Invitation to Vietnam & the Temples of Angkor

Today you will fly to Hanoi

On arrival in Vietnam's capital, we'll transfer you to your hotel. A two-night stay will give you plenty of time to get to know the city. Tonight you will experience a welcome dinner like no other at the Koto Restaurant, a social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged children. KOTO has trained over 700 students in Hanoi and Saigon, with 200 of them currently enrolled. Enjoy the aroma and flavours of Vietnamese and South-East Asian specialties, and try a selection of traditional dishes before sitting down for a three course meal.

Your sightseeing in Hanoi begins at the mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh, the president who was known as 'Uncle Ho', lies in state guarded by silent sentries. We'll then head to the Temple of Literature, a collection of courtyards, gardens and pavilions built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius.
After a busy morning we'll be ready for lunch, which is served at a restaurant specialising in traditional Hanoi delicacies. Then this afternoon, you'll see even more when we head to the Ancient Quarter and board a trishaw – a traditional bicycle rickshaw. Sit back, relax and take in the sights as your driver navigates the bustling streets. After a short stop for a Vietnamese coffee, we'll continue on foot to Kim Ngan temple, considered to be one of the oldest in the area.
You've a traditional experience to look forward to next – a water puppet show. After the performance our group will enjoy backstage access before we return to the hotel.

The beauty of Halong Bay cannot be underestimated, and after a lovely drive through green paddy fields we'll reach this UNESCO-listed site. You've the option to view the bay on a seaplane flight before heading to your unique overnight accommodation. We'll cruise through the dramatic limestone peaks that rise from the water and you'll be able to watch the sun set over the bay, before enjoying dinner on board.

You'll wake up to the beautiful surroundings of Halong Bay and watch the sun rise as coffee, tea and cookies are served on board. The rest of your morning is spent enjoying this unique destination, and may include activities such as kayaking and swimming, or visits to local markets and caves. Later we will disembark the ship, make our way to the airport and fly to Hue.

A full day in Hue means you'll get a real flavour of Vietnam's former capital. We'll start with a relaxing cruise along the Perfume River, which takes us to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Then, after a little time to look around, we'll continue to the citadel, the ancient seat of royal power. We'll explore the former Imperial Palace and learn more about the area's intriguing architecture, which was inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City. By now you'll probably be ready for some lunch, so we'll stop to enjoy a vegetarian meal. Later we'll visit the imposing tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, located in a beautiful setting surrounded by gardens and lakes.

Driving over the Hai Van Pass, possibly the most scenic of coastal road in Vietnam, our journey today takes us south to Hoi An. You'll be enchanted by this ancient riverside town, and after lunch we'll take a tour. Highlights include the Japanese Covered Bridge and a cruise on the Thu Bon River.

Today you will visit a local community project, many of which support street kids and disadvantaged young people by providing them with training for a career in the hospitality industry. You'll meet some of the students, learn about different types of local cuisine and then possibly have a go at making some yourself. Afterwards, some delicious food made with local ingredients will be served.

Today we're flying to Siem Reap in neighbouring Cambodia where we’ll stay for two nights. But first we will find out more about the beautiful silk lanterns of Hoi An, one of the most iconic and colourful sights of Vietnam. Today drive out of town and visit a small workshop to discover how they are produced. During this experience, you can learn the tricks of the trade and see the way silk and bamboo are expertly combined, then try your hand at the process. Choose from a range of patterns and silks to create a unique reminder of your time in Hoi An. We then visit Tra Que Vegetable Village to enjoy a light lunch with vegetables from the village and local delicacies including ”tam huu” roll, 'banh xeo' (local pancake of people in the Central Vietnam region).

We start the day with a visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom. Our explorations uncover the Bayon, where hundreds of smiling faces decorate the towers and Phimeanakas. We’ll also take in the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings before driving to Ta Prohm, a temple which has been left to the clutches of the jungle. We’ll also visit the world’s largest religious monument – the magnificent Angkor Wat. During your visit to Angkor Wat Temple, you will have the opportunity to experience a memorable activity: receiving a blessing from a Buddhist monk. Finally we’ll climb to the top of Bakheng Mountain and enjoy fabulous views of the jungle.

This morning we will travel to Banteay Srei temple, considered the jewel in the crown of all the Angkor temples. This small delicately carved pink sandstone temple is also known as the Citadel of Women. The temple has hundreds of small, intricate figures and deities, cut into the walls and lintels that depict scenes from Hindu stories. Three rectangular enclosures make up the temple with the inner buildings comprising of a sanctuary and two libraries.
Next, drive the short distance to Banteay Samre. The temples name is derived from the Samre people who live to the east of the baray.
We also visit the village of Chansar, which is supported by our Travelsphere Cares project. We’ll enjoy a walking tour of the village and visit the home of a Khmer family where we will enjoy a local lunch. Later fly to Ho Chi Minh City.

You're going to spend this morning discovering the Cu Chi Tunnels. This incredible network of underground passages was first constructed in the late 1940s by the peasant army fighting the French. They were later extended by the Viet Cong rebels, and you'll get the chance to head inside to explore. When we return to Ho Chi Minh City, we will enjoy a city tour. This evening we'll enjoy a cruise along the Saigon River and dinner will be served on board.

This morning you have free time to make your final explorations, before we transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

You'll arrive in the UK today.