Angkor to the Bay

Fly overnight to Siem Reap. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

High Water Season (Aug to Feb): Visit Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Enjoy a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Kleng. Return to Siem Reap via the SATCHA Handicraft Centre. This evening sit down to dinner and an Apsara dance show. Low Water Season (Mar to Jul): Head to Beng Mealea to explore this mysterious temple overrun by the jungle. Drop by the SATCHA Handicraft Centre after visiting the floating village of Chong Kneas. This evening sit down to dinner and an Apsara dance show.

The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex includes over 1,000 temples. Enter the walled city of Angkor Thom and head to its heart to see the enigmatic Bayon, followed by the atmospheric Ta Prohm. This afternoon is dedicated to the indescribable Angkor Wat. Later, take a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems.

Fly to Phnom Penh, a city of airy boulevards and colonial villas. Visit the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before admiring the artefacts at the National Museum.

Visit the emotive Tuol Sleng Museum before visiting the city's namesake temple, Wat Phnom. Fly to Saigon.

Get to grips with the struggles of guerrilla warfare at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the war. Return to the city and gain further insights at the Reunification Palace and the chilling War Remnants Museum, finishing at the lively Ben Thanh Market.

Pop down to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the mighty Mekong. This area is known as the 'Rice Basket of Vietnam', the rich and fertile lands producing huge amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruits.

The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world but is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office and Thien Hau Pagoda before flying to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Drive out into the countryside to the small farming community of Tra Que. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside and try your hand at age-old farming techniques before taking part in a cooking demonstration, learning the art of a local dish. After lunch take a walking tour of Hoi An, to see the elaborate Japanese Bridge, a Chinese temple and the bustling market. Stop en route to visit Reaching Out Tea House, craft workshop, and watch the artisans at work.

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Hoi An before heading to Hue, travelling over the Hai Van Pass. Visit the picturesque Thien Mu Pagoda and cruise along the Perfume River. The next day, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tombs of Emperors Khai Dinh and Minh Mang. Move on to a beautiful old 'maison' that has been transformed into a Truc Chi workshop, where you'll learn to create art with bamboo paper. Continue to visit the imposing Imperial Citadel.

Fly to Hanoi this morning. This afternoon take a thrilling cyclo ride through the Old Quarter and enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Spend two days aboard a comfortable cruise boat sailing amongst magnificent karst peaks on the tranquil green waters of Halong Bay. Spend the night on the boat before returning to Hanoi and attending the Quintessence of Tonkin show, a spectacular open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

Explore the sights of Hanoi, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, the Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.