Vietnam Discoveries, Cambodian Treasures

Depart in the morning for your overnight flight to Hanoi.

On arrival, transfer to the centrally located 3-star La Belle Vie 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.

Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight in the hotel's restaurant, when you'll have the opportunity to become better acquainted with your fellow guests. Facilities at La Belle Vie Hotel include a restaurant, bar, rooftop swimming pool and gym. Each of the 97 air-conditioned rooms is equipped with a television, tea and coffee-making facilities, and hairdryer. 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 which you can view from the outside, and where the former president's embalmed body is on display. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue exploring independently or perhaps join an optional excursion exploring the art and architecture, street food, the old quarter by cyclo or a water puppet show. B, L, D

Travel through the rich farmlands of the Red River delta, seeing Vietnamese villages and glimpsing rural life en route to Ha Long Bay (96 miles, two hours and 30 minutes). This famous bay with its blue waters dotted with some 3,000 limestone islands, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here step aboard your ship for a cruise towards the famous bay, enjoying some visits ashore or relaxing onboard, as well as a seafood lunch. This evening enjoy dinner on board as you moor for the night among the limestone (karst) islands. B, L, D

After disembarking your ship, travel back to Hanoi from where you will fly to Danang (90 minutes).

On arrival, transfer from the airport to Hoi An (29 miles, 90 minutes), where you stay for the next two nights at the 4-star Le Pavillon Hoi An Luxury Resort and Spa (4Q), situated on the on the banks of the Bay Mau coconut forest. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, bar, swimming poool and free Wi-Fi. Each of the 79 air-conditioned rooms has a television, television, safe and hairdryer. B, L

Enjoy the morning at leisure, followed by an afternoon walking tour of Hoi An city, taking in its architecture and early buildings including a Japanese covered bridge, and colourful marketplace. Perhaps treat yourself to an optional cooking class or a visit to a vegetable village. B

Transfer to Danang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (90 minutes). Upon arrival enjoy lunch at a KOTO International training restaurant – a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping young people. Afterwards visit the moving War Remnant Museum, Chinatown (Cholon) and Bing Tay Market (time permitting).

Stay three nights at the 4-star Eden Star Hotel (4Q) in Ho Chi Minh City. Facilities at this centrally located hotel include a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool Each of the 128 air-conditioned bedrooms are equipped with a telephone, television, tea and coffee-making facilities, safe and hairdryer. B, L, D

Travel into the Mekong Delta and to My Tho city. From here a boat trip will reveal fish farms and floating markets. You’ll also travel the Xep canal from where you can watch local craftsmen. After enjoying some traditional music, see the village from a different perspective as a horse and cart ride takes you into an orchard. Your visit concludes with a rowing boat journey to an islet where you can enjoy lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. B, L

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, a performance at the Opera House, or street food by vintage Vespa. B, L

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia (one hour).

Transfer to the 4-star Lotus Blanc Hotel (4Q) where you’ll stay for three nights. Facilities at the resort include a restaurant, bar, pool, spa and fitness centre. Each of the air-conditioned rooms has a television, telephone, safe, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. B

Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South East Asia’s most important archaeological sites.

See the Ta Prohm temple, whose building started in the 12th century and where the jungle that once engulfed it is now kept at bay. Afterwards visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom by tuk tuk. Angkor Thom, together with Angkor Wat, forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor. Next, continue to the 12th century Bayon Temple with its extraordinary reliefs and 54 towers. After lunch a visit to Angkor Wat awaits – a vast temple complex constructed in the 12th century, which you will be able to admire as the sun sets.

This evening look forward to a Khmer meal with an Apsara dance show at a local restaurant. B, D

Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake – a vast freshwater lake and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – and visit the ‘floating’ village of Chong Kneas, an artisan centre and market. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel or perhaps revisit the Angkor temples (extra charge will apply). B, D

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

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