Classic Vietnam and Cambodia - Independent Travel

At the zenith of the Khmer Empire, when the great temples of Angkor were constructed, Cambodian influence extended across much of southern Vietnam. Dynasties have risen and fallen over the following centuries, but the remnants of these eras stand as fascinating epitaths to the great powers who have fought for control over this beautiful part of Asia. This tour seeks out the highlights of these contrasting and often conflicting neighbours, combining both the ancient and modern, cultural and scenic in a fascinating two-week journey.

 

Starting in the heartland of the Vietnamese people, in the northern capital Hanoi, we journey south through Vietnam, seeing history unfurl through the imperial and colonial eras, and into the dark days of more recent history. Enjoy the scenic splendour of Halong Bay on an overnight cruise through the pinnacle-studded waters, and find contrast drifting along the palm-lined waterways of the tropical Mekong Delta. 

 

The ancient port of Hoi An in Central Vietnam was once amongst the largest in Asia, welcoming traders and absorbing influences from across the globe. Today it is amongst Asia's most welcoming and atmospheric destinations - the perfect base for a few days of relaxation. Hire a bike and set off through the rice paddies to explore local villages; head to the beach or indulge in some of the country's best cuisine - the choice is yours.

 

Still known as Saigon to the locals, the economic capital of modern Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City, a metropolis brimming with energy and home to a fascinating colonial and post-colonial history. Learn more about the Vietnam War at one of the many museums or the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels before crossing the border to find a slower pace of life in neighbouring Cambodia.

 

Head first to Siem Reap, gateway to one of the world's few truly awe-inspiring sights, the jungle-clad temples of Angkor. Indulge your Indiana Jones fantasies exploring the crumbling remains of this once powerful empire, then take a final short flight to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. Once known as the Pearl of the Orient, the city is now regaining its former lustre after many years of turmoil and tragedy; providing both a poignant and uplifting conclusion to a fantastic journey. 

 

 

Day 1 Hanoi 

Your tour commences today in Vietnam's capital; the fantastic jumble of styles and influences that is modern-day Hanoi. On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport you will be met and escorted the short distance to our hotel. Your accommodation will be centrally located, allowing you to explore the surround streets, crammed with food stalls, markets and cafes.

 

Ho Chi Minh died before the conclusion of the Vietnam War, but the reverence in which he was held was such that his body was preserved and a grand mausoleum created in Hanoi to allow the Vietnamese people to pay their respects. Our exploration of the city commences here, at the complex that houses the Stalinist mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's more humble private residence. Our next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university constructed in 1070, with lovely gardens and well-preserved architecture. The afternoon is then yours to explore further at your leisure. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 3 Halong Bay 

After the excitement of the city, a cruise on UNESCO World Heritage designated Halong Bay provides a peaceful and relaxing contrast. After breakfast you drive out to Halong, where you board your comfortable cruise ship in late morning and set sail into the wonderful scenery of the bay. During the afternoon disembark to explore one of the floating fishing villages that shelter in the lee of the towering karst pinnacles that stud the bay. There is also the chance to swim or hire a kayak for some personal water-borne exploration. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 4 Hoi An 

A leisurely morning of cruising through the bay brings us back to the harbour in late morning. Drive back to nearby Haiphong in time to catch the short flight south to the Central Vietnamese city of Danang. From here a short drive down the coast brings you to the ancient trading port of Hoi An. Your hotel is located on the edge of the pedestrianised Old Town, making it an ideal spot for personal exploration. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 5 Hoi An 

The narrow, meandering streets of Hoi An's Old Town are perhaps the most appealing places in Vietnam to wander at your own pace. The many delightful riverside cafes and restaurants might appeal for a spot of people-watching, or you may fancy letting one of the tailors for which the town is famed measure you up. For those of a more active persuasion bikes can be hired to get out into the countryside. Meals included: Breakfast

 

The day is again at leisure to relax or explore the local area. You may like to arrange a half day visit to the capital and religious centre of the former Champa Kingdom, My Son. Here, 40km southwest of Hoi An, in a lush green valley, are dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th Centuries. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 7 Ho Chi Minh City 

This morning your guide will collect you from your hotel and drive you back to Danang in time for the flight onward to Ho Chi Minh City, the energetic heart of modern Vietnam. A short guided transfer brings you to your hotel, located in the heart of District One, from where the excitement of the city awaits. In the afternoon take a guided walking tour of the many sites of interest that surround your centrally located hotel, including the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Benh Thanh Market and Dong Khoi Street. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 8 Mekong Delta 

Head south from the city today into the evocative Mekong Delta. There are few more relaxing experiences than a cruise through the laid-back tropical, watery world of the delta, and you can kick-back and savour the scenery as you explore by boat, on foot and by bike. This afternoon you have the opportunity to explore the local villages, before heading to your lodge accommodation deep in the heart of the Delta. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

After breakfast you have a chance to explore one of the many floating markets in the region, where Delta locals come to trade fruit and other produce from their barges. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and wave farewell to Vietnam as you depart on the short flight over the border to Siem Reap in Cambodia. After completing customs and immigration procedures, meet your local guide and drive the short distance to town, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Head out this morning on a wonderful exploration of the Angkor sites on a leisurely bicycle ride - the perfect way to escape the crowds and make your own discoveries. First, head to the ancient city of Angkor Thom; enter the city from the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces, and cycle to the remarkable Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits, and explore the grounds of the former Royal Palace to discover some small hidden temples that are rarely visited. Later this morning visit the famous Ta Prohm temple, the atmospheric jungle-clad temple that featured in the Tomb Raider film. Take a break at midday back at your hotel. Perhaps relax with a massage or a cooling dip in the hotel swimming pool, before being met and taken to the delightful Banteay Srei, one of Angkor's best preserved and most exquisite temples. Meals included: Breakfast

 

This morning embark on an interesting boat trip on the vast Tonlé Sap Lake, South East Asia's largest freshwater lake. Board a local boat and visit Kampong Phluck, a village where you will see houses on stilts that are submerged when Tonlé Sap Lake extends during the rainy season. On the way, you will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water.Disembark for a tasty picnic lunch served in a floating house and enjoy the views as the local community goes about its daily life. Return to Siem Reap for a leisurely afternoon. Later travel by tuk tuk to the iconic Angkor Wat, built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. The image of Angkor Wat forms the centrepiece of Cambodia's national flag, such is its symbolic power. Visit during the late afternoon, when there are fewer visitors and the carvings of the beautiful Apsara dancers glow in the late sunlight. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 12 Phnom Penh 

After a leisurely day in Siem Reap your final stop is Cambodia's modern capital, Phnom Penh. The city, located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and the Tonlé Sap, was once considered amongst the most beautiful in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history it retains a colonial charm that is complemented by a growing energy and confidence. After checking in to your hotel the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Today you explore both the sombre aspects of modern history at Tuol Sleng, and the more ancient history of the city. Included is a visit to the National Museum, housing the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Your grand adventure concludes today, and your guide will take you back to Phnom Penh Airport in time for your onward flight home. Meals included: Breakfast