Upon arrival in Phnom Penh you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Phnom Penh was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient and despite its recent turbulent history it still retains a certain Colonial charm. Today this rapidly developing city buzzes with energy and an air of opportunity as Cambodia advances into the 21st century. A great place to find yourself at sunset is on the banks of the Mekong River with a cold drink, watching the city slow down.
Your afternoon is at leisure until 5pm when you will be met by your guide in a tuk-tuk, your transportation for the evening, for a memorable food-focused experience.
First stop is the Foreign Correspondents Club, more commonly known as the FCC. This legendary colonial watering hole oozes history, having been the social hub for foreign journalists and aid workers during the Khmer Rouge era. Some interesting memorabilia adorns the walls which your guide will talk you through, before leaving you on the rooftop terrace to enjoy a cocktail and views across the Mekong & Tonle Sap rivers as the sun sets.
Re-joining your guide in the tuk-tuk, it’s time for a completely contrasting experience…Cambodian's don’t shy away from entomophagy (that’s ‘snacking on insects’ in layman’s terms), and they have long been seen as a good source of nutrition. Head down to the river where roadside stalls sell a variety of edible bugs which you will have the opportunity to try. Your guide is on hand to decipher the surprisingly tasty offerings.
Continue by tuk-tuk to the Russian Market. By day this market is a tourist hotspot, but come evening the food stalls come alive, attracting local diners with typical Khmer food such as Banh Chheo, chicken rice porridge and beef skewers. Choose what you wish to eat, pull up a plastic stool alongside the locals and soak up the atmosphere. Next up, and your final food stop for the evening, are the popular seafood stalls where you can enjoy freshly barbecued seafood before returning to your hotel, again by tuk-tuk.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
In 1975, after years of guerrilla warfare, the radical Communist Khmer Rouge party, under its leader Pol Pot, seized power of Cambodia and declared ‘year zero’. They immediately abolished money and private property, and ordered the entire population of Phnom Penh from their homes and into the countryside to cultivate the fields. Over the next three years an estimated 2 million Cambodians died, many from starvation and exhaustion. Many others were tortured and executed for being supposed ‘enemies of the state’.
The morning is spent learning more about these terrible years, through visits to the infamous Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes and Choeung Ek, better known as the ‘Killing Fields’. It is an incredibly moving experience, but these are two visits you will be glad to have made. During your visit to Cambodia, you will barely meet a single person who didn’t lose a member of their family during these years, yet they are all willing to talk openly about it with you. They wish you to hear about it and see these places, to ensure that it never happens again.
Lunch is at Friends, a ‘kindness restaurant’ where ex-street children are trained in hospitality and restaurant skills, helping them to break away from life on the streets.
The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Morning tour of the Royal Palace, situated on the site of the former citadel and built by King Norodom in 1866, the Palace still serves as the King and Queen's residential quarters. Also within the walls of the Palace is the Silver Pagoda, so called because of five thousand silver tiles that line its exquisite floor. You will also visit the National Museum, which houses the worlds leading collection of Khmer art and sculpture, and Wat Phnom the founding site of the city. All are within easy walking distance of each other and are a great introduction to this laid-back city.
Early afternoon depart for Siem Reap by car (driver only). Taking approximately 5 hours, you’ll pass through provincial towns, villages and roadside hamlets offering you an insight into life away from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. There will be the opportunity to stop at Skun Village, famous for its deep-fried tarantulas, if you so wish, and stretch your legs and enjoy a coffee in Kampong Thom.
Upon arrival you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 100 temples are spread over a vast area and the site easily lives up to its status as one of the seven wonders of the forgotten world.
Siem Reap has expanded at a phenomenal rate in recent years, with another hotel seemingly opening every other month. However, the old town retains much of its original charm and there are a number of sites of interest such as museums, galleries and the local market. The town also has a wide choice of restaurants and bars, with something to suit every taste.
Overnight in Siem Reap
During any visit to the Angkor temples, we ensure your day(s) remain both flexible and personal. Having met with your guide, you will be able to discuss in detail what you are looking to achieve from your time at the temples. Whilst some wish to explore as many temples as they can during their stay, others like to travel at a slower, more relaxed pace.
Maximum experience, minimum crowds
Whether it’s sunrise at Angkor Wat or sunset at Pre Rup, climbing through the snake like roots that engulf Ta Prohm or swimming in the quiet waters of the West Baray Reservoir (or a combination of these), you can be sure that your visit to one of the seven wonders will not be easily forgotten. Unlike some archaeological tours, the Angkor temples never seem to lose that initial ‘wow factor’. Every site is as outstanding as the last, and it will be with a mixture of regret and excitement that you'll get back into your air-conditioned transport to visit the next site. We do still appreciate that some visitors are wary of becoming ‘templed-out’ and to combat this we can create more varied days with visits to other sites such as floating villages and flooded forests on the Tonlé Sap Lake, museums and exhibitions, cooking schools or simply time at leisure to explore Siem Reap or laze by the pool.
Your guide
All our guides are highly experienced Angkor specialists, fully trained and licensed to work at the temples. Along with their exceptional knowledge of each temple and the civilisations that built them, our guides know how best to avoid the bus-loads that descend on any given temple at certain times of the day, and know every trick in the book when it comes to getting the best photos and the most tranquil moments.
If you have any specific requirements or special interests, be sure to let us know and we will arrange the guide with the most suitable expertise.
Additional Temples
You may also wish to consider visiting some of the further lying such as Beng Melea & Koh Ker, Sambor Prei Kuk or Preah Vihear. Excursions to these less-visited temples always enhance your experience however they do change things logistically and therefore visits must be arranged well in advance of your arrival.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Today provides the perfect opportunity to gain a better understanding of Cambodian rural life, along with an insight into traditional Khmer culture; something which few visitors are lucky enough to experience. Departing after breakfast accompanied by your guide, you’ll spend the day travelling through a number of relatively un-touched villages and learning about the day-to-day lives of the local people. This is a world away from Siem Reap, and provides you with the perfect opportunity to get ‘off the beaten track’.
Your first stop is the village of Krabei Real, where there is time to explore the local market and to purchase some supplies for your lunch. Continue on, this time without the benefit of air-conditioning, using a more typical method of transportation for this region. The (almost!) pollution free ox and cart is still widely used throughout Cambodia, and allows you to travel at a gentle, almost hypnotic pace along the narrow, sandy, village roads. Winding your way through the rice fields, you’ll pass houses, schools and pagodas. Many of the families in this area are skilled rattan weavers, using techniques passed down through the generations to create a wide variety of crafts and day-to-day items to sell in the markets of the nearby towns.
After around an hour, arrive at the home of a local family who have been carefully chosen by our team Having been welcomed by your hosts, there will be plenty of time to relax and chat with the family as they prepare lunch using the produce selected at the market (with your guide acting as interpreter). If you wish to assist then you are very welcome to do so, and this is also a fantastic opportunity to further your understanding of typical Khmer cuisine. This is likely to be very different from the dishes you may have sampled in the more westerner-orientated restaurants of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh!
Having enjoyed your lunch, there is plenty of time to relax and explore the village before returning to Siem Reap. En route, stop to visit the workshops of the Artisans d’Angkor, and explore Siem Reap’s market before arriving back at your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Morning transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide for the transfer to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Luang Prabang, the ‘Jewel of Indochina’, is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site and regularly voted as one of Asia's premier travel destinations. The ancient royal city is surrounded by mountains and is situated at a junction of the Mekong and Khan rivers.
In the centre of the city is Mount Phousi, rewarding climbers of its 328 steps with stunning views of the surrounding temples and hills. A city where time has seemingly stood still, Luang Prabang is also an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional Lao architecture with structures built by the Colonial authorities in more recent times. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.
In the evening we recommend visiting the bustling night market.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
An option for early-risers is to rise before dawn to witness tak bat, or the giving of alms, to the lines of orange-robed monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food from the residents of Luang Prabang. It’s an iconic sight and for many one of the highlights of their stay in Luang Prabang, and can be arranged on any early morning during your stay.
However, we are concerned that the volume of tourists all vying for space to witness, photograph and at times actually participate in this ceremony is detracting from what is a centuries old, important religious rite. We appreciate that observing tak bat is high on the list of most visitors to Laos, and would suggest speaking with your guide about how best to enjoy this experience in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner, which can involve watching from a less congested spot.
Your city circuit begins after breakfast at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, which gives a good overview of the local history. The next section of the tour takes in some of the city’s temples, beginning with Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs, before continuing on to Wat Xieng Thong, perhaps the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang, and the unique Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. Your last visit of the morning is the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which will give you further insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos.
In the afternoon visit the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek before returning to town where you have three options to choose from. Either join the crowds by climbing up Mount Phousi, a sacred hill that offers spectacular sunset vista and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and across the Mekong River. Alternatively if you'd prefer to avoid the steps, visit Wat Prabath Tai for a more accessible sunset experience. Your third option is to visit Wat Aham, where monks and novices come together in the colourful prayer hall for their daily rituals and chanting.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Your morning is at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, ranks amongst the world's most attractive and interesting cities. It was first the capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010, and though the nation's capital moved to Hue under the Nguyen dynasty in 1802, the city continued to flourish after the French took control in 1888. In 1954, after the French departed, Hanoi was declared Vietnam's capital once again. The remnants of over 1,000 years of history are still visible here, with that of the past few hundred years wonderfully preserved.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Enjoy a full day tour of Hanoi; visiting some of the city’s classic sites alongside an introduction to Hanoi’s more contemporary side, interspersed with a handful of local experiences.
After breakfast, transfer the short distance to West Lake where bicycles will be waiting for a morning of cycling. Saddle up and set off around the lake. Also known as Tay Ho Lake, this large expanse of freshwater and its lakeside gardens attract locals looking for a quiet spot away from the busy streets of central Hanoi. Various historical places of interest are scattered around the perimeter including Vietnam’s oldest pagoda, Tran Quoc and Quan Thanh Temple, one of Vietnam’s four sacred temples. Stops will be made to visit one of the ancient pagodas that dot the route and enjoy a drink in one of the lakeside cafés, watching the world go by.
Mid-morning, transfer by car to the Temple of Literature, the site of Vietnam's first national university. Built in 1070, this complex of atmospheric halls, pavilions and courtyards is dedicated to Confucius and scholars. It's one of the few remaining examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture still standing in Hanoi: of special note are the 82 stone steles shaped like turtles which are elaborately carved with the names of candidates that sat the Royal examinations.
From here continue to Trang Tien Street near the Opera House for lunch. Popular with students and office workers, this narrow alley fills with street side stalls at lunchtime selling everything from pho and fried rice to sticky sweet treats. Pull up a plastic stool and tuck into lunch, Vietnamese-style.
After lunch, it’s time to explore Hanoi’s contemporary culture. Throughout the capital there are rumblings of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, a step away from traditionalism and the rise of fresh and fashionable places. Manzi Art Café is one of Hanoi’s increasingly popular part café, part art gallery ventures. Set in a French Colonial villa in a relatively quiet Hanoi street, it’s the sort of place where you could easily while away a couple of hours drinking Vietnamese coffee and browsing the artwork. Sadly you won’t have so much time to spare, but there will certainly be time for coffee before walking to the Old Quarter. In contrast to your tranquil cycle ride around West Lake, a stroll through this historical area is an assault on the senses; its maze of narrow alleys are packed with scooters and street vendors, lined with restaurants, traditional workshops, souvenir shops and pagodas. The best way to absorb the atmosphere is with a local fresh beer at one of the bia hoi bars on Ta Hien Street.
Having enjoyed a beer and thoroughly explored Hanoi return to your hotel. Alternatively those wanting to spend more time in and around the Old Quarter may choose to take a taxi back to their hotel at a later stage.
Overnight in Hanoi.
After an early breakfast it’s a three hour drive from the city to Halong Bay, passing through a number of typical North Vietnamese towns and villages. Upon arrival you will be welcomed aboard your traditional junk; the same style that have sailed the bay for 100’s of years.
A natural wonder of the world and one of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the creation of Halong Bay is shrouded in myth. Local legend tells us how the gods sent a family of dragons to defend the country from the invading Chinese. The dragons spat out gemstones that turned into islands, linking together to create a wall against the enemy. The truth is almost as evocative as the legend and upon setting out into the bay you are met by one of the most beguiling natural scenes you will ever witness.
Lunch is served as you depart port. You will soon leave the mainland far behind, navigating amongst the jagged limestone islands and karsts emerging from the emerald waters. Whilst some islands are no more than large rocks others are far more substantial in size.
During your cruise there will be opportunities to disembark, often using smaller boats, or possibly kayaks, to venture into hidden grottos and caves. You will also make stops to explore points of interest such as floating fishing villages and picturesque lookout points.
The cuisine throughout your cruise is both plentiful and of a very high standard. Lovers of fresh seafood will be particularly happy. The dining cabin and bar create a very social atmosphere for those that wish to mix with other guests; whilst cabins, many with a private balcony, are all ensuite and spacious.
Each junk operates a slightly different itinerary (although en-route stops will be the same) and on board facilities vary. Your consultant will be very happy to discuss each option with you.
Overnight on board.
In the early morning many of the islands are alive with the sound of various sea birds nesting in the thick green vegetation that engulf the limestone karsts. Early risers may wish to start the day with a Tai Chi class on the top deck as the sun rises over the bay. Enjoy brunch on board whilst your cruise ship slowly turns back in the direction of the mainland, passing points of interest such as Sung Sot Cave. Arrive back in port in the late morning. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport in time for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival at Danang Airport you will be met by you guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Once known as Faifo, the UNESCO designated World Heritage town of Hoi An was one of the Orient’s major trading ports in the 16th and 17th centuries. The town is one of the highlights of any visit to Vietnam with its laid-back atmosphere and fine Colonial architecture lining cobbled streets offering a glimpse of times gone-by. Explore the former merchants’ homes, the 450 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge adorned with lanterns by night and the colourful market. Hoi An is one of the best places in Asia to shop for silks, handicrafts, antiques and art. Also, the local tailors are famous for their high standards of work and can create anything to order in just 24 hours.
A short distance from the town centre is Cua Dai Beach, popular with both locals and visitors for its sandy beach, warm sea and seafood stalls. The town is also famed throughout Vietnam for its fine cuisine and there are a number of sensational restaurants and cafes to choose from. In more recent years Hoi An has unfortunately lost a little of its previous charm, due to the huge development work around the nearby city of Danang and along the beach road linking the two, increasing the number of day trippers and group tours to the town. We would however still unquestionably recommend it to any first time visitor to Vietnam.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Includes:Breakfast
Additional ideas in Hoi An
During your stay in Hoi An we ensure that you have plenty of free time as we feel it is a town that is easy, and for many preferable, to explore on foot and in your own time. However, in addition to exploring the Old Town - its galleries, boutiques and atmospheric morning market - there are a range of additional activities and day tours that we can organise:
Twilight Bites Jeep Tour
Hoi An is famed throughout Vietnam for the quality and unique flavours of its local cuisine, and this evening excursion is the perfect way to both sample and gain a wider understanding of many of its’ culinary secrets whilst travelling in your very own US military jeep. Stops will be made to sample fresh home-cooked cuisine in local eateries outside Hoi An before heading back to town for a veritable BBQ feast.
Learn to fish like a local
With over 2000 km’s of coast, seafood plays a huge part in Vietnamese cuisine and nowhere is that more so than in the country’s central region. Perhaps surprisingly to many from the west, the majority of the seafood is still caught on a micro-scale, with individual fishermen taking to the sea on a daily basis to catch enough for the family table, before taking any extra to the local market to sell.
Spend half a day learning about their craft and the methods they use; having visited a fishing village close to Hoi An, you will have an opportunity to learn about each stage of the process. Try mastering one of the regions unique bamboo basket boats and the balancing technique behind the throwing of the nets. At the end of your session, there is a chance to sample your catch with a typical traditional fisherman’s meal. Please note: This is a small-group, half day excursion.
Get hands-on in the rice paddies
The perfect opportunity to learn the processes of cultivating the staple of every Vietnamese meal: glorious rice! With a lean very much towards the small-scale agriculture, this half day tour not only gets you out into the countryside where you will meet with a local farmer and learn all about the various crops and livestock being farmed - you will also get into the fields where there is an opportunity to roll up your trousers and cultivate a few seeds yourself. At the end of your session there’s also a chance to sample a typical traditional farmer’s meal. Please note: This is a small-group, half day excursion.
…and so much more
Hoi An really does have it all, so if none of the suggestions above have hit the spot, be sure to tell us what would, and we’ll try and put it in place.
Your day is at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.
Your morning is at leisure until your transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival you'll be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and is located near the Mekong Delta. It was originally Cambodian territory before being conquered by the Vietnamese in the 16th century and named Saigon. The city was then renamed once again, after the North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam in 1975, becoming Ho Chi Minh City (named after the North Vietnamese leader).
Today the city centre is still adorned with wide elegant boulevards and historic French buildings. However, as the undoubted economic centre of Vietnam, high rise office towers are starting to take their place amongst this wonderful colonial architecture. Your afternoon is at leisure until 6pm when you commence your evening tour with a difference, riding pillion on a Vespa for an amazing tour cum food experience. First stop is to Café Zoom to watch the world go by and enjoy a cocktail and appetizer before adventuring into a favourite local eating spot.
Ride through Chinatown and head to District 4 through busy streets and alleys to see the night life of locals and enjoy street food in places foreigners would rarely discover. Continue on to District 1 where you'll sample Banh Xeo, a specialty dish of Saigon, and enjoy southern food with the locals. Stop at a hidden coffee shop to have a taste of Vietnamese acoustic music before finishing the evening with a drink at the city’s leading live-music venue.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Includes:BreakfastDinner
Make a morning visit to the famous Cu Chi tunnels - an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels, over 250km in length and up to three levels deep in places, played a huge part in the Viet Cong’s victory over the Americans, allowing them to control a large rural area surrounding Ho Chi Minh City.
Today, some of the remaining tunnels have been opened to tourists, offering a unique insight into what underground life must have been like during the ‘American’ war.
Having returned to the city, set off to tour some of Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights. Your guide will be happy to personalise your programme, but we particularly recommend certain sites; the Reunification Palace, formerly South Vietnam's Presidential Palace, was built in the 1960s and remains largely untouched since the day Saigon finally fell to North Vietnamese troops in 1975. Others offer visitors a sense of the region’s French Colonial past; Notre Dame Basilica was built in the late 1800s, and the pink neoclassic confection that is Saigon Central Post Office was designed by Gustave Eiffel himself.
Continue to Cho Lon, which has been HCMC’s Chinatown since 1778. Visit the Quan Am Pagoda, a Chinese style Buddhist pagoda built during the 19th century, with beautifully decorated interiors. As you explore Chinatown, you will see all manner of goods on sale, from dragon artwork, masks and pet fish, to sacks of rice, fabric and cooking utensils.
Leave Chinatown for newer developing areas, observing a visual feast of old and new architecture side by side, before a drive by what was once known as the “Southern stomach” - specifically, the city’s largest rice market, founded by the Chinese in the 18th century.
Having thoroughly explored HCMC, finish the tour in fine style by heading up the Bitexco Tower, which is the city’s tallest building. Your guide will be happy to wait for a short while whilst you enjoy a sundowner (at your own expense) with breath-taking skyline views, those wanting more time may choose to take a taxi back to their hotel at a later stage.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Includes:Breakfast
Your day is at leisure until your transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport in time for your onward flight.
Includes:Breakfast
