14-Day Cambodia & Vietnam Experience

Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport and transfer to the hotel (rooms may not be ready until the afternoon).
Begin your journey by discovering the beautiful colonial architecture of Cambodia’s capital by a cyclo tour. Learn about the architectural fusion from colonial to modern post–independenc by relaxing in a cyclo as you are transported through Phnom Penh’s central districts

Accommodation at hotel

After breakfast, hop in a tuk tuk to visit the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. The French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed this building in traditional Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art – notably sculptures – throughout the ages. Next, visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha weighing 90 kilogrammes, as well as a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your morning with a visit to the city’s namesake, Wat Phnom temple.
In the afternoon visit the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum (S 21 prison). This former school was used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces and became the largest centre for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure strolling though the Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong).
End the first full day in Phnom Penh with a Sunset Cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers.

Accommodation at hotel

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, depart to Phnom Penh International Airport for a flight to Siem Reap International Airport. Transportation from the airport to local accommodations will be provided (rooms may not be ready until the afternoon).
Today, enjoy exploring Siem Reap at your leisure. Soak up Siem Reap’s charming café scene, vibrant nightlife or colourful night markets. Though it may seem small at first, Siem Reap has a lot to offer!

Accommodation at hotel

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Rise early to witness the magnificent sunrise at the temple of Ta Prohm in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Seeing this mystic temple in the early morning before the crowds arrive will be a highlight of your journey. Ta Prohm is one of the area's most beautiful temples as it has remained relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Return to the hotel for breakfast then drive through the Cambodian countryside to visit Banteay Srei Temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer art.
Spend the afternoon visiting the South Gate of Angkor, the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), and Bayon Temple. Finish the tour of this incredible area with a visit to the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. This 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.
In the evening, say good bye to Siem Reap in style with dinner at a local restaurant

Accommodation at hotel

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel Dinner at local restaurant

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before departing to the airport to fly to Ho Chi Minh City.
Formerly known as Saigon and called the “Pearl of the Far East”, Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling economic centre of the South and has always been an important trading centre for Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants travelling along the Saigon River.
After checking in to the hotel enjoy a half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City. This sightseeing tour includes visits to Cholon (Chinatown), Thien Hau Pagoda and the colourful Ben Than Market, along with the War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral, which was inaugurated in 1880 and was the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient.

Accommodation at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing complex of underground tunnels was used during the Vietnam War. There are more than 200 kilometres of tunnels, underground hideouts and shelters that guests can now explore and even try crawling through. For a more “thrilling” experience, test an original AK47 and other arms from past war times (subject to a surcharge).
Return to Saigon and enjoy a free afternoon to relax.

Accommodation at hotel

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Begin the day with a 2.5-hour-drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Cai Be where you’ll embark on the traditionally built Cai Be Princess boat to tour through floating markets in along the mighty Mekong.
Indulge in a delicious lunch at Le Longanier, a superb Indochinese villa located in a lush tropical garden by the river. After lunch proceed to Dong Hoa Phu canal, passing several islands famous for their fruit orchards. Stops on the way can be made at An Binh Ancient Church or at Tam Ho Bonsai Garden before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation at hotel

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel Lunch at Longanier restaurant

Have breakfast and check out from the hotel then transfer to the airport to fly to Hue.
After checking in at the hotel, visit the Hue Citadel situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River. Built by Emperor Gia Long, it was designed for the exclusive use of the Emperor and his household. A two-square-kilometre wall encompasses three walled enclosures; Kinh Thanh Hue, Hoang Thanh and the Forbidden Purple City of Tu Cam Thanh, all of which has been officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon, see the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. At the end of the excursion visit the SPIRAL Foundation’s Healing the Wounded Heart Shop – an eco-friendly fair trade shop featuring products made by local disabled and disadvantaged artisans – before transferring to the hotel.

Accommodation at hotel

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel Lunch at local restaurant

After finishing breakfast at the hotel and checking out, journey to Hoi An over the famous Hai Van Pass to enjoy the view of the Truong Son mountain range on one side and East Sea on the other. Stop at the Marble Mountains, a scenic spot with caves, temples, shrines, pagodas and a great view of the surrounding area.
Upon arrival, explore the Ancient Town of Hoi An and its surroundings. Known to early Western merchants, Hoi An was one of the major trading centres of Southeast Asia in the 16th century and still retains its distinctive Vietnamese and Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets with the original structure of some streets still virtually intact. Many of the town’s houses are constructed from rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and carved pillars.

Accommodation at hotel

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Today is at your leisure – explore all the little delights of Hoi An!

Accommodation at hotel

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Check out of the hotel and depart to the airport to fly to Hanoi.
After arriving in the northern city, embark on a city tour including a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Mondays, Fridays and during the months of September and October) and his former residence (closed on Mondays and Fridays), as well as a stop at one of the following museums (note that museums are closed on Mondays):
• Fine Arts Museum
• Vietnam National Museum of History
• War Museum
• Museum of Ethnology
• Hoa Lo Prison Museum
After the tour, eat like a true local by enjoying a home cooked meal with a host family. Learn about the history of the family, tour their house and see the family’s ancestor altar and room for worshipping. Host families will introduce you to traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as stir-fried water morning glory, roasted sesame and peanuts, spring rolls and more. After dinner, relax and chat with your hosts while the family explains Vietnamese tea culture and shares personal memories as you traditional tea and sweets. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
* Timing is flexible and subject to change.

Accommodation at Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Dinner with local family

Depart from hotel to Dinh Vu Port, Hai Phong to embark on a trip through Halong Bay with Orchid Cruise. Enjoy a special tea in the Orchid Cruise’s lounge before being welcomed aboard the boat and checking in.
After a welcome drink and safety briefing by the crew, get ready to sail through one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of Nature’. Unchanged for centuries, Halong Bay is steeped in striking vistas, beautiful seas and impressive islands.
Head first toward the Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse that was built by the French over 100 years ago and enjoy an on-board lunch before continuing the journey via the islets of Con Vit and Gia Luan. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner and remain in an untouched area as not many cruise ships use this route.
Continue on to the Ba Trai Dao beach area of Lan Ha Bay, a separate part of Halong Bay that is known for its pristine beaches and spectacular beauty with roughly 400 fascinating forested islands.
Next, witness how the local fishermen go about their trade, casting nets whilst navigating the waters in their tiny boats. Alternatively, you may prefer to try your hand at kayaking or simply just enjoy a swim. In the winter months (December to March) guests may visit Viet Hai village with a guide where one can cycle along the village path through rainforests and tunnels and enjoy stunning its rice fields on the way before stopping at the village to relax. (An optional electric cart service is available at an extra cost.)
In the evening, watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Back on board, join a traditional cooking class where a chef will demonstrate how to prepare popular Vietnamese dishes or take part in Happy Hour on the deck. Enjoy a delicious dinner of local food in an intimate, romantic setting before relaxing on the top deck with a drink in hand. Additional activities, such as night squid fishing, watching a film or booking a massage treatment through the Cruise Manager, are also available.

Accommodation at Orchid Cruise Ship, Suite Balcony

There will be no tour on the cruise ship in Halong Bay

Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch on board
Dinner on board

Rise early to witness the bay at it’s very best – at sunrise – while enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck followed by breakfast. Upon completing breakfast head out in canoes to explore the area of the bay where the Toi Sang cave is situated.
Return to the cruise ship for brunch and begin check-out procedures while the boat travels back to Dinh Vu Port. There, disembark the ship and travel to Hanoi.
Finish the adventure with a visit to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam, built more than 1,000 years ago.

Accommodation at hotel

Meals included: Breakfast on board

After one last breakfast at the hotel, proceed to check out and depart for your onward destination.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel