Vietnam's Mekong Delta

After breakfast, you will set off on an early exploration of the city, travelling by traditional cyclo, on foot and by car. This is one of the most fascinating times to explore the city as everyone is up and active while the temperature is cooler. You will visit a number of highlights, including the old post office, Ben Thanh Market and War Remnants Museum. Later this evening you will be collected from your hotel by Vespa and taken on an exhilarating tour of the city's outer districts, sampling the very best street food, bars and cafés along the way.

Leaving the city behind you will travel overland to Ben Tre province, known as the kingdom of coconuts and your first foray into Vietnam's Mekong Delta region. Spend the day exploring the area using a host of different local transport options. Engage with local communities, learn about the cottage industries key to this area's success and sample an array of Mekong snacks. After enjoying a hearty lunch, you will continue to neighbouring Vinh Long province, where you will be spending the night. Check in to your charming riverside lodge. This evening, you are led by a fire torch to the house of a war veteran turned musician. Listen to his music and interesting stories of his experience in this part of Vietnam.

Rise early, enjoying a breakfast cruise along the Mekong to a nearby market. Here, you will take to two feet and explore the area, including the market, coconut factory and unusual church. The rest of the day will involve a fascinating cycling trip around Cau Ke in nearby Tra Vinh province. Tra Vinh is one of Vietnam's remaining Khmer provinces, and the landscape, food and architecture are somewhat different. The cycling tour will take you past large paddy fields, vegetable gardens and gilded Khmer-style temples. It is one of the most authentic, beautiful areas of southern Vietnam. The tour is rounded off feasting on a selection of home-cooked Cambodian dishes. Afterwards, you return to Coco Riverside Lodge for the evening. If time permits, you may be able to try some more activities.

Leave Vinh Long after breakfast and travel two hours to the port town of Cai Be. Here you will board a private sampan that will take you north along the Mekong. The first day will see you enjoy a leisurely cruise to Sa Dec. This town still boasts a few colonial remnants including narrow paved roads, lengthy promenades, beautiful gardens and exquisite townhouses. Back on board, you will enjoy dinner and sundowners.

Today the boat navigates narrow canals and a stretch of the Bassac River. You will embark on a couple of onshore excursions today including a rural village walk.

Arriving at the boat's final destination, Chau Doc, you will disembark and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon is free to explore the town and nearby attractions such as the renowned Tra Su Bird Sanctuary and Sam Mountain. Overnight at the Victoria Hotel.

After breakfast, you will depart the hotel by speedboat, pass through Cambodian border formalities and travel to Phnom Penh. The journey by boat takes around five hours and the contrasting vistas of Vietnam and Cambodia make for an interesting cruise. On arrival, you will be taken to your hotel to freshen up before setting out on a modern history tour of Phnom Penh. Cambodia has endured a recent harrowing history, and this afternoon, you will visit a few of the most poignant sites. This evening is free to explore at your own leisure.

Explore the city through the eyes of a local architect today and witness the projects which have played an important part in shaping the city as we know it today. This evening you join your guide for a fun evening tour, taking in the best speakeasy bars, hidden nightspots and tasty street food corners around the city. Depending on your preference the tour can be adapted to have a cocktail or craft beer focus — or both.

Bid farewell to Cambodia and transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.