Signature Vietnam & Cambodia

The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is located right in the heart of the capital, within walking distance of the administrative business and retail centres and close to the prestigious Opera House and the most beautiful lake of Hanoi city. Restaurants, art galleries and handicraft shops can be found within easy reach. A French colonial-style property built in 1901, this hotel boasts a rich history and a century-long tradition of hospitality for ambassadors and writers, statesmen and entrepreneurs.

Visit Ba Dinh Square where silent sentries guard the marble mausoleum in which Ho Chi Minh lies in state. Subject to opening hours, the interior of the mausoleum may be visited. Continue to the modest stilted wooden bungalow where Uncle Ho lived and worked, before visiting Ho Chi Minh Museum. Dedicated to the 'father of the country', the museum chronicles the evolution of Vietnamese independence.

French architecture features prominently in Hanoi and the nearby former Governor's Residence is a fine example. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda with a history steeped in folklore. The final stop is the Thang Long Royal Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 11th century during the Ly Viet Dynasty. This important historical site served as the capital of Vietnam for eight centuries.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your exploration of the city, resplendent with French colonial architecture including the exquisite, Opera House. Pass Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the 'Lake of the Restored Sword' after the legend that surrounds it, en-route to one of the city's many fascinating museums: choose from History Museum, Military Museum, Hoa Loa Prison or Fine Arts, depending on your personal interests. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it became Vietnam's first university.

The best way to experience Hanoi's Old Quarter is on foot and next, take a walking tour through an area of the city known as '36 Streets'. The oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam, this densely populated section of Hanoi was once an important centre of commerce where goods were sold on the street name of a particular guild. The labyrinthine alleyways are perfect for exploring on foot with names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street.

You will be transferred by road from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay.
After meeting at Heritage Line's welcome lounge at the Tuan Chau Marina, take a quick speedboat transfer to your luxurious floating home before starting the unique journey of exploring one of the wonders of nature - Lan Ha Bay and its main island of Cat Ba. The first highlight of the cruise is lunch, which is served in Ginger's nearly 360-degree light-flooded restaurant. The live cooking in the open kitchen is a one-of-a-kind experience - enjoy the culinary display along with fantastic panoramic views of the passing scenery. Relax on the terrace deck and soak in the enchanting aura which emanates from the surreal seascape. While cruising along in the early afternoon, there is time to enjoy some unique facilities on board. Take a plunge in the pool with infinity-like vistas or get pampered with a selection of fine treatments and massages in the spa area of the ship.
As you reach the shore of a small lagoon on Cat Ba Island, hop on a bicycle (e-cart transfers are also available) for a leisurely ride along small paved roads towards the Viet Hai village. Little has changed in Viet Hai since the ancestors of the 80 households settled here centuries ago. Situated in a valley within the Cat Ba National Park and surrounded on all sides by thick forests and mountains, the locals are isolated from the island's other villages and towns. The only access is via sea. The community is self-sufficient, as the residents provide for themselves by cultivating vegetables and fruits in the fields, grow in rice in the valley, and fishing out in the bay. This is truly a unique and authentic opportunity to meet local inhabitants and experience their local daily life. Get a glimpse of local households and see how they make medicine organically from tree bark.

Back on board, the chef offers an interactive cooking class in the restaurant's big open kitchen. Learn about local ingredients as well as the preparation of classic Vietnamese dishes.
As the sun sets, arrive at the tranquil anchor spot for the night. Kick back and reflect on today's adventures as night falls gently over the bay. After a delicious dinner, unwind at the bar, watch a movie in the cinema, or join the crew in fishing for squid, before retiring to your room.

Wake up early and join a Tai Chi session on the terrace deck to ease your mind and muscles with the first rays of the sun touching the water. Coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries await in the dining room to start the day. It is time for Heritage Line Ginger to lift her anchors and cruise to a place called "Frog Lake", a secluded area that is perfect for our energetic morning excursion. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the bay or explore this captivating marine landscape in a kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while paddling through this labyrinth of jade-green water, rocks, and vivid tree-topped islets.

Back on board, enjoy a hearty breakfast while cruising back to the off-shore embarkation spot. From here transfer back to the welcome lounge at the pier by speed boat. Savour the last moments of this unique journey while relaxing on comfy sun beds on the terrace deck.
Transfer by road back to Hanoi.

Azerai La Residence, Hue is an enchanting luxury resort situated on the fabled Perfume River, facing the Citadel - once home to emperors and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The resort's brasserie serves Vietnamese and Western dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Al fresco dining is available with views to the river and beyond.
The Spa menu features a range of treatments, therapies, scrubs and wraps, drawing on ancient healing and techniques largely developed in Vietnam and Asian culture.
The salt-water pool stretches 40 meters on the far side of the garden and parallels the river. Shaded sun loungers edge the pool.
The resort provides a total of 122 rooms and suites, ten of which are located in the historic building with the remaining wings enjoying river and garden views.

Today's excursion begins with a visit to the Imperial Citadel. Built between 1804 and 1833, this heavily fortified structure is still very much the centrepiece of modern-day Hue and despite a chequered history, the fortress remains superbly intact. There will be time for exploration before moving onto Long An Palace. Situated outside the citadel walls and only reopened to the public in 2012 after four years of extensive renovation, this baroque-influenced palace is now home to the Royal Fine Arts Museum. Inside this excellent museum are several thousand antiquities including porcelain, silverware and paintings, many of which belonged to the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Heading into the throng of Old Hue, Dong Ba market is the largest marketplace in the city. Inside all manner of goods can be found and the market is an excellent place to observe Vietnamese life and learn a little about the types of produce on display.

Depart Hoi An and travel overland to Hue via cloudy pass with a visit to the idyllic fishing village of Lang Co.

Located 30KM south of Danang, the sublime riverside town of Hoi An is a feast for the eyes. Devoid of most forms of motorised transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is ideal for exploring on foot. Discover beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples and lively markets as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination. You will visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the busy waterfront, where colourful fishing boats bob up and down on the Thu Bon River. There will also be time to peruse the numerous boutiques and galleries that line the narrow streets and perhaps make a purchase or two. During the walk, a quick visit at the market to find out well-known local cakes in Hoi An market such as Banh It la Gai or Banh Dau Xanh.

At the Anantara Hoi An Resort you will experience an idyllic blend of riverside relaxation and Anantara luxury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on your doorstep, and beautiful beach life just a short bicycle or boat ride away. Scenically positioned on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Anantara Hoi An Resort is a charming boutique retreat in the historic port town of Hoi An. Designed with French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese influences that reveal Hoi An's fascinating cultural diversity, split level rooms and suites open onto porches with comfortable daybeds, overlooking the river or a garden courtyard.

Central Vietnam is a food-lovers paradise and, with an abundance of fresh ingredients, its reputation for one of the world's finest cuisines is well justified. This cooking class provides the opportunity to experience rural life in the Vietnamese countryside whilst gaining an insightful introduction to the unique culinary heritage of the local cuisine. Your first stop is at the local market in order to select the freshest ingredients for your menu. At the market learn about the tropical fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, as well as some of the more unusual items that you will see for sale.
The scenery around Hoi An is quintessentially Vietnamese and, passing lush rice paddy fields, proceed to the village of Cam Thanh, a traditional fishing village surrounded by tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways. Observe the lifestyle of the fisherman who use traditional coracles, and learn how they fish with rods and nets, using centuries-old methods. Exploring the canals by coracle, travelling through coconut palm forests, perhaps stopping to enjoy a fresh coconut juice.
Continue to the cookery school where an expert chef will guide you through the techniques required to produce a range of mouth-watering traditional dishes. You will learn how to make a variety of dishes including fresh spring rolls, banana flower salad and banh xeo (a traditional pancake). Once finished you can savor the delights of the dishes you have prepared, before returning to your hotel.

This evening you'll be collected from the lobby of your hotel and will head out to enjoy a memorable dinner in Hoi An. Dine in a small private bamboo hut in a rice field along the banks of the Coco River.

You may select either fresh seafood/daily catch or fresh vegetables collected from the organic garden nearby. Before dinner, you'll have a chance to experience a short basket boat ride on the Coco River to enjoy the most beautiful sunset in Hoi An. During the basket boat ride, you will be introduced to the daily life of the local fishermen and learn how to catch fish using traditional fishing methods. Following dinner, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Beginning in the centre of the city, the first stop on today's itinerary is Reunification Palace. Formerly named the Presidential Palace, this important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, when the first North Vietnamese tanks rumbled past, signalling the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. Now a museum complete with period meeting areas, war rooms and a basement communication centre, after your visit, walk the short distance to Notre Dame Cathedral. At the centre of HCMC's government district, this romantic church dates back to the late 19th century and is a popular backdrop for wedding photographs. Across the street from the cathedral is the city's striking French colonial-era post office, whilst Hotel de Ville de Saigon, officially Ho Chi Minh City Hall, is another of the city's more prominent buildings. The Museum of Vietnamese History is housed in yet another fine example of Sino-French architecture. Dating back to the 1920s, it contains an excellent series of exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen dynasty, the last ruling family of Vietnam.

As an alternative to the Museum of Vietnamese History, visit the elegant Fine Arts Museum with its impressive collection of ancient and modern art and sculptures, or the War Remnants Museum, which is primarily dedicated to the Vietnam War but also includes exhibits dating back to the French colonialist period and the first Indochina War.

The final stop today is the unforgettable Jade Emperor Pagoda. With the pungent smell of incense hanging heavy in the air and an interior packed full of ornate carvings and fierce-looking statues, this Taoist temple is one of the most atmospheric places of worship in the city. Transfer back to your hotel after your visit or alternatively be dropped off at Ben Thanh market for personal exploration and a spot of souvenir hunting.

The Caravelle Hotel is centrally located in the midst of the city's business, shopping, and entertainment districts, and it is just 12 kilometres from the airport. The Caravelle's dining options are varied and exquisite, while its renowned Saigon Bar offers live entertainment and the best views of Ho Chi Minh City's skyline. The Caravelle's deluxe facilities include a swimming pool, a modern and fully-equipped gym and a spa.

This morning, you'll travel by road south of Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 2 - 2.5 hours) and journey into the Mekong Delta to the riverine town of My Tho where you will board your privately chartered sampan cruise.

Enjoy your welcome drink and the peaceful scenery while the crew board your luggage. Your cruise will take you to Phong Nam village in Giong Trom, where you will take a leisurely bicycle ride through the village and experience daily life. Stop at a farmer's home to try some tropical fruits and have a chat. Continue with a visit to the coconut spirits factory which provides supplies to most markets in the area.

Then you'll take a small rowing sampan through the smaller canals, a peaceful retreat and a great opportunity for photos! Continue through the canals until you return to the larger river where your main boat is waiting for you. Lunch will be served on board.

After lunch, your cruise will continue to My Long village where you will meet with a local family. The head of the family, Mr Sau Tuong, is a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Now, he and his wife make rice paper, which is the most famous specialty of My Long village. Have a chat with him, enjoy the crispy rice paper, and observe the process of how it is made.

Return to your sampan and cruise to Con Oc Island, famous for coconut products. Take a leisurely bicycle ride to the house of Ms. Dung. Her family has been well-known for making handicrafts from coconut shells. Return to your boat to enjoy the sunset in the late afternoon. Watch a simple cooking demonstration and then have dinner on board. Overnight on board on the Vam Nuoc Trong canals.

This morning, enjoy breakfast on board before starting to explore Tan Thanh village by bicycle. Stop to visit the coconut fiber processing at the local village where you can see how the locals utilize every bit of the coconut.

Continue on to visit the wet market in Mo Cay and then return to your private boat to refresh and prepare to check out.

You will be met by your driver and guide and transferred back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Caravelle Hotel is centrally located in the midst of the city's business, shopping, and entertainment districts, and it is just 12 kilometres from the airport. The Caravelle's dining options are varied and exquisite, while its renowned Saigon Bar offers live entertainment and the best views of Ho Chi Minh City's skyline. The Caravelle's deluxe facilities include a swimming pool, a modern and fully-equipped gym and a spa.

Synonymous with the Vietnam War and a testament to the determined spirit of the Vietnamese, the underground network of passages at Cu Chi is a fascinating day trip out of the city.

Work on the tunnels began during the war against the French in the 1940s and over the next 25 years as the conflict with America escalated, they were improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and much more. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and at their height, extended for more than 200KM in length and stretched from what was then Saigon to the Cambodian border.

Preserved as a memorial park, a small section of this remarkable network is open to the public and there is the option to go below the surface to visit the tunnel first hand. There is plenty of interest above ground as well and it is recommended to bring good footwear, sunscreen and a hat. Please note you may get a little dusty if you decide to go underground.

Enjoy a visit to the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom, which is actually a number of structures within a pagoda-style compound. The Silver Pagoda, located within the Royal Palace compound was named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. Treasures include a solid gold Buddha encrusted with thousands of diamonds, and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Next, visit the National Museum which houses Khmer art from different periods of Cambodian history, 19th century dance costumes, royal barges, and palanquins. Over 5000 objects are on display including Angkorian era statues, lingas and other artefacts, most notably the legendary status of the leper King. Though the emphasis is on Angkorian artefacts, there is also a good collection of pieces from later periods.

French colonial elegance greets guests in each step of their experience at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra an inspired 5-star hotel located in close vicinity of modern government offices businesses embassies and the charms of the riverfront. Hardwood floors and a colonial-influenced aesthetic evoke a timeless refinement in each luxury hotel room and suite. Guests enjoy a riverside setting minutes from landmarks and attractions like the Royal Palace, National Museum and Sisowath Quay.
Hotel features 201 rooms including 36 suites

A visit to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and Cheung Ek is essential for a first time visitor to Cambodia. During the Pol Pot regime, Toul Sleng, formerly a high school was converted to a detention centre known as S21. After interrogation and often torture, prisoners were transferred to 'Killing Fields' where they were often tortured again and brutally killed. Continue to Cheung Ek was a Chinese Cemetery before it became the Khmer Rouge’s best known Killing Field. The remains of almost 9,000 bodies have been excavated from mass graves in this area. Today Cheung Ek is a Memorial site for Cambodians and visitors from all over the world to pay their respects for those lost. A memorial stupa has been erected and displays over 5,000 human skulls, bones and clothes of the victims. During the Khmer Rouge years, thousands of Cambodians were tortured and imprisoned in detention centres around the country; the visit is a profoundly moving but also depressing experience.

Some travel the world seeking adventure. Others journey in search of the good life. At Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, experience the best of both. For over 75 years, a visit to the ancient Angkor temples has been synonymous with a stay at Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. Now sensitively restored, the hotel's renewed elegance and modernity complement the mystery and grandeur of Angkor as never before.

You will start with a visit to Ta Prohm, a temple left largely in its natural state. Surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, which envelop the stone like tentacles. It is one of the largest temples at Angkor, dedicated in 1186.

You will continue to Preah Khan, "The Sacred Sword", an extensive monastic complex covering over 56 hectares and built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a monastery and teaching centre. It is one of a group of temple complexes situated on a small 'Baray' or water reservoir, including the temples of Neak Pean and the monastic complex of Ta Som. Together these structures constitute one of Angkor's major axial arrangements and hydrological complexes. Preah Khan was the site of the World Monuments Fund 'prime' Asian project, a painstaking renovation that maintains its mysterious allure and superb original structure.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will go to Ton Le Sap Lake, the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia and the lifeblood of the Cambodian fishing industry. The Mekong River, from as a far away as Phnom Penh, reverses the direction of the Ton Le Sap river to bring an overflow of water and silt to support both rice growing and breeding fish of many sizes and varieties. Hopping on board a small shaded vessel and moving between the floating homes and small fish farms will allow you to intimately experience daily lake life.

This morning, you will visit to Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world, with a volume of stone equalling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all the other Khmer temples in that it faces west, and is inspired by 12th Century Hinduism. Conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took an estimated 30 years to build. It is generally believed to have been a funeral temple for the king. Intricate bas reliefs surround Angkor Wat on four sides. Each tells a story. The most celebrated of these is the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, which is located on the east wing. In it the Naga serpent, is twisted by demons and gods to spurt out the elixir of life.