Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - Tour Begins

Journey to a region rich in culture and history, taking in three extraordinary countries: Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Your tour opens in historic Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. For centuries, the city has been the commercial hub of the region, creating a cultural melting pot.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

This morning, head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a maze of underground passageways used as hideouts by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the city’s colonial landmarks on a city tour. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City

Today, explore the famous Mekong Delta, rich with natural and cultural wonders, during a cruise along this bustling river. Be introduced to daily life during a visit to a home where coconut candy and rice paste are made. Enjoy a lunch of regional cuisine in a lush tropical garden. Visit a local residence to learn about their traditional way of life. Later, enjoy a visit to Cao Dai Temple and explore the region’s rich architectural style.

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap, Cambodia

Fly to Cambodia and the village of Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap

Explore the ancient ruins of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building and the symbol of Cambodia. Remain until evening for an opportunity to see a spectacular sunset over the monuments.

Day 6: Siem Reap

Set out to see three impressive Hindu temples: the towering 11th-century pyramid-shaped Temple of Shiva, Banteay Srei Temple, and the well-preserved Banteay Samre Temple. This afternoon, spend time at a local monastery and participate in a private blessing ceremony.

Day 7: Siem Reap - Luang Prabang, Laos

Your day begins at the JWOC Community Center* where you’ll meet local school children. Then we fly to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos.

Day 8: Luang Prabang

Today visit two of the most remarkable temples, Wat Sen or “Temple of 100,000 Treasures,” and Wat Visun, the city’s oldest and most beautiful. Continue through the countryside to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls then return to town and immerse yourself in the Night Market.

Day 9: Luang Prabang

Board a traditional riverboat for a cruise down the Mekong River and make stops at the Wat Xieng Thong temple and the small villages of Ban Xieng Maen and Ban Chan. The next stop is at Pak Ou Caves, home to hundreds of Buddha’s.

Day 10: Luang Prabang - Hanoi, Vietnam

Wake before dawn and participate in the offering of alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks. Fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. From Ancient Chinese to French Colonial, this diverse city blends many cultures. It is truly a place where the old meets the new.

Day 11: Hanoi

Begin your day in Ba Dinh Square. Take in the well preserved traditional architecture at the Temple of Literature, then enjoy lunch before setting out on a cyclo tour of Hanoi and end the day with a traditional water puppet performance.

Day 12: Hanoi

Venture to the countryside to Ky Son Village and embark on either a stroll or bike ride through the village. Learn about local culinary traditions during a cooking demonstration with a local chef before a lunch highlighting regional cuisine.Next, head to Duong Lam village for a tour visiting the main sights.

Day 13: Hanoi - Halong Bay

Journey to Halong Bay for your overnight cruise on a luxury junk boat. Travel through the rice paddy fields and stop in some of the villages. Enjoy a lunchtime seafood feast onboard followed by a swim in the crystal clear waters of the bay.

Day 14: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue

Enjoy cruising through the emerald waters of Halong Bay back to the harbour. Then we return to Hanoi to board a flight to Hue, the Imperial capital city.

Day 15: Hue - Hoi An

Travel to the shores of the Perfume River and embark on a cruise that reveals Hue’s Imperial past. First we make a stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most remarkable religious buildings in the country. Then it’s on to the sprawling Imperial Citadel that originally encompassed 148 buildings. After your cruise, continue through the countryside via the breathtaking Hai Van Pass on our way to Hoi An. En route, pause to see the quaint Lang Co fishing village. Arrive in Hoi An, an ancient merchant trading port and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 16: Hoi An

Learn about the local cuisine at today’s cooking class. Begin with a visit to a local market to interact with vendors and learn about traditional ingredients. Learn how each of the vegetables and herbs are used to create everyday Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy lunch after your class. Then, visit one of Hoi An’s famous lantern workshops and try your hand at lantern making. These colourful handmade creations are a part of the culture of the city and symbolize luck, happiness and wealth to the residents. Set out on a walking tour of this well-preserved town. Feel like you have stepped into the past as you stroll by the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, the ancient merchant house, and a 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge. Later, enjoy a peaceful boat trip along the Thu Bon River before time at leisure to explore the old town.

Day 17: Hoi An

Catch a glimpse into the Champa Kingdom at the remarkable ruins of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated in a remote jungle valley. This once thriving epicentre of religion and politics dates back to the 4th century and has more than 20 well-preserved monuments to explore. Then it’s off to Tra Que Herb Village, a small farming community. En route, stop to see 17th-century Japanese tombs, the only ones of their kind outside of Japan. Arrive in town and observe the local farmers tending to their crops and sample some local delicacies. Relax as you soak your feet in an herbal bath before returning to Hoi An. Tonight, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 18: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City this afternoon. Tonight, toast to the end of a remarkable trip while savouring your farewell dinner.

Day 19: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

Your tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City.

Collette brochure price from £2774

Travel 55 discount price from £2580

Telephone Collette Holidays on 0800 804 8700 and quote Travel 55 code NYC2