Alluring Vietnam & the Temples of Angkor

Hello Vietnam.

Welcome to Hanoi, the nation's capital and one of Southeast Asia's most engaging cities. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

The Streets of Hanoi & Uncle Ho.

Take a cyclo ride and walking tour through the Old Quarter. Then, look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. Visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which "Uncle Ho" ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda are visits to the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Lunch is served at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. You will also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, more than 900 years old and Hanoi's first university, followed by the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Join your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner this evening. (B/L/D)

LOCAL FAVOURITE - OLD QUARTER PEDALING: The ancient Old Quarter is comprised of 36 streets, which once made up the thriving centre of the city. The best way to explore this fascinating area is by cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) and foot. Here, peddlers' trade as they have for centuries and you can find them based on the street name, which reflects the trade found there like Fish Sauce, Silk, and Bamboo. Along the way stop for an egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty!

FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: Consider an outing to see a famed Hanoi water puppet performance. Dating back to the 11th century, water puppetry originated with farmers entertaining their family after the rice harvest.

Peaks, Caves & Bays, Oh My.

Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on your overnight cruise. (B/L/D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - BAY BLAST: Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets that are sprinkled across the bay. Your overnight cruise takes you to explore the caves, and admire the beauty and scale of the many secluded bays.

Central Coasting Call.

This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight to Danang, on Vietnam's historic central coast, where you'll stop to see China Beach, landing point for U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. Continue to nearby Hoi An, an active trading centre and a town that has been largely preserved. Architecture here reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders. (B/L)

Sail, Tackle & Stroll.

Take a cruise on the Thu Bon River and participate in a fishing lesson. Later, explore historic Hoi An on a walking tour including an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly hall, and the famous Japanese covered bridge. For dinner, participate in a cooking class. (B/L/D)

LOCAL FAVOURITE - CAST YOUR NET: Join a local fisherman to learn about local fishing methods and learn how to throw and retrieve a traditional round fishing net called a ro. Afterward, you will have a chance to throw the net yourself and see what you catch!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PREPARE & SAVOUR: Participate in a fun cooking class for dinner and learn to make Hoi An specialty dishes including fried spring rolls, grilled fish in banana leaves, and beef salad in a bamboo basket.

Rest & Ride.

Time at leisure this morning. Then stop at China Beach and over spectacular Hai Van Pass, considered one of the most scenic in all of Vietnam, before arriving in Hue. One of Vietnam's former capitals, Hue is a beautiful, welcoming city that remains a cultural and religious centre. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: Spend time at the beach, visit nearby My Son, or explore pottery and wood carving villages.

Dynastic Hue.

This morning's sightseeing provides a unique window into Vietnam and its complex past. Visit the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors: the Khai Dinh Mausoleum and the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc. After lunch, visit the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city by cyclo. (B/L)

Seeing Saigon.

Today, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. (B)

Meandering Streets, Landmarks & Markets.

A walking tour introduces you to the city's famous and historic landmarks. The route will take you through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, followed by Ben Thanh Market, the largest and oldest in the city. After some free time, join your travelling companions at a special welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director (B/L/D)

Tunnel Vision.

Drive through vast expanses of rice paddies to explore 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. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: The city is booming, and pulses with contagious energy day and night. Sample local food from a street vendor, get a foot massage, or spend more time on Dong Khoi Street. Tonight, be sure to stop at one of several rooftop bars for a drink and magnificent views of the city. Your Tour Director will be on hand to assist with recommendations.

Captivating Cambodia.

This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight to Siem Reap, which will act as your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular archaeological ruins on Earth! (B/L)

Awe-Inspiring Angkor.

Explore the Angkor Temple complex with visits to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon Temple. (B/L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - IT'S COMPLEX: Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the Temples of Angkor were built around the Khmer interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of the temples is arguably unmatched among the world's ancient ruins.

Start your exploration at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat, honouring the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas-reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Next stop is Angkor Thom to see the Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-reliefs. The rest of the day is at leisure.

FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: You may consider exploring the temple complex further, a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see a floating village, or an exciting performance of Phare, The Cambodian Circus. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with My Account.

Tempting Temples & Study Session.

This morning, visit Bantaey Srei, a unique temple outside the main complex dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva that was built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. On your return journey stop at a local school to interact with the children. Then, on to Ta Prohm which has been left relatively untouched and surrounded by jungle, with tree roots growing over and through the ruins. You'll be able to experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. (B/D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - DINNER & DANCE: Join your Tour Director and travelling companions for dinner followed by a traditional Apsara dance performance, where the ancient Khmer culture is brought to life by talented dancers, singers, and musicians.

Safe travels until we meet again! 

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)