Simply Indochina - Absolute Asia Tours

Day 1 - Arrive Phnom Penh, Street Food Explorer

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On arrival in Cambodia, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel.

At 5pm your guide will arrive in a tuk-tuk for a food-focused tour of the city. First stop of the evening is a lively bar on Sisowath Quay. Find a spot on the balcony and your guide will leave you to enjoy a cocktail with views across the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers as the sun sets. Re-join your guide for a rather different experience - head down to the river, where roadside stalls sell a variety of edible bugs which you will have the opportunity to try. Your guide will be on hand to decipher the surprisingly tasty offerings. Continue by tuk-tuk to the Russian Market, where the food stalls draw local diners with typical Khmer food such as Banh Chheo, chicken rice porridge and beef skewers. Choose what you fancy, pull up a plastic stool alongside the locals, and soak up the atmosphere. Your final food stop for the evening will be freshly barbequed seafood, before you return to your hotel, again by tuk-tuk, and probably ready to loosen your waistband...

Day 2 - Tuol Sleng & Choeung Ek Tour

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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!

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Siem Reap - 3 nights

Siem Reap is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor, the ruined capital of a historic Cambodian empire, and one of the ancient wonders of the world. The town is booming thanks to these fabled ruins, but remains low-rise by royal decree, and retains much of its original charm. 100s of them lie scattered around Siem Reap, largely hidden by jungle. You’ll have plenty of time to discover them with a knowledgeable guide.

Day 3 - City Tour, Drive to Siem Reap

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In the morning your guide will escort you around the Royal Palace complex, with its lavish ceremonial buildings. You’ll also have the option to visit the National Museum, which is full of intriguing artefacts from several millennia of Cambodian culture. After your city tour depart Phnom Penh by car for Siem Reap, passing through provincial towns, villages and roadside hamlets offering an insight into life away from the cities.

Day 4 - Angkor Temples exploration

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Begin your exploration of Angkor Wat, and the complex of ruined temples and palaces around it. You’ll be driven between them, so you can fit quite a few in (if you want to), and our guides know when to see the ruins at uncrowded times. If you wish, start the day with the magical (but popular!) sunrise over Angkor Wat, and let your guide know what kind of pace you prefer, whether you want to fill your day with archaeology, or spend some of it on Tonlé Sap lake, or even back at your hotel pool.

Day 5 - Village Explorer

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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. You 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.

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Luang Prabang - 3 nights

Luang Prabang - the ‘Jewel of Indochina’ - is regularly voted one of Asia's top destinations. This ancient, UNESCO-listed royal city at a junction of two rivers is surrounded by mountains, with Mount Phousi at its core rewarding climbers with panoramic views. It offers a definitive example of the fusion between traditional Laotian architecture and more recent colonial structures; its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrating a key stage in the blending of these two eras. Immerse yourself in the city’s vivid riverside culture, taste some of the country’s best food, and listen to atmospheric echoes in ancient temples.

Day 6 - Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos

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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.

Day 7 - Tak Bat, Walking Tour, Weaving Villages

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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.

Day 8 - Relax and explore

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

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Hanoi - 2 nights

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.

Day 9 - Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam

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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.

Day 10 - 'Old & New' City Tour

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Start the day away from the city centre bustle with a cycle 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.

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Halong Bay - 1 night

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.

Day 11 - Halong Bay Cruise

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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.

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Hoi An - 3 nights

Hoi An, one of Asia’s most significant ports during the 1500s, has retained much of its original ambience despite the intervening centuries of weather, war and modern development, and is undoubtedly a highlight of any visit to Vietnam. Sample the city’s street food, find your favourite spot for Vietnamese coffee, and dine in style at the many restaurants exemplifying the town’s famous cuisine. Wander across the ancient Japanese Covered Bridge, explore former merchants’ homes, and buy silks, handicrafts, antiques, and immaculate tailored suits (with an astonishing 24 hr turnaround) at the colourful shops and markets.

Day 12 - Cruise back to the mainland, fly to Hoi An

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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.

Day 13 - Hoi An Walking Tour

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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.

Day 14 - Relax and explore

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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. Speak to your Destination Specialist for inspiration.

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Ho Chi Minh City - 2 nights

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.

Day 15 - Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, evening Vespa tour

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Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, 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.

Day 16 - Delve into the Cu Chi Tunnels, City Tour

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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.

Day 17 - Depart Ho Chi Minh City

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Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.