Grand Tour of Indochina

Fly to Saigon, Vietnam's most evocative city.

This morning, contemplate the horrors 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.

Travel 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. Lunch on typical Mekong fare. Return to Saigon.

Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An. In the 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.

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

Travel the scenic route to Hue over the Hai Van Pass. Visit the UNESCO Royal Tomb of Minh Mang. The next day explore the imposing Imperial Citadel before seeing Thien Mu Pagoda and cruising along 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 cyclo tour of the Old Quarter and enjoy a Vietnamese 'egg coffee' break.

This morning take a visit to the Museum of Ethnology Temple of Literature, Hanoi's first university, before you take the picturesque mountain road to Mai Chau. This afternoon, take a gentle trek out to see the rice fields. Visit the White Thai community villages of Pom Coong and Lac. The next day, 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.

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.

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. 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.

High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Visit Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple overrun by 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 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.

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Australia, arriving home the same or the following day.