Classic Cambodia & Vietnam

Visiting: Vietnam

Classic Cambodia & Vietnam

Be seduced by the riverside charms of Phnom Penh, Wander among the richly decorated temples of Angkor, Experience local life on a Mekong homestay, Barter like a local at the Cai Be floating markets, Cruise among the islands off Nha Trang, Pay respects at the tomb of Tu Duc, Sail the mighty Perfume River, Spend an evening on the peaceful waters of Halong Bay

From Vietnam to Cambodia, discover incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural beauty. Travel to Cambodia and delve into the dramatic Khmer legacy in Phnom Penh and explore the intricate temples of Angkor Wat. Travel to Vietnam and view the country's colourful history on the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, and explore the colonial-era among the architecture of Hanoi. This trip offers places of breathtaking beauty, from the beaches of Nha Trang and the backwaters of the Mekong Delta, to the jungles of Cambodia and the wonder of Halong Bay. Add a mix of friendly locals and age-old traditions to ensure the ultimate Indochina experience.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

You'll be met on arrival at Phnom Penh airport and transferred to your hotel. Please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture.

For those with extra time, consider a visit to Wat Phnom, a peaceful temple situated on a hill for which the city is named - according to legend, a 14th-century woman named Penh found sacred Buddhist objects in the nearby river and placed them here on the small hill. Or checkout the National Museum - housed in a beautiful traditional building, it contains many outstanding examples of Khmer craftsmanship. And for a more relaxed experience simply stroll along the famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the busy river traffic.

Confront Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It's estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here.

Head out to the Choeung Ek Memorial, where a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls marks the site of the infamous Killing Fields. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng and standing in this peaceful setting it's almost unthinkable to imagine that to date nearly 9000 corpses have been exhumed from the area.

Learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

Included Activities

Complimentary airport arrival transfer

Phnom Penh - Guided tour Choeung Ek (Killing fields)

Phnom Penh - Guided tour of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Optional Activities

National Museum, Phnom Penh - USD3.00

Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour, Phnom Penh - USD3.00

Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh - USD2.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

You'll be met on arrival at Phnom Penh airport and transferred to your hotel. Please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture.

For those with extra time, consider a visit to Wat Phnom, a peaceful temple situated on a hill for which the city is named - according to legend, a 14th-century woman named Penh found sacred Buddhist objects in the nearby river and placed them here on the small hill. Or checkout the National Museum - housed in a beautiful traditional building, it contains many outstanding examples of Khmer craftsmanship. And for a more relaxed experience simply stroll along the famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the busy river traffic.

Confront Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It's estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here.

Head out to the Choeung Ek Memorial, where a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls marks the site of the infamous Killing Fields. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng and standing in this peaceful setting it's almost unthinkable to imagine that to date nearly 9000 corpses have been exhumed from the area.

Learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

Included Activities

Complimentary airport arrival transfer

Phnom Penh - Guided tour Choeung Ek (Killing fields)

Phnom Penh - Guided tour of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Optional Activities

National Museum, Phnom Penh - USD3.00

Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour, Phnom Penh - USD3.00

Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh - USD2.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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A short flight takes us to Siem Reap (approx 1 hour), the gateway to Angkor.

Temple-hop with our local guide to make the most of our visit to the world-famous Angkor complex. These temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South-East Asia. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photographic opportunities at any time of day - watching a sunrise or sunset is a must. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 sq km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap so we'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.

Visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB). This centre rehabilitates animals that have fallen victim to wildlife trafficking and is a breeding facility for highly endangered animal species. It's also a centre of education and information for the local population.

For the energetic consider the short trek (approx. 40mins) up the hill to the river of a thousand lingas (phallic symbols) descending into a pretty waterfall. This Hindu site pre-dates Angkor Wat by some 200 years; making it one the most ancient sites in the region.

Enjoy a delicious Khmer lunch with our friends at local organisation, Sala Bai - a training centre that is working with disadvantaged family's to develop a career in hospitality.

Included Activities

2 days with a local guide

Angkor Wat - 3 day pass

Lunch at Sala Bai

Siem Reap - Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Optional Activities

Boat trip, Tonle Sap Lake - USD15.00

Khmer cooking class, Siem Reap - USD15.00

Khmer traditional massage, Siem Reap - USD10.00

Landmine Museum, Siem Reap - USD3.00

Remork to Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap - USD10.00

Siem Reap - Kbal Spean (river of a thousand lingas), Siem Reap - Free

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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A short flight takes us to Siem Reap (approx 1 hour), the gateway to Angkor.

Temple-hop with our local guide to make the most of our visit to the world-famous Angkor complex. These temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South-East Asia. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photographic opportunities at any time of day - watching a sunrise or sunset is a must. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 sq km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap so we'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.

Visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB). This centre rehabilitates animals that have fallen victim to wildlife trafficking and is a breeding facility for highly endangered animal species. It's also a centre of education and information for the local population.

For the energetic consider the short trek (approx. 40mins) up the hill to the river of a thousand lingas (phallic symbols) descending into a pretty waterfall. This Hindu site pre-dates Angkor Wat by some 200 years; making it one the most ancient sites in the region.

Enjoy a delicious Khmer lunch with our friends at local organisation, Sala Bai - a training centre that is working with disadvantaged family's to develop a career in hospitality.

Included Activities

2 days with a local guide

Angkor Wat - 3 day pass

Lunch at Sala Bai

Siem Reap - Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Optional Activities

Boat trip, Tonle Sap Lake - USD15.00

Khmer cooking class, Siem Reap - USD15.00

Khmer traditional massage, Siem Reap - USD10.00

Landmine Museum, Siem Reap - USD3.00

Remork to Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap - USD10.00

Siem Reap - Kbal Spean (river of a thousand lingas), Siem Reap - Free

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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A short flight takes us to Siem Reap (approx 1 hour), the gateway to Angkor.

Temple-hop with our local guide to make the most of our visit to the world-famous Angkor complex. These temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South-East Asia. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photographic opportunities at any time of day - watching a sunrise or sunset is a must. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 sq km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap so we'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.

Visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB). This centre rehabilitates animals that have fallen victim to wildlife trafficking and is a breeding facility for highly endangered animal species. It's also a centre of education and information for the local population.

For the energetic consider the short trek (approx. 40mins) up the hill to the river of a thousand lingas (phallic symbols) descending into a pretty waterfall. This Hindu site pre-dates Angkor Wat by some 200 years; making it one the most ancient sites in the region.

Enjoy a delicious Khmer lunch with our friends at local organisation, Sala Bai - a training centre that is working with disadvantaged family's to develop a career in hospitality.

Included Activities

2 days with a local guide

Angkor Wat - 3 day pass

Lunch at Sala Bai

Siem Reap - Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Optional Activities

Boat trip, Tonle Sap Lake - USD15.00

Khmer cooking class, Siem Reap - USD15.00

Khmer traditional massage, Siem Reap - USD10.00

Landmine Museum, Siem Reap - USD3.00

Remork to Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap - USD10.00

Siem Reap - Kbal Spean (river of a thousand lingas), Siem Reap - Free

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

A short flight takes us to Siem Reap (approx 1 hour), the gateway to Angkor.

Temple-hop with our local guide to make the most of our visit to the world-famous Angkor complex. These temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South-East Asia. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photographic opportunities at any time of day - watching a sunrise or sunset is a must. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 sq km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap so we'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.

Visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB). This centre rehabilitates animals that have fallen victim to wildlife trafficking and is a breeding facility for highly endangered animal species. It's also a centre of education and information for the local population.

For the energetic consider the short trek (approx. 40mins) up the hill to the river of a thousand lingas (phallic symbols) descending into a pretty waterfall. This Hindu site pre-dates Angkor Wat by some 200 years; making it one the most ancient sites in the region.

Enjoy a delicious Khmer lunch with our friends at local organisation, Sala Bai - a training centre that is working with disadvantaged family's to develop a career in hospitality.

Included Activities

2 days with a local guide

Angkor Wat - 3 day pass

Lunch at Sala Bai

Siem Reap - Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Optional Activities

Boat trip, Tonle Sap Lake - USD15.00

Khmer cooking class, Siem Reap - USD15.00

Khmer traditional massage, Siem Reap - USD10.00

Landmine Museum, Siem Reap - USD3.00

Remork to Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap - USD10.00

Siem Reap - Kbal Spean (river of a thousand lingas), Siem Reap - Free

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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We take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds; a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. The huge number of people rushing about their daily lives in Vietnam's largest city gives it a dynamic atmosphere and the French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee on offer. Much of the city's life takes place on the busy streets lined with shops, stalls and vendors with their wares spread out on the footpath, selling everything from soup to sophisticated electronics.

Included Activities

Complimentary airport arrival transfer

Meals Included

1 Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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Before we travel to the Mekong we enjoy a buffet breakfast at KOTO restaurant, which aims to teach street children hospitality skills.  We then head south to Cai Be (approx 3 hrs) where we board our boats to cruise the Mekong Delta and explore its intricate waterways. This is our introduction to a world where life depends on the river. Often referred to as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam, the fertile delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as it fantastic views while boating along the canals.

Visit an orchard where you can sample tropical fruits, before continuing on to visit some local cottage industries. Around sunset we make our way up one of the many canals to our homestay where we enjoy a wonderful meal of local specialities. At our homestay we'll be sleeping on simple camp beds in a dorm-style arrangement. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Shared toilet and bathroom facilities are basic with cold water only.

Included Activities

Mekong Delta - boat cruise and homestay

Meals Included

1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

Accommodation

Homestay (1 nt)

 

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Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City we visit the busy Cai Be floating market.  We then visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, as well as a unique sense of what underground life was like during the American War.

We then experience the hustle and bustle of old Saigon on a city tour and explore some of the city's more interesting sights, including the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace.

Board an overnight train to Nha Trang. Conditions are basic and cleanliness might not be as we would expect back home, however overnight trains are a truly Imaginative Traveller experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals. Sleeper trains typically have 4 berth compartments (occasionally 6 berths depending on seasonal variations), which are made up of bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasion passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you will be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but some travellers take the opportunity to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure.

Included Activities

Cu Chi Tunnels

HCMC - Reunification Palace

HCMC - War Remnants Museum

Meals Included

1 Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City we visit the busy Cai Be floating market.  We then visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, as well as a unique sense of what underground life was like during the American War.

We then experience the hustle and bustle of old Saigon on a city tour and explore some of the city's more interesting sights, including the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace.

Board an overnight train to Nha Trang. Conditions are basic and cleanliness might not be as we would expect back home, however overnight trains are a truly Imaginative Traveller experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals. Sleeper trains typically have 4 berth compartments (occasionally 6 berths depending on seasonal variations), which are made up of bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasion passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you will be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but some travellers take the opportunity to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure.

Included Activities

Cu Chi Tunnels

HCMC - Reunification Palace

HCMC - War Remnants Museum

Meals Included

1 Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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A highlight for many travellers is our boat trip amongst the islands. From the main boat, we take basket boats to shore and visit a fishing village, snorkel in the turquoise waters, enjoy a seafood buffet, and pass the afternoon lazing in deck chairs or swimming.

Included Activities

Nha Trang - Boat trip

Meals Included

2 Breakfasts

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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A highlight for many travellers is our boat trip amongst the islands. From the main boat, we take basket boats to shore and visit a fishing village, snorkel in the turquoise waters, enjoy a seafood buffet, and pass the afternoon lazing in deck chairs or swimming.

Included Activities

Nha Trang - Boat trip

Meals Included

2 Breakfasts

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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We take a short flight to Danang and then travel by minibus to Hoi An (approx 1 hr). Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South-East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago and it retains the feel of centuries past, making it the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it.

It's also a shopping mecca - with much to browse and buy. Choose from original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring - with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you'll be able to have it copied.

Your leader will take you on a walk around the Ancient Town.

You have plenty of time to explore. Your leader can help you arrange an optional Vietnamese cooking course or you can rent a bicycle and take a trip out to the nearby Cua Dai Beach, also known as China Beach.

If you can muster an early rise the next morning, the wonderful local market is well worth a visit to watch animated shoppers haggling over fresh fish, spices and vegetables.

Visit the ruins of My Son, Vietnam's most important Cham site. Set in a verdant valley, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat's Tooth Mountain, the elaborate World Heritage-listed temples here reflect the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation that flourished in this region between the 4th and 12th century.

Included Activities

Hoi An - Ancient town

Optional Activities

Hoi An - bike hire, Hoi An - VND30000.00

Hoi An - cooking course, Hoi An - VND125000.00

Hoi An - My Son Cham day trip, Hoi An - VND800000.00

Hoi An - Thu Bon river boat trip, Hoi An - VND100000.00

Meals Included

3 Breakfasts

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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We take a short flight to Danang and then travel by minibus to Hoi An (approx 1 hr). Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South-East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago and it retains the feel of centuries past, making it the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it.

It's also a shopping mecca - with much to browse and buy. Choose from original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring - with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you'll be able to have it copied.

Your leader will take you on a walk around the Ancient Town.

You have plenty of time to explore. Your leader can help you arrange an optional Vietnamese cooking course or you can rent a bicycle and take a trip out to the nearby Cua Dai Beach, also known as China Beach.

If you can muster an early rise the next morning, the wonderful local market is well worth a visit to watch animated shoppers haggling over fresh fish, spices and vegetables.

Visit the ruins of My Son, Vietnam's most important Cham site. Set in a verdant valley, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat's Tooth Mountain, the elaborate World Heritage-listed temples here reflect the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation that flourished in this region between the 4th and 12th century.

Included Activities

Hoi An - Ancient town

Optional Activities

Hoi An - bike hire, Hoi An - VND30000.00

Hoi An - cooking course, Hoi An - VND125000.00

Hoi An - My Son Cham day trip, Hoi An - VND800000.00

Hoi An - Thu Bon river boat trip, Hoi An - VND100000.00

Meals Included

3 Breakfasts

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

We take a short flight to Danang and then travel by minibus to Hoi An (approx 1 hr). Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South-East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago and it retains the feel of centuries past, making it the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it.

It's also a shopping mecca - with much to browse and buy. Choose from original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring - with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you'll be able to have it copied.

Your leader will take you on a walk around the Ancient Town.

You have plenty of time to explore. Your leader can help you arrange an optional Vietnamese cooking course or you can rent a bicycle and take a trip out to the nearby Cua Dai Beach, also known as China Beach.

If you can muster an early rise the next morning, the wonderful local market is well worth a visit to watch animated shoppers haggling over fresh fish, spices and vegetables.

Visit the ruins of My Son, Vietnam's most important Cham site. Set in a verdant valley, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat's Tooth Mountain, the elaborate World Heritage-listed temples here reflect the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation that flourished in this region between the 4th and 12th century.

Included Activities

Hoi An - Ancient town

Optional Activities

Hoi An - bike hire, Hoi An - VND30000.00

Hoi An - cooking course, Hoi An - VND125000.00

Hoi An - My Son Cham day trip, Hoi An - VND800000.00

Hoi An - Thu Bon river boat trip, Hoi An - VND100000.00

Meals Included

3 Breakfasts

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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We drive to Hue via China Beach and the spectacular Hai Van Pass, an incredibly scenic and mountainous stretch of highway with spectacular views of Lang Co Beach. We stop for lunch en route at beautiful Lang Co.

Visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost totally destroyed during the American War's Tet Offensive, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric and the gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the destruction wreaked upon the country during the war.

Enjoy a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River. The trip includes a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue. It's an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. One of the most poignant displays is a car belonging to a former monk who, in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. We also visit one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, with its central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees, and we may visit what many believe to be the most majestic of all the royal tombs, Minh Mang.

Most groups will visit either a Buddhist nunnery or monastery and have lunch while in Hue. Not only does the lunch provide economic benefits to these pagodas which rely on donations to survive, it also enables our groups to get an insight into the unique traditions and food of Vietnamese Buddism. Due to the high passenger numbers visiting Hue, six different monasteries and nunneries are visited so as to share the wealth and minimise impact.

Included Activities

Hue - Imperial citadel

Hue - Perfume river cruise and Thien Mu Pagoda

Hue - Royal tomb

Meals Included

2 Breakfasts

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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We drive to Hue via China Beach and the spectacular Hai Van Pass, an incredibly scenic and mountainous stretch of highway with spectacular views of Lang Co Beach. We stop for lunch en route at beautiful Lang Co.

Visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost totally destroyed during the American War's Tet Offensive, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric and the gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the destruction wreaked upon the country during the war.

Enjoy a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River. The trip includes a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue. It's an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. One of the most poignant displays is a car belonging to a former monk who, in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. We also visit one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, with its central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees, and we may visit what many believe to be the most majestic of all the royal tombs, Minh Mang.

Most groups will visit either a Buddhist nunnery or monastery and have lunch while in Hue. Not only does the lunch provide economic benefits to these pagodas which rely on donations to survive, it also enables our groups to get an insight into the unique traditions and food of Vietnamese Buddism. Due to the high passenger numbers visiting Hue, six different monasteries and nunneries are visited so as to share the wealth and minimise impact.

Included Activities

Hue - Imperial citadel

Hue - Perfume river cruise and Thien Mu Pagoda

Hue - Royal tomb

Meals Included

2 Breakfasts

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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We fly from Hue to Hanoi and take a city tour through the ancient '39 streets' to discover an amazing selection of shops selling everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, beautifully embroidered tablecloths and CDs. We then take in a performance of the famous water puppet theatre.

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is considered as one of the crucial museum in maintaining and promoting the treasure of cultural, artistic heritages of Vietnamese ethnic communities.

Included Activities

Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum

Hanoi - Temple of Literature

Hanoi - Water puppet show

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We travel by private minibus to Halong Bay (approx 4 hrs) and board our private boat to cruise among the dramatic limestone peaks. There's an opportunity to swim in the famed South China Sea, as well as to explore caves filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Spend a peaceful night on board, beneath a night sky alive with stars. Our sailing junk has twin-share cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar where we enjoy a sumptuous lunch and dinner.

BOAT SHORTAGE:

Due to recent unforeseen late changes by local authorities in Halong Bay a large proportion of boats are now no longer permitted to stay overnight, thus resulting in a shortage of boats. To ensure we can accommodate all travellers overnight on a boat we are occasionally using a larger boat (approx. 12 cabins) and splitting our groups across different boats. A group leader will be present on each boat, and the route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same.

Included Activities

Halong Bay - overnight boat cruise

Accommodation

Overnight boat (1 nt)

 

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We return to Hanoi by bus (approx 4 hrs), stopping at Dong Trieu Factory to watch locals working on the traditional art of ceramics.

Your afternoon is free to explore Hanoi's sights and to do some last-minute shopping. You could also see Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and house.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Optional Activities

Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Museum, Hanoi - VND50000.00

Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison, Hanoi - VND15000.00

Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi - VND170000.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We return to Hanoi by bus (approx 4 hrs), stopping at Dong Trieu Factory to watch locals working on the traditional art of ceramics.

Your afternoon is free to explore Hanoi's sights and to do some last-minute shopping. You could also see Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and house.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Optional Activities

Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Museum, Hanoi - VND50000.00

Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison, Hanoi - VND15000.00

Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi - VND170000.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner