On arrival in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, be met at the airport and transferred to the Grand Mercure Hanoi, only a short walk from the Old Quarter. Tonight, relish a multi-course Welcome Dinner.

Insider Experience – Grand Mercure Hanoi

Nestled in the lively heart of Vietnam’s bustling capital, Grand Mercure Hanoi is conveniently close to the Old Quarter. This hotel provides a genuine and immersive experience, blending modern elegance with traditional Vietnamese charm. Its design is a tribute to local heritage, incorporating elements such as rice-themed patterns, vibrant pottery, handcrafted lacquerware, and impressive architecture, resulting in a truly soulful ambience.

Enhance Your Journey - Fast Track on Arrival Add this option prior to departure. With this, you will be whisked through immigration and customs before meeting your transfer (conditions apply)

Today, two Insider Experiences await. This morning, soak in the city's most iconic historical and cultural landmarks. Explore a bustling local market and the charming Mural Street, alive with colour and creativity. Later, visit The Temple of Literature, Ba Dinh Square, one of the largest squares in Vietnam and drive by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Afterwards, feast on lunch. With the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps enjoy one of our select experiences.

Insider Experience – Hanoi's Old Quarter by Cyclo

Weave through Hanoi’s bustling city streets like a local on a tour of the city’s Old Quarter aboard a cyclo. 

Insider Experience – Lunch at KOTO

Savour authentic flavours and feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One). This restaurant was established as Vietnam's first social enterprise, dedicated to empowering at-risk and disadvantaged local youth through hospitality training.

Enhance Your Journey – History Tour by Motorbike

Discover Hanoi by motorbike on a guided ride through the city’s narrow streets to B52 Lake and the historic Hàng Đau Water Tower. Continue to Long Biên Bridge for riverside views and a glimpse of local life, before driving by Hoa Lo Prison. End with local culinary favourites, West Lake shrimp cake and beer.

Enhance Your Journey – Street Food Tour

Discover Hanoi’s street food scene and uncover the quintessential culinary flavours of Vietnam’s capital city. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, sampling local specialties such as savoury pork buns and fragrant phở, before concluding with a visit to one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets – a cafe overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Enhance Your Journey – Water Puppets and Street Food Style Dinner

Take your seat at one of the city’s traditional water puppet theatres and immerse yourself in this ancient art form – unique to northern Vietnam and once performed in villages and rice paddies. Accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra of drums, cymbals, horns, and bamboo flutes, the enchanting performance unfolds against a mesmerising soundtrack. Afterwards, savour a mouth-watering selection of Vietnamese street food at a local restaurant set in a charming colonial villa.

Enhance Your Journey – Cooking Workshop and Dinner

Immerse yourself in a vibrant local market with a seasoned chef, hand-picking fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking workshop. Discover the diverse techniques and ingredients that have made Vietnamese cuisine famous for its fresh, fragrant and aromatic flavours, then savour your culinary creation for dinner.

This morning, travel to Tuan Chau to board your Ha Long Bay cruise onboard the “Au Co.” Set sail among thousands of limestone islets while enjoying an assortment of Vietnamese dishes during lunch as your boutique ship slowly glides towards the southeast of Ha Long Bay, passing iconic landmarks including Trong Mai Islet, Ngon Tay Islet and Con Coc Islet. Continue your journey with a kayaking excursion around the tranquil Ho Ba Ham area, where you can paddle through serene waters surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and discover the peaceful beauty of this secluded corner of Ha Long Bay. After your exploration, return to the ship and enjoy the lush scenery while taking part in a hands-on culinary class to master bánh cuon – delicate steamed rice rolls. Later, savour a delicious dinner on board. Afterwards, perhaps join a Vietnamese rice wine tasting session in the restaurant.

Insider Experience – Ha Long Bay Cruise

Discover Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise aboard the traditionally styled Au Co. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is one of nature's most inspiring displays, where over 1,600 lush limestone pillars rise from the emerald waters – making it an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation.

As the sun rises over the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, begin the day with a rejuvenating Tai Chi lesson on deck, surrounded by the bay’s tranquil scenery. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before boarding a sightseeing excursion boat to explore the hidden beauty of the bay. Embark on a kayaking adventure around the peaceful Tung Sau area, where you can paddle through emerald waters and admire the dramatic limestone formations rising from the sea. Continue your exploration with a visit to the stunning Trinh Nu Area, where you will discover a fascinating cave and enjoy time swimming or kayaking in the clear waters. Then, hop back on board and cruise to the anchor point, soaking up spectacular sunset views from the deck with a drink in hand. Wrap up the day with a delicious dinner onboard, followed by evening entertainment and the chance to try your hand at squid fishing on the main deck.

Begin the day with a final exploration of Ha Long Bay, choose between visiting the tranquil Cua Van Floating Village by kayak or traditional rowing boat, where you can discover the unique lifestyle of local fishing communities surrounded by towering limestone karsts and calm waters. Alternatively, explore the fascinating Tien Ong Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites and rich archaeological significance. Before cruising to Tuan Chau, where you will disembark. Travel to Hanoi airport for your included flight to Siem Reap. Unwind at the Shinta Mani Angkor, an oasis of tranquillity, to relax amid the lush gardens and large swimming pool. The rest of the day is yours to relax and spend at your leisure. For dinner, perhaps choose from one of the Enhance your Journey dining options on offer.

Insider Experience – Three Nights at Shinta Mani Angkor

Unwind in an idyllic setting during an indulgent stay at this upscale retreat, designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. Combining elegance and sustainability, your accommodation is situated in Siem Reap's leafy French Quarter, close to the famous Angkor Wat temple.

Enhance Your Journey – Cafe Indochine

Dine in a traditional wooden Khmer house located in the centre of Siem Reap.

Enhance Your Journey – Mahob

Enjoy authentic Khmer cuisine in a carefully restored property, once owned by a governor from the Peak Sneng district of Angkor Thom.

Enhance Your Journey – The Street 27 Restaurant

Indulge in Khmer fare in a beautiful garden setting with a relaxed ambience.

Explore Siem Reap this morning at your own pace. Later, discover Ta Prohm, often referred to as the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ due to its depiction in the Angelina Jolie film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. The temple and its beautiful surroundings have been left to gradually succumb to nature, where the encroaching jungle and sprawling root systems weave a striking tapestry through the ruins. Later, two Insider Experiences await.

Insider Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner that provides education to local disadvantaged children living in Siem Reap's remote villages.

Insider Experience – Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance

Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and peer into the heart of Cambodia as you watch an apsara dance performance, a delicate, beautiful tradition dating back to the seventh century.

Rise early for a special Insider Experience at Angkor Archaeological Park. After a guided tour of the well-preserved Angkor Wat temple, return to your hotel for breakfast. In the early afternoon, explore Siem Reap on your own or choose from our select experience options. Later this afternoon, return to Angkor Archaeological Park to visit Angkor Thom and the Bayon. This evening, enjoy free time to further explore or take part in an optional select experience.

Insider Experience – Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Wake up early and witness the sun rising over Angkor Wat. This also includes a seat during the experience as well as refreshments (coffee, tea or juice).

AfternoonEnhance Your Journey – Local Boutiques and Markets

Explore Siem Reap’s vibrant arts and crafts scene, starting at the Angkor Handicraft Association. This Fair Trade Village is home to a wide variety of artisans who produce handmade goods using traditional techniques. Peruse Angkor Artwork to see traditional lacquerware crafted using ancestral techniques. Stop at Phsar Chas, the oldest market in Siem Reap, where you’ll find stalls selling everything from fresh vegetables, seafood and meat to souvenirs.

Enhance Your Journey – APOPO HeroRATs Tour and Landmine Museum

Take a tour of APOPO, a non-profit organisation that trains African giant pouched rats to save lives by detecting landmines. Close by, the Landmine Museum shows the devastating impact of landmines, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience while highlighting ongoing de-mining efforts.

Enhance Your Journey – Horse-Drawn Cart Ride  

Relax and watch the scenery go by as you travel through the Cambodian countryside on a traditional horse-drawn cart.

Enhance Your Journey – Quad Bike Adventure 

Explore authentic Cambodia away from the tourist crowds on a quad bike. Journey through rice fields, forests and villages. 

Enhance Your Journey – Jeep Tour through Cambodian Village Travel by Vintage Jeep to Chreav Village, a peaceful rural community offering an authentic glimpse into traditional Cambodian life. This immersive experience invites you to discover the daily rhythms of village living. Visit a lively local market, learn about traditional Cambodian rice wine making, and enjoy scenic drives through lush rice fields. Along the way, stop at a local home for refreshing coconut water and visit a mushroom house. EveningEnhance Your Journey – Circus Performance

Take your seat at Phare Circus and be amazed by the skills of the performers. This acclaimed show blends modern Khmer tales with music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts and contortion.

Journey through picturesque countryside and charming remote villages, arriving in Kampong Cham to embark on your Mekong River cruise. Here, you'll board the RV Lotus, your boutique river ship and home for the next seven nights. Spend the afternoon enjoying your Insider Experience. This evening, savour a Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow travellers.

Insider Experience – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen

Hop on a tuk tuk and explore the agricultural island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked among palm and sandalwood trees.