Epic Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding a signboard with your names on it.  You are transferred to your hotel.

No activities have been planned and the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

A Hotel Path of History Tour including the Metropole bomb shelter visit (only available to in-house hotel guests) - 45 minutes with hotel historian.  here are 2 tours daily at 5 and 6pm (subject to seasonal change). Advance reservations are recommended - maximum 10 guests per tour.

Today’s tour will take you to the “standing newspaper” where your guide will tell a fascinating story of a time when newspapers were considered a luxury in Hanoi.  Next, stop at a local coffee shop to observe the rush of daily life in the Old Quarter, before transferring to Gioi Market – the corner where thousands of trade goods are sold.  From kitchenware to motorcycle parts, this market has everything!

Continue your exploration by driving to the rail station in a Hanoi suburb and catch a local train back to the city Centre. After a 10-minute train ride that passes over the first French bridge built on the Red River, follow your guide and walk through "cuisine street" where you can find many tasty dishes, before finally stopping at the "Zo Paper Project" – an initiative for young and active Vietnamese people to create new values on the Traditional Paper. 

The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Originating in the 10th century, water puppetry is a unique folk art found only in Vietnam.  Although water puppetry has been around for over 300 years in Dao Thuc village, it really made a comeback several years ago thanks to one of the artisans.

Drive 45 minutes out of Hanoi to the charming Dao Thuc village and upon arrival, drop by the puppet making workshop to meet the artisan to learn how he and his family introduced this traditional art to the world.  Then enjoy a private 30-minute outdoor water puppet show on the village pond with a live traditional orchestra playing music in the background.  See how the puppeteers stand in chest-deep water to manipulate the puppets - hence the name Water Puppets.

After the performance, drive back to Hanoi.  

The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

The morning is at leisure.

You are transferred to your luxurious floating home which sets sail around noontime. You are greeted with a refreshing welcome drink upon boarding while staff acquaint you with the facilities and procedures of the Heritage Line ship - Ylang.

As your unique journey begins, lunch is served in the light-flooded dining room on the terrace deck offering panoramic views of the passing scenery.  You pass an ancient lighthouse built by the French more than a century ago.  Heading deeper and further south into the maze of Lan Ha Bay, there is time to enjoy our activities offered onboard - take a plunge in the pool, enjoy from our selection of signature beverages at the bar, or settle into relaxing bliss and be pampered with one fine treatments and massages available in the expansive Ylang Spa.

Yur first anchorage spot is a local pier at Southern Cat Ba Island which is the entry point for a visit of a charming local village named “Viet Hai”.  You hop on bicycles (or electric cars) for a scenic exploration along small paved pathways, which meander through the lush tropical forest towards the local village nestled in the valley.  Meet and interact with the local inhabitants doing their daily work around their homes or gardens and get to know the life of this remote area where time seems to stand still.

Back on board, you set sail to at a tranquil place for our overnight mooring.  Your chef will serve a multi-course dinner and afterwards you may join fellow passengers for a movie night in the dining room or help our crew at night fishing for squid.  Perhaps one of the best options is to take a seat under the stars on the terrace deck or your private balcony to embrace the serenity of this surreal landscape.  And for those who like to fully immerse themselves in relaxation, the spa is open till late.

For those who awake with the sun, coffee, tea, and pastries are offered.  To get the full wellness experience from Ylang, a Tai Chi session is held on the sun deck to ease mind and muscles with the first rays of the sun.  Or sign up for a guided yoga class in our dedicated yoga room.

Once energized, breakfast is served at the dining room before you set off to visit one of the few remaining local floating fishing villages.  Get a close view of how the families live and work on the water in their unique community.  You continue to the shore and travel a short distance along scenic island roads to the Cat Ba National Park.  A leisurely hiking tour brings you close to the elements of this lush national park with its jungle-like nature.  Learn more about the endemic fauna and flora as well about the island itself as Northern Vietnam’s largest island in the Golf of Tonkin.

During lunch, Ylang continues to sail through the bay to a secluded spot in the bay.  The afternoon is at your own pace and choice: you may like to swim and sun bath on a natural beach, or join in on a kayak tour – or a bit of both, or just kick-back on board and treat yourself from the wide selection of wellness offerings.

After dinner you may like to engage in our presentation and quiz with interesting facts and insights about both Lan Ha and Halong Bay or simply kick-back on your private balcony enjoying the serenity of Lan Ha Bay.

Start early again with a nice and tasty traditional Vietnamese coffee. Join for another open air session of Tai Chi or take part in some Yoga indoor.

Ylang moors this morning to offer guests some more kayaking or refreshing early morning swim - conveniently from the ship’s platform. Take these final moments to fully emerge with the sense the Bay has to offer before Ylang gently glides back to its harbour. Whilst you pass back through Lan Hay Bay towards the pier, you serve a hearty breakfast prior to saying your final goodbyes.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Da Nang.

A flight suggestion will be made and tickets purchased on your behalf.

Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, with a signboard with your name on it.  Transfer to your hotel.

Learn the secrets of preparing traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a market tour and cooking class.  Set off to a local market with a chef from the Market Restaurant and Cooking School.  Your chef will share shopping tips including how to select fresh eggs and ripe fruit and which herbs are used in Vietnamese cuisine.  Continue to the school, an elegant old building with a French colonial-style exterior and traditional Hoi An interior.  Then participate in an entertaining, hands-on cookery course held in one of three teaching areas with modern equipment for a truly immersive cooking experience.  Chat with your chef to learn more about typical ingredients of Central Vietnamese cuisine then enjoy tasting what you have prepared.

Following lunch you explore Hoi An.

Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others.  Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognised for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. 

Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture:

• the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590's by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream;,
• the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings, and
• the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialities including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.

Later this afternoon you are returned to your hotel

No activities have been planned and today is at your leisure to continue your explorations.

This morning is free at leisure until you meet your guide in the hotel lobby and transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Saigon. 

A flight suggestion will be made and tickets purchased on your behalf.

Upon arrival Tan Son Nhat airport, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding a signboard with your name on it.  You are transferred to your hotel.

Tonight you enjoy a street market tour on a vintage vespa (guide driving).

The darker the night gets, the more vivid Saigon becomes! Discover the life of the city after sunset, and learn the stories of Saigon, from its golden days of 1960's to its modern days of century 21st.

Learn how the local cuisine has changed after years by stopping at some authentic food stalls, restaurants and bars. Uniquely customised for curious minds who love to get their footprints off the beaten track, the flexible menu introduces you to different courses including most popular local delicacies, coffee and signature cocktails tasting. Let us know your special interest and we can customise a unique route to fulfil your appetite.

Remark about traffic in Saigon:

If you have never visited Saigon - the city on the move, then it is a good idea to discover this city by motorcycles. Get well prepared that the traffic moves in a different way that at home. The roads are always busy with motorbikes, cars and buses. But take it easy, Saigonese knows how to handle all the turns. You will sit behind experienced drivers who understand their Vespa and the traffic like the back of their hands. Only by sitting on a motorcycle that you can zig zag through the narrow alleys, bustling residential area to capture the real night life of Saigonese.

Enjoy a morning tour of the city.

With over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, Saigon is truly a city that never sleeps.  Despite its modernity, Saigon maintains a strong link to the past and our city tour takes in some of Saigon’s most historic landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (entrance is only permitted when no services are being performed). 

Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891.  A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War.  Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. (Please note that some of the displays are very graphic.) 

Experience Saigon’s famed street coffee culture while your guide provides a brief language lesson as well as insights into daily life of a Saigonese.

Enjoy lunch at Mandarine Restaurant.

This afternoon, choose to visit Salon Saigon, a new contemporary art space housed in a lovingly restored French colonial building.  Saigon Salon aims to showcase Vietnamese contemporary art while nurturing local talent, cooperating with foreign institutions and attracting important artists from around the world or the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. (Please note that some of the displays are very graphic.)

You then continue to Chinatown to visit the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese community in the early 19th century to honor the Goddess of the Sea.  Take time to make a wish, write it on a small card and attach it to one of the incense coils according to local custom.  Continue your visit to FITO, the first museum of traditional medicine in Vietnam, offering an insightful look into the history and application of traditional medicine in everyday life before returning to your hotel.

This morning is at leisure till transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap.

A flight suggestion will be made and tickets purchased on your behalf.

Upon arrival Siem Reap International Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding a signboard with your names on it. 

You are transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Depart early in the morning to explore Srah Srang reservoir and Ta Prohm temple, some of Angkor’s jewels.   At Ta Prohm, the magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling.  The temple was built by King Jayavarman VII to commemorate his mother.  Take your time to walk through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance (walk 1-2 km) where your tuk tuk will be waiting for you to continue your ride through the forest to the banks of Srah Srang.  End the morning at Banteay Kdei, one of Angkor’s largest structures in the area and well worth a visit.

Return by road to Siem Reap for lunch (on your own). Your guide can suggest a wide range of delicious restaurant options for lunch or you may decide to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel.

This afternoon, visit the Royal city and former capital of the Khmer Empire; Angkor Thom which consists of several temples.  Enter the city through the impressive South Gate and drive towards the Bayon temple.  At first glance, the temple may seem like a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals enigmatic faces looking into every direction, built to watch over the kingdom from all directions.  Continue your exploration with a visit to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King viewed the victorious return of his army.  After, visit the Terrace of the Leper King with detailed carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon.  Slow down the pace mid-afternoon and enter the cool Wat Tang Tock to receive a traditional blessing from a monk.  Later, visit the picturesque Preah Paliday and Pimeanakas. 

End the day with an optional visit to one of grass terraces in front of the five massive towers of Angkor Wat to watch the sunset before transferring back to your hotel. 

This evening attend a circus performance.

Phare Circus works mainly with disadvantaged young people. They learn circus skills, theatre performance, music and a range of visual arts.  It combines local traditions with new creative and innovative genres.  Daring athleticism is combined with stories that speak powerfully to Cambodia’s not-too-distant history; for example, escape from tyranny is depicted through tightrope walking.  The dark subject of a young girl trying to deal with memories of atrocities, is depicted by breathtaking acrobatics in which seemingly impossible goals are achieved.  More than simply a circus, Phare is an amazing blend of traditional and modern theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion beautifully choreographed and performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society.

Depart on a pleasant drive of about 1.5 hours through the Cambodian countryside to Beng Mealea, a sprawling jungle temple constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century.  It preceded and may have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat.  Contrary to Angkor, few carvings or bas-reliefs are evident.  Today the temple is largely overrun by vegetation and the stone walls are crumbling which adds to its charm in a unique way.  Accessibility has improved as elevated walkways have been set up throughout most of the temple, although to see all corners does require a sense of adventure as you will need to climb over stone blocks or walk through narrow passageways.

Drive on for lunch in a traditional Cambodian restaurant.

After lunch head to the elegant Banteay Srei temple. This red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well.  They provide an excellent insight into the Angkor civilization and their beliefs.  It was built in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva.

Return to your hotel later in the day and the evening is at your leisure.

This morning is at leisure till transfer to airport for flight to Luang Prabang.

A flight suggestion will be made and tickets purchased on your behalf.

Upon arrival Luang Prabang International Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding a signboard with your names on it. 

You are transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Enjoy a full-day river cruise to the famed Pak Ou Caves.  Board a luxury long-tail boat and begin cruising towards the caves taking in scenes along the way of typical Laotian villages barely visible behind thick foliage, wooden canoes bobbing by the shore attached to bamboo poles and floats marking the location of nets and fish traps.  Located next to the mighty Mekong, opposite the mouth of the Mekong and the Ou rivers, the two limestone grottoes house approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images which range from mere centimeters up to 2m (7ft) in height.  On the way, make shore excursions at different villages where pottery, whisky and sa paper are made.

Enjoy a delicious private picnic lunch on a sandy island before return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon by boat before transferring to your hotel.

Depart in the early evening from your hotel and head to Luang Prabang’s famous night market.  Explore the small side streets where vendors offer food buffets and different local snacks.  Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells while your guide explains the various ingredients and cooking methods used in Lao cuisine. 

After looking and sampling (optional), continue to a well-known local restaurant for traditional sindad BBQ where diners grill right at the table.  Allow your guide to recommend some of the restaurant’s specialties and help with the ordering. 

After dinner, return to your hotel.

~05:30 - The morning alms round (called “Tak Bat” in Lao) is a living Buddhist tradition for the people of Luang Prabang and dates back generations.  Wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to a procession of hundreds of saffron-robed monks in the early morning light, truly a spiritual occasion!

If you wish to make an offering, please inform your guide a day in advance so that a gift of alms can be prepared.   If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence.  Please dress appropriately. Shoulders, chest and legs should be covered

After the almsgiving, watch the town come to life during a visit to the bustling morning market before returning to your hotel in time for breakfast.

After breakfast continue your exploration of Luang Prabang.

Located at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan (Khan River), UNESCO-protected Luang Prabang is a beautiful mix of ancient gilded temples, saffron-clad monks, faded Indochinese villas and peaceful river scenery.  Take a half-day walking tour exploring some of the highlights of this incredibly picturesque town.  Start with a visit to the Royal Palace, which is now a National Museum housing precious artefacts that belonged to the Royal Family.  Drive or enjoy a leisurely walk to explore some of Luang Prabang’s famed temples including:

• Wat Visoun, Luang Prabang’s oldest temple.  Notice its unusually shaped stupa designed to look like a lotus flower but referred to by locals as “the watermelon stupa”,
• Wat That Luang, traditionally the cremation site for Lao royalty,
• the gorgeous Wat Mai with its detailed golden reliefs depicting scenes from village life,
• and Wat Xieng Thong, built in the 17th century. Notice the stunning “tree of life” mosaic set on its western exterior wall.

End the tour by climbing up to the top of Mount Phousi to admire the panoramic views across the Mekong and Khan rivers as well as the mountain range.

Return to your hotel and have time to relax before dinner at L'Elephant Restaurant.

Free time at leisure until your transfer to airport for your departing flight.

END OF ARRANGEMENTS