VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA UNCOVERED -18 days, 2 countries and 10 cities

Day 1 -  WELCOME TO HANOI

Relish the warm embrace of Vietnam and her welcoming people, who will touch you with their humility and entrepreneurial spirit throughout your journey across this intoxicating land. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Meliá Hanoi

Included Meals: Dinner

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Day 2 -  A DAY TO DISCOVER HANOI

This morning is dedicated to the revolutionary leader who fanned the flames of Vietnam’s independence. We begin our day with a visit to the final resting place of “Uncle Ho”, the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. A short walk from here, we’ll find Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, where we’ll Dive Into Culture exploring the grounds surrounding the humble abode of Vietnam’s most famous son. We’ll continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, to gain insights into Hanoian culture. We’ll embark on a cyclo tour, weaving through the lively Old Quarter past colourful shopfronts and street food vendors.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or consider joining one of our recommended Optional Experiences to watch a show that uses the ancient art of water puppetry to story-tell the daily lives of Vietnamese people.

Accommodation: Meliá Hanoi

Included Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• HO CHI MINH HOUSE VISIT - Visit Ho Chi Minh's house in Hanoi.
• HANOI CITY TOUR - On a sightseeing tour of the city of Hanoi, see the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.
• CYCLO TOUR OF HANOI'S OLD QUARTER - Travel past the colourful shopfronts and street food vendors of Hanoi's Old Quarter on a cyclo tour.
• AFTERNOON FOODIE TOUR - Eating on the street is a very typical activity for Hanoians and makes up an important part of the city’s unique culture. Take a leisurely walk with a local foodie to the Old Quarter. Taste the national Vietnamese dish - Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) and then wander around a local market to enjoy the sights, sounds and aroma from the numerous kinds of food on offer. Sample some Banh Duc – cooked rice powder with Vietnamese spices followed by a visit to a little shop selling many different types of traditional Northern cakes such as Com cake (young rice) which is considered to be a part of every Hanoians’ childhood. Continue to a small alley to get an idea of the typical “tube houses” of Hanoi and afterwards stop at Banh My Lan On to try their famous bread with Pâté. Later enjoy some Vietnamese desserts and cap off your walk by tasting a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee. Adults: US$ 39.00
• WATER PUPPET SHOW - Enjoy a traditional evening Water Puppet performance in a local theatre. This northern Vietnamese art form beautifully illustrates scenes of rural life and natural history and began approximately a thousand years ago, possibly in the flooded rice fields of Vietnam. Puppeteers stand in waist-high water and manipulate their charges in such a way that you can’t help but be swept up in the legend being told. Each short sketch in the performance relates to the daily life of the people. Adults: US$ 16.00
• HANG TRONG PAINTING EXPERIENCE - Named after one of Hanoi’s specialized streets, Hang Trong paintings belong to one of Vietnam’s dying arts. These festive and vividly eye-catching tapestries became popular from the end of the 19th century through to the start of the 20th century. Take a walk through the narrow alleyways of the old quarter of Hanoi and visit the home of a 66 year old artisan who is devoted to preserving this traditional craft. He is one of seven children from a family who for three generations has specialised in creating Hang Trong paintings. Interact with him and learn about the techniques and the time and effort he is putting into preserving the tradition. On the way back to the hotel make a stop at Hang Trong Street which is part of an artisan neighbourhood and was once famous for selling these paintings. Adults: US$ 22.00

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Day 3 -  SET SAIL FOR HALONG BAY

We leave the busy streets of Hanoi behind, bound for the serenity of Halong Bay where we’ll board a traditional-style Vietnamese Junk boat. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters provide an ethereal backdrop for our leisurely cruise. Once welcomed aboard, enjoy lunch whilst cruising one of the New Seven Natural Wonders. Visit Trung Trang cave on Cat Ba Island, the cave is 300m long through the mountains, possessing a mysterious beauty due to the geological tectonics in million years along with many historical vestiges and stalactites. Followed, weather permitting, by a stop at the quiet Tra Bau beach in Lan Ha Bay with its smooth white sand. You may choose to relax or take a nice swim in the green, emerald waters. We return to our Junk boat for a cooking class with the chef and enjoy a mesmerising sunset on the top deck before dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in this UNESCO-listed natural wonder.

Accommodation: Orchid Cruise

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• STAYS WITH STORIES - Stay on a traditional style Vietnamese Junk boat for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.

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Day 4 -  ONWARDS TO DANANG AND HOI AN

It is a perfect time to refresh and indulge yourself in the peaceful beauty of the bay with a Tai Chi session. After breakfast discover the hidden charm of  the Ao Ech area by kayak. There will be time to relax on the sundeck and take in the last views of the bays landscape, whilst cruising back to the Wharf before your drive to Hanoi Airport to catch your flight to Danang. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An where you have the evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An

Included Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

T'AI CHI ON HA LONG BAY - Start your day on beautiful Ha Long Bay with a yoga class lead by a Local Specialist. 

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Day 5 -  UNCOVER HISTORIC HOI AN

Dive Into Culture this morning, embarking on a walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An. Embrace its charm of yesteryear – the narrow lanes, colourful marketplaces and ancient temples providing insights into the Vietnam of old. See the old merchant houses and 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, before visiting Thanh Dong Organic Village where you’ll spend some time helping local farmers and learning about their daily working routines. Kick back and enjoy a relaxing foot massage that will set the pace for the rest of the day and evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An

Included Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• HOI AN MARKET VISIT - Visit the colourful market of Hoi An.
• VISIT THANH DONG ORGANIC VILLAGE - Learn about the daily work routines of local farmers at Thanh Dong Organic Village. 
• MY SON TEMPLES - My Son is one of the foremost Hindu temple sites in South East Asia. For the Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century, My Son was an important religious site and place of worship. A 1.5-hour drive from Hoi An will bring you to My Son where there are 20 monuments still standing today. The temples are set in a verdant valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by the impressive Cat Tooth Mountain. Stroll around this UNESCO listed temple complex and learn about the Cham culture, architecture and civilisation before returning to Hoi An. Adults: US$ 29.00

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Day 6 -  LOCAL LIFE IN HOI AN

Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Hoi An further or simply relax at your hotel. Your choice of activities this afternoon could see you learn how to craft your own colourful lantern or gain insights into life as a local fisherman (subject to weather conditions). Create a work of art to bring your home luck and happiness, or cast your net wide for the catch of the day – the choice is yours.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An

Included Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• LANTERN MAKING OR FISHING TOUR IN HOI AN - Join a Lantern Making Workshop or a Fishing Life Tour to learn about the lives of the local fishermen and have a go at casting your own fishing net.

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Day 7 -  HEAD TO HUE VIA RED BEACH

The healthy flavours of Vietnamese cuisine take centre stage as we travel by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. We’ll have an opportunity to savour the dishes we’ve prepared for lunch before returning to Hoi An. This afternoon, our journey takes us over Hai Van Pass en route to Red Beach, where the American Marines first landed in Vietnam during the decades-long war. We continue to Danang for a visit to the Cham Museum before arriving in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, for our overnight stay.

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Hue

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• CHAM MUSEUM VISIT - Visit the Cham Museum in Danang.
• RED BRIDGE COOKING CLASS - Travel by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food.

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Day 8 -  SEE THE SIGHTS OF HUE

We’ll navigate the busy streets of Hue on the back of a cyclo en route to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, once home to Nguyen emperors. From here, we drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Boarding a local dragon boat next, we cruise along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son where we’ll Connect With Locals and meet a family member for a Be My Guest lunch to gain a glimpse of their life in this historic house. The afternoon is ours to enjoy at leisure or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences.

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Hue

Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• MEET A LOCAL FAMILY FOR LUNCH IN HUE - Enjoy lunch at one of the great remaining garden houses of Hue where you will gain insight into the lives of a local family and admire their fascinating collection of artifacts and mementos from the days of the former Royal Empire.
• HUE CITY TOUR BY BIKE AND BOAT - See Hue by land and water today. Enjoy a cyclo tour past the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda before boarding a local dragon boat. 

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Day 9 -  JOURNEY TO HO CHI MINH CITY

A short flight this morning brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll enjoy some time at leisure before lunch at Mai Sen restaurant. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit supports those affected by poverty to provide opportunities and a vocational education in the hospitality sector.

The iconic sights of Ho Chi Minh are revealed on a walking tour of Dong Khoi Street next. See the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville. Then, wander up to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, designed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel. Continue to the War Remnants Museum where you’ll have a vivid glimpse of the war through the eyes of the locals.

Your final stop today is Ben Thanh market, one of the earliest surviving structures in old Saigon, before arriving at your hotel.

Accommodation: Sofitel Saigon Plaza Ho Chi Minh City

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY AT MAI SEN RESTAURANT - Have lunch at Mai Sen restaurant, which supports those affected by poverty to provide opportunities and a vocational education in the hospitality sector.
• HO CHI MINH CITY WALKING TOUR - Enjoy the sights of the French colonial-era buildings and even a former CIA residential block as you partake in a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

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Day 10 -  MEANDER ALONG THE MEKONG DELTA

The mighty Mekong beckons today, as we take a day trip to Cai Be town, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. We’ll transfer to a charming traditional boat and where we cruise and explore the bustling riverbanks. Visit a beautifully preserved ancient house dating back to the 19th century that has been passed down through many generations of the family. Enjoy a leisurely sampan ride through the narrow canals. topping for a home hosted lunch of delicious Mekong Delta specialities. Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Sofitel Saigon Plaza Ho Chi Minh City

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• VISIT MY THO - Cruise along the canals of My Tho in a small sampan boat during your visit to this market town.
• VISIT A LOCAL FAMILY IN MY THO - After a stroll through the streets of My Tho, meet a local family in their home. Hear stories from your Local Specialist about surviving the Khmer Rouge and learn about the family's handicraft, making paper. 

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Day 11 -  VISIT THE CU CHI TUNNELS

We’ll delve into Vietnam’s turbulent history from the previous century with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels built to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. We’ll explore the underground compounds with a VC veteran and gain an understanding of the history of the tunnels, which once served as living quarters and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches.

Returning to Ho Chi Minh City by private speedboat, we’ll enjoy some free time this afternoon. Later, we’ll Dive Into Culture during a visit to the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, followed by a Farewell Dinner to say goodbye to your Vietnam Travel Director and those guests not continuing on to Cambodia.

Accommodation: Sofitel Saigon Plaza Ho Chi Minh City

Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• VISIT THE HOME OF THE FORMER AMERICAN AMBASSADOR - Visit the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s.
• VISIT CU CHI TUNNELS - Gain insight into a difficult period of Vietnam's history as you join a Vet Cong veteran for a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, developped to protect Viet Cong guerillas. 

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Day 12 -  CONTINUE TO CAMBODIA

Transfer to the airport for the short international flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. On arrival you will meet your local Cambodian Travel Director, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: Tara Angkor

Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest

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Day 13 - AMAZING ANGKOR WAT

Today, we venture deep into the Cambodian jungle, through a pyramid-shaped gateway into an ancient world. Serene stone faces watch over us as we cross the causeway suspended over a moat into the spiritual heart of the ancient lost city of Angkor. A Local Specialist and renowned Khmer scholar brings to life the stories behind the intricate carvings and murals of celestial nymphs and mythical serpents along the abandoned hallways of Angkor Wat. Our next stop are the terracotta-hued walls of Banteay Srei Temple – the “Citadel of Women” dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. We’ll have time to admire the 10th century carvings of women, said to have been too delicate to have been carved by a man, hence its name.

We’ll return to Siem Reap for some free time and this afternoon embark on a guided walking tour of the Old Town. We'll witness the revival of Khmer arts and crafts and help support the lives of rural youths during our visit to Artisans d'Angkor, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. 

Later we’ll visit Wat Damnak and participate in a private blessing ceremony during which a sacred thread will be tied around our wrists to protect against evil spirits. Our final stop today is to the labyrinthine Old Market, where the locals spend their early mornings shopping for fresh fruit, vegetables and spices. Wander past the busy stalls and smell freshly baked baguettes, a remnant of the country's French heritage.

Accommodation: Tara Angkor

Included Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• VISIT ANGKOR WAT - Join your Local Specialist and immerse yourself in the stories of the celestial nymphs and mystical serpents. 
• VISIT BANTEAY SREI TEMPLE - Discover the Banteay Srei Temple, also known as the "Citadel of Women" where you can admire delicate 10th-century carvings.
• PRIVATE MONK BLESSING AT WAT DAMNAK - Experience a private blessing with a Monk where a sacred thread is tied around your wrists to protect you against evil spirits.
• SUNSET BOAT CRUISE - Depart from your hotel and transfer to Chong Kneas, a trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake. Board a traditional and comfortable wooden boat, and embark on a relaxing and insightful sunset cruise on the lake. A selection of soft drinks and beer is served while you observe the local lifestyle of the people living on the lake in their floating and stilted homes. Towards the end of the day, the activity on the lake picks up as people return from their fish farms to present and sell their catch at the local market. Continue to the open waters and take in the sunset before returning to the port for a transfer back to Siem Reap town. Note: This trip will not operate during periods of low water which normally occur from April to September. Adults: US$ 76.00

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Day 14 - TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

Our first stop today is a visit to the fortified Angkor Thom, where we’ll see such iconic sites as the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Enclosure and the Temple of Bayon with its giant smiling faces of Buddha. We venture underneath the dense tree canopy to the crumbling, moss-covered ruins of the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm, which featured as the location for the film ‘Tomb Raider', exploring its towers, courtyards and corridors to uncover the intricate stone reliefs that are shielded by the surrounding foliage. Continuing with a visit to the Old Market, where the locals shop for fresh fruit, vegetables and spices. Wander past the busy stalls and smell freshly baked baguettes, a remnant of the country's French heritage.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience to learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine or a sunset boat cruise on Tonle Sap Lake.

This evening transfer for a wonderful dinner accompanied by traditional Apsara Dancing that will bring ancient Khmer culture to life.

Accommodation: Tara Angkor

Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• VISIT ANGKOR THOM - Enjoy a visit to Angor Thom and admire the iconic sites of the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Enclosure and the Temple of Bayon.
• KHMER COOKING CLASS - Take a short walk through the local market with the Chef and discover the exotic looking fruits, vegetables and spices. Learn about local cooking practices, ingredients and food superstitions. Upon your return to the restaurant, and following a refreshing drink, continue to the kitchen to begin the cooking class. Learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine as you prepare a variety of traditional dishes and later enjoy your creations served up in the restaurant. Adults: US$ 49.00
• MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® LUNCH AT SPOONS - A visit to SPOONS Café and Restaurant allows you to take part in the life-changing opportunity that the organization provides to students via training programs, while experiencing the best of what Siem Reap has to offer. Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do - their mission, food, construction and design. Adults: US$ 28.00

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Day 15 - VISIT PEAK SNENG VILLAGE

We begin the day in the company of local Khmer villagers with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience walk through the village to see how they spend their day-to-day lives. We’ll Dive Into Culture, gaining insights into their time-honored craft traditions, such as weaving Cambodia's national hats made from palm leaves, or folding Lotus flowers into delicate works of art. After the rest of the day at leisure, this evening to say farewell to those not continuing on to Phnom Penh tomorrow, we’ll join our Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for a Farewell Dinner with Apsara dance show.

Accommodation: Tara Angkor

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• MEET LOCAL ARTISANS IN SIEM REAP - Visit Artisans d'Angkor, where our visit contributes to creating job opportunities for disadvantaged rural youths and at Peak Sneng village, meeting local villagers and discovering some traditional Cambodian crafts.
• LUNCH AT MARUM - Make a difference to the local community while you enjoy lunch at Marum, one of Cambodia’s most well-known hospitality training restaurants. Working to support disadvantaged and vulnerable young people, Marum and its parent company, Friends International, donate all profits to the well-being and education of their students through various programmes, sponsorships and social work across Cambodia. All staff, from front of house to the kitchen, are supported by the restaurant and are trained in hospitality. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a worthy cause. Adults: US$ 19.00

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Day 16 - TRAVEL TO PHNOM PENH

This morning we fly to Phnom Penh. Once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’, it is one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina. Later we'll embark on a cyclo tour - A Dive Into Culture, exploring the city which boasts a rich blend of Khmer and French colonial architecture. We’ll discover the history and catch glimpses of churches and Chinese temples hidden down narrow alleyways.

Accommodation: La Rose Suites Phnom Penh

Included Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• LUNCH AT MARUM - Make a difference to the local community while you enjoy lunch at Marum, one of Cambodia’s most well-known hospitality training restaurants. Working to support disadvantaged and vulnerable young people, Marum and its parent company, Friends International, donate all profits to the well-being and education of their students through various programmes, sponsorships and social work across Cambodia. All staff, from front of house to the kitchen, are supported by the restaurant and are trained in hospitality. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a worthy cause. Adults: US$ 19.00

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Day 17 - DELVE INTO CAMBODIA'S HISTORY

Indulge in the exotic flavours of Phnom Penh this morning, joining a Local Specialist for an in-depth city tour. Our first stop is Wat Phnom temple where we’ll delve into the legend of Lady Penh who discovered the four statues of Buddha deposited on this tree-covered hill. We’ll continue to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before visiting the National Museum showcasing centuries-old Khmer art and sculptures. Delving deep into the turbulent, terrifying history of the Khmer Rouge years, we’ll travel along a dusty road to the outskirts of the city to visit the former school turned interrogation and execution centre of Tuol Sleng. The history of that time is depicted in the thousands of S-21 portraits of victims that are on display at the Museum of Genocide, Finally, take time to reflect on the past with a visit to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, where a large memorial was built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died under the reign of the Khmer Rouge. The evening is free to explore the boutiques in Street 240 area or the many restaurants, cafes, shops along the bustling riverside area.

Accommodation: La Rose Suites Phnom Penh

Included Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR - Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh's famous landmarks, including a visit to the National Museum. 
• VISIT THE CHOEUNG EK GENOCIDAL CENTER - Visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, a memorial dedicated to the victims who died under the reign of the Khmer Rouge.

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Day 18 - FAREWELL PHNOM PENH

Airport shuttles have been arranged to depart the hotel at 06:30 and 15:00 for your onward flight on the last day of the tour only.

Please speak to your Trafalgar representative for further information. 

Included Meals: Breakfast