This single-departure Small Group Escorted Tour with 29 meals, in-depth sightseeing, exclusive private events, specially arranged experiences, and all on-tour transportation & internal flights

Join Scott Avera, General Tours VP of Asia Services, on this one-time journey… As GT's resident Asia expert, Scott has brought to life his idea of the perfect trip to Southeast Asia… And you’re invited to join as he engages deeply in some of the most beautiful and friendly places in the world. From city to countryside, down rivers and across magnificent Ha Long Bay, this trip features private events, handpicked restaurants, and specially planned experiences to show you the very best of Vietnam and Angkor. And with Scott leading the way, this journey promises to be carefree, enriching, fun and unforgettable!

Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, My Son & Saigon in Vietnam and Siem Reap & Angkor in Cambodia

Save $600 per couple off brochure rates!    

This is one of our best trips ever!

• Led by Scott Avera, VP of
• Experience two delightful Vietnamese traditions… Zipping through Hanoi on a Cyclo and the ancient rural art form of Water Puppetry
• Led by Sctoa Avera, VP of Asia Operatoins with professional English speaking tour managers
• A private gallery reception in Hanoi reveals the vibrancy of Vietnam’s emerging contemporary art scene
• Our innovative excursion into the northern countryside explores an ancient rural village, amazingly preserved and surrounded by emerald green rice paddies
• Our leisurely overnight cruise takes us to the farthest reaches of beautiful Ha Long Bay, aboard an elegant ship styled after the grand junk of a 19th century Emperor
• Visit the beautiful, century-old home of Mr. Phan Thuan An, a former professor, renowned historian, and descendent of Vietnam’s Imperial Court
• Join our included cooking class at a charming riverside restaurant… Or let us arrange a round of golf for you at the only Colin Montgomerie designed course in Vietnam
• Enjoy two full days of unhurried touring through the ruins of Angkor, a more leisurely experience and a chance to explore away from the crowds
• 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

*Visas for Cambodia and Vietnam are required for US citizens.

Oct 12 – Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam

Upon arrival, we’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the 5-star InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, set on extensive landscaped grounds in the heart of the city. After settling-in to our rooms with time to refresh, we’ll step out to explore the boulevards and byways of this charming city.

Hanoi has a completely unique feel and rhythm, described by many visitors as “timeless” or “old-fashioned.” Indeed, you’ll be mesmerized by scenes of everyday life everywhere you turn – bustling sidewalk cafes, pavement barbers, and bicycle-filled streets lined with elegant colonial French mansions. We dive right in this afternoon when we step aboard Cyclos – the traditional way to get around town. Your personal Cyclo driver will take you along shaded avenues and narrow lanes, passing grand ochre-hued Colonial buildings and tranquil lakes. We’ll ride past Hoan Kiem Lake and through the ’36 Streets’ of the Old Town.

In the evening we experience a 900-year-old art form, the traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Show. Then we’re off to Wild Lotus Restaurant, a favorite of our Hanoi-based colleagues. Meals D

[Please note that today’s airport transfers are complimentary for air-inclusive passengers arriving with our group]

Oct 13 – Exploring Hanoi

Today’s carefully planned sightseeing explores across the centuries, from the country’s ancient past to the 21st century vitality of modern-day Hanoi. We begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monumental edifice of marble, granite and exotic tropical woods. Just behind it is the simple house where he lived and worked, still filled with his personal belongings. Admire the graceful One Pillar Pagoda before continuing on to the Temple of Literature, founded in 1076.

We’ll stop for lunch at Wild Rice Restaurant and then visit the Hoa Lo Museum, infamously known as the Hanoi Hilton. Then our guide will lead us along the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter, where local artists will invite us into their homes to see their works, many of them shaping the country’s dynamic avant garde art scene. We’ve made special arrangements with one of our favorite artists for a private gallery reception including wine, hors d’oeuvres, and chance to meet the artist. We return to our hotel for an evening at leisure. Meals B,L

Oct 14 – Out and About in the Countryside

Our leisurely journey into the scenic northern countryside takes us first to Thay Pagoda. Just 25 miles from the Hanoi, this Pagoda is especially popular with city residents during festival times, and its famed for its finely carved statues of Buddha, ornamented with lacquer and gold.

We continue through the peaceful landscapes to Duong Lum, a quiet village surrounded by ride paddies. This community is recognized for its remarkable preservation of old homes and temples. As we explore along the curving alleyways, we’ll pause to visit one of these ancient houses and then continue on into the surrounding paddy fields. We’ll enjoy lunch in this timeless setting before returning to Hanoi where the balance of the day is free to explore or relax as you wish. Meals B,L

Oct 15 – Hanoi / Ha Long Bay – Overnight Cruise aboard the Bhaya

Early risers can join our guide this morning for a brisk walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. The more energetic and adventurous might join local residents here in their early morning Tai Chi exercise. Following breakfast at the hotel, we’ll all travel together to Ha Long Bay. Our scenic drive is just a few hours, but the breathtaking scenery that greets us will feel worlds away from the city.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is a captivating region of three thousand limestone islands, forested peaks, hidden coves, secret caves, and emerald green waters that stretch forth as far as you can see. Traditional sailing junks and local fishing boats ply these waters and here we board our enchanting Bhaya cruise vessel, styled after the grand junks once reserved exclusively for the Emperor. We’ll board around Noon and have plenty of time to settle-in to our spacious outside cabins before enjoying a welcome drink as we set sail. After a buffet lunch, the afternoon is ours to enjoy. We’ll cruise through the magnificent scenery exploring along tranquil coves and past limestone caves to visit a selection of islands. As weather and sea conditions permit, we might swim, snorkel or kayak during the afternoon. Of course, there’s plenty of time to just relax onboard, enjoying the vistas, and socializing with our fellow passengers. Dinner is served onboard. Meals B,L,D

Oct 16 – Ha Long Bay / Hue

Early risers might practice their newly-learned Tai Chi skills as the sun rises across the magnificent panorama of the bay and its myriad islands. After a leisurely buffet breakfast, and time to enjoy the scenery, we step off ship mid-morning and return to Hanoi by private motorcoach for our flight to Central Vietnam. Upon arrival in Hue, we’ll be greeted and escorted by air-conditioned coach to La Residence Hotel & Spa, an enchanting boutique resort set on the banks of the Perfume River. Meals B,D

Oct 17 – Getting to Know Hue

Founded more than 300 years ago, Hue has been an important cultural, religious, and educational center for Vietnam. Heavily damaged during the Vietnam War, the preservation and restoration work over the past few decades has been impressive, and in 1993 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our exploration of the history and monuments of Hue will take us along the Perfume River, across its tranquil waters, and on a pleasant stroll along peaceful shaded pathways. Our morning visits include the tomb of Emperor Gia Long, founder of the Nguyen Dynasty, and also Tu Hieu Pagoda – surrounded by the lush tropical vegetation of the countryside.

After lunch, we tour the Imperial Citadel, an impressive complex of buildings, lakes, and tranquil gardens – all laid out in a series of concentric circles. We also visit the Forbidden Purple City, built in the 1800’s for the personal use of the Emperor and staffed exclusively by eunuchs who posed no threat to the Royal Concubines.

Our touring ends on a high note, with a specially arranged visit to the former home of Princess Ngoc Son. It’s been finely preserved, retaining much of its original century-old form, and is perhaps the finest traditional garden house in the region. We’ll meet the present owner Mr. Phan Thuan An, himself a direct descendent of the Imperial Court. A former history professor, Mr. An has written several books, including a respected review of Hue’s history and culture. After visiting Mr. An, we’ll journey by boat down the Perfume River, passing peaceful sampan villages on the way back to our hotel. Meals B,L

Oct 18 – Hue / Danang / Hoi An

This morning’s journey takes us across the scenic Hai Van Pass through Danang and past the Marble Mountains to the historic port city of Hoi An. We’ll check-in to our deluxe beachfront resort, The Victoria Hoi An, with time to freshen-up before lunch at the Morning Glory Restaurant - a terrific place discovered by Scott, your Tour Escort, on a previous trip to Vietnam.

Known as Faifo to early western traders, Hoi An was one of Asia’s major international ports during the 17th to 19th centuries, home to Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Portuguese merchants. Today, Hoi An is remarkable for its collection of original Chinese temples and glorious homes built by these wealthy merchants of earlier times. As we explore with our guide through the traffic-free cobblestone streets of this ancient seaport, it’s easy to imagine yourself a sailor of the 18th century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest ports in all of Asia. We’ll wander through the old town center to admire these old merchants’ homes, the art galleries that now draw visitors from all over the world, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. Our dinner reservations this evening are at the charming Brothers Café, located on the riverfront. Meals B,L,D

Oct 19 – Explore in and around Hoi An

This morning, you have the opportunity to customize our stay here to your own personal interests. For those with a taste for food and cuisine, we’ve arranged for a cooking class at the Red Bridge Cooking School & Restaurant. This included excursion begins with a pleasant boat ride along the Thu Bon River into the countryside outside of Hoi An. After a refreshing welcome drink at the pier, our chef will introduce us to the ingredients and methods of Vietnamese cuisine in general, and the regional Hoi An style in particular. A number of specialties will be prepared as we watch and learn. Then, we’ll retreat to the riverfront to dine al fresco, sampling the dishes our chef has prepared. Before returning to our resort, we’ll visit the peaceful village of Cam Thanh to experience the ordinary rhythms of daily life here… children returning from school, water buffalos being fed, and farmers returning to the fields after the midday heat has passed. We return to the Victoria Resort in mid-afternoon.

Instead of this planned excursion, you can spend the day relaxing on the white sand beach or taking advantage of our resort’s fine amenities, including the Victoria Spa, complimentary mountain bike rental, tennis court, swimming pool and fitness center. We can also make arrangements for those who wish to play a round of golf at the first Colin Montgomerie designed golf course in Vietnam. Meals B (lunch is included for guests participating in our Cooking Class excursion)

Oct 20 – Hoi An / My Son / Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

After an early breakfast, we depart Hoi An for a scenic one-hour journey to My Son. This astounding archaeological site was the religious capital of the Champa Kingdom, which flourished here from the 4th to 13th centuries. This unique Hindu-based culture left behind more than 70 religious monuments. But with the ravages of time and war, only 25 partial structures remain today. They are, nevertheless, spectacular and with UNESCO recognition as a World Heritage Site, extensive conservation efforts are underway to protect these fascinating jungle ruins.

Our afternoon flight from Danang Airport brings us to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, where we’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the beautiful Majestic Hotel, a Colonial-era landmark in the heart of the city. Dinner this evening will be at one of our favorite restaurants in the city. Meals B,D

Oct 21 – Discovering Saigon and the Cu Chi Tunnels

This morning’s excursion brings us to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the incredible underground network that once stretched for 210 miles. This tunnel complex was built by guerilla fighters beginning in 1940 and construction continued throughout the Vietnam War. Marvel at secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living quarters, and even conference rooms. We’ll have ample opportunity to view the excavated areas from above. The more adventurous among us can explore the deeper second and even third-level tunnels.

We return to Saigon for lunch and a fascinating afternoon of sightseeing, including Reunification Hall - formerly known as the Presidential Palace. It was towards this modern building that Communist tanks rolled on the morning of April 30, 1975, as Saigon fell. We’ll stop by the General Post Office, a picturesque Colonial-era landmark, City Hall, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Then we’ll enjoy a guided stroll along Le Cong Kieu Street, famous for the many shops and galleries selling “antiques” – both old and new! Our specially arranged dinner this evening explores the French heritage of the country. At Au Manoir de Khai, we step into a stunningly restored French Colonial home for an elegant dinner of fine French cuisine. Meals B,L,D

Oct 22 – Ho Chi Minh City / Siem Reap, Cambodia

We’ll be taken by air-conditioned motor coach to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, we’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the deluxe Victoria Angkor Resort. Meals B

Oct 23 – Siem Reap: Explore Angkor

Today begins our guided exploration of the magnificent jungle ruins of Angkor, once the royal seat of the mighty and wealthy Khmer Empire. This morning, we explore imposing Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Inspired by 12th century Hinduism, it took an estimated 30 years to build Angkor Wat, including the intricately carved bas-relief which adorns all four sides of the temple.

Enjoy lunch at Viroth’s Restaurant and then discover the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom – the last capital of the Khmers, with its Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the stunning Bayon temple. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur. Late in the day, our guide will lead you to a prime vantage point to witness the sun set over Angkor, a magnificent and unforgettable spectacle. We dine tonight at the Sugar Palm Restaurant. Meals B,L,D

Oct 24 – Siem Reap: Exploring farther afield in Angkor

This morning we visit the amazing Ta Prohm, a 12th century temple that has been left largely un-restored and in its natural state, surrounded by jungle with massive Banyan roots and limbs enveloping the stone like tentacles. We continue our exploration at Chau Say Tevoda, a Hindu Temple from the 12th century, and Preah Khan, an extensive complex built by a Khmer King as a monastery and teaching institution. An afternoon visit to Les Artisans d’Angkor reveals the important work being done to preserve the traditional skills of Cambodia’s artisans. This evening, we’ll delight in fine Asian cuisine accompanied by wine, conversation and the camaraderie of our traveling companions. Meals B,D

Oct 25 - Siem Reap Departure

We’ll be escorted to the airport for our departure flight.  Meals B

[Please note that airport transfers are complimentary for air-inclusive passengers departing with our group]

So when I was asked to plan and lead a leisurely tour, I knew exactly what to include… All the fantastic sites I’d whizzed through, the hidden corners my colleagues told me about (but I was too busy to see), and the personal discoveries that I longed to revisit. It’s all here in this special, one-of-a-kind itinerary. This is my “dream trip” to Asia, and I hope you’ll join me!

Scott Avera
Vice President, General Tours
Keene, NH

PS: Something I love about my job is being taken out to great restaurants by my local colleagues. Well, guess what? I’m going back to my favorite places and taking you with me!