Vietnam & Cambodia: 17-Day Premium Escape

Fly overnight to Siem Reap, where your private transfer will be waiting to take you to your centrally-located hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

This morning, your private guide will whisk you away to explore the less visited Beng Mealea, a mysterious, atmospheric ancient temple completely overrun by the jungle. Explore on foot for approximately an hour and half.

Spend the afternoon exploring Tonle Sap. In the high water season (Aug to Feb), you will travel to Kompong Khleng stilt village; in the low-water season (Mar - July) you will visit Chong Kneas floating village. Return to your hotel via Satcha, an impressive artisan house where you will spot local artists at work.

The evening is at leisure to enjoy Siem Reap. Just a short walk from your hotel, you'll find the famous Pub Street, with an impressive lineup of restaurants catering to every taste. Afterwards, head to the nearby night market to soak up the buzz.

Spend an unforgettable, full-day exploring the legendary Angkor Archaeological Complex with the undivided attention of your private guide. Begin inside the walled city of Angkor Thom to marvel at the giant stone faces of Bayon, before wandering through Ta Prohm, the incredibly atmospheric temple famously reclaimed by massive jungle tree roots.

After pausing for a local lunch, dedicate your afternoon to the awe-inspiring scale and intricate carvings of Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument. Conclude your day with a peaceful, late-afternoon boat ride along the ancient moat of Angkor Thom to glimpse the empire's historic waterways, before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening at leisure.

Your morning is at leisure for any final adventures you wish to enjoy in Siem Reap. This afternoon, fly to Phnom Penh, a city of airy boulevards and colonial villas. Your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel: the Baitong Resort and Spa, in the buzzing BKK1 district.

No trip to Indochina could be complete without a Mekong river sunset, and Phnom Penh is one of the best places to do it. Board a private boat and journey along this urban section of the Tonle Sap River, which offers a magnificent panorama of the Phnom Penh Riverfront, the Royal Palace and the ever-changing skyline.

Enjoy a refreshing local beer as you cruise to the point where the Tonle Sap converges with the Mighty Mekong river. The rest of your evening is at leisure to take advantage of Baitong's excellent restaurant, or explore the other dining options of the surrounding BKK1 district.

Begin your morning at the elegant National Museum, where your private guide will introduce you to a stunning collection of ancient Khmer artifacts and masterpieces. Next, pay a deeply moving visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to gain a vital understanding of the struggles endured by Cambodian civilians under the Khmer Rouge regime.

Conclude your time in the capital with a stop at the iconic hilltop temple of Wat Phnom before heading to the airport for a quick one-hour flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

Upon arrival, your private driver will transfer you to The Odys Boutique Hotel, perfectly situated in the vibrant heart of District 1. Unwind this evening by soaking up the panoramic city views from the hotel's rooftop bar before heading out for an independent dinner.

Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where your private guide will explain the astonishing realities of the guerrilla tactics used by the Viet Cong during the war. You'll discover bamboo traps, field hospitals and kitchens, and if you choose, crouch through a short section of the tunnels for yourself.

Later, see the Reunification Palace and the emotive photography exhibition at the War Remnants Museum before finishing at the lively Ben Thanh Market.

This morning, your private guide will whisk you away from the city for a scenic escape into the countryside. Head to the peaceful province of Ben Tre to explore a beautifully rural stretch of the mighty Mekong Delta—offering a completely different landscape and atmosphere from your river cruises in Cambodia.

Affectionately nicknamed the "Rice Basket of Vietnam," this incredibly rich and fertile region is famous for producing vast quantities of rice, coconuts, vegetables, and exotic tropical fruits.

You will spend the day cruising and exploring the waterways, traveling by motorized wooden boat between the delta's islands before switching to traditional, small paddleboats to glide quietly through the narrow, coconut-fringed canals. After an immersive day on the water, you will return to Saigon in the early evening.

The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. Your guide will take you on a morning walking tour, introducing you to the French Colonial architecture of the Dong Khoi district. Admire the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda before lunch.

This afternoon, take a 1hr 20min flight to Danang and transfer to the charming, UNESCO listed town of Hoi An. This wilfully traditional town offers an impressive ancient centre famous for its yellow buildings, romantic ambience and swaying silk lanterns. Our hotel in Hoi An is the Silkotel, just a few minutes' walk from the Old Town, where shops stay open until the late evening.

Your evening is at leisure to soak up the atmosphere, go lantern shopping or even get measured for express tailoring at one of the local boutiques. The night seamstresses and shoemakers here are famous for their quick, high-quality work - they can whip up a custom garment in just 24 hours and deliver it to your hotel too.

This morning, your private guide will drive you into Hoi An's countryside to visit Tra Que, an organic farming co-operative. Learn about the traditional, chemical-free methods used by the local farmers and try your hand at tending the crops yourself.

Following a fresh local lunch, return to town for a private walking tour of UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town. Explore its historic merchant streets, taking in the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, an ornate Chinese temple, and the vibrant central market. You will also visit Reaching Out, an inspiring social enterprise craft workshop employing talented artisans with disabilities, before enjoying a relaxing evening at leisure.

Embark on a breathtaking coastal drive over the legendary Hai Van Pass, widely celebrated as one of the most spectacular road trips in the world.

Your destination is the historic imperial city of Hue. Upon arrival, your private guide will introduce you to the city's rich heritage, starting with a visit to the iconic, seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda. Afterward, take a peaceful cruise along the gentle waters of the scenic Perfume River.

Your home for your time in Hue is the historic Saigon Morin Hotel. Beautifully situated right on the banks of the river, this grand French-colonial property has been lovingly restored to its original elegance. It boasts perhaps the most enviable, central location in the entire city, placing Hue's major landmarks, shops, and restaurants within easy walking distance.

Join your private guide to explore the UNESCO-listed Royal Tombs of Emperors Khai Dinh and Minh Mang, showcasing a fascinating blend of traditional Chinese architecture and Western design. Next, visit a beautiful historic Maison turned Truc Chi workshop to see how local artisans craft delicate art from bamboo paper.

Continue to the imposing Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, modelled after Beijing's iconic palace complex. Afterward, return to the hotel or stay to explore further independently—with your hotel just across the bridge, the rest of your evening is at your leisure.

Catch a short morning flight north to the bustling capital of Hanoi. This afternoon, dive straight into local life with a thrilling cyclo (traditional bicycle rickshaw) ride through the maze of streets in the historic Old Quarter.

Sitting comfortably in your private carriage while your driver pedals behind you, you will have the perfect vantage point to take in the city's ancient architecture and vibrant street scenes.

Afterward, unwind at a local café with a traditional Vietnamese coffee while enjoying peaceful views over the waters of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Journey east to breathtaking Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crowning jewel of any trip to Vietnam. You will spend a day and night aboard the comfortable Bhaya cruise ship, sailing smoothly past thousands of majestic limestone karsts rising from emerald waters.

As you navigate this iconic landscape, enjoy unforgettable excursions whether exploring a spectacular, stalactite-filled hidden cave or kayaking through one of the bay's peaceful, sheltered lagoons.

Rise early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the bay as your ship cruises back to port. After enjoying a delicious brunch on board, return to Hanoi for a unique cultural experience.

This afternoon, your private guide will take you to visit the home of a local water puppet artist. You will get to chat with the master craftsman, see how these traditional figures are intricately carved, and enjoy an exclusive, private water puppet performance bringing to life an ancient Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 10th century.

Join your private guide this morning to discover some of Hanoi's most iconic historic monuments. Begin at the historic Ba Dinh Square, passing the grand Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum on your way to explore the Ho Chi Minh Quarter. Here, you will visit the leader's famously humble House on Stilts and the uniquely designed One Pillar Pagoda.

Next, find tranquility at the beautiful Temple of Literature, a serene complex that served as Vietnam's very first university. Afterward, return to your hotel to enjoy your final evening in Hanoi completely at leisure.

Your private transfer will collect you from your hotel and drive you to the airport in time for your flight home to the UK, arriving either later today or the following day.