Upgraded - Vietnam and Angkor

Arrive in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, famous for its rich culture, bustling life and colonial influences. Its small lakes, busy streets and secluded alleyways are all waiting to be explored. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those who wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Hanoi at any time. Should you miss the welcome meeting our tour leader will leave a note at the front desk and will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. A transfer from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is around 45 minutes from the hotel, is included on all trips in our Explore Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than ten days before departure. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to walk around the peaceful shores of Hoan Kiem Lake.

This morning, we'll set out on a tour of the main sights of Hanoi. Architecturally styled like a French provincial town with tree-lined boulevards and low-built houses, the city is wonderfully nostalgic. Among the interesting sights are the charming One-Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. Ho Chi Minh himself, a spartan-living and scholarly man, chose not to live in the Presidential Palace, he preferred instead a simple teak stilt house specially built for him on the grounds. In the afternoon, our tour leader will give you a map and instructions so you can discover the narrow lanes of the fascinating Old Quarter solo, where the streets are named after various crafts or specialities: Paper Street, Silk Street, Basket Street and so on. The shops themselves have very narrow frontages but are actually quite deep; they are known locally as tube shops. On the pavements, food vendors sell noodles, snacks and stir-fries from shoulder panniers. Take some time to really soak in your unique surroundings with the tempting smell of the food stalls mixing with the scent of incense from small temples dotted around. After a full day of exploration, we'll regroup for dinner at KOTO which offers a delightful fusion of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and modern culinary techniques. KOTO (Know One, Teach One) is a social enterprise in Ha Noi, renowned for providing disadvantaged young people with vocational training and life skills. Eating at KOTO is more than just a dining experience, it also offers you a connection with the local community and the chance to support a great cause.

Departing the city early this morning, we'll head south of Halong Bay for an overnight cruise around Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha Bay is a picturesque and lesser-known gem located adjacent to the famous Halong Bay. Lan Ha Bay is renowned for its tranquil beauty and relatively untouched environment compared with its more famous neighbour. The bay's waters are clearer and less crowded, offering a more peaceful and intimate experience. The landscape features secluded beaches, hidden lagoons, and grottoes waiting to be explored. Boarding our premium junk boat around midday, we'll set sail, threading our way through a flotilla of boats, junks and wooden sampans as they ply their way across the gentle waters of the bay; a timeless image of a way of life unchanged for generations. We'll enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Vietnamese and international cuisine whilst enjoying panoramic views of limestone karsts and emerald waters. We might have the chance to stop and kayak through hidden caves and lagoons, bringing us closer to the natural beauty of the bay, before continuing to our overnight spot for a dinner of seafood and local specialities. In the evening, you can relax in your spacious, beautifully appointed cabins, indulge in exquisite dining options and unwind in stylish lounges and on panoramic decks offering stunning views of the karst formations. Please note that the boat is not exclusive to our group and we'll be sharing it with other tourists.

If you're an early riser, you may like to take the opportunity to practice Tai Chi on the deck this morning while admiring the serene landscape of the bay. After breakfast overlooking the serene landscape, we'll continue cruising along the green limestone islands and islets, many of which are uninhabited. You'll see floating villages and fishermen carrying out their everyday activities before journeying back to land after lunch. We'll drive back to Hanoi in time to catch the late afternoon flight to Da Nang. It's just a short drive from here to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, a former merchant port and our base for the next three nights. In the afternoon, you can relax at our hotel which features a serene outdoor pool, lush gardens and convenient access to the city's ancient town and cultural attractions.

Hoi An had become one of the busiest international trading ports of Southeast Asia by the 17th century, and it still retains its medieval charm today, with many of its old buildings superbly preserved. In the morning, we'll head out on a walking tour of the Old Town. As we stroll through the narrow winding streets of Hoi An's ancient town, we'll be surrounded by well-preserved buildings that reflect a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and French influences. The streets are lined with mustard-yellow facades, wooden shutters and lanterns above, creating a picturesque scene. After our walking tour, you might like to go on a food journey on your own through the city and try one of Hoi An's famous dishes, such as Cao Lau (a noodle dish unique to Hoi An), Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) or White Rose Dumplings. We'll regroup mid-afternoon and continue our culinary adventure with a cooking class in the picturesque countryside. Taking a walk through the herb gardens with our family's chef, we'll see local farmers at work in their fields using traditional methods from hundreds of years ago - no electrical machinery here. We'll learn about the organic herbs used in cooking and medicine, some of which we'll put to good use when we prepare a selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes from scratch. We'll then indulge in a delicious meal including the fruits of our labours.

Today is left free for you to enjoy Hoi An. There are many shops, bars and restaurants in this charming town and it's a great place to buy souvenirs, have clothing tailored or simply watch the world go by from a riverside café. The beach is only a short drive by taxi, alternatively, a boat trip on the river as the late afternoon sun lights up the riverfront is a treat. There are also some excursions that can be taken further afield such as to My Son, one of the holiest and most evocative of Vietnam's Cham sites. The Chams were dynastic lords who rejected the authority of China in 2AD and established their own kingdom. Travel along the track that leads to the site is slow, as we bump through wooded hills, but the site is certainly impressive with several groupings of Cham temples which can be visited. Alternatively, you may wish to take an optional excursion out to the site of the My Lai village massacre memorial. The massacre was a significant turning point in the American War and the horrific story is told through an emotive exhibition of photography. Another option would be to take a fishing trip out to the Thu Bon River Delta, where we learn how to fish using a traditional cast net. We travel out by boat where we meet local fishermen and try our hand at cast net fishing as well as trying the bamboo winches used to haul in the huge drop nets from the river. We also have a chance to go out in a Vietnamese 'basket boat' - a circular boat constructed from bamboo that takes some practice to row!

Today, we head north along the coast to Hue with several interesting stops along the way. Our first stop is at the nearby five peaks of the Marble Mountains, said to represent the five elements of water, wood, fire, gold and earth. Naturally formed grottoes have been transformed into heavily carved Buddhist sanctuaries. A torch is useful for exploring some caves and caverns. A short distance from the mountains we'll find the white sands of My Khe Beach (nicknamed China Beach by American troops - an ideal spot for a brief rest. Pausing in Danang, once the centre of the Kingdom of Champa, we'll visit the Cham Museum, home to a fine collection of Cham sculptures. We enjoy a scenic drive across the spectacular Col des Nuages, otherwise known as the Hai Van Pass en route observing rural scenes of thatched, wooden houses and lime-green rice paddies as well as enjoying panoramic sea views as we make our way to Hue. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and discover Hue. Nestled along the banks of the Perfume River in central Vietnam, Hue is a city rich in history and cultural heritage. The city is renowned for its royal cuisine, vibrant festivals, and traditional music, offering visitors a captivating blend of ancient charm and modern vibrancy amidst picturesque natural surroundings. Our hotel in Hue provides a peaceful escape set amidst lush gardens and traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Today, we have time to appreciate Hue's fascinating history with a visit to the Imperial Citadel. Located on the left bank of the river, this palace was built by the Nguyen dynasty, Vietnam's ruling emperors from the early 1800s to 1945. We'll then visit The Tomb of Tu Duc - the final resting place of the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The remainder of the day is free to maybe sample Hue's renowned cuisine, including dishes like Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), Banh Khoai (crispy pancakes), and Nem Lui (grilled pork skewers). Exploring Hue in your free time offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this former imperial capital of Vietnam and one of the best ways to do it is to hire a bicycle or take a cruise along the Perfume River. As you cruise along the Perfume River, you'll pass by lush greenery, traditional villages, and rural landscapes. The riverbanks are lined with gardens, temples, and pagodas, creating picturesque scenes that evoke a sense of tranquillity and beauty.

This morning, we fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city and still unofficially referred to as Saigon. You'll find an eclectic mix of the traditional and the new, where pagodas and markets compete alongside the trappings of Vietnam's newly discovered entrepreneurial spirit. After checking in to our hotel, we'll step into the heartbeat of Ho Chi Minh City with an immersive walking tour of Old Saigon, now called District 1. Known for its bustling streets, rich history, and vibrant culture, District 1 is the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern dynamism. Beginning at the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, we'll marvel at the French Colonial architecture before moving on to the nearby Central Post Office. We'll then walk to the Independence Palace (renamed the Reunification Hall), admire some old French Colonial hotels such as The Rex and visit the graphic War Remnants Museum. After the walk, you're free to explore the city independently. Our accommodation tonight is an elegant hotel right in the heart of the city. It offers exceptional dining experiences and sophisticated facilities.

We have a full day's adventure ahead today, starting with a drive to Cai Be in the lush surroundings of the Mekong Delta. Arriving in the Mekong Delta town, we'll take a boat and continue along the river and visit local family houses where rice paper, coconut products and local Mekong whisky are produced. We'll enjoy lunch, made using local produce, in a lush tropical garden by the river, among pomelo, longan, mango, coconut and banana trees. Afterwards, our cruise continues into the countryside, where local houses are still made of wood and palm tree leaves and pass under several small traditional wooden and bamboo bridges. At the end of the day, we'll return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Expect an early start this morning as we head to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels formed an incredible underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops and were a major part of the 1968 Tet Offensive. If you're up to experiencing the claustrophobic conditions the Viet Cong lived in, there's the opportunity to crawl through a small, specially adapted section of the tunnels. Later in the afternoon, we fly to Siem Reap - Cambodia's enchanting gateway to the ancient wonders of Angkor. Nestled between the Tonle Sap Lake and the Kulen Mountains, Siem Reap is a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Our hotel in Siem Reap tonight, offers a blend of Khmer hospitality and modern comforts.

Over the next two days, we'll explore Angkor, Cambodia's ancient capital. The exact itinerary will be at our tour leader's discretion to help us avoid crowds and factor in awe-inspiring sunsets. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor is a captivating site, housing over 155 square kilometres of carved stone temples, elegant sculptures and incredible bas-reliefs. We'll take our time to learn about its ancient civilisation once-great empire. Our first stop is Angkor Tom - a monumental ancient city built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. The city contains another of Angkor's gems, The Bayon, with its maze of corridors, gothic-style towers and magical central temples. We'll discover The Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, the Baphuon and Phimeanakas and some of the surrounding temples such as Preah Khan, before heading back to our hotel.

Today is our final day and we plan to spend it exploring the second Angkor capital, including the temples of Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei and Takeo. A real highlight is our visit to the atmospheric temple of Ta Prohm, where the film Tomb Raider was filmed, lying half consumed by the jungle. Our day ends with Angkor's most breathtaking sight, Angkor Wat, where we'll stay until the sun sets on the last night of our adventure.

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Siem Reap. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Siem Reap at any time. If you have time, you might like to browse the old market for some last-minute bargains, visit a fish spa or enjoy afternoon tea at The Foreign Correspondent's Club. A transfer to Siem Reap International Airport (SIA) is included on all trips in our Explore Upgraded range regardless of your departure day, provided we receive your flight details no later than ten days prior to your tour's departure.