The Best of Vietnam & Cambodia

Tuesday 05 May

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

Wednesday 06 May

A morning flight to Siem Reap. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the red-pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, built in the 10th Century and considered to be a Jewel of Khmer art. Welcome Dinner tonight.

Thursday 07 May

A special 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 trees 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.

Friday 08 May

Enjoy free time to explore after breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a Vietnam Airways flight to Ho Chi Minh City. This afternoon we visit Ben Thanh market before dinner in a restaurant tonight.

Saturday 09 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 Reunification Palace, the old Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Optional - Vespa Evening Tour Cost: NZD$220 per person

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. 

Sunday 10 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, sail through a handmade canal to An Binh Island with stops to see ‘cottage’ industries of candy making, rice paper production and much more. 

Monday 11 May

After an early breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Danang. On arrival in Danang we visit Cham Museum and China Beach before arriving in Hoi An in the afternoon.

Tuesday 12 May

Optional - Cooking Class L

This morning, an option to join the Cooking Class (NZD$90) 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.

Wednesday 13 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.

Thursday 14 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 visit An Hien, one of Hue’s unique Garden Houses. Enjoy a special cuisine dinner at an Ancient House.

Friday 15 May

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.

Saturday 16 May

Our city tour includes the Ho Chi Minh complex, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, a former stilt-house, the Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda. After lunch, visit the infamous Hoa Lo 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. 

Sunday 17 May

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.’ Special dinner on board. 

Monday 18 May

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.

Tuesday 19 May

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 and our overnight ‘Fansipan’ train at 8.30pm.  Tonight’s journey is in a sleeper train with two people per four berth cabin. 

Wednesday 20 May

Arrive early at Lao Cai Station, only 3kms 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.

Thursday 21 May

This morning a short drive toward Muong Hoa valley. Observe and experience how the locals plant and harvest rice, 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.

Friday 22 May

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.

Saturday 23 May

Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for a noon flight to Singapore.

Change planes and continue on to Auckland.

Sunday 24 May

Arrive Auckland early morning.

Ask about a stopover in Singapore