In the heart of Southeast Asia

Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam with a welcome meeting at 6:00 PM this evening. If you arrive early, you can wander through these beautiful streets and admire the sights. Tonight you can gather your new group and see who's up for some food and a cool bia hoi at a street stall or watch the motorcycles whizz by. Hanoi is also a great place for local breweries and cocktail bars, so perhaps dive into the nightlife and discover what this city has to offer after dark.

Today, you have the freedom to explore Hanoi as you wish. You might reflect on your reflection in the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, take a stroll along the tree-lined boulevards or relax in a city park savoring delicious street food (how about spring rolls in rice paper?). For museum enthusiasts, you could visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, discover the serene Temple of Literature or express your passion for art at the city's Fine Arts Museum. For a tasty lunch, you could head to KOTO, an organization dedicated to promoting careers in the hospitality sector for disadvantaged youth. Later, you could admire the historic architecture as the sun sets.

Travel by bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island – the largest island in the Lan Ha Bay, connected to the Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With thousands of small limestone islands scattered around, this area is one of those quintessential Vietnamese scenes where the bright green waters are dotted with traditional sailing boats and karst formations. Take a cruise around Lan Ha Bay and enjoy a seafood lunch prepared by the onboard chef. What could be better? This afternoon, get off the boat to get up close and interact with this surreal landscape by kayak. Paddle through calm waters and then watch the sunset over this breathtaking scenery.

This morning, take a ferry back to the mainland and head towards the province of Ninh Binh – once the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a local guide for a bicycle tour to visit the ancient citadel. This once stretched over 300 hectares of land, but the passage of time has left few traces of the once glorious capital. You will visit 17th-century temples built in honor of the Dinh and Le kings among other temples, pagodas, monuments, and lush gardens surrounded by mountains.

The day is yours to explore the many other wonders of Ninh Binh. You might want to wear your hiking boots and head to the incredible Mua Cave. While the cave is at the base of a mountain, make sure to hike up the 500 steps to reach the top of the mountain to enjoy breathtaking views of Hoa Lu and the Ngo Dong river. Or you might want to get out on the water and take a boat tour passing between limestone peaks, caves, temples, and perhaps even the filming locations of a King Kong movie. Tonight, catch an overnight train to Hue.

Arriving by train in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Today you have free time to do whatever you want. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the massive walled citadel of Hue and the Forbidden Purple Palace within it. Perhaps jump on a dragon boat and enjoy a cruise on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. You might also want to check out the Dong Ba Market, which offers local goods, fresh produce, and tasty street food. This is a good place to try the dish once feasted upon by Emperor Nguyen: the royal rice banh Khoai. If you like getting around on two wheels, maybe cycle to one of the royal tombs like the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc (one of the finest examples of its kind remaining). Tonight, head to a local family's home and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner. Before you know it, you'll find yourself chatting and laughing with your chopsticks!

Continue along the coast to Hoi An by private bus. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a walking tour of this unique town that has been influenced over the years by Europe, China, Vietnam, and Japan. The town has been a significant trading port since the 17th century and its old-school charm is evident in all its architecture. For a small town, it's quite lively. The tour will take you through streets that are being restored and look very much like they did 100 years ago, then you'll discover some of the more relaxed spots. Check out a historic house (formerly the residence of an important merchant), the Japanese covered bridge, a Chinese meeting hall, and a museum. Later, you might play bingo with your guide in a town square, a popular local pastime. Those who wish can choose to participate in optional activities such as a culinary adventure around the towns of Hoi An or take part in a cooking class, contact us to find out all the options!

Start your day by cycling through the beautiful surroundings of Hoi An to the organic vegetable and herb gardens of a local chef. Look, smell, and taste what makes Vietnamese food so delicious. After a tour of the gardens, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch using some of the ingredients you've gathered during your tour. Much of the food waste here is composted, recycled, or reused. The rest of the afternoon is free for your explorations. Perhaps take a trip to the Central Market and check out the paintings, woodwork, ceramics, and lanterns. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors, so if you've been wearing the same shirt every day (who hasn't), why not visit one of the same-day tailors and buy something new? Tonight, perhaps take a walk through the lantern-lit streets for some fantastic photo opportunities.

This morning, your group will head to the train station for your second overnight train journey. If you didn't do it last night, you might want to get up early and grab some snacks for the train. As you make your way towards Ho Chi Minh City, perhaps playing cards for a few (or many) rounds or diving into a good book. As the light changes outside, you can watch the ever-changing landscape passing by, offering you a glimpse into what rural life is like in Vietnam.

I arrive in Ho Chi Minh City very early this morning and transfer to the hotel. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a whirlwind of sights and sounds. You can still see the French influence in the baguettes and top-quality coffee. Compared to the north, the food here is spicier, sweeter, and more varied. Perhaps take advantage of the early morning to take a look at the markets and enjoy a bowl of pho with the local traders. With your group, you will visit a local market, where you can browse through the exotic street foods and maybe seize the opportunity to try some. Then try the iconic Saigon iced coffee with condensed milk (caffè sua da) amidst the daily hustle and bustle of the market as your leader shares stories about life in Ho Chi Minh City. Tonight, why not gather your group for a meal and some drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street?

Your day is free to explore Ho Chi Minh at your own pace. If you want to get out of the city, the Cu Chi tunnels are an interesting day trip you can book. Alternatively, perhaps head towards the Mekong Delta! You'll have a second meeting at 6 PM this evening to meet the new members of your group. Why not go out tonight and enjoy a group dinner or explore the nightlife with some great recommendations from your leader.

Today we set off on a journey towards Phnom Penh on a public bus - it's a long trip that includes two border crossings and a stop where you can have lunch. Have your favorite books or travel games ready - this is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers better. Your guide will assist with the formalities on both sides of the border. Upon arrival, why not treat yourself to a traditional Khmer massage to relieve the tension? Look no further than Seeing Hands - a wonderful organization that supports blind masseurs.

Today, you will have an authentic local breakfast near one of the markets. Then, the group will head to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, both sobering but important and educational experiences in Cambodia. Afterwards, you might want to explore some of the attractions at your own pace, such as the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, which both offer brighter aspects of Cambodia's past. You could also head to the National Museum or Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple built in 1372. The city's main center is located on the western bank of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. In the evening, you will leave with your group for a sunset river cruise and enjoy a complimentary drink as you sail along the water and see the city from a different perspective. We suggest going to a rooftop bar with some spectacular views of the city: there are many options to choose from, so ask your guide.

Today, we leave Phnom Penh on a private bus for Sihanoukville. Then, you'll take a speedboat to the paradise of Koh Rong. You'll have a couple of days on the island to truly enjoy the bliss and adjust to the island time: this afternoon is for swimming, relaxing on the warm sandy shores of the beach, and walking along the coast in the mild evening in search of a place to dine (your guide will have some great recommendations).

Today is another day off to relax on the beach. Soak up the sun, order some cocktails or cold beers to cool off, and swim in the serene waters of Koh Rong. If you're looking for some activities to do, ask your group leader for hiking options, as there's a beautiful jungle and hidden waterfalls to discover in the island's hinterland. Tonight, why not have fun at the Nest Beach Club – a lively place known for its nightlife.

This morning, you will leave the island behind and head towards your host family in Isanborei, a rural community that maintains a traditional way of life. This community is located within Sambor Preikuk, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 100 ancient temples. It is also home to a Cambodian community-based tourism project involving seven Khmer villages that collaborate to preserve the historic area and provide residents with job opportunities. Upon arrival, take a tour of the village with your local guide, who will introduce you to the locals, your host family, and your fellow guests. Tonight, enjoy the sunset over the rice fields before relaxing as you enjoy a traditional homemade Khmer dinner with your host family.

This morning, enjoy breakfast prepared by your local host. If you didn't get the chance yesterday, you can visit the nearby temple of Sambor Preikuk, one of the oldest ruins in the country (dating back to the 6th century). Perhaps choose to cycle on the rural roads through the village, passing by locals working in the rice fields, or maybe sample a taste of the Cambodian liquor Sombai. After a day of exploration, bid farewell to your hosts and continue towards Siem Reap, home of the must-see site, Angkor Wat. Upon arrival, perhaps spend some time browsing the central markets and grab some delicious local food for dinner tonight.

Early this morning, you will visit the mighty complex of Angkor at dawn: it is the largest religious structure in the world and it is truly special to watch the sunrise over the temples. Get your camera ready because these 400 acres are full of picturesque scenes. You will take a guided tour of the complex on a tuk-tuk with a local social enterprise that focuses on providing job opportunities for women in the community and you will see the larger-than-life Angkor Wat, the grand Bayon, and the Ta Prohm engulfed by the jungle. Some buildings are over a thousand years old and date back to the Khmer Empire: these beauties were known to represent the cosmic world and were arranged in perfect balance, symmetry, and composition. If you wish, try to capture the majesty of the temples at sunset as well: you can also return to your accommodation after the guided tour for a nap and then come back to the site in the late afternoon.

Goodbye Cambodia, welcome to Thailand. Driving from Siem Reap to Bangkok in a private minivan today. After a long day of travel, arrive in Bangkok. The khlongs (canals) are a great way to escape all the chaos: perhaps take a boat to the famous Chinatown for a delicious street food dinner. A traditional Thai massage (not included) might also be a good option to relax until the evening. There's great nightlife and rooftop bars to explore here, so make sure to find a spot with your travel companions and watch the day turn into night, celebrating your last evening.

There are no scheduled activities for today, the trip is coming to an end. Bangkok is full of things to do, including the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or the Jim Thompson Museum. If you wish to stay in Thailand longer, please contact your booking agent in advance.