DEPART MELBOURNE

Welcome to our fascinating tour to Vietnam and Cambodia! Our excitement will be building as we are collected by our chauffeurs and transferred to Melbourne International Airport where we meet our fellow passengers and our Tour Managers. Our flight departs early on Wednesday morning for a direct night-time flight to Hanoi.

Inflight meals and refreshments

ARRIVE IN HANOI, VIETNAM

On arrival in Hanoi, we will be welcomed by our local English-speaking guide and board the coach for the transfer to our accommodation. On the way, we’ll get a feel for the thriving contemporary art scene and French architecture that Hanoi is famed for, visible by the many colonial buildings scattered throughout the city. While it is rapidly developing, the city has retained many of its traditional cultures and customs. We’ll check into our lovely hotel, located right on Hoan Kiem Lake and now have a few hours to relax, perhaps take a nap before we gather together for a late lunch at a local restaurant.  This afternoon, we’ll continue on a city sights tour exploring the key highlights of the city from our coach. We have a few more hours to rest before dinner in a local restaurant. An easy day after our overnight flight and we’ll be ready for bed.

OVERNIGHT:  Apricot Hotel & Spa, HANOI

EXPLORING HANOI

Following breakfast, we set off for a half-day tour exploring the key highlights of the city. Visit the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the nation's founder and affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. The historic Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is an imposing monument built to serve as the final resting place of Uncle Ho. Continue walking through the beautiful botanical garden of the Presidential Palace to visit Uncle Ho's Humble House, built based on a rural Vietnamese stilt house with simple design in a tranquil setting, reflecting his simple, pure and noble lifestyle. Tour the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 of wood on a single stone pillar, designed to resemble a lotus blossom, the symbol of purity. We now make our way to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Home to an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artefacts from Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups, the museum offers an engaging exploration of Vietnam's multi-ethnic character and promotes socio-cultural diversity.  Get ready for some fun this afternoon as we discover the vibrant heart of Hanoi (the Old Quarter) in the most authentic way – aboard a traditional cyclo. These charming three-wheeled bicycle taxis have been a part of Hanoi's cultural fabric for decades, offering a nostalgic and intimate journey through the city's bustling streets. With the gentle rhythm of the cyclo and the fresh breeze on your face, you'll find yourself transported to a world where old-world charm seamlessly blends with the lively energy of modern-day Hanoi. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure—you might like to wander around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake “Lake of the Returned Sword”, named after a magical sword once used by the most revered heroes to defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty and then returned to the Golden Turtle God of the lake. Or you may like to further explore the fascinating streets of the Old Quarter, well-known for each one’s specialized industry such as silk clothing and embroidery, buttons and trimmings, ladders, pots & pans, buckets, flowers, footwear - in fact, anything you can think of! This evening, we head to a local restaurant for dinner.

OVERNIGHT:  Apricot Hotel & Spa, HANOI

HANOI TO HA LONG BAY

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay covers an area of 43,400 ha and includes over 1,600 islands and islets, most of which are uninhabited and untouched. Ha Long (literally “where the dragon descends into the sea” in Vietnamese) is world-renowned for its spectacular seascape of limestone pillars complemented by its biodiversity. This morning, we depart for a 2.5 hour journey to Ha Long Bay. On arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, we can settle in on board our boat where a welcome drink awaits. Listen to a cruise briefing as the ship cruises through many stone islets and small beaches of the magnificent Ha Long Bay. You won’t believe your eyes; it truly is breath-taking!  Enjoy kayaking or sitting on a small bamboo boat rowed by the villagers for an authentic look into life in the bay.  Return to the boat and participate in a cooking demonstration with the chef or simply relax on the sundeck before dinner. In the evening, try your hand at some night squid fishing or relax in your cabin.

Itinerary is different for each cruise and subject to weather conditions

OVERNIGHT:  Indochine Cruise Lan Ha Bay, HA LONG BAY

Today we have the opportunity for an optional flight over Ha Long Bay.

Flying between limestone karsts and over shimmering beaches is the most thrilling way to see the charming Halong Bay, UNESCO-listed landscape. Today, take a scenic seaplane ride over Ha Long Bay to get a different perspective on this world-renowned heritage site. Flight duration: 25 minutes (min. four passengers per flight to operate). Cost is USD150 per passenger (subject to change). Other people apart from our group may also be flying.

HA LONG BAY TO HANOI

We begin our day with a gentle Tai Chi demonstration that combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements. Coffee, tea and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with a morning view of the bay's landscape. The boat continues cruising around the bay passing the most beautiful and quiet areas, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach and Coconut Tree Island. We visit one of the most magnificent caves in Ha Long Bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, then return to the boat to cruise towards the wharf.  Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery while approaching the wharf. Our vehicle will be waiting for us for the drive back to Hanoi. Enroute, we stop at Yen Duc, a beautiful and typical village of Northern Vietnam, and watch a 30-minute traditional water puppet show. It's then followed by a leisurely stroll around the village to meet the locals and learn about their daily life. Leaving the village, we wind our way back to Hanoi. We have time to freshen up in the hotel before dinner at a local restaurant.

OVERNIGHT: Apricot Hotel & Spa, HANOI

HANOI - DA NANG - HOI AN

We say goodbye to the north today as we transfer to the airport to connect with our flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, we will be welcomed by our new local guide then transferred to Hoi An, approximately an hours drive to the south along the coast road. We have time to unpack and explore our resort. Late afternoon, we transfer to the Old Town of Hoi An. As a wonderful introduction to Hoi An, we step aboard a lantern boat and immerse ourselves in the enchanting beauty of Hoi An's ancient town as we take a mesmerizing journey along the Hoai River. Our 15-minute lantern boat ride promises to be a magical experience, offering us a glimpse of Hoi An's rich cultural heritage illuminated by the gentle glow of traditional lanterns. Back on dry land, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Lunch own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa, HOI AN

HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN WALKING TOUR

Known as a prosperous trading port between the 15th and 19th Centuries, the riverside town of Hoi An still retains many remnants of its glorious time, as evident in the bustling market and abundance of souvenirs and tailor shops. What makes Hoi An remarkable is that its Old Quarter has been beautifully preserved. The streets are still lined with old tile-roofed shop-houses, shady pagodas, and colorful communal halls that contribute to its status as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Today, enjoy a guided walking tour around Hoi An Ancient Town, which is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and typical local cuisine. During this leisurely exploration on foot, we can observe some of the historic merchant and community houses, ancient pagodas and traditional places of worship with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture.  We make a stop at the iconic over 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge first built by the Japanese community in 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water. Visit the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation and notice its gorgeous woodcarvings on the beams, walls and altar while unravelling with your guide some untold stories about the Chinese community during their time in Hoi An. Our morning break will be at Reaching Out Tea House, a welcome little oasis of calm in the busy, vibrant Old Quarter, owned and operated by the mute and deaf people. Here we will be treated with delicious cakes and incredible tea in the Eastern style. Our tour continues as we stroll around Hoi An's back streets and hear a soft, clattering hum which is the sound of sewing machines. This little charming town is also home to hundreds of tailor shops and nobody can explain exactly when, how or why it became sewing central.  Known as a key part of Hoi An culture, the silk lantern is a simple yet colourful handicraft. Follow the narrow street to reach the home of a local craftsman, nestled away in a small corner of the quarter. After a brief introduction to the history, shape and colour of the lanterns as well as the stages of production, we try to create or decorate a lantern and take it home as a souvenir. Our tour over, we now have the rest of the afternoon to ourselves. Visit a tailor shop where you can get some express made-to-order clothes. Continue to explore the old town. Or some of us may like to return to the resort to relax. The choice is yours! Once again, dinner is at a local restaurant this evening.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa, HOI AN

DISCOVER BA NA HILLS AND THE GOLDEN BRIDGE

Today, we drive to Ba Na Hills, a scenic mountainous area with panoramic vistas. Standing more than 1,400 meters (4,878 feet) above sea level, the temperature of this place is mostly cool year-round. When we arrive at the Ba Na Hills cable car station, we ride on a modern system of cable cars and get a bird's-eye view of our surroundings while enjoying a feeling of flying as we ascend the mountain.  When we alight, we take a walk across the Golden Bridge which seems to be supported by a pair of giant hands jutting out of the mountain. Another cable car will take us to Sun World; advertised as a fantasy amusement park, it’s more like stepping into Europe! We have free time to explore and enjoy this amazing place before descending by cable cars back to our coach which will return us to Hoi An. More time to relax before dinner in the resort.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa, HOI AN

FREE DAY IN HOI AN

Today is a free day to collect clothes from the tailors, wander around the market, do some personal sightseeing or just relax by the pool.  Tonight, save your stomach for the special culinary journey that allows us to immerse ourselves in the local food scene and to sample the most delicious dishes at the most well-known food stalls in town. We take a leisurely stroll through Hoi An's winding lanes to get a feel for the city's real neighborhoods and sample some of the city's finest cuisine at eateries that have been serving up local specialties for generations. Gather at a local three-generation house to have a pleasant chat while enjoying some tasty dishes prepared in the traditional way. What a fabulous evening!

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa, HOI AN

HOI AN - DA NANG - HO CHI MINH CITY

We’ll all be sad to say goodbye to stunning Hoi An as we transfer to Da Nang Airport. Here we connect with our flight to Saigon’s Tan Son Nhat Airport. Upon our arrival, we will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred into town where we check into our centrally located hotel with time to freshen up. This evening, we can experience the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City at night when we join the Saigon River Cruise for a memorable two-hour dinner cruise on the Indochina Junk.  See the cityscape and listen to the sounds of Saigon!

Lunch own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Rex Hotel Saigon, HO CHI MINH CITY

EXPLORING HO CHI MINH CITY

As Vietnam's commercial centre, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) truly is a city that never sleeps. Despite its modernity, Ho Chi Minh City retains a strong link to the past with its historic landmarks and beautiful French colonial buildings. This morning’s tour will be a combination walking and coach tour. The starting point of our tour is at City Hall, a French colonial style monument which is popular for its great photo opportunities. We continue to Saigon Opera House, a beautiful French colonial-era building from the late 19th and early 20th century. Wander along Rue de Catinat “Dong Khoi Street” to the CIA building where helicopters evacuated the remaining US citizens in 1975, you can choose to experience the most ancient elevator, built in the French colonial period. The next stop is Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires, based on the original construction from Paris and then we head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel, before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower. Next stop is the Reunification Palace, former residence of the Indochina Governor-General, and later President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the downfall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Walk on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, passing by The Supreme Court that is set in a bright yellow French colonial building—one of the most recognizable in the city. We also see the Ben Thanh Market.  We make a stop at a local street coffee shop where Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau had a casual cafe with the locals. We also see Nguyen Van Hao's building. It used to be the house of the richest businessman during French colonial times. We now have the afternoon at leisure - some may like to return to the market as it is close by our hotel. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant.

Lunch own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Rex Hotel Saigon, HO CHI MINH CITY

CU-CHI TUNNELS

Today, we enjoy a special transfer by speedboat to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. We’ll notice the scenery changing dramatically with the waterway journey, from the glittering skyscrapers and busy commercial centre to green paddy fields and peaceful rural areas. Originally dug as a base to organize guerrilla-style actions against the French, the Cu Chi tunnels were expanded during the Indochina War to become an ingenious and incredible underground network to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. There are more than 200 kms of subterraneous complexes containing storage rooms, kitchens, hospitals, sleeping quarters and even schools, once occupied by more than 10,000 people. An exploration of these underground villages will provide a better understanding of how the tunnels were constructed, the hardship of life in the tunnels, and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. We enjoy lunch at the site, then return to town where we have some free time to relax. Dinner is at a local restaurant tonight. 

OVERNIGHT:  Rex Hotel Saigon, HO CHI MINH CITY

BEN TRE, MEKONG DELTA

This morning, we take a two-hour drive from Saigon to Ben Tre Province in the Mekong Delta. This province is well-known for its traditional coconut products and tropical fruit orchards. Arriving at the waterfront pier, set off for a slow journey along the Mekong River on a tradition-inspired river barge that features the combination of modernity and tastefully traditional riverboat style. Indulge yourself in countryside scenery and river life while enjoying seasonal tropical fruits and local specialties. The shore excursion includes a brick factory where you can discover how bricks are manufactured by hand using centuries-old traditional methods, a coconut workshop where nearly every part of the coconut is used for candies and crafts, and a family-run mat workshop where you can try your hand at making the ubiquitous straw sleeping mats. Next is a rowing sampan to get a different view of the Delta's rivers surrounded with palm trees. After a fabulous day full of adventure, we return to Ho Chi Minh City. We dine in the hotel this evening.

OVERNIGHT:  Rex Hotel Saigon, HO CHI MINH CITY

HI CHI MINH CITY TO SIEM REAP

Sadly we say farewell to unforgettable Vietnam today as we transfer to the airport.  Here we’ll connect with our flight to Cambodia. Upon our arrival at our hotel in Siem Reap, we’ll have some time to freshen up for our evening out. Tonight, our dinner will be at Friends Restaurant, Marum.*  This is a social enterprise-based restaurant that empowers disadvantaged youth with vocational training amongst other support.

Lunch own arrangements and expense

OVERNIGHT:  Borei Angkor Resort & Spa, SIEM REAP

*In 1994, Sebastien Marot was leaving a restaurant in Phnom Penh when he stumbled over children sleeping rough on the street. That was the moment he made a decision to do something about this situation and to set up an organization which would work with those children to build a real future for them. Eighteen years later Friends provides social support, education and training to 60,000 children a year who have been pushed onto the margins of society.  By eating at Friends, we are  supporting a young person on their journey to a better future.

SUNRISE OVER ANGKOR WAT AND ANGKOR THOM

Today we will embark on a full day's sightseeing around the Angkor Archaeological Park which stretches over some 400 sq kms, including forested area. The park contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the great Khmer Empire of the 9th to the 15th centuries. As first light dawns, you will be at the most important religious monument in the country, admiring the extraordinary Temple of Angkor Wat across a reflecting moat. When the sun rises behind the triple towers, the crowds will thin out as most people return to bed or a hotel breakfast. We will make use of the cool temperatures and soft morning light to explore Angkor Wat in a more peaceful atmosphere. After enjoying our boxed breakfast near the temple, we will start exploring one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Angkor Wat. At this point, you most probably have gotten glimpses of the towers over treetops and the gates, but now we’ll finally get to see if for ourselves. We enter Angkor Wat and learn about the stories and amazing architecture that has stunned archeologists leaving more questions than answers. Angkor Wat possesses some of the most intricate and longest stone carvings in the world. This complex is four times the size of the Vatican City making it the largest religious site in the world. Spend the rest of the morning adventuring through the many passages, levels, and exploring chambers that once housed one of many treasures of the ancient world. It will be an experience you will never forget.  This afternoon, we explore the ancient Angkor Thom, founded by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th Century and was one of the largest Khmer cities and remained the capital until the 17th Century. Get inside the reinforced city of Angkor Thom to admire the mysterious Bayon Temple, crowned with the large number of serene faces sculpted on its towers. Also, take this chance to learn more about the intricate carvings of the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Later this afternoon, we transfer to the hidden bank nestled inside the ancient moat of Angkor Thom, where we board an Angkor Gondola boat for a unique waterway slow journey over the hidden yet charming lake of the South Gate. Khmer people are proud of their skilled boat makers throughout history and it is possible to find out the ancient Khmer boats carved in the wall of the Bayon temple are the victories of King Jayavarman VII's navy force over Cham's navy in the war after 1177 A.D. Our gondola is a traditional Khmer boat, carefully and proudly constructed to resemble the fine artwork that was done in the past. The ride over water offers leisure and an insightful experience, allowing you to indulge yourself in the treasures of historical and cultural sites that have been untouched for centuries. The boat captain will steer by hand as we sail the ancient waters, viewing the ancient walled temple of Angkor Thom from afar. Get your camera ready to photograph along the great wall of Angkor Thom, Royal Secret Path and the City Guard Post - and we’ve come at the best time, right on sunset.  After a full but amazing day, we’ll enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Lunch own arrangements and expense

OVERNIGHT: Borei Angkor Resort & Spa, SIEM REAP

TONLE SAP LAKE, DEPART CAMBODIA

Today we drive a short distance to the south of Siem Reap along scenic roads to the floating village of Chong Kneas on the great Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Our modern boat is an innovative design inspired by heritage, made by local ship builders in accordance with traditional designs. The blend of wood and rattan with the lush environs gives the Tonle Sap journey an authentic and beautiful feel that is in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings. The boat takes on a relaxing and insightful cruise exploring the floating villages where more than a thousand families live and make their living. Observe the floating schools, markets, police stations and the traditional way of living. For the residents of the village, life on the water is the greatest traditional culture that should be preserved before the rapid development of modern society. After a fantastic day, we now make our way to the airport to connect with our flight home.

Own arrangements and expense for lunch and dinner. Inflight meals and refreshments.

OVERNIGHT: Inflight

ARRIVE MELBOURNE

After completing Customs and Immigration, our chauffeurs will be waiting for us in the arrival lounge. We’re sure you will arrive home with a sense of well-being, appreciation and love for both beautiful Vietnam and captivating Cambodia.