Angkor to the Bay

Angkor to the Bay

One of our most popular tours – take a voyage of discovery from the breathtaking majesty of the temples of Angkor, through to the spectacular natural grandeur of Halong Bay, experiencing all manner of delights en route.

What’s Included:

• All international flights and current taxes
• 15 nights in 4* accommodation
• All meals included: 15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 15 Dinners
• Visa fees for UK passport holders
• Max Group Size: 28
• Physical Rating 1: Walking, some steps and time on your feet

Day 1 - 2: London - Siem Reap

Fly overnight to Siem Reap. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3: Tonle Sap Lake

High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Visit Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Enjoy a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Kleng. Return to Siem Reap via Artisan D'Angkor. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara dance show. Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) Head to Beng Mealea to explore this mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Drop by Artisan D'Angkor after visiting the floating village of Chong Kneas. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara dance show.

Day 4: Discover Angkor

The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex includes over 1,000 temples. Enter the walled city of Angkor Thom and head to its heart to see the enigmatic Bayon, followed by the atmospheric Ta Prohm. This afternoon is dedicated to the indescribable Angkor Wat. Later, take a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems.

Day 5: Discover Phnom Penh

Fly to Phnom Penh, a city of airy boulevards and colonial villas. Visit the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before admiring the artefacts at the National Museum.

Day 6: Fly to Saigon

Visit the emotive Tuol Sleng Museum, where you will learn about the struggles of the Cambodian civilians under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Visit hilltop Wat Phnom before your flight to Saigon.

Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnels

Get to grips with the horrors of guerrilla warfare at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the war. Later, see the Reunification Palace and the chilling War Remnants Museum before finishing at the lively Ben Thanh Market.

Day 8: Mekong Delta Cruise

Pop down to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the mighty Mekong. This area is known as the 'Rice Basket of Vietnam', the rich and fertile lands producing huge amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruits.

Day 9: Explore Saigon

The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda. Fly on to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An.

Day 10: Discover Hoi An

Drive out into the countryside to the small farming community of Tra Que. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside and see the farmers at work. After lunch take a walking tour of Hoi An, to see the elaborate Japanese Bridge, a Chinese temple and the bustling market. Stop en route to visit Reaching Out, a social enterprise craft workshop, and watch the artisans at work.

Day 11 - 12: Explore Hue

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Hoi An before heading to Hue, travelling over the Hai Van Pass. Cruise along the Perfume River to the picturesque Thien Mu Pagoda. The next day, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tombs of Emperors Khai Dinh and Minh Mang. Move on to a beautiful old maison that has been transformed into a Truc Chi workshop, where you'll learn to create art with bamboo paper. Continue to visit the imposing Imperial Citadel.

Day 13: Hanoi Cyclo

Fly to Hanoi this morning. This afternoon take a thrilling cyclo ride through the Old Quarter and enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 14 - 15: Halong Bay

Spend two days aboard a comfortable cruise ship sailing amongst magnificent karst peaks on the tranquil green waters of Halong Bay. Spend the night on the boat before returning to Hanoi and attending The Quintessence of Tonkin show, a spectacular open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

Day 16: Explore Hanoi

Explore the sights of Hanoi, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, the Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature.

Day 17: Hanoi - London

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.