Pearl of Indochina - 22 Days

Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival, our driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel via private transport. Once checked in, take some time to recover from your journey.

Afterwards, you may wish to explore the vibrant streets of the city at your own pace. Discover Hanoi's historic charm, architectural wonders, and diverse range of local products. Conclude your day with a relaxing evening at the hotel.

Our tour begins as we pick you up from your hotel to explore the vibrant city of Hanoi. We arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century.

Next, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you can view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, referred to by many as 'Uncle Ho'. You'll also tour the gardens and the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Following this, visit the unique One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.

Please note: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and from 15 June to 15 August for maintenance, but you can still photograph it and explore the surrounding area. Please dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, when visiting the mausoleum, temples, and pagodas.

We explore the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. If the museum is closed on Mondays, we will visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead.

Lunch is provided at a local restaurant where you can savour Vietnamese cuisine. Vegetarian options are available. We continue our journey to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, established in 1070. This is a must-visit attraction in Northern Vietnam.

Our next stop is Hoa Lo Prison, constructed by the French between 1886 and 1901 during the period of French Indochina. Known as Maison Centrale, it was nicknamed 'A Hell on Earth' and now serves as a museum detailing Vietnam's struggle against French colonisation.

Our guide will collect you from your hotel. We journey to Ninh Binh province, approximately 120 km from Hanoi. Pause for a 20-minute break to relax.

Our first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Here, you'll explore the temples of King Dinh and King Le, built in the 17th century, and discover why the capital was eventually moved to Hanoi. The impressive architecture will transport you to Vietnam's early imperial days.

Lunch at a local restaurant, featuring a buffet of regional dishes such as goat meat and fried rice. Vegetarian options are also available.

Enjoy a 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride through Tam Coc. Marvel at the picturesque landscapes of rice paddies, rivers, and stunning caves, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land."

Cycle for 45 minutes around the village, offering a glimpse into the daily life of local residents. Board our shuttle bus to return to Hanoi. Conclude your memorable day as you're dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi. Spend the night in Hanoi.

Begin your day with breakfast before checking out of the hotel. We’ll depart from Hanoi to the breathtaking Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Between 8:00 and 9:00 am, our cruise team will meet you in the hotel lobby (we will confirm the exact time a day in advance). By noon, we’ll arrive at the jetty and board the cruise.

Once onboard, enjoy a welcome and check-in as we set off through the bay’s limestone islets. Lunch will be served as we sail. In the afternoon, engage in activities such as swimming, kayaking, or exploring caves, depending on our cruise itinerary. Alternatively, you might prefer to unwind on deck.

As the day concludes, our boat anchors in a picturesque spot - perfect for watching the sunset. A delightful dinner will follow.

Please note: Should adverse weather arise, the itinerary may change, or sailing may be prohibited, leading to a potential cancellation. In such cases, your travel consultant will arrange alternative plans.

As dawn breaks over Halong Bay, we'll serve breakfast while our vessel leisurely makes its way back to the port. Following an early lunch on board, we'll disembark and transfer you back to Hanoi. Once in the city, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, followed by some time to unwind. Our driver will then take you to the airport for your flight to Hue City. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the night in Hue, a city known for its rich history and imperial heritage.

We will pick you up from your hotel in Hue city centre to begin our full-day city tour. Start your day with a delightful 30-minute dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River, taking in the fresh morning air as we make our way to the historic Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hue.

Next, explore the Hue Imperial Citadel, the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last royal family. Discover the fascinating history and architecture of this once-mighty imperial city.

Afterward, we'll drive to Dong Ba Market, Hue's liveliest marketplace. Here you can observe local trade in action and have the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs. Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring Hue’s culinary specialities, followed by a short rest.

We then visit Khai Dinh King’s Tomb, an intriguing fusion of Western and Eastern design, followed by Minh Mang King’s Tomb, famed for its majestic architecture that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding nature.

Before returning, we'll stop at a local village devoted to making conical hats and incense sticks, where you can try crafting these traditional items.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, after which you'll have some leisure time to explore at your own pace. Later, a private cab will transport you to Hoi An. Enjoy your overnight stay in this historic town, renowned for its well-preserved Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our tour guide will collect you from your hotel as we embark on a walking tour of Hoi An. Our first stop is the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built by Japanese traders in the 16th century. This historical bridge is steeped in legend, said to act as a sword calming mythical sea creature Namazu, which was believed to cause earthquakes in Japan. Our guide will share insights into the bridge’s architecture and its stories.

Next, we visit the Tan Ky Old House, a 200-year-old merchant's residence showcasing a blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architecture. Here, you will learn about its design elements, including its Feng Shui features and traditional layout.

Continuing our tour, we arrive at the Fujian (Phuc Kien) Assembly Hall. This Chinese Assembly Hall serves as a place of worship for the sea goddess Mazu, protector of seafarers. Our guide will provide background on its cultural significance within the Chinese business community.

Following this, we head to a local handicraft space, where you’ll learn to create traditional Hoi An lanterns. This hands-on activity allows you to craft and keep a unique souvenir of your visit.

Finally, we explore Hoi An Market, the largest marketplace in the ancient town. Our tour guide will explain local purchasing customs and bargaining practices. After concluding the half-day walking tour, you have free time to further explore the ancient town at your leisure.

Join us for a unique journey into Hoi An's coconut forest, located in the heart of the old town. This tour is ideal for those looking to experience local life, especially if your stay in Hoi An is short.

We will explore a vibrant market, learning how to interact with local vendors and discover the ingredients essential for Vietnamese cuisine.

Discover the historical significance of this village, notable for its role in the anti-French and anti-American wars. You'll glide through the stunning nipa palm forest on a bamboo basket boat, where you'll also receive charming handmade gifts crafted from nipa palm leaves, such as hats, watches, and rings.

We will demonstrate traditional fishing techniques, including casting nets and catching "Purple Crabs" in the canal. You'll learn the differences in ingredients and traditional methods used in Vietnamese cooking. Enjoy five Vietnamese dishes that you will prepare yourself.

This tour provides an enriching cultural insight into Vietnamese life and cuisine, making it a memorable addition to your visit to Hoi An.

Spend a leisurely day in Hoi An at your own pace. Explore the town's rich history, stroll through its charming streets, or relax by the riverside.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, enjoy some leisure time to explore or unwind at your own pace. A private cab will then transport you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Once you arrive, settle in for an overnight stay in the city, which was once known as Saigon and is rich in history and vibrant culture.

Our tour begins with a meet and greet at your hotel, followed by an exploration of vibrant Saigon. We'll journey through streets showcasing architecture from the 1960s, providing a glimpse into the city's past.

We'll wander through Ban Co Market, a traditional wet market, where you can sample local snacks and drinks. Next, we visit the historic Nguyen Thien Thuat apartments nestled in the backstreets.

Discover the Secret Weapons Cellar, an inconspicuous house that was pivotal during the Tet Offensive in January 1968, as it concealed the Saigon Commandos' arsenal.

We'll then take a break to enjoy some local coffee at a nearby cafe. From there, we'll travel through Chinatown’s traditional medicine streets, offering an insight into ancient remedies practised since the first century. Our next stop is the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess revered by the local Chinese community.

For lunch, savour authentic Vietnamese dishes that will enrich your experience of Saigon. We’ll return you to your hotel, marking the end of our tour.

Discover the culinary delights and vibrant nightlife of Saigon as the locals do. We begin the evening by immersing ourselves in the authentic flavours of Vietnamese cuisine at two local restaurants, sampling some of Saigon’s best dishes.

As we navigate the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, you will catch glimpses of its iconic landmarks illuminated against the night sky - a truly exhilarating experience. Our night ends at one of Saigon's premier rooftop bars, where we'll sip a drink whilst enjoying panoramic views of the city.

We depart from the meeting point and head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, our tour guide will provide an introduction to the area, famed for its historical significance during the Vietnam War. We will watch a documentary that details the tunnels' history and the intensity of the conflict in the region.

Next, we explore the tunnel system, which includes the weapon factory, hospitals, and kitchens. You'll have the opportunity to crawl through the tunnels and experience conditions faced by the Viet Cong. Afterwards, enjoy tasting manioc, a staple food for the guerilla fighters.

For those interested, you can opt to fire an AK47, MK16, or other machine guns at the nearby shooting range. We conclude our visit by returning to Saigon.

Begin your day with a hotel pick-up in Ho Chi Minh City for our journey to My Tho. Upon arrival, we will visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a historic temple dating back to the late 19th century. Following this, we'll board a sampan to cruise along the river, passing the scenic Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands.

We'll make a stop at Unicorn Island, where we can stroll through village paths, explore fruit orchards, taste tropical fruits, and enjoy traditional Vietnamese folk music performed by locals. A visit to a fruit plantation is also included.

Experience a tranquil sampan ride through the Thoi Son canal, and visit a family-run bee-keeping farm to sample honey tea and learn about coconut candy production. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant, followed by a short break.

In the afternoon, we offer a cycling tour around Tan Thach village, where you can meet local residents and observe daily life in the Mekong Delta. For those preferring a more relaxed pace, unwind on a hammock and enjoy the refreshing breeze. We will then continue to Can Tho City.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. We will then take a leisurely boat ride along the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River, also known as the Bassac River. We will visit Cai Rang Floating Market, renowned as the most vibrant market of its kind in the region.

Next, enjoy a walking tour of a local noodle factory to see the production process firsthand. We will then visit Munir Ansay Pagoda, a Khmer temple celebrated for its distinctive architecture.

By boat, we will travel to the Con Son tourist area, where we'll visit a fruit plantation and sample seasonal fruits. After lunch, we will travel by car to Chau Doc, where we will spend the night.

Please note: Our arrival time in Chau Doc may vary due to traffic and weather conditions.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by some leisure time to enjoy at your own pace.

Later, a private cab will take you to the pier for our exciting journey to Phnom Penh. We'll travel by modern speedboat, a comfortable and cost-effective option, taking approximately 5.5 hours. This journey offers a rare opportunity to explore the Great Mekong Delta, famed for its mysterious allure.

From your seat, observe the timeless scenery: quaint villages, bamboo stilt houses, vibrant floating markets, industrious farmers, and cheerful children.

After breakfast, we'll start our day with a visit to the Royal Palace, the official residence of His Majesty, the King of Cambodia, and the royal family. This complex is like a small city, steeped in the heritage of royal dynasties.

Next, we'll explore the Silver Pagoda, which houses cultural treasures, including a 90 kg golden Buddha adorned with 2,086 diamonds.

Our morning continues with a visit to Wat Phnom Temple, a significant landmark in Phnom Penh. Built in 1373 on an artificial hill, the temple was commissioned by a wealthy widow named Daun Chi Penh.

In the afternoon, we'll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly the S-21 prison. This sombre site was once a school, later repurposed by Pol Pot’s security forces, where over 17,000 detainees were sent to Choeng Ek for execution.

Following this, we head to the Russian Market (Toul Tumpong Market), renowned for its affordable clothing and an array of Buddha images, wood carvings, betel-nut boxes, silk, silver jewellery, and traditional musical instruments. You are free to explore Phnom Penh's evening offerings at your leisure.

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before we transfer you to the bus station for your five-hour journey to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, we will visit Artisan D’Angkor, a renowned handicraft centre where you can observe traditional wood and stone carving techniques.

Afterwards, we will explore Wat Thmey, known as the Killing Field. Here, you will find a distinctive glass-walled stupa housing the bones of victims from the Khmer Rouge period, offering a poignant historical insight.

Our day begins with a visit to the remarkable South Gate of Angkor Thom. As we enter, we’ll explore the Bayon Temple, an iconic structure built by King Jayavarman VII from the late 12th century to the early 13th century. This temple boasts 54 towers adorned with enigmatic smiling faces.

Next, we will discover the Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas, followed by the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Each site holds significant historical importance, reflecting the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.

Continuing our journey, we’ll visit Preah Khan Temple, another creation of King Jayavarman VII, dedicated to his father. This expansive monastic complex once functioned as a Buddhist monastery and school, housing over 1,000 monks.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Ta Prohm, famously enveloped by dense jungle. The intertwining fig trees and massive creepers wrapping around stone structures convey how nature reclaims human creations. We end our day with a stunning sunset atop Phnom Bakeng.

We begin the day with breakfast at the hotel. Our main activity is a private boat ride, led by a knowledgeable guide, on Tonle Sap Lake. As the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, Tonle Sap is a vital part of the region's ecosystem, flowing into the Tonle Sap River and eventually merging with the Mekong in Phnom Penh.

During our boat trip, we'll explore a remarkable fishermen's floating village, complete with floating schools and even a floating police station. This unique community adapts to the changing water levels and currents, shifting its location as needed.

After our visit, we'll transfer to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of our journey.