Tour itinerary
Day 1,HANOI
Arrive Hanoi.
Day 2,HANOI
A free day in this elegant city. You can visit the fascinating Ho Chi Minh museum, amble through the winding streets of the Old Quarter or relax in a café by Hoan Kiem Lake. (B)
Day 3,HILLTRIBE TREK
Travel west to Hoa Binh province. We visit the White Thai village of Sa Linh and then take a 3 hour trek to the village of Hang Kia. Our hosts for the evening are the Hmong minority people. Their hospitality allows us to find out a little more about their lives and culture - and they will want to learn about you too. (BLD)
Day 4,HILLTRIBE TREK
Following breakfast we set off on foot for Van village, inhabited by White Thai people (7 hrs walking). Our hosts this evening will treat us to a fine meal and stories of life in Van. Watch out for their home-brewed rice wine! (BLD)
Day 5,HILLTRIBE TREK
Trek to Khoe Village from where we drive back to Hanoi (3 hrs walking). (B)
Day 6,HALONG BAY KAYAKING SAFARI
In Halong City we board a private boat to cruise through Halong Bay to the isolated Ho Ba Ham Island. Lunch will be served on board as we cruise and we have the rest of the day to explore the area by kayak or on foot. Tonight you can sleep below deck or under the carpet of stars on deck. (BLD)
Day 7,HALONG BAY KAYAKING SAFARI
More kayaking this morning as we head towards Cat Ba Island. We continue to Hai Phong by local ferry then return to Hanoi. (BL)
Day 8,HANOI
Free time until we board the Reunification Express train to Hue. (B)
Day 9 to Day 10,HUE
We spend a day and a half in Hue, famous for its stunning imperial architecture and the Perfume River. (Day 10 - B)
Day 11,HOI AN
Travel to Hoi An via Ocean Cloud Pass, Danang and China Beach. (B)
Day 12,HOI AN
Free day in Hoi An. Travellers love Hoi An’s laid back atmosphere. (B)
Day 13 to Day 14,WHALE ISLAND
Transfer by road and boat to secluded Whale Island. Two days to swim, laze on pristine beaches or go snorkelling amidst lovely coral gardens. (Day 13 - BD, Day 14 - BLD)
Day 15,WHALE ISLAND - NHA TRANG
Late departure from this paradise island and travel south towards Nha Trang, a laid back beach resort. (B)
Day 16,NHA TRANG
There’s time to check out the town before we board the overnight train to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). (B)
Day 17,SAIGON (HO CHI MINH CITY)
Arrive in Saigon and transfer to the hotel. Free day.
Day 18,MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY
A day exploring the area by boat and on foot provides a great opportunity to learn about life in the delta. Tonight we are guests of a local family. (BLD)
Day 19,MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON
This morning we visit an authentic floating market before returning to Saigon. (B)
Day 20,SAIGON
Free day in Saigon. (B)
Day 21,SAIGON - PHNOM PENH
Today we travel across the Viet/Cambodian border by bus to Phnom Penh. Arrive late afternoon, time to explore.
Day 22,PHNOM PENH
Morning guided tour to visit Royal Palace, National Museum. We will also take time to uncover the history of Cambodia’s recent tragic past with an optional visit to Tuoel Sleng – the former Khmer Rouge torture centre. The visit will also include the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek.
Day 23,PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP
This morning we have an early start and travel to Siem Reap, our gateway to a long awaited visit to the incredible Angkor Wat. Afternoon free.
Day 24,ANGKOR WAT
A spectacular day of exploration. We rise early for sunrise over Angkor Wat then enjoy a guided tour of the main complex. In the afternoon we visit Angkor Thom, Bayon, South gate and the Terrace of the Leper King. (B)
Day 25,ANGKOR WAT
A whole free day to explore Angkor Wat or other surrounding sights such as Lake Tonle Sap or the Old Market. (B)
Day 26,SIEM REAP - BANGKOK
Board the local bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok. (B)
Day 27,BANGKOK
Arrive in Bangkok and check in to hotel. Time to relax or explore the nearby Grand Palace, Wat Phra Keow and Wat Pho.
Day 28,BANGKOK – RIVER KWAI
Early departure from Bangkok. We drive to Kanchanaburi and visit the Bridge on the River Kwai, JEATH Museum and War Cemetery. In the afternoon we continue to Nakhon Pathom for the overnight train journey to Surat Thani. (B)
Day 29,KOH PHA NGAN
Travel to Koh Pha Ngan by ferry and continue by jungle pick-up truck to Thongnaipan beach, one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches. Overnight in beach bungalows.
Day 30 to Day 32,KOH PHA NGAN
Three full days to do as you please. There are many options; snorkelling, diving, jungle and waterfall walks, boat trips to surrounding highlights and just lazing on the beach.
Day 33,SATUN
Today we leave our island paradise and catch the ferry back to the Thai mainland. Continue to Satun, a fishing town on the Andaman Sea coast.
Day 34,PENANG
Travel via Butterworth to the famous island of Penang with its beautiful colonial buildings and wonderfully atmospheric Chinatown - one of the most exciting in the region.
Day 35,PENANG
A free day to explore the markets, beaches and interesting buildings of Penang.
Day 36,CAMERON HIGHLANDS
We head back to the mainland and journey south to the spectacular hill country of the Cameron Highlands.
Day 37,CAMERON HIGHLANDS
Today you can take jungle walks and visit tea plantations and spice gardens - even pick your own strawberries.
Day 38,KUALA LUMPUR
We continue to the capital of Malaysia, an interesting mix of cultures and colonial influences. At night you can visit the famous KL night market.
Day 39,KUALA LUMPUR
Free day. Optional visit to the Batu Caves.
Day 40,MELAKA
Travel to Melaka, the capital of the Melaka Sultanate. This beautiful town reflects Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. The rest of the day is free to wander around.
Day 41,MELAKA
A free day to explore this amazing mix of cultures.
Day 42,SINGAPORE
Drive to the vibrant island citystate of Singapore and transfer to our hotel. Tonight we have the opportunity to eat together and reflect upon our amazing journey from Bangkok to Singapore.
Day 43,SINGAPORE
Tour ends.