Temples & Tranquility: Cambodia & Vietnam Magic

DAY 1: PHNOM PENH ARRIVAL

Welcome to Cambodia!  Your Sky Vacations ambassador will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Start your tour by Cyclo with a visit to the majestic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex. Admire the elaborately constructed palace buildings and some of the 5,000 silver floor tiles that give the Silver Pagoda its name. Don’t miss the spectacular gold and bejeweled Buddha statues that are considered national treasures. 

End the tour, in the evening our suggestion: a stroll through the small but fine night market and then a Cambodia beer in Pub Street.

DAY 2: PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP

Fly to Siem Reap in the morning. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will pick you up from the airport to the hotel.

Afternoon tour by tuk-tuk to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance. Your next stop is Bayon, a richly decorated temple. Its most distinctive feature is the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers. Impressive bas-reliefs tell stories of daily life and the great battles fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais.

Move on to Phimeanakas, shaped like a pyramid with two ponds in the rear. Walk to the top of the temple for impressive views of the Angkor complex. 

Take a short drive to Ta Prohm, one of Cambodia’s most beloved temples. Unusually, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found. The combination of large trees from the ruins and the surrounding jungle gives the temple a truly magical feel. 

End your day with a relaxing sunset cruise along the moat of Angkor Thom. Glide quietly along in your gondola to the small temple of Prasat Chrung in the southwest corner of Angkor Thom which is difficult to reach by walking. Take along a few cold beers, kick back, and enjoy as the sun sets on the majestic temples of Angkor Wat.

DAY 3: SIEM REAP – KOK SANGKE COMMUNITY VILLAGE, PEACE MUSEUM & TONLE SAP LAKE AT KAMPONG KHLEANG FULL DAY

Today you will immerse in traditional Cambodian culture and take home some great memories. This morning, depart from your hotel and head to the Kok Sangke Community Village. 

On the way, stop at the Peace Museum of Mine Action, where you will learn about the Cambodian Civil War and how it impacted the country prior, during and after the war. 

Continue your tour with a visit to a local family home who will make bamboo sticky rice and traditional Khmer desserts. Next, heading out to see the local farms. Dine on a delicious Khmer lunch, cooked by the local community before visiting Wat Luang Proleung, an ancient pagoda, where you will see locals perform a traditional dance called Chhayam. Explore the pagoda and receive a water monk blessing, said to bring you good luck. 

Next, head through beautiful rural countryside and picturesque small villages to Kampong Khleang, a village built on high stilts on Tonle Sap Lake. Home to approximately 10,000 people, Kampong Khleang’s residence’s main income comes mainly from fishing. Depending on the time and season you visit Kampong Khleang, you will see a very different landscape, as the lake is tidal.

DAY 4: SIEM REAP – HO CHI MINH

Morning at leisure, until your guide picks you up at the hotel and transfers you  to the airport. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Then you will also visit Dong Khoi Street, which spans a number of city blocks, you can observe traditional French architecture surrounded by modern sky-rises, find stores selling popular international merchandise, and relax in comfortable cafes and restaurants. 

The tour continues with a stop at the Continental Hotel, built in the 1880s during French colonial rule, the building is another example of well-preserved French architecture. Visit Saigon City Hall is another excellent example of French colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1902 and 1908, the building was originally called Hotel de Ville de Saigon.

DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR

Start your day trip with a visit to Thien Hau Pagoda, which is the unique pendant hanging overhead. Visitors can buy rings, record their wishes or wishes on paper, then hang it up with am incense stick to plead with Mrs. Thien Hau. Another special highlight of the temple is that all materials are imported from China, from precious woods to incense bowls, from reliefs to figurines,…. That partly shows that Ba Thien Hau pagoda is very important in the life of the Chinese people in Saigon.

Continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs – some that are quite graphic in nature.

Continue visit the Thich Quan Duc Memorial is a peaceful and meaningful place to visit, offering a glimpse into the life and teachings of one of Vietnam’s most revered Buddhist monks. If you are interested in history and spirituality, this monument is definitely worth a visit during your time in Ho Chi Minh City.

Head to Ben Thanh Market, has become one of the earliest surviving structures of Saigon with its long history. In the early 17th century, there were just a few little stalls run by casual street vendors who gather together near the Saigon River. In 1859, French Imperialists overthrown the neighboring Gia Dinh Citadel, the market was built properly and established. Its name was changed from Les Halles Centrales (initial name) to Ben Thanh, or “wharf citadel” after it was destroyed in a fire and restored

DAY 6: HO CHI MINH CITY – CAI BE PRINCESS CRUISE – A TASTE OF MEKONG

Depart from Saigon and drive about 2 hours from to the township of Cai Be to board the Cai Be Princess. The crew welcomes you aboard with cold towels and a refreshing drink as the Cai Be Princess Sampan sets off for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways of the Mekong Delta.

On the river, all sorts of boats ply the water, from small fishing boats to cargo barges loaded with fruit and vegetables. Observe a little of river life as it plays out on the banks – noting the people and the stunning landscapes – while your attentive crew serves you tea and seasonal fruit. At Tan Phong Islet board a little rowing boat to explore the canal’s hidden mangroves. Return to your sampan to visit an ancient house built in the 19th century. Make stops along the way to provide glimpses of local cottage industries, including factories for the production of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), products that provide a living for the river people.

Your cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of life during the Indochina of yesteryear. After lunch, take a short walk along a small canal, towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you to Ho Chi Minh City. 

DAY 7: HO CHI MINH CITY – HOI AN

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival, be met by your guide and transfer to your hotel.

Hoi An Ancient Town’s impeccable preservation has earned its recognition as a UNESCO heritage site. On today’s walking tour we will gain an insight into the kaleidoscope of cultures that have shaped this former port city and what keeps it thriving today.

Your guide will start by taking you to the iconic 16th Century Japanese covered bridge with pagoda (Chùa Cầu). If you are experiencing déjà vu, this bridge is an important symbol of Vietnam’s history and is featured on the 20,000VND note. We will then come to learn the history behind the bridge’s origin and how it still functions as a place of worship today.

Meandering through the Ancient town towards our next stop your guide will help you to recognise all the cultures that have influenced the designs of the building, both indigenous and foreign. We will then get the opportunity to go into one of Hoi An’s ancient homes where we will meet the 14th generation still living in this house.

From vibrant past to bright future, we will finish our tour by visiting Quynh ’tailor shop. At one of her stores, we will come to learn how she set about starting a tailor shop, the mistakes she made along the way and the school she has set up to help support those wanting to start a career in the industry. More than just meeting the owner we will get to see where the magic happens and meet the faces behind the incredible clothing. 

DAY 8: HOI AN – HUE

Today you will be meeting with one of our Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.

Today’s Local legend is a family of fisherfolk who own an Oyster farm on a tranquil Lagoon. Heading down an unassuming path we will stop by the banks of the shore and be taken out into the clear waters and head to the shelter on stilts where our gregarious hosts will meet and greet us, telling us about their lives. 

We will then explore the lagoon itself as our hosts demonstrate local fishing techniques and how they grow and harvest Oysters. Learn what it takes to grow Oysters naturally and, more importantly, what it tastes like. Freshly shucked, Oysters don’t get much fresher! 

DAY 9: HUE – MAD MARKETS & TEA TASTINGS BY CYCLO

Explore markets laden with produce, hop in a cyclo and be peddled through Hue, enjoy a Royal White Lotus tea and then head to a hidden restaurant where you will try to make your own Royal dishes of the Nguyen Court. A great way to spend half a day in Hue!

On today’s excursion, we will start at the famous Dong Ba Market. Here we will be able to explore the chaos within as sellers and buyers converge upon stands heaving with fresh fruit and vegetables, shelves of medicinal cures, China shops with dainty tea sets and fresh meals being cooked up for the hungry denizens. 

After exploring we will get on a cyclo (A reclining peddle-powered rickshaw) and be taken through central Hue enjoying the sights of the old city and its fortressed walls as we go. Our next stop will be a charming teahouse where we will stop and enjoy tea where the tea leaves are left overnight in White lotuses. Take a moment to yourself to enjoy this tea made famous by its association with the Nguyen dynasty.

After our rest stop at this tranquil teahouse, we will hop back onto our cyclo and head to a charming garden restaurant where a family have dedicated themselves to creating the savoury “”cakes”” of Hue. Anthony Bourdain tried these cassava & Rice flour-based sticky dishes and visited your gregarious hosts on his travels through Vietnam. We will put our skills to the test when we try to make some of these dishes ourselves. 

After learning and making we will then get to eat some of these royal dishes and combine them with some additional dishes from a nearby restaurant to enjoy a light lunch in this peaceful garden. 

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Ha Noi. Upon arrival into Hanoi, be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.

DAY 10: HALONG BAY

We travel on to the mysterious. Halong Bay, which literally means “where the dragon descends into the sea”. Board your Halong bay overnight cruise, set in your cabin and follow cruise’s itinerary. In the afternoon we take a boat trip through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful nature reserve is the result of centuries of erosion and is unique in the world. 

The bay contains no less than 1969 beautiful and photogenic islands, often consisting exclusively of mysterious rocks, even more mysterious caves and beautiful tropical beaches. It is not surprising that many poets, ainters and writers found their inspiration here for their works. The lunch and dinner will be on the ship.

DAY 11: HANOI

Wake with the sun and enjoy coffee, tea and cookies on board as the horizon brightens. This morning if weather permits, in the summer, visit a pearl farm to see how these precious ‘stones’ are farmed or in winer you can visit Ti Top Island. Back en route to the port, pass by Halong Bay and its stunning islets before disembarking and then heading back to Hanoi. 

We’ll then make a quick stop at Bat Trang ceramic village and learn about the history of the pottery here before making our onward journey to Hanoi.

Today you will be meeting with one of our Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.  

Egg coffee has been woven into the fabric of Hanoian culture since its inception at the famous Hotel Metropole. More than just sampling a cup we will come to understand the significance of this drink through the eyes of our Local legend: Mr Khoa.

DAY 12: HANOI DEPARTURE

Today you’ll experience the very best Hanoi has to offer with this full day tour of the city.

Your morning begins with a to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum where you’ll hear all about the man whose name adorns the museum and his leadership of Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Ho Chi Minh dedicated his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule before passing away in 1969. His body has been preserved for later generations. Each year the mausoleum closes it doors in October for upkeep.

The grounds are well worth a wander, check out the one pillar pagoda and the presidential palace. Next, visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius. 

Visit the Museum of Ethnology this afternoon, often considered as the best in the country. It has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s ethnic minorities.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.

Prices are land only per person based on double occupancy. Restrictions apply. For our complete terms and conditions, click here.

DAY 1: PHNOM PENH ARRIVAL

Welcome to Cambodia!  Your Sky Vacations ambassador will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Start your tour by Cyclo with a visit to the majestic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex. Admire the elaborately constructed palace buildings and some of the 5,000 silver floor tiles that give the Silver Pagoda its name. Don’t miss the spectacular gold and bejeweled Buddha statues that are considered national treasures. 

End the tour, in the evening our suggestion: a stroll through the small but fine night market and then a Cambodia beer in Pub Street.

DAY 2: PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP

Fly to Siem Reap in the morning. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will pick you up from the airport to the hotel.

Afternoon tour by tuk-tuk to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance. Your next stop is Bayon, a richly decorated temple. Its most distinctive feature is the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers. Impressive bas-reliefs tell stories of daily life and the great battles fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais.

Move on to Phimeanakas, shaped like a pyramid with two ponds in the rear. Walk to the top of the temple for impressive views of the Angkor complex. 

Take a short drive to Ta Prohm, one of Cambodia’s most beloved temples. Unusually, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found. The combination of large trees from the ruins and the surrounding jungle gives the temple a truly magical feel. 

End your day with a relaxing sunset cruise along the moat of Angkor Thom. Glide quietly along in your gondola to the small temple of Prasat Chrung in the southwest corner of Angkor Thom which is difficult to reach by walking. Take along a few cold beers, kick back, and enjoy as the sun sets on the majestic temples of Angkor Wat.

DAY 3: SIEM REAP – KOK SANGKE COMMUNITY VILLAGE, PEACE MUSEUM & TONLE SAP LAKE AT KAMPONG KHLEANG FULL DAY

Today you will immerse in traditional Cambodian culture and take home some great memories. This morning, depart from your hotel and head to the Kok Sangke Community Village. 

On the way, stop at the Peace Museum of Mine Action, where you will learn about the Cambodian Civil War and how it impacted the country prior, during and after the war. 

Continue your tour with a visit to a local family home who will make bamboo sticky rice and traditional Khmer desserts. Next, heading out to see the local farms. Dine on a delicious Khmer lunch, cooked by the local community before visiting Wat Luang Proleung, an ancient pagoda, where you will see locals perform a traditional dance called Chhayam. Explore the pagoda and receive a water monk blessing, said to bring you good luck. 

Next, head through beautiful rural countryside and picturesque small villages to Kampong Khleang, a village built on high stilts on Tonle Sap Lake. Home to approximately 10,000 people, Kampong Khleang’s residence’s main income comes mainly from fishing. Depending on the time and season you visit Kampong Khleang, you will see a very different landscape, as the lake is tidal.

DAY 4: SIEM REAP – HO CHI MINH

Morning at leisure, until your guide picks you up at the hotel and transfers you  to the airport. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Then you will also visit Dong Khoi Street, which spans a number of city blocks, you can observe traditional French architecture surrounded by modern sky-rises, find stores selling popular international merchandise, and relax in comfortable cafes and restaurants. 

The tour continues with a stop at the Continental Hotel, built in the 1880s during French colonial rule, the building is another example of well-preserved French architecture. Visit Saigon City Hall is another excellent example of French colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1902 and 1908, the building was originally called Hotel de Ville de Saigon.

DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR

Start your day trip with a visit to Thien Hau Pagoda, which is the unique pendant hanging overhead. Visitors can buy rings, record their wishes or wishes on paper, then hang it up with am incense stick to plead with Mrs. Thien Hau. Another special highlight of the temple is that all materials are imported from China, from precious woods to incense bowls, from reliefs to figurines,…. That partly shows that Ba Thien Hau pagoda is very important in the life of the Chinese people in Saigon.

Continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs – some that are quite graphic in nature.

Continue visit the Thich Quan Duc Memorial is a peaceful and meaningful place to visit, offering a glimpse into the life and teachings of one of Vietnam’s most revered Buddhist monks. If you are interested in history and spirituality, this monument is definitely worth a visit during your time in Ho Chi Minh City.

Head to Ben Thanh Market, has become one of the earliest surviving structures of Saigon with its long history. In the early 17th century, there were just a few little stalls run by casual street vendors who gather together near the Saigon River. In 1859, French Imperialists overthrown the neighboring Gia Dinh Citadel, the market was built properly and established. Its name was changed from Les Halles Centrales (initial name) to Ben Thanh, or “wharf citadel” after it was destroyed in a fire and restored

DAY 6: HO CHI MINH CITY – CAI BE PRINCESS CRUISE – A TASTE OF MEKONG

Depart from Saigon and drive about 2 hours from to the township of Cai Be to board the Cai Be Princess. The crew welcomes you aboard with cold towels and a refreshing drink as the Cai Be Princess Sampan sets off for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways of the Mekong Delta.

On the river, all sorts of boats ply the water, from small fishing boats to cargo barges loaded with fruit and vegetables. Observe a little of river life as it plays out on the banks – noting the people and the stunning landscapes – while your attentive crew serves you tea and seasonal fruit. At Tan Phong Islet board a little rowing boat to explore the canal’s hidden mangroves. Return to your sampan to visit an ancient house built in the 19th century. Make stops along the way to provide glimpses of local cottage industries, including factories for the production of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), products that provide a living for the river people.

Your cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of life during the Indochina of yesteryear. After lunch, take a short walk along a small canal, towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you to Ho Chi Minh City. 

DAY 7: HO CHI MINH CITY – HOI AN

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival, be met by your guide and transfer to your hotel.

Hoi An Ancient Town’s impeccable preservation has earned its recognition as a UNESCO heritage site. On today’s walking tour we will gain an insight into the kaleidoscope of cultures that have shaped this former port city and what keeps it thriving today.

Your guide will start by taking you to the iconic 16th Century Japanese covered bridge with pagoda (Chùa Cầu). If you are experiencing déjà vu, this bridge is an important symbol of Vietnam’s history and is featured on the 20,000VND note. We will then come to learn the history behind the bridge’s origin and how it still functions as a place of worship today.

Meandering through the Ancient town towards our next stop your guide will help you to recognise all the cultures that have influenced the designs of the building, both indigenous and foreign. We will then get the opportunity to go into one of Hoi An’s ancient homes where we will meet the 14th generation still living in this house.

From vibrant past to bright future, we will finish our tour by visiting Quynh ’tailor shop. At one of her stores, we will come to learn how she set about starting a tailor shop, the mistakes she made along the way and the school she has set up to help support those wanting to start a career in the industry. More than just meeting the owner we will get to see where the magic happens and meet the faces behind the incredible clothing. 

DAY 8: HOI AN – HUE

Today you will be meeting with one of our Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.

Today’s Local legend is a family of fisherfolk who own an Oyster farm on a tranquil Lagoon. Heading down an unassuming path we will stop by the banks of the shore and be taken out into the clear waters and head to the shelter on stilts where our gregarious hosts will meet and greet us, telling us about their lives. 

We will then explore the lagoon itself as our hosts demonstrate local fishing techniques and how they grow and harvest Oysters. Learn what it takes to grow Oysters naturally and, more importantly, what it tastes like. Freshly shucked, Oysters don’t get much fresher! 

DAY 9: HUE – MAD MARKETS & TEA TASTINGS BY CYCLO

Explore markets laden with produce, hop in a cyclo and be peddled through Hue, enjoy a Royal White Lotus tea and then head to a hidden restaurant where you will try to make your own Royal dishes of the Nguyen Court. A great way to spend half a day in Hue!

On today’s excursion, we will start at the famous Dong Ba Market. Here we will be able to explore the chaos within as sellers and buyers converge upon stands heaving with fresh fruit and vegetables, shelves of medicinal cures, China shops with dainty tea sets and fresh meals being cooked up for the hungry denizens. 

After exploring we will get on a cyclo (A reclining peddle-powered rickshaw) and be taken through central Hue enjoying the sights of the old city and its fortressed walls as we go. Our next stop will be a charming teahouse where we will stop and enjoy tea where the tea leaves are left overnight in White lotuses. Take a moment to yourself to enjoy this tea made famous by its association with the Nguyen dynasty.

After our rest stop at this tranquil teahouse, we will hop back onto our cyclo and head to a charming garden restaurant where a family have dedicated themselves to creating the savoury “”cakes”” of Hue. Anthony Bourdain tried these cassava & Rice flour-based sticky dishes and visited your gregarious hosts on his travels through Vietnam. We will put our skills to the test when we try to make some of these dishes ourselves. 

After learning and making we will then get to eat some of these royal dishes and combine them with some additional dishes from a nearby restaurant to enjoy a light lunch in this peaceful garden. 

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Ha Noi. Upon arrival into Hanoi, be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.

DAY 10: HALONG BAY

We travel on to the mysterious. Halong Bay, which literally means “where the dragon descends into the sea”. Board your Halong bay overnight cruise, set in your cabin and follow cruise’s itinerary. In the afternoon we take a boat trip through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful nature reserve is the result of centuries of erosion and is unique in the world. 

The bay contains no less than 1969 beautiful and photogenic islands, often consisting exclusively of mysterious rocks, even more mysterious caves and beautiful tropical beaches. It is not surprising that many poets, ainters and writers found their inspiration here for their works. The lunch and dinner will be on the ship.

DAY 11: HANOI

Wake with the sun and enjoy coffee, tea and cookies on board as the horizon brightens. This morning if weather permits, in the summer, visit a pearl farm to see how these precious ‘stones’ are farmed or in winer you can visit Ti Top Island. Back en route to the port, pass by Halong Bay and its stunning islets before disembarking and then heading back to Hanoi. 

We’ll then make a quick stop at Bat Trang ceramic village and learn about the history of the pottery here before making our onward journey to Hanoi.

Today you will be meeting with one of our Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.  

Egg coffee has been woven into the fabric of Hanoian culture since its inception at the famous Hotel Metropole. More than just sampling a cup we will come to understand the significance of this drink through the eyes of our Local legend: Mr Khoa.

DAY 12: HANOI DEPARTURE

Today you’ll experience the very best Hanoi has to offer with this full day tour of the city.

Your morning begins with a to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum where you’ll hear all about the man whose name adorns the museum and his leadership of Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Ho Chi Minh dedicated his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule before passing away in 1969. His body has been preserved for later generations. Each year the mausoleum closes it doors in October for upkeep.

The grounds are well worth a wander, check out the one pillar pagoda and the presidential palace. Next, visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius. 

Visit the Museum of Ethnology this afternoon, often considered as the best in the country. It has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s ethnic minorities.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.

Prices are land only per person based on double occupancy. Restrictions apply. For our complete terms and conditions, click here.

DAY 1: PHNOM PENH ARRIVAL

Welcome to Cambodia!  Your Sky Vacations ambassador will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Start your tour by Cyclo with a visit to the majestic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex. Admire the elaborately constructed palace buildings and some of the 5,000 silver floor tiles that give the Silver Pagoda its name. Don’t miss the spectacular gold and bejeweled Buddha statues that are considered national treasures. 

End the tour, in the evening our suggestion: a stroll through the small but fine night market and then a Cambodia beer in Pub Street.

DAY 2: PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP

Fly to Siem Reap in the morning. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will pick you up from the airport to the hotel.

Afternoon tour by tuk-tuk to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance. Your next stop is Bayon, a richly decorated temple. Its most distinctive feature is the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers. Impressive bas-reliefs tell stories of daily life and the great battles fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais.

Move on to Phimeanakas, shaped like a pyramid with two ponds in the rear. Walk to the top of the temple for impressive views of the Angkor complex. 

Take a short drive to Ta Prohm, one of Cambodia’s most beloved temples. Unusually, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found. The combination of large trees from the ruins and the surrounding jungle gives the temple a truly magical feel. 

End your day with a relaxing sunset cruise along the moat of Angkor Thom. Glide quietly along in your gondola to the small temple of Prasat Chrung in the southwest corner of Angkor Thom which is difficult to reach by walking. Take along a few cold beers, kick back, and enjoy as the sun sets on the majestic temples of Angkor.

DAY 3: SIEM REAP – KOK SANGKE COMMUNITY VILLAGE, PEACE MUSEUM & TONLE SAP LAKE AT KAMPONG KHLEANG FULL DAY

Today you will immerse in traditional Cambodian culture and take home some great memories. This morning, depart from your hotel and head to the Kok Sangke Community Village. 

On the way, stop at the Peace Museum of Mine Action, where you will learn about the Cambodian Civil War and how it impacted the country prior, during and after the war. 

Continue your tour with a visit to a local family home who will make bamboo sticky rice and traditional Khmer desserts. Next, heading out to see the local farms. Dine on a delicious Khmer lunch, cooked by the local community before visiting Wat Luang Proleung, an ancient pagoda, where you will see locals perform a traditional dance called Chhayam. Explore the pagoda and receive a water monk blessing, said to bring you good luck. 

Next, head through beautiful rural countryside and picturesque small villages to Kampong Khleang, a village built on high stilts on Tonle Sap Lake. Home to approximately 10,000 people, Kampong Khleang’s residence’s main income comes mainly from fishing. Depending on the time and season you visit Kampong Khleang, you will see a very different landscape, as the lake is tidal.

DAY 4: SIEM REAP – HO CHI MINH

Morning at leisure, until your guide picks you up at the hotel and transfers you  to the airport. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Then you will also visit Dong Khoi Street, which spans a number of city blocks, you can observe traditional French architecture surrounded by modern sky-rises, find stores selling popular international merchandise, and relax in comfortable cafes and restaurants. 

The tour continues with a stop at the Continental Hotel, built in the 1880s during French colonial rule, the building is another example of well-preserved French architecture. Visit Saigon City Hall is another excellent example of French colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1902 and 1908, the building was originally called Hotel de Ville de Saigon.

DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR

Start your day trip with a visit to Thien Hau Pagoda, which is the unique pendant hanging overhead. Visitors can buy rings, record their wishes or wishes on paper, then hang it up with am incense stick to plead with Mrs. Thien Hau. Another special highlight of the temple is that all materials are imported from China, from precious woods to incense bowls, from reliefs to figurines,…. That partly shows that Ba Thien Hau pagoda is very important in the life of the Chinese people in Saigon.

Continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs – some that are quite graphic in nature.

Continue visit the Thich Quan Duc Memorial is a peaceful and meaningful place to visit, offering a glimpse into the life and teachings of one of Vietnam’s most revered Buddhist monks. If you are interested in history and spirituality, this monument is definitely worth a visit during your time in Ho Chi Minh City.

Head to Ben Thanh Market, has become one of the earliest surviving structures of Saigon with its long history. In the early 17th century, there were just a few little stalls run by casual street vendors who gather together near the Saigon River. In 1859, French Imperialists overthrown the neighboring Gia Dinh Citadel, the market was built properly and established. Its name was changed from Les Halles Centrales (initial name) to Ben Thanh, or “wharf citadel” after it was destroyed in a fire and restored

DAY 6: HO CHI MINH CITY – CAI BE PRINCESS CRUISE – A TASTE OF MEKONG

Depart from Saigon and drive about 2 hours from to the township of Cai Be to board the Cai Be Princess. The crew welcomes you aboard with cold towels and a refreshing drink as the Cai Be Princess Sampan sets off for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways of the Mekong Delta.

On the river, all sorts of boats ply the water, from small fishing boats to cargo barges loaded with fruit and vegetables. Observe a little of river life as it plays out on the banks – noting the people and the stunning landscapes – while your attentive crew serves you tea and seasonal fruit. At Tan Phong Islet board a little rowing boat to explore the canal’s hidden mangroves. Return to your sampan to visit an ancient house built in the 19th century. Make stops along the way to provide glimpses of local cottage industries, including factories for the production of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), products that provide a living for the river people.

Your cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of life during the Indochina of yesteryear. After lunch, take a short walk along a small canal, towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you to Ho Chi Minh City. 

DAY 7: HO CHI MINH CITY – HOI AN

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival, be met by your guide and transfer to your hotel.

Hoi An Ancient Town’s impeccable preservation has earned its recognition as a UNESCO heritage site. On today’s walking tour we will gain an insight into the kaleidoscope of cultures that have shaped this former port city and what keeps it thriving today.

Your guide will start by taking you to the iconic 16th Century Japanese covered bridge with pagoda (Chùa Cầu). If you are experiencing déjà vu, this bridge is an important symbol of Vietnam’s history and is featured on the 20,000VND note. We will then come to learn the history behind the bridge’s origin and how it still functions as a place of worship today.

Meandering through the Ancient town towards our next stop your guide will help you to recognise all the cultures that have influenced the designs of the building, both indigenous and foreign. We will then get the opportunity to go into one of Hoi An’s ancient homes where we will meet the 14th generation still living in this house.

From vibrant past to bright future, we will finish our tour by visiting Quynh ’tailor shop. At one of her stores, we will come to learn how she set about starting a tailor shop, the mistakes she made along the way and the school she has set up to help support those wanting to start a career in the industry. More than just meeting the owner we will get to see where the magic happens and meet the faces behind the incredible clothing. 

DAY 8: HOI AN – HUE

Today you will be meeting with one of our Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.

Today’s Local legend is a family of fisherfolk who own an Oyster farm on a tranquil Lagoon. Heading down an unassuming path we will stop by the banks of the shore and be taken out into the clear waters and head to the shelter on stilts where our gregarious hosts will meet and greet us, telling us about their lives. 

We will then explore the lagoon itself as our hosts demonstrate local fishing techniques and how they grow and harvest Oysters. Learn what it takes to grow Oysters naturally and, more importantly, what it tastes like. Freshly shucked, Oysters don’t get much fresher! 

DAY 9: HUE – MAD MARKETS & TEA TASTINGS BY CYCLO

Explore markets laden with produce, hop in a cyclo and be peddled through Hue, enjoy a Royal White Lotus tea and then head to a hidden restaurant where you will try to make your own Royal dishes of the Nguyen Court. A great way to spend half a day in Hue!

On today’s excursion, we will start at the famous Dong Ba Market. Here we will be able to explore the chaos within as sellers and buyers converge upon stands heaving with fresh fruit and vegetables, shelves of medicinal cures, China shops with dainty tea sets and fresh meals being cooked up for the hungry denizens. 

After exploring we will get on a cyclo (A reclining peddle-powered rickshaw) and be taken through central Hue enjoying the sights of the old city and its fortressed walls as we go. Our next stop will be a charming teahouse where we will stop and enjoy tea where the tea leaves are left overnight in White lotuses. Take a moment to yourself to enjoy this tea made famous by its association with the Nguyen dynasty.

After our rest stop at this tranquil teahouse, we will hop back onto our cyclo and head to a charming garden restaurant where a family have dedicated themselves to creating the savoury “”cakes”” of Hue. Anthony Bourdain tried these cassava & Rice flour-based sticky dishes and visited your gregarious hosts on his travels through Vietnam. We will put our skills to the test when we try to make some of these dishes ourselves. 

After learning and making we will then get to eat some of these royal dishes and combine them with some additional dishes from a nearby restaurant to enjoy a light lunch in this peaceful garden. 

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Ha Noi. Upon arrival into Hanoi, be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.

DAY 10: HALONG BAY

We travel on to the mysterious. Halong Bay, which literally means “where the dragon descends into the sea”. Board your Halong bay overnight cruise, set in your cabin and follow cruise’s itinerary. In the afternoon we take a boat trip through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful nature reserve is the result of centuries of erosion and is unique in the world. 

The bay contains no less than 1969 beautiful and photogenic islands, often consisting exclusively of mysterious rocks, even more mysterious caves and beautiful tropical beaches. It is not surprising that many poets, ainters and writers found their inspiration here for their works. The lunch and dinner will be on the ship.

DAY 11: HANOI

Wake with the sun and enjoy coffee, tea and cookies on board as the horizon brightens. This morning if weather permits, in the summer, visit a pearl farm to see how these precious ‘stones’ are farmed or in winer you can visit Ti Top Island. Back en route to the port, pass by Halong Bay and its stunning islets before disembarking and then heading back to Hanoi. 

We’ll then make a quick stop at Bat Trang ceramic village and learn about the history of the pottery here before making our onward journey to Hanoi.

Today you will be meeting with one of our Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.  

Egg coffee has been woven into the fabric of Hanoian culture since its inception at the famous Hotel Metropole. More than just sampling a cup we will come to understand the significance of this drink through the eyes of our Local legend: Mr Khoa.

DAY 12: HANOI DEPARTURE

Today you’ll experience the very best Hanoi has to offer with this full day tour of the city.

Your morning begins with a to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum where you’ll hear all about the man whose name adorns the museum and his leadership of Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Ho Chi Minh dedicated his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule before passing away in 1969. His body has been preserved for later generations. Each year the mausoleum closes it doors in October for upkeep.

The grounds are well worth a wander, check out the one pillar pagoda and the presidential palace. Next, visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius. 

Visit the Museum of Ethnology this afternoon, often considered as the best in the country. It has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s ethnic minorities.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.

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