Angkor to the Bay

Day 1-2: Fly Overnight To Siem Reap

Fly overnight to Siem Reap. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3: Tonle Sap Lake

During High Water Season (August to February), visit Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Enjoy a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Kleng. In Low Water Season (March to July), head to Beng Mealea to explore this mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Drop by The SATCHA Handicraft Centre after visiting the floating village of Chong Kneas. This evening sit down to dinner and the Apsara dance show.

Day 4: Explore Angkor

The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex includes over 1,000 temples. Enter the walled city of Angkor Thom and head to its heart to see the enigmatic Bayon, followed by the atmospheric Ta Prohm. This afternoon is dedicated to the indescribable Angkor Wat. Later, take a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and and enjoy a refreshing beer as the sun sets.

Day 5: Discover Phnom Penh

Fly to Phnom Penh, a city of airy boulevards and colonial villas. Visit the magnificent Royal Palace the official residence of the King and Silver Pagoda in its grounds.

Day 6: Fly To Saigon

Visit the emotive Tuol Sleng Museum, where you will learn about the struggles of the Cambodian civilians under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Stop at the city's namesake temple, Wat Phnom, before a short 1-hour flight to Saigon in South Vietnam.

Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnels

Get to grips with the struggles of guerrilla warfare at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the war. Return to the city and gain further insights at the Reunification Palace and the chilling War Remnants Museum, finishing at the lively Ben Thanh Market.

Day 8: Mekong Delta Cruise

Pop down to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the mighty Mekong. This area is known as the 'Rice Basket of Vietnam', the rich and fertile lands producing huge amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruits.

Day 9: Fly To Hoi An

The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world but is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office and Thien Hau Pagoda before flying to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 10: Tra Que Village

Drive out into the countryside to the small farming community of Tra Que. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside and try your hand at age-old farming techniques before taking part in a cooking demonstration, learning the art of a local dish. After lunch take a walking tour of Hoi An, to see the elaborate Japanese Bridge, a Chinese temple and the bustling market. With its swaying lanterns, bobbing gondolas and cheery yellow houses, the Old Town is a delight to wander.

Day 11-12: Hai Van Pass & Hue

Drive to Hue, travelling over the scenic Hai Van Pass. Once the stronghold of the Nguyen Emperors, Hue exudes imperial grandeur at every turn. Visit the Picturesque Thien Mu Pagoda and cruise along the Perfume River. The next day, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, along with the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang. Stop at a beautiful old 'maison' that has been transformed into a Truc Chi bamboo paper workshop and learn all about this art.

Day 13: Hanoi Cyclo

Fly to Hanoi this morning. This afternoon take a thrilling cyclo ride through the Old Quarter and enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 14-15: Halong Bay

Spend two days aboard a comfortable cruise boat sailing amongst magnificent karst peaks on the tranquil green waters of Halong Bay. Spend the night on the boat before returning to Hanoi and attending the Quintessence of Tonkin show, a spectacular open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

Day 16: Explore Hanoi

Discover Hanoi's history and the story of President Ho Chi Minh on a walking tour. See his Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square, and admire the Presidential Palace. Explore its peaceful grounds and visit the Humble House on Stilts, where he lived during his rule. Finally, visit the beautiful Temple of Literature before this evening's farewell dinner.

Day 17-18: Fly Hanoi To Australia

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.