Discover The Far East (19 days)

Day 1: Start of Discovering The Far East tour – Arrive in Singapore

Upon your arrival at Changi Airport in Singapore, after going through immigration/custom formalities and collecting your luggage, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver at the exit hall (holding placard with your names at the door immediate after baggage collection and clearance) and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free to settle into your new surroundings.

Meals included: None

Accommodation at: Shangri-La Singapore – Tower Wing Deluxe Room

Day 2: Singapore

Free day to relax and explore at your own leisure

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at: Shangri-La Singapore – Tower Wing Deluxe Room

Day 3: Singapore – Hanoi

At the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and escort you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, as you depart the aircraft our team will be waiting to greet you and assist you through the airport. You will be fast-tracked through the passport procedures, assisted with your luggage when needed and then transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free to settle into your new surroundings.

Located a few steps from the Opera House and a short stroll from Hoan Kiem Lake and the vibrant Old Quarter, The Metropole has been welcoming guests since 1901. This iconic hotel has welcomed presidents, writers, actors and playwrights including Graham Greene and Charlie Chaplin. Sofitel Metropole Hanoi is well appointed featuring 364 luxurious and characterful rooms, a swimming pool, two restaurants, four bars, spa and fitness centre.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at: Sofitel Metropole Hanoi – Premium Queen – Opera Wing

Day 4: Hanoi

In the morning, you will be greeted by your guide and driver at your hotel lobby to begin your adventure by jeep! On the first part of the trip, we expose you to the REAL HANOI. Visit the unknown parts of the city through the maze of back streets, tiny alleyways, local homes, schools and random markets experiencing where & how locals live, work and play.

On the second part of the trip, we pass by and stop at the must see places. Visit Ho Chi Minh mausoleum-the Mecca of the Vietnamese, The 1000 year-old Buddhist and Toasist temples of Tran Quoc, the Temple of Literature, the historical training track, the enchanting French Quarter, the hustling & bustling Old Quarter, the romantic lakes of Hoan Kiem and West Lake, the Hanoi Opera House and the famous Long Bien Bridge.

On the third part of the trip, we also take you to peaceful & alluring villages around West lake and Truc Bach lake to enrich your experiences about the contrast in harmony of life between the city centre and the outskirts. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch with lots of Vietnamese specialities at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

This evening, you will have a chance to discover the street food of Hanoi under the guidance of your local guide. Start your walking tour at Hanoi’s largest covered market, Dong Xuan. Your local guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we tempt your taste buds with the famed Hanoi dish Banh Cuon at a local eatery. Your next two snack stops are at outdoor barbecue stalls and a local fruit store. To wrap up the evening, visit a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake where you can enjoy a local delicacy “egg-coffee”. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (foodtour)

Accommodation at: Sofitel Metropole Hanoi – Premium Queen – Opera Wing

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay

This morning you will be transferred to Tuan Chau Marina. Arrive at Heritage Line’s welcome lounge before the short speedboat transfer to your luxurious floating home. Begin your unique journey exploring one of the wonders of nature – Lan Ha Bay and its main island of Cat Ba. The first highlight of the cruise is lunch in Ginger’s nearly 360-degree light-flooded restaurant. Live cooking in the open kitchen is a one of a kind experience – enjoy the culinary display along with fantastic panoramic views of the passing scenery. You can relax on the terrace deck or on their private balcony. While cruising along in the early afternoon, there is time to enjoy the unique facilities on board. Take a plunge in the pool with infinity-like vistas or get pampered with a selection of fine treatments and massages in the ship’s spa.

Reach the shore of a small lagoon on Cat Ba Island and hop on bicycles (e-cart transfers are also available) for leisurely pedalling along the small paved roads towards the Viet Hai village. Little has changed in Viet Hai since the ancestors of the 80 households settled here centuries ago. Situated in a valley within the Cat Ba National Park and surrounded on all sides by think forest and mountains, the locals are isolated from the island’s other villages and towns. The only access is via sea.

The community is self-sufficient. The residents provide for themselves by cultivating vegetables and fruits in the nearby fields, growing rice in the valley, and fishing out in the bay. This is truly unique and authentic opportunity to meet local inhabitants and experience their local daily life. We have a glimpse of local households, see how they make medicine organically from a tree bark and you can also try various home-made liquors.

Back on board the chef invites guests to an interactive cooking class in the restaurant’s big open kitchen. Learn about local ingredients as well as the preparation of classic Vietnamese dishes. Guests are warmly invited to lend a hand. As the sun sets, arrive at the tranquil anchor spot for the night. After a delicious dinner, you may wish to unwind at the bar with a digestif or watch a movie in the cinema. Alternatively you may join some fun fishing for squid before retiring to your room.

Ginger, plying the spectacular Lan Ha Bay, boasts a stunning local Vietnamese heritage theme paired with refined contemporary accents. The graceful designer ship displays local arts, traditions, and artefacts in the public spaces and suites’ interiors. All twelve spacious designer suites offer the highest standard and comfort for a luxury overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay inclusive of a fantastic bathroom, in-room lounge and private balcony. Ginger’s very unique highlight is her refined culinary attitude that comes alive in the nearly 360-degree glasssurrounded restaurant, which introduces an open kitchen with live cooking for an unforgettable lifestyle experience.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation at: Heritage Line Ginger Junk – Junior Suite

Day 6: Halong Bay, Hanoi – Da Nang, Hoi An

Wake up early and join the Tai Chi session on the terrace deck to ease mind and muscles. Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries await in the dining room to start the day. It is time for Heritage Line Ginger to lift her anchors and cruise to a place called “Frog Lake”. Go for a refreshing swim in the bay or explore this captivating marine landscape via kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while paddling through this labyrinth of jade-green water, rocks and vivid tree-topped islets.

Back on board, enjoy a hearty breakfast while cruising back to the off-shore embarkation spot, from where you will be transferred back to the welcome lounge at the pier by speed boat. Arrive at the pier, your driver will escort you directly to Ha Noi or Hanoi Airport for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, you will be met by your local guide and transferred 30 minutes to Hoi An. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Conveniently located on the Thu Bon River and just a few minutes walk from Hoi An’s fascinating old quarter, Anantara Hoi An is the perfect base from which to explore the UNESCO world heritage site of Hoi An. Anantara Hoi An is a low rise boutique hotel with 94 spacious rooms and suites, all featuring a balcony or terrace with river or garden views. To further enhance your stay, the resort offers riverside dining, spa, heated pool and a private jetty for easy access to Thu Bon River cruising.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at: Anantara Hoi An Resort – Deluxe Balcony DBL

Day 7: Hoi An

After breakfast, guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. In the morning, cycle through the rural scenery of Hoi An to a small vegetable growing village located on the banks of Tra Que Lagoon (5 kilometers or 15 minutes cycling from Hoi An). Tra Que Village is known for its special aromatic herbs. Join together with the local people in their daily work of planting and watering vegetables. After the lesson get inside and enjoy a traditional foot massage. Afterward, your friendly host will teach you how to cook some local specialties, for example “Tam Huu” – combining shrimps, pork and aromatic herbs that collected from the garden.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch (Cooking class)

Accommodation at: Anantara Hoi An Resort – Deluxe Balcony DBL

Day 8: Hoi An

Meet up with your guide at your hotel lobby and venture out to explore Hoi An. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Stroll around town to visit the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and the Tan Ky Chinese-style trading house. Wrap up your tour by taking a restful break at Reaching Out Tea House – a special teashop where all the waiters and waitresses are deaf staff. They are given a chance to have a self – reliant life and integrate into the community by well trained to be able to work here professionally. A peaceful time for you to enjoy the silence and taste of coffee. Then your driver will take you back to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at: Anantara Hoi An Resort – Deluxe Balcony DBL

Day 9: Hoi An, Da Nang – Nha Trang

Departure is at 0930 am and the journey takes approximately six hours. Embark on a luxurious railway adventure through the lush landscapes and spectacular coastlines of Central Vietnam aboard The Vietage. Embrace the epic romance of rail travel on an exquisite journey that links the heritage charm of Hoi An and the sparkling shores of Quy Nhon. The Vietage is a new addition to luxury Vietnam tours and combines old-world comfort, breath-taking views and gourmet dining to leave you inspired, refreshed, and ready for your next destination. Included in your ticket is three-course gourmet dining, snacks, selected free-flow wines, beers, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and head and shoulder treatments.

Upon arrival at the train station, your driver will be waiting to collect and escort you to your next hotel. Once checked-in, the remainder of the day is free to settle into your new surroundings.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation at: The Anam Cam Ranh – Deluxe Room

Day 10 – 11: Nha Trang

Free days to relax on the beach and explore at your own lesiure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at: The Anam Cam Ranh – Deluxe Room

Day 12: Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Quy Nhon airport. for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival in Saigon, as you depart the aircraft our team will be waiting to greet you and assist you through the airport. Fast-tracking you through the passport procedures, assisting with your luggage when needed and then transferring you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free to settle into your new surroundings.

Set in the heart of Saigon atop the utmost floors of renowned Times Square Building, you shall find the iconic and irrepressible The Reverie Saigon. A hotel that combines sumptuous Italian decor with legendary Vietnamese hospitality the outcome is one of the regions finest cities hotels! With its unique design the rooms offer stunning views of the city, some even with a panoramic view, this combined with the rooftop pool and its sensational food menu, you will understand why The Reverie Saigon is one The Leading Hotels of the World! Its incredible location allows you to explore from your hotel and have the excitement this city provides as soon as you step outside, yet once back inside you shall be transported to a world of serenity and splendour.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at:The Reverie Saigon – Panorama Deluxe Room

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City 

This morning, you will enjoy a join-in trip exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels in an exciting way: accessing Cu Chi by shared boat instead of car and observing local life outside the city and alongside the river of Saigon. Embark on your speed boat from Ho Chi Minh City’s pier. Your guide will introduce you to life along the banks of the Saigon River as your boat gracefully slips through knots of floating water hyacinths on this scenic one-hour boat trip.

As the city fades into the background, witness life along the river and the many new ‘weekend’ homes being built by the Saigonese. The cramped tunnels were central to a few of the war’s strategic operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive, and they didn’t escape damage. American B52 bombers dropped hundreds of missiles leaving huge tell-tale craters behind. The tunnels also have “mantraps” – large, camouflaged holes dug deep into the ground that ensnared enemy soldiers by bamboo spikes. But don’t worry, you won’t step in one! You’ll also discover the remains of an American tank that was destroyed by a landmine which you can climb on for great photos. The Cu Chi experience can be emotionally draining for some visitors, but it offers fascinating windows into the hardship and traumas of war.

Enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch by the river, consisting of authentic fried spring rolls, chicken and beef dishes and soup, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Arrive back at the pier, you will be met by your guide who will escort you out to explore Saigon as a local as you expertly driven on a vintage vespa through the streets. Explore the streets soaking up the atmosphere as you discover fresh flower markets and seeing the many historic sights before you enter the Chinese district. The Chinese occupied Vietnam and you can see their influence all around, with ancient Buddhist temples, hidden pagodas and other local stores still trading to this day. 

From here head back into the very heart of the city seeing the more modern sights from the French era and world renowned architecture such as the Saigon Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. We conclude the day at the Independence Palace where modern day Vietnam all began. Today you will have seen, heard and experienced so much. As we escort you home you will no doubt be recounting so many memorable moments and will have a much deeper understanding of what Saigon is all about.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at: The Reverie Saigon – Panorama Deluxe Room

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta

•  8:30am: Pick up at your hotel in Saigon city centre and depart to Mekong Delta.
• Boarding off Cai Be at noon. Welcome drink, Introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins.
• Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river.
• Lunch while en route. Rest on the deck.
• The Bassac slips into the Chợ Lách canal, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the river traffic, between markets and churches, a unique opportunity for a glimpse of the very varied life on the banks as well as on the water.
• By mid-afternoon, the Bassac casts anchor for a visit on shore: past the first tree line, quiet discovery of the peaceful life in the delta’s countryside, of rice fields, fruit trees and the welcoming inhabitants, or, at your option, short cycling tour of the surrounding area.
• Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river.
• The Bassac sets anchor just downstream from Tra On for the night.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation at: Bassac Cruise – Double Cabin

Day 15: Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap

The boat departs at 6:00AM then cruises towards Can Tho.

The breakfast is available at 7:00AM.

Arrival in Cần Thơ, transfer onto a local boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market, then a noodle factory and return to the Ninh Kieu pier. End of services by mid-morning on shore at Cần Thơ. Transfer back to Saigon airport ready to catch your flight to Siem Reap.

Upon arrival into Siem Reap, as you depart the plane our team will be waiting to greet you and assist you through the airport. Taking care of you and fast-tracking you through the passport procedures, assisting when needed with your luggage, where you will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free to settle into your new surroundings.

Situated in the leafy French Quarter of Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor is a luxury boutique hotel just 10 minutes stroll from downtown Siem Reap’s markets and up and coming restaurant scene. The Angkor Archeological Park is just a 15 minute drive away.

Shinta Mani Angkor offers the choice of 39 rooms in a chic modern design complimented by Khmer art and photography. All rooms feature the latest technology such as a mounted DVD and LCD TV, soundbar and iPod docking station. The hotel boasts two restaurants, a sophisticated bar and a well shaded outdoor pool. A lavish spa provides indoor and outdoor massages. Cooking classes are also available.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at: Shinta Mani Angkor – Bayon Room

Day 16: Siem Reap

Begin your day with an early sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by breakfast and preparation for your tour, starting at 8:00 or 8:15 am. Your journey begins with a stop at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, an iconic 12th-century entrance to the ancient city. Marvel at the grandeur of the causeway, flanked by a naga balustrade and stone giants.

Next, explore the center of Angkor Thom and be captivated by the smiling faces of Bayon Temple, a 12thcentury Khmer temple dedicated to Buddhism. Your guide will lead you to Baphuon Temple, known for its grand entrance and impressive reliefs.

Continue to Phimeanakas Temple, a Hindu temple built in the Khleang style, and then visit the Royal Terraces, once used for royal processions and events. Conclude your morning at Ta Prohm, the famous “Tomb Raider Temple,” known for its ancient ruins and intertwined tree roots.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Srah Srang, followed by leisure time at the hotel’s pool in the afternoon. Later, visit the highlight of Angkor Archaeological Park, Angkor Wat, built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. Explore the temple complex and opt for a sunset view from Phnom Bakheng or a balloon ride.

Return to the hotel for refreshments and dinner in town at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation at: Shinta Mani Angkor – Bayon Room

Day 17: Siem Reap

Free day to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure.

In the evening, your guide will take you out for an evening street food tour by Vespa. Ride pillion along the beautiful Siem Reap Riverside to an evening market in order to gain an insight into fresh Cambodian ingredients. Cruise through the busy streets of this ancient heritage town as you are introduced to many aspects of Khmer cuisine – from street markets to food stalls, from exotic fruits to fried bugs (yes, bugs!), to high end fusion drinks and classic Khmer dishes.

This is a unique tour that embraces the hustle and bustle of street markets, vendors and the accompanying sights, smells, and sounds. We also meet local families making merry, enjoying BBQ meats, shopping for clothes and playing games at the local fun fair. It’s a fun and varied tour that embodies the fun-loving nature of the wonderful people of Cambodia! All food and drinks are included on this acclaimed Siem Reap food tour so please, bring a healthy appetite!

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner (food tour)

Accommodation at: Shinta Mani Angkor – Bayon Room

Day 18: Siem Reap

In order to include some variety during your stay in Siem Reap, take a break from the temples and enjoy a boat journey across the Great Tonle Sap lake to the village of Kompong Pluk. Cruising down a narrow waterway, you will enter this medieval floating village, where the houses stand atop stilts as much as seven metres above the water. Everything lives on the water, pigs, dogs, crocodiles and people, all jockeying for space in this incredible floating town. There’s an option to explore the local Wat here, before enjoying the flooded forest and returning across the Tonle Sap Lake to Chong Kneas and the holy mountain of Phnom Krom. Ending the day with a climb up Phnom Krom for a glorious sunset over the Tonle Sap before heading back to Siem Reap by road.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation at: Shinta Mani Angkor – Bayon Room

Day 19: Siem Reap – Departure

Sadly today is the day you wave goodbye to paradise. At the prearranged time your driver will collect you from your hotel and escort you to the airport ready for your departing flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast