Example Itinerary
This 5-day luxury itinerary gives you the highlights of French colonial Vietnam, stopping at fascinating historical sites, visiting ornate Buddhist temples and exploring the waterways of the mighty Mekong Delta. This trip includes visits to various markets around Vietnam, giving you the opportunity to engage in some spirited haggling for local handicrafts.
This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.On your first day in Saigon, you'll get to know this beautiful city by taking a colonial walking tour that takes in early-20th century architecture such as the Opera House, Ho Chí Minh City Hall and the Continental Hotel. In the afternoon, check out Ben Thanh Market downtown and haggle over local sweets or silks. Stay in style tonight, in one of the many luxury hotels in Saigon, such as the classy colonial-style Park Hyatt.
The Cu Chi Tunnels, 2 hours from Saigon, are a fascinating remnant of the Vietnam War. Today, you'll get the chance to explore these tunnels – now preserved as a war memorial – with the guidance of a local expert. Chinatown – Cholon – is your next destination, with the Bình Tay Market the main attraction. This huge market is where local vendors purchase their goods – it's here you can enjoy a truly authentic market experience. In the evening, enjoy fine dining in your luxury hotel.
The Mekong is Southeast Asia's most important river and today you'll travel to Can Tho, the Mekong Delta's largest city. Today, you'll take a full-day cruise through the waterways of Ben Tre province, past lush countryside, islands and peaceful river towns. At night, check into the Victoria Can Tho Resort, a grand colonial hotel nestled in lush tropical gardens on the Hau River.
The city of Chau Doc is a former trade hub, sporting a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and Khmer influences. Here the main attraction is the bewilderingly large Cai Rang floating market – a must-see attraction on any Vietnam trip. Today you'll visit the market, visit a Khmer Buddhist temple, and embark on a leisurely floating village cruise. In the evening, enjoy the luxurious surrounds of the Victoria Chau Doc Hotel, a lovely old French mansion on the river.
After an early morning breakfast at the hotel, you'll transfer to Phnom Penh by speedboat. Enjoy a delightful journey down the Bassac River to the Mekong, taking in serene countryside, spotting temples and observing the ins and outs of local river life on the way to Phnom Penh.
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands – a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Travelogues boards the lavish Aqua Mekong for a four-day expedition from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, a luxury cruise on Tonle Sap.
When you’re about to engage in a live land mine field you’d better wear your halo, as in the orb which hovers over beings from the angelic realm. Following in the footsteps of Angelina Jolie and Princess Diana, I went to visit a land mine dig in Cambodia. I brought along my family for moral support.
Angkor Wat normally comes to mind when one thinks of Khmer architecture, but perhaps its truest modern form is found in Cambodia’s capital, where the Phnom Penh palace makes for early morning inspiration.
Here is a small selection of the kind words our guests have said about us, as well as features by journalists and travel writers.
From the moment I happened upon the REMOTE LANDS website over a year ago, browsed the options, I knew that this would be well worth it. The entire staff is nothing less than professional with service that made us feel like royals.
This was truly the trip of a lifetime. Magical destinations, the most luxurious hotels in the world, and the most wonderful travel companions we could’ve wished for. We were treated like family everywhere we went and we have 14 new best friends.
We have used some of the top rated travel specialists all over the world and, without question, Catherine Heald and Remote Lands are at the very top of the list!
