Day 01 Wednesday: Arrive Phnom Penh (CAMBODIA)
Sohm swaakohm! (Welcome in Khmer) We arrive in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, located at the confluence of the beautiful Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers. The city is considered to be the loveliest of the French-built cities of Indochina and was founded as a small monastery in 1372 by a rich Khmer woman by the name of Penh after she found four Buddha statues in a tree trunk on the bank of the Mekong. She set up the monastery at a nearby hill or “Phnom”. Check in your hotel (early check in subject to availability).
Overnight: Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh (2 nights)

Day 02 Thursday: Phnom Penh
Morning, set out on a city tour to visit the National Museum, which houses Khmer art and sculptures from different periods of Cambodian history and visit the Royal Palace. The palace was built in 1866 by the French for King Norodom and is also home to the Silver Pagoda. It got its name because its floor is made up of 5,329 silver tiles. The palace has been inhabited by kings at all times with the exception of the period when the radical Khmer Rouge party took control in 1975. We end the morning tour at the Central market to witness the bustling and daily life. Although the murderous reign of the Khmer Rouge ended over 20 years ago, justice for its victims remains elusive. Most of its senior officials never faced trial and even the United Nations backed genocide trial is not giving the Khmer people the comfort they need to leave this horrific chapter of their history behind. Only few people remain open to talk about their experiences during the Khmer Rouge period. Vann Nath is one of only seven survivors out of 14,000 inmates of S21 interrogation prison, nowadays known as Toul Sleng genocide museum. The S21 site is one of the most brutal excesses of the regime, where 14,000 people were viciously tortured before being executed or brought to the Killing Fields where they would found their deaths. In the afternoon, pay a visit to Vann Nath’s home/gallery and speak to him understand this tragic chapter of Cambodian history and his own experiences. Vann Nath’s artistic capabilities made him survive S21 as his jailors demanded him to paint and sculpt portraits of Pol Pot. Now 63 years of age, Vann Nath advocates justice for Khmer Rouge victims and puts his work that depicts the regime’s brutal ways on display around the world. Followed by a visit to Tuol Sleng museum and if time permits, the Killing Fields. (B)

Day 03 Friday: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap (Flight)
Morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap. A pleasant and sleepy backwater town, Siem Reap serves as a gateway to the ancient Khmer Empire temples of Angkor Wat. Check into the hotel (early check in subject to availability). Start exploring the stunning temples by tuk-tuk and visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument to get an overview of the Khmer history, culture, archaeology and civilization from a renowned Khmer scholar. Learn more about the temple that guidebooks and guides do not mention. Now working with the Angkor Temple Conservation Institution, the scholar knows a great deal about the past, present and future of the temple and can explain how the temple will be preserved in the decades to come. Take a stroll through the elaborate carved halls of Angkor Wat as the Khmer Empire is brought by to life through the scholar’s knowledge. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom. At first glance, it may seem like a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction. The faces are believed to be protecting the city from potential attackers. Continue the exploration with a visit to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army. Attached is the Terrace of the Leper King which holds perfect carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex. On the way back, stop at Les Artisans d’Angkor to see how artisans preserve age-old Khmer arts and crafts.
Overnight: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (2 nights) (B)

Day 04 Saturday: Siem Reap
After leisure breakfast, proceed to the picturesque Ta Prohm, a jungle-clad temple with overgrown trees, giving a haunting and exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of a tree push itself between the temple’s huge stone blocks in an embrace, emphasizing the ‘lost city’ feel. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive to the jewel of the Khmer art; Banteay Srei temple. Its red sand-stone walls are decorated with elaborate carvings and in an amazing state of preservation. Banteay Srei is the key to understanding the Khmer Empire as it depicts many ancient traditions in its relief. Cap the day at the Landmine Museum of Mr. Aki Ra, a former child soldier who has recognized the need to clear mines and now educates the local community on the dangers of landmines. Any form of ‘practical’ donation is appreciated in order to help them continue their work. (B)

Day 05 Sunday: Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City (VIETNAM) (Flight)
After breakfast, free at leisure until your transfer to the airport for onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. (early check in subject to availability). The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight: Duxton Hotel, Saigon (3 nights) (B)

Day 06 Monday: Ho Chi Minh City
Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, the city retains its connections to the past. Depart for a walking tour to admire Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks. A stroll down Rue Catinat will reveal more colonial classics; the Opera House, a three-story classical theatre built to entertain the French colonists (outside visit); the former Hotel de Ville constructed for the French bureaucrats of Indochina in 1901, now The People's Committee building with no public access; the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires, a clear reminder that French once ruled this city (open only 3-4PM everyday otherwise just outside visit); the Central Post Office influenced by Renaissance architecture. If desired, drive 6km to another district of Ho Chi Minh City with a large Chinese population and visit Thien Hau temple built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century. The temple’s interior courtyard is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques shrouded in incense-smoke. Take the opportunity to write out your wishes on a small red note, stick it on an incense coil and pray for your wishes to come true. Return to the hotel for fresh up. Late afternoon, visit Truc Mai house, a local family of musicians, learn about traditional musical instruments through conversations with the artists and listen to the performances from each family member (3-generations). You then have the chance to try the instruments with the musicians- a memorable if somewhat noisy experience. (B)

Day 07 Tuesday: Ho Chi Minh City
The Mekong Delta, south west of Ho Chi Minh City, is known as the rice bowl of Vietnam. Ben Tre, one of the closest provinces in the Delta, is a 2 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City and you will notice lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside the highway as you leave the city behind for the peaceful Mekong Delta. The tour starts with a visit en route to Vinh Trang pagoda, which was built in 1849 and is home to a mixture of Asian and European architectural features, before being dropped off in Ben Tre. A relaxing walk along shady and palm fringed trails will take you through the local villages where you see glimpses of daily life. Stop to sip tea and sample fruit with a local family as they share their stories of life on the Mekong. Let them guide you on a walk through their orchard as they explain how tropical fruits are grown. The next leg of the journey involves being paddled on a sampan through a maze of small canals, which cut through dense vegetation. After a farewell good bye to your friendly boat rower you are picked up by a horse and basic cart for a rustic ride back to the pier – there are no cars in this neck of the woods. Here you will board a motorboat for a 20 minute trip to My Tho along the Mekong River and a chance for some great photo opportunities. You can taste some local delicacies over lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh City mid afternoon and the remainder of the day is free at leisure. (B, L)

Day 08 Wednesday: Ho Chi Minh City/Dalat (Drive 298 kms/185 miles)
A highland haven dotted with lakes, waterfalls, pine forests and gardens, Dalat is Vietnam’s premier honeymoon spot. Established as a hill station at the beginning of the century, Dalat, with its French chalets, is reminiscent of an alpine town. Depart early from Saigon for the 300km road journey (around 6 hours), stopping by at La Nga Lake to admire its floating houses. The journey towards Dalat also includes a stop to visit tea and coffee plantations in Bao Loc. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in Dalat. Lunch will be at a simple but clean eatery in Bao Loc.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Dalat (1 night) (B, L)

Day 09 Thursday: Dalat/Nha Trang (Drive 213 kms/132 miles)
In addition to offering a cool mountainous respite, Dalat is also home to spectacular religious structures. At the end of 19th century, Dalat was referred to as the “Museum of French Architecture”. Depart for a drive around the city and admire the splendour of old French mansions along the shady Tran Hung Dao street. Dalat is also known for its fresh local produce and today you will get visit beautiful farms full of vegetables and flowers at Van Thanh village. Continue with a drive to Tanung Valley, following scenic roads winding their way through the mountains and visit coffee and tea plantations. Visit a local silk factory and learn about the entire silk process from breeding to final product. Late this afternoon, depart for Nha Trang. Arrive Nha Trang, check in the hotel
Overnight: Yasaka Hotel, Nha Trang (2 nights) (B)

Day 10 Friday: Nha Trang
Nha Trang is known for its fabulous sunny weather, turquoise water, and a white sandy beach stretching the whole length of the city. This morning, travel about 3.5km to Chong Promontory, a small marble peninsula with strange rock formations, layered on top one another. It looks like the work of a giant putting together several massive rocks. Afterwards, drive back to Nha Trang to visit the seaside villa of Vietnam's last Emperor that offers commanding views of the city. Continue to Long Son Pagoda dedicated to the Buddhist monks who died protesting against the US supported Diem regime. Step behind the pagoda to see an enormous 9m high Buddha image. This afternoon, visit Po Nagar temple, dating back to the 7th century, a typical Champa architectural relic. End the trip at Thap Ba Hot Spring centre. A great way to relieve pains, smoothening the skin and to relax, the hot spring water and mineral mud makes the skin softer. Interact with the locals before returning to the hotel and prepare for a peaceful evening. (B)

Day 11 Saturday: Nha Trang/Danang/Hoi An (Flight/Drive 30 kms/18 miles)
Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, drive for another 45 minutes to the ancient town of Hoi An with a stop at the Cham Museum. This museum houses the best collection of the Cham ruins dating back to the 2nd to 15th century. The objects on display represent the art of architecture and sculptures of the Hindu-influenced ancient civilization of Champa. Check in your hotel.
Overnight: Life Resort, Hoi An (2 nights) (B)

Day 12 Sunday: Hoi An
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage-listed ancient town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. The narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour. There is plenty to visit including the old merchant’s houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two. Visit the home of a lantern craftsman in the old streets of Hoi An for a brief introduction. Learn more about the history, shape, and colour of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Try to create your own lantern and produce a souvenir for yourself or your loved ones at home. An optional stop, subject to availability, is the private home of Diep Dong Nguyen with a stunning collection of artefacts ranging from pottery, seals and paintings to money and old Hoi An’s photos. (B)

Day 13 Monday: Hoi An/Hue (Drive 132 kms/82 miles)
After breakfast, transfer overland to Hue, an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. Check in the hotel. With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel, the city retains its royal charm. Start from your hotel with a 10 minute cyclo ride from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO listed site. Enter through the towering main gate and you will appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains about the events and the intrigue of the former royal court. Despite being bombed heavily, there are some incredibly well preserved sections still intact and others which are being lovingly restored. From there, a 20 minute cyclo ride will take you to a pier where you will embark on a half-hour boat trip on the picturesque Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Standing on the riverbank with its seven-storey tower, the pagoda is a sight to behold. Return to the hotel and evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Hue (2 nights) (B)

Day 14 Tuesday: Hue
Morning, drive out 30 minutes to the serene Tu Duc Royal Tomb, designed to blend in with its natural surroundings and built on principles of Feng-Shui. An incense stick making house makes for an interesting stop before heading to the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture and atmosphere showcase elements of eastern art and western designs. Then wind your way to Ho Quyen, the Royal Arena of the Nguyen Emperors, located 4km southwest of Hue. It was in this amphitheatre that tigers were forced to fight elephants – the symbol of imperial power – in order to entertain the Emperors and their entourage. Ho Quyen is a unique architectural work rarely found in South East Asia. Though it is not as huge as the arenas of the Roman Empire, it still creates a martial and imposing atmosphere. Transfer back to your hotel. This evening, enjoy home hosted dinner at Tha Om restored royal home, a descendent of a Royal family. Enjoy a meal at their beautifully-furnished dining room with elaborately carved reliefs and chat to the family to learn about their daily lives and how they bring the quintessence of the Royal ambiance and culture into their home. (B, D)

Day 15 Wednesday: Hue/Hanoi (Flight)
Morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check in. In the afternoon, set out to visit the Temple of Literature, the first University for the sons of mandarins, for an overview about Hanoi culture and ancient Vietnamese architecture. We then participate in 45min of lively presentation on Vietnamese history spanning a thousand years and the varied aspects of Vietnamese culture at Dr. Huu Ngoc’s office. Having lived through French and American time, the 90-year-old Dr. Huu Ngoc is a well-known historian and writer. This is a great opportunity to find out how he introduces the nation’s culture to the world and his life experiences. Followed by an orientation tour by cyclo to the sights, sounds, and pulse of Hanoi. We will cyclo along the tree-lined streets to the Old Quarter, one of Vietnam’s most lively and unusual places, where you can buy anything from a gravestone to silk pajamas. The maze of back streets is fascinating, and the area is known for its “tunnel” or “tube houses.” They were developed to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, so their small frontages hide very long rooms. Early evening, transfer to the Thang Long theatre for a Water Puppet performance. The art of water puppetry began approximately a thousand years ago, possibly in the flooded rice fields of Vietnam. Puppeteers stand in waist-high water and manipulate their charges in such a way that we can’t help but be swept up in the legend being told. Each short skit in the performance relates to the daily life of the people. The group will have First Class (front or second or third row seating) for this performance.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Hanoi (1 night) (B)

Day 16 Thursday: Hanoi/Halong Bay (Drive)
With ochre-colored colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Hanoi is full of charm. At 08:00am , start the tour at the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outdoor visit only); an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. Behind the Mausoleum, we can see Ho Chi Minh's house. The simple house where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked is made of wood and enjoyed a tranquil setting, with a view of a lotus pond. Ho Chi Minh’s belongings are on display and you can walk up the steps of his house to see his bedroom. We will then take the street food tour with gastronomy expert Mr. Vu Long, the head of Hanoi Gastronomy Club. About 09:30am, stroll around the Thanh Cong market with Mr. Vu Long. Experience the amazing sights and sounds of the bustling market and see raw materials. Then wander about the old quarter streets to enjoy aromas from local street food stalls. First stop is at Ly Quoc Su Street to taste the pan fried “Banh Goi” which made of rice mashed, pork, and vermicelli) served with vegetables, bean sprouts. Continue to walk to Hang Manh Street where you can have a chance to taste fantastic “Bun Cha”, which served with fried “Nem” filled with pork or mashed sea crab flesh. Explore other street food near by. Walk to Hang Da market where you can try some assorted sweet fried fruits “O Mai”. End the trip at a well-known rustic restaurant- Cha Ca La Vong. There is only one dish - grilled fish served in boneless chunks, smothered in greens and saffron-infused oil. Fantastically fresh food, straight from the frying pan onto our plate! In the afternoon we embark on a 4 hours drive to Halong with a quick rest stop en route at a local house.
Overnight: Halong Plaza Hotel, Halong Bay (1 night) (B, L)

Day 17 Friday: Halong Bay/Hanoi (Drive)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders. The tiny limestone islands, with beaches and grottoes created by the wind and the waves, provide an excellent backdrop for relaxation and swimming. Board your private junk to begin a 5-hour cruise through the spectacular bay, stopping along the way to explore magnificent grottoes where stalactites hanging from the high ceiling forms numerous designs and shapes. Whilst on board indulge in a delicious seafood lunch. Drop off at the boat docking station and transfer back to Hanoi with a rest stop en route at a souvenir center.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Hanoi (1 night) (B, L)

Day 18 Saturday: Depart Hanoi
This morning we depart Vietnam having filled our senses with the rich offerings of this historic and artistically rich country. Check out time is by 1100 hrs. (B)