Vietnam and Cambodia: Off the Beaten Track

Today's sightseeing begins at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. This beautifully preserved complex features traditional Vietnamese architecture, peaceful courtyards and the renowned stone stelae honouring successful scholars.
Continue to a local family home, tucked away within one of Hanoi's traditional laneways, where a home-cooked lunch showcases authentic Hanoian cuisine. During your visit, gain an insight into local customs, family traditions and daily life. Subject to availability, you may also meet the family patriarch, who shares stories of his life and demonstrates the traditional single-stringed đàn bầu instrument.
This afternoon, take a guided walking tour through Hanoi's Old Quarter, beginning at Hoan Kiem Lake. Wander through narrow laneways, historic neighbourhoods and bustling streets, discovering local cafés, hidden corners and everyday scenes of Hanoi before concluding with a traditional Vietnamese coffee.

Travel by shuttle coach to Tuan Chau Marina, where you will board your cruise through spectacular Lan Ha Bay, an extension of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay.
Cruise amongst towering limestone islands and secluded bays while lunch and dinner are served onboard.

Spend the day cruising through Lan Ha Bay, exploring its limestone karsts, tranquil waters and hidden coves. Opportunities are available to appreciate the dramatic scenery from the vessel throughout the day, including sunset over the bay.

This morning the cruise continues through the bay before disembarkation around midday.
Transfer to your Hanoi Hotel by shuttle coach. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Dong Hoi. On arrival, travel to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park where you will visit Paradise Cave, renowned for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Continue with a boat cruise along the Son River to Phong Nha Cave, one of Southeast Asia's longest cave systems, featuring spectacular underground formations.

This morning set out on a leisurely cycling tour through the countryside surrounding Phong Nha. Ride along quiet rural roads, cross floating bridges and visit local villages and churches while learning about daily life in the region. Follow part of the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail before arriving in Bong Lai Village, surrounded by limestone mountains and farmland. A traditional local lunch is served before continuing through nearby villages and farming communities.
Upon completion of the bike ride you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Travel south via the former Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), stopping to visit the remarkable Vinh Moc Tunnels, an underground village where local residents lived during the Vietnam War. Continue across the historic Hien Luong Bridge before arriving in Hue.

Visit the Imperial Citadel, the former seat of Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty and one of the country's most significant historical landmarks. Continue to a traditional Hue family home where lunch is served, offering an insight into regional cuisine and local customs.
This afternoon visit the elegant Tu Duc Mausoleum, one of Hue's finest royal tombs, before continuing to Tu Hieu Pagoda, set amongst tranquil pine forests.

Travel south to Hoi An via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, with stops at scenic viewpoints including Lang Co Beach.
This evening join a guided walking food tour through Hoi An's historic streets. Sample a selection of local specialties including White Rose dumplings, Bánh Mì, Cao Lầu, wontons and traditional Vietnamese coffee.

Transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Siem Reap.
On arrival in Cambodia, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Explore the remarkable temples of Angkor by bicycle.
Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom before continuing to Bayon Temple with its famous carved stone faces. Cycle through jungle trails to Ta Prohm, where ancient ruins are entwined with towering tree roots, before reaching Srah Srang Reservoir.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

Travel to Kompong Kleang and board a local boat to explore the floating villages and waterways of Tonlé Sap Lake, gaining an insight into the unique lifestyle of the local communities.
This evening attend a performance by Phare, the Cambodian Circus. Presented by talented young artists, the production combines theatre, music, dance and acrobatics while sharing stories inspired by Cambodia's history and culture.

Transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight.

• 24/7 local operator support in Vietnam & Cambodia
• 11 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels
• 2-night Lan Ha Bay cruise
• 13 breakfasts
• 8 lunches
• 3 dinners
• Domestic flight: Hanoi – Dong Hoi
• International flight: Danang – Siem Reap
• Airport transfers throughout by private vehicle
• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle (unless otherwise specified)
• Lan Ha Bay cruise with shared shuttle transfers
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
• Local English-speaking guides throughout (except where specified)
• Guided walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter
• Home-hosted Vietnamese lunch in Hanoi
• Guided cycling tour in Phong Nha
• Boat cruise on the Son River to Phong Nha Cave
• Visit to Paradise Cave
• Visits to the Vinh Moc Tunnels and former Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)
• Guided sightseeing in Hue, including the Imperial Citadel, Tu Duc Mausoleum and Tu Hieu Pagoda
• Guided Hoi An evening street food tour
• Guided cycling tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park
• Boat excursion on Tonlé Sap Lake
• Admission to the Phare Cambodian Circus performance
• Entrance fees to included sites
• Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above