SAT: AUSTRALIA/PHNOM PENH

Depart Australia on Singapore Airlines/ SilkAir to Phnom Penh via Singapore. Transfer to the Intercontinental Hotel for two nights. (Passengers ex Brisbane will depart one day earlier on an overnight flight.)

SUN: PHNOM PENH

Learn about Cambodia’s past under the leadership of Pol Pot when you visit the infamous Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. Later visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum before stopping at the central market for shopping.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

MON: PHNOM PENH/SIEM REAP

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap where you will be transferred to Grand Raffles Hotel d’Angkor for three nights. Afternoon at Kampong Kleang at Tonle Sap Lake for a boat tour past submerged forests, fishing farms and villages on the edges of the lake.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1

TUE: SIEM REAP

Visit monumental Angkor Thom, last capital of the Khmers and home to Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King and the 12th century masterpiece, Bayon Temple. Join a tethered hot air balloon to witness breathtaking panoramic views of Angkor, Phnom Bakheng and Siem Reap. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent at Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to experience sunset from the upper terraces of an ancient temple. Enjoy dinner at Amazon Angkor Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

WED: SIEM REAP

Visit the temples of Preah Khan, Banteay Samre and Bateay Srei, “the citadel of women” with exquisite red sandstone carvings, considered one of the jewels of Angkor. Also visit Ta Prohm, where giant fig and banyan trees are slowly reclaiming the temple. Late this afternoon, take a traditional tuk tuk to the McDermott Gallery for a welcome drink, before continuing onto the renowned Foreign Correspondents Club for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

THU: SIEM REAP/SAIGON

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) where you will be met and transferred to the Sofitel Saigon Plaza for one night. A cocktail reception at the historic Rooftop Garden Bar of the Rex Hotel will be arranged.

Meals: Breakfast 1

FRI: SAIGON/CAN THO (MEKONG DELTA)

Transfer to My Tho, a bustling town in the rich agricultural region of the Mekong Delta. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful temple and sanctuary for orphan and needy children. Board a local boat and explore the islands of Mekong, stopping at a fruit orchard to enjoy fruit and tea. Here in the lush delta area you have the opportunity to observe the daily life of Vietnam’s rural people. Continue onto Can Tho and stay one night at the Victoria Can Tho Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

SAT: CAN THO/SAIGON

An early morning start to the bustling floating markets of Cai Rang where countless boats, loaded with local produce, are moored alongside the riverbank ready for the day’s trading. Sail through the markets and watch the locals haggle and trade their wares to interested buyers. Explore the rural city of Can Tho, passing the local market and Khmer Pagoda. This afternoon return to Saigon for two nights at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1

SUN: SAIGON

This morning you will travel by coach to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Constructed by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War, these tunnels ran directly under military bases and were used both as shelters and to stage surprise attacks. Explore the city, visiting the Reunification Palace, History Museum or Revolutionary Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office and Dong Khoi Street. Stop at Cholon (Chinatown) and Ben Thanh Market, the central market of Saigon and one of the liveliest areas in the city. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at Annamite Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

MON: SAIGON/HOI AN

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang where you will be met and transferred by coach via Marble Mountain, Non Nuoc Beach and the Cham Museum to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO listed World Heritage site. Stay at the Boutique Hoi An Resort for two nights. Enjoy dinner at the Secret Garden Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

TUE: HOI AN

Described as a “living museum” of narrow winding streets and rows of ancient houses, Hoi An is brimming with a unique charm and tranquility. Enjoy a walking tour of the town and see architecture reminiscent of the traders of a bygone era – Japanese, French, Chinese and Indian – as well as the carefully-preserved old houses. Watch the preparation of traditional “pho” noodles and enjoy the lunch that follows. Visit the unique Japanese covered bridge and a Chinese communal house. Shop for art at one of the numerous galleries and enjoy the riverside ambience. Enjoy a boat ride on the Thu Bon River and later visit Thanh Ha to see skilled locals at work producing beautiful pottery.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1

WED: HOI AN/DANANG/HANOI

Transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Hanoi where you will stay at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel for three nights. Lunch today at Koto’s Restaurant which is owned by a well respected Australian-Vietnamese man called Jimmy Phan. He saw the plight and hardship of many young people and began an ongoing project to help them gain work and independence in the hospitality industry. This afternoon, enjoy a cyclo tour through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. Tonight watch the skilled puppet masters entertain the crowds at the Water Puppet Theatre.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1

THU: HANOI

Morning visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, before setting off on a walking visit to the colourful markets with a chef from the Hanoi Cooking Centre to search for the freshest ingredients. On return to the Hanoi Cooking Centre, your chef will demonstrate the preparation of mouth watering Vietnamese dishes followed by lunch. Your afternoon tour will include a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s wooden cottage and the One Pillar Pagoda. Early this evening, visit an artist gallery where you will enjoy a welcome drink as you browse the impressive display and finish with a dinner at the Press Club Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

FRI: HALONG BAY EXCURSION

A full day at beautiful Halong Bay, one of the natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise through emerald green waters past thousands of islands and grottoes riseing majestically towards the sky, enjoying a delicious seafood lunch on board.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1

SAT: HANOI/AUSTRALIA

Your Cambodia and Vietnam travel tour ends today as you transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Meals: Breakfast 1

SUN: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA