Hanoi/Hoa Lu/Tam Coc/Ninh Binh: Head south to the ancient Vietnamese capital of Hoa Lu, and get immersed in a fertile landscape of emerald rice fields and towering karst mountains. Step foot in the surviving temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties while learning about the feudal history of the country. After lunch in Tam Coc, set sail on a traditional sampan, or bamboo boat, down the Ngo Dong River. Float through verdant jungle and drift past impressive stalactites in a trio of spectacular caves. Continue to Ninh Binh for an evening at leisure.

Ninh Binh: Return to Tam Coc and explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle. Witness local life as you pedal past farms, venture through serene Thung Nang (aka Sunshine Valley), and marvel at the intricate Buddhist pagodas of Bich Dong cave. Head to a local restaurant for a hands-on experience learning to make Vietnamese sweet potato chips. Later, enjoy a free evening at the hotel to relax in the pool or spa, or explore the streets of Ninh Binh on your own.

Ho Chi Minh City: Today, we descend into the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of underground passageways built and used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The tunnels connected the residents with subterranean schools and hospitals, and included booby traps smeared with poisonous concoctions to injure enemy soldiers. Try the local cassava root, which sustained Viet Cong soldiers for years, and emerge from the bunkers to enjoy a traditional lunch by the river.

Ho Chi Minh City/Siem Reap: Catch a flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia, gateway to the magnificent ruins of Angkor. This evening, we enjoy a delicious Khmer meal at the New Hope Cambodia vocational training restaurant, an initiative spearheaded by G Adventures. The restaurant provides hospitality training to unemployed young adults, and also funds a free community school and a health program.

Siem Reap: Depart at any time.