Upgraded - Vietnam and Angkor 2026 - 14 Days

Arrive in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi - a city where ancient traditions blend with French colonial charm. From its tree-lined boulevards and hidden alleyways to tranquil lakes and lively streets, Hanoi is brimming with character and waiting to be explored.

For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those who wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Hanoi at any time. Should you miss the welcome meeting our tour leader will leave a note at the front desk and will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) airport, which is around a 45-minute drive from our hotel. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your arrival day.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to take a stroll around the peaceful shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, a favourite gathering place for locals. Another option is to visit Hanoi's famous Train Street, where houses and cafes sit just inches from the railway tracks. Please note, however, that access is restricted for safety reasons, and standing on the tracks is prohibited - if you do go, enjoy it responsibly from one of the nearby cafes.

This morning, we set out to explore Hanoi's main sights. With its tree-lined boulevards, colonial architecture, and timeless charm, the city often feels like a living museum. Highlights include the elegant Presidential Palace and the iconic One-Pillar Pagoda, a small but striking temple rising from a single stone column. On the same grounds, we'll see Ho Chi Minh's humble stilt house. Despite having the grand palace at his disposal, he chose instead this simple wooden home- reflecting his modest, austere lifestyle.

In the afternoon, our tour leader will equip you with a map and tips to explore the maze-like Old Quarter at your own pace. Each street here has a story, with names recalling traditional trades such as silk, paper, or baskets. Though the shopfronts are narrow, they stretch deep inside, creating what locals call 'tube houses'. Wander the lanes where sizzling woks, fragrant noodle soups, and incense from tucked-away temples fill the air - an atmosphere that captures the very soul of Hanoi.

In the evening, we gather for dinner at KOTO (Know One, Teach One), a pioneering social enterprise that supports disadvantaged youth by training them in the hospitality industry. Here, we'll enjoy a creative menu that blends Vietnamese flavours with modern techniques, all while supporting a worthy cause.

After dinner, you might like to attend an optional traditional water puppet show - a uniquely Vietnamese art form where brightly painted puppets glide and dance across a water stage to live folk music, telling stories of rural life, legends, and history.

Departing the city early this morning, we head south towards Lan Ha Bay for an unforgettable overnight cruise.

Lan Ha Bay, located next to the famous Halong Bay, is a quieter, more unspoiled alternative. With clearer waters, fewer boats, and a backdrop of towering limestone karsts, it offers a more intimate experience. The bay is dotted with secluded beaches, hidden lagoons, and dramatic grottoes, making it a paradise for those seeking both beauty and tranquility.

Around midday, we board our boat and set sail. As we glide across the calm waters, you'll see a timeless scene of junks, sampans, and fishing boats crisscrossing the bay - echoes of a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. A delicious lunch featuring Vietnamese and international cuisine is served onboard, with panoramic views of the emerald-green seascape all around.

In the afternoon, there may be the chance to kayak through hidden caves and lagoons, getting closer to the bay's natural wonders. Later, we anchor in a peaceful spot where we'll enjoy a dinner of freshly prepared seafood and regional specialities. In the evening, relax in your elegant cabin, take in the views from the panoramic deck, or unwind in the lounge with a drink in hand as the sun sets behind the limestone cliffs.

Please note that the boat is not exclusive to our group - we'll be sharing it with other travellers. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow adventurers from around the world, adding to the spirit of shared discovery.

If you're an early riser, you may like to begin the day with a Tai Chi session on the deck, a calming way to greet the morning as the sun rises over the dramatic limestone karsts of the bay.

After breakfast, taken with sweeping views of the tranquil waters, we continue cruising through Lan Ha Bay, passing more of its green limestone islands and islets - many untouched and uninhabited. Along the way, we'll see floating villages where fishermen go about their daily routines, offering a glimpse into the traditional life of the bay's communities. After lunch on board, we return to the pier and disembark, before making the drive back to Hanoi in time for our late-afternoon flight to Danang.

From Danang, it's a short transfer to Hoi An, a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage town. Once a bustling merchant port, Hoi An is now renowned for its lantern-lit streets, riverside charm, and unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. We'll spend the next three nights here, giving plenty of time to soak in its historic atmosphere.

Upon arrival, there's time to settle into our hotel, set in peaceful surroundings with a serene outdoor pool and easy access to the ancient town and cultural landmarks. You may choose to relax after the journey, or simply take an evening stroll to get your first taste of Hoi An's magical old quarter.

Hoi An had become one of the busiest international trading ports of Southeast Asia by the 17th century, and it still retains its medieval charm today, with many of its old buildings superbly preserved.

In the morning, we'll head out on a walking tour of the Old Town. As we stroll through the narrow winding streets of Hoi An's ancient town, we'll be surrounded by well-preserved buildings that reflect a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and French influences. The streets are lined with mustard-yellow facades, wooden shutters and lanterns above, creating a picturesque scene.

After our walking tour, you might like to go on a food journey on your own through the city and try one of Hoi An's famous dishes, such as Cao Lau (a noodle dish unique to Hoi An), Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) or White Rose Dumplings.

We'll regroup mid-afternoon and continue our culinary adventure with a cooking class in the picturesque countryside. Taking a walk through the herb gardens with our family's chef, we'll see local farmers at work in their fields using traditional methods from hundreds of years ago - no electrical machinery here. We'll learn about the organic herbs used in cooking and medicine, some of which we'll put to good use when we prepare a selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes from scratch. We'll then indulge in a delicious meal including the fruits of our labours.

Today is left free for you to enjoy Hoi An.

You might want to try a famous banh mi from one of the local vendors or take part in a lantern-making workshop, crafting the colourful lanterns that light up the town. If you prefer, the beach is just a short taxi ride away, or you could take a peaceful boat trip on the river. The town is full of vibrant shops, cozy cafes, lively bars, and excellent restaurants - perfect for souvenir shopping, getting custom clothes tailored, or simply relaxing by the river and watching the world go by.

There are also some excursions that can be taken further afield such as to My Son, one of the holiest and most evocative of Vietnam's Cham sites. The Chams were dynastic lords who rejected the authority of China in 2AD and established their own kingdom. Travel along the track that leads to the site is slow, as we bump through wooded hills, but the site is certainly impressive with several groupings of Cham temples which can be visited.

Alternatively, you can take a meaningful excursion to the My Lai Massacre Memorial, a powerful site that shares the tragic history of a pivotal moment in the American War through a moving photographic exhibition.

Today, we head north along the coast to Hue with several interesting stops along the way.

Our first stop is at the nearby five peaks of the Marble Mountains, said to represent the five elements of water, wood, fire, gold and earth. Naturally formed grottoes have been transformed into heavily carved Buddhist sanctuaries. A torch is useful for exploring some caves and caverns.

A short distance from the mountains we'll find the white sands of My Khe Beach (nicknamed China Beach by American troops - an ideal spot for a brief rest.

Pausing in Danang, once the centre of the Kingdom of Champa, we'll visit the Cham Museum, home to a fine collection of Cham sculptures.

We enjoy a scenic drive across the spectacular Col des Nuages, otherwise known as the Hai Van Pass en route observing rural scenes of thatched, wooden houses and lime-green rice paddies as well as enjoying panoramic sea views as we make our way to Hue.

The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and discover Hue. Nestled along the banks of the Perfume River in central Vietnam, Hue is a city rich in history and cultural heritage. The city is renowned for its vibrant festivals and traditional music, offering visitors a captivating blend of ancient charm and modern vibrancy amidst picturesque natural surroundings.

But Hue isn't just about history - it's a food lover's paradise! Prepare to delight your taste buds with the city's legendary royal cuisine, famed for its delicate spices and unique flavours. Don't miss trying 'bun bo Hue\ , a spicy beef noodle soup that perfectly captures the city's rich culinary heritage. Other must-try dishes include \ com hen\ (clam rice) and \ banh khoai\ (crispy pancakes).

Our hotel in Hue provides a peaceful escape set amidst lush gardens and traditional Vietnamese architecture.

This morning, we'll explore Hue's incredible Imperial Citadel, a stunning palace built by Vietnam's last emperors. Even though parts were damaged in the past, the impressive walls and buildings still give a real sense of the city's royal history and charm.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you like. You could check out the famous Emperor's Tombs, each with its own unique vibe and beautiful surroundings. Or head to Dong Ba Market to dive into local life and taste some amazing street food. If you want to relax, take a peaceful bike ride along the Perfume River or unwind in one of Hue's cozy cafes.

We\ re starting the day early to catch our flight to Saigon. After a quick drive to Danang Airport, we fly into Ho Chi Minh City - known as Saigon by the locals. There, you'll find an eclectic mix of the traditional and the new, where pagodas and markets compete alongside the trappings of Vietnam's newly discovered entrepreneurial spirit.

After checking in to our hotel, we'll dive into the sights of Old Saigon, now known as District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, our tour leader will point out landmarks like the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, the grand General Post Office, and some iconic French Colonial hotels like The Rex. Next, we'll visit the Independence Palace - also called the Reunification Hall - and the powerful War Remnants Museum, which offers a gripping look at Vietnam's turbulent history.

the afternoon is yours to relax or explore further. You might want to check out the vibrant Ben Thanh Market for some shopping, visit the bustling cafes for a taste of local life, or explore the trendy art galleries and rooftop bars scattered around the city.

Our accommodation tonight is an elegant hotel right in the heart of the city. It offers exceptional dining experiences and sophisticated facilities.

We\ re in for a full day of adventure today as we make our way into the captivating Mekong Delta. This lush, river-laced region is one of Vietnam's most distinctive areas - where winding waterways, swaying coconut palms, and quiet village life offer a glimpse into a slower, more traditional way of living.

Arriving in the Mekong Delta town, we'll take a boat and continue along the river and visit local family houses where rice paper, coconut products and local Mekong whisky are produced.

We'll enjoy lunch, made using local produce, in a lush tropical garden by the river, among pomelo, longan, mango, coconut and banana trees. Afterwards, our cruise continues into the countryside, where local houses are still made of wood and palm tree leaves and pass under several small traditional wooden and bamboo bridges.

At the end of the day, we'll return to Ho Chi Minh City.

This morning, we take a drive out of the city to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels - an underground network that played a key role during the 1968 Tet Offensive. If you\ re feeling adventurous, you can crawl through a specially adapted narrow section of the tunnels to get a real sense of the tight, claustrophobic conditions the Viet Cong endured.

Later in the afternoon, we fly to Siem Reap - Cambodia's enchanting gateway to the ancient wonders of Angkor. Nestled between the Tonle Sap Lake and the Kulen Mountains, Siem Reap is a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty.

Our hotel in Siem Reap tonight, offers a blend of Khmer hospitality and modern comforts.

Over the next two days, we'll explore Angkor, Cambodia's ancient capital. The exact itinerary will be at our tour leader's discretion to help us avoid crowds and factor in awe-inspiring sunsets.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor is a captivating site, housing over 155 square kilometres of carved stone temples, elegant sculptures and incredible bas-reliefs. We'll take our time to learn about its ancient civilisation once-great empire.

Our first stop is Angkor Tom - a monumental ancient city built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. The city contains another of Angkor's gems, The Bayon, with its maze of corridors, gothic-style towers and magical central temples. We'll discover The Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, the Baphuon and Phimeanakas and some of the surrounding temples such as Preah Khan, before heading back to our hotel.

Today is our final day and we plan to spend it exploring the second Angkor capital, including the temples of Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei and Takeo. A real highlight is our visit to the atmospheric temple of Ta Prohm, where the film Tomb Raider was filmed, lying half consumed by the jungle.

Our day ends with Angkor's most breathtaking sight, Angkor Wat, where we'll stay until the sun sets on the last night of our adventure.

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Siem Reap.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Siem Reap at any time. If you have time, you might like to browse the old market for some last-minute bargains or enjoy afternoon tea at The Foreign Correspondent's Club.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) which is around a 60-minute drive from our hotel. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made post-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your departure day.