Meet & greet: Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, you will be welcomed to Vietnam by your private English speaking guide, and then transferred to your hotel.

Afternoon at leisure: You have an afternoon at leisure to explore the Vietnamese capital independently. Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, take in a water puppet show, go shopping in the Old Quarter, or sample some of Hanoi’s many culinary delights.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel de l’Opera (Deluxe Room)

Morning tour of Hanoi: After breakfast, start your tour of Hanoi with a visit to the 900 year old Temple of Literature, Vietnam's principal Confucian sanctuary and its historical centre of learning. Made up of five courtyards, this is one of the few remnants of the original city. Continue to the Soviet style Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read out the declaration of the nation's independence in 1945. After a look around the square your guide will take you through the Museum there, which is dedicated to Ho Chi Minh.

Afternoon at leisure: The rest of the day is left free at leisure for you to relax and continue exploring at your own pace.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel de l’Opera (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay: This morning, you will be met at your hotel and driven for approximately two hours through the Red River delta to the coast and the Gulf of Tonkin, where the quieter waters of Lan Ha Bay are found.

Overnight Lan Ha Bay Cruise: On arrival at Dinh Vu Port in Haiphong, you will be transferred to the Orchid Cruise boat on a smaller boat up the Cai Trap Canal. On arrival, board the main boat and enjoy a welcome drink while a safety briefing is conducted on-board before settling into your cabins and being served lunch on-board. This afternoon the cruise will set off through Lan Ha Bay stopping at a number of interesting islands including Da Chong where you can see an old French colonial lighthouse. In the mid-afternoon, the boat will moor up at Ba Trai Dao beach in Lan Ha Bay and you will have time to kayak, swim in the ocean or just relax on the beach. Back on board this evening there is a happy hour at the bar, followed by a delicious dinner.

Accommodation: Stay tonight on board the Orchid Cruise (Deluxe Cabin)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Lan Ha Bay Cruise: After further optional activities and brunch on-board, you will disembark back at Dinh Vu Port at around midday and meet up again with your driver and guide.

Road journey to Hanoi: Upon arrival at the quay, you will be met by your private guide and transferred back to Hanoi. En route you will stop off at the Phu Lang ‘ceramic village’ where the villagers have been practicing this traditional craft for generations. Continue to Hanoi airport in time to catch your onward flight.

Flight: VN1545 Hanoi - Hue 17.30 - 18.40

Private transfer: On arrival in Hue, you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Pilgrimage Village (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning visit to the Imperial Citadel & Royal Mausoleums: This morning, drive to the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing by the Nguyen emperors in the early 19th century, the city was badly damaged during the war but the imposing city walls, surrounded by a large moat, afford good views of Hué. The palace retains a feeling of its past scale and importance, with detailed stonework and pavilions and it is at the moment in the process of being restored to its former magnificence. The final resting places of the Nguyen Emperors are dotted around the hills surrounding the south bank of the Perfume River. Each tomb is of individual construction but usually features a pavilion, detailing the lifetime accomplishments of the dead emperor, a temple for worship to the emperor, a sepulchre, where the emperor's remains are enclosed, a decorative courtyard and a lotus pond.

Road journey from Hue to Hoi An: Later, depart south along Highway 1 to Hoi An, a journey of approximately three hours. Soon the highway meets the Hai Van Pass (meaning Pass of the Ocean Clouds), where the Truong Son mountain range cuts across the narrow centre of the country. On arrival in Hoi An check into your hotel to relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Anantara Hoi An (Deluxe Garden View Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning walking tour of Hoi An town: This morning you will be taken on a walking tour through the ancient town of Hoi An. Today's tour will include seeing the former merchants’ houses that are a combination of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese style; the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge constructed in 1593; Sa Huynh Museum located near the Japanese covered Bridge, which contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history, and the colourful market with its stalls brimming with tropical specialties. The market is a good place to buy silk that can be made into fine garments, all within one day.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon you have some time to relax. Alternatively there are opportunities to visit the beach, cycle in some beautiful countryside, visit the ruins at My Son, discover the artists of Hoi An or see a tailor to get some clothes made.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Anantara Hoi An (Deluxe Garden View Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: After a leisurely morning, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport in Danang, a 45 minute journey.

Flight: VN125  Danang - Ho Chi Minh City 14.00 - 15.25

Private transfer: On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, your guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel to check in.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Villa Song Saigon (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning tour of Saigon: This morning, you will visit some of Saigon's historic landmarks. Start with the former Presidential Palace which was once headquarters for the Saigon Government during the "American War". Then head to the historical heart of the city and visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. The red bricks of the cathedral walls were originally from Paris. From there, take a short walk to the old Central Post Office, then visit the best-preserved buildings from the colonial era, the Opera House and the Hotel de Ville, which is now home to Saigon’s municipal authorities. Continue to the Catinat building. Built in 1927 in an art deco style, it has once again become a hub for fashion conscious Saigonese and contains many designer boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafés.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon, you have time at leisure in this bustling Asian metropolis. Relax at your hotel, or explore independently. Great shopping opportunities can be found in busy Ben Thanh market as well as numerous glitzy modern malls, while great food can be found on every corner either on the street or in a number of fantastic upmarket restaurants.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Villa Song Saigon (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer to your cruise boat: After breakfast, you will be transferred to My Tho, the departure point for the Jayavarman cruise from Saigon to Phnom Penh.

Mekong River Cruise: Upon arrival in My Tho you will embark the Jayavarman boat and settle into your cabin. A delicious buffet lunch will be served in the restaurant and the ship will set out on its journey upstream towards Phnom Penh. Spend your time today familiarising yourself with the ship’s facilities, chatting to your fellow travellers over afternoon tea, and enjoying the views of river life pass by from your private balcony. The ship will reach the historic town of Cai Be in the evening, while a gourmet welcome dinner is served on board. The Jayavarman drops anchor just outside Cai Be for the night.

Please note that the cruise itinerary is subject to alteration dependent on sailing conditions. 

Accommodation: Spend tonight on board the Jayavarman (Superior Cabin)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Mekong River Cruise: Early risers can join the daily morning Tai Chi class on deck before tucking into a hearty breakfast. Today's tour starts with a visit to Cai Be's colourful floating market. Cruise among local sampans, which arrive from all corners of the Delta full of fruits and vegetables. Transfer to a local boat and cruise along the lush green canal network, discovering beautiful landscapes along the river and observing the rural Mekong Delta lifestyles. Onshore visits introduce you to the local manufacturing of rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies and rice wine, as well as coconut candy, a speciality of the Mekong Delta area. Return to the main ship and enjoy some free time as the ship continues its journey upstream.

In the afternoon, you will reach Sa Dec and pay a visit to Binh Thanh Island, one of the largest islands in this part of the Mekong. A large community has settled here and make their living by growing water hyacinths. You have the opportunity to visit the village, meet some of the villagers, and gain an understanding of the local lifestyle here. Back on board the ship, enjoy another delicious dinner this evening. The ship will moor overnight at Tan Chau, a sleepy town close to the Cambodia border.

Accommodation: Spend tonight on board the Jayavarman (Superior Cabin)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Mekong River Cruise: Today welcome to the circus of fish! The early birds will again be treated to Tai Chi lessons on the sundeck. After breakfast, brace yourself for a boat excursion to the exciting floating villages and catfish farms to witness masses of bassa fish being fed. This will be combined with a shore excursion to the village of the local Muslim Cham community. Take a ride by ‘xeloi’ (local vehicles often used as taxis) through this fascinating town of rich French colonial architecture and see its bustling market flooded with tropical fruits displayed by women in cone shaped palm leaf hats. Observe beautiful textiles being woven on old wooden looms; a tradition that has been passed from generation to generation.

In the afternoon the Jayavarman casts off for the border and cruises towards Phnom Penh. You have plenty of time to relax on board and watch the river life pass by as you cruise upstream towards the Cambodian capital. During this time, you can enjoy some pampering at the spa, sunbathe on deck, visit the bridge to meet the captain, or join a cooking workshop. The ship will reach Phnom Penh in the evening, and you have the opportunity to go out to explore the city a bit after dinner on board.

Accommodation: Spend tonight on board the Jayavarman (Superior Cabin)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Mekong River Cruise: Enjoy a final breakfast on board, before bidding farewell to the crew and your fellow passengers and disembarking at Phnom Penh.

Private transfer: Upon arrival at Phnom Penh's central port, you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel.

Afternoon guided tour of Phnom Penh: After checking into your hotel, visit some of the city's most important landmarks including the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum and Wat Phnom. Time permitting, and if you wish to visit, there may also be the opportunity to visit the Tuol Sleng Museum, with its harrowing reminders of the Khmer rouge era.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Palace Gate Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: This morning, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport to check in for your onward flight.

Flight: K6105  Phnom Penh - Siem Reap 10.05 - 11.00

This journey can be taken as a road journey (duration approx 5 hours) if you prefer not to fly.

Private transfer: On arrival in Siem Reap, you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Afternoon tour of Ta Prohm & Banteay Srei: This afternoon's tour of the temples starts with a visit to Ta Prohm. This fairly large temple is hugely atmospheric due to the fact that it has been left untouched rather than being restored. The jungle has reclaimed the temple, with huge tree trunks and vines snaking around the centuries-old stone work. Here you can get a feeling of how the first European explorers would have found the ruins. As sunset approaches continue to Banteay Srei, Angkor’s ultimate art gallery. This petite pink temple is the jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. The elaborate carvings here are the finest found in Cambodia and the name translates as ‘Fortress of the Women’, thanks to the intricate detail here, considered too fine for the hands of a man. Originally believed to date from the latter part of the Angkor period, inscriptions at the site suggest it was built by a Brahman in 967. However, some architectural historians have suggested that the inscriptions may date from an earlier structure on this site and the temple is in fact later, marking a high-water mark in Khmer sculpture.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Angkor Village Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Full day tour of Angkor & Bayon: Probably the best time to visit Angkor Wat, the largest and most famous of the Angkor temples, is early in the morning, when the light is good and it is relatively quiet. Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 metres from ground level. At the apex of Khmer political and military dominance in the region, Suryavarman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of a massive 'temple-mountain' dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat and an exterior wall and the walls of the temple are covered inside and out with bas-reliefs and carvings. Nearly 2000 distinctively rendered apsara carvings adorn the walls throughout the temple and represent some of the finest examples of apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.

Angkor Thom (Big Angkor) is a walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the badly damaged Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. He began with existing structures such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas and built a grand enclosed city around them, adding the outer wall and some of Angkor's greatest temples including his state-temple, Bayon, set at the centre of the city. There are five entrances (gates) to the city, one for each cardinal point, and the victory gate leading to the Royal Palace area. Each gate, as well as much of Jayavarman VII's architecture is crowned with four giant faces. The giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. There are 37 standing towers, most sporting four carved faces oriented toward the cardinal points.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Angkor Village Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure: You have time at leisure in Siem Reap. You may wish to relax at your hotel, or undertake some leisurely shopping in central Siem Reap. For the more adventurous, a wealth of activities such as quad-biking or zip-lining can be arranged, as well as calmer activities such as cycling or cooking classes. You may also consider a trip to points further afield, for instance to the more remote temples of Koh Ker and Beng Mealea, some trekking in Phnom Kulen National Park, or a boat trip out to see the floating villages of Lake Tonle Sap.

Private transfer: At the appropriate time this evening, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport in time for your departure flight.

Flight: VN834  Siem Reap - Hanoi 20.45 - 22.30

Meals: Breakfast