Inside Vietnam & Cambodia with Sapa - 26 days

2012 - Your Journey starts Hanoi, ends Siem Reap

DAYS 1-6 - HANOI & SAPA
After a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, join a fun cooking class, then board an overnight train and wake to the gorgeous mountain views of Northern Vietnam. Arrive in Sapa and stop at a local market. A visit to the Ta Van valley exposes spectacular views, before you discover the unique regional lifestyle of the mountain dwelling locals. Stay at Topas Ecolodge, with sweeping vistas across the valley below. In the minority villages, gain an insight into the fascinating way of life high in the mountains. Another overnight train journey brings you back to Hanoi.
Hotels: Tirant, Overnight train, Bamboo Sapa, Topas Ecolodge

DAYS 7-9 - HANOI & MAI CHAU
Learn about ‘Uncle Ho’ at his former home and mausoleum and visit the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison then explore the ancient Temple of Literature. Uncover Vietnam’s hilltribes at the intriguing Ethnology Museum, before travelling to the beautiful upland valley of Mai Chau. An overnight home-stay in a Tai family house offers an insight into of daily life in the region. Back in Hanoi an evening water puppet performance awaits.
Hotels: Sunway, Guesthouse

DAYS 10-12 - HALONG BAY, HANOI & OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO HUE
A beautiful drive takes you past lush fields and rice paddies to World Heritage listed Halong Bay. On your overnight cruise, enjoy the stunning scenery from our private boat. Return to Hanoi to board an overnight train for your journey south.
Hotels: Overnight boat, Overnight train

DAYS 13-16 - HUE & HOI AN
Disembark in another era in historic Hue. Uncover Vietnam’s enchanting past at the Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda. Visit the Spiral Foundation where the deaf and mute workers will show you how to make your own souvenir. A marvellous drive along the sparkling coast brings you to charming Hoi An. Walking the enchanting streets of Hoi An reveals traditional houses and temples and the iconic Japanese Bridge. Get your hands dirty and become a ‘Hoi An Local for a day’ on a tour which teaches you traditional farming techniques. Learn about the work being done with disadvantaged youth by the Streets Foundation on a morning tour of a local market with some of the staff, followed by free time to join a fun cooking class, shop till you drop at Hoi An’s famous tailors or simply soak up the town’s wonderful atmosphere, before the short flight to Saigon.
Hotels: Huong Giang, Hoi An Riverside

DAYS 17-18 - SAIGON
In Saigon, stroll amongst the excitement of bustling Dong Khoi Street, the former Rue Catinat. Uncover the historic Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. The amazing Cu Chi tunnels highlight the resilience of the Vietnamese people.
Hotel: Palace

DAYS 19-20 - MEKONG DELTA
Cruise through the rivers and canals around Can Tho and visit local farmhouses and fruit orchards. A boat trip to the floating markets of Cai Rang is magical in the early morning light, before the drive to the engaging border town of Chau Doc. Opt to see the bustling local market or challenge yourself to climb Sam Mountain and be rewarded with the unforgettable view of the sun setting over Cambodia.
Hotels: Golf Can Tho, Victoria Chau Doc

DAYS 21-22 - PHNOM PENH
Your arrival into Phnom Penh by boat is truly bewitching. In the Cambodian capital, reflect on Khmer history with visits to Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields, and the informative National Museum. Explore the stately surrounds of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
Hotel: Juliana

DAYS 23-26 - KAMPONG THOM & SIEM REAP
Travel north to exotic Kampong Thom. Stop at a silver village and then the local markets which sell everything from fresh fruit to fried spiders, and then journey back to a time long gone at the pre-Angkorian ruins of Sambour Prei Kuk. Float through a remote section of Tonle Sap Lake on a splendid boat trip. From your base in Siem Reap, discover the incredible temples of Angkor. Creep through the jungle by torchlight to witness the sun’s first rays fall on the majestic Angkor Wat, and take part in a blessing by a monk. Venture off the tourist trail to remote Boeng Mealea, and immerse yourself in the atmospheric ruins of the tree-covered Ta Prohm then marvel at the artisanship of intricate Banteay Srei. On your last day, enjoy free time until your departure transfer.
Hotels: Sambor Village, Somadevi