Eight days and seven nights across two countries and four bases: two nights in Hanoi, one aboard a junk in Ha Long Bay, two in Hoi An and two in Siem Reap. Transfers are private and air-conditioned, with an English-speaking guide for guided time. It suits a first trip taking in northern and central Vietnam alongside the temples of Angkor rather than one country in depth.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Hanoi, A Cyclo And The Water Puppets

You are met at Noi Bai airport and driven into central Hanoi; check-in is from 14:00, the early check-in surcharge is not included and no meals are provided on arrival day. The next day opens at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, with the mausoleum of the nation's founder, closed on Mondays, Fridays and throughout November, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam. Lunch at a local restaurant is on your own account. The afternoon covers the Ethnologic Museum, closed on Mondays and devoted to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter and an evening water puppet performance.

A Night On A Junk In Ha Long Bay

A three-hour drive through the Red River Delta reaches Ha Long City and a refurbished sailing junk. The cruise runs between the limestone cliffs and emerald water of this World Heritage Site, with a fresh seafood lunch on board, swimming and caves in the afternoon, sunset from the deck and dinner before the captain anchors near a remote island; night fishing is optional. On this leg the English-speaking guide is on board only, and the programme inside the bay varies from cruise to cruise. Next morning brings an early dip, sunrise and breakfast, then kayaking in quieter corners of the bay.

Ba Na Hills, The Golden Bridge And Hoi An

You return to the harbour around midday and drive three hours to Noi Bai for the flight to Da Nang and on to Hoi An. Next morning a car and guide collect you between 08:00 and 08:15 for the cable car up to Ba Na Hills, the nine gardens of Le Jardin D'Amour, the Golden Bridge and the French Village, with a buffet lunch at 12:30 and Fantasy Park at your own expense. Day six is on foot in Hoi An Old Town, past merchant houses that have stood 200 years, the Japanese Covered Bridge, more than 400 years old, and the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall. Vietnam on its own is our six-day North and Central Vietnam itinerary.

Angkor And The Final Morning

An afternoon transfer to Da Nang airport is followed by the flight to Siem Reap, where an English-speaking guide meets you. The temple day begins at Angkor Wat, built as the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries, with carved hallways and shrines still in use locally, then Ta Prohm, whose fig roots have merged with the stone. Lunch is on your own account. Late afternoon is for Angkor Thom and the faces of the Bayon, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. The final morning is free until your airport transfer. For more of Cambodia, see our six-day Cambodia Classic itinerary.

GOOD TO KNOW

Included are accommodation on a twin or double sharing basis, all transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide for guided time only, the two-day one-night Ha Long cruise, all entrance fees and government taxes. Meals are only those listed each day. Flights, insurance, personal expenses and the Vietnam visa are excluded; entry requirements are on our visa assistance page. Christmas, New Year and Tet surcharges and the 24 and 31 December gala dinners are extra, and tipping for the guide and driver is compulsory at a fixed rate per person per day set by group size. It is quoted on request, like the rest of our holiday packages.

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