Day 1

Morning departure from London Gatwick by Vietnam Airlines to Siem Reap via either Saigon (total journey time approx 18 hours).

Day 2

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, Cambodia, you will be met and transferred to the four-star Tara Angkor hotel for a 3-night stay.

Day 3

Angkor Wat Temples - Begin the day at sunrise with a visit to Angkor Thom, last capital of the great Khmer Empire, including Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Bayon. After breakfast at the hotel, we visit Angkor Wat, reputedely the largest religious building in the world, generally believed to be a funeral temple of the king. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we drive to the temples of Banteay Srei and later Ta Prohm, one of the largest temples at Angkor. Sunset at Pre Rup temple built in AD961. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4

After breakfast at the hotel drive to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and lifeblood of the Cambodian fishing industry. On the way back to Siem Reap, you may go on an optional visit to Les Artisans d'Angkor, a development project teaching young adults stone carving, wood carving and lacquer application. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the Roluos Group of temples - Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong. Overnight at hotel

Day 5

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the 90-minute flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Upon arrival transfer to your boutique river boat Mekong Sun for a 5-night cruise. Later that day enjoy a guided walk up Phou Si Hill for a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong and Khan rivers and surrounding mountains. Take an evening stroll along the Mekong promenade or visit the colourful night market of the local Hmong minority. Welcome reception aboard the boat followed by dinner and overnight on board.

Day 6

Early morning, observe the traditional giving of alms on the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast on board; afterwards enjoy a guided city tour, including visits to the famous temples of Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Khili and Wat Sene. Lunch on board; cruise begins, sailing north through beautiful Laos scenery. Dinner and overnight on board, moored by a secluded river or sandbank.

Day 7

Breakfast on board. Morning excursion to explore the Pak Ou Caves, featuring thousands of small Buddha statues. After a short jungle walk (optional), visit a Laotian village and learn how the local liquor, Lao-Lao, is distilled. There's also the possibility of seeing working elephants in action. Lunch on board; in the afternoon enjoy several hours cruising through the stunning landscapes of the Mekong river. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 8

Breakfast on board. Enjoy the views as the Mekong Sun heads south. Discover remarkable and impressive river landscapes including hills covered with tropical vegetation and awe-inspiring rock formations. Lunch on board. In the afternoon, visit a village school which is supported by guests of the Mekong River Cruises fleet. Back on board, enjoy the extraordinary views as the boat cruises north again, mooring at a sandbank for the night. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 9

Breakfast on board. After a few hours cruising upstream, depart by bus for the remarkable Kuang Si waterfalls. On the way, stroll through the village of Tha Pan to see how local communities live in northern Laos. Lunch on board. In the afternoon cruise back to Luang Prabang. Farewell dinner on board, including a traditional Lao Baci Friendship Ceremony. Overnight on board.

Day 10

After breakfast, check out and disembark. Afternoon transfer to the airport for the Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi with onward flight to London Gatwick where you will arrive the following morning.

Day 11

Arrive UK.

Tara Angkor - Siem Reap

The four-star Tara Angkor Hotel is conveniently located just 6km from the entrance to the World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat and only a 15-minute drive from Siem Reap International Airport. A few minutes stroll will take you to the Angkor National Museum and a short taxi ride will take you to the heart of the city with an array of shops, bars and restaurants. The location of the Tara Angkor makes it an ideal to explore both Siem Reap and the magnificent Angkor temples. Hotel facilities include 206 stylish rooms and suites, Two Restaurants, a Lobby Bar, and a Swimming Pool with Jacuzzi, Fitness centre and a Sauna.

Mekong Sun

Mekong Sun is a comfortable boat capable of mastering the wilder, previously inaccessible, sections of the upper Mekong through tight gorges and labyrinths of sandbanks. With just 14 cabins accommodating a maximum of 28 guests, you can expect high-quality on-board service in a relaxed atmosphere. Life onboard The boat has a restaurant where a selection of Asian and continental food is served. Special requirements can be catered for, and wine, beer and spirits are available. Mekong Sun also has sun deck with loungers and shaded area. As well as exciting offshore excursions led by expert local tour guides guests can enjoy an on-board programme of talks, presentations and films on relevant and fascinating topics - the daily life of a Buddhist novice, for example, the extraordinary flora of the Mekong region, and the legendary French Mekong Expedition of the 1860s, led by Western explorers Ernest Doudart de Lagreé and Francis Garnier. Facilities at a glance • 14 cabins accommodating 28 guests • Twin beds, en-suite shower/WC • French balcony • Picture/sliding windows • Large sun deck with loungers and shaded area • Restaurant/bar area on the upper deck