Southeast Asian Odyssey

Flight from Manchester to Hanoi (1 stop)

Check in at Manchester Airport for your flight to Hanoi, with the night spent on board.

Overnight: On board · Meals: None

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Hanoi blends centuries-old architecture with vibrant Southeast Asian culture – impressive temples, busy markets and world-renowned cuisine. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is yours to start exploring.

Overnight: Hanoi · Meals: None

Discover Hanoi's history and local life. Begin at the Temple of Literature, an early university founded in 1070, then take a walking tour of the Old Quarter, where street names recall the artisans who once traded there, stopping at a local market for a coffee or tea. See the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ho Chi Minh House on Stilts, the Governor's Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda, finishing at Hoa Lo Prison, built by the French and later known as the "Hanoi Hilton".

Overnight: Hanoi · Meals: Breakfast

A free day to explore the city as much or as little as you like – or escape the big city for the countryside.

Overnight: Hanoi · Meals: Breakfast

By road from Hanoi to Ha Long

Travel through the farmlands of the delta, past everyday village life, to Ha Long Bay – a World Heritage area famous for its limestone islands and glistening waters. Board a traditional junk boat with a welcome drink and lunch, then cruise past fascinating islets, with possible stops at fishing villages, caves and limestone islands. Relax on the sun deck before dinner on board.

Please note: the cruise operator will choose one itinerary – Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay – depending on weather and local regulations. There is no guide on board.

Overnight: On board · Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

By road to Hanoi, then flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Early risers can join a Tai Chi demonstration on the upper deck before a light breakfast, followed by a splendid brunch as you cruise among the islands. Around midday, head back to Hanoi for your flight south to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City · Meals: Light breakfast & brunch

A full day soaking up Saigon's history and culture. Start with a guided walk through a bustling wet market, tasting traditional local treats, then visit the thought-provoking War Remnants Museum. Stroll elegant Dong Khoi Street, past the Opera House, the colonial Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel. Continue to Chinatown and the 19th-century Thien Hau Temple, ending at colourful Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City · Meals: Breakfast

A free day to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City · Meals: Breakfast

Another day to explore the city – or head out to the "rice bowl of Vietnam".

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City · Meals: Breakfast

Coach: approx. 230km – 5 hours (Giant Ibis / Mekong Express)

Say goodbye to Vietnam and travel overland into Cambodia, watching the countryside roll by. Arrive in Phnom Penh in the evening and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Phnom Penh · Meals: Breakfast

A poignant morning learning about the rule of the Khmer Rouge at the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Phnom Penh · Meals: Breakfast

Coach: approx. 320km – 6 hours (Giant Ibis / Mekong Express)

Travel by coach to Siem Reap, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free – the night market and Pub Street are well worth a visit.

Overnight: Siem Reap · Meals: Breakfast

A full day among the ancient temples. In Angkor Thom, discover the Bayon, with its 54 towers carved with serene faces, then the Baphuon, the Phimeanakas and the Terraces of the Leper King and the Elephants. Next comes Ta Prohm, its stones entwined with towering tree roots. In the afternoon, visit the crown jewel – Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and stay to watch the sunset glow over the temple.

Overnight: Siem Reap · Meals: Breakfast

A free day to relax or explore Siem Reap at your own pace.

Overnight: Siem Reap · Meals: Breakfast

Another free day to enjoy the lively city centre.

Overnight: Siem Reap · Meals: Breakfast

Flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok

Fly to Thailand's buzzing capital and transfer to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to discover its temples, night markets and renowned cuisine. This final stage of the journey is independent rather than a group tour, so you can set your own pace.

Overnight: Bangkok · Meals: Breakfast

Collected from your hotel to visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), passing the amulet market, then the Grand Palace, Tha Tien Market and Wat Pho, home of the Reclining Buddha. Continue to Wat Arun with its 70-metre spire, then take a traditional teakwood boat to Thonburi, Thailand's former capital. The rest of the day is free.

Overnight: Bangkok · Meals: Breakfast

A free day to relax or explore – or choose one of two optional full-day trips (only one can be taken on this day).

Overnight: Bangkok · Meals: Breakfast

Flight from Bangkok to Manchester (1 stop)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home to Manchester, with memories of three extraordinary countries.

Overnight: – · Meals: Breakfast