Invitation to Vietnam & the Temples of Angkor

Day 2 Hanoi

On arrival in Vietnam's capital, we'll transfer you to your hotel. A two-night stay will give you plenty of time to get to know the city. Tonight you will experience a welcome dinner like no other at the Koto Restaurant, a social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged children. KOTO has trained over 700 students in Hanoi and Saigon, with 200 of them currently enrolled. Enjoy the aroma and flavours of Vietnamese and South-East Asian specialties, and try a selection of traditional dishes before sitting down for a three course meal. Meals included: D

Day 3 Hanoi

Your sightseeing in Hanoi begins at the mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh, the president who was known as 'Uncle Ho', lies in state guarded by silent sentries. We'll then head to the Temple of Literature, a collection of courtyards, gardens and pavilions built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. After a busy morning we'll be ready for lunch, which is served at a restaurant specialising in traditional Hanoi delicacies. Then this afternoon, you'll see even more when we head to the Ancient Quarter and board a trishaw – a traditional bicycle rickshaw. Sit back, relax and take in the sights as your driver navigates the bustling streets. After a short stop for a Vietnamese coffee, we'll continue on foot to Kim Ngan temple, considered to be one of the oldest in the area. You've a traditional experience to look forward to next – a water puppet show. After the performance our group will enjoy backstage access before we return to the hotel. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 4 Halong Bay

The beauty of Halong Bay cannot be underestimated, and after a lovely drive through green paddy fields we'll reach this UNESCO-listed site. You've the option to view the bay on a seaplane flight before heading to your unique overnight accommodation. We'll cruise through the dramatic limestone peaks that rise from the water and you'll be able to watch the sun set over the bay, before enjoying dinner on board.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 5 Hue

You'll wake up to the beautiful surroundings of Halong Bay and watch the sun rise as coffee, tea and cookies are served on board. The rest of your morning is spent enjoying this unique destination, and may include activities such as kayaking and swimming, or visits to local markets and caves.
Later we will disembark the ship, make our way to the airport and fly to Hue. Meals included: B,L

Day 6 Hue

A full day in Hue means you'll get a real flavour of Vietnam's former capital. We'll start with a relaxing cruise along the Perfume River, which takes us to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Then, after a little time to look around, we'll continue to the citadel, the ancient seat of royal power. We'll explore the former Imperial Palace and learn more about the area's intriguing architecture, which was inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City. By now you'll probably be ready for some lunch, so we'll stop to enjoy a vegetarian meal. Later we'll visit the imposing tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, located in a beautiful setting surrounded by gardens and lakes.

Meals included: B,L

Day 7 Hoi An

Driving over the Hai Van Pass, possibly the most scenic of coastal road in Vietnam, our journey today takes us south to Hoi An. You'll be enchanted by this ancient riverside town, and after lunch we'll take a tour. Highlights include the Japanese Covered Bridge and a cruise on the Thu Bon River.

Meals included: B,L

Day 8 Hoi An

Today you will visit a local community project, many of which support street kids and disadvantaged young people by providing them with training for a career in the hospitality industry. You'll meet some of the students, learn about different types of local cuisine and then possibly have a go at making some yourself. Afterwards, some delicious food made with local ingredients will be served.

Meals included: B,D

Day 9 Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh

We’ll start today with a visit to a small workshop to find out more about the beautiful lanterns of Hoi An. We then fly to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll have plenty of time to explore during your two night stay.

Meals included: B,L

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City

We discover the Cu Chi Tunnels. This incredible network of underground passages was first constructed in the late 1940s by the Viet Minh army fighting the French. They were later extended by the Viet Cong rebels. This evening we'll enjoy a cruise along the Saigon River and dinner will be served on board.

Meals included: B,D

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap

Before we leave there is time to take in the city with a sightseeing tour. With highlights including the elegant Saigon Opera House and Reunification Palace.

Meals included: B

Day 12 Siem Reap

Today's the day we start our discovery of the famous temples of Angkor. We'll begin our explorations with a visit to Banteay Srei, next we'll visit Banteay Samre, before continuing to the world's largest religious monument - the magnificent Angkor Wat.

We will also take a visit to the village of Chansar, which is supported by our Travelsphere Cares project, we'll enjoy a walking tour of the village and a simple Khmer lunch before we head to a Buddhist temple to receive a blessing.

Finally we'll climb to the top of Pre Rup Temple and enjoy fabulous views of the jungle at sunset.

Meals included: B,L

Day 13 Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh/UK

We begin today with a visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom. Our explorations uncover the Bayon, where hundreds of smiling faces decorate the towers and Phimeanakas, which we'll climb to take in panoramic views of the Angkor complex. We'll also take in the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of Leper Kings before driving to Ta Prohm, a temple which has been left to the clutches of the jungle. There will be time to return to the hotel and freshen up before we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK, via Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals included: B,L

Day 14 UK

You'll arrive in the UK today.

Additional Information

Please note: Depending on flight schedules the order of the itinerary may vary. Our stays in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh may be reversed.