Delve Deep: Vietnam & Cambodia

Blaring horns. French Colonial buildings. Picturesque lakes. And the smell of incense in the air.

Welcome to historic Hanoi! Meet your fellow explorers and kick things off with a DE-licious street food tour through the Old Quarter. Our in-the-know Trip Leader will take us to all the local spots for goodies like bánh mì, pho, spring rolls and egg coffee – trust us, it's tasty. Then: head to Bai Hoi (aka Beer Corner). No guesses how this place got its name. Pull up a roadside stool with a cold Bia Hà Noi and get to know the gang – we might be a mixed bunch, but we're all in it together. Cheers to that! (D)

Ready to delve deeper into this incredible city? We thought so. Slip on the Birks and explore with your Trip Leader – ticking off the likes of One Pillar Pagoda, Lenin Park, Northern Gate, Cua Bac Church, B52 Lake and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (you can visit later, if you like). Then, we're heading to a local bún cha eatery for lunch.

How many spring rolls is too many? Stupid question. What you do this afternoon is 100% up to you, but if you're chasing that off-the-beaten-path experience – jump aboard a locally guided Vespa tour. History buffs should check out Hoa Lo Prison. Catch a water puppet show at Thang Long theatre. Or stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake before hunting down a local hole-in-the-wall for a bowl of pho. (B/L)

Halong Bay: World Heritage Site. The jewel in Vietnam's crown. One of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature'. Whichever way you look at it, Halong Bay is pretty damn special. So, today we're gonna do it properly with an overnight junk boat cruise. Spend the day swimming in glittering turquoise water, exploring limestone islands, digging into freshly made meals, and dancing into the sunset with your travel buds.

This? This is what makes the memories. *Heads up! If you selected twin-share accommodation for this trip, you might be bunking with an extra trip mate for the duration of the cruise. All part of the experience, right? (B/L/D)

Rise and shine, sailors! Kick off the day with a refreshing dip and hearty brunch. Then: we're dropping anchor back in Hanoi, where there's free time to get your explore on.

Afterwards, we're moving on to ancient Hoi An the traditional way – by overnight train! This is your chance to catch up on some zzzs, swap tales with your trip mates, and get chatting to the locals. It doesn't get more authentic than this. (B)

Hop off the train and wave chào to the locals – after a short drive from Da Nang prepare to be SERIOUSLY charmed by the ancient city of Hoi An. This stunner is a patchwork of all the civilisations to leave their imprint here. Expect: rustic Chinese shophouses, multicoloured French Colonial villas, and one helluva spectacular Japanese bridge.

Want options to help discover this gem of a place? We got you. Soak up views of the forest and surrounding villages on a sunset paddleboarding adventure along the river. Or sip and slurp your way around town on an optional street food tour – we're talking rose-shaped dumplings, bánh can pancakes and grilled pork satay. Yes. Please.

You wanted more free time to explore. So, here it is. Need some suggestions? Hop on a countryside cycling tour and get a taste of local life as you pass rows of rice fields, thatched cottages and villagers going about their day-to-day. Plus – master the art of lantern making while you're at it. Or opt for a cooking class and local market visit – your mad new gastro skills are sure to impress the Tinder matches back home.

Rather do your own thing? Explore the buzzing Central Market. Get a custom piece made by the city's famous tailors. Or cycle to An Bang Beach for chilled boho vibes. Tonight, we'll have free time to explore the lantern-filled magic of Hoi An Old Town and tuck into a bowl of cao lau (a local specialty) along the river. This is what you came for. (B)

*Last call for Topdeckers!* Today we're taking to the skies. Touch down in Nha Trang and prepare to get your Indiana Jones on as we make a beeline for Hang Rai cave. Setting foot in this spellbinding complex of rock formations and fossilised coral reef is like being dropped into a screensaver. Just: wow. Lunch is included today, so prepare for more lip-smacking Vietnamese goodness. Once we've rolled into Phan Rang, the evening is yours. Hunt down some banh canh noodle soup and show off those expert chopstick skills (or not). Or just head to the local beach, sink your toes in the powdery white sand and relax. It's pretty dreamy. (B/L)

Great news guys: today is 100% yours to delve deeper. AND we've got some epic optionals to help you do just that. Strap on those hiking boots and discover the wild beauty of Nui Chua National Park and underwater world of Vinh Hy Bay. Flex your best downward dog at a yoga class. Or simply turn off Google Maps and see where the day takes you. That's what exploring's all about. And this evening? Gather your trip mates and find a local haunt for some DElish banh xeo – pancakes filled with your fave veggies or meat. Plus dipping sauces of dreams. Mmm... (B)

You wanted more time to explore, and we LOVE making you happy. So here it is! What will it be today? Opt for kitesurfing, kayaking or SUP in the beaut emerald sea (spoiler: you will get wet). Channel your inner Lara Croft and discover the incred ruins of ancient Po Klong Garai Temple. Or just chill with the coconut trees along Phan Rang Beach – these guys are living their best lives.

Later: we'll choo-choose the overnight train once more as we make tracks for Ho Chi Minh City. Shotgun top bunk! (B)

Jump off the train like the local pro you now are.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh! A capital with nearly 9 million people, HCMC is a bubbling pot of energy, excitement and hidden gems. Aka your perfect match. Next: pull out your history hat – we're off to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Surrounded by jungle that was once a stronghold of the Viet Cong, take a guided tour of the area and learn all about how this underground network was used by guerilla fighters during the Vietnam War. Then: we'll drop into an organic farm for a lesson in local produce and a traditional homemade lunch. Tasty times. Back in the city, the evening is up to you. Need recommendations? Head to Relish & Sons and ask for the ‘Com Tam' burger. So good, you'll order two. (L)

This is not over Ho Chi Minh – we're coming back for you later. Today's all about the wet stuff as we set our sights on the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam: the Mekong Delta region. This tropical maze of rivers and swamps looks like it's dropped straight outta The Jungle Book. For real. Wanna know how to make markets more fun? Put them on boats, obvs.

We'll check out the world-class pineapple tossing skills of the traders at the traditional floating market in Cai Be. Then: time to take to the waterways with a pit stop at a local bonsai gardener's home for an included lunch. Hope you like leafy greens. And tonight? We're hunkering down in a traditional homestay with a local family, where our host will give us a masterclass in Vietnamese cooking. Heads up: rooms are shared here, so settle in and swap notes on the adventure so far. (B/L/D)

Wake to the sound of the village stirring to life, and catch sight of the locals preparing for a new day. After a group brekkie at our homestay, we'll jump back on a boat towards the waterfront city of Vinh Long for an included lunch – stopping along the way to see how some of the locals make their living. Afterwards: it's time to return to HCMC for shellfish, rice paper pizza, and the city's specialty – com tam *wipes drool from chin*. (B/L)

No lies, it's an early wake-up call this morning. But you'll have plenty of time to catch up on some zzzs as we roll into Cambodia! Ancient wonders. Serene landscapes. And a fascinatingly diverse history – Cambodia delivers on all fronts. We'll kick off in Phnom Penh, where the evening's yours to sample some sizzling street food along Sihanouk Boulevard, or head to Le Moon rooftop bar for views over the river and delish cocktails. Bliss. (B)

We'll begin the day with a sobering visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – documenting the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge during their ‘revolution'. There's a lot to take in, but learning about this devastating period of the country's history is important to fully understand modern Cambodia.

Later on, quiz your expert Trip Leader on the best bargains to sniff out at the iconic art deco Central Market. And this evening? We'll take to the water for a sunset cruise on the mighty Mekong. This is what you came for. (B)

We'll swap Phnom Penh for Siem Reap this afternoon, with plenty of time to spare for some pretty immense optional activities. Get a taste of local life on a sunset quad biking tour through the countryside. Or discover the treats on the streets with a finger-lickingly good food tour. There's even an evening under the big top with the Cambodian Circus on offer. Can't say we don't spoil you! Tonight, immerse yourself in the neon-jungle of Angkor Night Market or experience the crazy that is Pub Street. Go steady – tomorrow is packed with memory-makers that you're not gonna want to miss. (B)

Ready for a real-life temple run? This is it. First up: we'll explore the Angkor Thom complex with our local guide. Venture through statue-lined South Gate, the intricately decorated Bayon Temple and check out the Elephant Terrace. Then it's onto Ta Prohm – a ruin filled with crumbling towers and overgrown tree roots.

Think: Tomb Raider. Refuel and rehydrate – next we're headed for Angkor Wat temple. The biggest temple complex in the world, ‘otherworldly' doesn't even come close to describing this place. Once you're all temple-d out, we'll settle in for our final group dinner at a local eatery. WHAT an adventure it's been. (B/D)

And just like that, it's over. 17 days of incredible adventures with a pack of strangers who are now like family. Get down to breakfast and swap those socials – you'll need them for next year's reunion trip. Where to next? Thailand? Bali? Japan? (B)