Escorted Tours 2020 & 2021 - 2nd Edition - Mercury Holidays

40 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEAL PLAN: 15 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 7 lunches & 10 dinners ACCOMMODATION Hanoi 2 nights Muong Thanh Centre Superior Halong 1 night Dynasty Cruise Hoi An 3 nights Le Pavilon Luxury Deluxe Saigon 2 nights Golden Central Deluxe Can Tho 1 night Ninh Kieu 2 Superior Chau Doc 1 night Victoria Chau Doc Superior Phnom Penh 1 nights Sokha Phnompenh Deluxe Siem Reap 3 nights Sokha Siemreap Deluxe DAY 1: UK TO HANOI Depart London on your scheduled overnight flight to Hanoi. DAY 2: HANOI B/D Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel to relax after your flight. DAY 3: HANOI B/L/D Begin today’s tour of Hanoi at the distinctive Presidential Palace. Wander through pristinely manicured botanical gardens to uncover Ho Chi Minh’s modestly sized house on stilts, nestled amongst the tranquillity of this rural oasis. From here, journey to Hanoi’s emblematic One Pillar Pagoda and the 10th Century Temple of Literature before embarking on a street food tour, where you can sample Dried Beef Mannequin, Hanoi bread and Kebab Rice Noodles, as well as the delightful flavours of Egg-milk coffee within the vibrant Dong Xuan Market. Continue to Hao Lo Prison known by American POWs as the Hanoi Hilton and then to the bustling Old Quarter Street to experience the daily life of the locals, before enjoying a traditional Water Puppet Performance this evening. DAY 4: HANOI TO HALONG BAY B/L/D Glide across the emerald waters of Halong Bay and experience a vision of extraordinary beauty, snaking past a landscape of scattered islands, limestone karsts and enchanting grottoes. Anchoring at the mouth of a secluded cove, disembark for the unique opportunity to swim in the azure waters, before spending a relaxing night in the midst of Halong Bay. DAY 5: HALONG BAY TO HOI AN BR/D Awake to the serene sounds of lapping water and relish in a fresh morning breeze, as you slowly sail towards port whilst tucking into a delicious breakfast. Transfer to the airport and journey to Hoi An, where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure. DAY 6: HOI AN B/D Formerly one of Southeast Asia’s chief ports, discover a labyrinth of riverside streets strewn with perfectly preserved Japanese merchant houses and Chinese tea warehouses. Explore this easily navigable town at leisure in the morning before joining a city tour in the afternoon, visiting the 17th century Japanese Pagoda Bridge. After the tour sample some of the street food in Hoi An Ancient Town including Cao Lau Noodles, White Rose Cake, Fried Wonton Dumplings, Chicken Rice and Fried Banana Cake. DAY 7: HOI AN B Today, experience Hoi An’s charming character during a day at leisure. DAY 8: HOI AN TO SAIGON B After a morning at leisure, journey to the bustling city of Saigon, where an afternoon tour begins at the War Remnants Museum; presenting a collection of retired artillery and weaponry artefacts, explore the harrowing exhibits which highlight the grim realities of the Vietnam War. Next, head towards the distinctive Neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and adjacent Saigon Post Office. Finally, experience a hive of activity amidst the vibrant market stalls of Ben Thanh Market. DAY 9: SAIGON B/L After breakfast, discover the extraordinary underground Cu Chi tunnel network, spanning an astonishing 75 miles; famously housing hospitals, living quarters and weapon factories during the Vietnam war, these restricted passageways were used as the main base of operations by the Viet Cong. This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure in the centre of cosmopolitan Saigon. DAY 10: SAIGON TO CAN THO B/L/D Travel south to the picturesque province of Ben Tre. Take a boat trip along the Hoa River, pausing en route to experience the unique regional trades of local residents, incorporating visits to a coconut sweets workshop, thriving bee garden and candy mill, relishing in a tasting along the way. Following a short walk towards a local farmer house, journey along village paths and through verdant vegetable plains on a tuk tuk, before continuing to Can Tho. Steeped in history, discover an assortment of ancient treasures at the awe- inspiring Angkor Wat complex and experience breath-taking panoramas in the heart of Halong Bay’s azure waters. Saigon VIETNAM & CAMBODIA EXPLORER 17 days from £1,699pp TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ✔ City tours of Hanoi, Hoi An, Saigon, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap ✔ Overnight cruise through the limestone karsts of Halong Bay ✔ Traditional Japanese merchant houses and the Pagoda Bridge in Hoi An ✔ Explore the vast underground network of the Cu Chi tunnels ✔ Cruise along the waterways of the Mekong Delta, witnessing the vibrant Cai Rang floating market ✔ Temple complexes of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom ✔ Local markets and sample the street food these countries are famous for PACE: To book or for further information visit your local travel agent or call us FREE on 0800 408 0556