Grand Tour of Indochina

Fly to Saigon, Vietnam's most evocative city.

This morning, contemplate the struggles of guerilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to Saigon. The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world but is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. Visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace and the chilling War Remnants Museum.

Pop down to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the Mekong. Paddle through the maze of palm lined canals and get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a typical local lunch before returning to Saigon.

Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An. This afternoon take a walking tour of Hoi An including the elaborate Japanese Bridge and the workshop of social enterprise, Reaching Out. The next morning visit the beautiful, rural Tra Que Village. Try your hand at some traditional farming techniques before an afternoon at leisure.

Spend a day at leisure to explore and unwind in this wilfully traditional town.

Travel to Hue via the famously scenic Hai Van Pass. This scholarly town was once the seat of the Nguyen Emperors, and the area still retains an atmosphere of historic grandeur. Begin at the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang and explore its many monuments and gardens. The next day explore the imposing Imperial Citadel. Later, visit Thien Mu Pagoda and take a cruise on the Perfume River.

Fly to Hanoi. Vietnam's capital brings all the charms of the past with a modern buzz in one fast-paced yet refined city. Take an exciting tour of the Old Quarter and enjoy a Hanoi speciality: egg coffee!

Take the picturesque mountain road to the valley of Mai Chau, set among scenic rice terraces. This afternoon, explore the rice fields and visit the White Thai community villages of Pom Coong and Lac with their traditional stilt houses.

Drive higher into the mountains to visit the H'mong hill tribe village of Sa Linh, and hike to Pa Co.

Transfer back to Hanoi and enjoy time at leisure.

Head east to Halong Bay, where you'll spend two days aboard your comfortable cruise boat sailing amongst magnificent karst peaks on the tranquil waters of the iconic Halong Bay. Stay overnight on the boat before returning to Hanoi. This evening, enjoy a traditional performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

Visit Hanoi's Ho Chi Minh Quarter, the Stilt House and One Pillar Pagoda. Fly to Luang Prabang.

Rise early to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat. Ascend Phousi Hill for city views and visit Wat Xieng Thong. Take to the waters of the Mekong to visit the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for the hundreds of Buddhist sculptures that reside within.

This morning visit the National Museum. Marvel at the cascading turquoise waters of the enchanting Kuang Si Waterfalls before returning to Luang Prabang via Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre.

Fly to Vientiane and travel to Vang Vieng, a town beautifully set in a spectacular karst landscape of limestone mountains, lush fields and snaking rivers.

Venture into the Tham Chang cave before wandering through the dramatic limestone karst countryside beside the Nam Song River.

Travel back to Vientiane to visit Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa, and the Patuxai Victory Monument. Enjoy dinner with a traditional Laos music and dance performance.

Fly to Phnom Penh, a city of airy boulevards and colonial villas. Today's visits include the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Later on admire the artefacts of the lovely National Museum.

Visit Tuol Sleng Museum, formely the notorious Khmer Rouge prison known as S21. Continue to the Killing Fields, site of the mass execution of thousands of innocent civilians under the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Today, this is a memorial site for peaceful reflection. Return to Phnom Penh for lunch before visiting Wat Phnom, the city's namesake temple.

Fly to Siem Reap. Visit the captivating Banteay Srei, before taking a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems. This evening, enjoy an acrobatic performance by graduates of the Phare Circus, a local NGO providing life-changing vocational training opportunities to local youths.

The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex includes over 1,000 temples. Begin at atmospheric Ta Prohm, continuing to Angkor Thom and passing through the South Gate to reach the enigmatic Bayon. This afternoon is dedicated to the indescribable Angkor Wat. This evening, return to Angkor Thom for a boat ride on the moat, enjoying the sunset with a refreshing drinks in hand.

Enjoy a morning cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting a local village and observing the way of life of these lake communities. In the high-water season (August to February), you will also visit Kampong Khleang, a unique village on stilts. In the low water season(March to July), you will visit Chong Kneas, a floating village. On your way back to Siem Reap, stop by the SATCHAsocial enterprise, before enjoying this evening’s farewell dinner with an Aspara Dance Show.

Enjoy a free morning before transferring to the airport for your flight back to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.