Riviera Travel Vietnam & Cambodia

• Explore Hanoi, the captivating capital, with a cycle rickshaw tour visiting landmarks like the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum.
• Cruise through the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay on a converted Chinese junk for a leisurely voyage.
• Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing countryside with its shimmering rice fields.
• Stay in Hue, Vietnam’s former royal capital, and explore its awe-inspiring Citadel and Forbidden City.
• Discover Saigon’s heart while visiting the Cu Chi tunnels, a symbol of the US-Vietnam conflict.
• Embark on a full-day Mekong delta adventure, exploring the world’s 10th-largest river system.
• Experience the elegance of Phnom Penh, known as the Pearl of Asia, a French colonial gem.
• Explore Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor temple ruins.
• Visit the UNESCO-listed Angkor ruins, a testament to ancient greatness and architectural marvels.

• 13 nights in four to five-star accommodations
• Return flights with transfers
• Daily tours and visits itinerary
• 18 meals included (13 breakfasts and 5 lunches)
• Expert Tour Manager
• Checked luggage

Day 1 – Departure

You should arrive at the airport to take your overnight direct flight to Hanoi

Day 2 – Arrival in Hanoi

Upon morning arrival, you’ll check in at the hotel. Later, you’ll enjoy an enchanting introduction to Hanoi as you explore the city’s old town via cycle rickshaws, with a break for lunch before returning to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free for leisure

Day 3 – Hanoi

Today, explore Hanoi’s rich history and vibrant present. The city, influenced by French colonial design, features tree-lined avenues, belle époque villas, grand public buildings, and charming lakes. The guided tour includes visits to the beautiful Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s first university, as well as the imposing marble mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. In the afternoon, you have free time to explore the city, with options like attending a traditional water puppet show (book and pay locally) for a captivating cultural experience.

Day 4 – Halong Bay Cruise

Today, venture to Vietnam’s remarkable natural wonder, Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Departing from Hanoi, traverse a picturesque landscape of rice paddies, tracing the Red River delta to the stunning Gulf of Tonkin. Here, an otherworldly scene unfolds with approximately 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops rising dramatically from the emerald waters, creating one of the world’s most breathtaking bays.

Upon boarding our converted Chinese junk (a traditional boat), gracefully glide across the jade-green waters. It’s easy to envision the myths of their formation, where a dragon’s plunge into the sea led to the sculpting of these rugged islands. Then explore some of the vast and beautifully illuminated caves and grottoes before indulging in a delicious lunch on board. In the late afternoon, return to Hanoi.

Day 5 – Hue

Today, take a flight south to Danang and embark on a picturesque drive through the breathtaking landscapes of the Hai Van Pass. The journey leads you to Hue, Vietnam’s historical centre of religion, culture, and education, and its last royal capital. Hue is renowned for its charm, situated alongside the tranquil Perfume River and featuring the imposing Citadel. This grand complex encompasses the ancient capital, enclosed by remarkable 6-mile-long walls that are 65 feet thick and surrounded by a moat.

Day 6 – Hue Imperial City

This morning, embark on a relaxed river cruise to the impressive Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-storied Buddhist shrine with stunning views of the bordering mountains in Laos.

Next, explore the remarkable Citadel and the Imperial City within it. The tour includes the Palace of Supreme Harmony, where the emperor’s throne was located, and where vital official ceremonies were held. The entire structure is adorned in the royal colours of red and gold, showcasing the opulent lifestyle of the Vietnamese royal family.

In the afternoon, we visit Emperor Tu Duc’s mausoleum. Known for his interest in poetry rather than governance, Tu Duc led a lavish lifestyle with 104 wives, extravagant 50-course meals, and tea made from lotus blossom dewdrops. His magnificent mausoleum, which boasts a large lake, pavilions, and a theatre, took 3,000 workers three years to construct.

Day 7 – Saigon

Today, board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately referred to as Saigon by the locals. This vibrant city, marked by its exuberance, was essentially constructed by the French along the meandering Saigon River. You’ll enjoy a three-night stay with bed and breakfast accommodations at the outstanding five-star Equatorial Hotel.

Saigon stands as Vietnam’s gastronomic hub, providing a diverse array of exceptional dining options. From upscale restaurants nestled within luxurious hotels to a wide spectrum of choices ranging from French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, to Indian cuisine, Saigon ensures a delightful culinary journey for all tastes.

Day 8 – Cu Chi Tunnels

Prepare for an unforgettable day! Explore the renowned Cu Chi tunnels, an intricate underground network stretching 200 kilometres, featuring hospitals, meeting rooms, sleeping quarters, and kitchens. Originating during the late years of French rule and extensively expanded in the 1960s, these tunnels served as a Vietcong base for attacking US forces just 30 miles from Saigon.

The visit provides a captivating glimpse of this historical period, allowing you to see the tunnels, mantraps, and stake pits used for protection. Remarkably, despite intense bombing, the tunnels remained impregnable. For those interested, there’s an opportunity to fire real period weapons at a range.

Then journey through rural farming communities en route to Saigon. In the afternoon, a city tour encompasses key landmarks, including the colonial-style central post office, cathedral, and the iconic Reunification Palace, where a tank famously breached its gates in 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War. You also explore the War Remnants Museum and the bustling Ben Thanh market, offering a fascinating glimpse into daily life in Saigon and fantastic bargains!

Day 9 – Mekong River Delta

Today, depart Saigon and head toward the expansive Mekong River delta. The journey begins with a visit to one of the numerous islands, where we stroll through a typical village and savor various tropical fruits cultivated in the region. Continuing our adventure in small boats,  navigate the narrow canals, reaching Coconut Island, renowned for its production of rice paper, coconut cakes, and local treats. Amidst the dappled sunlight filtering through mangrove leaves, you’ll conclude the excursion with a delightful lunch at a traditional local restaurant before returning to Saigon in the afternoon.

Day 10 – Fly to Phnom Penh

On your final morning in Vietnam, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the heart of Saigon, savouring a coffee and delectable pastry at one of the charming cafes. Afterward, catch a brief flight to Phnom Penh, where you’ll check into our centrally-located four-star Palace Gate Hotel for a two-night stay with breakfast included.

Day 11 – Phnom Penh

Today’s itinerary includes a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace, which features the silver pagoda, as well as an exploration of the intriguing National Museum. Following lunch at a local restaurant, tour the Tuol Sleng Museum, originally a school converted into the Khmer Rouge’s infamous prison, providing insight into the city’s tragic history during their rule. You’ll also have an opportunity to explore one of the local markets before returning to the hotel in the evening.

Day 12 – Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Today, journey through the heart of rural Cambodia stopping at Kompong Thom for an included lunch en route to Siem Reap.

Day 13 – Angkor

Today,  visit one of the largest religious structure in the world, Angkor Wat. See the haunting soft morning light rise over the eerie temples of Angkor. At its height in the thirteenth century, Angkor had a staggering one million inhabitants. The incredible state of preservation, the beauty of its design and sculptures have, for many, made Angkor one of the great wonders of the world.

Next, visit the fortified 13th century city of Angkor Thom, with its five monumental gates, and 300-foot wide moat – its centre containing the temple of Bayon. You’ll also visit the smaller temple of Ta Prohm which has been left unrestored, with giant tropical trees bursting through the ruins, their roots clinging like tentacles.

Day 14 – Siem Reap

Today is a free day for you to revisit the Angkor monuments, discover Siem Reap, or unwind by the hotel’s inviting pool. You also have the option to embark on an intriguing tour to the nearby Tonle Sap Lake, where you can explore a floating village (subject to seasonal water levels, booking and payment locally). Alternatively, you can enhance your culinary skills with an optional half-day cooking class (booking and payment locally).

Day 15 – Return

At the appropriate time you will be taken to the airport for your return flight via Saigon

Day 16 – Arrive Home

Arrive back in the UK in the morning

The Signature Tour includes everything from the Classic Tour as well as the following:

Day 14:
– Embark on a relaxed boat excursion on Tonle Sap Lake, where you can appreciate the beauty of Cambodia’s countryside. During our journey, we make a stop to explore a fascinating floating village and experience the traditional way of life, where boats are the primary mode of transportation, and the locals rely on the lake for their livelihoods. (Please note that this activity is subject to seasonal water levels.)

– Experience the Khmer people’s rituals in the serene setting of a local temple. Amidst the soothing chants of prayers and the aroma of fragrant incense and native blossoms, embrace the spirituality of a Buddhist blessing led by a monk. This ancient tradition is believed to protect against malevolent spirits.

Plus, enjoy the more exclusive atmosphere of travelling in a small group of 25 or fewer guests.

For dates and prices, please enquire or call 0800 707 6229

Melia Hotel, Hanoi
The five-star Melia Hanoi, located in the heart of Hanoi, offers panoramic views of the city’s parks, lakes, and old quarter. It features a vibrant lobby, outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre, and beauty salon. The 306 spacious rooms are elegantly decorated with amenities such as air conditioning, en-suite luxury bathrooms, safes, wireless internet (extra charge in rooms, free in the lobby), satellite TVs, minibars (local charges apply), and coffee/tea makers.

Senna Hue Hotel, Hue
The classic five-star Senna Hue Hotel, centrally located in Hue, offers an array of amenities, including an outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre, and boutique shop. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, and 24-hour room service. All 129 air-conditioned rooms are equipped with private balconies or terraces, en-suite shower rooms, hairdryers, satellite TVs, safes, minibars (extra charge), tea/coffee facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Equatorial Hotel,  Ho Chi Minh
The five-star Equatorial Hotel, situated in the captivating Chinatown district, offers a range of amenities including a rooftop pool with a bar, fitness centre, spa, and beauty salon. The 333 spacious rooms are elegantly decorated, air-conditioned, and equipped with en-suite luxury bathrooms, hairdryers, safes, wireless internet (extra charge), flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars (local charges apply), and tea/coffee makers.

Palace Gate Hotel, Phnom Penh
The charming Palace Gate Hotel, a former French colonial villa, is conveniently located between Sisowath Quay and the Royal Palace, offering 105 comfortable rooms with amenities like air conditioning, showers, hairdryers, minifridges (chargeable), TVs, safes, complimentary tea/coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features a ground-floor restaurant, rooftop bar, outdoor pool, fitness centre, and spa for guests to enjoy.

Borei Angkor Resort & Spa, Siem Reap
The luxurious Borei Angkor Resort & Spa, located less than a mile from the Royal Residence and less than five miles from Angkor Wat, offers spacious Khmer-style rooms with tasteful decor. Guest facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, spa (local charges may apply), sauna, bar, and four restaurants. The rooms feature wooden flooring, Cambodian Golden Wood furnishings, flat-screen TVs with international channels, and large bathrooms with toiletries. The resort also offers live entertainment at the bar and an on-site lobby shop.

Fact File

• Currencies: Dong, Reil
• Flight time: Approx. 11 hrs 30 mins to 13 hrs 10 mins
• Languages: Vietnamese, Khmer
• Time zone: GMT+7
• Countries: Vietnam, Cambodia

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic.

Please note, en route to the first hotel, you will stop for breakfast in Hanoi, and have a sightseeing tour which lasts around 2 hours.