Highlights of Vietnam & Cambodia

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Saigon, Cu Chi, Hue, Hoi An, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Siem Reap (Angkor)

This comprehensive two-week tour visits the most important destinations in Vietnam, plus a side excursion to Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Begin in dynamic Saigon, the country’s bustling commercial center. With your own expert guide and driver, experience the city's most interesting neighborhoods, historic attractions, museums, art galleries and shops, markets, and excellent restaurants. One day, drive into the countryside to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Next, fly to Hue, the former imperial capital, in central Vietnam. Visit royal tombs, the imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, and take a cruise along the Perfume River. Meet with monks at an ancient pagoda and learn about Buddhism and life as a monk. Visit markets, sample Hue's vegetarian cuisine, and dine at a private home that once belonged to the royal family.

Continue on a coastal drive to atmospheric Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed riverfront town with colorful historic homes, charming cafes, and bustling silk and fish markets. With your guide, explore the beautiful backstreets, visit local villages, and enjoy a sunset boat ride on the river. Nearby, also see ancient Cham sculptures and tour Buddhist cave temples in the mountains. There will also be free time to relax at your luxury beach resort.

Next, spend several days in Hanoi, Vietnam’s artistic and intellectual capital. With your guide, ride cyclos around the lake to see the city's most beautiful French colonial architecture. Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. Attend an evening Water Puppet Theater performance. Visit ancient temples, excellent art and culture museums, and the city's best contemporary Vietnamese art galleries. Each night, reservations will be made at Hanoi's most recommended restaurants, many of which are housed in restored French colonial villas. One day, take an excursion to beautiful Halong Bay.

Continue to Siem Reap, Cambodia, for a three-day exploration of Angkor—the ruins of the ancient Khmer empire. Visit Angkor Wat, an enormous temple city built as a model of the Hindu universe in stone. Nearby is Angkor Thom, a former capital believed to have once housed a population of approximately one million people around its Bayon, Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. See how the jungle grows over and through Ta Prohm, and stop at the serene Preah Khan, originally a monastery and teaching center. Drive through the countryside to the popular Banteay Srei (“citadel of the women”), a petite temple with elaborate carvings in pinkish sandstone. Watch the sun set over Angkor from atop Phnom Bakheng. Observe local students learning traditional Cambodian arts. Also visit lesser known temples and let us arrange special activities according to your interests (options include bike riding, cooking classes, private yoga, visits to orphanages and children's centers, photography excursions, shopping, and village tours). Accommodation is at the exclusive Amansara resort.