Indochina Odyssey

You’ll kick-start your trip in Luang Prabang, where leafy palm trees and the pointed roofs of Buddhist temples compose the skyline, and your next three nights will be spent in 3 Nagas, nestled in the Old Quarter.  Gilded, ornate temples await you on an afternoon tour before a climb to the top of Phousi Hill to see the sun sinking behind the forest-topped hills surrounding the town. Hop onboard a traditional long-tail boat to head upstream on the Mekong, cruising past rugged limestone formations on the river banks to arrive at the sacred Tham Ting and Tham Theung caves, home to around 4,000 wooden Buddha statues placed by local villagers and pilgrims. Wake before dawn to experience the unique, awe-inspiring ritual of alms-giving to saffron-clad monks as the city comes to life; in the afternoon, take a leisurely hike through national parkland towards the picturesque tiered waterfall of Kuang Si before a peaceful picnic lunch. After three days, you’ll leave Laos behind for vibrant Vietnam.

Fly into Hanoi, where you’ll be staying in the stately and central Sofitel Metropole. We’ll take you around the city sights on a morning tour, from the mausoleum of ‘Uncle Ho’ to the One Pillar Pagoda, resting on a single stone pillar in a serene lotus pond; in the afternoon, you’ll drive out of town to the fascinating Museum of Ethnology to learn more about Vietnam’s 54 unique ethnic minorities.  Top off a spectacular day of local culture with a traditional water puppetry show. The following day you’re in for a treat – lots of them, in fact, with a street food tour guided by a local chef. You’ll visit colourful markets abounding with fresh produce and savour Hanoi’s specialties in restaurants that few visitors uncover, as your guide explains and recommends the best dishes. You’ll finish up with a gourmet meal at Ngon restaurant, showcasing various Vietnamese regional specialties.

The majestic and beautiful Halong Bay is yours to discover today. On board the Halong Jasmine you’ll sail the jade-green waters of the bay with the striking limestone karsts jutting into the skyline, making the most of the junk’s reputation for excellent food with its evening barbeque buffet. You’ll pit stop at picturesque little beaches, explore caves spiked with stalagmites and stalactites and kayak along the serene waters, if it takes your fancy. See out the sun with a glass of wine in hand before marvelling at the sight of the bay in the glow of the moonlight. Start the following day with some relaxing tai chi on the deck before heading back to Hanoi for your flight to Hue.

With the elegant La Residence as your base, you’ll explore the former political and cultural centre of Vietnam, where the Imperial Citadel is the star of the show. A cyclo will take you from your hotel to this impressive sight, which you’ll uncover in the company of a knowledgeable local guide, learning of the town’s rich history as you wander its magnificent tombs and pagodas.  Take in a local martial arts performance for a colourful narrative in Vietnamese patriots’ struggle against colonialists in the past. You’ll also have the chance to pick up some souvenirs at the bustling Dongba Market, and snack on sizzling fresh street food for lunch.

Leaving historic Hue behind, we’ll take you to Hoi An by car, stopping off en-route at the dramatic fired-brick remains of the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO site dating back to the 4^th century.  An hour and a half from Hue, the Hindu temple ruins are clustered in a lush green valley flanked by two mountain ranges, making the area not only historically significant but naturally beautiful. You’ll have the chance to explore the ancient site before proceeding to Hoi An. Anantara Hoi An is your base for exploring this pretty port town, of which you’ll take a guided walking tour to discover more about its varied and prosperous past, strolling past Chinese and Japanese-influenced architecture, old merchants’ houses down winding lanes and market stalls laden with vibrantly coloured silks and ceramics. After two nights in Hoi An, we’ll fly you south to Saigon.

Vietnam’s commercial centre, Saigon is the pulse of the country and a city that doesn’t stop; here your hotel will be the sleek and central Park Hyatt. Head northwest of the city to visit the underground warren-like tunnels at Cu Chi, the former communication routes and living quarters of guerrilla fighters during the American war and mind-blowing in their  complexity and compact size. Back in Saigon you’ll embark on a tour of this old-meets-new city, where glittering skyscrapers tower alongside ancient colonial buildings like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

The journey to Can Tho takes you out of Saigon and along the Mekong Delta, starting with a short drive, watching the cityscape ebb away into the rural surrounds of green paddy fields and unspoiled countryside. You’ll take a motor boat ride along the Delta itself, the thriving lifeline of South East Asia lined with stilted houses and fish farms, before arriving at Turtle Island. This little river islet grants you a glimpse into rural life, as you meet a local farmer for a guided stroll through tropical gardens and fruit farms. Continuing your Delta journey, your traditional sampan boat will navigate the maze of canals to leave you for lunch and a traditional folk performance at My Tho before a two-hour journey to your hotel, Victoria Can Tho, to take it easy for the evening.

Awaken early to see the impressive Cai Rang market, one of the biggest floating markets on the Delta - an assortment of boats of different shapes and sizes, bearing fresh fruits and local produce. Weave amongst the traders along the waterways, soaking up the sights and sounds, before travelling onto Victoria Chau Doc where you’ll stay for the night.

Sail northward along the Delta on the Victoria’s speedboat to arrive in style in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Gliding into the city along the water, the contrasting architecture of colonial buildings and striking temples is there to greet you, as the river flows through the heart of the capital. You’ll stay in the Raffles Le Royal, near the beautiful Royal Palace which you’ll behold on an afternoon walking tour of the most famous sights. You’ll also have the option of paying a visit to the Tuol Sleng museum, as well as the tragic Killing Fields, for an insight into the country’s dark and recent history. After a couple of days here, you’ll fly to Siem Reap for the final three nights of your trip.

The last stop on a sweeping South East Asia journey, Siem Reap is where you’ll watch the sun come up over the famous outline of Angkor Wat, clamber over the tree roots tangling around the eerily beautiful Ta Phrom and see the sun go down at the ancient temple of Bayon, the glow reflecting on the smiling stone faces that decorates the temple’s towers. Staying at the luxurious Raffles d’Angkor, you’ll have the final day to spend at your leisure – we recommend a traditional Khmer massage in your hotel to top off an epic vacation, before travelling home on an overnight flight.