Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights Private Tour

Arrive in Siem Reap where your private transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

This morning, your private guide will whisk you away to explore the less visited Beng Mealea, a mysterious, atmospheric ancient temple completely overrun by the jungle. Explore on foot for approximately an hour and half. Spend the afternoon exploring Tonle Sap. In the high water season (Aug to Feb), you will travel to Kompong Khleng stilt village; in the low-water season (Mar - July) you will visit Chong Kneas floating village. Return to Siem Reap via a visit to SATCHA, an organisation working alongside local craftsmen to create high-end and traditional Cambodian arts and crafts. The evening is at leisure to enjoy Siem Reap.

There are few greater privileges than a privately guided tour of the legendary Angkor complex. Your expert guide will show you the hidden secrets of this majestic gem on a full day tour, during which you can enjoy their undivided attention. The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Angkor complex includes over 1,000 temples. See the walled city of Angkor Thom and head to its heart to see the enigmatic Bayon, followed by the breathtaking Ta Prohm. Pause for lunch before an afternoon tour of the the indescribable Angkor Wat. Later, return to Angkor Thom to take a leisurely boat ride on the moat, and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems.

Your morning is at leisure for any final adventures you wish to enjoy in Siem Reap. This afternoon, fly to Phnom Penh, a city of airy boulevards and colonial villas. Your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. No trip to Indochina could be complete without a Mekong river sunset, and Phnom Penh is one of the best places to do it. Board a private boat and journey along this urban section of the Tonle Sap River, which offers a magnificent panorama of the Phnom Penh Riverfront, the Royal Palace and the ever-changing skyline. Enjoy a refreshing local beer as you cruise to the point where the Tonle Sap converges with the Mighty Mekong river. The rest of your evening is at leisure to explore the surrounding dining options.

Begin at the small but impressive National Museum, where your guide will introduce you to its most intriguing Khmer artifacts. Continue to the emotive Tuol Sleng Museum, where you will learn about the struggles of the Cambodian civilians under the regime of Pol Pot. Pause to visit hilltop temple of Wat Phnom before your 1-hour flight to Saigon. Your evening in Saigon is at leisure.

Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where your private guide will explain the astonishing realities of the guerrilla tactics used by the Viet Cong during the war. You'll discover bamboo traps, field hospitals and kitchens, and if you choose, crouch through a short section of the tunnels for yourself. Later, see the Reunification Palace and the emotive photography exhibition at the War Remnants Museum before finishing at the lively Ben Thanh Market.

This morning, your private guide will pick you up for a whirlwind escape to the country. Head to Ben Tre to explore on a rural section of the mighty Mekong - a very different landscape from your cruises in Cambodia. 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. Spend the day cruising and exploring, travelling by motorised, wooden boats between the islands and changing to smaller paddleboats in the canal. Return to Saigon in the early evening.

The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. Your guide will take you on a morning walking tour, introducing you to the French Colonial architecture of the Dong Khoi district. Admire the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda before lunch. This afternoon, take a 1hr 20min flight to Danang and transfer to the charming, UNESCO listed town of Hoi An. This wilfully traditional town offers an impressive ancient centre famous for its yellow buildings, romantic ambience and swaying silk lanterns. Your evening is at leisure to soak up the atmosphere, go lantern shopping or even get measured for express tailoring at one of the local boutiques. The night seamstresses and shoemakers here are famous for their quick, high-quality work - they can whip up a custom garment in just 24 hours and deliver it to your hotel too.

Your private guide will drive you into Hoi An's lush green countryside to visit Tra Que, a local farming co-operative. See the farmers at work, hear about the traditional methods they use, and even try your hand at it for yourself! After lunch, your guide will show you Hoi An's secrets on a private walking tour. This historic merchant town has influences from many corners of Asia. See the elaborate Japanese Bridge, a Chinese temple and the bustling market. Stop to visit Reaching Out, a social enterprise craft workshop employing artists with disabilities, and see the impressive work happening here. The evening is at leisure.

Take a long drive over the scenic Hai Van Pass, often named as one of the best road trips in the world. Your destination is Hue, where your guide will introduce you to the sights such as the impressive Thien Mu Pagoda before a cruise along the Perfume River.

Your personal guide will pick you up for your visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tombs of Emperors Khai Dinh and Minh Mang, which blend a traditionally Chinese influence with a modern Western future. Move on to a beautiful old maison that has been transformed into a Truc Chi workshop, where you'll hear how the locals create artisanal products with bamboo paper. Continue on to visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, influenced by the Forbidden City in China. Return to the hotel, or stay to explore longer. Your evening is at leisure.

Board a short flight to Hanoi in the morning. This afternoon, take a thrilling cyclo ride through the Old Quarter to see Hanoi's historic buildings. Each cyclo takes one passenger and is operated by a cycle driver behind the carriage. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Your evening is at leisure - why not shop in the wonderful boutiques of the Old Quarter, or enjoy the beautiful architecture and restaurants in the French Quarter?

Travel east to Halong Bay, the highlight of any visit to Vietnam. Here, you'll spend a day and night aboard a comfortable cruise ship, sailing amongst magnificent karst peaks on the tranquil green waters of Halong Bay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty, it isn't hard to see why it is one of Vietnam's most popular destinations. Amid the myriad of islands, enjoy an excursion such as a visit to one of the bay's stalactite-filled caves, or a kayaking experience in one of its sheltered bays.

Rise early this morning for a beautiful sunrise over the bay as you cruise back to port. Return to Hanoi after brunch. This afternoon, your private guide will take you to visit the home of a water puppet artist. This traditional Vietnamese performance art has roots dating back to the 10th century. You will have a chance to talk with the artist, watch the process of making the puppets and enjoy a private water puppet show.

Today, your guide will introduce you to more of Hanoi's great monuments. Begin at Ba Dinh Square, passing Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum en route to visit the Ho Chi Minh Quarter. Continue with a visit to the Humble House on Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. Stop at the serene Temple of Literature, Hanoi's first university, before a final evening at leisure in Hanoi.

Your private transfer will collect you from the hotel for your transfer to the city airport where your arrangements end.