Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. Hanoi, the capital, pays homage to the nation’s iconic Communist-era leader, Ho Chi Minh, via a huge marble mausoleum. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has French colonial landmarks, plus Vietnamese War history museums and the Củ Chi tunnels, used by Viet Cong soldiers.
Indira Gandhi International Airport – New Delhi
4 Hours Before Flight Time
Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines on the new state-of-the-art Dreamliner aircraft.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the Mövenpick Hotel for 2 nights. Welcome dinner to meet your fellow travellers. (D)
Morning visit to a fresh food market, followed by a class in Vietnamese cooking. Afternoon tour of Hanoi’s cultural sights, then spend the evening watching a traditional water puppet show. (B, L, D)
Morning drive to Halong Bay to board a junk boat (traditional Chinese sailing vessel) and cruise around the limestone islands. Boat activities include kayaking and swimming in the bay, squid fishing and tai chi lessons. Overnight on board. (B, L, D)
Morning cruise in Halong Bay. Disembark and drive to Hanoi airport and fly to Hoi An. Stay 2 nights at the Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa. (B, L, D)
Morning cycling excursion through the countryside outside the city. Afternoon at leisure or join a guided walking tour of Hoi An. (B)
Early flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), then transfer to the Saigon Prince Hotel for a 2-night stay. Afternoon city tour followed by a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, then return to the city for dinner. (B, D)
Full-day exploration of the Mekong delta, including a boat trip along the Bamboo Canal and a sampan ride exploring the smaller channels. (B, L)
Morning flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Take a walk through the countryside to Mechrey floating village, where there may be the chance to try your hand at rural skills such as fishing, cooking and rice planting. Take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap lake, then return to the village and enjoy dinner at a family home. Stay 2 nights at the Tara Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap. (B, D)
Visit the ruins of Angkor Thom, the Royal Palace and the temples of Bayon, Baphoun and Phimeanakas. Afternoon visit to Ta Phrom, a hugely atmospheric temple which has been left unrestored, with huge tree trunks and vines snaking around the centuries-old stonework. End at the magnificent Angkor Wat temple, then watch the sun set over the monuments. Farewell dinner back in Siem Reap. (B, D)
Day at leisure for shopping in Siem Reap. Transfer to the airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, then catch the late evening flight to your next destination. (B)
