The Best of Vietnam & Cambodia

Tuesday 20 May

Depart Auckland on Singapore Airlines with a late evening arrival in Singapore.  Overnight at the Airport Hotel.

Wednesday 21 May

A morning flight to Siem Reap. After lunch at a local restaurant, we take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake (Asia’s largest inland lake) to see the way of life of the lake-dwelling people - an unexpected highlight. Welcome Dinner tonight. 

Thursday 22 May

A special tour of Angkor Wat, the UNESCO site built in the 12th century and last capital of the Khmer Empire. The complex looks much the same as it would have done when the French explorers came here 140 years ago – shrouded in undergrowth with huge roots of old Banyan trees growing over and down the ruins. The Southern Gate is guarded by giant carvings of gods and demons all preserved in time. Sunset paints the temple in an orange light.

Friday 23 May

Tour the intricate temples of Banteay Srei and Banteay Samré, with a delightful stop at a palm sugar village in between. Transfer for an afternoon Vietnam Airways flight to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Saturday 24 May

Our morning begins with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels constructed during the Vietnam War. This is a unique experience to feel what life was like underground for the Viet Cong during the war years as well as seeing the countryside. Lunch is followed by a city tour which features a poignant visit to the War Relics Museum, followed by the Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Sunday 25 May

Today, travel by coach to the Mekong. Take a cruise through river islands, the busy floating market and visit local people in their homes. After lunch, sail through a handmade canal to An Binh Island with stops to see ‘cottage’ industries of candy making, rice paper production and much more. 

Optional Tour: Vespa Evening Tour 

This part-night excursion on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter, part street food adventure of Ho Chi Minh City allows you to experience night life the way the locals do. 

Cost: NZD$220 per person 

Monday 26 May

Free time to visit the famous Ben Thanh Market before our noon flight to Danang. After a brief local tour, drive to Hoi An via the Marble Mountains.  Hoi An retains the feeling of centuries past and is a real gem.  The ‘old town’ is a pedestrian and bike-only zone with a maze of shops and tailors.  An opportunity to order tailor-made clothes.

Tuesday 27 May

Optional Cooking Class L - This morning, an option to join the Cooking Class (NZD$90) at a local restaurant, visiting a local food market along the way for ingredients. 

For those not attending the cooking class, the morning is free.This afternoon, a guided walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Old Quarter and the fruit, vegetable and fish markets. Remainder of the day free.

Wednesday 28 May

Early start as we head off on our Farming and Fishing Life Eco Tour. Get a personal insight into local farming communities and their methods, before a leisurely cycle tour and a river cruise. Lunch on board using vegetables picked earlier at Tra Que Village. After lunch free time to wander around Hoi An and possibly collect your new tailored clothes.

Thursday 29 May

Morning travel by coach along the coastal road to Hue, known as the Imperial city and a former Vietnamese capital. Tour the walled citadel where former dynasties ruled and the very unique Garden House in Hue.  Enjoy a special cuisine dinner at a garden house.  

Friday 30 May

After breakfast, board a dragon boat for a cruise along the famous Perfume River to the countryside. Later, transfer to the airport for a flight to the French colonial city of Hanoi for a two-night stay.

Saturday 31 May

Our city tour includes the Ho Chi Minh complex, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, a former stilt-house, the Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda.  

After lunch, visit the Museum of Ethnology and the infamous Hoa Loa Prison Museum also known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton.’  Later, enjoy a one hour cyclo tour of the French inspired ‘Old Quarter.’ Dinner tonight in a local restaurant. 

Sunday 01 June

This morning drive to the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’ – Halong Bay.  

Board your boat and set sail while lunch is served.  Cruise among thousands of limestone Karst formations and understand why this area is now one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of Nature.’ Special dinner onboard.

Monday 02 June

Enjoy breakfast on board and the morning cruise before the drive back to Hanoi. Hanoi’s history dates back a thousand years, but the French European influence is clearly seen in the elegant colonial buildings and tree-lined boulevards which contrast with the Old Quarter. Free time before dinner.

Tuesday 03 June

A day in the countryside exploring at leisure, two traditional villages around Hanoi featuring workshops, paintings and music. Return to the city for lunch with the rest of the afternoon free before freshening up for dinner and our overnight ‘Fansipan’ train at 8.30pm.  Tonight’s journey is in a sleeper train with two people per four berth cabin. 

Wednesday 04 June

Arrive early at Lao Cai Station, only three kms from the Chinese border. After breakfast visit Cat village and continue through rice paddy terraced fields and areas of rain forest to the Y Linh Ho village inhabited by Black Hmong people. Arrive Sapa early afternoon with free time before dinner.

Thursday 05 June

This morning a short drive toward Muong Hoa valley. Observe and experience how the locals plant and harvest rice, one of the most important activities in their daily lives. We then take a short walk from Lao Chai village of the Black Hmong minority to Ta Van village of Giay minority. Afternoon free before dinner.

Friday 06 June

This morning free time to wander around the town and Sapa’s market.  After lunch, travel by express coach back to Hanoi. Arrive late evening.

Saturday 07 June

Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for a noon flight to Singapore.Change planes and continue on to Auckland.

Sunday 08 June

Arrive Auckland mid day.