Classic Mekong

Fly overnight to bustling Siem Reap, the gateway to the temples of Angkor. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to soak up the local culture.

Journey into the old city of Angkor Thom. At its heart is the enigmatic Bayon, an iconic temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Admire the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King before continuing to the atmospheric Ta Prohm. The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent and best preserved of all of Angkor's treasures. As the sun sets, float peacefully on the moat that surrounds Angkor Thom, soaking up the atmosphere. Sit down to a welcome dinner with the group this evening.

Travel to the shores of Tonle Sap Lake and visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk (Oct to Feb) or Chong Kneas (Mar to Sep). Stop at Chansar village for a glimpse at rural life before visiting the home of a local Khmer family.

Fly to Cambodia's charming capital, Phnom Penh. Board a cyclo and head into the heart of the city to visit the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before perusing the treasures of the National Museum. Stop to visit Wat Phnom before ending the day with a glass of refreshing local beer.

Spend the morning confronting Phnom Penh's tragic past with visits to Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. Transfer to Sisowath Quay and board the Victoria Mekong whilst being serenaded with traditional music. Relax with a sundowner on deck and enjoy an Apsara dance performance before sitting down to a sumptuous gala dinner.

Cross over into Vietnam, taking in the passing scenery. There will be onboard activities available such as cocktail making. Tender ashore in Tan Chau and take a xe loi (rickshaw) to the Silk Village. In the evening, enjoy a thrilling lion dance performance before dinner.

Continue downstream to Long Xuyen and disembark to visit the bustling floating market and a local museum. After lunch, head to Dinh Yen Craft Village. Here, you will visit a local family who make beancurd and also a local who makes colourful straw mats. Sail on to Can Tho for a farewell dinner, accompanied by a traditional music performance.

Enjoy breakfast on-board and visit a local floating market by boat. Disembark and bid farewell to the Victoria Mekong, boarding the ship's shuttle bus from Can Tho to Saigon, stopping en route in Cai Be for a delicious local lunch. Dinner this evening will be at Noir, a restaurant that supports Saigon's visually impaired, for a sensory 'dining in the dark' experience.

This morning, visit the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels to learn the history of the Viet Cong and their guerrilla tactics during the Vietnam War. Return to Saigon, a vibrant, modern city with a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral, visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace and the poignant War Remnants Museum. Relax with a coffee break at one of Saigon's popular coffee houses.

Fly from Saigon to Danang and transfer to the enchanting town of Hoi An. Head out to explore, with visits including Chua Ong Pagoda, Old House of Tan Ky and the spectacular Japanese Covered Bridge, one of Hoi An's most iconic structures.

Head out into Hoi An's countryside surroundings to visit a small farming community that supplies much of the areas vegetables and herbs. Here you can enjoy the lush, green landscapes and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. This afternoon is at leisure.

Fly to Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. A fast-paced yet graceful city, it is packed full of ancient and modern sights to discover. Begin exploring at the serene Temple of Literature before taking a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter's atmospheric tangle of streets with a stop for local delicacy 'ca phe trung' (egg coffee) en route.

Today, head to the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you'll pass 'Uncle Ho's' monumental mausoleum and Stilt House, before seeing the One Pillar Pagoda. In the evening, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin, a beautiful open-air performance on a lake.

Travel to Halong Bay, board a cruise boat and set sail on the tranquil blue-green waters of Halong Bay. With its 1,600 islands and islets, the bay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. As you explore you'll make excursions to mysterious caves and enjoy delicious seafood on-board. After a night anchored out on the water, rise early to see the sun come up before cruising back to port. Return to Hanoi where, this evening, there will be a farewell dinner.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.