Mekong Explorer

Fly overnight to Hanoi. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Fly overnight to Hanoi. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Spend the morning exploring the sights of Hanoi today, with the Ho Chi Minh quarter, Mausoleum, Humble House on Stilts, One Pillar Pagoda and more. In the evening, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin, a beautiful open-air performance on a lake.

Stay overnight on a traditionally designed boat on Halong Bay, cruising amongst the karst peaks on the tranquil green waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty, it isn't hard to see why it is one of Vietnam's most popular destinations. A fresh seafood meal is included during your voyage.

Rise early to watch the sun rise over the bay, and enjoy an invigorating session of Tai Chi. Transfer back to Hanoi and fly to Hue, Vietnam's imperial capital.

This morning visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City at the heart of Hue, once the home of Vietnam's emperors. Cruise on the picturesque Perfume River and admire the Thien Mu Pagoda. Later, see the magnificent tomb of Minh Mang before heading to Zen house where you learn about architecture and spiritual meaning of this beautiful place. Finally, visit Tha Om Garden house to learn of the 19th century heritage of Mr Vinh, its owner.

Leave Hue for Hoi An, taking a scenic route over the Hai Van Pass. Stop en-route at Ba Na Hills and journey up to 1,400m by cable car to visit the Golden Bridge, a beautiful bridge held by gigantic stone hands with panoramic views.

Head out into Hoi An's verdant surroundings to Tra Que, where you'll see the local farmers at work, tending lush gardens of vegetables and herbs. Join a local family for lunch and a cooking demonstration. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of this charming town. Visit the Japanese Bridge, the colourful market and Chinese temple. Stop en route to visit Reaching Out, a social enterprise craft workshop, and watch the artisans at work.

Fly to Saigon, with the rest of your day at leisure.

The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but it is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and the chilling War Remnants Museum.

Head out of the city to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground passageways used by the Viet Cong during the war. After an afternoon at leisure, enjoy dinner in the dark at Noir, a restaurant supporting Saigon's visually impaired.

After breakfast, transfer to the meeting point in Saigon, where you will say goodbye to your National Escort and be picked up for your cruise by your local guide from Victoria Mekong. Dine on delicious local cuisine at the welcome dinner and enjoy a traditional music show as you cruise upstream. Later, retire to your comfortable stateroom for the night.

Tender ashore to Tiger Island, where you will enjoy an exploration of local industries such as net weaving, incense making and banh in (rice cakes) making. Sit down to dinner and evening entertainment before retiring to your cabin. Tonight, the ship will drop anchor at Vam Nao.

Continue your cruise with excursions around Tan Chau, including a stop at a Cao Dai temple, a silk village and the option of a visit to the submerged Tra Su Forest. In the evening, enjoy a thrilling lion dance performance on board.

Cross over into Cambodia, taking in the passing scenery. Onboard activities such as cocktail making will be available. In the late afternoon, dock at Sisowath Quay for a traditional Apsara performance and a farewell dinner.

Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant before disembarking and bidding farewell to the Victoria Mekong and meeting your Cambodian National Escort. Board a cyclo into the heart of Phnom Penh, where you will visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum.

Reflect on the history of the city with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields, locations that provide chilling reminders of the Khmer Rouge regime. Later today, fly to Siem Reap.

Journey to the old city of Angkor Thom and pass through the magnificent South Gate flanked by 54 gods and demons. At Angkor Thom's centre is the enigmatic Bayon, a breathtaking temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Also admire the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm. The rest of the day is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent and best preserved of all of Angkor's treasures. Later, relax on a boat as you watch the sunset from Angkor's moat.

In the high water season (Aug to Feb), enjoy a morning cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Phluk and observing the way of life of these lake communities. In the low water season (Mar to Jul), visit Chong Kneas floating village. Return to Siem Reap to enjoy a rollicking performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus.

Travel by tuk tuk to a cooking lesson, where you will learn to prepare traditional Khmer dishes. The chef will teach you all about what goes into the local cuisine, as you create a delicious meal!