From Ha Long Bay to Angkor Wat

Arrive at Noi Bai international airport in Hanoi, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Hanoi is a city characterized by centuries-old architecture and vibrant Southeast Asian culture, located in the heart of Vietnam. It offers a variety of unique experiences, from its impressive temples and lively culture, to its busy markets and world-renowned cuisine. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to begin discovering this fascinating city. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll learn more about Hanoi’s history and get a slice of local life through several stops throughout the city. Start with the Temple of Literature, an early university founded back in 1070 AD. Take a walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where the street names refer to expert artisans who used to sell their wares here. Stop at a local market where you can enjoy a coffee or tea while taking a midday break.

Stop for photo ops at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ho Chi Minh House on Stilts, the Governor’s Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda. End your day of exploring with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, originally built by the French and later referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton” by American prisoners of war. Return to the hotel in the evening for your overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a a free day to explore the city on your own, fitting in as little or as much as you'd like. If you're interested in escaping the big city, consider joining our optional excursion* to Ninh Binh, a smaller town on the Red River. Overnight in Hanoi.

*Optional excursion Essence of Ninh Binh (full day with lunch): Explore the breathtaking beauty of Ninh Binh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where majestic karst mountains, lush rice fields, and mysterious caves blend harmoniously with centuries of tradition. Begin with a peaceful bike ride through quiet village paths, vibrant orchards, and green fields, immersing yourself in the authentic rhythm of rural life. Then, glide on a wooden boat through winding canals and towering cliffs, uncovering hidden caves and timeless beauty. End your day with a delicious local lunch, a perfect taste of Vietnam’s warm hospitality.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road to Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage area of outstanding natural beauty known for its limestone islands and glistening waters. Travel through the rich farmlands of the delta and witness the daily life of the Vietnamese villages. Arrive in Ha Long and board a traditional junk boat, to begin your cruise on the bay with a welcome drink. Lunch on board. The cruise passes by many fascinating islets and may stop for a while to visit local fishing villages, caves and limestone islands. Relax at your leisure on the sun deck. Dinner and overnight on board.

Important note: The cruise operator will choose ONE itinerary to either Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay. Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations. There will be no guide on board.

Early risers are invited to participate in a Tai Chi demonstration on the upper bridge. Afterwards a light breakfast will be served, and later, a splendid brunch aboard the boat as you continue to navigate through the myriad of islands and islets, paying a visit to the most notable of them. By midday, we bid farewell to the fascinating panorama of Halong Bay and head back to Hanoi.

On arrival, transfer to the Hanoi airport for your flight south to Ho Chi Minh City. Immediately transfer to your hotel when you land. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a full-day tour to soak up the rich tapestry of history and culture in Ho Chi Minh City. Start with a guided walk through one of Saigon’s bustling wet markets, where the air is filled with the aromas of fresh herbs, tropical fruits, and sizzling street food. Watch locals exchanging goods and stories, and taste traditional Saigonese delicacies such as sweet sponge cakes and refreshing chilled soups — a true immersion into Vietnam’s culinary culture.

Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, offering a moving and thought-provoking perspective on the Vietnam War through powerful photographs and preserved military artifacts.

Continue along the elegant Dong Khoi Street, once known as Rue Catinat during the French colonial era. Admire the city’s most beautiful landmarks, including the ornate Opera House, the grand colonial Hotel de Ville (now the People’s Committee Hall), the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, and the stunning Central Post Office, designed by Gustav Eiffel.

The tour continues in lively District 5, where you’ll explore Chinatown and the historic Thien Hau Temple, built in the 19th century to honor the goddess of the sea. Surrounded by swirling incense and intricate wooden carvings, this sacred site reflects the deep cultural roots of the local Cantonese community.

End the day at the colorful Ben Thanh Market, a lively maze of stalls offering handicrafts, spices, souvenirs, and local snacks — the perfect place to experience Saigon’s vibrant atmosphere. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your leisure! If you want to learn more about Vietnam’s military history, join our optional excursion to Cu Chi* for a fascinating look at this complex network of tunnels.

*Optional half-day excursion to Cu Chi:  Embark on a journey from Ho Chi Minh City to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, just 1.5 hours away. Explore this extraordinary underground network, once used by the Viet Cong as communication routes, hiding places, storage areas, and living quarters during the war. Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s turbulent history and the remarkable ingenuity that helped shape its resilience. Next, visit a local farmer’s home, surrounded by lush orchards and silent war remnants. Stroll through the orchard as your host shares stories rooted in family tradition. Learn how to grow mushrooms the traditional way, roll up your sleeves to harvest, and help prepare a simple yet flavorful local dish. The experience culminates in an intimate conversation with a war veteran, whose memories bridge the past and present — a moving testimony of endurance, hope, and renewal.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have the day to explore at your leisure, or, why not take part in our optional excursion to discover the magical Mekong Delta.* Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

*Optional Mekong Delta Excursion: Discover the beauty of the Mekong Delta, known as “the rice bowl of Vietnam.” Depart from Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Ben Tre and embark on a peaceful river journey aboard the charming Apricot Boat. Admire the lush landscapes, tropical orchards, and tranquil waterways. Visit a fruit orchard, taste sun-ripened coconuts, and learn how to make traditional rice papers. Continue to a family-run coconut workshop to discover local crafts and flavors. Enjoy bicycle and tuk tuk rides through flower-lined village paths, where you’ll feel the gentle rhythm of rural life. Glide through narrow canals on a small rowing sampan, surrounded by water coconut trees, and end the day with a delicious Mekong lunch at the Apricot Riverside Restaurant. Relax in a hammock and enjoy the breeze before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you say goodbye to Vietnam and head by road to Cambodia! After breakfast, depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh on the Mekong Express and Giant Ibis bus. The journey takes you through the country, so sit back and enjoy the ride. Arrive in Phnom Penh in the evening, transfer to your hotel for check-in and take the rest of the evening to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

*The Giant Ibis/Mekong Express bus ride from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh is 230 km long and will take approximately 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take an optional flight (approximately 1-hour flight time). This can be purchased in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a poignant excursion to The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, for a moving insight into the bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. Realise the horror and tragedy of this period in Cambodian history at the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and visit the notorious Killing Fields. The rest of the day is at your leisure. We recommend an optional city tour to get to know Phnom Penh's most emblematic sights*. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh. 

*Optional Phnom Penh City Tour: Discover the charm of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital. Begin your afternoon with a visit to the splendid Royal Palace, an architectural masterpiece blending classic Khmer style with elegant French touches. Stroll through its impressive courtyards and admire the ornate golden roofs and intricate details of the royal residences. Continue to the Silver Pagoda, the country’s most sacred temple, where golden and jeweled Buddha statues shine in a serene setting. Later, embark on a relaxing wooden boat cruise along the Mekong River, where the gentle flow of the water and the warm glow of the sunset create a magical atmosphere. Enjoy panoramic views of the riverbanks as locals gather, families socialize, and fishermen go about their daily routines — offering a genuine glimpse of Cambodian life.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, catch the Giant Ibis/Mekong Express bus* from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. On arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in Siem Reap for check-in. Enjoy exploring this vibrant city at your own pace as the rest of the day is your free time at leisure. We recommend heading out to discover the well-known night market and Pub Street. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

*The Giant Ibis/Mekong Express bus ride from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is 320 km long and will take approximately 6 hours. Alternatively, you can take an optional flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap with Cambodia Angkor Air (approximately 1-hour flight time). This can be purchased in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a captivating journey to explore the mystical world of ancient temples. Start your adventure near Angkor Thom. Discover the Bayon temple, a masterpiece adorned with 54 towers that bear 200 serene faces of Avolokitesvara, evoking a sense of divine calm. Journey onward to the Baphuon temple, a testament to the grandeur of Jayavarman I's reign.

Explore the Phimeanakas, where tales of royalty echo through time. Wander the terraces of the leper king and elephants. History and intrigue steep each spot. Our next stop is Ta Prohm. The temple is mesmerizing and wrapped in nature's embrace. Ancient stones mix with towering roots to keep its enigmatic allure.

In the afternoon, we unveil the crown jewel of Angkor: the revered Angkor Wat. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's famous for its great architecture and spiritual meaning. As the day ends, bask in the sunset's ethereal glow over Angkor Wat. Head back to Siem Reap for the evening, where you can take part in an optional tuk-tuk tour* to check out the vibrant street food scene. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

*Optional Tuk-Tuk Street Food tour (night tour): Experience the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere of Siem Reap on an exciting evening street food adventure. Hop on a traditional tuk tuk and head to a local night market, where the streets come alive with colorful stalls offering an array of local snacks, exotic delicacies, fresh fruits, and clothing. Wander through the bustling market and sample authentic Cambodian street food, from crispy grasshoppers and crickets to other local favorites — a true taste of the country’s culinary spirit. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and capture some fun photos to remember the experience. After the market, enjoy a delicious traditional Cambodian dinner at a local restaurant, where dishes are freshly prepared with authentic flavors.

Breakfast at the hotel. Take advantage of another free day to relax or further explore Siem Reap at your own pace. For those wishing to immerse themselves in local traditions and savor authentic homemade flavors, join the optional Taste of Rural Life Around Siem Reap experience*. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

*Taste of Rural Life Around Siem Reap (with Home-Hosted Lunch): Discover the serene countryside beyond the temples as you stroll through a traditional village surrounded by rice fields, orchards, and farms. Observe everyday rural life — from planting rice to creating handmade crafts. Visit a family-run workshop to learn about the art of rattan weaving, a centuries-old tradition, and try your hand at making a basket the local way. Then, continue to the home of a local farmer, where warm Khmer hospitality awaits. Together with your hosts, prepare and enjoy a traditional Khmer meal, learning each step from seasoning to plating.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the lively city center. We recommend enjoying an optional excursion to a Blessing Ceremony at the pagoda and visit to Tonle Sap Lake*. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

*Optional Excursion to a Blessing Ceremony at the pagoda and visit to Tonle Sap Lake: Begin your morning with a visit to a peaceful riverside Buddhist temple, surrounded by serene gardens and sacred statues. Here, you’ll connect with a Buddhist monk and take part in an authentic blessing ceremony — listening to ancient chants as monks sprinkle sacred water and flower petals, a tradition believed to bring good fortune and protection. A symbolic thread will be tied around your wrist in the traditional Khmer style, sealing the blessing. Next, board the Apricot Angkor Cruise for a scenic journey across Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. As you glide along its calm waters, admire the golden reflections and observe the rhythm of daily life in the floating villages, where houses rise and fall with the water levels. Conclude your experience with a visit to a local family home, gaining a deeper understanding of the lake’s unique way of life, shaped by tradition, water, and community spirit.

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK/Ireland. Night on board. 

* If your return flight departs early in the morning, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Arrival to UK/Ireland and end of your trip.