21 Day Best of Vietnam and Cambodia

Today, you’ll arrive in Hanoi. Enjoy the day to explore this fascinating city at your leisure. Hanoi is both bustling and beautiful, with many peaceful lakes that contrast with the busy city to make this part of Vietnam truly unique. Take your time to explore this exciting city before enjoying a welcome dinner this evening at Spice Garden, the hotel’s highly awarded and acclaimed Vietnamese restaurant.

Signature Experience – VIP Fast Track Service
Start your holiday as soon as possible when you receive Fast Track Service for a seamless arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam. Be whisked through immigration and customs, before meeting your APT representative, who will transfer you to your accommodation.

A guided tour of Hanoi takes you to the city’s most famous historical and cultural sites. Highlights include Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square and the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Nearby is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most significant attractions, marking a notable development of Buddhism in the country. Constructed on a single pillar of stone in the middle of a lotus pond, this pagoda is a religious stop for local pilgrims. You’ll also enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter. Explore the maze-like streets of this charming area, where each street conveys the name of the type of business that once operated there, such as Bamboo Street, Sugar Street and Silver Street. Then, explore more of this vibrant city on your selected Freedom of Choice experience. Tonight, choose your dining experience.

Freedom of Choice – Bat Trang Pottery Village
Journey to Bat Trang, a village where porcelain and pottery of the highest quality have been made for over 700 years. Step out with your guide on an insightful walk and hear stories about the rich clay.

Freedom of Choice – Head, Hand or Foot Massage
Indulge in a relaxing massage and soak up the atmosphere of Le Spa du Metropole overlooking the charming garden courtyard and pool of the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole.

Freedom of Choice – Walking Tour of Hanoi
Explore Hanoi on foot. Step inside the neo-gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral, admire Hanoi Opera House and view exhibits at Hoa Lo Prison. Learn about Vietnam’s struggle for independence from France.

Freedom of Choice – Water Puppet Performance
Set off by foot to one of Hanoi’s most renowned water puppet theatres. Learn about the art of water puppetry and its place in Vietnamese culture, including its beginnings in the villages.

Freedom of Choice – Vietnam’s Coffee Culture
Discover the importance of coffee in Vietnam, one of the country’s largest exports. Learn about the history and cultivation of coffee and try your hand at making some unique drinks.

Freedom of Choice – La Terrasse
Savour the atmosphere of a Parisian cafe at La Terrasse at the Sofitel Legend Metropole. With its classic Parisian-inspired furniture, this is the perfect place to relax.

Freedom of Choice – La Table Hanoia
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, and previously known as the Press Club, La Table Hanoia takes you on a journey of discovery. Enjoy a fine selection of gourmet food accompanied by seamless service.

Freedom of Choice – KOTO Van Mieu
Dine on soulful Vietnamese cuisine at KOTO Van Mieu, a training restaurant for disadvantaged and at-risk youth in Vietnam. This not-for-profit social enterprise empowers the youth through hospitality training.

Freedom of Choice – Lý Club Hanoi
Inspired by the legacy of the great Lý dynasty, Lý Club Hanoi offers a sensory feast of innovative Vietnamese cuisine. Located in a beautifully restored 19th-century colonial villa, the decor includes antiques and ornaments from the Lý dynasty.

This morning, take a private tour of your hotel’s bomb shelter during an insightful Signature Experience. Afterwards, travel to Tuan Chau for another incredible Signature Experience. Here, you will board the Au Co for your spectacular two-night cruise through Ha Long Bay. Savour an assortment of Vietnamese dishes during lunch as your luxury ship slowly glides towards the southeast of Ha Long Bay, passing Trong Mai Islet, Ngon Tay Islet and Con Coc Islet. Next, embark on an excursion to Cat Ba Island and ride a bicycle or electric cart through the peaceful Viet Hai village. Learn about local life and two of Bhaya Cruises’ social responsibility projects. Absorb the verdant surrounding scenery at Bhaya Café while joining a culinary class, where you’ll learn how to prepare steamed rice rolls known as bánh cuốn. Then, return to the ship and enjoy a delectable dinner on board. Afterwards, perhaps join a Vietnamese rice wine tasting session in the restaurant or try your hand at squid fishing on the main deck.

Signature Experience – Exclusive Access to a Bomb Shelter
Join a local historian for a private tour of the hotel’s bomb shelter. Hear stories of its chance discovery and learn about the famous guests who sought shelter during air raids.

Signature Experience – Ha Long Bay Cruise
See Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise aboard the traditionally styled Au Co. Made up of over 1,600 limestone pillars, World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation.

As the sun rises over the acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, rejuvenate the body and mind with a refreshing Tai Chi lesson. Delight in a hearty breakfast before exploring the Trinh Nu area by kayak. Experience the awe-inspiring natural surroundings as you navigate through rugged mountains rising from emerald waters. Return to the boat for a leisurely cruise toward Cua Van Floating Village and savour a special lunch. In the afternoon, explore this mesmerising location in the heart of Ha Long Bay by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Return to the vessel and cruise to the anchor point. Soak up the spectacular seascape as the sun sets over the horizon while enjoying a drink on the deck. Finally, savour a delicious dinner in the onboard restaurant.

Begin the day with a delicious breakfast before choosing between two exciting options. Perhaps discover Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Ha Long Bay, with its expansive 10,000 square-metre interior filled with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, connected by a 500-metre paved passageway. Alternatively, embark on an excursion to Titov Island. Here, choose to relax and sunbathe on a pristine beach or hike to the top of the mountain to take in breathtaking panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. Return to the boat to prepare for disembarkation. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport for your included flight to Da Nang, from where you’ll travel to historic Hoi An.

Set out on a guided discovery of Hoi An this morning, taking in sights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and the 19th-century Chinese Temple. Visit a handicraft workshop to see local artisans making silk lanterns and other traditional crafts. You will also stop off at a local cafe to try a Vietnamese specialty, coconut coffee. This afternoon, a boat cruise along the Thu Bon River takes you to where a special Signature Experience awaits.

Signature Experience – Red Bridge Cooking School
Discover Hoi An's colourful market and find local ingredients to use during an exclusive cooking class with the Red Bridge Cooking School.

Set out on your Signature Experience. Visit a local garden and meet the farmers who work there while taking part in a number of different farming activities. You’ll then set out on an exploration of the water coconut palm jungle by basket boat. Depart Hoi An bound for Hue the former Imperial Capital. Travel via Da Nang and up and over the stunning Hai Van Pass, with views across Lang Co beach. This scenic mountain stretch is voted by some travellers as one of the world's most picturesque drives. Tonight, dine on authentic Hue cuisine at Nam Phuong restaurant inside the hotel. The restaurant is named after Vietnam’s last queen.

Signature Experience – Hoi An Eco Tour
Catch a glimpse of rural Vietnamese life as you set out on an agricultural eco-tour. Visit a local garden and meet the farmers who work there, while taking part in several different farming activities. You'll then set out on an exploration of the water coconut palm jungle by basket boat.

Venture to the Imperial Citadel, which served as the nation’s political capital and religious hub. Stroll among the citadel’s monuments and hear stories of its construction under the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Next, visit the historical Thien Mu Pagoda, which is the tallest pagoda in Vietnam, standing at 21 metres. The pagoda is part of an active Buddhist monastery that dates to 1601. Marvel at the seven successive tiers, each of which is dedicated to a human form taken by the Buddha, before exploring the gardens, flowers and ornamental plants surrounding the pagoda. Soak up the beautiful landscapes and passes some of Hue’s most important monuments during your Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Private Perfume River Cruise
Glide along Hue's Perfume River while savouring a delicious afternoon tea, featuring an assortment of sweet and savoury treats, along with a range of teas and coffees.

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure before dinner.

Leave the city behind and enjoy your Signature Experiences today. Tonight, relish a delectable dinner during another Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Cu Chi Tunnels Visit
Set off on a thrilling speedboat journey along the Saigon River to the Cu Chi tunnels, an immense network of connecting tunnels built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war.

Signature Experience – Private Gin Tasting
Meet a Master Distiller at Lady Trieu Gin Distillery and enjoy a guided tour and private tasting of the multi-award-winning gin. Follow up your tour with a light lunch, accompanied by a refreshing Lady Trieu gin and tonic.

Signature Experience – Dinner at Vietnam House
Savour dinner at the highly acclaimed restaurant Vietnam House, and delight in a special cocktail designed specifically for APT guests.

Choose your sightseeing this morning, then be transferred to your river ship. Set sail from My Tho and soak up the scenery during your cruise towards Cai Be. Tonight, a Vietnamese welcome dinner awaits, showcasing the diverse flavours from the region.

Freedom of Choice – City Walking Tour
Discover the city’s iconic landmarks and French colonial architecture on an informative guided walk. Stroll by the Saigon Opera House, Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Freedom of Choice – Motorbike Ride
Jump on the back of a motorbike like a local for a thrilling sightseeing adventure. Weave through the streets past the Central Post Office and Independence Palace. Visit Chinatown and Thien Hau pagoda.

Freedom of Choice – Cooking Class
Meet your chef, visit the market and discover Vietnamese ingredients. Continue to a villa and relax in the outdoor garden before you create your dishes. Learn the intricacies of making bánh mì xíu mại.

Freedom of Choice – Ho Chi Minh City Shopping Adventure
Seek out the city’s boutiques and discover high-quality handmade goods on a visit to Mekong Quilts. Saigon Kitsch sells quirky souvenirs, while L’Usine is a trend-setting lifestyle store.

Board your traditional sampan for your first excursion on the banks of the Mekong. Step ashore to visit French gothic Cai Be Church, built in the Roman architectural style, as well as the colourful port area filled with crumbling colonial buildings and flowering gardens. The church’s bell tower, with its set of four bells cast in France in 1931, is the tallest bell tower in the Tien Giang Province. Afterwards, you’ll visit rice paper and coconut candy manufacturers and learn how these Vietnamese staples are made.
Head back to the ship to refresh before sitting down to savour a delicious lunch whilst continuing to cruise to the quaint town of Sa Dec. Upon arrival, explore Sa Dec by foot and meet some of the sellers at the colourful market. Continue to where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and learn the story behind Duras’ best-selling novel, ‘The Lover’. After, visit a traditional Cao Dai temple. Watch visitors and pilgrims come and go and appreciate the beauty of the colourful building. Sail towards Tan Chai as dinner is served.

Transfer to a small boat to cruise the tiny tributaries around the town of Tan Chau. Disembark for a rickshaw tour and visit a local silk and rattan weaving workshop. Then, explore Evergreen Island to see authentic rural Mekong life. This afternoon, appreciate some downtime and watch the scenery pass as the Mekong Serenity cruises towards the Cambodian border.

Enjoy your Freedom of Choice activity, then spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. You may wish to head ashore and explore more of Phnom Penh independently or simply relax on board.

Freedom of Choice – Killing Fields and Genocide Museum
Learn about a confronting part of Cambodian history during a sobering visit to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

Freedom of Choice – Cyclo Ride
Explore Phnom Penh by what was the most popular form of transportation throughout Southeast Asia in the 1960s, the cyclo. Weave past some of the city’s most iconic sites.

Freedom of Choice – Visit the National Museum
Accompanied by your private museum guide, discover the most important pieces within the National Museum of Cambodia. The collection includes the world’s finest display of Khmer sculptures, art and relics.

Freedom of Choice – Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Discover Cambodia’s Royal Palace, the official residence of the King. Completed in 1870, the palace is an extraordinary example of Khmer architecture with elements of French influence. The palace also houses the Silver Pagoda.