Depart London Heathrow on Thai Airways International to Bangkok this evening (11 hours 20 minutes).

Arrive Bangkok and connect with a flight to Vientiane, the Laotian capital, arriving later this evening (1 hour 10 minutes) and transferring to the Green Park Hotel.

After a leisurely morning take in the holy Buddhist sites of Wat Si Saketas and Pha That Luang, the latter of which is considered to be the most sacred site in Laos, said to hold a hair of the Buddha himself. Visit the Wat Phra Keo Museum, before visiting the Xieng Khuan Buddha Park and its impressive collection of remarkable sculptures.

Morning flight to Luang Prabang (40 minutes). A UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang was once the country’s former capital and today is considered one of Indo-China’s cultural gems. Lying amidst the rolling hills of the upper Mekong it is filled with a dazzling mix of royal wats, French colonial architecture and traditionally attired monks and this afternoon visit the stunning golden temple of Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most impressive in the city. Later, a journey to the summit of the forested slopes of Phu Sii Hill, offers some spectacular views out across the city and the surrounding countryside, taking in the majestic course of the Mekong and the hazy mountains in the far distance.

The Mekong has long been one of Asia’s major trading highways and today you will take a journey along this famous river, to the caves of Pak Ou which house hundreds of Buddha statues amongst their limestone caverns. Returning to the city later today, stop en route at a local H’mong village, for a unique glimpse of life amongst the ethnic communities living in the hills around the city. Migrating from the mountain regions of southern China, the H’mong are renowned for their fine embroidery and everyone, young and old, are often bedecked in beautiful finery and handmade jewellery.

A free day with the opportunity to take an optional excursion to the spectacular Khuang Si Waterfalls south of Luang Prabang. After driving through a rural landscape of paddy fields, ethnic villages and mountain scenery, the falls present a beautiful series of cascades and pools that provide an ideal location for a day’s enjoyment and some refreshing swimming opportunities.

Free morning before the flight to Hanoi (50 minutes). On arrival transfer to the Sofitel Plaza Hotel.

A morning tour of Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, takes in the tree-lined boulevards, colonial charms and cultural highlights of this most fascinating of cities. Visit the 11th century Temple of Literature and the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword), as well as the Ho Chi Minh Museum, affording a remarkable insight into the man who played such a vital role in one of the most turbulent periods in Vietnam’s history. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure, perhaps enjoying the delights of the Old Quarter with its myriad of artisans and craft shops.

Halong Bay is one of the most unique landscapes in South East Asia, with more than 3,000 islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Today you will have a full day’s excursion to this stunning region, enjoying a boat trip through the spectacular rocky scenery and visiting one of the islands to explore a vast cave system that is riddled with impressive rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites. Believed to have been created by a huge dragon, this impressive World Heritage Site is breathtaking.

Flying to Danang (1 hour 15 minutes) this morning visit the Cham Museum before continuing by road to the picturesque port of Hoi An (142 KM/approximately 4 hours including stops) and a stay at the Hoi An Riverside Hotel. The dynastic Cham rebelled against the authority of their Chinese overlords and set up an independent kingdom that lasted for 1000 years, before finally being defeated by the Vietnamese during the 15th century. Afternoon walking tour through the picturesque narrow streets of Hoi An.

The day is free to enjoy the delights of this superb World Heritage Site. This morning we recommend an optional visit to the ancient Hindu temple remains at My Son, another UNESCO Heritage Site, where some 70 Cham towers litter this remarkable complex, and although many were damaged during the Vietnam War, it still retains an air of mystic beauty and remains an important testimony to a unique culture. Indeed the towers at My Son are considered to be amongst the finest examples of Cham architecture anywhere in Vietnam.

Return to Danang by road and fly to Saigon (1 hour 10 minutes) on arrival transfer to the Renaissance Riverside Hotel. This afternoon visit the History Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the city’s bustling waterfront. Officially known as Ho Chi Minh, this most enigmatic of cities is still referred to by many by its more romantic moniker and still retains the rich mix of tradition, colonial grandeur and enterprising spirit that has so endeared it to visitors and locals alike for generations.

Fly to Phnom Penh (50 minutes), the Cambodian capital, for an overnight stay at the Sunway Hotel.

A morning tour of the city includes the impressive National Museum with its stunning collection of Angkor sculptures and the imposing 19th century Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, a grandiose edifice of Khmer design, ornate tile work and sumptuous murals. An early evening flight to Siem Reap (55 minutes) for your stay at the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa.

Full day exploring the magnificent Khmer temples and jungle ruins of Angkor, surely one of the most breathtaking and magical sights in South East Asia. During your time here you will visit the major ruins of the Khmer civilisation, including the Royal City of Angkor Thom, containing the impressive Bayon, an awesome 50-tower temple, intricately carved with episodes from Hindu mythology and life in 12th century Cambodia. You will also visit Angkor Wat, the very symbol of Cambodia and one of the greatest archaeological sites anywhere on earth and Ta Prohm Temple, romantically overrun by the verdant jungle vegetation. The last of your temple visits will be to Preah Khan, the rambling 12th century capital of King Jayavarman VII.

A morning boat trip on the expansive and rich waters of Lake Tonle Sap affords an opportunity to explore something of life along the shores of the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia. Covering nearly 15 per cent of Cambodia’s landmass, the lake is of vital importance to the local communities, so much so that in 1997 it was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Supporting one of the largest inland fishing industries on the planet, its rich waters also produce soil rich in nutrients for rice growing. This afternoon is at leisure.

Morning flight to Bangkok (1 hour), connecting with an onward Thai Airways International flight to London Heathrow, arriving later this evening.