Old Hanoi

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of the capital at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a symbolic building that preserves the remains of the Vietnamese President of the same name, located at the heart of Ba Dinh Square where the Declaration of Independence was read in 1945.

We continue to the Presidential Palace, built in colonial style, and to the One Pillar Pagoda, whose name derives from its singular structure resting on a single pillar — a symbol of the purity of the lotus flower. It was erected by Emperor Ly Thai Tong as a good omen for the birth of a son to inherit the throne.

We then make our way to West Lake, Hanoi’s largest natural basin covering four square kilometres, to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in the capital built in the 6th century, and to the Temple of Literature, the country’s first national university, founded in 1070 in honour of Confucius and serving as the Imperial Academy.

In the afternoon, we explore the Old Quarter aboard a traditional cyclo, weaving through the historic lanes that intersect in the old town and take their names from the goods once sold there. We stop at Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword, and cross the iconic red wooden The Huc Bridge leading to the Ngoc Son Temple, or Jade Mountain. The day concludes with the world-famous Water Puppet Show.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, private transfers and hotel

Ninh Binh

In the morning, we head to Ninh Binh, approximately 100 km south of Hanoi, in the southern area of the Red River Delta. Celebrated for the hundreds of limestone cliffs rising from the earth amid vast rice paddies, this region is rightfully nicknamed “the inland Ha Long Bay“. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, the visit offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the typical rural way of life in Vietnam.

We visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital until 1010 AD — a place of remarkable historical significance, witness to numerous events that changed the course of the nation’s history. We then continue to the Bai Dinh and Le temples. Bai Dinh and Le.

In the afternoon, we explore the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its network of caves, valleys and historical remains. We board a boat on the river to relax and take in the spectacular scenery of the natural park. At the end of the day, we check into our hotel in Ninh Binh.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, boat, private transfers and hotel

Halong Bay

In the early morning, we transfer to Ha Long port (approximately 4 hours). On arrival, we board our junk boat for an unforgettable cruise through Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World since 2008.

Covering an area of over 1,500 square kilometres, it is home to thousands of monolithic limestone islands, extraordinary caves, and a rich biodiversity with countless marine flora and fauna species.

While sailing through the bay’s magnificent natural scenery, a range of activities are available according to the cruise company’s programme, including swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, visiting a limestone cave and a fishing village — or simply relaxing and soaking in the unforgettable panorama.

Meals and overnight stay on board.

Included: Ha Long Bay junk boat (private cabin with AC), lunch, dinner, tour guide

Halong Bay

The cruise offers the rare privilege of witnessing a spectacular sunrise over Ha Long Bay. For those who wish, a Tai Chi class on the deck of the junk is available at 6:00 in the morning.

After breakfast on board, further activities are available depending on the cruise company’s itinerary.

We then make our way back to Ha Long port, where a farewell brunch on board brings this unforgettable experience to a close.

Upon arrival at the port, we transfer to Hanoi airport in good time for the regional flight to Siem Reap.

Included: Tour guide, brunch on board, regional flight, hotel

Banteay Srei temple

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of the Angkor archaeological site at the Vishnuite sanctuary temple of Prasad Kravan (921 AD), renowned for its brick sculptures found nowhere else within the complex.

We stop at the Pre Rup temple, built in the 10th century during the reign of Rajendravarman, an unmistakable example of the “Temple Mountain” architectural style.

We then proceed to Banteay Samré, erected in the late 12th century as the last Hindu temple built at Angkor, and to Banteay Srei (10th century), the “Citadel of Women”, celebrated for its exquisite and delicately carved bas-reliefs — widely regarded as one of the unmissable highlights of the entire site.

In the afternoon, we visit the Buddhist temples, the last to be built during the Khmer Kingdom.

We explore the small yet captivating Ta Som, modest in size but utterly enchanting for its atmosphere of serene quietude; the Medicine Temple of Neak Pean, a wholly atypical structure from an architectural standpoint, designed to replicate the mythical lake of Anavatapta, the sacred Himalayan lake; and the temple of Preah Khan, “The Great Sword”, built on the site of Jayavarman II’s final battle to reclaim his kingdom from the invading Champa Empire.

Included: Tour guide, private transfers, entrance tickets, hotel.

Bayon temple

After breakfast, we continue our exploration of the archaeological site at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, spreading across a surface area of approximately two million square metres. We then make our way to the picturesque temple of Ta Prohm, one of the most fascinating and photographed in the entire complex, still engulfed in vegetation and wrapped in the enormous roots of centuries-old banyan trees.

In the afternoon, we visit “The Great City” of Angkor Thom, a vast complex of buildings dominated by the Bayon temple, renowned for its 216 gigantic stone faces carved atop its 54 sanctuaries.

The day draws to a close with a visit to the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the temple of Phimeanakas.

Included: Tour guide, private transfers, entrance tickets, hotel.

Kompong Kleang floating village

In the morning, we transfer to the village of Dom Dek. Weather permitting, we make a stop at the colourful and authentic local market. Taking a detour, we immerse ourselves in the surreal atmosphere of Kompong Kleang : a long dirt road lined with wooden stilt houses rising over ten metres high, built to shelter their inhabitants from flooding during the rainy season.

We observe the daily life of the local community engaged in a variety of traditional fishing activities that, as if frozen in time, have remained unchanged for centuries. We then board a traditional wooden boat and navigate along the canal that flows into Tonle Sap lake. Continuing further, we reach the floating village — an entire community that has lived and worked on the water for centuries. Alongside private homes, we find floating schools, shops, workshops and restaurants.

In the afternoon, we head north to visit Beng Mealea, one of the last Hindu temples predating the Buddhist religious reform. The visit is among the most captivating in the area, as the temple has undergone little restoration and remains almost entirely swallowed by the surrounding forest.

At the end of the day, we transfer to the airport in good time for the evening departure flight.

Included: Tour guide, private transfers, private boat, entrance tickets, hotel.