Fly to Saigon. On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Take a walking tour of Saigon's centre, with such architectural highlights as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Grand Central Post Office. Visit the Reunification Palace and the poignant War Remnants Museum.
Journey to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the Mekong. This area is called the '˜Rice Basket of Vietnam', the rich and fertile lands producing a plethora of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruits. Paddle through the maze of palm-lined canals and get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta.
Uncover stories of guerrilla warfare at Cu Chi, the legendary tunnel network used by the Viet Cong during the war. Later, fly to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO-listed city of Hoi An.
Take a morning walking tour of charming Hoi An, a wonderfully laidback, graceful and traditional town. Visit one of the oldest homes, still occupied by descendants of merchants that built it over 200 years ago. Also visit the elaborate Japanese Bridge, Hoi An Market and a local Chinese Temple with a stop en route to visit Reaching Out Tea House, a social enterprise providing meaningful employment for those with speech and hearing impairments. The afternoon is at leisure to relax at the beach.
Drive out into the countryside to Tra Que, a small farming community where you can enjoy the lush green countryside and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. Later, take a flight to Vietnam's charming capital city, Hanoi, a richly historic city of lakes, parks and shaded boulevards.
Head to Halong Bay and board your comfortable cruise ship, sailing amongst the spectacular seascapes, fringed by jagged karst formations jutting from the waters. Halong Bay, with its 1,600 islands and islets, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is a vision of awe-inspiring beauty. Activities this afternoon may include kayaking, swimming or sunbathing. Enjoy fresh meals on board and spend the night anchored on the tranquil waters.
Enjoy brunch on board before disembarking and returning to Hanoi for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, attend a spectacular theatrical performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.
Spend the morning exploring Hanoi's Ho Chi Minh complex, the Temple of Literature and Ngoc Son Temple '“ you'll also take a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter and enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Fly to the enchanting city of Luang Prabang.
Luang Prabang is the quintessential image of Laos '“ a place of vivid colours, an extremely rich heritage and enduring French legacy. Today, rise early to watch a Takbat alms giving ceremony. Ascend Phousi Hill for city vistas, visit Wat Xieng Thong, then cruise along the Mekong River to see the Pak Ou Caves. Return to Luang Prabang.
Visit the National Museum before continuing to the cascading turquoise waters of the enchanting Kuang Si Waterfalls. Relax by the water or enjoy a refreshing dip. Return to Luang Prabang via Ban Na Ouane village and Ock Pop Tok Craft Centre. This evening witness a local Baci (luck) ceremony.
Fly to Siem Reap this afternoon. Enjoy some time at leisure
Begin the day at the ruined city of Angkor Thom, established as the royal capital of the Khmer Empire in the 12th century. Uncover its secrets before continuing to Ta Prohm, an atmospheric ancient monastery partially reclaimed by the jungle. This afternoon, explore the magnificent temple at Angkor Wat, the park's most famous treasure. Later, return to Angkor Thom for a leisurely boat ride as the sun sets.
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 and observing the way of life of these lake communities. 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 and the floating village of Chong Kneas. On arrival, visit SATCHA, an organisation working alongside local craftsmen to create high-end and traditional Cambodian arts and crafts. This evening sit down to dinner and an Apsara dance show.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to New Zealand, arriving home to same or following day.
