Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery

• Receive Fast Track Service for a seamless arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam.

A guided tour of Hanoi takes you to the city's most famous historical and cultural sites. Highlights include Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam.

You'll also enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter. Explore the maze-like streets of this charming area where each street conveys the name of the type of business that once operated there, such as Bamboo Street, Sugar Street and Silver Street. Then, explore more of this vibrant city on your selected Freedom of Choice experience. Tonight, choose your dining experience. (B/D)

Freedom of Choice:

• Perhaps tour the 500-year-old village of Bat Trang, world famous for its pottery or be pampered with a hand, head or foot massage back at your hotel. Alternatively, embark on a walking tour to observe Hanoi's French colonial architecture, discover the importance of Vietnamese coffee during a private hands-on workshop or take in a water puppet show.
• Tonight, you're invited to choose from a vast range of superb restaurants that have been carefully selected for you.

• Join a local historian for a private tour of the hotel's bomb shelter. Hear stories of its chance discovery and learn about the famous guests that sought shelter during air raids.
• Embark on your three-day cruise on the World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay.

Awake early and as the sun rises, perhaps rejuvenate your body and soul with a Tai Chi class.

Later this morning, gain a first glimpse of Cat Ba Island before disembarking to discover Viet Hai Village.

Following a village-style lunch, a secluded swim or chance to sunbathe is on the cards. Return to the ship and cruise towards the heart of Ha Long Bay. Sightsee around Cua Van Floating Village by kayak or traditional rowing boat. The area is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine. A barbeque dinner aboard the Au Co caps off an exciting day. (B/L/D)

• Tonight, take the opportunity to savour a taste of Cambodia with a choice of local restaurants for dinner.

• Be welcomed backstage at Phare Circus to meet some of the performers and then watch a mesmerising performance from your VIP seats. Combining captivating acrobatics, theatre and storytelling, showcasing the country's rich culture and talent the show is in an unforgettable spectacle.
• Visit ODA, Opportunities of Development through Art, a OneTomorrow partner.

• Perhaps enjoy a tuk tuk ride to the Senteurs d'Angkor workshop. If you're feeling energetic, join a quad bike adventure or take a leisurely bicycle tour through the Cambodian countryside. Other options include a horse and cart ride, a traditional Khmer cooking class and a shopping adventure, or why not indulge in a relaxing spa treatment.

• At Angkor Archaeological Park, witness sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Observe the iconic temple complex shimmer in the reflective ponds in front of this ancient religious monument.
• Treat yourself to a private visit to Theam's Gallery and discover this talented Cambodian artist known for his unique sculptures, paintings, and intricate crafts. Indulge in a tantalising five-course Khmer dinner, while enjoying a traditional Apsara dance performance accompanied by live musicians.

• Journey by local tuk tuk around a riverside village and gain an insight of village life. Travel along the shaded lanes, past stilted houses and see a varying range of crops growing.

Join a walking discovery tour of Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s.

Later, your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey, renowned for its silk weaving traditions. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms.

In the afternoon continue to sail along the Mekong and enjoy some time at leisure. Have a dip in the pool or relax on the Sun Deck. (B/L/D)

• Experience some of Cambodia's sobering history with a moving excursion to the infamous Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Otherwise, discover Phnom Penh on a cyclo ride to uncover some well-known sights. History buffs can admire the exhibits at the National Museum, or perhaps explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Or you may wish to set off on a journey to sample some locally brewed beers at two of the city's craft breweries.

• In Oudong, be treated to a Buddhist Blessing by monks at a local monastery.

Enjoy the day cruising towards the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out, enjoy the onboard activities, which could include a lively presentation from your local guides, a fruit-carving demonstration, or even a cooking workshop where you will learn the art of creating Vietnamese spring rolls. Alternatively, relax your body with a rejuvenating treatment from the Spa and Wellness Centre. Cross into Vietnam and cruise to the riverside town of Tan Chau, the first stop after the border. (B/L/D)

Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around the riverside town of Tan Chau. Cruise past a floating fish farm, then step ashore for a rickshaw tour of Tan Chau, passing small shops and locals who are always eager to say hello. Stop to pay a visit to a local silk and rattan weaving workshop.

Later, step back in time during a visit to an Evergreen Island, where you'll experience authentic rural Mekong life. The remainder of today is left free for you to relax and take a moment to watch local life gently glide by as you cruise towards Sa Dec. (B/L/D)

Journey by small tender boat to Sa Dec where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and learn the story behind Marguerite Duras' best-selling novel, The Lover.

After, visit a traditional Cao Dai temple. Return to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be. Board your tender boat where you'll visit the French Gothic cathedral and the colourful port area filled with crumbling colonial buildings and flowering gardens. Then visit a rice paper manufacturer and learn about how this Vietnamese staple is made.

Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner on board as you cruise towards your final stop My Tho. (B/L/D)

• Today you can choose to enjoy a leisurely walking discovery of Ho Chi Minh City, or you might like to jump on the back of a motorbike for an exciting city ride or join a local instructor for a gentle Tai Chi class. Alternatively, you may like to try out your culinary skills with a fun cooking class or embark on a shopping spree.

• Journey by speedboat to the Cu Chi Tunnels which were built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war.
• Meet a Master Distiller at Lady Trieu Gin Distillery and enjoy a private tasting.
• Savour dinner at the highly acclaimed restaurant Vietnam House, and enjoy a special cocktail designed specifically for APT.

Enjoy breakfast before you will be transferred to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight. (B)