Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos in Depth

Welcome to Hanoi and Vietnam, a country full of breathtaking scenery and enchanting 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. We'll meet tonight to enjoy our group welcome dinner. (D)

We'll discover another side of Hanoi during a half day tour in Long Thuong Village, home to a community of bronze casters since the 13th century. Explore the village and observe how the families create a range of products, including incense-burners and flower vases. Walking alongside fields of rice paddies, we'll reach the nearby 200-year-old Nom Village. Exploring the narrow brick roads, we'll see the antique houses and enjoy a cup of tea with a local villager. Learn about the local life and the traditions that define this community.

This evening we will enjoy the ‘Quintessence of Tonkin' cultural extravaganza. This outdoor spectacle showcases typical elements of Vietnamese culture in a traditional and innovative way. The entire show is performed on water and includes water puppetry and a stunning light show. Local farmers and their families from the Quoc Oai area have been trained for two years to bring the show to life. (B/D)

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. Witnessing some of the unique highlights of the city, our orientation tour will include Long Bien Bridge, St Joseph's Church and the grand Hanoi Opera House.

Continuing on, we'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex comprising of 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 Imperial Citadel & Flag Tower, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010. After lunch, our tour resumes with our first stop at Vietnam's first university, the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, which is also host to the ‘Imperial Academy'. Gain a fascinating insight into the lifestyle, culture and customs of Vietnamese woman at the Women's' Museum, before exploring the Tran Quoc and Ngoc Son Temples.

Our final stop is the notorious Hỏa Lò Prison, nicknamed ‘Hanoi Hilton'. 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)

Today we take a scenic road journey to Sapa, a small mountain town approximately 350 kilometres northwest of Hanoi. This picturesque region is home to the famed hill tribes and nestled in a valley, surrounded by the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and endless fields of rice paddies. We'll take a short drive to Ta Phin Village, inhabited by the Red Dao ethnic group. Here we'll learn the touching story of the abandoned monastery. Meet the locals who will inform us about a local successful enterprise connecting them with the Hanoi University of Medicine. Special Experience: Share a home-cooked meal tonight with the local Ly Ma Man family, learning about their culture and how corn alcohol is produced. (B/D)

Our day begins with a soft trek through Muong Hoa Valley, a large rice field, famous for its stunning scenery. We'll walk among the terraced rice paddies and learn about local health and schooling in Laos Chai Village. We'll also discover ‘batik', a traditional Black Hmong textile dyeing technique, during a hands-on class. Enjoying lunch upon our return to Sapa, the rest of the day is at your leisure. (B/L)

Today we travel back to Hanoi where the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. (B)

This morning we travel through Hai Hong Province to breathtaking Halong Bay. Dotted with thousands of limestone islands and outcrops, the bay is known for its stunningly emerald waters. Cruise Embarkation: We'll board our cruise vessel and enjoy lunch, while witnessing the incredible views. The ship will then set sail to the picturesque Viet Hai Village. Here we'll disembark and enjoy a bicycle or electric car tour along the small paved roads. See the local people in the village and schools go about their daily lives.

Returning to the ship, we'll enjoy some time to relax and watch the sunset on the deck before dinner. (B/L/D)

Try your hand at yoga 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. We'll enjoy a light breakfast, before weighing anchor and cruising to Cua Van floating fishing village. Here we will visit the village and either kayak or take a traditional rowboat to discover the local's way of life on the water. We continue to Hang Sang –Toi (Dark and Bright Cave), known for its stunning limestone structure. Back on deck, we'll enjoy brunch before we disembark our cruise and set our sights on Hue, Vietnam's former capital and seat of the Nguyen Dynasty's emperors. Hue is the ancient capital of the Nguyen emperors and its atmospheric charm owes partly to its location right on the Perfume River. (B)

Our day commences with a visit to the imperial tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Ruling from 1848–83, Emperor Tu Duc enjoyed the longest reign of the Nguyen dynasty. Despite having over a hundred wives and concubines, he was unable to father a son and was left to write his own epitaph, even though he believed doing so was a bad omen. His epitaph can still be found on the stele, the largest of its type in Vietnam, in the pavilion to the east of his tomb. We'll take in the panoramic views of the Perfume River at Bunker Hill, before a quick stop at the Tiger Colosseum. This afternoon we'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Citadel in the old Imperial City, modelled on Beijing's Forbidden City. It was completed in 1833 and from here the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam until 1945.

Entering the citadel via a stone bridge you can see the Thai Hoa Palace, an important venue for official receptions and other important court ceremonies. The ostentatious columns supporting the roof are lacquered and inlaid with gold. There is a pair of smaller halls behind the Thai Hoa Palace used by mandarins to prepare for court ceremonies. Our afternoon concludes with a cruise by dragon boat, along the tranquil waters of the Perfume River. (B/L)

This morning we will discover ‘truc chi', a traditional bamboo paper art. We'll hear how truc chi was developed, see how local artists produce amazing artworks using the paper and enjoy a hands-on experience. The finished products will be ours to keep! This afternoon we travel to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass, the geographical and psychological boundary between North and South Vietnam. (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 charming 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 a 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.

Optional Excursion: Enjoy a unique dining experience on a bamboo raft while cruising down the Co Co River. Cuisine will be the local catch of the day and other local produce while enjoying the amazing scenery and tranquil atmosphere. 3 hours – from US $83pp (private including transfers)

Optional Excursion: Travel to My Son, the former religious centre of the Champa Kingdom, a sophisticated civilisation which held sway over the region from the 2nd to the 13th centuries. The Cham religion was primarily derived from Indian Hinduism. The ruins of the five archaeological sites are located among green hills and winding streams. After a brief visit to the Visitor's Centre for an overview of Cham history and culture, walk along the forested paths to explore the ruins. 3 ½ hours – from US $43pp (private including transfers). (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: Go off the beaten track to discover Saigon's best food spots. Touring by vespa, we'll taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine as the locals do. (B/D)

We explore the Ben Tre province in the Mekong region today, riding a xe lôi (a local cyclo) 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)

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 where they planned the notorious Tet Offensive. This afternoon we depart for Vung Tau, home to the Australian Army during the Vietnam War. (B/L)

A popular seaside destination for locals, expats and tourist alike, Vung Tau is the ideal getaway to relax by the beach that surrounds the resort town on three sides. We'll learn more about the Vietnam War today, beginning with visits to Long Tan-Long Dat, where the first Australian Task Force was established in 1966 and the former Nui Dat Task Force. Little remains of this military base today except for the columns of the main gate. Continuing on, we'll visit the Long Tan Cross Memorial, site of the most talked about battle of the Vietnam War for Australians and New Zealanders, before a stop at the Long Phuoc Tunnels, which acted as meeting areas, first-aid stations and fighting pits during the war. (B/L)

Today we return to Saigon, where your day is free to explore more of this lively city, or simply unwind at our hotel. Later, we'll take in the city skyline as we relax with a sundowner atop a rooftop bar, before our group dinner, where we'll bid farewell to Vietnam. (B/D)

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

Good morning Siem Reap! Surrounded by rice paddies, the area 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 in detail in a few days. 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 (snake-like creature).

Our first stop is the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Formerly spaces for public ceremonies, both are adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. We visit the ruined Baphuon Temple 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.

In the afternoon we make our way 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's 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, giving 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 the 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.

Optional Excursion: This evening, attend the famous Phare Circus, uniquely Cambodian and daringly modern. Using theatre, music, dance and modern circus acts to tell a traditional Cambodian story from a historical, modern and folk perspective. This is high energy that will have you mesmerised from start to end. 1 ¾ hours – from US $35pp (including transfers) (B/L)

This morning includes a visit to Ta Keo, built by Jayavarman V who ruled from 968 to 1001; Ta Prohm, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor because much of the jungle has not been cleared and for its feature in the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider series; and Banteay Srei and Kdei Temples. We'll visit Preah Khan, a temple built by King Jayavaram VII with towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors set in the jungle.

Optional Excursion: Enjoy this early morning experience at sunrise by joining monks in prayer and practice the communion of spirit & soul. You will be picked up very early at approximately 3:30am and transferred to the monastery in the hills. Upon arrival a briefing about meditation will take place before joining the monks. 2 hrs – from US $79pp (private)

Special Experience: Take part in a Khmer cooking class with a local family and learn about their food customs and beliefs. We'll savour our creations at lunch, overlooking a lily pond. (B/D)

An early start to witness the breathtaking views, shadows and reflections of Angkor Wat at sunrise. The national symbol and highlight of any visit to Cambodia, Angkor Wat is the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture. As the largest, best preserved and most religiously significant of all the Angkor temples, Angkor Wat impresses visitors with its sheer scale, beautifully proportioned layout and the delicate artistry of its carvings.

We'll have some free time to explore the temple in more detail before transferring to the airport for our flight to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, known as the ‘Pearl of Asia' and considered one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina during the 1920s. (B)

This morning we visit the poignant Killing Fields, located just outside of Phnom Penh. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek provide a stark reminder of the atrocities committed under the Pol Pot regime, when thousands of people were killed between 1975 and 1978 and buried in mass graves. Today it is possible to see the fields and visit the Memorial Stupa containing 8,000 human skulls, all victims of the Khmer Rouge. On our way back to Phnom Penh we visit Tuol Sleng, the former high school and site of the notorious Security Prison 21, converted by the Khmer Rouge during their rise to power where an estimated 17,000 people were imprisoned. This visit is very moving and can be quite confronting for some, as it has now become the Cambodia Genocide Museum.

Our afternoon is spent exploring Phnom Penh by rickshaw. Our sightseeing includes the Royal Palace (still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoi), the Silver Pagoda, and the elegant National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer Art. Tonight, we'll enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant to farewell Cambodia. (B/D)

Our journey continues today, as we fly to Vientiane, the colonial capital of Laos. French colonial Vientiane still feels like a sleepy city with its relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats, and colourful markets. Enjoy the evening at leisure to explore this delightful city. Why not treat your tastebuds at one of its many restaurants and pavement cafés offering a diverse selection of cuisines? (B)

Today we take a full-day tour of the city. Our sightseeing includes the temples of Wat Si Saket, famous for its cloister wall housing thousands of Buddha images, the Royal Temple of Wat Prakeo and the Temple of Emerald Buddha. Our tour continues with a visit to the golden stupa of Pha That Luang and Phatuxai Victory Gate, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. After a busy day exploring the city, we'll walk along the banks of the Mekong River en route to the Night Market. Witness the area come alive as sellers begin setting up their stalls, offering a wide range of items. (B)

We head north today, arriving at Vang Vieng in the afternoon where you'll enjoy some time at leisure before we take a scenic boat ride along the Nam Song River. (B)

This morning we depart for Luang Prabang. Along the way we'll stop at a cable bridge to cross the Nam Song River to the Hmong village of Ban Phan Thao. Enjoy the scenery as we pass through farmlands, rice paddies of Ban Nadoa Village and the small but beautiful Tam Chang cave, on our way. We'll arrive at our hotel early this evening, giving you some time to explore or unwind after our day of travel. (B)

A tour of the charming city of Luang Prabang is first up today. 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 visit later today. Travelling by tuk tuk, we'll visit the open-air markets in the old town before we discover the life of a Buddhist monk.

Special Experience: Learn about the culture, architecture and temple etiquette of Buddhism during a private guided tour by a former monk or novice who has left the monastery.

Special Experience: Join the locals and experience the tastes and customs of Laos during a game of Pétanque, followed by a traditional dinner. Climbing Mt Phou Si we'll take in the magnificent views over Luang Prabang and make our way to Wat Xieng Thong, admiring the beautiful architecture on the way. Wat Xieng Thong is the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city, and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art.

The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre and the handicraft village of Ban Xang Khong are our destinations this afternoon. Ban Xang Khong is famous for its Saa Paper and weaving handicrafts. (B/D)

Our morning is at leisure to explore more of our surroundings, or simply relax before our afternoon outing. For those who like to wake up before dawn, you can enjoy a short walk to Ban Phanluang Temple to observe a long standing sacred Lao tradition and Buddhist ritual “Tak Bat” (Almsgiving), where monks dressed in saffron-coloured robes line up to receive food offerings from devout Buddhists along the street. In the afternoon, we'll take a short drive to the Living Lands Organic Farm, where we will 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. (B)

Today we head out of town to visit the lovely Kuang Si Waterfalls, located deep in the jungle about an hour away. This stunning, multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into clear turquoise pools. There'll be time to have a swim or just relax and soak up the atmosphere at the water's edge. We bid farewell to these three fascinating countries this evening with a leisurely sunset cruise along the Mekong River, before our final group dinner. (B/D)

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