The Best of Vietnam & Cambodia

Wednesday 22 May

Depart Auckland on Singapore Airlines with a late evening arrival in Singapore.  Overnight at the Airport Hotel.

Thursday 23 May

A morning flight to Siem Reap. After lunch at a local restaurant, we take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake (Asia’s largest inland lake) to see the way of life of the lake-dwelling people - an unexpected highlight. Welcome Dinner tonight. 

Friday 24 May

A special sunrise tour of Angkor Wat, the UNESCO site built in the 12th century and last capital of the Khmer Empire. The complex looks much the same as it would have done when the French explorers came here 140 years ago – shrouded in undergrowth with huge roots of old Banyan tress growing over and down the ruins. The Southern Gate is guarded by giant carvings of gods and demons all preserved in time. Sunset paints the temple in an orange light.

Saturday 25 May

A morning transfer for a Vietnam Airways flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a two hour cyclo tour of Cho Lon – the Chinatown of Saigon founded by Chinese merchants and traders in the 17th century - an experience not to be missed.

Sunday 26 May

Our morning begins with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels constructed during the Vietnam War. This is a unique experience to feel what life was like underground for the Viet Cong during the war years as well as seeing the countryside. Lunch is followed by a city tour which features a poignant visit to the War Relics Museum, followed by the Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral.

OPTIONAL: Vespa Evening Tour

This part night excursion on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter, part street food adventure of Ho Chi Minh City allows you to experience night life the way the locals do. 

Cost: NZD$215 per person

Monday 27 May

Today travel by coach to the Mekong. Take a cruise through river islands, the busy floating market and visit local people in their homes. After lunch, travel again by boat to Can Tho with stops to see ‘cottage’ industries of candy making, rice paper production and much more. 

Tuesday 28 May

Free time to visit the famous Ben Thanh Market before our noon flight to Danang and after a brief local tour, drive to Hoi An via the Marble Mountains.  Hoi An retains the feeling of centuries past and is a real gem.  The ‘old town’ is a pedestrian and bike-only zone with a maze of shops and tailors.  An opportunity to order tailor-made clothes.

Wednesday 29 May

Optional: Cooking Class L

This morning, an option to join the Cooking Class (NZD$80) at a local restaurant, visiting a local food market along the way for ingredients. 

For those not attending the cooking class, the morning is free. This afternoon a guided walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Old Quarter and the fruit, vegetable and fish markets.  Remainder of the day free.

Thursday 30 May

Early start as we head off on our Farming and Fishing Life Eco Tour. Get a personal insight into local farming communities and their methods, before a leisurely cycle tour and a river cruise. Lunch on board using vegetables picked earlier at Tra Que Village. After lunch free time to wander around Hoi An and possibly collect your new tailored clothes.

Friday 31 May

Morning travel by coach along the coastal road to Hue known as the Imperial city and a former Vietnamese capital. Tour the walled citadel where former dynasties ruled and the most unique Garden House in Hue.  Enjoy a special cuisine dinner at a garden house.  

Saturday 01 June

After breakfast, board a dragon boat for a cruise along the famous Perfume River to the countryside. Later transfer to the airport for a flight to the French colonial city of Hanoi for a two-night stay.

Sunday 02 June

Our city tour includes the Ho Chi Minh complex, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, his former stilt-house, the Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda. After lunch, visit the Museum of Ethnology and the infamous Hoa Loa Prison Museum also known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton.’ Later enjoy a one hour cyclo tour of the French inspired ‘Old Quarter.’Dinner tonight in a local restaurant. 

Monday 03 June

This morning drive to the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’ – Halong Bay.  Board your boat and set sail while lunch is served.  Cruise among thousands of limestone Karst formations and understand why this area is now one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of Nature.’ Enjoy time on one of the islands, visiting the famous Bõ Nãu caves and a cooking demonstration before a wonderful seafood dinner.

Tuesday 04 June

Enjoy breakfast on board and the morning cruise before the drive back to Hanoi.  Hanoi’s history dates back a thousand years, but the French European influence is clearly seen in the elegant colonial buildings and tree-lined boulevards which contrast with the Old Quarter. Free time before dinner. 

Wednesday 05 June

A day in the countryside exploring at leisure, two traditional villages around Hanoi featuring workshops, paintings and music. Return to the city for lunch with the rest of the afternoon free before freshening up for dinner, before the boarding the overnight ‘Fansipan’ train at 8.30pm.  Tonight’s journey is in a sleeper train with two people per four berth cabin. 

Thursday 06 June

Arrive early at Lao Cai Station, only three kms from the Chinese border. After breakfast visit Cat village and continue through rice paddy terraced fields and areas of rain forest to the Y Linh Ho village inhabited by Black Hmong people. Arrive Sapa early afternoon with free time before dinner.

Friday 07 June

This morning a short drive toward Muong Hoa valley. Observe and experience how the locals do rice planting and harvesting, one of the most important activities in their daily lives. We then take a short walk from Lao Chai village of the Black Hmong minority to Ta Van village of Giay minority. Afternoon free before dinner.

Saturday 08 June

This morning free time to wander around the town and Sapa’s market. After lunch, travel by express coach back to Hanoi. Arrive late evening.

Sunday 09 June

Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for a noon flight to Singapore.Change planes and continue on to Auckland.

Monday 10 June

Arrive Auckland early morning.

*Ask us about a stopover in Singapore