Fly to to Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This evening, join your group for dinner and a welcome briefing with your National Escort.
Journey into the Old City of Angkor Thom. At its heart is the enigmatic Bayon, an iconic temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Admire the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King before continuing to the atmospheric Ta Prohm. Spend the afternoon soaking up the magnificent treasures of Angkor Wat. This evening, return to Angkor Thom to take a boat ride on its moat at sunset.
Travel to the shores of Tonle Sap and visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk (Oct to Feb) or Chong Kneas (Mar to Sep). Stop at Chansar village for a glimpse at rural life before visiting the home of a local Khmer family.
Travel to Cambodia's charming capital, Phnom Penh. Board a cyclo and head into the heart of the city to see the magnificent Royal Palace - official residence of the King - along with the Silver Pagoda in its grounds. Check into your hotel.
Reflect on the history of the city with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields, locations that provide chilling reminders of the Khmer Rouge regime. Afterwards, you will say goodbye to your National Escort and be picked up by a local guide from the Victoria Mekong. Board the Victoria Mekong for a welcome briefing and cast off into the waters of the Delta. Dine on delicious local cuisine at the welcome dinner and enjoy a traditional music show as you cruise downstream.
The ship departs this morning, with plenty of onboard activities available. Alternatively, spend the morning relaxing in the pool. Sail into Vietnam around lunchtime, anchoring near Tan Chau. Tender ashore to visit a Taoist temple and see the intriguing stilt houses. Return to the ship in time for an exciting lion dance performance on the Sky Deck as the sun sets.
After breakfast, tender ashore in Phu Tan to visit a craft village famed for its handmade clay stoves. After lunch, anchor at Tiger Island and head ashore to explore, learning about local industries such as ceramics and incense making. Return to the ship for dinner and the evening's entertainment.
Arrive in Long Xuyen and hop on a tender to visit the bustling floating market. Stop in town to visit a museum with exhibits on ancient cultures of the region before returning to the Victoria Mekong. Enjoy lunch as the ship continues downstream to Dinh Yen, where you'll see the villagers weaving colourful straw mats and meet a family who specialise in making sheets of beancurd. This evening, the ship continues to Can Tho.
Transfer from Can Tho to Saigon, stopping en route for a delicious local lunch. This evening, your Vietnamese National Escort will whisk you away to enjoy 'dining in the dark' at NOIR, a social enterprise restaurant employing blind waiters. Immersed in total darkness, with your senses heightened, tastes and textures are amplified to create a truly mindful dining experience.
Confront the reality of guerrilla warfare at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the war. Return to Saigon to explore the iconic sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace and Central Post Office.
Fly to Danang Airport and transfer to Hoi An. Head out an a walking tour, with visits including Chua Ong Pagoda, a historic merchant house and the spectacular Japanese Covered Bridge. With its charming yellow buildings, shimmering river, and vivid silk lanterns, a stroll through this traditional town feels like stepping back in time.
Head out into Hoi An's peaceful countryside to visit an organic farming community. Here you can enjoy the lush green landscapes and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. You'll even have an opportunity to try the techniques for yourself!
The afternoon is at leisure to head to the beach or explore the Old Town's charming shops and boutiques.
After breakfast, transfer to Danang and fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to the charming city of Hanoi. This afternoon, visit the serene Temple of Literature, Hanoi's first university, before taking a cyclo tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Each cyclo (rickshaw) takes one passenger and is operated by a cycle driver behind the carriage. Wrap up your ride with an opportunity to taste some 'egg coffee' '“ a local speciality!
Discover the rest of Hanoi's sights today, with the Ho Chi Minh Quarter and Mausoleum, Humble House on Stilts, One Pillar Pagoda and more. Tonight, attend one of Hanoi's famous theatre performances.
Stay overnight on a traditionally designed boat on Halong Bay, cruising amongst the karst peaks on the tranquil green waters. 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.
Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.
