The Ultimate Adventure Through Vietnam and Cambodia

Touch down at Hanoi Airport, where your host will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city. At 16:30 you will meet your group of travel companions for a welcome briefing, before heading out to discover your surroundings. You'll visit Hoan Kiem Lake (the Lake of the Returned Sword), which carries many legends before a visit to the charming Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain), which is set on a captivating islet connected to the lake's bank. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner – your first introduction to traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Today, you’ll travel to Cat Ba island. Nestled in the Gulf of Tonkin, it's known for its lush greenery, pristine beaches, and rich biodiversity. After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Cat Hai island to take a ferry to Cat Ba. Arriving at Cat Ba National Park, you’ll join the forest trail which has a backdrop of birdsong and the chirp of insects. Keep your eyes peeled for animals like mink, squirrels and monkeys. Hiking to the viewpoint at the top Ngu Lam Peak, you’ll discover the stunning landscapes of the island. In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Cat Ba Town, where you’ll have some free time to hit the beach, enjoy a refreshing swim or relax at your hotel for the evening.

After an early breakfast, head to Ben Beo to board a private boat, and begin your day exploring the shores of Cat Ba island, observing the daily life of fishermen. Your journey will take you to Lan Ha Bay – a beautiful, tranquil bay located to the east of Cat Ba. Here, hop into kayaks and paddle your way through the stunning limestone karsts and numerous islets on calm emerald waters. Visit caves, lagoons and the serene beaches of Van Boi. After lunch on the boat, you’ll return to the island to relax before dinner at your hotel.

Today you'll leave Cat Ba behind and travel back to the mainland for your first immersion into the tranquil charm of Ninh Binh. The morning begins with a scenic drive across diverse landscapes – rice paddies, limestone formations, and traditional villages – each contributing to the unique allure of this area. Following a tasty Vietnamese lunch, get on the saddle for a leisurely bike ride to discover the Tam Coc region, also known as 'the three lagoons'. The cycling is flat and gentle, and will take you along the waterways, where you'll step onto a traditional Sampan boat. These flat-bottomed wooden vessels are ingrained in the local culture, crafted especially for navigating the calm, shallow waters. Drift through caves and rice paddies, taking in the colossal rock formations amidst the serene aquatic landscape.

Rise early, venturing out to hike through the timeless beauty of the Cuc Phuong National Park. As Vietnam's oldest nature reserve, Cuc Phuong also serves as a sanctuary for numerous endangered species – eyes open for extraordinary wildlife and the rare trees and plants that are conserved within this area. Nestled between two limestone mountain ranges, the park is home to the people of the Muong minority who live in the villages scattered along the park’s periphery. After stopping for a scenic picnic lunch, you’ll delve into the heart of conservation efforts with a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre. Housing approximately 150 primates, the centre plays a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating animals that have been confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade or kept as pets. The ultimate goal is to reintroduce these endangered creatures back into their natural habitats.

Begin your day by catching the sunrise at Mua Cave. After climbing 486 stone steps, you'll be surrounded by the incredible scenery of the river, rice fields and mountains, which are protected and taken care of by the local people. The climb to Hang Mua is steep, and can be slippery during or after rain, but once you get to the top you'll see that this is one of the most impressive viewpoints of the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex. Next, you’ll drive to Van Long Nature Reserve, where you will set off by bicycle to discover one of the most beautiful regions in Vietnam. Cycle through changing landscapes over flat terrain, before stopping to be welcomed by a local family to enjoy a delicious lunch of local specialities in their home. This is a true opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam. After lunch, return to the hotel to unwind by the pool, preparing for the evening's adventure – an overnight train journey to Da Nang. You'll board the train at 21:39 and be directed to your sleeper cabin, which has four bunk beds, clean linens, and enough space to store your luggage. Enjoy the changing landscapes and don’t forget to pack a deck of cards or a good book for the journey. You'll arrive in Da Nang at 11:25 the following morning, ready to discover the beauty of Hoi An.

Upon arriving at Da Nang Station, your local guide will be there to meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An. This afternoon you’ll set off to paddle along the coco palm forest and local villages up to Lantern Town. Connect with nature, immerse yourself in life on the river and enjoy amazing landscapes as you paddle into the sunset. Hoi An is particularly famous for its lanterns and in the evenings, the town comes alive with thousands of colourful lanterns illuminating the streets and reflecting in the Thu Bon River, creating a magical atmosphere. Stop to unwind at a cosy local cafe and see evening life unfold in Hoi An.

Today, get to know Hoi An by bike. Kickstart your morning with a scenic ride, pedalling across the picturesque Cam Kim Bridge to the opposite side of the Thu Bon River. Explore the cultural tapestry of the area with a visit to an ancestral house, which offers insights into the genealogy of a traditional Vietnamese family. Your journey continues through lush green landscapes adorned with rice fields, areca nut trees, and bamboo. A visit to a local family provides a firsthand look at the art of weaving sedge mats, before stopping to visit another local house for fresh fruit and tea. Cruise back to the Old Town and meander along narrow streets, making your way to Tra Que Village. Pay a visit to a local host, who will serve a Vietnamese lunch using freshly harvested vegetables and herbs. After indulging in a satisfying meal, unwind with a well-deserved foot massage in a cosy space. Cycle back to Hoi An to stow away the bike – you can spend the rest of the day continuing your exploration of the old town independently, or perhaps relax at the beach.

Start your day early – at 05:45 am – and head to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, meet your guide and head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historical site about two hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Originally hand-dug by the Viet Minh during the French-Indochina War and expanded during the Vietnam War, these tunnels spanned 200km and featured meeting rooms, medical facilities, and sanitary posts. End the tour with a tasting of Cu Chi's culinary specialty, khoai my luoc (boiled cassava), a dish which was consumed daily during the war. After lunch, you'll travel for three hours to Cai Be district for a boat ride along serene waters to Mekong Lodge. Check into your bungalow to enjoy the rest of the evening right on the riverbank of the Mekong Delta.

This morning, hop on a bike again for a gentle ride through the village paths of Tan Phong Island. Today's cycling today is slow and on flat terrain, allowing plenty of opportunity to experience the vibrant local life of the Mekong Delta. You'll get a chance to see how locals craft rice paper for spring rolls, sew coconut leaves for cottage roofs, and weave dried water hyacinth into a variety of products like baskets, hats and shoes. After enjoying lunch at the lodge embark on a boat journey to explore Ba Dac, the largest rice market on the delta, to learn about rice production and explore the Ba Duc ancient house. The boat will then dock at Cai Be market, providing insights into local trading and daily community life. Return to the junk boat and (weather permitting!) enjoy a remarkable sunset. Once back at the lodge, there will be time to refresh before joining a cooking demonstration to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine.

After breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts before travelling by car to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight to Siem Reap. As you leave Mekong Lodge, you'll pass through rural areas with scenic landscapes of rice paddies, coconut palms, and small villages. Closer to Ho Chi Minh City, the scenery changes to bustling urban views. Here, you'll navigate through vibrant chaos – a mix of motorbikes, bicycles, cars, and trucks gracefully moving together. Be ready for occasional traffic jams, it's just part of the everyday rhythm in this bustling city. After a short (one-hour) flight from Ho Chi Minh Airport to Siem Reap you will be driven to your hotel, where you can relax before heading out for dinner.

Begin your day early with the magic of sunrise at Angkor Wat – the largest religious structure in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the sun ascends directly behind the temple, the sky transforms into a palette of surreal hues. After dawn, you’ll explore the immense moat of Angkor Wat and surrounding small trails and nooks, before passing by a small local village. Cross through the Angkor Thom South Gate where the majestic Bayon Temple stands. Pass by the Srah Srang Baray, used as royal baths during the ancient Khmer Empire, and stop at a local house to enjoy a picnic lunch. Next up is the vast and ancient Angkor Thom – a walled city located within the Angkor Archaeological Park which served as the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. You’ll explore the Royal Palace, the Elephant Terrace, and the other incredible temples. Finally, end your visit at the Bayon, the central and most iconic temple within Angkor Thom renowned for the distinctive stone faces carved into the towers. There are approximately 200 smiling faces, thought to represent the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, or a combination of Buddha and the king himself.

This morning, experience a monk blessing, beginning with an overview of Buddhism and insight into Cambodian monks' daily life. The ceremony involves chants, holy water, and a red string on your wrist, symbolising the clearing of negativity for luck, health, and spiritual protection. You'll need to dress with shoulders and knees covered, so bring long clothing or a shawl. Then, hop on your bike to Preah Dak, a local market bursting with fresh fruits, veggies, and rice noodles. Pedal along the dirt roads to a nearby local home, where you'll dive into the secrets of making rice noodles with a local family, before enjoying the flavours of Nom Bahn Chok, a delicious traditional breakfast. Continue cycling to Banteay Samre and Phnom Bok, lesser-visited temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, before exploring Banteay Srei. This Hindu temple, named the 'Citadel of Women', is built from pink sandstone with intricate carvings depicting mythology and divine figures.

Start your day with a journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Kulen, the largest forested area in the province. Arriving at the National Park, you will be welcomed by the local ranger who will give a briefing, then accompany you for the hike to local sites like the river of 1000 Lingas, the Buddha monastery and the 20m high Kulen Waterfall. You’ll follow jungle trails to discover the diverse flora and fauna, and if you are lucky you may spot some macaques playing in the trees. After lunch, enjoy the natural surroundings or take a swim at the waterfall. Hiking here helps to preserve Kulen Mountain's natural habitat by providing local communities with an alternative income through tourism, preventing poaching and tree felling.

This morning, you will say goodbye to your hosts, leaving with many memories of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You'll be driven back to Siem Reap Airport in time for your flight home.