Essence of Indochina
From cultural discoveries to breathtaking natural wonders, this itinerary is designed to inspire every type of traveller. Each experience has been carefully selected to offer meaningful insight, memorable stories, and a deeper connection to the places you visit.
Fly from UK to Hanoi.
Arrive Hanoi in the morning. Meeting and assistance on arrival by our representative and transfer to the Bespoke Trendy Hotel for 2 nights stay. In the late afternoon, with a guide, visit a bia hoi – a lively local street pub and a quintessential Hanoi experience. Enjoy a glass of locally brewed beer whilst soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere!
After breakfast, with a guide, take a walking tour of the city, exploring tree-lined avenues, narrow alleys, bustling street markets, and the famous Hanoi railway. Stop at a traditional tea house to taste lotus tea, then visit the Temple of Literature before lunch at a charming social enterprise restaurant.
After lunch, take a short ride north for a scenic 2.5 km walk. Pass the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Citadel, and Hanoi’s beautiful Phan Dinh Phung Avenue. Pause at a local café to savour iced lemon tea, Vietnamese coffee, or a Hanoi beer. Continue to Dong Xuan Market. Take an electric buggy for a unique sightseeing tour of the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Return to the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Ha Long City & board Bhaya Cruises.
Welcome drink and meeting with the Cruise manager and crew. A delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch is served as the boat sails past Trong Mai, Ngon Tay and Con Coc islets, and the Cua Van Floating Village. Afternoon – Kayaking experience to Trinh Nu Caves, one of Ha Long Bay’s most sunlight-filled caves. Learn about its folklore and archaeological significance. Swim or relax on the cave’s private beach before returning to the boat.
Begin the day with a sunrise Tai Chi session accompanied by complimentary tea and coffee. Breakfast whilst the boat cruises towards the heart of Ha Long Bay. Explore Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in the bay, walking along a 500-metre paved passageway through its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the boat for a brunch buffet while cruising past Lom Bo Island, Trong Mai Islet,and Ba Hang Fishermen Village.
Late morning drive to Hanoi & flight to Hue. On arrival, transfer to the hotel in the heart of Hue’s Citadel. Stay at Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa for 1 night.
Begin with a walk through the Purple Forbidden City, the former Imperial residence. Explore from its southern to northern gates learning about Vietnam’s royal past. Pause at a café for a refreshment. Continue with a traditional rickshaw ride around the Imperial City, passing lakes and monuments, before venturing outside the walls to the historic Kim Long Village – once home to Imperial mandarins. Sample Hue’s iconic banh at a family-run garden eatery, enjoying traditional flavours in a simple, welcoming setting.
Start with an orientation walk through Hoi An’s photogenic streets, exploring landmarks and the bustling market. Meet the chef, who will guide you through the colourful stalls, introducing the herbs and spices that defines Vietnamese cuisine. Next take a boat to a riverside farm for a hands-on cooking session – preparing, then eating lunch! Return to the hotel by boat.
Drive to Danang to board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival either transfer directly to the hotel or take an optional 2 km guided walking tour around Saigon’s iconic colonial landmarks, including the Central Post Office, Continental Hotel, Opera House, and City Hall. The walk concludes at the hotel. Two nights at Silverland Jolie Saigon.
The Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s “rice bowl,” is famed for its waterways, rice fields and scenic landscape. Morning drive to board a private boat in this less-travelled delta region. Discover the fascinating waterways; visit a local factory and experience village life. Stop at a small island for lunch at a local guesthouse. Cycle narrow paths across the island, visit a honey farm, sample Sâm jelly, and explore mangroves by sampan. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
Morning walk to discover Ho Chi Monh City’s lesser-known streets. Start in District 3 at the city’s oldest café (est. 1938) for a refreshment, then wander through a bustling street market. Explore the working-class Chung Cu area, the Ho Thi Ky flower market, and its quiet alleys – famous for Khmer snacks. Continue into vibrant District 10, where every corner surprises, before ending the walk at one of Saigon’s renowned ‘street food’ streets for lunch.
Afternoon fly to Phnom Penh. Met on arrival and transfer to Sun & Moon Riverside hotel for 2 nights.
Morning explore the Royal Palace, built in 1866, including the Throne Hall, Royal Treasury, Napoleon II Villa, and the Silver Pagoda with its jade Emerald Buddha and silver floors. Continue to the National Museum to admire Khmer art and sculptures spanning pre- and post-Angkorian periods.
Afternoon visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields for a sobering insight into Cambodia’s history.
Evening cruise along the Mekong River, observing traditional fishing villages and local life, culminating with a stunning sunset over the river.
Morning drive to Siem Reap. Check-in at The Hari Residence & Spa for 3 nights. Afternoon visit Tonle Sap Lake.
Begin with Banteay Srei, the 11th C. “jewel of Khmer art,” renowned for its intricate pink sandstone carvings. Wander its narrow passages and note the detailed decorative motifs. Next, visit Banteay Samre, a less-visited Temple built in the style of Angkor Wat, featuring a blend of Hindu and Buddhist elements with beautiful carvings of gods, animals and mythical creatures. Afternoon at leisure.
Morning explore Angkor Thom, the 12th C. Khmer capital, including the South Gate, Bayon Temple with its 216 smiling faces, Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants, and Terrace of the Leper King. Then visit Ta Prohm, the famous jungle Temple where trees entwine with ancient stone, giving the site its mystical charm.
Afternoon visit Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, and UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the 12th C complex with five towers symbolizing Mount Meru and a surrounding moat representing the ocean.
Fly to Luang Prabang. Met on arrival and transfer to Le Sen Boutique Hotel for 3 nights.
Spend the day exploring Luang Prabang by Tuk Tuk. Start at the Morning Fresh Market, then visit the National Museum (former King’s Palace) and climb Wat Phousi for panoramic city views. Explore Wat Xieng Thong, the city’s most beautiful Temple, with its sweeping roofs, bronze Buddhas, and Royal Funeral Chapel. After lunch, visit Ban Chan Village to see traditional pottery with interactive clay pot making. End the day at Wat Phrabat Tai for sunset over the Mekong River before returning to the hotel.
After breakfast transfer to Nava Mekong boat pier. Cruise upstream to Pak Ou Caves, stopping at Ban Xang Hai Village, famous for traditional rice alcohol. Explore the caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Lunch on board by Pha Enn Cliff.
Afternoon return to Luang Prabang. Visit Ban Phanom village to see traditional cotton and silk weaving. Finally participate in a Baci ceremony at a local house – a unique Lao blessing ritual. Return to the hotel.
Transfer to the airport to board return flight back home
Our South East Asia itineraries combine iconic highlights with authentic, lesser-known experiences. Travel seamlessly between destinations, guided by local expertise and careful planning. From single-country journeys to multi-destination adventures, each holiday is designed to offer depth, comfort, and a genuine sense of place.
Planning a journey through South East Asia should feel simple and well-informed. The FAQs below provide practical travel guidance for UK travellers, covering visa requirements, passport validity, health considerations, and general entry advice to help you prepare with confidence.
Visa requirements vary by country. Many South East Asian destinations, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam, offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival for UK passport holders for short stays. Some countries require an e-visa arranged in advance.
Length of stay depends on the country visited, typically ranging from 14 to 90 days. Entry duration is confirmed on arrival by local immigration authorities.
Yes. South East Asia is very popular with first-time travellers due to its welcoming culture, excellent hospitality, well-developed tourist infrastructure, and good value for money.
Each country has its own currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but cash is recommended for rural areas, markets, and smaller establishments.
South East Asia is generally considered safe for tourists. Normal travel precautions should be taken, particularly in busy urban areas and when travelling independently.
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry to most countries. However, travellers are advised to be up to date with routine vaccinations and seek medical advice before travel, particularly for longer or multi-country trips.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the warm climate. Modest dress is advised when visiting temples and religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered.
The best time to visit varies by country but is generally during the dry season, typically between November and March. Some destinations are enjoyable year-round depending on travel style and region.
Yes. Travel between countries is well established, with frequent flights, ferries, and overland routes making multi-destination itineraries easy to arrange.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, covering medical treatment, activities, cancellations, and delays.
Yes. The region offers a wide range of experiences suitable for families, couples, and honeymooners, from cultural discovery and wildlife encounters to beach relaxation and luxury stays.
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