Discover Japan
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey of discovery through the mesmerizing land of Japan.
When you travel to Vietnam and Cambodia, be it by plane or Mekong River Cruise, you will be greeted with warmth, sincerity, and kindness by some of the friendliest people on earth. Perhaps just a small glint of those heartwarming smiles has to do with the secrets they keep. They know of the life-changing experiences you will soon uncover now you have finally booked your tailor-made tour with us.
Day 1 - Ha Noi Arrival
Upon your arrival at Ha Noi airport look for our driver who will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. The journey from the airport to your hotel will take approximately one hour and is an entertaining experience full of chaotic traffic, distinctive architecture and overloaded motorbikes.
Day 2 - Ha Noi Half-Day Vespa Tour
The Insider’s Hanoi starts off sampling the local Café culture at our Italian-style Café in the heart of the old quarter, overlooking Hanoi’s oldest church, to the famous French colonial style St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
We then set off for a ride through the city’s iconic narrow streets and head into the heart of the historic Old Quarter. Alighting at the railway tracks, we can see how the locals live & work, just centimetres from the train tracks in tall narrow houses.
After a short ride on the Vespas toward Huu Tiep Lake, we meet a fascinating elderly resident of the area who regales us with stories of the past in a 400-year-old temple. It’s then a short walk through traditional local market streets to see the B52 crash site at the lake. This US bomber was shot down during the 1972 bombing raids of Ha Noi, a poignant reminder of recent history.
It’s back on the Vespas for the ride to the Ngoc Ha Market and strolls around this huge, bustling place taking in the vibrant atmosphere that typifies Ha Noi.
We then ride out of the city to the Long Bien Bridge, a magnificent structure built over a hundred years ago which spans the Red River and connects the Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts, and provides shelter to locals living on boats underneath. Only motorbikes & bicycles can traverse, so off we go!
Our next ride takes us along the riverside as we whiz past the ancient dyke wall, beautifully decorated with mosaic artworks and on to a Kumquat Farm, located in a peaceful green agricultural oasis in the city. These little trees are traditional gifts at Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, and adorn every family home, symbolising luck, health, wealth, fertility and peace.
We then jump on the Vespas and head to our final spot, a special light snack before taking you back to your hotel.
As Vietnamese cuisine continues to take the world by storm, Hanoi is one of the leading street food destinations in the world. We will take you to the best spots for the best dishes and tell you a little bit about the history of the dishes, how they are prepared and about food, farming and produce in Vietnam in general. Afterwards, take some recipes home and learn to wow your friends!
Day 3 - Ha Noi - Lan Ha Bay
For your tour to Ha Long Bay, you only need to take some essential items and leave your main luggage at the hotel. Bring your swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, toiletries, change of clothes, something warm for the winter months and a book or journal, etc. And don't forget your camera.
08:45 - 09.15 Await the collection of the driver in your hotel lobby. We will begin our transfer to Hai Phong city.
12:00 Rest at the harbour as the V’Spirit Premier Cruise completes its final preparations. We can board shortly after this and enjoy our welcome drink.
13:00 Sit down in the dining room for a delicious lunch and a scrolling view of the wonderfully unique limestone towers outside the windows.
15:15 Our first stop of the tour will be in the Tra Bau area, where we can take our kayaks onto the water and enjoy a thoroughly peaceful experience. Swimming is also available here.
17:00 We return to the V’Spirit Premier Cruise to catch the daily spectacle of a gorgeous sunset, as well as happy hour at the bar. Enjoy the cooking class put on by our talented chefs as they give you an insight into Vietnamese cuisine.
19:00 Along with a fantastic dinner, we have a very special performance of traditional Vietnamese music in the dining room or on the top deck. Before you retire to your cabin tonight, perhaps you would like to head to the bar, or the spa or join the crew for some squid fishing.
Day 4 - Ha Long Bay - Ha Noi - Da Nang
06:00 Begin your new day with the Tai Chi session on the top deck, run by our onboard Tai Chi teacher as the sunrise greets us from behind the mountains.
07:00 Enjoy breakfast in the fresh air and peaceful beauty of the Bay.
08:30 On sampan boats, some residents of the bay will show us their home by taking us to the Dark & Bright caves, two gorgeous caverns with a vast and enclosed lake on the other side.
10:30 Return to the ship and sit down for a lovely lunch buffet, on our approach to the harbour.
11:45 Stepping off the V’Spirit Premier Cruise at the harbour, we board the bus and head back to Hanoi.
Back to the hotel to collect the main suitcase and you will be picked up and transferred to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, our driver will transfer you to your hotel in Hoian for check-in.
Day 5 - Hoi An Free Day
Another day in paradise. You may choose to lounge by your resort pool, swim at the beach or indulge in a massage, facial or pedicure.
For those wanting action, optional activities include a half-day countryside cycling tour, scuba, snorkelling, abseiling, fishing or a photography tour. We can include any of these in your itinerary.
Cultural options include My Son's ancient ruins and a historical walking tour of Hoi An or Marble Mountain.
Day 6 - Hoi An Half-Day Cooking Class
8.15 am Meet at Hai Scout Cafe (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street) From here you will take a tour of Hoi An's lively local market and learn about some of the more unusual ingredients. Then you will board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. On arrival, you can explore the cooking school’s herb garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes - Fresh rice paper rolls, crispy Hoi An pancakes (banh xeo), seafood salad, eggplant in a clay pot and food decoration. You can then enjoy your creations along with steamed ocean fish on a bed of fresh vegetables. Vegetarian options are available.
Bring your swimsuit for a swim after lunch in the 20m pool - towels and shower provided.
Day 7 - Da Nang - Siem Reap
You will be picked up from your hotel for the half-hour journey to the airport. Be sure not to pack any valuables in your checked-in luggage and remove all sharp objects and liquids from your carry-on.
After Check-in and time to freshen up, your Local Guide will go over the options with you for visiting the Angkor complex over the next few days and if time permits we will head on a private city tour today.
Siem Reap is a bustling little town, bursting with a vast range of delicious restaurants to suit every taste, boutique shops and day and night markets, a true shoppers paradise and a surprising party town that really heats up later in the lively bars and clubs around the famous and suitably named Pub Street.
Day 8 - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Tour
After breakfast at the hotel start your temple exploration of the UNESCO world heritage complex inside the stunning walled city of Angkor Thom with Gates, flanked by the stone statues of gods and demons, you find yourself in an ancient world of massive stone faces and evocatively striking temples. We'll take in the enigmatic Bayon, the mighty Baphoun Temple, Phimeanakas and the Royal Palace enclosure, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
The next stop is Ta Prohm, easily the most atmospheric and a highlight for anyone visiting Angkor, a haven for any photography enthusiasts. A temple where you will love to linger, swallowed by the jungle looks very much in the same state as when the French explorers stumbled upon it more than a century ago.
In front of the magnificent Angkor Wat is perfect for lunch or a break during your day trip to Temples, refresh yourself with fresh fruit juice and shakes, and savour some delicious Khmer, Asian or International dishes (own cost).
As you enter the main causeway of Angkor Wat and start the long walk to the main temple, feast your eyes on the sight of this imposing structure. Discover its many galleries, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water, carved bas-reliefs that tell the ancient Hindu legends of Ramayana and victorious Khmer battles. Climb to the holiest sanctuary at the summit of the temple, where you are rewarded with fantastic views across the entire complex and beyond.
The temple tour itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted by your local guide after consultation with you. Weather, festivals, interests and energy levels all have a bearing on which temples to visit and in what order.
Please bring your Angkor Entry Pass and don’t forget to have your knees and shoulders covered at all times when visiting the temples.
Day 9 - Siem Reap - Beng Melea and Kompong Pluuk plus Cambodian Circus
This morning we explore the mysterious ruins of Beng Mealea, thought to be a blueprint for Angkor Wat, not only the most interactive temple, with crumbling stone blocks acting as stairs to the temple’s many subterranean chambers, but it is also the most fun temple to explore. This nearly thousand-year-old temple covers several acres of jungle terrain and is made up of a handful of libraries and a courtyard where you can experience a true Indiana Jones moment.
In the afternoon head, East of Siem Reap on the northern edge of Tonle Sap lake lies the village of Kompong Pluuk, where locals live on stilted houses rising up from the ground. Travel by traditional boat through this authentic village gives you the chance to observe the daily life up close, heading out to the vast expanse of Tonle Sap where you will appreciate the immensity of this fascinating waterway.
For a unique experience this evening your driver will pick you up from the hotel at 07:15 pm and take you to the Big Top in Siem Reap to see a performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus from the best seat (Seat A) in the house from 8 - 9 pm. Theater, story, dance, high-energy music and circus acts tell uniquely Cambodian stories. These circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent. Please note there are NO ANIMALS in the performance.
Day 10 - Siem Reap Departure
Our guide & driver will meet you at the hotel when you will be transferred to the airport in plenty of time for your onward departure flight.
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey of discovery through the mesmerizing land of Japan.
Experience a vast spectrum of quintessentially Japanese experiences ancient and modern on this 11-day tour.
Embark on an extraordinary 14-day journey through the captivating wonders of Japan. Begin in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, where you'll be immersed in vibrant city life, futuristic technology, and ancient traditions.