Vietnam and Cambodia Adventure

Lively, welcoming and fun, you'll know you've arrived in Hanoi as soon as you see your first scooter carrying an entire family whizz by. This is a city that's constantly on the move, heartily embracing its new era of liberation and speeding towards the future with gusto. Yet while the modern world has very much arrived in Hanoi, the past is never far from sight. Glimpses of unique architecture give a nod to periods of French and Chinese occupation, whilst the streets of the Old Quarter are still reminiscent of Hanoi of old. On every street corner you're tempted by steaming bowls of pho or fragrant summer rolls, while the opportunity to re-caffeinate is never far away - coffee is a big deal in Hanoi, as it is in all of Vietnam. This evening meet up with your Travel Director to learn the lay of the land and sample your first taste of Vietnam's cuisine at dinner. You'll get to know your fellow travelers and get a glimpse of what's to come on your Asia value tour.

The Cham Islands, 15km off the coast of Hoi An, consist of seven small islands famed for their beautiful beaches and rich marine environment including 135 species of soft and hard coral. Take a 30min private speedboat ride to experience the magical Cham Islands. Visit a traditional fishing village, where boats take shelter in bad weather, and Ong Ngu Temple, dedicated to whales and whale sharks once abundant around the islands. Snorkel off picturesque Xep Beach before making a final stop at Chong Beach, a true oasis with white sand, swaying palm trees and a simple local restaurant where you will enjoy a seafood lunch. Cruise back to Hoi An in the late afternoon and then transfer to Danang.

This morning drive 2.5 hours from Danang city through the Hai Van tunnel to Hue which served as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to the 19th century. With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel, the city retains its royal charm. First, pay a visit 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. Then head to the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang. He was the second Nguyen Emperor, very powerful and distrustful of Western religions. His interest in architecture brought major new construction to the Imperial City as well as a large garden with lakes and pavilions, all in Chinese traditional style. Finish the trip at the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture showcases elements of both eastern and western design. Drive back to Danang city in the late afternoon.

Sneak in a final early morning dip this morning before catching your flight to the bright lights and big city antics of Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is a place that throbs with life and gives you little option but to come along for the ride. In just one generation the city has purposefully moved on from its war torn past, emerging as a commercial capital that enthrals and delights visitors in equal measure. But as modern as Ho Chi Minh is, you don't have to look far for glimpses of the past. Beautiful traditional pagodas and incense-infused temples pepper the city while museums paint a vivid picture of past troubles. Upon arrival you'll settle into your hotel, then this evening head out with your fellow travelers for a tasty local dinner in a traditional restaurant.

Driving to the Cu Chi Tunnels this morning, you'll be given a real-life history lesson that moves the soul as you visit just a small portion of the 250 km network of underground tunnels that were built by Vietnamese fighters in 1948. Incredibly, the tunnels you'll see have been widened from their original state, a fact that will become even more remarkable as you learn about the history of Cu Chi. Heading back to the city, your guided sightseeing tour will then tick off some of the most famous sights including the Neo-Romanesque Notre-Dame Cathedral, the striking Central Post Office built in the French style complete with gorgeous tiled interiors, and the lndependence Palace, a feat of classic 1960's architecture. Finishing up with a hit of Vietnamese caffeine and a quick language lesson to cover the basics, you'll head back to your hotel to enjoy a free evening to explore the city your way.

Today's your last day in Vietnam, so be sure to stock pile spring rolls and drink iced coffee whilst making the most of an entirely free day. History fans will find a visit to the War Remnants Museum utterly fascinating, where the atrocities of war and the long-lasting effects are told through stories, photos and exhibits. You could also pay a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most atmospheric and beautiful temples in the city, while those looking to swap city scenes for lush rice paddies and sedate local life could choose to join our Choice Experience trip to the magical Mekong Delta. Pass by stilt houses and fish farms and taste locally made coconut candy, then hop on board a rowing sampan to slowly weave through the network of small canals. Lunch will also be included - a real feast of local specialties.

Wave goodbye to Vietnam and say hello to Cambodia this morning as you catch a flight to Siem Reap, the famous gateway town to the ancient city of Angkor Wat. Many people arrive here imagining Angkor Wat will be the main attraction, and while that is true, Siem Reap also caters to foodies, adventurers and art lovers in abundance, boasting a wealth of tasty restaurants and a lively cultural scene that will keep you entertained well after dark. After checking in to your hotel, head out to explore the lively market scene. We'll be making a bee line for the historic Old Market, located in the Phsar Chas that dates back to the 1920's. Browse the stalls selling textiles, paintings, carvings and sculptures, then head on over to the Made in Cambodia Market, where local artisans sell their own wares and will happily chat about their production process. This evening, enjoy your first taste of Cambodian cuisine as we tuck in to dinner at a local restaurant.

Today is the day! Few travel experiences on earth can match the first time you lay eyes on the UNESCO World Heritage listed Angkor Wat. A true expression of Khmer mastery, this inspired creation represents the very heart and soul of Cambodia and is one of the most important religious monuments in the world. Built in the first half of the 12th Century by King Suryavarman II using techniques that will have you scratching your head in amazement, you'll learn about the great Khmer Empire as you explore the intricately carved hallways and admire the impeccably preserved carvings, then head on to the walled city of Angkor Thom to explore the Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. If your visit to the temples leaves you craving more, take the chance to join our optional trip to Bateay Kdei Temple in the afternoon, which ends with a golden hour cruise of the still waters of the moat surrounding Angkor Thom. Movie fans will be in for a treat as you have the chance to join a Choice Experience visit to Ta Prohm Temple, the UNESCO-listed site that is perhaps best known as the filming location of Angelina Jolie's ‘Tomb Raider'. Very much emulating the feeling of a lost city, many of the temples here are literally being swallowed by the surrounding jungle and are a real sight to see. Alternatively, with the afternoon all yours, a relaxing time by the hotel pool could be on the cards after a truly memorable morning. In the evening, you can take in a show with a difference by attending the Phare Circus. Here, disadvantaged young people are given circus training and go on to perform dazzling shows with acrobatics, dances, juggling and more in a beautifully choreographed story of Cambodia.

Your last day in Cambodia is free to explore your way, so be sure to make the most of it! Perhaps head back to the markets for some last-minute gift shopping, sample the delicious street food offerings on pretty much every corner. Or get to know Siem Reap's artistic side on an optional tour of the town's best workshops and galleries including a visit to Artisans d'Angkor, where training and job opportunities are offered to disadvantaged young people who specialise in preserving traditional Khmer skills including silk making, wood carving and painting. Those looking to explore beyond Siem Reap could join our trip to Tonle Sap Lake, where you'll board a traditional wooden boat and cruise past floating villages, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. However you choose to explore today, you can celebrate your final night with our optional dinner and Apsara dance show. Enjoy a tasty dinner while watching this beautiful 7th Century dance bring to life the ancient Khmer culture before your eyes.

You've explored ancient temples, snorkelled in waters brimming with marine life, woken up surrounded by the enchanting beauty of Halong Bay and eaten lots of delicious Vietnamese food, but today your adventure holiday in South East Asia will finally come to an end. After saying goodbye to your new travel friends, you'll transfer to Siem Reap International Airport and travel on to your next destination. Departure transfers are arranged at 05:30 and 15:00.