A Tale of Three Cities

A Tale of Three Cities gives travellers a wonderful insight into three of Asia’s most fascinating cities – from contrasting Hanoi and Saigon to the stunning temples of Angkor in Siem Reap.  Throughout this journey we enjoy the atmosphere and comfort of the region’s finest colonial-era hotels. Savour delicious culinary delights and learn about the rich culture and traditions of the welcoming people we meet along the way.

Our journey begins in Vietnam’s gracious capital, Hanoi. Here we stay at the historic Sofitel Metropole, centrally located near the city’s vibrant heart – Hoan Kiem Lake. The Sofitel Metropole has over one hundred years of history, and it is the only five-star colonial-era hotel in Hanoi. We explore the colourful chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter by foot and cyclo. See everyday life played out before us in the meandering lanes – children playing, vendors setting up their stalls and people getting their haircut on the street corner! The combination of commotion and traffic with quiet tree-lined boulevards is intoxicating, and discovering the city’s hidden secrets will begin a love affair with this capital of French Indochine.

Savouring the cuisine in Vietnam is a highlight, and in the evening we enjoy an introduction to local culinary delights at one of the city’s best restaurants. A seafood feast is on the agenda on board a converted junk boat in mystical Halong Bay. We drift past stunning limestone karst mountains while enjoying fresh prawns, sipping a local beer, and, if weather permits, taking a swim in the cool, refreshing waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

The next stop is bustling Saigon in Vietnam’s south. The Caravelle hotel is our base; established in 1956, the Caravelle quickly became ‘the place to be’ for dignitaries and businessmen. Today the Caravelle is still a popular place to stay and the rooftop bar is now an institution, known for its sparkling views of the city lights, open, breezy atmosphere, live music and great mix of local, expatriate and visiting clientele.

Cholon is Saigon’s China Town District and is home to the city’s busiest market. Here we discover an incredible array of vegetables, herbs, spices and tropical fruits. In our half-day cooking class we learn more about these wonderful ingredients and the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine with a local chef.

The river networks and country lanes of the lush Mekong Delta are explored on a day trip outside of Saigon. Try delicious fresh fruit, rice wine and a visit to a coconut candy factory to taste these exotic sweets. 

Our journey moves across to Cambodia with a short flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor’s remarkable temple complex. On arrival we transfer to the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, an opulent and carefully restored remnant of the French-colonial era. View the sun set and rise over stunning Angkor Wat and the Bayon, visit jungle-covered Ta Prohm and admire the ornate architecture of Banteay Srei. Discover village life on an afternoon boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake, where villages, schools, hospitals and even a zoo float on the shimmering waters. 

Cambodian cuisine has influences from China, India and France and combines spices and aromatic herbs to create complex, vibrant flavours. We will dine on a delicious dinner of Khmer & French fusion cuisine on our last night together. A must try is amok, which combines kroeng (fish paste) with steamed fish and coconut milk, either wrapped in a banana leaf or served in a coconut shell…a fabulous taste sensation.

This special journey is ideal for those who, despite having limited time, yearn to delve into the history, culture, traditions and cuisine of these three fascinating cities.

Click here to find out more about our Tale of Three Cities Small Group Journey.