Vietnam to Angkor Wat + The Mekong

Upon arrival, our VIP Fast Track Service expedites your passage through immigration and customs, ensuring a swift and hassle-free arrival. Once outside, meet your personal driver for a comfortable private transfer to your deluxe or luxury hotel in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore as you wish. 

Begin your day with an immersive introduction to Saigon’s vibrant coffee culture. In a hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to brew rich, aromatic Vietnamese coffee using the iconic phin filter—an everyday ritual deeply embedded in local life. Continue to the Reunification Palace, an emblem of Vietnam’s tumultuous 20th-century history. Once the residence of South Vietnam’s president, this striking mid-century structure became globally symbolic when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates in 1975, marking the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. Walking through its preserved chambers and opulent state rooms offers a poignant glimpse into a nation on the brink of transformation. 

After lunch, leave the city behind on a speedboat journey along the Saigon River. As the skyline fades, you’ll pass through a lush, waterway landscape—a vivid contrast to the urban sprawl—en route to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast underground network, carved by hand and stretching over 75 miles, served as a strategic stronghold for the Viet Cong during the war. Ingeniously constructed with trapdoors, hidden rooms, and ventilation shafts, the tunnels were both sanctuary and battlefield. Exploring this subterranean world reveals not just the resourcefulness of those who lived and fought here, but the endurance of the human spirit amid conflict.  Meals B+L 

Discover the creative spirit of Saigon on immersive explorations of the city’s artistic and culinary culture. Begin this morning at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a beautifully preserved French-colonial villa. Its stained-glass windows, mosaic tiles, and elegant balconies offer a fitting backdrop to a diverse collection of Vietnamese artworks that span both classical and contemporary styles. 

Continue to the private studio of a local artist whose home doubles as a gallery. Meet the artist and learn how she uses her passion and talents to mentor youth in her community. Then try your hand at a colorful, hands-on craft—glass bottle painting—and take your creation home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Then sit down to a homemade Vietnamese lunch before returning to your hotel for a free afternoon. 

As night falls, hop on a classic Vespa to explore lively neighborhoods and backstreets rarely visited by tourists. Your first culinary stop is to sample freshly made bánh mì, Vietnam’s signature sandwich, layered with savory meats, pickled vegetables, and fragrant herbs. For the main course, choose from Southern favorites like savory rice pancakes, grilled pork with broken rice, or fresh wraps. Along the way, you’ll pass through residential districts where daily life continues against a backdrop of fading colonial charm. Indulge in a traditional dessert of grilled banana wrapped in sticky rice and finished with coconut cream. Then stop in a local craft beer bar to sample their brews before returning to your hotel.  Meals B+L+D 

After breakfast and check-out, leave the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind as you set out with your private car and driver on a scenic two-hour drive to My Tho, gateway to the verdant and storied Mekong Delta. At the pier, embark on a delightful sightseeing cruise along the wide, slow-moving river, passing the islands of Tan My and Thoi Son, where floating fish farms and houseboats reflect a way of life shaped by the water. 

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to meet local fishermen and to explore tranquil canals in a traditional row boat. Cycle through farms and orchards where coconuts, grapefruit, and tropical fruits ripen in the sun, and stop for a lunch of regional Mekong specialties. You’ll also see how local livelihoods are sustained by time-honored crafts—watch as rice flour pancakes are cooked over open flames, visit a family-run distillery, and observe the weaving of mats and other goods from natural fibers. The day’s journey offers a vivid portrait of river life—its resourcefulness, rhythms, and quiet beauty. Continue to our luxury resort in Can Tho for a 2-night stay.  Meals B+L 

Arise early this morning for an excursion to the colorful floating market of Can Tho, where many Delta residents begin their day. As the sun rises, the river fills with wooden boats piled high with tropical fruits, vegetables, and other goods—their vendors calling out prices over the hum of engines and the splash of paddles. Exploring this time-honored trading hub by boat with your personal guide offers an unforgettable and authentic look into the daily rhythms that have endured in the Mekong Delta for generations. 

After the market, step ashore to visit a beautifully preserved ancestral home. Its graceful architecture and serene setting provide a striking counterpoint to the morning’s bustle, offering insight into the cultural legacy and craftsmanship of the Mekong’s past. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and explore at your own pace. Whether enjoying the natural stillness of the river or reflecting on the region’s rich traditions, this slower pace invites you to experience Delta life at your leisure.  Meals B+L 

After breakfast, you’ll be chauffeured to the Can Tho airport for your included flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s dynamic capital. In just a few hours, you’ll have transitioned from the tranquil waterways and tropical greenery of the Mekong Delta to Hanoi’s vibrant streets, steeped in history and pulsing with urban life. Upon arrival, your private car and driver will transfer you to our luxury hotel in the heart of town. 

As the afternoon light casts a golden glow over the city, join your in-the-know resident guide for a culinary adventure that reveals Hanoi’s rich food culture. While the early morning markets have quieted, the streets come alive again with a different rhythm—one marked by sizzling griddles, fragrant broths, and locals gathering for their favorite afternoon and evening snacks. 

Led by our passionate food expert, you’ll weave through hidden alleys and curbside stalls, sampling an array of distinctive flavors. Sink your teeth into a crispy banh xeo (savory pancake) fresh off the griddle, refresh your palate with the sweet-tart crunch of nom (green papaya salad), or warm up with a bowl of bun oc, a snail noodle soup beloved by generations of Hanoians. Each dish tells a story—not only of ingredients and technique, but of community, tradition, and the ever-evolving soul of the city. 

As twilight settles in, your guide shares more than just culinary knowledge—they offer insight into the cultural rituals and social fabric that make Hanoi’s street food scene so enduringly popular.  Meals B+D 

After breakfast, set out with your private guide to explore Hanoi’s layered history and vibrant street life. Your first stop is Hoa Lo Prison, grimly nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton.” Built by French colonists to detain Vietnamese political prisoners, it later held American POWs during the Vietnam War. Today, the museum’s preserved cells and stark exhibits offer a sobering yet essential perspective on the struggles endured within its walls. 

Next, visit the Temple of Literature, a serene complex founded in 1070 as Vietnam’s first national university. Dedicated to Confucius and generations of scholars, this revered site reflects the country’s deep respect for education and intellectual achievement—so much so that it is featured on the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote. 

From there, hop aboard a traditional cyclo for a leisurely ride through Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter. As you wind through narrow lanes buzzing with street vendors, scooters, and sidewalk cafés, you’ll take in a rich mosaic of daily life and historic architecture. The tour concludes with a visit to a heritage house, where the calm interior and traditional design offer a glimpse into Hanoi’s domestic past—a peaceful counterpoint to the energy just beyond its doors.  Meals B+L 

Your journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay begins with a comfortable, chauffeured drive—just a few hours in distance, but a world apart in atmosphere. As you leave the capital behind, the urban landscape gives way to open countryside and distant karst-studded horizons. Upon arrival at the marina, a short speedboat ride delivers you to our elegant cruise vessel, your home for the next leg of the adventure through the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay. 

Once aboard, settle in as lunch is served, with panoramic views unfolding around you—towering limestone formations rising from emerald waters, a shifting seascape that feels almost otherworldly. In the afternoon, we disembark on Cát Bà Island to visit Viet Hai, a quiet hamlet tucked within a lush valley and accessible only by sea. A pleasant bicycle ride through the surrounding greenery reveals a way of life untouched by the fast pace of the outside world. Here, villagers live in close connection to the land and sea, growing their own fruits and vegetables and fishing in the bay.  

Back on board, the ship continues deeper into the quieter reaches of Lan Ha Bay, where we’ll anchor for the night. Before dinner, join the chef for an interactive cooking session featuring classic Vietnamese recipes made with locally sourced ingredients. As dusk settles over the bay, enjoy a nightcap at the bar or unwind on your private balcony, watching the moonlight shimmer across the water.  Meals B+L+D 

Begin the day with an early morning Tai Chi session on deck—an invigorating yet peaceful way to greet the morning amidst the stillness of the bay. Freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee, tea, and light breakfast pastries await in the dining room to ease you into the rest of the day. As the ship continues its course, we arrive at a secluded spot known as Frog Lake, an ideal setting for a kayaking excursion. Paddle through the jade-green waters, marveling at dramatic limestone cliffs that rise straight from the sea and tree-capped islets that dot the horizon. This quiet, otherworldly landscape offers a sense of freedom and discovery with every stroke. 

Return to the ship for a more substantial breakfast or brunch as we sail toward our disembarkation point. From there, a quick speedboat transfer brings you to the pier to embark on an unforgettable adventure: a scenic 25-minute flightseeing excursion over Ha Long Bay. From above, the vast panorama of limestone karsts, emerald waters, and hidden lagoons unfolds beneath you, offering a stunning and memorable perspective on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Back on the ground, our private car and driver will take you to Hanoi for your included flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and chauffeured to our stylish deluxe or luxury hotel in Hoi An, where the remainder of the day is yours to relax and unwind.  Meals B 

This morning, join your engaging private guide to explore the atmospheric lanes of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most beautifully preserved historic centers. From the 16th to the 18th century, Hoi An flourished as a vibrant international trading port, attracting merchants from China, Japan, Portugal, the Netherlands, and beyond. Their legacy endures in the town’s harmonious blend of architectural styles and cultural influences. 

Stroll along cobbled streets lined with ochre-colored shophouses, graceful wooden facades, and tiled roofs, each telling a story of global exchange and local craftsmanship. Your walking tour begins at Chua Ong Pagoda, built in 1653 in honor of a famed Chinese general. Continue to the ornate Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, a gathering place for Chinese immigrants from Fujian province, and the serene Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea who watches over sailors and traders. 

Then step inside Tan Ky House, a lovingly preserved 18th-century merchant home that reflects generations of history and cross-cultural design. Conclude your walk at Hoi An’s most iconic landmark: the Japanese Covered Bridge. Dating back to the 1590s, this elegant wooden structure was built by the Japanese community to connect different quarters of the town and remains a symbol of Hoi An’s multicultural past. 

This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Wander through art galleries and boutiques, relax at a riverside café, or explore more of the town’s rich cultural tapestry at your own pace.  Meals B+L 

After breakfast and checkout, your car and driver will be waiting to take you to the airport in Da Nang for your included flight to Cambodia. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you’ll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to our deluxe or luxury hotel, the ideal base for exploring the glories of Angkor. Meals B 

Spend the day immersed in the legacy of the Khmer Empire, beginning with a half-day privately-guided exploration of its most iconic monuments. Start at Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world and the crown jewel of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, the temple was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu before gradually transforming into a Buddhist site.  

Continue to Bayon Temple, nestled in the heart of Angkor Thom—the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. Commissioned by King Jayavarman VII, Bayon is famed for the towering stone faces that seem to watch over the ancient royal city. Many believe that these faces represent the king himself while others think they depict the bodhisattva of compassion. Wander through Bayon’s maze-like passageways and richly detailed galleries, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and political vision of one of Cambodia’s most powerful rulers. Conclude your sightseeing with lunch at a local restaurant. 

In the evening, experience a modern expression of Cambodia’s cultural revival at the renowned Phare, the Cambodian Circus. Your visit begins with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at 6 PM, offering insight into the performers’ creative process and the social mission behind this unique arts organization. Operated by graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak, a school that supports youth through the arts, the circus fuses theater, dance, live music, and acrobatics to tell Cambodian stories, from historical and folk to modern-day. Before the main performance, sample local street food and enjoy pre-show entertainment. Then take your seat under the big top for an unforgettable performance—raw, energetic, and deeply moving—a celebration of resilience, talent, and national identity.  Meals B+L+D 

Join your personal guide this morning to explore the scenic heartland in a remork, the local version of the ubiquitous tuk-tuk found throughout southeast Asia. Your destination is the Angkor Botanical Garden, a lush sanctuary where nature’s beauty becomes both your inspiration and your medium. With guidance from a local artisan, you’ll explore the eco-printing process—selecting fresh leaves and vibrant blossoms to craft a one-of-a-kind silk scarf. 

As your design simmers and sets, visit a nearby silk workshop. Here, a local family keeps Cambodia’s centuries-old weaving and dying traditions alive, using techniques passed down through generations.  

Pause to enjoy a refreshing herbal drink amid the garden’s serene setting, with time to wander among native plants and colorful blooms. This immersive morning experience not only fosters creativity but also supports local artisans and helps preserve cultural traditions. There will be time for lunch on your own before returning to your luxury hotel where you can relax and enjoy as you wish. 

As the afternoon light softens into early evening, head to a traditional Khmer home for a culinary experience. As our skilled Cambodian chef prepares a variety of Khmer dishes, you’ll gain insights into the ingredients, techniques, and cultural influences that define the cuisine. Savor this home cooked meal, thoughtfully paired with wines that complement the regional flavors. This experience offers a rich and flavorful window into Cambodia’s heritage—a fitting end to a day steeped in artistry, tradition, and sensory discovery.  Meals B+D 

After breakfast, our car and driver will take you to the airport for your onward flight. Or continue with us on a privately-arranged extension.  Meals B