Cambodia & Vietnam Classic

DAY 1  DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK.

DAYs 2 & 3 PHNOM PENH   Cambodia's varied history

On arrival in Cambodia, you will be met by your guide for the transfer to your hotel.

During your stay, your guide will take you to see the main highlights of Phnom Penh an exciting and rapidly changing city. You’ll visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum and perhaps the Russian market.

The tour is flexible and tailored around you; and if you wish it can incorporate a visit to Tuol Sleng, the former detention centre of the Khmer Rouge, now a museum standing testament to their horrific crimes.  

DAYs 4 – 6 SIEM REAP   discover the temples of Angkor

You can choose whether you’d like to fly or travel by car for the relatively short journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

Siem Reap is the gateway to the genuinely magnificent Temples of Angkor, and you will have two days to explore them with your guide. You’ll visit Angkor Wat, the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom and Ta Phrom amongst other, quieter, less well-known sites. Our tours of the region are carefully timed and constructed to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

Beyond the temples, Siem Reap has some lovely restaurants to enjoy, and you’ll also have the chance to visit the unique villages on the Tonle Sap Lake. It's well worth an early start - but decide at the time; it's your holiday!

days 7 & 8 Hanoi   explore the lanes of the old quarter

It’s a short flight from Siem Reap to Hanoi where you will have time to explore the old quarter with your guide.  Highlights include Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature and a traditional water puppets performance if you wish.

DAYs  9 &10   HALONG BAY   sail through stunning scenery

You will transfer to Halong Bay by road with your guide and board your small boat (around ten cabins) for an overnight trip into the beautiful archipelago. Made up of 1969 islands, Halong Bay is famed for its picturesque ocean karst scenery. Cruise past craggy peaks and small, beach-fringed islands and visit glittering stalactite caves. Dinner is served on board where you can sit back, relax and watch the sunset behind the karst peaks of the bay.

You’ll cruise back into Halong Bay harbour the next morning; there you’ll meet your guide and transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Hue.  On arrival in Hue, onto your hotel for an evening at leisure.

 DAY 11  HUE   ancient citadels, tombs & pagodas

Today you’ll spend a full day with your guide exploring the sites of Hue. Combine a relaxing cruise on the Perfume River with some of Vietnam’s most important historical sites, including the ancient Imperial Citadel and the serene Thien Mu Pagoda. In the afternoon you will also have the chance to visit Tu Duc and Khai Dinh’s tombs.

 DAYs 12 – 14 HOI AN    charming town and beaches

From Hue, your guide and driver will take you overland to Hoi An via the Hai Van “Cloudy Pass”, a spectacular three-hour coastal drive with stunning views of the coastline of central Vietnam.

During your time in Hoi An, there will be some leisure time to explore the fascinating UNESCO town itself and to visit the local beaches (if you would like to stay in a beach hotel then this can be arranged).

There will be a day spent exploring the local countryside with your guide; you’ll have the chance to learn about the importance of farming and fishing in the local communities, to paddle a traditional bamboo basket boat and to take a leisurely bike ride.

There is a diverse range of exciting things to do in this region, so we recommend discussing all the options with us and making up your mind.  Market visits, cooking schools, visits to ancient ruins, Vespa tours are all possible.

 DAY 15 – 17 HO CHI MINH CITY   city and Mekong

The last part of the holiday takes you to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon.

During your stay, you’ll explore the city with your guide including visits to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the fascinating History Museum and the former Presidential Palace, where you can explore the underground communication tunnels.

There will also time to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels and to venture into the mangrove and river systems of the Mekong Delta to experience the regions markets, villages and wildlife. It is a great experience Mekong Delta will be experienced by sampan - the traditional Delta houseboat, built to navigate narrow channels. 

DAY 18 – FLY HOME

Your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK