Grand Tour of Indochina

Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam's most evocative city.

Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam's most evocative city.

Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam's most evocative city.

Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam's most evocative city.

Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam's most evocative city.

This morning, contemplate the horrors of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to Saigon. The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but it is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. Visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace and the chilling War Remnants Museum.

Pop down to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the Mekong. Paddle through the maze of palm lined canals and get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta. Lunch on typically Mekong fare. Return to Saigon.

Spend a day at leisure to explore and unwind in this atmospheric and traditional town. The streets here are a delight to wander.

Fly to Hanoi. Vietnam's capital brings all the charms of the past with a modern buzz in one fast-paced yet refined city. Take a tour of the city.

Head southwest from Hanoi to Mai Chau, one of Vietnam's better-kept secrets. This area is visually very similar to the more famous Sapa region, but with lighter walking and fewer crowds.

Drive higher into the mountains to visit the H'mong hill tribe village of Sa Linh, and enjoy a gentle hike to Pa Co.

Explore the rice fields and meet the White Thai community villages of Pom Coong and Lac with their traditional stilt houses. This afternoon, drive back to Hanoi for the night.

Visit Hanoi's Ho Chi Minh Quarter, the Stilt House and One Pillar Pagoda. Fly to Luang Prabang.

Rise early to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat. Ascend Phousi Hill for city views and visit Wat Xieng Thong. Take to the waters of the Mekong to visit the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for the hundreds of miniature Buddhist sculptures that reside within.

This morning visit the National Museum. Marvel at the cascading turquoise waters of the enchanting Kuang Si Waterfalls before returning to Luang Prabang via Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre.

Fly to Vientiane and travel to Vang Vieng, a town beautifully set in a spectacular karst landscape.

Venture into the Tham Chang cave before wandering through the dramatic limestone karst countryside beside the Nam Song River.

Travel back to Vientiane to visit Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa, and the Patuxai Victory Monument. Enjoy dinner with a traditional Laos music and dance performance.

Fly to Phnom Penh, a city of airy boulevards and colonial villas. Today's visits include the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Later on admire the artefacts of the lovely National Museum.

Visit the children of the Apsara Arts Association and the harrowing Tuol Sleng Museum, later exploring the Russian and Central markets.

Ascend to the hilltop Wat Phnom before transferring to the airport to fly to Siem Reap. Visit the captivating Banteay Srei, before taking a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems.

The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex includes over 1,000 temples. Begin at atmospheric Ta Prohm, continuing to Angkor Thom and passing through the South Gate to reach the enigmatic Bayon. This afternoon is dedicated to the indescribable Angkor Wat. This evening enjoy a rollicking performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus.

High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Visit Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Enjoy a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Kleng. Return to Siem Reap via Artisan D'Angkor. This evening sit down to dinner and an Apsara dance show. Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) Head to Beng Mealea to explore this mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Drop by Artisan D'Angkor after visiting the floating village of Chong Kneas. This evening sit down to dinner and an Apsara dance show.