Vietnam Discoveries, Cambodian Treasures for solo travellers

Depart in the morning for your overnight flight to Hanoi.

On arrival, transfer to the centrally located Melia Hanoi Hotel (4Q) where you will stay for the next two nights. Colonised by the French in the 19th century, Hanoi has elegant tree-lined avenues and lush parks which work in harmony with the Vietnamese culture and history reflected all around. Look forward to discovering the 1,500-year-old pagoda, atmospheric old quarter, colourful markets, exuberant nightlife and curiously iridescent skyscrapers.

Look forward to a welcome dinner tonight in the hotel's restaurant this evening, where you'll have the opportunity to become better acquainted with your fellow guests. D

Tour Hanoi and see the One Pillar Pagoda. Nearby is Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh read his declaration of independence speech in 1945. The square is now home to the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the former president's embalmed body is on display in a glass casket (the mausoleum is occasionally closed for maintenance). After lunch at a local restaurant, continue exploring independently or perhaps join an optional excursion exploring the art and architecture, or the street food of the city. Later today enjoy an included traditional water puppet show, where wooden dolls appear to perform on a stage made of water. B, L

Travel through the rich farmlands of the Red River delta, seeing Vietnamese villages and glimpsing rural life en route to Ha Long where you’ll board a private junk for a five-hour cruise of Halong Bay. This famous bay was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and as you cruise its blue waters dotted with some 3,000 limestone islands it’s not hard to see why. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch onboard. Spend tonight at the Novotel in Ha Long (3Q). B, L

Fly to Hue, the country’s the old imperial capital. While much of the old city was destroyed during the Vietnam war, it still retains a certain graceful beauty. Look forward to visiting the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, crafted to resemble a miniature royal palace and complemented by the beauty of its natural surroundings. After an included lunch in a local restaurant visit colourful Dong Ba Market in the walled citadel of Old Hue – where you may want to treat yourself to one of the typical Vietnamese conical hats! Stay two nights at the Hotel Saigon Morin (3Q). B, L, D

This morning take an included boat trip along the Perfume River, taking in gardens and the Thien Mu Pagoda. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Imperial Citadel which forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where the Imperial residence can be found. B, L

Travel through the Hai Van mountain pass en route to the enchanting and historic town of Hoi An. After lunch set off for a half day tour through the town taking in its architecture and early buildings including a Japanese covered bridge, and its colourful marketplace. Stay two nights at the Hoi An Historic Hotel (3Q). B, L

This morning enjoy a half-day excursion to the not-for-profit charity Lifestart Foundation, were you’ll attend a class by a local artist and a lantern-making class. You’ll also meet some of the members and learn how the Foundation is helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Spend this afternoon at leisure or perhaps join an optional cooking class. B

Transfer to Danang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After lunch at a KOTO International training restaurant – a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping young people – visit the moving War Remnant Museum and Chintown. Stay two nights at the Pullman Saigon Hotel (5Q). Dinner is included at the hotel tonight. B, L, D

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels constructed during the fight for independence. After lunch at a local restaurant enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This evening, optional trips include a dinner cruise or taking in a performance at the Opera House. B, L

Travel to My Tho in the Mekong Delta and enjoy a boat trip past floating fish markets to Ben Tre where you’ll see the local tradition of coconut carving and sweet making. After lunch continue to Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, where you’ll spend two nights at the Victoria Can Tho Resort (4Q). Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. B, L, D

Head out early for a boat trip that will reveal the floating market of Cai Rang and local life on the waterways, returning via the backwaters. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or join an optional excursion to the Khmer Pagoda and House of the Lover. B, D

Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll enjoy a farewell lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Transfer to the Royal Angkor Resort (4Q) where you’ll stay for three nights. B, L

Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South East Asia’s most important. See Angkor Thom – capital of the Khmer Empire, and the 12th century Bayon Temple with its 54 towers. Next visit Ta Prohm Temple, concluding at Angkor Wat, the most famous of the temples at Angkor. B

After a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and a visit to the ‘floating’ village of Chong Kneas, visit a silk farm and artisan centre, before concluding at a local market. B

Transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight to the UK. B

Arrive back in the UK for your VIP door-to-door travel service home.