Vietnam and Cambodia Adventure

Lively, welcoming and fun, you'll know you've arrived in Hanoi as soon as you see your first scooter carrying an entire family whizz by. This is a city that's constantly on the move, heartily embracing its new era of liberation and speeding towards the future with gusto. Yet while the modern world has very much arrived in Hanoi, the past is never far from sight. Glimpses of unique architecture give a nod to periods of French and Chinese occupation, whilst the streets of the Old Quarter are still reminiscent of Hanoi of old. On every street corner you're tempted by steaming bowls of pho or fragrant summer rolls, while the opportunity to re-caffeinate is never far away - coffee is a big deal in Hanoi, as it is in all of Vietnam. This evening meet up with your Travel Director to learn the lay of the land and sample your first taste of Vietnam's cuisine at dinner. You'll get to know your fellow travellers and get a glimpse of what's to come on your Asia value tour.

Kick off your day with a pick-up from your hotel and dive straight into the action! First stop: the iconic Long Biên Bridge. Stretching across the Red River since the 19th century, it’s an architectural legend. Take a stroll, take in some views and wander down to the riverside farms below where locals work the land. Then, spice things up at the bustling "Spice" market. Next, step back in time at Hỏa Lò Prison. Discover its gripping history—from French colonial days to the "Hanoi Hilton" era when it housed American POWs like Senator John McCain. After lunch, it’s on to some serious sightseeing. Marvel at the architecture of the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, snap pics at the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda, and explore Ho Chi Minh’s humble wooden house. Back at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours—relax at the hotel or choose an Optional Experience: hit the streets to uncover Hanoi’s local delicacies or catch a water puppet show.

• Hanoi City Tour

Set sail in stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where limestone pillars meet rich biodiversity. Begin with a welcome drink and lunch as you cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay. Explore Thien Canh Son cave, then catch a breathtaking sunset for the all-important “Happy Hour”. Join a spring roll cooking class on deck, enjoy dinner under the stars, then try your hand at squid fishing!

• Cruise Halong Bay

Feel zen with tai chi on the sundeck and breakfast to fuel up. Then, dive into local life at Vung Vieng floating village where you can paddle a bamboo boat or try kayaking! Back onboard, relax before you drive back to Hanoi for your flight to Danang. Then it’s off to Hoi An to check in and explore this amazing city — don’t miss the chance to visit the famous tailoring shops and have something custom-made just for you!

Step back in time with a guided walking tour of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site full of charm from a bygone era. Wander narrow lanes to see ancient merchant houses, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and the ornate Chaozhou Assembly Hall. Explore the vibrant market, bursting with stalls of fresh produce, fragrant spices, and silk ready to be transformed into stunning garments. The afternoon is yours to explore your way or why not choose one of the following Optional Experiences? Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a lantern-making class led by local artisans at Reaching Out, a social enterprise empowering people with disabilities. Looking to stretch your legs even more? Cycle through lush rice fields, meet local farmers, cruise the river in a bamboo boat, and enjoy a hands-on cooking class with a delicious Vietnamese lunch in charming Cam Thanh Village. Or maybe all that walking has left your tummy rumbling, grab a bite to eat on a foodie walking tour of Hanoi.

• Hoi An Market Visit

The Cham Islands, 15km off the coast of Hoi An, consist of seven small islands famed for their beautiful beaches and rich marine environment including 135 species of soft and hard coral. Take a 30min private speedboat ride to experience the magical Cham Islands. Visit a traditional fishing village, where boats take shelter in bad weather, and Ong Ngu Temple, dedicated to whales and whale sharks once abundant around the islands. Snorkel off picturesque Xep Beach before making a final stop at Chong Beach, a true oasis with white sand, swaying palm trees and a simple local restaurant where you will enjoy a seafood lunch. Cruise back to Hoi An in the late afternoon and then transfer to Da Nang.

• Cham Islands visit

Your day in Da Nang is yours to enjoy! Stroll along the stunning beach, explore vibrant local cafes shop for souvenirs or just stay in and enjoy all the hotel has to offer. If freestyling it doesn’t take your fancy, join an Optional Experience Danang City Tour to see the Dragon Bridge, Han Market, the Cham Museum and the Marble Mountains with their epic caves and views!

Sneak in a final early morning dip this morning before catching your flight to the bright lights and big city antics of Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is a place that throbs with life and gives you little option but to come along for the ride. In just one generation the city has purposefully moved on from its war torn past, emerging as a commercial capital that enthrals and delights visitors in equal measure. But as modern as Ho Chi Minh is, you don't have to look far for glimpses of the past. Beautiful traditional pagodas and incense-infused temples pepper the city while museums paint a vivid picture of past troubles. Upon arrival you'll settle into your hotel, then this evening head out with your fellow travellers for a tasty local dinner in a traditional restaurant.

Welcome to Saigon or what’s now known as Ho Chi Minh, a bustling city of eight million people. Start your day exploring its rich history with a visit to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Next, step back in time at the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the war, before heading to the War Remnants Museum, offering a powerful look at the American War through Vietnamese eyes. Wrap up your morning with a taste of the city’s famous street coffee while your Local Specialist shares local tips, a quick language lesson and insights into daily life. Optional Experiences for today? Choose from the Củ Chi Tunnels, a thrilling Vespa ride to grab a bite or take a stroll through the city’s historic Chinatown.

• Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Your day in Ho Chi Minh is yours to explore! Hunt for bargains in buzzing markets, grab a bowl of pho from a street vendor or dive into the city’s wartime past. Want more? Join an Optional Experience to Bến Tre, where you’ll cruise the Mekong Delta, snack on coconut sweets, meet local makers and drift down palm-lined canals on a sampan. Or choose to uncover Saigon’s hidden side — from secret alleys and old apartments to a palace with underground tunnels and big stories to tell.

Time to say goodbye to Vietnam and jet off to Siem Reap, your gateway to the legendary temples of Angkor! Once a sleepy village, this buzzing hotspot is bursting with things to see and do. Meet your Cambodia Travel Director at the airport, then settle into your hotel. Feeling adventurous? Dive into Siem Reap’s vibrant nightlife with an Optional Experience out on the town!

Today you’re visiting one of the world’s modern wonders, the impressive Angkor Wat! Marvel at its size, wander through intricately carved hallways, and see shrines still in use today. After that bucket list tick, move on to Angkor Thom, a massive ancient city that once housed a million people. Check out the Bayon temple with its 216 smiling faces, and don’t miss the beautifully carved Elephant and Leper King Terraces. In the evening, you can choose to attend the Phare Circus. Here, disadvantaged young people are given circus training and go on to perform dazzling shows with acrobatics, dances, juggling and more in a beautifully choreographed story of Cambodia.

• Visit Angkor Wat

Your last day in Cambodia is free to explore your way, so be sure to make the most of it! Perhaps head back to the markets for some last-minute gift shopping, sample the delicious street food offerings on pretty much every corner. Or get to know Siem Reap's artistic side on an optional tour of the town's best workshops and galleries including a visit to Artisans d'Angkor, where training and job opportunities are offered to disadvantaged young people who specialise in preserving traditional Khmer skills including silk making, wood carving and painting. Those looking to explore beyond Siem Reap could join our trip to Tonle Sap Lake, where you'll board a traditional wooden boat and cruise past floating villages, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. However you choose to explore today, you can celebrate your final night with our optional dinner and Apsara dance show. Enjoy a tasty dinner while watching this beautiful 7th Century dance bring to life the ancient Khmer culture before your eyes.

You've explored ancient temples, snorkelled in waters brimming with marine life, woken up surrounded by the enchanting beauty of Halong Bay and eaten lots of delicious Vietnamese food, but today your adventure holiday in South East Asia will finally come to an end.