Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia VMG21

Overview

Explore the fascinating intertwined countries of Vietnam and Cambodia, from the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the ancient kingdom of Cambodia, to the spectacular natural beauty and unmistakable outline of Halong Bay and the waterways of the Mekong Delta.

Highlights

• Discover iconic Halong Bay, an extraordinary collection of limestone karst rock formations and islands where we take an overnight cruise
• Visit a Water Puppet Theatre, where we are treated to a performance of this traditional Vietnamese art form
• Enjoy a talk with a local expert about the history of Vietnam’s railways
• Explore the cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phnom Penh on guided tours, taking in some of their main attractions
• Discover the history of the Vietnam War at the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels where the Viet Cong soldiers lived for days
• Immerse yourself in the beauty of the ancient temples of Angkor Wat

Itinerary

Days 1-2 – London and Hanoi

Meet your Tour Manager and group at London Heathrow for our overnight flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, arriving on Day 2. In the afternoon we begin our sightseeing tour of the city with a cyclo (pedal powered tuk-tuk) ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. We return to the hotel for dinner this evening.

Day 3 – Cruise on Halong Bay

We continue exploring Hanoi before transferring to iconic Halong Bay. An extraordinary collection of limestone karst rock formations and islands dotted amongst emerald waters, this area of outstanding natural beauty is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here we begin one of the highlights of the holiday as we board our luxury junk for an overnight cruise. We travel through the incredibly scenic bay, enjoying lunch and dinner on board as we sail.

Days 4-5 – Hue

We visit one of the bay’s limestone grottos, as well as Cua Van floating village before we return to shore. Later, we visit a Water Puppet Theatre, and enjoy a performance of this Vietnamese art form. Tonight we join the overnight sleeper service to Hue.

On Day 5 our early arrival in Hue gives us a full day to explore and we cruise along the ‘Perfume River’ to the 7-storied Thien Mu Pagoda.

Day 6 – To Hoi An

After a morning visit to Dong Ba market, we travel south by train from Hue to Danang on one of the most beautiful stretches of line in Vietnam. We wind our way through the thick, verdant landscapes emerging onto a dramatic coastline where the steep mountains tumble down to the pristine beaches fringing the South China Sea. We explore the Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang, home to artefacts made by the indigenous Cham people of Southeast Asia, and see the stunning Marble Mountains before transferring to our hotel in Hoi An.

Day 7 – Exploring Hoi An

The charming riverside town of Hoi An is famed for its traditional buildings and history as a merchant trading post. This morning we discover the Old Town on a walking tour, seeing the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge, Tan Ky merchant house, and the vibrant local market. After lunch, we venture to a lantern making workshop where we enjoy creating our own traditional lanterns.

Days 8-9 – Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City

Leaving Hoi An, we transfer by coach to Da Nang for the train to the vibrant coastal resort of Nha Trang, passing rice paddies and mighty oxen working the countryside as we travel. We check into our hotel located on the beachfront.

On Day 9, we make a daytime journey by rail to Ho Chi Minh City – also known by its former name, Saigon. Modern and professional, this is an exciting city with a huge zeal for life. We stay here for 2 nights.

Days 10 – The Cu Chi tunnels

We travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels – a vast underground complex utilised by the Viet Cong during the war against the US. At its height, this system stretched almost 155 miles towards the Cambodian border and contained field hospitals, weapons factories, kitchens and living quarters. This afternoon, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City, taking in the Central Post Office and Reunification Square. This evening we enjoy a talk by a local expert about the history of Vietnam’s railways.

Days 11-12 – The Mekong Delta

We travel west by coach to the Mekong Delta, a wonder of nature where the enormous Mekong River splits into branches on its way to the South China Sea. We travel by boat to get a glimpse of the communities which make their living here, and stop at the floating market of Cai Be, before crossing a lower branch of the Mekong River. Later we reach Can Tho, and stay here for two nights on the Mekong’s banks. Day 12 you have the full day at leisure to explore Can Tho.

Days 13-14 – Into Cambodia and Phnom Penh

This morning we visit Cai Rang, one of the world’s largest floating markets. After time to purchase some of the goods on offer, we transfer to Cao Lanh for our onwards boat journey through the Mekong Delta and into Cambodia. We arrive in Phnom Penh, the country’s exciting capital, known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’ and the meeting point for 3 great rivers – the Mekong, the Tonle Sap and the Bassac.

On Day 14, we explore Phnom Penh. Our full-day tour introduces us to some of the city’s main sights, including the Silver Pagoda, the grand Royal Palace, the National Museum and the Central Market.

Days 15-16 – Siem Reap, Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom

We journey by road to Siem Reap today, pausing en-route at the Skuon Market, where you may like to sample some traditional Cambodian snacks before lunch at a local restaurant.

On Day 15 we visit the world-famous Angkor Wat temple city, a source of true national pride and the world’s largest religious structure. We continue by tuk-tuk to the abandoned city of Angkor Thom.

Days 17-18 – Siem Reap and London

We enjoy a final visit to some of Cambodia’s most beautiful temples today, ahead of lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to London Heathrow. Flying via Ho Chi Minh City, we arrive on Day 18.