Trip details

When you arrive in Siem Reap, there's no doubt there'll be one thing on your mind: Angkor Wat. A symbol of Cambodia and true feat of ancient architecture, it is the figurehead of the Angkor Park, which is the largest religious complex in the world and houses thousands of temples. Surrounded by acres of jungle - which envelopes some temples completely - you can explore on foot, bicycle and tuk tuk. Highlights include the bygone royal Khmer city of Angkor Tom, the ruins of Ta Phrom, the finely-carved smiling faces at Bayon Temple and miniaturised Banteay Srei, which is adorned with thousands of female deities carved from red sandstone. To make the most of your visit, a multi-day pass is preferable and a guided tour offers a far more in-depth experience. Get there before sunrise for the ultimate, crowd-free views! Spend a little time in the Siem Reap where you can enjoy a cooking class and browse the glowing night markets.

There's plenty to see in Cambodia's capital city, whether it's history or gastronomy you're into. Pay a visit to the grand City Palace and its Silver Pagoda, which houses over 1,500 Buddhist artifacts including the magnificent Emerald Buddha and what is believed to be Buddha's ashes. Learn about Cambodia's tragic past at the Cheung Ek Killing Fields, one of the country's largest mass graves, and pay your respects at the Memorial Stupa. Experience Phnom Penh as the locals do at the gob-smacking Central Market, which sits under one of the largest and most beautiful domes in Asia - perfect for browsing for souvenirs or tasting fabulous Cambodian dishes. Head a little ways out of the city to enjoy a longtail boat ride down the Mekong River or visit the shrines in the bygone capital of Oudong.

Vietnam's portion of the Mekong Delta extends all the way from its border with Cambodia to the South China Sea. Of course, the best way to experience this tapestry of rivers, channels, mangroves and rice fields is on a cruise. When you're not blissfully watching the scenery from on board (keep your eyes peeled for a pod of freshwater dolphins), hop in a sampan boat to visit floating villages and markets overflowing with fresh fruit, and stop to explore tiny islands. You could also do a little adventuring on land. Walk or cycle past Buddhist temples and sugarcane fields, and learn about traditional crafts from a local artisan.

The hub of French-ruled Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is jam-packed with historic sights, scenic walking routes and markets you could get lost in for hours. Explore the city on your own or with a guide, where you could visit the poignant War Remnants Museum, American War Museum or Ho Chi Minh Museum, the grand Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral or Opera House, and admire revered temples. Take a trip out of the city to see the 200km-long Cu Chi Tunnels, which were pivotal to the Viet Cong's war efforts. Enjoy a stroll along Nguyen Hue Street, which is kept cool by spouts of mist and lush trees, and you'll be treated to live music, dancing and art exhibitions. At sunset, find yourself at one of the rooftop bars for a fantastic view of the glittering skyline.