Indochina Adventure

Welcome to Saigon! Arrive to a warm A&K welcome and a fast-tracked arrival service. Enjoy private transfer to your hotel. This evening is at leisure.

Hotel des Art Saigon

Skim along the Saigon River on a private luxury speedboat, passing mangroves and palm trees, to a small community famous for its wartime landmark — the Cu Chi tunnels. An unrivalled insight into life during the Vietnam War awaits. This incredible network of narrow tunnels was originally built during the French colonisation and used extensively throughout the war. Take a guided exploration of the complex network, discovering underground storage rooms, make-shift hospitals and sleeping quarters.

After a delicious local lunch, uncover the essence of Ho Chi Minh City from past to present, starting at the Reunification Palace, where the official handover of power took place during the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Then visit your choice of either the History Museum or the War Remnants Museum. The History Museum houses a collection of artefacts illustrating the evolution of Vietnamese culture, while the War Remnants Museum contains a sobering display of wartime photographs and relics. Later, get in touch with southern Vietnam’s spiritual side at a colourful Cao Dai temple. Learn about this interesting religious sect which has its roots in Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Hinduism, Vietnamese spiritism, Christianity and Islam.

Hotel des Art Saigon | Meals: BL

Venture out into the Mekong Delta to Ben Tre, a province famous for its coconut production and tranquil rivers and canals. Take a xe loi (rickshaw) through the village and past picturesque emerald rice fields. Experience life on the water with a scenic boat ride through shaded canals before stopping at a brick factory to witness the centuries-old tradition of brick-making by hand. 

The day continues with more unique local encounters on foot, by bike and aboard a traditional sampan boat, spending time in the company of villagers whose livelihood includes rice paper and coconut liquor manufacturing, fishing and fruit farming. Experience firsthand the endearing slow pace and charming appeal of their rural existence, savouring local delicacies over lunch at a riverside restaurant, before returning to the bustling city streets. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Hotel des Art Saigon | Meals: BL

Transfer to the airport for your flight north to the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, and your iconic luxury hotel.

Taste the delights of Hanoi while you explore the city’s cultural landmarks. Discover the intriguing story of Ngoc Son temple which sits serenely in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Then sample iconic street food, including the best pho in town. Explore the exotic maze of fruits and vegetables at Hang Be market and see a temple dedicated to merchants of silver. Try banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) and later experience the exciting vibe at the ‘International Crossroad’, a lively intersection where the city’s residents and travellers meet for a refreshing bia hoi (locally brewed beer). 

After checking into the Sofitel, embark on a gastronomic adventure to discover Hanoi’s vibrant culinary scene. Wander through the backstreets of the city to see a myriad of street vendors whose freshly prepared delicacies fill the air with enticing aromas. Eat as the locals do, sitting on low stools among the hustle and bustle, sampling a wide variety of street foods with delicious bia hoi (fresh, locally brewed beer).

This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi | Meals: BL

Spend your morning discovering the many sides to this enthralling city, beginning with revered revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and stilted house. Set beside an elegant carp-filled pond, the house is surrounded by a charming garden with banyan, frangipani, poinciana and milkweed trees. Continue on to the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique 11th century structure dedicated to King Ly Thai To’s son. Finish the morning at Hoa Lo Prison to discover why it became known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ during the Vietnam War.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the atmospheric halls and courtyards of the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Here Vietnam’s royal family and elite society were educated for almost 700 years. Take a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) into the Old Quarter to explore its network of narrow, 15th century streets. Each street bears a name that reflects the business once conducted there, such as Silk Street, Rice Street, Paper Street and Jeweller’s Street. Then take a stroll beside the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the temple in the lake known as Ngoc Son.

This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi | Meals: BL

Leave the city behind as you journey though World Heritage-listed Halong Bay on an overnight cruise to breathtaking Lan Ha Bay. Board your boutique wooden junk boat and enjoy lunch as you drift over emerald waters past towering limestone outcrops, some more than 100 metres high. Venture south into the maze of Lan Ha Bay, stepping ashore on the island of Cat Ba and cycling through a wonderland of lush greenery to the remote village of Viet Hai (or taking an electric car, if you prefer). Here, meet the islanders and learn about their daily life. Later, step off the boat again to explore the interesting limestone formations at Dark and Bright Caves. Explore the area by bamboo boat or kayak. Then continue to Tra Bau where you can enjoy swimming in the pristine ocean waters.

Back on board, try your hand at preparing traditional dishes with a cooking demonstration and class. After a day of adventure, take your place on the terrace deck and watch the sun sink behind the bay’s myriad islands. Savour the cool sea breeze and the warm glow of twilight as the boat anchors for the night. Enjoy alfresco dining on board followed by an evening at leisure. Try your hand at squid fishing, stargaze from the sundeck or perhaps treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage (additional charge).

Ginger Cruise | Meals: BLD

Rise early for a Tai Chi class on the deck, or simply admire the first rays touching the water. After breakfast, hop on a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, or paddle yourself in a kayak through an endless sea of islands. Back on board, enjoy breakfast with spectacular views as you drift back to port. Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Hanoi, and your connecting flight on to Luang Prabang, Laos. Enjoy a warm A&K welcome and private transfer to your luxury accommodation. Your evening is at leisure.

Rosewood Luang Prabang | Meals: B

Discover UNESCO-designated Luang Prabang, starting with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, showcasing the city’s ancient culture and history. Meander along the quiet laneways to the beautiful Huan Chuan Heritage House, a traditional house and museum with connections to the Royal Palace. 

Head up the peninsula to see the country’s most historic and enchanting temple, Wat Xiengthong. Continue to Wat Khili and browse its fascinating archive of historical Buddhist photography.

Learn about Laos’s silk weaving tradition at Ock Pop Tock, an artisan enterprise that specialises in silk dying and handmade fabrics. Meet one of the founders of the enterprise for a fascinating presentation into the origins of silk, the weaving process and the meaning its many traditional motifs. Next, take part in a hands-on demonstration of silk dying and the various weaving techniques. Walk through the weaving area to observe the skilled artisans at work and ask any questions you may have during candid conversations.

This evening, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a traditional goodwill Baci ceremony, before an evening at leisure.

Rosewood Luang Prabang | Meals: B

Drive out to the incredibly beautiful vista of Kuang Si Waterfall, a three-tiered cascade known for its brilliant turquoise pools and streams. Wander along the scenic forest trail to see the main falls or cool off with a refreshing swim in one of the shimmering pools. 

Then, spend an interactive morning at Laos Buffalo Dairy, a social enterprise supporting underprivileged farmers with a commercial dairy and production facility. Meet the dairy manager who will lead you on a tour of the farm and teach you about their age-old methods. Get up close with the friendly buffalos, helping to wash and feed the calves. Then, sample the farm’s delicious, fresh produce with a cheese tasting platter. Your afternoon is at leisure.

This evening, join the locals for a round of the local game petanque before a delicious Laotian BBQ dinner. 

Rosewood Luang Prabang | Meals: BD

Rise before dawn to take your position on the street for the silent morning ritual of Tak Bat, the giving of alms to the daily procession of saffron-clad monks, a wonderful insight into the local Buddhist culture. Visit the local market before returning to your hotel for breakfast.

Enjoy private transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Arrive to a warm A&K welcome and private transfer to your luxury accommodation. This evening, a gourmet experience awaits. Travel by tuk tuk to the finest kitchens in Siem Reap led by the country’s top chefs. Start with a cocktail at an intimate lounge that harks back to the speakeasies of the 1920s. Whet your tastebuds with appetisers at a traditional house and garden serving sophisticated Khmer cuisine followed by mains at an authentic home-style eatery. Complete your meal with dessert at a contemporary venue dishing up Cambodia’s culinary heritage with a twist.

Phum Baitang, Siem Reap | Meals: BD

Rise early this morning and join a professional archaeologist for an exclusive tour of legendary Angkor Wat. One of the final vestiges of the Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest religious monument in the world. The magnificent temple was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, and images of Hindu mythology decorate the five famous towers. Experience the dramatic sunrise as the first rays of the day touch this majestic icon. Your archaeologist will then take you on an hour-long tour of the beautifully decorated temple. 

Afterwards, toast the day with a champagne picnic breakfast on the banks of the ancient reservoir at Srah Srang Baray. Next, climb through the snake-like roots that engulf the temple of Ta Prohm to discover an intriguing history, marvelling at towers etched with bodhisattva faces and bas-reliefs. Your afternoon is at leisure.

This evening, return to Angkor and drift along the moat of the ancient walled city in a traditional Khmer gondola, sipping sundowners. Soak up the peace and quiet. Perhaps stroll to Prasat Chrung temple for magical views at twilight.

Phum Baitang, Siem Reap | Meals: B

Today's exploration takes you to the former capital of the great Khmer Empire, Angkor Thom, travelling by your choice of vehicle or bicycle. Embark on your guided discovery at the glorious Bayon in the heart of the ancient city. Take in the 37 stone faces of this elaborate temple built for King Jayavarman VII. Wander through the perfectly square, walled city and stop awhile at the sanctuary of Baphuon. See where kings once worshipped at Phimeanakas Temple and marvel at the impressive Terrace of the Elephants. The Terrace of the Leper King, with its fascinating sculptures, promises the perfect finale.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps embark on an excursion to Siem Reap’s outer villages (additional cost) and visit the exquisitely preserved Banteay Srei temple, nicknamed the ‘Citadel of Women’ due to its pink sandstone façade. Continue to a local family home to learn about the Cambodia Clean Water Project, an Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) initiative installing wells to provide much-needed clean water. Meet one of the recipient families to see firsthand how this project is changing lives, one well at a time. If you would like to find out more, or to get involved, visit www.akphilanthropy.org

This evening, witness a mesmerising and exhilarating performance of theatre, dance, contortion and acrobatics, coordinated by a not-for-profit organisation offering disadvantaged youth the opportunity to develop careers in the arts. 

Phum Baitang, Siem Reap | Meals: B

Today your Indochina adventure has come to an end. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B