Asia

Days 1 & 2 - Phnom Penh. We begin by getting to know our tour leader and local guide over evening welcome drinks and a tour briefing. The next day we discover Cambodia’s refreshing and re-invented capital, Phnom Penh, visiting the beautiful Grand Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Later we explore the fascinating Khmer National Museum, and end our touring at Tuol Sleng museum, a stark reminder of the horror of Pol Pot’s reign. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore this intriguing riverside capital.

Days 3, 4 & 5 - Temples Of Angkor And Lake Tonle Sap. We fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the magnificent Temples of Angkor, and launching point for our afternoon cruise on vast Tonle Sap Lake with its floating villages. Before sunset, enter the Angkor complex for stunning temple views. The next day we rise early to witness sunrise over the world’s largest sacred building and architectural masterpiece, Angkor Wat. We then begin our exploration of the other main temples of Angkor. Visit the fortified city of Angkor Thom and the huge central towers of the Bayon. We also spend time at the jungle-covered Ta Prohm and the exquisitely carved Banteay Srei temples. On Day 5, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Days 6 & 7 - Saigon, Mekong Delta & Cu Chi. We walk Saigon’s wide and historic boulevards, visiting famous landmarks such as Hotel de Ville, the former Presidential Palace and lively Chinatown. In the afternoon we travel to Cu Chi and explore the tunnel system built by Communist soldiers during the Vietnam War. Our journey then takes us to the Mekong Delta, where we walk among lush fruit orchards and take a sampan along the intricate waterways of the Mekong River.

Day 8 - Hue. Flying to Hue, the former capital and home to Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty, we travel by dragon boat along the Perfume River to the 16th century Thien Mu Pagoda. See the impressive tomb of former Emperor Tu Duc and the ruins of the former royal residence, the Hue Citadel.

Days 9 & 10 - China Beach & Hoi An. We take the coastal drive south over spectacular Hai Van Pass. In Danang we visit the Cham museum before travelling the short distance south to China Beach. Continue to the quaint merchant town of Hoi An, where we walk narrow lanes visiting markets, historic houses and local cottage industries. In the evening, you have a chance to try your hand at Vietnamese cooking at a friend’s restaurant. Enjoy a cruise on tranquil Thu Bon River and explore further at your leisure.

Days 11 to 14 - Hanoi & Halong Bay. Today we fly north to Hanoi, Vietnam’s gracious capital. We examine the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam visiting the Ho Chi Minh museum and mausoleum and the simple wooden home in which he lived. We also visit the 11th century Temple of Literature and the Old Quarter, a maze of 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade their wares as they have since the Middle Ages. We enjoy an evening performance by Hanoi’s famous water puppets. We also travel to Halong Bay, Vietnam’s spectacular World Heritage site, and cruise among the thousands of limestone islands in the bay.

Days 17, 18 &19 - Luang Prabang & Pak Ou Caves. This morning we fly north to the charming former capital, Luang Prabang. Nestled among mountains at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, this delightful town has a unique and special charm. We visit the former Royal Palace, walk up Mt Phu Si and travel by boat through beautiful mountain scenery to the caves of Pak Ou. Visit Kuang Si falls, take part in a fun cooking class and stop at Hmong hill tribe villages. And of course, you will have free time for your own exploring. We end the tour in this enchanting town, allowing you to extend your stay here or continue your travels.

See below for departure 2005 dates.