Tour Overview
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1, HANOIArrive in this fascinating city, the capital of Vietnam. Free day. Tonight you will meet up with your fellow travellers and your tour leader.
Day 2, HANOI
Free time until we board the Reunification Express train to Hue. (B)
Days 3-4, HUE
Arrive and transfer to our hotel. We have one and a half days in Hue, famous for its stunning architecture and the Perfume River, which flows slowly through the centre of the city. It was recently given prestigious World Heritage status by UNESCO. (Day 4 - B)
Day 5, HOI AN
Travel to Hoi An via the spectacular Ocean Cloud Pass, Danang and China Beach. (B)
Day 6, HOI AN
A full day at leisure in Hoi An - a favourite among travellers for its laid back atmosphere. (B)
Days 7-8, WHALE ISLAND
Transfer by road and boat to secluded Whale Island, so named because of the sperm whales which can sometimes be spotted off its shores. Two days to swim, laze on pristine beaches or go snorkelling amidst lovely coral gardens. In the evening, there is time to relax at the beach bar - the perfect place to watch the sun go down with a cocktail in hand. (Day 7 - BD, Day 8 - BLD)
Day 9, NHA TRANG
Late departure from this paradise island and travel south towards Nha Trang, a laid back beach resort. (B)
Day 10, NHA TRANG
There’s time to check out the town or the beach before we board the overnight train to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). (B)
Day 11, SAIGON (HO CHI MINH CITY)
Arrive in Saigon and transfer to the hotel. There’s a host of things to do in this exciting city and some interesting excursions for those who want to venture further afield.
Day 12, MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY
Head south to the Mekong Delta. Here the mighty river splits into a labyrinth of channels before disgorging into the South China Sea. We spend the day exploring the area by boat and on foot. This is a great opportunity to learn about life in the delta. Tonight we are guests of a local family. (BLD)
Day 13, MEKONG DELTA – SAIGON
This morning we visit an authentic floating market before returning to Saigon. (B)
Day 14, SAIGON
A free day to explore further. (B) Day 15, SAIGON - PHNOM PENH Today we travel across the Viet/Cambodian border by bus to Phnom Penh. Arrive late afternoon, time to explore.
Day 16, PHNOM PENH
Morning guided tour to visit Royal Palace, National Museum. We will also take time to uncover the history of Cambodia’s recent tragic past with an optional visit to Tuoel Sleng – the former Khmer Rouge torture centre. The visit will also include the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek.
Day 17, PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP
This morning we have an early start and travel to Siem Reap, our gateway to a long awaited visit to the incredible Angkor Wat. Afternoon free.
Day 18, ANGKOR WAT
A spectacular day of exploration. We rise early for sunrise over Angkor Wat then enjoy a guided tour of the main complex. In the afternoon we visit Angkor Thom, Bayon, South gate and the Terrace of the Leper King. (B)
Day 19, ANGKOR WAT
A whole free day to explore Angkor Wat or other surrounding sights such as Lake Tonle Sap or the Old Market. (B)
Day 20, SIEM REAP - BANGKOK
Board the local bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok where the tour ends on arrival. (B)
Day 21-23, BANGKOK
Free time in Bangkok. (B)
Day 24, BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI
Free day before taking the overnight train to Chiang Mai. (B)
Day 25, CHIANG MAI
Arrive in Chiang Mai and transfer to our guesthouse. Meet our trekking guide for a briefing about the days ahead with the hilltribes of the north. (B)
Day 26, HILLTRIBE TREK
Drive by pick-up truck to Mok Fah Waterfall via a local market. Swim at the falls and continue to a Shan village for lunch. After lunch we trek to a Lisu village. Dinner and overnight in the village. (BLD)
Day 27, HILLTRIBE & ELEPHANT TREK
A 3 hour trek. After lunch we take an elephant ride to our rafting camp. We spend another night in a hilltribe village. (BLD)
Day 28, BAMBOO RAFTING - CHIANG MAI
We board bamboo rafts and float down river, passing riverside villages of Karen, Lahu and Shan tribes along the way. Return to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon. Why not treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage or relax by the pool. (BL)
Day 29, CHIANG MAI
Free day. In the late afternoon we board the overnight train and head south. (B)
Day 30, BANGKOK
Transfer to hotel, where the rest of the day is free. You might like to visit the Bridge on the River Kwai or explore this amazing city further.
Day 31, BANGKOK
A full free day to explore. Overnight train to Surat Thani. (B)
Day 32, KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK
Transfer to Khao Sok National Park. Afternoon nature walk & wildlife spotting. Overnight in jungle huts. (LD)
Day 33, KHAO SOK - RAJA PHRABA LAKE
Boat ride along Raja Phraba Lake. We spend 2 nights in this beautiful setting, staying in rafthouses. This afternoon we explore the caves & waterfalls of the National Park and after dinner we take a night walk in search of the nocturnal animals of the jungle. (BLD)
Day 34, KHAO SOK
Free morning. Afternoon canoeing, or if the water in the river is high, we can shoot rapids on inner tubes. (BLD)
Day 35, KRABI
Transfer to Krabi Province, famous for its magnificent limestone karst scenery.
Day 36, KRABI PROVINCE
A free day with a wide choice of activities - canoeing or sea kayaking, exploring the surrounding islands, caves and waterfalls or snorkelling. Then again, you may just choose to chill out on the beach or shop for souvenirs.
Day 37, KRABI
Tour ends.
Notes
IMPORTANT NOTE: This tour finishes in Krabi to enable you to extend your time on the beach or continue on to Malaysia. However we can also arrange an overnight bus and train transfer back to Bangkok.
