We meet and get to know our fellow travellers this afternoon at the Savoy Hotel in Central London where we enjoy Afternoon Tea before being transferred to the airport for our overnight flight to Saigon.
Arrival in Saigon. Just walking a few minutes along one street will take you past busy ancient markets, quaint pagodas and French colonial mansions. You’ll enjoy an included tour of the city, visiting sights such as the Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the shopping street of Dong Khoi, known as Rue Catinat during the days of French rule. Then discover downtown Saigon on a short walking tour which takes you past Notre Dame Cathedral, the imposing Central Post Office and the Opera House.
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Cai Be, exploring scenic rice fields, waterways and colorful markets of the Mekong Delta. Cruise along the Mekong tributaries to Cai Be floating market. Then wander into the small villages to visit the orchard and fruit plantation. Keep cruising through a series of small canals to experience the charms of the Upper Mekong Delta where you can immerse yourself in nature. Discover the rural lifestyles and daily activities of the delta inhabitants.
In the morning, we drive to Cu Chi which was never discovered by American forces, the tunnels were an important Viet Cong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, which were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam’s base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. Afternoon you will be transferred back to Saigon airport for your flight to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check in and dinner.
A guided tour of Phnom Penh this morning will introduce you some of the city’s main sights ,visit Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace and the adjacent Silver Pagoda, National Museum. Continue to Tuol Sleng Museum. Finally, explore the modern day city, visiting one of Phnom Penh’s two great markets, the central market or sprawling Russian Market. Late afternoon, you’ll fly to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check in and dinner.
The majestic towers and intricate bas reliefs of the sprawling Angkor complex are a sight to behold, and today you’ll embark on a comprehensive exploration, starting at the most famous temple, Angkor Wat, and then continuing at the walled city of Angkor Thom. There’s a magical end to the day planned, as you climb to the top of the Pre Rup temple in order to watch the sun set over the jungle.
Discover some of the Angkor complex’s lesser-known gems today, visiting Ta Keo, Chan Sey Tevoda, Thommanon, Preah Kahm and Preah Neak Pean. You’ll also visit Ta Phrom, beautifully overgrown by jungle. The sight of giant trees growing through the walls of the temple buildings is quite incredible, and makes for a truly atmospheric experience.
After breakfast this morning, you’ll travel to Tonle Sap Lake, where you’ll board a boat for a tour of the floating villages. You’ll return to Siem Reap before flying to Luang Prabang in neighbouring Laos in the afternoon.
Head upstream. Our first stop will be the remote island temple shrine of Wat Done Khoun Nelemith, 16 km from Luang Prabang. Surrounded by the Mekong River on all sides, this fascinating temple and its monks see very few visitors. We continue north to the famous Pak Ou Caves. These ancient shrines are filled with thousands of Buddha images and have long served as a pilgrimage for all, including the former Royal Family. Leave the dramatic karst caves and head back downstream, savouring a luscious lunch on board.
In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Then visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. If time permits, we will take a short walk around the small streets of city center, watching the life of local people. Late afternoon, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from the faithful residents. This tradition is unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual.
Today you enjoy a free day at leisure until time to transfer to airport fly to Hanoi this evenin
Following breakfast, you travel to Ha Long Bay, where you’ll board the Cruise and enjoy a cruise amidst the stunning limestone karsts that punctuate the waters of the bay, carved over millions of years by the action of the wind and sea. You also visit a floating village and take a short ride on a rowing boat as you view the breathtaking scenery of huge rock formations. Later, you might want to go kayaking or swimming. Overnight on board.
There can be no more relaxing way to start the day than with a spot of tai chi before breakfast on board your boat. You’ll head back to Hanoi in the afternoon with a rickshaw ride around the old quarter has to be the best way to see this historic part of Hanoi.
Enjoy sightseeing tours to the city’s landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature, visit Hanoi’s Ethnology Museum and its fascinating exhibitions about the diverse hill tribes in Viet Nam and Hanoi Hilton Museum .You’ll also have the chance to join our optional Water Puppets Show this evening, a fantastic art from originating in the Northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.
Your explorations of Indochina come to a close today as you head to the airport for your onward flight.
Arrive London. A transfer to the Savoy Hotel is available for guests extending their stay in Central London.
Why not extend your stay in the United Kingdom, our Personal Travel Experts will be happy to assist you in planning your visit?
