12 Days ~ From £2,785 per person based on shared accommodation.
This journey captures the amazing diversity of Vietnam and Cambodia. In Vietnam explore Hanoi, and take an excursion to the stunning Halong Bay. In the south soak up the vibrancy of Vietnam’s commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), then visit the incredible Cu Chi war tunnels and the Mekong River Delta. Learn some of the secrets of Vietnamese cooking. Fly to Cambodia and spend time delighting in the majesty and beauty of the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat World Heritage complex: mankinds largest and most moving religious structure.
London • Hanoi • Halong Bay • Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) • Coockery Class • Cu Chi Tunnels • Cai Be • Angkor Wat • Tonle Sap Lake Cruise • Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) • London
Day 1. To Hanoi
Midday departure from London Gatwick on direct Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi or from London Heathrow with Thai Airways flight to Hanoi via Bangkok.
Day 2. Hanoi
Arrive Hanoi and transfer to the hotel. Two nights at the Sofitel Metropole.
Day 3. Morning City tour - Evening Water Puppetry
After breakfast guided tour of Hanoi visiting the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, including the Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s house and the One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature and the infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton’ prison. In the evening, see a unique display of water puppetry.
Day 4. To Halong Bay - Cruise
An early start to Halong Bay. On arrival at Tuan Chau Island board the Paradise Cruise boat. Halong Bay achieved international fame as a key location in the French film ‘Indochine’ starring Catherine Deneuve. Considered Vietnam’s greatest natural wonder, Halong Bay boasts over 3,000 islands jutting out of the sea, providing a spectacular natural setting. Explore its caves and cool down, swimming in one of the many secluded bays. Overnight onboard the Paradise Cruise.
Day 5. To Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) via Hanoi
Watch dawn break, feel the fresh sea air and relax in the gentle breeze. After brunch leave the ship and drive back to Hanoi’s airport for late afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Four nights at the Majestic Hotel.
Day 6. Ho Chi Minh City - City Tour
Afternoon city tour through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, Municipal Theatre and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Later see the Reunification Palace (formerly the Presidential Palace) and War Remnants Museum. Drive to Cholon, the Chinatown district of the city to visit the huge Binh Tay Wholesale market, selling everything
under the sun, before stopping at the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.
Day 7. Morning Cookery class – with lunch – afternoon Cu Chi tunnel tour
‘Taste of Vietnam’ cookery class designed to be fun, easy and tasty at the Vietnam Cookery Centre. Eat the fruits of the morning’s class! After lunch visit the Cu Chi tunnel network, established as a means of waging guerrilla war against superior French and later American firepower.
Day 8. Cai Be Floating Market
Embark on a traditional wooden boat, stylishly fitted out with bamboo chairs and lounging cushions. Tour the colourful floating market of Cai Be and visit a historic 19th C. Mandarin house. Continue to the undeveloped area of Phu An, where life continues, unchanged for generations.
Day 9. To Siem Reap - Angkor Thom excursion
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board Vietnam Airlines flight to Siem Reap. Afternoon sightseeing in Angkor by tuk tuk. Visit the Bayon ,Jayavarman VII's mysterious mountain Temple. Later wander the fortified city of Angkor Thom which covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Three nights Hotel De La Paix.
Day 10. Outerlying Temple excursion
Today visit three special Temples outside the main Angkor group. Travel to King Suryavarman II’s 11th C. rarely visited Beng Mealea complex (a prototype for the more famous Angkor Wat). Then explore the intricately carved ‘Banteay Srei’, also known as the ‘Citadel of the Women’. Late afternoon, walk around the Banteay Samre Temple. Watch the beautiful sunset at Pre Rup.
Day 11. Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap with Lake Cruise
Early morning sunrise visit and exploration of Angkor Wat. Afterwards, visit the eerie Ta Prohm Temple. Shrouded in jungle, this amazing structure has been left untouched since re-discovered by French explorers in the 1850’s. After lunch travel to Tonle Sap Lake, the world’s second largest freshwater lake and cruise through floating villages.
Day 12. To London via Bangkok or Saigon
Morning transfer to the airport to board flight to Bangkok or Saigon for onward connection to London on Thai or Vietnam Airlines.
* Extensions can be arranged for beach breaks in Thailand & Vietnam. Please ask for details.
If you wish to travel from any other country outside UK please contact us and we will give you the cost of the holiday without international flights relevant to your travel dates.
For Bookings and Enquiries: please call 020 8901 7320 or E-mail:
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