Vietnam and Angkor Wat

Expedition Details

Experience the culture and beauty of Indochina as you journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia's ancient capital of Angkor. Sail beneath the jagged karst pillars of Ha Long Bay on a traditional-style junk. Stroll past lush rice paddies, learn about local crafts from villagers, meet monks and royal descendants, and watch the sun rise over the Khmer temples of Angkor.

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Trip Highlights

• Explore Hanoi's lively Old Quarter by cyclo, and stroll through the ancient port city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Board a luxury junk for a two-night cruise on Ha Long Bay.
• Discover the magnificent temples of Angkor, a masterpiece of the ancient Khmer Empire.
• Glide along the Mekong River on a private cruise, stopping to visit local villages.

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Itinerary - 15 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Hanoi, Vietnam

Depart for Hanoi, crossing the international date line, and arrive the following day. Sofitel Metropole Hanoi

Day 3 — Hanoi

Colonial architecture and lilting temples blend with a vibrant, modern culture in Hanoi. Discover Ho Chi Minh's simple stilt house, the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Hop on a cyclo for a ride along the winding lanes of the Old Quarter. Meet the puppeteers at a traditional water puppet performance before tonight's welcome dinner. Sofitel Metropole Hanoi (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Hanoi

On an excursion into the countryside, ride a bicycle past rice fields and picturesque hamlets to a beautiful farming village off the beaten path. Or you may travel directly to the village by coach and explore on your own. Gather for lunch and a visit to one of the lovely temples here. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Sofitel Metropole Hanoi (B,L)

Day 5 — Ha Long Bay

Drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and board theHalong Jasmine, a traditional style junk. Weather permitting, take a swim or hike to a summit for panoramic views of the bay, scattered with more than a thousand tiny islands and ringed by saw-toothed karst formations. Explore a floating fishing village by kayak, whose residents spend almost their entire lives on water, venturing to land about once a month. Halong Jasmine (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Bai Tu Long Bay

Cruise to the remote reaches of Bai Tu Long Bay. Paddle among the islands in a kayak or ride a small bamboo boat, passing through a tunnel into a secluded lagoon where you may spot a monkey or two. Stop by the home of a fisherman to hear how his family has lived by the bay for generations. Halong Jasmine (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Ha Long Bay/Hanoi/Hue

Venture into the grotto of Sung Sot. Then head back to Hanoi and fly to Hue, Vietnam's capital from 1802 to 1945. Check into our hotel, a former governor's residence. La Résidence Hôtel & Spa (B)

Day 8 — Hue

After a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, bike or drive along the Perfume River to the Forbidden Purple City, seat of the Nguyen emperors. At the ancient Ba La Mat Pagoda, join monks for lunch and a discussion of Buddhism. Explore the park-like compound that serves as the royal tomb of the Emperor Tu Duc, the fourth and longest reigning Nguyen emperor. Tonight, dine in a royal residence with a descendant of the imperial family. La Résidence Hôtel & Spa (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Da Nang/Hoi An

Visit the ornate tomb of the Emperor Khai Dinh before traveling to Da Nang, stopping to take in spectacular views from Hai Van Pass. In Da Nang, join a researcher for a private tour of the renowned Cham Museum. Continue to the ancient fishing town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy time at leisure this afternoon. Life Heritage Resort Hoi An (B,L)

Day 10 — Hoi An

Set out on a walking tour of old Hoi An. A prosperous trading port from the 15th to the 19th century, Hoi An reflects Chinese and Japanese influences in its graceful architecture and covered bridges. Stop by the local market, where stalls brim with tropical specialties and lush silks. After lunch, explore the town on your own. Life Heritage Resort Hoi An (B,L)

Day 11 — Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the War Remnants Museum, followed by a walking tour that includes ornate examples of the city’s French colonial architecture. Or you may choose to take an excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels, an underground network built during the Vietnam War. Dine at the former home of Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., the first American ambassador to South Vietnam. Hotel Majestic (B,L,D)

Day 12 — Mekong Delta/Ho Chi Minh City

On an excursion to the Mekong Delta, stroll through fruit orchards, ride a bike past rural villages, and meet local families. Stop for lunch in Cai Be, and take a private cruise on the Mekong River. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy an evening at leisure. Hotel Majestic (B,L)

Day 13 — Siem Reap, Cambodia

Fly to Siem Reap and settle into our hotel. In the afternoon, encounter the great temple complex at Ta Prohm. Built in 1186, this Buddhist monastery remains whimsically tangled with thick jungle roots and vines. Le Méridien Angkor (B)

Day 14 — Angkor/Siem Reap

If you choose, awaken early to see the sun rise at Angkor Wat. After breakfast, ride an elephant around Bayon Temple, stopping to explore its many towers and terraces. Then, discover Angkor Wat, the magnificent temple complex of the ancient Khmer Empire. In the afternoon, visit the town of Siem Reap on your own, or examine the exquisite carvings at the temple of Banteay Srei within the Angkor complex. Celebrate your journey at a farewell dinner and a Khmer dance performance. Le Méridien Angkor (B,L,D)