admiring the beautiful architecture on the way. The finest of all the monasteries and temples in the city, Wat Xieng Thong remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. This afternoon we'll visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre and the handicraft village of Ban Xang Khong, famous for its Sa Paper and weaving handicrafts. Special Experience: Join the locals and experience the tastes and customs of Laos during a game of Pétanque, followed by a traditional dinner. (B/D)

Enjoy some free time this morning before our afternoon walk along the city's main street to the Old Royal Palace, now an elegant National Museum. Built in 1904, the Royal Palace Museum evokes traditional Lao and French beaux-arts styles and is set in a beautifully maintained, spacious garden. Our next adventure takes us to the Mekong for a leisurely sunset cruise aboard a khopfa boat, specially designed with wide open terraces and relaxing lounges for the ultimate experience. (B)

Today we head out of town to visit the lovely Kuang Si Waterfalls, located deep in the jungle about an hour away. On the way, we will stop at Living Lands Organic Farm to learn about rice harvesting and the tools used from a local farming guide, before enjoying a tasting of some typical food made from the rice. In the afternoon we arrive at the waterfalls. This stunning, multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into clear turquoise pools. There will be time to have a swim or just relax and soak up the atmosphere at the water's edge. We say farewell to our amazing tour through these three fascinating countries this evening over dinner. (B/D)

Today marks the end of our adventure through incredible Indochina. We hope you leave with fantastic memories! (B)