Vietnam & Cambodia in Style - A Coastal & Historic Journey

📍 Danang airport to your chosen hotel in Hoi An (30km): 50mins

From the Danang airport, it’s a 50-minute drive to the ancient port town of Hoi An. 

Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns and UNESCO-heritage listed, once a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries now draws international visitors to its streets, for both the history and the surrounding scenes.    

Overnight in Hoi An 

Inclusions:

This specially led experience is a unique opportunity to see Hoi An from the perspective of an expert in Hoi An relics and historical heritage. While receiving an in-depth introduction of this UNESCO Cultural Heritage site, learn details about the area’s history and the fascinating conservation efforts being made.

Today’s tour starts at 08:30 for a guided walking trip around Hoi An’s charming narrow streets and back lane ways.Then at 09:30, meet heritage specialists to explore this trading port from an expert's perspective. 

Familiarize yourself with their restoration work knowledge and their behind the scenes challenges in order to preserve Hoi An’s old town. Get a rare insight into the life of the local residents and how they cope with the annual flooding, urbanization and the support from the local government. Note the site visits may change depending on the projects currently being undertaken by the specialists. 

*The Japanese Bridge is currently under renovation until Q1 2024 (est) . Visitors are able to walk alongside the bridge (as of June 2023) on a purposely built metal platform however the actual structure is mostly covered in metal sheeting, therefore limiting photo op’s of the town’s most famous monument.

The Thu Bon River is the lifeline of Hoi An, having been the town's main trade route for centuries. Its a wonderful destination to explore on two wheels, where you can experience the area's rich culture whilst meeting artisans.  

Be picked up from the hotel by private vehicle at around 14:30-14:45 to the meeting point in order to pick up the bicycles. After the debrief and getting yourself familiar with the pedals, ride a short distance to the pier, for a quick boat ride across the ‘Mother River’, the Thu Bon. 
On arrival at one of the many river islands that comprise this rich delta region, ride to a family workshop specializing in pearl wood carving. 

Continue peddling alongside rice fields (seasonal) to the second stop. Here locals produce basket boats, the thúng chai, which are unique to Vietnam and particularly the central region of the country. 
The last stop, meet a family who make traditional mats from sedge, a type of long grass grown in the area. Return to Hoi An along country roads before crossing the Thu Bon back to Hoi An. 

Evening at leisure 

Overnight in Hoi An

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Join one of Central Vietnam’s most renowned chefs, Duc Tran from Mango Mango fame, on an exclusive half day experience, at his incredible home. The man behind three well-loved restaurants, Mango Mango, Mango Rooms and Mai Fish, Duc fled Vietnam during the 1970’s at the tender age of fifteen. After refugee camp’s finding spice in Texas and world travels he came full circle back to Vietnam in 2003. Fast forward 20-years and Duc’s appeared on numerous international cooking and travel programs.  

At 08:30, begin the tour with a short visit to a local market (led by a local tour guide, Duc will not join) for a brief intro into the area’s produce, from farm to sea. See locals shopping from the seat of their motorbikes. Here in Vietnam, life is about speed and convenience, both in cooking and in life.  

After, head to Duc's rural home/ cooking studio for a private demonstration followed by lunch, freshly prepared by the chef himself. Once satisfied, return to your hotel or next destination. Note: Menu is seasonal.     

Afternoon at leisure 

Overnight in Hoi An

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 From Central Hoi An to Danang Train Station: 50 mins Train time: 6.5 hours From Dieu Tri train station to Anantara Quy Nhon Villas (20km): approx 30 mins

This morning, depart the hotel for a 40-minute transfer to Danang for a unique train experience. Embark on a luxurious railway adventure through the lush landscapes and spectacular coastlines of Central Vietnam. Enjoy a scenic 6 hours journey as your perfect way to rumble through the Vietnamese countryside.

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to the resort. This destination, southcentral Vietnam offers a combination of diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches and unique experiences.  

The rest of the day at your leisure. 

Overnight in Quy Nhon

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

This morning, freshen up for a new day with breakfast and get ready to discover Quy Nhon. Start at 8:30 for the excursion to Cham Towers and local artisanal handicraft villages.

Ruled by Cham people for more than 500 years between the 11th and 15th centuries and with a handful of Cham locals still living in the area. Quy Nhon is home to a variety of Cham monuments and ruins, the majority in the form of towers.

The Banh It Towers, hidden in plain sight high on a hillside in the An Nhon area just outside Quy Nhon city, are some of the oldest Cham ruins in Vietnam. Offering stunning views across rice paddies, the cluster of towers resembles the It cake, a Binh Dinh 3-cornered rice cake speciality. The architecture is very specific to the Champa culture, while also containing influences of Hinduism.

There are many centuries-old villages in the province which specialise in making traditional crafts and Quy Nhon style food and drink with ancient techniques, such as rice wine, rice paper, and conical hats, which you’ll visit.  Return to the hotel at around 12:30.

The rest of the day at your leisure. 

Overnight in Quy Nhon

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Today enjoy free day at leisure.

Overnight in Quy Nhon

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 From Hotel to Phu Cat airport: 45km (1hr) Tan Son Nhat Airport to Hotel Des Art (8km): 30mins

The morning is at leisure before checking out and heading to Quy Nhon’s Phu Cat Airport, a 1-hour drive away, to the next destination, Saigon, by flight. The duration of the flight will take 1-hour. 

Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Saigon boasts an enormous architectural wealth, mirroring its colourful history. From the pagodas, museums and European architecture of the city’s recent past to the growing number of skyscrapers, Saigon is like a trip through time. 

Arrive in Saigon, be greeted upon arrival then transfer approx. 30 mins (8km) from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to central Ho Chi Minh City in the comfort of a private, air conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure.  

Overnight in Saigon

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This morning at 08:30, meet with a local guide and start with a walking tour (depending on the season, this order might be changed) through the historic city center and CBD. See the architecturally splendid City Hall, historic Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel and the Saigon Opera House. 

Then step off the main road into a historic building revolutionized by the city’s youth. Here, locally owned retail stores, coffee shops and art spaces offer a glimpse into the city’s creative  generation. If time allows, relax and enjoy a local coffee at one of the building’s cafe’s. 

Continue on foot to the Central Post Office. Here, you can also glimpse the former CIA building, where one of the last helicopter evacuations took place in 1975.   
Stroll through lovely 30 April Park to perhaps the city’s most famous landmark - the Reunification Palace. Now preserved in a time warp, the ‘war rooms’ in the basement plus the opulent display’s are fascinating.  
Finish up the day at another historic site, the Ben Thanh Market. Still functioning as a local neighborhood market, the central location also welcomes travelers with a variety of stalls. 
Having gained greater understanding of Saigon's culture and history, return to the hotel to relax for the afternoon. 

Tonight’s experience starts at 17:30. Hop on the back of a vintage Vespa motorbike to experience the buzzing city of Saigon by night, whilst sampling tasty fare en-route.   

Once acquainted with the driver and your motorbike, zoom past some of the city’s most popular landmarks before reaching the first stop of the evening, a vibrant rooftop bar with sweeping city views. Take some photos, and sip a refreshing drink whilst enjoying the evening breeze. 

From the city height’s, back down at street level cruise through the busy streets. The first food stop, dive into local culture at one of the city’s institutions, a ‘bánh xèo’ restaurant. This savory pancake is highly favored by Vietnamese from Saigon and beyond and is a must-try for any food enthusiast.  

Once sated, ride through the city streets to the city’s main flower market and a nearby lively night market where the city’s youth gather. Sit alongside the locals and order some savory snacks if you fancy, before returning to the Vespa for more riding through the backstreets and vibrant residential areas to the next destination.  

On arrival, sample treats made from single origin, locally-produced Vietnamese chocolate that the New York Times once hailed as ‘the best you’ve never tasted’

The final stop of the evening takes you to a hidden bar. Take a sip from the bar’s signature cocktail and immerse yourself in Saigon’s vibrant atmosphere, before hopping back on the Vespa for the final ride back to the hotel (D)

Overnight in Saigon

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Central HCMC hotel to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (8km): 30mins Siem Reap Airport - Siem Reap (50 km): 60 mins Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

Be greeted then transfer approx. 30 mins (8km) from central Ho Chi Minh City to Ho Chi Minh City Airport in the comfort of a private, air conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, the gateway to the majestic temples of Angkor and a charming little city, our travel representative will greet you in the arrivals terminal with a signboard bearing your names. After giving him their passports (passports must be valid for 6+ months after return) along with a passport photo, you will exit the terminal directly after collecting the luggage and clearing customs with the customs forms. After exiting the airport, your local English speaking guide will assist in the transfer to the hotel in the heart of the city. 

1500 After a break in the hotel, travel by a ’60s-era Mercedes, visit Angkor Wat as former First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy may have. Although the walk across the moat and down the main causeway can be a bit hot, the intricately carved galleries for which the temple are best known are within covered, open-air corridors providing shelter from the heat of the afternoon sun. Ascend the levels to arrive at the uppermost platform before 17:00 when there are far fewer visitors lingering about. Exit the temple with the setting sun shining on the Vishnu image discovered beneath the temple’s central sanctuary — a magical sight to behold and a fitting end to exploring the temple built by King Suryavarman, whose name translates to ‘protected by the sun’.

Then, just as the sun begins to set, enjoy a relaxing cruise in a gondola paddle boat on the moat of Angkor Thom while watching a spectacular sunset over Prasat Chrung temple with delicious canapés and a bottle of bubbly. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

0730 Today after an early breakfast in the hotel, start temple exploring in Angkor Archaeological Park by remork - cambodian tuk tuk. Enjoy an early morning visit to the legendary Ta Prohm temple. Built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries, Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Here, experience the jungle atmosphere at the eerie temple, whilst the first sun rays slowly bring the forest to life. A truly magical experience. 

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.

Then enjoy a lunch break at Cambodia’s first farm-to-table restaurant, Lum Orng is located in a village on the edge of Siem Reap, departure point for excursions to Angkor Wat. Here, owner-chef Sothea Seng cooks New Mekong Cuisine from Cambodia and beyond, based on seasonal produce from his farms, local markets, and growers across the region.

Afternoon free at leisure to take some rest at your hotel. 

Have exclusive fine dining, the Embassy Restaurant where headed by executive chefs Pol and Sok: “the Kimsan Twins”. Having trained under Michelin starred chefs, they have created one of the most unique five-star quality cuisines that can be experienced in Siem Reap. With a constantly changing menu based around seasonality, guests can savor skillfully prepared masterpieces from multiple-course set menus paired with a selection of fine wines.

Return to your hotel after dinner. 

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

This morning, embark on an authentic rural Cambodia tour to learn about life in a typical village. Meet friendly locals and discover traditional village customs and cultures.

Like most villages in Asia, Ta Brak is busiest in the morning hours. By foot, visit the local market. Explore the colorful displays of vegetables, herbs and other locally-grown produce, and mingle with the shoppers who come every morning to buy the fresh ingredients.

Continue through the village, providing ample opportunities to stop and chat with locals and to observe their activities. Depending on the time of year, they may be planting rice, weaving thatch coverings for their roofs, harvesting vegetables, or other similar tasks. 

Before leaving the village, head to Khmer smokehouse and meet a warmful family. Learn the process of smoking fish, discover Cambodian rural life through stories shared amidst fragrant smoke. Over a fresh coconut juice, get to know the family, engage in discussions, and gain a better understanding of the countryside lifestyle in Cambodia. 

Conclude this morning, partake in a special Buddhist tradition. Local monks will impart wishes of good luck and success in a solemn, age-old ceremony.

Cambodia is a land of resources, talents, and know-how, from natural wellness and food products to traditional arts and craft skills. Visit Satchaa, a local enterprise where craftsmen and women find a safe and clean space to work as well as receive training to further hone their talent and grow themselves into artistic entrepreneurs. 

Walk through the serene, natural gardens and watch the artists carve stone, wood, weave baskets, paint and more while your guide explains some specific traits about each field of work and how the enterprise supports the Cambodian artists. Have the opportunity for a little retail therapy if you wish to do so. 

In the late afternoon, transfer by private car to the boat pier of Villa Chandara. Before dinner, take a walk along the terraces or find a private spot for a cocktail seated amidst landscaped spice gardens. A special dinner awaits you at a beautiful place, inaccessible to the tourist crowds. Villa Chandara is a charming private villa located just west of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Enjoy your last night at a  fine dining by candlelight, surrounded by rice paddies. 

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap Hotel - Siem Reap Angkor Airport (52 km): 1 hrs 12 mins Sihanoukville International Airport – Jetty to Six Senses Krabey (23km): 35 mins

After breakfast, enjoy some free time before check-out and transfer to the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport for the flight to the islands of Sihanoukville province. 

Depart from the Six Senses boat pier for a shared boat transfer to Krabey Island. Upon arrival, check-in to the room and enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure for swimming and relaxation on the beach.

An idyllic 30-acre tropical island is the setting for Six Senses Krabey Island that embraces just 40 private pool villas and is fringed with a boardwalk that is a glorious fusion between land and water. A classic fisherman’s house is reflected in the design of the main lobby, lounge and sunset bar, while lush jungle becomes a feature of the dining experience with local, regional and international cuisine and an impressive wine cellar.

Please note: A private boat transfer to Krabey Island is available on request for a supplement charge. Please contact our Travel Consultants. 

Overnight at Six Senses Krabey Island

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your day at leisure, or enjoy various optional attractions and activities, all of which must be arranged directly with the Six Senses. Activities include water sports such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and island-hopping boat trips, The Earth Lab & Market Farm, a four-hectare market farm and experience-center conducting sustainable programs and actions in support of the island’s environmental vision; or a Cooking Class, which introduces the art of preparing Khmer dishes with local ingredients.

Overnight at Krabey Island.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your day at leisure, or enjoy various optional attractions and activities, all of which must be arranged directly with the Six Senses. Activities include water sports such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and island-hopping boat trips, The Earth Lab & Market Farm, a four-hectare market farm and experience-center conducting sustainable programs and actions in support of the island’s environmental vision; or a Cooking Class, which introduces the art of preparing Khmer dishes with local ingredients.

Overnight at Krabey Island.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Six Senses Krabey Island - mainland jetty : 15 mins Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh (206 km): 2h30 mins via expressway

Enjoy some time at leisure until the transfer back to the mainland pier and then onto Phnom Penh with your English speaking guide (3hrs drive on express way)

At the end of the afternoon, be taken to the docking pier of the private boat for a Sunset Cruise along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers. Enjoy some soft drink while watching the wonderful views of the riverfront and the Phnom Penh skyline.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This morning, gain insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’. Continue on to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. This rural compound was used as an execution site and burial ground for some of the millions killed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Learn about the atrocities and brutal killings that occurred at this site.

For the rest of the day, have the car and driver at disposal to go wherever one may please!  

By the Mekong River in a beautiful antique wooden house be welcomed by Chef Nak, a pioneering female chef and fierce advocate for Khmer cuisine. Enjoy an unforgettable private dining experience. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Breakfast at the resort. Free at leisure.

Pick up here with a local English speaking guide and transfer to Phnom Penh approximately 3 hours’ drive with a stop on the way for refreshment on the same expressway. You will be welcomed by our representative at the Airport for express check-in.

Service ends after arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast