This morning be prepared for a sombre experience: Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes and the Cheung Ek ‘killing fields’ will open your eyes to the true brutality of the Pol Pot regime. There’s no sugar-coating this deeply disturbing insight into human capacity for cruelty - but it’s essential to understanding Cambodia and its people today. Your guide will have almost certainly lost loved ones to the regime, and will answer your questions as you try to comprehend what you’ve learnt.

Lunch will be at ‘Friends’, a restaurant which trains ex-street children and other vulnerable groups in the hospitality trade. The food also happens to be excellent!

In the afternoon visit the Royal Palace, situated on the site of the former citadel and built by King Norodom in 1866, the Palace still serves as the King and Queen's residential quarters. Also within the walls of the Palace is the Silver Pagoda, so called because of five thousand silver tiles that line its exquisite floor. If time permits there is also the option of visiting the National Museum, which houses the worlds leading collection of Khmer art and sculpture, and Wat Phnom the founding site of the city.

Overnight        : PhnomPenh

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

PhnomPenh – Siem Reap: 5-hour drive

Morning departure for Siem Reap by car. Taking approximately 5 hours, you’ll pass through provincial towns, villages and roadside hamlets offering you an insight into life away from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. There will be the opportunity to stop at Skun Village, famous for its deep-fried tarantulas, if you so wish, and stretch your legs and enjoy a coffee in Kampong Thom. Upon arrival, transfer directly to your hotel.

After a short relaxing break, you will visit the famous Angkor Wat by tuktuk. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, it is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing the Mount Meru, home of the gods. Moreover, Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. During sunset time, Angkor Wat is less visited, and the Apsaras will shine in the most beautiful light…Return to your hotel, where you can enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight        : SiemReap

Meal               : Breakfast

Get out the hotel in the morning to explore the highlights of the Small Circuit. Start your tour with a visit to Ta Prohm temple, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground.

Continue to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces.

From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

Your lunch will be arranged at HAVEN, a training restaurant for young adults (orphans, half-orphans and abandoned children), who have to leave orphanages when they come of age. HAVEN serves flavourful Asian and Western food – including some Swiss specialities and many fresh vegetarian tidbits – at the same time you are supporting a training programme and are thereby helping a young adult orphan to achieve a secure and independent future. 

Return to your hotel and the remainder is free to stroll city on your own.

Overnight        : SiemReap

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

Explore rural villages, and learn about the daily lives of the local people. You'll be a world away from Siem Reap - it's a perfect opportunity to get ‘off the beaten track’ and gain a better understanding of Cambodian rural life, along with insight into traditional Khmer culture; something few visitors are lucky enough to experience.

You'll explore a local market and purchase supplies for your lunch, and travel by an (almost!) pollution-free ox and cart. Still widely used throughout Cambodia, the cart allows you to travel gently along the narrow sandy village roads. Spend time at the home of a local family, where there will be plenty of time to relax and chat (with your guide acting as interpreter) as they prepare lunch using your market produce. You can help if you wish; this is a fantastic opportunity to further your understanding of typical Khmer cuisine. Your meal is likely to be very different from those offered in Siem Reap's more westerner-oriented restaurants!

Explore the village before returning to Siem Reap via the workshops of Angkor Artwork - all products sold are produced using traditional methods, and the quality of craftsmanship is outstanding.

Overnight        : SiemReap

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

SiemReap – Luang Prabang: 1hr & 30mins flight

Morning flight to Luang Prabang in Laos. You’ll meet your guide on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Having checked in to your hotel, the remainder of your day will be at leisure to begin exploring this stunning city. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from, and we’d recommend the local river side stalls for some truly authentic Lao flavours, washed down (naturally!) with a Beer Lao.

Overnight        : Luang Prabang

Meal               : Breakfast

Rise before dawn to witness tak bat (the giving of alms to the monks who leave their pagodas to receive offerings of food from local residents) in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.

Get an overview of the country’s history at the Royal Palace National Museum, take in the city’s iconic temples, and get a deeper insight into Laos culture at the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre. See colourful woven textiles being made in the surrounding villages, then either opt to embark upon an energetic climb up Mount Phousi, visit Wat Prabath Tai for a more accessible sunset experience or head to Wat Aham’s colourful prayer hall in time for the daily chanting.

Overnight        : Luang Prabang

Meal               : Breakfast

Take a day at leisure to relax or continue your exploration of Luang Prabang.

Overnight        : Luang Prabang

Meal               : Breakfast

Luang Prabang – Vientiane: 35mins flight

After breakfast, transport will be provided to the airport for the flight to the capital, Vientiane.

Upon arrival, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport out of town for the morning tour, starting at Buddha Park. The drive takes around 45 minutes, along a road which serves as an important link between the Lao capital and Thailand.

Arrive at Buddha Park and enjoy a stroll around the park. Also known as Xieng Khuang, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The quiet and tranquil setting along the Mekong River is a contrast to the slightly eccentric sculptures which were built in 1958 by a Lao shaman.

After visiting Buddha Park, start the drive back to Vientiane. En route, stop at the Lao Disabled Women Development Center. This center aims to bring knowledge and skills to disabled women so that they can become self-sufficient, confident members of the community. Speak with the women working here and observe their skills at creating handicrafts such as handmade paper.

Return to the city around lunch time and check in to the hotel (the room may not be ready until 14:00).

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Vientiane. We recommend ending the day along the riverside promenade sampling snacks, picking up some unique souvenirs or just soaking in the local scene.

Overnight        : Vientiane

Meal               : Breakfast

The guide will provide a pickup around 09:00, heading first to the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital. Continue to the nearby Wat Phra Keo, a religious museum displaying a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Nearby is the Presidential Palace- a reflection of the colonial past of Vientiane.

Next make a visit to Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, considered as the guardian of the spirit of the city. Just nearby is the ‘Black Stupa’ of That Dam, a structure was once covered with a layer of gold which was stolen by the Thais during their invasion in 1828. From here, travel on to nearby Pangkham Street and Nam Phou Fountain where tradition and modernity coexist.

Enjoy a delicious lao-style lunch at Lao Kitchen.

After lunch visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them.

Continue onwards to the holiest site in Laos, the 16th century temple of That Luang. Next is a visit to the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where it is possible to climb to the peak offering panoramic views of the city.

Overnight        : Vientiane

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

Vientiane – Hanoi: 1hr flight

Take a flight to Hanoi in Vietnam. You’ll meet your guide on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Having checked in to your hotel, the remainder of your day will be at leisure to begin exploring the city.

Since becoming Vietnam’s first capital in 1010 AD, Hanoi has been infused with centuries of history which enrich its attractive surface. Now the capital once again, the city has flourished into a vibrant hub of modern Vietnamese culture.

Overnight        : Hanoi

Meal               : Breakfast

Start the day away from the city centre bustle with drive around the perimeter of West Lake. Spend time in the shade of Tran Quoc pagoda’s elegant tower, or watch the world go by from a lakeside cafe. As the sun rises to its highest, continue your journey into Hanoi’s past with a visit to the atmospheric halls of the Temple of Literature on the site of Vietnam’s first university.

Tuck into some fast food, Vietnam style, with lunch on the famous Trang Tien Street, enjoying anything from pho to sweet treats, seated on a tiny plastic stool among the locals, with the grand Opera House just around the corner.

Explore Hanoi’s contemporary culture with a Vietnamese coffee at Manzi Art Cafe, before heading back in time with a stroll past the workshops and pagodas in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. Enjoy a beer and keep exploring, or head back to your hotel for a little downtime.

Overnight        : Hanoi

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

Hanoi – Halong: 3 – hour driving

One of Asia’s most famous natural wonders, not to mention being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is shrouded in myth. Explore the bay aboard a traditional junk – the same style of boat that has sailed the bay for 100s of years – meandering between jagged limestone karsts, venturing into hidden caves and stopping at floating fishing villages, while enjoying the leisurely pace of life on the water. Early risers might start the day with a Tai Chi class, as the sun rises over the bay and the sound of sea birds fills the air.

Local legend tells how the gods sent dragons to Halong to defend the country from invasion, and the dragons spat out gemstones that turned into islands, creating a wall against the enemy. The truth is almost as evocative as the legend, with the bay displaying one of the most beguiling natural scenes you will ever witness. Cruise at a gentle pace, disembark onto smaller boats to venture into grottos and caves, stop to explore floating fishing villages and picturesque lookout points, and dine on beautifully prepared fresh seafood. Each junk operates with a slightly different itinerary and on-board facilities, so chat with us to choose the one that’s right for you.

Overnight        : on board

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Hanoi – Danang: 1hr & 15mins flight

Wake early to the calls of Halong's seabirds nesting around the limestone karsts, and begin the day with a Tai Chi or cooking class on deck as the sun rises. While you enjoy brunch, the junk will slowly turn back towards the mainland where you’ll be driven to Hanoi to catch your flight to Danang. You’ll meet your guide on arrival and driven straight to Hoi An to check into your hotel.

Overnight        : Hoian

Meal               : Breakfast | Brunch

Join your guide for a morning walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An. Along with touring the old market, you'll visit popular sites such as the 16th Century Japanese Bridge and some of the town's important temples. You will also learn about some of the dishes that make Hoi An's cuisine so famous throughout Vietnam.

Overnight        : Hoian

Meal               : Breakfast

During your stay in Hoi An we ensure that you have plenty of free time as we feel it is a town that is easy, and for many preferable, to explore on foot and in your own time. However, in addition to exploring the Old Town - its galleries, boutiques and atmospheric morning market - there are a range of additional activities and day tours that we can organise.

Overnight        : Hoian

Meal               : Breakfast

Danang – Saigon: 1hr & 15mins flight

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. The city centre is adorned with wide elegant boulevards and historic French-colonial buildings, alongside high-rise office towers which are starting to take their place in Vietnam’s modern economic centre. Explore a side of Ho Chi Minh City that few visitors know exists, let alone visit, by plunging into the heart of District 1’s hidden maze of bustling narrow alleyways and an evening of food and drink, mingling with the locals.

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), where you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure until the evening when you’ll start a tour with a difference. Riding pillion on a Vespa, you’ll discover delicious Vietnamese specialities and hang out where the locals do. The evening culminates with a drink at the city’s leading live-music venue.

Overnight        : Saigon

Meal               : Breakfast | Dinner (local street-food)

Depart early from HCMC (to avoid the traffic and the crowds) to visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels - an incredible underground network over 150 miles in length, constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters. The remaining tunnels have been opened to visitors, offering a unique insight into the ingenuity behind them, and a glimpse of underground life during the Vietnam war.

Return to the city and spend your afternoon visiting some of HCMC's key highlights, with your guide by your side to offer local insight.

Overnight        : Saigon

Meal               : Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meal               : Breakfast