A Journey through Southeast Asia

Today you will take an overnight flight to Hanoi.

On arrival in Vietnam's capital, we'll transfer you to your hotel. A two-night stay will give you plenty of time to get to know the city. Tonight you will experience a welcome dinner like no other at the Koto Restaurant, a social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged children. KOTO has trained over 700 students in Hanoi and Saigon, with 200 of them currently enrolled. Enjoy the aroma and flavours of Vietnamese and South-East Asian specialties, and try a selection of traditional dishes before sitting down for a three course meal.

We'll get to grips with Hanoi's many highlights on a full day of exploration, which starts at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Located in the heart of Ba Dinh Square, this imposing building is where the revered former president, known as Uncle Ho, lies in state. Next we'll head to the Temple of Literature, a collection of courtyards built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. Here, we'll also see the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university. We'll stop for a lunch of Vietnamese specialities including the fish dish cha ca and spring rolls, before continuing our sightseeing. Instead of discovering Hanoi by foot, we're going to board a bicycle rickshaw. Your driver will weave through the busy streets of the Ancient Quarter while you sit back and relax as you take in the incredible sights. There's time to stop for a Vietnamese coffee and take in views of Hoan Kiem Lake, before we stroll to the ancient Kim Ngan Temple. The day concludes as we watch a water puppet show, a mesmerising Vietnamese tradition, and take a backstage tour before heading back to the hotel.

A wonderful treat is in store today as you not only admire the stunning beauty of Halong Bay but also spend the night cruising its waters. We reach this UNESCO-listed site on a lovely journey by road through a patchwork of green paddy fields.
On arrival you can join an optional seaplane flight for exceptional views, before we step aboard our ship. We then spend the rest of the day cruising through the dramatic limestone peaks that rise from the water. Head up on deck to watch the sun set before enjoying dinner in the onboard restaurant and a tranquil night in your comfortable cabin.

Wake up to glorious views of Halong Bay as you enjoy tea, coffee and cookies. Weather conditions allowing, there will be numerous activities on offer this morning including kayaking and swimming or maybe you'd rather visit a market or peer into some of the nearby caves. After disembarking we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Hue.

A full day in Hue means you'll get a real flavour of Vietnam's former capital. We'll start with a relaxing cruise along the Perfume River, which takes us to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Then, after a little time to look around, we'll continue to the citadel, the ancient seat of royal power. We'll explore the former Imperial Palace and learn more about the area's intriguing architecture, which was inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City. By now you'll probably be ready for some lunch, so we'll stop to enjoy a vegetarian meal. Later we'll visit the imposing tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, located in a beautiful setting surrounded by gardens and lakes.

A scenic drive via the Hai Van Pass this morning takes us to Hoi An, an enchanting ancient riverside town. After checking into our hotel and enjoying lunch we'll head off on a tour of its highlights. These include the Chua Ong Pagoda, the Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. We'll also take a cruise on the Thu Bon River.

Today you will visit STREETS International's Oodles of Noodles project, a scheme which supports street kids and disadvantaged young people by providing them with training for a career in the hospitality industry. You'll meet some of the students, learn about different types of noodles and then have a go at making some yourself. Afterwards, a delicious bowl of Mi Quang noodles will be served.

Previously known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is our destination today. After our flight our discoveries begin on an afternoon tour. Highlights include the Central Post Office, designed by the renowned French architect Gustav Eiffel, and the elegant Saigon Opera House. We'll also see the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to an end, and enter the War Remnants Museum, which documents its history.

You'll spend this morning discovering the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels. This network of underground passages was first constructed in the late 1940s by the peasant army fighting the French. They were later extended by the Viet Cong rebels, and you can explore them today and learn about what life was like for the soldiers who called them home. The afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. A wonderful way to end the day is with a dinner cruise on the Saigon River, with traditional dishes and live entertainment on the menu.

We're flying to Siem Reap in neighbouring Cambodia today, where on arrival we'll begin our discovery of the iconic temples of Angkor. Considered the jewel in its crown, the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei is our first stop. After admiring its intricately carved walls we'll move on to the temple of Banteay Samre, and then the magnificent Angkor Wat. This huge three-tiered pyramid rises 65 metres from the ground and is topped by five lotus flower-shaped towers.
What better way to end the day than by enjoying spectacular views at sunset from the top of the Phnom Bakheng Temple.

An exciting day of experiences begins with a visit to the small village of Chansar, which is supported by our Travelsphere Cares project, you can see work taking place here, including the building of a kindergarten. After your mini education on village life, schooling, and the local economy, explore the crumbling ruins and learn about the fascinating history of the ancient Khmer Kingdom. Continue through the community to the home of a family who earn their income from making woven, reed brooms. Observe how the delicate brooms are made and try your hand at helping a villager out. You will have plenty more opportunities to try the local vocations as you take a guided walk around the village and meet the farmers and fisherman of the area.
A simple Khmer lunch is followed by a visit to a Buddhist temple to receive a blessing from a monk.

Today's discoveries begin at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, whose entrance is lined by statues. We'll also uncover the Bayon, decorated by impressive bas reliefs depicting everyday life as well as great battles. We'll climb to the top of the Phimeanakas, a pyramidal temple, for fantastic views of the Angkor complex. We'll then view the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of Leper Kings before we take the short drive to Ta Prohm. This crumbling temple was abandoned and neglected for centuries and is enveloped by jungle – it's an incredible sight.

Our journey by road this morning takes us to Kompong Khleang, a village built on stilts whose residents earn a living by fishing on the Tonle Sap Lake. We'll gain a fascinating insight into life here before we transfer to the airport and fly to Luang Prabang in Laos.

Today we'll discover the highlights of the former royal capital of Luang Prabang on a tour. Admire the ornate Wat Xieng Thong and the Wat Mai, with its beautiful gilded façade. Then we head to the former Royal Palace, now a museum housing many religious and cultural artefacts. Next we'll see Wat Visoun and Wat Aham, and you'll have the chance to climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for incredible panoramic views.

We start early today as we rise to the sound of the temple gong and witness a Buddhist alms-giving ceremony. A procession of about 300 young monks in saffron-coloured robes will walk by us silently collecting food in their bronze bowls. If you'd like to take part, your Local Guide will advise you. Later, we head to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, so grab your swimsuit and take a dip in the turquoise waters if you wish.

You'll spend the day cruising the Mekong River to Pakbeng, for an overnight stay at a riverside hotel. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the views of local life and lunch on board. En route we'll call at the Pak Ou Caves, a holy site packed with more than 4,000 images of Buddha.

We'll set sail once more after breakfast, cruising the river to Huay Xai. Look out for wildlife along the way – if you're lucky you might spot elephants from a nearby sanctuary bathing in the waters. We'll stretch our legs in a traditional village, then cross the border into Thailand and make our way to Chiang Rai.

Get picked up from your hotel to begin your tour at Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple. Designed by one of Thailand's most famous artists - Chalermchai Kositpipat - this unique temple is white with small glass pieces that shimmer in the sun, representing the purity and wisdom of the Buddha. Next, learn about some of the surrounding areas at the Hill Tribe Museum, where you can explore exhibits touching on the area's long history of opium and the effect it has had on the lives of the mountain people and hill tribe villages.
Then head onward to nearby Akha and Yao hill tribe villages. The Akha people are famous for their exotic and beautiful costumes, the Yao people for their peaceful and aristocratic demeanor. Both tribes are welcoming to visitors and eager to show people their day-to-day life. After meeting some of the tribe's people and exploring their villages, continue to Chiang Saen, a small town on the Mekong River. Known for its numerous ancient temples and ruins, this historical city is located at the convergence of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, and is overflowing with both beautiful scenery and incredible architecture.
Finally, head to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand and an important trading city on the border of Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). Spend some time exploring the local market, which provides a glorious insight into the trading heritage of Mae Sai. Pick up some great jewels imported from Myanmar (Burma), a Chinese item or two or some delicious local food to enjoy on your ride back to Chiang Rai.

Fly from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner.

You can enjoy some time at leisure before we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK via Hanoi.

You will arrive back in the UK today.