Full Itinerary

Day 1: UK Airport / Siem Reap

Depart on a choice of overnight flights to Siem Reap.

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Day 2: Arrive Siem Reap

On arrival you’ll be met by your private guide and transferred to your choice of hotel for 3 nights.

Extra...One evening we would recommend that you visit the circus that performs nightly in the centre of town. It’s organised by the NGO Phare and aims to assist poor and handicapped children gain education and livelihoods. The circus mixes traditional acts with theatre, music, dance and acrobatics. More than a show, it's a joyful celebration of Cambodian culture. We can arrange tickets.

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Day 3: Siem Reap - Private Guided Angkor Temples Tour (B / L)

This morning your private guide will pick you up for a private guided tour of the iconic Angkor Archaeological Park. Start off at Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. Highlights include the magnificent Bayon, one of the most recognisable sites because of the 54 towers adorned with 216 enigmatically smiling stone faces, the Terrace of Elephants, a giant viewing stand for public ceremonies and the Terrace of Leper Kings, whose walls boast beautifully carved nagas, demons and other mythological beings. In the low morning sun the carvings really stand out and as you stand on the Terrace of Elephants you get a great view across a parkland scene interspersed with giant trees protected in the National Park. 

Then move onto the temple of Ta Phrom, jungle covered and pretty much left as originally found by European explorers to create a mystical atmosphere.

Back to Siem Reap (15 minutes away) for lunch and a rest in the hot midday. This afternoon return to explore Angkor Wat, the most famous and best preserved of all the Angkor temples. You’ll have time for a thorough exploration before climbing to the top of Pre Rup temple to watch the sunset over the jungle. Back to the hotel by early evening.

Extra…The great thing about having your own specialist guide is that the itinerary can be tailored to you and be adapted on the ground to take advantage of local knowledge and keep ahead of the crowds. Angkor represents the universe in miniature and you could spend weeks touring round the thousand or so temples, so on this tour we focus on the highlights, but we can easily extend your stay.

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Day 4: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake Stilted Villages & Angkor Temples Tour ( B / L)

This morning you’ll be collected by your guide and transferred 45 minutes through the Cambodia countryside to Tonle Sap Lake where you board a longtail boat to explore the lake and visit Kompong Phluk, an isolated community of three villages built on stilts.

These scenic villages are flooded for around half the year and you will board a local boat, rowed by a villager, to explore the local community. You will also be taken through the flooded mangrove forests that are the main building block of this valuable ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife.

Lunch will be back in Siem Reap, then you head beack to Angkor Park to visit Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre temples. Built using stone with a delicate pinky hue it has some of the most intricate and best-preserved carvings in Angkor. These exquisite examples of Khmer history are a bit off the beaten track with fewer visitors and so all the more enjoyable to explore. The half hour ride also offers an insight into everyday life as you pass through villages. Look out for sugar palm kilns, scarecrows that keep evil spirits at bay and paddy fields that carpet the land. Back in Siem Reap mid-afternoon.

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Day 5: Fly Siem Reap (B) / Hanoi

Morning free, then airport transfer and flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. On arrival met by your private guide and transferred to the city centre where you check in to your choice of hotel for 2 nights. Hanoi offers the chance to enjoy authentic old school Far East. The hotel is in the centre and we’d recommend that you take a walk through the Old Quarter. Don’t be put off by the thousands of motor scooters, just dive in.

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Day 6: Hanoi - City Tour (B / L)

After breakfast you’ll be collected for a small group full day city tour. The day kicks off at Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum where you join thousands of Vietnamese as they pay their respects filing past in solemn silence. The complex is also home to his former stilt-house, Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. From here you walk a short distance to the archaeological site of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. The Citadel was built in the 11th century by the Ly Viet Dynasty and was the centre of regional political power for almost 13 centuries without interruption. Its history will be explained as you explore the site. After this, break for lunch in a lovely local restaurant.

The afternoon starts at the Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university. Originally built as a temple dedicated to Confucius, it became the site of Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070. Then you’re off to Hanoi’s Old Quarter where you’ll visit Long Bien Bridge that was built between 1899 - 1902, whilst under French occupancy. Your guide will take you across to the other side where you can see how close Hanoi is to countryside life. Back in the Old Quarter enjoy an hour’s exploration aboard a cyclo (Vietnamese cycle rickshaw). Also known as the 36 streets, this bustling warren of narrow streets is home to thousands of small businesses, including galleries, craft shops and restaurants. End your day with a Vietnamese coffee in a local café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Here you can spend some quality time with your guide and ask him questions about all the sights you have seen throughout the day. You will return to your hotel at 4.30pm.

Extra...If you'd rather enjoy a more informal City Tour we'd recommend a cycle tour that takes you round the city then out to the countryside or perhaps a Street Eats & Market tour that concentrates more on Hanoi's wonderful food & drink.

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Day 7: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B / L / D)

This morning you’ll be transferred by minibus to Halong Bay (3.5/4 hours). Meet the crew and board the traditional wooden junk for 1 night, then relax and enjoy lunch while the boat heads toward the secluded islands. Visit ancient limestone caves and go sea kayaking and swimming (weather permitting). Return to the junk refreshed & invigorated to relax on deck with a drink watching the sunset and enjoy a seafood dinner under the stars.

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Day 8: Halong Bay (B / L) - Fly Hanoi  / Hue

Enjoy breakfast as you continue to cruise through Bai Tu Long and visit the floating fishing village of Vong Vieng to learn more about daily life living on the bay. Cruise back to the dock whilst enjoying a light lunch for return drive to the city and onward flight to Hue. On arrival met and transferred to your hotel of choice for 2 nights. The afternoon is free.

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Day 9: Hue - Citadel, Tien Mu Pagoda & Perfume River Private Tour  (B / L)

This morning your private guide will collect you for the tour to the Imperial Citadel, a
UNESCO World Heritage site. Straddling the Perfume River, this was the Nguyen capital, the last dynasty in Vietnam. It dominates Hue and its moated walls protect the forbidden Purple City, the former home of the royal family that’s modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. Take your time wandering through the fascinating tombs, temples and museums and past pagodas, lakes and pavilions. As you walk around you’ll also see the scars still visible from the Citadel’s prominent role during the Tet Offensive. You may also have time to visit the Minh Mang tomb, perhaps the most majestic of all Hue’s elaborate Nguyen mausoleums that are scattered around the countryside.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant, then move on to Hue’s best-known religious site, the Thien Mu Pagoda. Built on a hill between the river and pine forest the distinctive seven-tiered octagonal tower is the focal point of the complex and is one of the oldest and most attractive in the country. Continue through the working monastic complex to a beautifully kept garden and cemetery at the base of the Truong Son Mountains. Back at the hotel late afternoon. This evening perhaps take a walk through the small night market that runs through the town.

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Day 10: Hue (B) to Hoi An by car

This morning your guide will pick you up for the private car transfer to Hoi An via the dramatic Hai Van Pass, with plenty of time to stop and take some pictures looking down along the dramatic coastline. On arrival check in to your choice of hotel for 2 nights.

Extra….Hoi An is also blessed with superb beaches and so you can choose to stay on the beach and in the town, depending on where you'd like to spend most of your time If you’re here from Match to September the weather should be perfect to enjoy the beach, why not extend for a few days?

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Day 11: Hoi An (B) - Private Guided Walking Tour of Old Town

This morning your private guide will collect you for a private walking tour of Hoi An’s Old Town. Beautifully preserved and car free, you can leisurely explore the historic streets, watching local artisans at work with silk, ceramics, paint and wood. Hoi An is famous for its tailoring heritage and is a popular place to have a little something run up.

Historical highlights include the Chua Ong Pagoda dating back to 1653, the Jinshang Temple that is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors, Tam Ky House a 200 year old ancestral house and the 17th century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen and is a major landmark of Hoi An. The historic streets also house some beautifully atmospheric restaurants and this evening we recommend that you come back for dinner, when the town is lit by lantern light.

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Day 12: Fly Hoi An (B) / Saigon

Private airport transfer and short flight south to Saigon. On arrival you will be met and transferred into the city centre where you check-in to your choice of hotel for 3 nights. The rest of the day is yours to get a first taste of this vibrant city.

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Day 13: Saigon - Private guided Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon City Tour (B / L)

Early departure to escape city traffic and get ahead of the crowds on a half day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, legendary remnants of the Vietnam War that offer an evocative insight into the horrors that were faced by those involved. During the guided tour it’s possible to descend into the layers of tunnels that although widened, still create a feeling of creeping claustrophobia. Few other places encapsulate the sheer will-power that the American military was up against - and the lengths that the Viet Cong were prepared to go to in order to evict them.

Back to the city for lunch in a local restaurant and then rejoin your private guide for an afternoon city tour Highlights include the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post Office & Opera House, Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. Back at the hotel late afternoon. Your guide would be happy to make dinner arrangements.

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Day 14: Saigon - Mekong Delta Tour & Overnight Stay (B / L)

This morning you’ll be picked up by your private guide for the drive south to the Mekong Delta. Stop en route to visit the Cai Be floating market and some of the varied traditional cottage industries that dot this region. Then board a small boat to explore some of the small canals that spider web the delta and enjoy a delicious lunch in an orchard restaurant. After lunch enjoy a short walk along the banks of one of the canals and then drive onto Can Tho and check-in to the Victoria Can Tho Resort for 1 night, a beautiful colonial hotel on the banks of the river.

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Day 15: Can Tho (B) - Floating Market - flight to beaches of Phu Quoc or Con Dao 

Up early this morning and board a small boat with your guide for 1 hour to cruise through the Cai Rang floating market. Cai Rang is a shop floor for hundreds of small boats loaded down with local produce, darting around until everything is sold. Start the day with a local coffee or perhaps a piece of fresh pineapple. Back to the hotel for breakfast and then airport transfer and flight over to either Phu Quoc island or Con Dao island. On arrival met and transferred to your choice of hotel for 3 nights or more.

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Days 16-17: Phu Quoc / Con Dao (B) - Beach Days

2 days to enjoy your beachside setting and explore these either of these idyllic islands. There are a range of options you can book locally including diving, snorkelling and fishing. You can perhaps rent a car & driver to explore the lush interior, fishing villages and undeveloped areas / beaches of this beautiful island.

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Day 18: Fly Phu Quoc / Con Dao (B) / Saigon / UK Airport

Morning free then airport transfer and fly home via Saigon. Arrive back in UK the following morning. If travelling back from Con Dao you may need to overnight in Saigon.

 

Inclusions

What's Included

Each featured itinerary is really a starting point from which to create your ideal holiday.

We can include as much or as little as you like, mix and match hotels, excursions and experiences, add extra nights and change the destinations you'd like to visit.

The common thread is that each is a privately guided holiday, allowing you to travel where and when you want, with your own private transport and dedicated guide.

General Inclusions:

• Return scheduled international flights (optional if you would like to arrange your own)
• English speaking, local guide & driver
• Choice of hotel accommodation
• Transport in private air-conditioned vehicles
• Domestic flights detailed in itinerary
• Admission fees to all attractions, temples and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
• All meals as detailed (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)

General Exclusions:

• Entry visas (if applicable)
• Optional Tours / Excursions
• Any meals not listed in the itinerary
• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips for Guides / Drivers (discretionary)
• Travel insurance
• Any camera or video fees charged at sites

Where You'll Stay

 Hotels

The hotels below are there as examples, designed to act as a starting point from which to create your holiday. There are plenty of alternatives to choose from and when we quote we will include other suggestions so we get to understand your likes and dislikes. Quite often clients mix and match hotel categories throughout their holiday.

Cambodia

Hotels in Siem Reap As the main gateway to the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap offers a great range of hotel accommodation. Browse our suggestions for Siem Reap Hotels here

Vietnam

Hotels in Hanoi The bustling but elegant city of Hanoi understandably provides a wealth of hotel choice.   Browse our suggestions for Hanoi Hotels here

Halong Bay Cruise Boats An overnight cruise on Halong Bay is often seen as an essential part of a Vietnam holiday Browse our suggestions for Halong Bay cruise boats here

Hotels in Hoi An Hoi An is a stunningly atmospheric UNESCO town and we know all the great places to stay Browse our suggestions for Hoi An Hotels here

Hotels in Hue Historic Hue is an ancient citadel but with a great selection of high quality accommodation Browse our suggestions for Hue Hotels here

Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) A mix of grand colonial buildings and modern luxuries make Saigon a fantastic place to stay Browse our suggestions for Saigon Hotels here

Hotels in Phu Quoc Relax in style on the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc Island Browse our suggestions for Phu Quoc hotels here

Hotels on Con Dao Island Escape the crowds - Con Dao is Vietnam's up and coming beach destination Browse our suggestions for Con Dao hotels here

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