Your Itinerary
Welcome to Hanoi and Vietnam, a country full of breathtaking scenery and enchanting culture offering a unique blend of East and West. Hanoi may certainly be a bustling city, but it still retains the mystery and charm of the past centuries and French colonial influence, with its narrow lanes and traditional shop houses that invite one to explore. Its many beautiful public areas, lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments give the city a touch of elegance and a harmony with nature.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5.00pm.
We’ll meet tonight to enjoy our group welcome dinner in the Old Quarter.
We’ll discover another side of Hanoi during a half day tour in Long Thuong Village, home to a community of bronze casters since the 13th century. Explore the village and observe how the families create a range of products, including incense-burners and flower vases.
Walking alongside fields of rice paddies, we’ll reach the nearby 200-year-old Nom Village. Exploring the narrow brick roads, we’ll see the antique houses and enjoy a cup of tea with a local villager. Learn about the local life and the traditions that define this community.
Later this afternoon, we’ll be met at our hotel by a chef from the Rose Kitchen, who will guide us through the local markets, teaching us along the way about Vietnamese cooking before a special cooking class, where we get to savour what we create!
We’ll have an early start this morning to discover Hanoi as the city awakens, a great way to see how the locals begin their day. Our tour begins at the photogenic flower market and moves onto the Old Quarter—a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses, also known as 'The 36 Streets'. Each street has been named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics and crafts to medicines and tombstones. This is also a great time of day for us to stroll along the majestic Hoan Kiem Lake as it stirs to life—a favourite spot among locals to practise Tai Chi in the tranquil half-light. We can just watch these practitioners or join in ourselves. Breakfast today includes a traditional Vietnamese ‘banh mi’, followed by a visit to a local coffee shop.
Witnessing some of the unique highlights of the city, our orientation tour will include Long Bien Bridge, St Joseph’s Church and the grand Hanoi Opera House. Continuing on, we’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex comprising of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only), the beautiful Presidential Palace (outside only) and Ho Chi Minh’s neighbouring traditional Stilt House, where the former Prime Minister lived from 1954 to 1969. We’ll also see the One Pillar Pagoda before heading to the Imperial Citadel & Flag Tower, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010.
After lunch, we resume our tour at Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, which is also host to the ‘Imperial Academy’. Gain a fascinating insight into the lifestyle and customs of Vietnamese woman at the Women’s’ Museum, before exploring the Tran Quoc and Ngoc Son Temples. Our final stop is the notorious Hỏa Lò Prison, nicknamed ‘Hanoi Hilton’. Formerly used by the French colonists for political prisoners, it later housed the imprisoned US pilots that were shot down during the Vietnam War, and today the remnants of the gatehouse remain as a moving museum.
Day 5 - Hanoi – Halong Bay
This morning we travel from Hanoi to breathtaking Halong Bay. Dotted with thousands of limestone islands and outcrops, the bay is known for its stunning emerald waters.
Cruise Embarkation
We’ll board our cruise vessel and enjoy lunch, while witnessing the incredible views.
After our delicious lunch, we’ll have the opportunity to explore Trung Trang Cave, known for its many stalactite formations before a refreshing swim in the emerald waters of Tra Bau – Lan Ha Bay.
Returning to the ship, we’ll enjoy some time to relax and watch the sunset on the deck before dinner.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 6 - Halong Bay – Hanoi Airport – Hue
Try your hand at Tai Chi this morning or just simply sit back, relax and watch the incredible scenery pass by from the deck as we continue cruising on the waters of Halong Bay.
We’ll enjoy a light breakfast, before we disembark our cruise and set our sights on Hue, Vietnam’s former capital and seat of the Nguyen Dynasty’s emperors. Hue is the ancient capital of the Nguyen emperors, and its atmospheric charm owes partly to its location right on the Perfume River.
This morning we’ll explore Hue during a sightseeing tour, including the bustling Dong Ba Markets and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Citadel in the old Imperial City, modelled on Beijing’s Forbidden City. It was completed in 1833 and from here the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam until 1945. Entering the citadel via a stone bridge you can see the Thai Hoa Palace, an important venue for official receptions and other important court ceremonies. The ostentatious columns supporting the roof are lacquered and inlaid with gold. There is a pair of smaller halls behind the Thai Hoa Palace used by mandarins to prepare for court ceremonies.
After lunch and some time to explore further at our own pace, our afternoon continues with a cruise by dragon boat along the tranquil waters of the Perfume River, before joining a local family for dinner.
Our day commences with a visit to the imperial tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Ruling from 1848–83, Emperor Tu Duc enjoyed the longest reign of the Nguyen dynasty. Despite having over a hundred wives and concubines, he was unable to father a son and was left to write his own epitaph, even though he believed doing so was a bad omen. His epitaph can still be found on the stele, the largest of its type in Vietnam, in the pavilion to the east of his tomb.
This afternoon we travel to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass, the geographical and psychological boundary between North and South Vietnam.
Hoi An was known as Faifo to early western traders, and it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This ancient town remains a well-preserved mix of both indigenous and foreign influences, with architecture styles pulled from Chinese, Japanese and later European, designs.
Our walking tour this morning includes a visit to the Culture and History Museum to learn more about this charming town before taking a stroll along the main street where we’ll come to the Chinese Assembly Hall of Fujien Chinese Community. This was built in 1697 as a place of worship dedicated to Thien Hau—the Goddess of the Sea. Strolling along the banks of the river we’ll come to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first built by the Japanese community in order to link the town with the Chinese quarters on the other side of the river.
Special Experience
Visit the colourful local market before taking a short cruise along the Hoi An River to the secluded Red Bridge Cooking School for an aromatic and informative cooking class.
Today is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the resort and local surrounds, or explore the old city at your own pace. An ideal town to discover by foot, why not immerse yourself in Hoi An’s history.
Optional Excursion
My Son - Travel to My Son, the former religious centre of the Champa Kingdom, a sophisticated civilisation which held sway over the region from the 2nd to the 13th centuries. The Cham religion was primarily derived from Indian Hinduism. The ruins of the five archaeological sites are located among green hills and winding streams. After a brief visit to the Visitor’s Centre for an overview of Cham history and culture, walk along the forested paths to explore the ruins. 3 ½ hours – from US $60pp (private including transfers).
Day 11 - Hoi An – Danang – Saigon
We’ll transfer to the airport today, for our flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The largest city in Vietnam, the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life is visible everywhere in Saigon. It is a city of contrasts, with towering skyscrapers standing alongside traditional markets and ancient temples and a vibrant street food scene that reflects its diverse cultural influences. The city is constantly moving, yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture.
Special Experience
Go off the beaten track to discover Saigon’s best food spots. Touring by vespa, we'll taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine as the locals do.
Day 12 - Saigon – Mekong Delta – Saigon
We explore the Ben Tre province in the Mekong region today, riding a xe lôi (a motorized bike with a cart to sit in) to the local village of Huu Dinh. Travelling along the tributaries and narrow canals in a traditional-style cruise boat, we can observe daily life along the banks. We’ll stop at a family-owned coconut processing business and a brick making factory. We’ll then ride to a local rice noodle factory before enjoying fresh fruit and tea with a local family.
After lunch at a riverside restaurant, we continue our xe lôi excursion to visit Mr Sau Toung, a former Viet Cong soldier who spent two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 13 - Saigon – Vung Tau
Our half day city tour departs from the historic Rex Hotel today, as we begin our walking discovery of some of Saigon’s most famous locations. Our first stop is the iconic Dong Khoi Street, the Municipal Theatre, Hotel de Ville and Nguyen Hue Boulevard. We’ll then head to the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office before hopping on our coach to finish our tour. Our final sights in the city centre include the impressive Presidential Palace (Re-unification Palace) with its lush gardens and secret rooms and the War Remnants Museum, a sobering reminder of the brutal effects of war on civilian populations.
Lastly, we’ll make our way to the Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon we depart for Vung Tau, which became home to the Australian Army during the Vietnam War.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
A popular seaside destination for locals, expats and tourist alike, Vung Tau is the ideal getaway to relax by the beach that surrounds the resort town on three sides.
We’ll learn more about the Vietnam War today, beginning with visits to Long Tan-Long Dat, where the first Australian Task Force was established in 1966 and the former Nui Dat Task Force. Little remains of this military base today except for the columns of the main gate. We’ll also visit the old bunkers, Kangaroo Pad, SAS Hill – Nui Dat Hill, Luscombe Air Field and the Battalions Flag Pole. Next, we’ll see the Nui Dat Kindergarten, built for children of the village by Australian veterans.
Continuing on, we’ll visit the Long Tan Cross Memorial, site of the most talked about battle of the Vietnam War for Australians and New Zealanders. We finish with a stop at the Long Phuoc Tunnels, which acted as meeting areas, first-aid stations and fighting pits during the war.
Day 15 - Vung Tau – Saigon
Today we return to Saigon, where your day is free to explore more of this lively city, or simply unwind at our hotel.
Later, we’ll take in the city skyline as we relax with a sundowner atop a rooftop bar, before our group dinner, where we’ll bid farewell to beautiful Vietnam.
Day 16 - Saigon – Phnom Penh
Today we will fly to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’ and considered one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina during the 1920s.
Our afternoon is spent exploring Phnom Penh by rickshaw. Our sightseeing includes the Royal Palace (still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoi), the Silver Pagoda, and the elegant National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer Art.
Tonight we’ll enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.
This morning we visit the poignant Killing Fields, located just outside of Phnom Penh. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek provide a stark reminder of the atrocities committed under the Pol Pot regime, when thousands of people were killed between 1975 and 1978 and buried in mass graves. Today it is possible to see the fields and visit the Memorial Stupa containing 8,000 human skulls, all victims of the Khmer Rouge.
On our way back to Phnom Penh we visit Tuol Sleng, the former high school and site of the notorious Security Prison 21, converted by the Khmer Rouge during their rise to power where an estimated 17,000 people were imprisoned. This visit is very moving and can be quite confronting, as it has now become the Cambodia Genocide Museum.
This afternoon is ours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 18 - Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
Today we make our way to Siem Reap, known as the gateway to Angkor Wat. Surrounded by rice paddies, the area is dotted with millennium-old temple ruins from the Khmer Empire, the most famous of which is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat, which we will be exploring in detail in a few days.
En route, we’ll stop in Skuon to visit the renowned Spider Market. Regarded as a delicacy in Cambodia, spiders are the main attraction of this curious market. Fancy sampling a fried tarantula? This is your place to do it! We continue on to Kampong Thom, visiting a local stone mason before some free time for lunch.
Departing for Siem Reap, we’ll marvel at the Naga Bridge in Kampong Kdei. Also known as the Dragon Bridge or Spean Praptos, this bridge is said to be the oldest laterite bridge in southeast Asia. The Naga Bridge is so famous that it’s even printed on Cambodia’s currency – keep your eyes peeled for the 5000 riel.
This evening we travel to this evening’s welcome dinner by remork, a popular mode of transportation in Siem Reap similar to a tuk-tuk.
Our introduction to Siem Reap’s sights begins with a visit to the fortified city of Angkor Thom. This dramatic structure covers an area of 10 square kilometres. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, it includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. We enter by the monumental south gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga (snake-like creature).
Our first stop is the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Formerly spaces for public ceremonies, both are adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. We visit the ruined Baphuon Temple and Phimeanakas Temple before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, we explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary. Here we will find the famous giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at us from every angle.
In the afternoon we make our way to Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia. During the monsoon season the lake swells to four times its normal size, so it’s important for the locals that live on the banks and surrounds to build their houses on stilts. Here we’ll board a boat and take a ride along the canal of the lake, giving us an opportunity to see how the locals live in their colourful stilt houses. Watch children playing on the banks while fishermen wade in the shallows with nets and traps. As we reach the mouth of the canal and lake the stilt houses end, and boats are transformed into houses to make up the floating villages.
Optional Excursion
Phare Circus – Experience the famous Phare Circus, a captivating blend of Cambodian tradition and modernity. Through using theatre, music, dance, and circus acts, immerse yourself in a vibrant narrative that tells of a traditional Cambodian story weaving historical, modern and folk elements. Brace yourself for a high-energy performance that will leave you mesermised from start to finish. 1 ¾ hours – from US $44pp (private including transfers).
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Special Experience
Take part in a Khmer cooking class, first stopping at a local market for a glimpse of the life of rural farmers before preparing and eating some of the best-known Khmer dishes for lunch.
This afternoon, we'll take an excursion to the popular Ta Keo, built by Jayavarman V, who ruled from 968 to 1001. We’ll see Ta Prohm which is famous for being featured in the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider series, and because much of the jungle surrounding it has not been cleared. We'll also explore the Banteay Srei and Kdei Temples before visiting Preah Khan, a temple built by King Jayavaram VII with towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors set in the jungle.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Special Experience
An early start to witness the breathtaking views, shadows and reflections of Angkor Wat at sunrise.
The national symbol and highlight of any visit to Cambodia, Angkor Wat is the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture. Built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, Angkor Wat was later transformed into a Buddhist temple and became the center of the Khmer Empire. As the largest, best preserved and most religiously significant of all the Angkor temples, Angkor Wat impresses visitors with its sheer scale, beautifully proportioned layout and the delicate artistry of its carvings.
Before leaving Angkor Wat, we’ll visit a local pagoda and experience a traditional monk blessing. A sacred ritual performed in pagodas across Cambodia, these blessings are said to bring luck and promote cleansing. This memorable experience will give you insight into Cambodia’s century-old traditions.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 22 - Depart Siem Reap
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!
Day 23 - Arrive Australia
Day 23 - Arrive Australia
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