Simply Vietnam with Cambodia & Bangkok

Welcome to Vietnam's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for a mid-afternoon check-in.

Today's included sightseeing tour takes you to many of the city's highlights, including the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and gateways, and One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus blossom. You will also see Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the fascinating network of alleyways and shop houses that make up the Old Quarter. This evening, enjoy a performance of Hanoi's famed water puppets. (B/D)

Drive to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam's favourite destinations, and board your afternoon cruise through the stunning bay. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail through the dramatic limestone islands, then explore the Sung Sot (Surprising Cave) and visit Titov Island. (B/L)

Return to Hanoi this morning and fly to Dong Hoi. From here, journey inland to remarkable Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site park littered with beautiful jungles, caves, and underground rivers. Your lodging tonight is a charming farmstay at the base of the park. (B)

This morning, take a boat ride on the Son River to Phong Nha Cave, famous for its rock formations with names like the "Lion" and the "Buddha." The afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the activities and serene views at your hotel. (B/L/D)

Drive to Hue, stopping at the DMZ bridge en route. Upon arrival in the imperial walled city of Hue, visit the Forbidden Purple City, modeled after Beijing's famed Forbidden City. During your visit, you will see Thai Hoa Palace, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the Nine Dynastic Urns. (B)

Begin today with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, made up of seven tiers, each dedicated to a step assumed by Buddha to reach enlightenment. Continue up the river to the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions, and temples in a beautiful setting. Head south through spectacular Hai Van Pass (weather permitting) and visit the Cham Museum, then continue to the charming town of Hoi An. (B/L)

Start today with a cruise on the Thu Bon River, passing unspoiled countryside. Then, a leisurely walking tour through Hoi An Ancient Town brings you to the Japanese Covered Bridge. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Enjoy your morning at leisure. This afternoon, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest and most vibrant city, packed with timeless traditions. (B)

Today's sightseeing tour takes in Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office. Afterward, visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, as well as the Chinese district. (B)

Today, visit the Cu Chi tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles long that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas, and meeting rooms. If you are feeling adventurous, you may enter and explore the deep, narrow tunnels. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B/D)

Today, fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city. (B)

Your sightseeing tour takes in the Royal Palace with its spectacular Silver Pagoda, as well as the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former torture and interrogation centre under the Khmer Rouge. You will also visit one of the killing fields. This afternoon, fly to Siem Reap. (B)

Today, visit nearby Angkor, the ancient Khmer capital. Visit the splendid temple complex that includes Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Angkor Thom, the former fortified royal city built by King Jayavarman VII, which includes Bayon and Baphuon Temples, the Terrace of Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. (B/L)

Visit the exquisite 10th-century Banteay Srei, a unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva that was built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. Then, on to Ta Prohm, which has been left relatively untouched. Surrounded by jungle, tree roots grow over and through the ruin walls, and you will experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. (B)

Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand's capital city. (B)

Today's private guided tour starts with a boat ride through the klongs, Bangkok's canals. Next, stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with Bangkok. Continue to the Grand Palace, comprised of the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Also visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. (B/L)

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore on your own. Your Local Host can help with suggestions to help maximise your time. (B)

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)